#checked as much by looking up another [term for Special Room in a monastery] and getting various results defining it

[unproduciblesmackdown]

interestingly the only mention i can find of a monastery loquarium is (rendered "loquorium") in "the california padres and their mission" by charles francis saunders and joseph smeaton chase, a book in the public domain:

The Mission relics at Santa Inés are many and interesting. Besides those used in the present-day church services, and the beautiful old vestments that are in the sacristy, there is a considerable collection arranged for interested visitors in an interior room of the convento — a room formerly used as the loquorium, where daily, after dinner and after supper, the friars were at liberty to come to rest for an hour from their laboring and praying, and relax in human chat.

the next paragraph also mentions this room now housing relics "patiently got together from all sorts of places," including "from the earth of the surrounding fields as the plough turns it up"

[af1899]

FEH - So... quick thoughts on [CYL 2021]

The [Feh Channel] was released here and we’ve finally got news on artwork, base kit and stats on everyone, I’ll share some early thoughts and reactions on each of the four, plus the identity of the new [Grand Hero Battle] unit right below, feel free to read on.

First of all, you might be most interested on our latest [Grand Hero Battle] unit, that’s... Pelleas “Ashnard’s Orphan”, going to be available starting August 18th at 4:00 a.m. (GMT-3). Quite the interesting pick and the guy deserved to be added to the game for a long time, he's a [Grand Hero Battle] because he's fought (albeit optionally) in a snowy map early on part 4, and he has a smaller room for growth compared to most of the cast in the game.

Now, I’ve read he’s using a generic red tome with a lion pattern engraved on it, this could very well mean it’ll have [Fury 3] or something similar, but this is a R.I.P. for him because he gets no PRF to stand out and is just going to be another free infantry red tome in 2021... ugh... but I’ll wait and see on the data mine when it rolls out tomorrow.

Next up, kits for everyone and stats:

(As for what are the other skills other than the weapons, feel free to check the trailer linked above)

Now, I’ll order the characters from most to least anticipated by me, along with what I think of each:

Marianne: I’d say she’s the absolute winner for me but... much as I adore her, I actually feel rather mixed about this alt. She comes with [Atk/Spd Unity] which reverses field penalties on those stats and her kit+stats priming her for pure offense on player phase, she’s going to be really fast and able to take in a large portion of damage for the first strike from the enemy per combat. Not really shabby and actually really interesting colorless tome offensive unit, but I’d have liked to see a version of her wielding [Blutgang] after timeskip... I’m guessing we’ll see that in an alt like the Valentian Whitewings. Sadly, I’ve been eagerly waiting for [Atk/Spd Unity] so that my Clarisse would have it, but the worst thing that could happen is that she already has the other two passive skillas Marianne has, so I think I’ll keep waiting. As for artwork, I like it but at the same time, I feel slightly uncomfortable by the styling itself, Marianne’s expression in her special art is particularly bothersome but not to the extent I’d be upset about... it just feels odd, like maybe another artist such as Asatani Tomoyo might have proposed a take that’s more my liking.

Eirika: she’s kind of a special case here, in this ocassion, she takes up on Ephraim’s weapon and garment, I actually like this idea, since it references her strong connection with her beloved brother. The art is pretty and I find it refreshing her hair is tied into a ponytail this time; but now, in terms of gameplay, she plays similarly to Marianne, yet there are many glaring differences for sure, like lowered damage reduction and easy stats plus follow-up negation effects nulled, making of her yet another excellent [Windsweep 3] source. *Presses F in the chat for Lifis* She also carries a powercrept [Swift Sparrow 3] which I have no doubt will be inheritable, as it can heal the user by large amounts, complimenting skills with large cooldowns like [Aether] really well (do note that works when an offensive skill triggers in-battle).

Marth: the wait has been long worth for his fans, although I was never too drawn by him, I still like him from the Akaneia titles (yes, I just used an old translation all right). Although he’s just another infantry sword user, I actually appreciate he’s doning Anri’s armor, Marth’s ancestor from old times, the concept itself is actually so good and the artwork is impressive. From a gameplay standpoint: his weapon is loaded with a ton of effects that require consistent stat boosting in field for the maximum effect, fortunately, you don’t have to worry as much about positioning allies near Marth, just keeping them buffed with at least a +5 on everything, Fae with her preference weapon (no need to refine) got you covered, but having a total of 25 is enough and easy to make of him a powerhouse. Again, he also comes pre-built, without any need for investment except of course adding an assist skill like for Eirika and Marianne, slightly gearing towards enemy phase but rather flexible to build.

Gatekeeper: I never hated (or will hate) him, he’s a well revered guard in the Garreg Mach Monastery with a cheerful and dutiful attitude that I like.. I’m just not really attached to him nor find the popular meme that interesting or funny. Anyway, I have to admit that I.S. went very creative with his quotes, epithet and skill naming (and did you see that weapon’s animation? That’s crazy). His artwork is amazing too, you just have to look at all the detail on it like the castle on Gatekeeper’s background and his teammates accompanying him in his special attack. As for gameplay, he’s pure enemy phase, a strong and durable mixed wall with tendence towards buffing his physical defense and carries an ability to block the enemy’s advancement and warping skills within an area centered on him, plus he also offers a little support as well, a rather interesting unit indeed, I don’t think he’ll be too annoying or even a common threat in PvP, but he might see use in some situations.

As for my free summon, I’m probably picking Eirika actually, I quite like her and that new A-skill plus [Atk/Spd Menace] on regular pool is looking spicy, perhaps my Nyx is going to love these, but I’ll wait for data mine to confirm inheritance restrictions on all new non-PRF skills.

Oh, I almost forgot but we’re getting a {Dragonflower} stat boost cap increase as follows:

And these rewards tomorrow:

I like this because my Sonya will have 69 base attack for a month but again my maxed out projects will be incomplete aaaaaaaaa.

[callmewishful]

Power and Grace

This is kinda scary. Soo...I’m totally late to the FE3H bandwagon, but here I am and I offer a fanfic. 

Felix x OC, mild language (cause Felix...), and mild smut later on in future chapters...hopefully you enjoy! :) 

“We’re old friends, not strangers.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She sat on a wooden seat next to the edge of the ship feeling the salty air lightly coat her face. The air was getting cooler as they went, a surprised, but sure sign they were close to their destination. That, and the view of land in the horizon.

It had been years since she visited the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, three if her memory wasn’t failing her. Her family had tried to visit the Crown Prince as much as they could following the Tragedy of Duscur. Unfortunately, with their own Kingdom to run and heir to prepare for the throne, her father couldn’t get the family over to Faerghus as much as they would’ve liked.

The Leighton’s still kept in touch with their Faerghus friends as much as they could. She had corresponded with the Crown Prince through letters in their separation. They started very cordial, asking about their respective territories, how the harvest was doing, and, from the Crown Prince, how her family was. The more they wrote to each other the less professional and awkward their letters became. The Crown Prince would write about activities spent with friends and, around the time of the Tragedy, his sadness at losing his family. In return, the Princess would write about mischief herself and her brothers would get into and would try to comfort the Crown Prince as best she could. Having not lost any close family herself, she found it difficult to truly empathize with him. Still, she listened and comforted as best she could from afar.

“Your Highness, we are preparing to dock and will arrive on Faerghus territory in the next twenty minutes.”

She broke her gaze from the shoreline to meet the knight, “Thank you, sir. I shall prepare my things.”

A mixture of nerves swirled around in her stomach as she grabbed her luggage from her room. It would be lovely to see the Prince in person, to finally meet these friends she heard much about, to study at the Officers Academy amongst them. On the other hand, she was not a Faerghus noble. She hadn’t grown up with these students, really except for one, she didn’t have the luxury to call them friends. Not to mention she was starting the term late, a last-minute addition, a special request from the Crown Prince himself.

It was thrilling to join the Officer’s Academy, despite the nerves. Her eldest brother and heir to the throne, Quentin, had went six years prior and raved about the training he’d received. The palace knights back home were lovely sparring partners but did leave something to be desired as she grew older. Her father had tried to bring in many different trainers for his four children over the years. Still, according to Quentin, nothing compared to the training at Garreg Mach.

Of course, joining the Officer’s Academy and increasing her training was not the only goal for this year. Faerghus had been a loyal and reliable ally to the Kingdom of Zelshire under the rule of the late King. While the Crown Prince was close to her family, the current Regent, Grand Duke Rufus, did not appear as interested in maintaining a close relationship with her home crown as the late King had. Though she was certainly not as skilled in the art of negotiations as her eldest brother and father, she had been asked to discuss the relationship with the Crown Prince, seeing as he would take the throne back over when he became of age. Of course, it would be ideal to maintain the years of friendship, trade, and alliance that had come from Faerghus, but the King was resolved to accept if that would no longer be the case under the Crown Prince’s rule, if such a thing was even on the forefront of the young Prince’s mind.

She was sure the task of ascending to the throne was daunting enough, without thinking about inter-country relations.

Once again topside, she stood with her accompanying knights to await docking. The banners of Faerghus drew nearer and whether she was prepared or not, the time had come to face Fódlan, and her old friend, once again.

The crew spent a few moments docking, tying the ship to dock and lowering the anchor and ramps, before her feet were allowed to touch land at last. It had been a long two days on the sea, and she was eager to not feel the constant sway of the ship.

A few meters back from where the crew was unloading, she caught sight of familiar blond hair and light blue eyes. The Prince had changed greatly since she’d last seen him. His hair was a bit shorter, though not short by any means. He was taller and more evenly toned from training he’d done since her last visit. Truth be told, he’d grown into a fine young man in the last three years.

Once the knights had deemed the situation to not be an ambush, something she had briefly considered but took little worry in considering she was not the heir to Zelshire, they walked her forward to greet the Prince.

He easily returned her smile as she approached, also returning her bow even though she was no heir. “Princess Leighton! It is an honor to see you again!”

“Please, your Highness, the pleasure of this meeting is all mine! It has been a long time.”

“Three years…” He trailed off, staring down at the ground before meeting her gaze with a perky smile once again, “Shall we make way to the Monastery? It is quite a long trip; we shall have plenty of time to catch up on the road.”

She nodded to him, “Of course, your Highness. How long of a ride is it to Garreg Mach?”

“About a day. I apologize for forcing you to travel so long with no break. I know the trip from Zelshire to Faerghus is not a short one as well. We shall arrive at the Monastery late Sunday night. I apologize as it doesn’t give you much time to prepare before our classes take up Monday morning.” He looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head, a nervous habit he’d seemingly picked up in their time apart.

“No need to apologize, your Highness. You did not make the travel arrangements.” That had been tasked to her father’s Consort, Lord Herinby. The Consort had left little time for pauses in travel and rest, something she had not realized until the day she departed. Knowing the Consort, she should’ve known. He was never one to procrastinate or delay meetings, discussions, or counsels. It was a trait that her father valued greatly in his Consort, but one that she was having a hard time appreciating as a traveler.

The knights she traveled with loaded her luggage onto a cart while, embarrassingly, the Prince himself helped her onto her horse. Not that she didn’t appreciate his gentlemanliness but seeing as he ranked higher than her on the nobility structure she found his assistance to be a grave break in social structure. Her face brightened as she took his hand to steady herself. They shared an awkward, well for her, glance before she settled herself upon the steed.

He quickly made work of getting on his own horse and checked on her once more before signaling to the knights they were ready to depart. A small group of knights led the travel party and an equal group brought up the rear so that the Royals were protected on both ends. She noticed the Prince carried a sword on his hip as well. When she’d known him years ago he’d greatly favored the lance to the sword, the sword being her specialty instead. Apparently much had changed.

“I trust your father is well?” The Prince awkwardly made small conversation when they were out of town and on the road. This was destined to be a long ride of conversation was going to be this stale.

Nevertheless, she put on a graceful smile and nodded, “Yes, excellent health, praise Goddess. Thank you.”

“And your brothers?”

She let out a soft laugh, “Are much the same, your Highness.” That part was almost painfully true. Quentin was still a “good little Prince” dutifully and eagerly learning from their father. As he’d grown older he’d taken on more responsibilities of his own, slowly gaining more independence. He was far from running the country, but he was getting there.

Arlington, the second eldest, was still clammed up and reserved. He had few friends his own age but was incredibly close to the ones he did have. Parties were still the bane of his existence as he preferred the serenity of a library or study. Though he lacked in conversational skills, he was intelligent well beyond his years from a life spent studying. He was looking to become a scholar and teach the youths.

Leander, her youngest oldest brother, was the exact opposite of both of the elder two. If Quen and Arlie were polished and gentle, Lea came in like a flaming cannon ball. Ever the jokester, he was constantly playing pranks on the older two, and herself. He was loud, loved crowds, and was the life of the party. Her father and mother had tried on numerous occasions to guide him towards a more “proper” means of communication, but alas he was 18 and had yet to find another volume to his voice.

The Prince laughed in earnest, no doubt having his own memories of her older siblings. “I am glad to hear it. May I make a request?”

His question took her by surprise. She wasn’t sure what about her responses could’ve elicited a question. “Of course, your Highness.”

“Please, address me by my given name.” He softly smiled at her. “You don’t even address me so formally in your letters anymore. We are old friends, not strangers!”

She glanced down quickly before peering up at him to return his smile, “As you wish you- Dimitri. But you must do the same! We are old friends, not strangers.”

“As you wish, Evy.”

From that point on, the conversation turned much more lively, just as it was in their letters. Dimitri asked her about Lea’s latest pranks, which turned into a hysterical recount of his latest and greatest jokes. Poor Quen was mortified to his “potential suitor” a ruse put on by his younger sibling. Evy had little idea of what was in the letters Quen had sent to “her” but judging by the sheer horror on her brother’s face…it was not good. Lea claimed he would never the destroy the letters as long as he lived, even though their Father threatened a harsh punishment if they were ever leaked.

They stopped for a very late dinner and sleep at an inn on the side of the road before rising early for breakfast and more travel. Dimitri assured her there was not usually this much travel at the Academy and she could only hope he was right. Sleeping on a comfortable bed was the only thing she could think of. Her eyes were heavy much of the morning, which did not make for conducive conversation. After lunch and tea, she felt more awake and ready. It was unusual for her to feel so tired so late. She usually an early riser who liked to jumpstart the day.

“Dimitri?”

“Yes?” He seemed surprised at her voice. Conversation was low and inconsistent throughout the morning while she tried to wake up, instead letting a more comfortable silence fall between them.

“Will you tell me about my classmates? What are they like?”

“An excellent question! Well, let me think.” His brow furrowed as he tried to place where to start, “Actually, you do know one of them! Do you remember Sylvain Gautier? He is a few years older than us. Good friends wit-“

“Leander right? The red-head who was helping with jokes and chasing girls?”

Dimitri nodded, “The very same.”

“Oh noooo!” She let her head fall back while her companion laughed at the reaction. Sylvain and Leander had hit it off. The pair ran around Fhirdiad pestering the poor people in the capital city with their pranks and jokes. Her poor mother left in charge of trying to track the pair down while her father and older brothers spent time with Dimitri. He’d even came with Dimitri to visit them in Zelshire one summer. What a mess. “I take it he’s still the same?”

A small frown fell on the Prince’s lips once his laughter had died down, “Unfortunately so. He’s stepped back from pranks and has, uh, taken more to…skirt chasing than he did back with your brother. Pardon my bluntness. Still, once you get to know him he is very loyal to his friends, not necessarily the women he dates, but definitely to his friends.

“Who next? I suppose I should start with Dedue. I’m sure you’ll meet him first.”

“Dedue is your friend from Duscur?” Evy had heard about Dedue many times over the course of their conversing. For the first few months after the Tragedy Dedue seemed like Dimitri’s only real friend around the palace since Sylvain and everyone else lived so far away.

“Oh, yes, of course! I suppose I have talked about him from time to time. He’s a great man. A little too keen on my protection at the expense of his personal safety, but he’s my most trusted confidante.

“Did you ever meet Rodrigue while you were in town?”

She shook her head.

“I couldn’t remember if you had or not. Lord Rodrigue is the head of Fraldarius territory to the east of Fhirdiad. His son, Felix is also a part of our class this year. Um…what to say about Felix. He comes across as a bit brash, well, truthfully he comes across incredibly brash. He’s got a bit of a sharp tongue, you see. He can seem very cold and distant on the outside, but he cares deeply about his friends, he just doesn’t show it as traditionally as most people. The majority of his time is spent training and sparring. Since you both favor the sword, I’d expect him to ask you to spar shortly after meeting him. He’s a very worthy opponent and will be a great mentor for your training if you so desire.

“The last male of our house is Ashe. He was born a commoner but was adopted by Lord Lonato at a young age. He’s very authentic – has a wonderful heart in him that I could only dream of having. He sees the good in everyone and cares very deeply, always approaching people and tasks with eagerness and excitement. Unfortunately, he just lost Lord Lonato last month.”

Evy didn’t know Ashe personally, but her heart broke for him. The way Dimitri described him made him seem like a ray of sunshine. She couldn’t imagine how hard losing family must have been, “Oh no. Disease?”

“Ah, actually, no. Rebellion.”

“Oh!” The response surprised her. Ashe’s adoptive father sparked rebellion, yet he stayed at the Monastery?

Dimitri answered her unasked question, “Yes. Lonato sought rebellion for the death of his biological son. Poor Ashe was in disbelief when he learned of it.”

An awkward silence fell upon them as Evy looked for something to say. What did one say to a situation like that? ‘Sorry?’ That hardly seemed fitting as it seemed Lonato was going about the rebellion as a sort of revenge mission. Thankfully Dimitri spared her and continued,

“As for the ladies of our house, there’s Ingrid Galatea. Her father heads the land southeast of Fhirdiad. She’s very strong willed. Her, Felix, Sylvain, and I grew up together as childhood friends. She was always a bit of a mother-figure, trying to keep Sylvain in line and Felix calm. Ingrid is a strong person and desires to be a knight when she graduates, which will no doubt happen for her. If anyone has the values of a knight it’s her.

“Mercedes is the oldest in our class, a commoner from Fhirdiad, though I believe she’s originally from the Adrestian Empire. Mercedes’ kindness is rivaled only by Ashe. She’s a sweet girl. Has a very positive attitude towards life. Very religious.

“Lastly, there’s Annette. She’s the heir to House Dominic. Annette and Mercedes are very close. She’s quite intelligent and very friendly but can be seen as a bit absent-minded as she tends to get distracted quite easily. All in all, each of them are wonderful people and I’m sure you’ll have no trouble fitting in.”

The corner of Evy’s mouth rose in a small smile at his words. She could only hope this to be true.

Bright and early the next morning, Evy woke for class and got ready. Since she wanted to ensure she had time to get lost on her way to the classroom, she dug out some fruit she’d packed as snacks for her journey. Thankfully she packed plenty for the road and for a sufficient breakfast this morning.

As she was getting her bag packed and ready for classes, she heard a knock on her door. The only one she knew was Dimitri and wondered why he would be visiting so early in the morning, especially when they had class soon anyway.

Sure enough, her chipper blond friend was on the other side of the door, along with a tall, white/gray haired man with a stern expression. Judging by the protective stance he donned, she could only assume that this was the Dedue she’d heard so much about.

“Good morning” Dimitri greeted her, “How did you sleep?”

“Much better than I did at the inn….” Evy said sheepishly.

Dimitri laughed at her joke, rubbing the back of his head again, “I think nearly anything beats the night at the inn. I was wondering if you’d like to join us for breakfast? I figured it’d be nice to share a meal together since you haven’t really met anyone yet.”

Always thoughtful towards others he was. “I would love to, actually. I’d packed some extra  snacks to have as breakfast so I could avoid a lonely breakfast, but this is much preferred. I’ll just grab my bag.”

Dimitri’s eyes shone at the fact of being able to help his friend. “Excellent! I’m glad to have caught you in time.”

She did as she said and grabbed her things for class, closing the door tightly behind her and locking it. Her cheeks burned slightly as she locked her door. Whether or not it was custom to keep them locked she wasn’t sure, but she knew no one here aside from Dimitri and didn’t know exactly how open Garreg Mach was to wanderers.

“Princess Leighton, this is Dedue, the one I’ve told you about since…well, since you left, in truth.”

Evy met Dedue’s sharp gaze and tried to smile. She felt as if he was analyzing her soul as he stared at her. “Please, call me Evyanna. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. The Prince has told me many lovely things about you.”

“Likewise.” He responded. This took her by quite a surprise. Had he meant that Dimitri had mentioned her to him as well? What kinds of things did Dimitri have to say about her? Hopefully they were positive. She didn’t think she put embarrassing things in her letters to Dimitri for fear they were intercepted or read by any of his staff. Perhaps she was over thinking it and in reality he meant it was nice to meet her as well.

Breakfast was lovely overall. It was nice to have good, hot food after her three-day journey. Food at the inn had been hot, but not even comparable to the taste of the food here.

“Woah, woah. Your Kingliness! Who is your new friend here?” A boy with tan skin and brown hair scooted next to her at the table.

Dimitri sent her an apologetic look before turning to the boy, “Princess Leighton, this is Claude von Reigen. He’s the future leader of the Leicester Alliance to Faerghus’ east and the Golden Deer’s house leader. Claude, this is Princess Evyanna Leighton. Only daughter of King Leighton, the ruler of Zelshire to Fódlan’s west.”

“Zelshire, huh? They say the power of the Zelshire army is unmatched. You gotta be one heck of a fighter to come from there.” He complimented, “I look forward to seeing you in combat.”

“Well, hopefully, I can live up to your expectations.”

“She will.” Dimitri interjected, “She was quite a fighter when we sparred a few years ago. I doubt her abilities have faltered.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Claude smirked, “Well, anytime you wanna pick a fight with someone here, you let me know. I’ll be glad to watch. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some breakfast.”

They said their goodbyes and continued on with their own breakfast. She quickly found that Dedue was not much for conversation, much like her brother Arlington. Her and Dimitri carried all of the conversation until they had finished eating and it was time to head to class.

Another mental note was made as she noticed that the classroom was nearly full by the time they arrived. Apparently the Blue Lions were just of early risers as she normally was. Dedue strolled off to his seat, while Dimitri led her to the front, presumably to introduce her to the Professor. Upon inspection, she couldn’t find a professor though, just another student that Dimitri had apparently failed to mention.

She heard a gasp and quickly found the source of it, “Evy?! Little Evy!” Sylvain pushed himself off of the desk he was leaning against and stood himself right in front of her, pinching her right cheek.

From someone else in the room she heard a faint, “I feel a headache coming on.”

It was impossible to hide her disdain, and therefore she didn’t try. Her face scrunched as he made contact pulling away slightly. “Yes, Sir Gautier. It is…lovely to see you again.” She said when he removed his hand from her face.

“Sylvain! You cannot pinch the Princess’s cheeks.” Dimitri scolded him, but it did little to deter the tall redhead. In fact, Sylvain completely ignored him.

“Sir Gautier?” Sylvain placed his hands to his chest, “You wound me, Evy. Does that summer we spent together mean nothing to you?”

“I believe you have me confused with my elder broth-“

“Lea!” He exclaimed; seemingly have forgotten about the Leighton he’d spent the most time with. “Oh man, how is he? He still up to his old antics?”

Evy weakly smiled, “Unfortunately.”

“Oh man. We clearly have some catching up to do. What’s a guy like me gotta do to take a beauty like you to dinner tonight?”

Instead of replying, Evy turned to shoot a look towards Dimitri.

The Prince smiled sheepishly, embarrassed by his friend’s bluntness, “I speak to him about it often, but it doesn’t seem to help.”

“I can tell.”

Sylvain rose an eyebrow at the conversation he’d clearly missed, “Talk to me about what? I’m just trying to make our new classmate feel welcome.”

“Is that what you call this? How interesting.” She mused with a grin playing on her lips.

Sylvain took a step closer, seriously invading her personal space in an attempt to appear seductive, “Oh, and what would you call it?”

“Making them uncomfortable.”

Someone in the room snorted. Dimitri tried to stifle his chuckles with a fake cough. Sylvain sighed, clearly defeated. “Oh Evy…how I’ve missed your sass.” He rolled his eyes at her and went back to his seat next to a fellow blonde girl whose hair was in a thick, loose braid.

Dimitri continued on their ascent to the front of the room until they stood in front of another student, “Professor-“

Evy shot Dimitri a surprised look. Professor?! This young girl before her?! She couldn’t be much older than Evy was herself and yet she was teaching?

“-this is Princess Evyanna Leighton, our newest student.” Dimitri continued without missing a beat, as if Evy hadn’t looked at him at all.

“Welcome.” The girl spoke, forcing Evy to meet her gaze, “have you received training in war arts before?”

“Uh, yes, Professor.” Evy was trying hard not to stumble over her words.

“Perfect. And your weapon of choice?” The girl wrote down notes.

She smirked at Dimitri as she replied, “The sword.”

This was a look he noticed and rolled his eyes playfully at. “You’ll never convince me.”

“Really? You wore one yesterday.”

“Yes, because it’s easier to carry in long travel. Just because it is easier in one instance does not make a more superior choice of weapon overall-“

A boy donning long, raven-hair that was thrown up into a messy bun, with odd reddish eyes cut him off. “Woah, woah. What are you two arguing up there?” His voice was flat, sharp even though there was no words of malice in the phrase he spoke. Evy assumed this was Lord Fraldarius’ son.

“She’s trying to convince me that the sword is superior to the lance.” Dimitri explained.

“Because it is.” He countered, “Everyone knows that.”

“I am not at all convinced-“

“Fine,” Felix cut him off again, “Everyone who isn’t an idiot knows that.” Yes, this was definitely Lord Fraldarius’ son.

Evy resisted the urge to giggle, giving Dimitri an amused look. The future Duke calling the future Prince an idiot. This was quite an interesting class she was put in.

“Felix!” The blond girl Sylvain sat next to snapped at the boy and gave him a disapproving look.

“I call them like I see them.”

Dimitri sighed, running a quick hand through his hair, “Welcome to the Blue Lion House, Evyanna.”

She ended up sitting between Dimitri and Felix in the second row behind Dedue, Sylvain, and Ingrid. Though she wasn’t thrilled about being behind Sylvain, she was glad it wasn’t the other way around. Something told her that being in front of Sylvain would lead to her learning next to nothing.

They broke only for lunch, which she spent chatting with Mercedes, Annette, and Ingrid. Dimitri and the rest of the Lions weren’t far down the table, but Dimitri had given her space once seeing she was safe in the hands of the girls. Evy assumed he’d stayed close by, so she didn’t end up eating alone.

“Oh, hi Felix!” Mercedes cut herself off, looking above Evy’s head.

She turned to face the boy as best she could, surprised that he was going to be joining their conversation.

“You said you favor the sword?” Felix asked her, completely forgoing any sort of greeting. His face was set in a hard gaze, still studying her with an interest she couldn’t quite understand. He’d just met her and this was the first time he’d talked directly to her.

“I do.” She replied, but before she could add anything else he spoke again.

“Good. You, me. Sparring after class. I’ll show you the training grounds.”

Evy opened her mouth to reply, but he stalked out of the room before she even got a breath out. Instead, she turned back to her lunchmates, “He’s an…interesting guy. Is he always that way?”

Mercedes giggled while Ingrid shook her head in defeat, “Yeah, Felix is always like that. He spends most of his time training. If he’s not eating, sleeping, or in class, you can always find him there.”

Evy nodded in response, having nothing else better to say to Mercedes’ statement.

True to his word, Felix showed her training grounds after class, as well as the rest of her new classmates. Felix shot them odd glances as they walked but said nothing. Apparently her mates wanted to see how she was in battle for themselves. Remembering her earlier conversation at breakfast, she wondered if someone was getting Claude so he could watch as well.

Mentally, she was exhausted. She had trainers in the past, sure. None of her previous instructors had ever drilled major strategy, formations, and army tactics into her head. She had a lot to learn here.

However, when it came to battle, she was fierce. Years spent forgoing the formation names and tactics were spent honing in her skills on the blade instead. Watching the movements of enemy limbs, foreseeing the attacks they’d make, countering, striking…that was what she excelled at. So much so that Felix hit the ground with a hard smack and a frustrated growl.

She stood up straight, breathing hard from their hard-fought match while the class on the sidelines politely clapped. He was good, great even. By far the most difficult opponent she’d faced in her lifetime. A real challenge.

“You bested me.” Felix stated as he stood. Brushing the dirt off of his pants, he picked up his sword and nodded to her. He wanted to go again. She was happy to oblige.

They sparred so long and often that eventually someone found a small chalk board and kept tally on it. Evy 7 Felix 3.

“Your stamina needs work.” Felix told her, removing the sword from her neck. He was correct. The longer they fought, the more tired she got. The more tired she got, the sloppier she became.

Dimitri, however, stepped up in her defense, “Give her a break, Felix. She spent the last three days traveling with little sleep and then was up early for class. She really hasn’t had time to properly rest.”

“Thank you, Dimitri, but Sir Fraldarius is right. My stamina shouldn’t falter this early. There will be times I won’t have proper rest before battles. I need to be in top form regardless.” She carefully dismissed the Prince with a soft smile. Her eyes found Felix’s, a strange expression on his face. A…smirk? No. She was probably delirious from being tired; imagining that the corner of his mouth was curved upward.

Felix rose his sword up, waiting for her to do the same. She did so, waiting on his mark to start again.

“By the way, call me Felix.”

[yukiwrites]

Byleth, Losing

Thanks for the support as always, @xpegasusuniverse! I was so emotional writing this wahh ;o;)

Summary: Byleth and Sothis come to terms with their feelings regarding the recovery of her memories, though she asks for only one thing in return. The full truth is still hidden behind the mist that it’s Byleth’s past, but perhaps Jeralt can help them uncover it all after the battle at the abandoned chapel...

Commission info HERE and HERE!

______________________________

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10  - Part 11 - Part 12  - Part 13 - Part 14  - Part 15

It was customary to not have any classes on the week of that month's mission so everyone could go well-rested and properly equipped.

Byleth welcomed the chance to rest for another day or two before tackling the supposedly easy mission (as a mercenary, he'd always known not to underestimate a quest, no matter how simple it looked) of scouting the abandoned chapel.

His mind and body both were exhausted after the operation -- doubly so since he could feel Sothis' heavy grief despite not being able to talk to her while she shut herself off from him -- so holing himself up into his room was all he could do for the time being.

Closing his eyes heavily, the Professor focused the remainder of his energy into the intricate stonework he had seen in Sothis' memories before she had been... Well...

That place was also the one where he saw Sothis for the first time -- sitting upon that throne in a deep, confused slumber: it was an important room to the both of them, even more so now that they remembered everything.

The moment his mind's eye showed him the stonework, now freed from all the surrounding darkness, he saw Sothis' small back as she looked up to the throne.

Her child-like appearance hadn't changed, however it looked as though she had aged a thousand years; the very aura around her carrying an unthinkably large burden. Byleth walked towards her, his steps making no sound inside their shared mindscape.

"Sothis." He breathed out as they stood side by side, their heads staring straight upward to the faraway yet close throne. "I'm-"

"No need to apologize, young one." She interrupted, her voice devoid of its usual cheerfulness; even the cheekiness was gone. "It was something I also wished for, despite all the warnings the depths of my consciousness warranted me." She breathed heavily, though not quite sighing -- she seemed resigned instead.

Byleth hardened his jaw as he looked down to the steps in front of him. "Still, I should have respected when you kept denying-"

The motion of Sothis slowly shaking her head stopped Byleth's words. She closed her eyes for a moment, then turned to him with a small, uncharacteristically meek smile as she extended one hand to him. "Will you come with me? I must admit that after a millennia of solitude and suppressing these memories, having someone with whom I can share this burden with makes it more bearable, albeit not lighter in the slightest."

"Of course." He replied immediately, taking her small hand in his before following her up the steps towards the throne.

They climbed the stairs in silence, Sothis' hand in his as cold as it had been before -- no wonder, one should think, since she didn't have a body of her own.

Once before the throne, they stopped their tracks -- the Professor watching his mindmate with visible concern. Yet, what flashed on Sothis' face was not hopelessness, but a smile filled with longing. "I used to sit here with Rhea on my lap during her infancy -- singing that song we heard her sing at the Goddess Tower. She truly loved listening to it to the point of following behind me like a duckling grabbing at the hems of my dress just to ask to listen to it one more time."

"Mhm." Byleth simply nodded. He could peruse the memories if he wanted, but chose not to -- they were Sothis'; especially the rare happy ones. Aware of her mindmate's consideration, Sothis' smile simply grew as she squeezed his hand slightly.

"She would always ask to travel with me whenever I went across the land to impart my knowledge upon the humans, you see." Sothis spoke with warmth, her eyes cloudy with tears. "She wasn't my first child, but somehow she became the one who got attached to me the most, that little one." She chuckled, stepping towards the throne.

Byleth let go of her hand as she sat, for the first time feeling like she belonged there instead of wondering what her role was in Byleth's story. The Professor crouched to be on her eye level, ultimately sitting on the floor right by Sothis' legs.

The girl bent down to her mindmate, taking his face with both hands, her expression of a mother worried for her child. "No matter what you find out about her once you get to talk with Jeralt -- I ask that you at least do not resent her. She looks just as lost as she did back then, perhaps even more so after all these long, long years."

Byleth's brow flickered with emotion. He had been so worried about his friend -- about her grief, her suffering, her memories, her powerlessness to be freed from this prison. And yet, to her, all of that mattered little compared to the wellbeing of her misguided child. His chin trembled with the effort of hiding his feelings, stealing a chuckle from Sothis.

She touched her forehead on his, understanding his unspoken thoughts. "I will not ask of you to take on a milennia-old fight, my one and only friend. I will not ask you to avenge me, nor do I want you to tear yourself apart to make amends. However..." Her voice cracked as she wrapped her arms around Byleth's neck into a tight hug. "If I can be selfish for only this once... Please, do not resent her no matter what." She sobbed, sliding down from the throne into Byleth's arms.

The Professor tenderly hugged his mindmate and friend, the words refusing to leave his throat, but his head nodding in confirmation.

He had so much to ask her. So much to talk about. So many memories to discuss -- but he couldn't. He wouldn't.

They were the source of her suffering; the reason why she lost her beat. He knew she would allow him to peruse them as he willed, but that didn't feel right, at least not at that moment, while everything was so raw and undiluted.

He remembered seeing the enemy stronghold -- the stonework akin to the very same one he and Sothis shared in their minds, though the blue lights and eerie atmosphere set them both apart. He knew that if he dove deeper into the nightmarish bits and pieces of memories from when she was being dismembered into the Sword of the Creator he would find out more about it all.

But it didn't feel right -- not to use such terrible moments of someone so special to him just to reach a truth that could be achieved by other means. Yet, even if it were the only way to find out the truth, Byleth still wouldn't do it, solely out of respect for Sothis.

To everyone else in the world, she was a Goddess to be revered; someone so high up in the heavens they could simply wish to be blessed by her. However, to Byleth, she was a trusted friend. Someone he brought suffering on, his good intentions not mattering to the guilt panging his unbeating heart.

Sothis hacked a sob, all of Byleth's thoughts flowing into her. "Thank you..."

It was only at the morning of their mission that Byleth finally managed to take ahold of his father -- true to Jeralt's words earlier that month, he had been busy doing Rhea's bidding to the point of barely stopping by the monastery.

"Dad, we need to talk." Byleth urged hurriedly amidst the rush of last-minute preparations.

Jeralt widened his eyes at his son's eagerness -- something he had barely ever witnessed during their lives. "I know I said we should talk when we have time, but are you sure we can talk about it like this? It seems serious enough to make you lose your cool." He placed one hand over the one Byleth had used to tug on his coat.

"It can't wait. We can talk as we march." Byleth looked around to check if the people rushing in and out of the gate could hear them before leaning towards his father to whisper: "It's about the Crest Stone inside my heart."

Jeralt flinched, pulling away from his son to look him in the eyes. From the surprised expression on his face, that seemed to be the first time he had ever heard of it. "Crest Stone?!" He whispered gravely. "Is that the reason it never- your heart-"

"So he doesn't know about it, either," Sothis commented as Jeralt muttered this or that.

"Yes." Byleth nodded to both father and mindmate, his frown deep. "Do you know who did it, Dad? Who put it inside of my heart?"

Jeralt hesitated, a word stuck inside his throat. As soon as he decided to utter it, a roar shook the ground beneath their feet.

"Demonic Beasts!" A scout shouted as he scrambled back to his feet. "There are students being targeted!"

"Tsk, shit!" Jeralt cursed under his breath, then took his son's shoulders. "We'll talk after this is done -- but don't forget what I told you before."

"What you told-" Byleth huffed, trying to search his mind, clogged with memories not his own.

"That dreary talk of looking in his room should something happen to him?" Sothis, now that she remembered she used to have a long memory, picked that scene up as though she was choosing a book from an endlessly long bookshelf.

Jeralt had already gone on ahead to muster his mercenaries to save the children by the time Byleth exclaimed an 'Oh!' of understanding. He, too, ran to the frontlines to guide the Blue Lions into battle.

Considering the amount of Demonic Beasts around the limited terrain and the runaway students they had to protect, it was no wonder that the battle took all of Byleth’s attention. He had unshakeable faith in his father’s prowess, so it never crossed his mind to even look in Jeralt’s way during it all.

A mistake.

Once he had felled the last beast did he look towards the chapel where his father’s mercenaries had gone into in search of more students. One of them, a red-haired girl -- Monica, if memory served right -- was thanking Jeralt for saving her.

It was all so fast.

So, so fast.

One moment, Monica was smiling at Jeralt.

At the other, she had dug a dagger deep into the side of his body, piercing a number of vital organs.

Byleth watched as Jeralt fell, slowly, ever so slowly; as though time itself had stopped.

Time! “Sothis! Pulse!” Byleth’s very soul shook, a dread gripping his guts from within.

“Don’t waste another second! Strike her down!” Sothis shouted as she turned back time until right before Monica stabbed Jeralt. Byleth quickly struck the girl with the Sword of the Creator-

Or so he thought -- a shadow blocked his attack, allowing Jeralt to fall once again.

“Pulse! Pulse! Pulse! Sothis!!” Byleth turned time back again and again, watching his father fall as many times as Sothis’ limited powers allowed. “Why? Why can’t you go farther back? You could- before you- could!” Byleth sobbed as he ran towards his fallen father, the rain finally allowed to fall once the Pulses ran out.

“I have the memories back, not the powers! This- F-forgive me, I-” She strangled a sob as Byleth held Jeralt in his arms. “Not another loss… Oh, why- why must this happen!”

“Just a bit further… a moment further and maybe-” Byleth cried out, feeling warm tears rolling down his face for the first time in his life. “Dad...!” He sobbed, drenching himself in mud, water and blood. “Please don’t leave me...”

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/planning-a-visit-to-mont-saint-michel/

Planning A Visit To Mont-Saint-Michel

An Introduction to Mont-Saint-Michel

A visit to Mont-Saint-Michel should definitely be on your Normandy bucket list. It's a rocky island commune topped with a 13th century Gothic abbey. Discover 13 centuries of history and restoration at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic abbey is perched on top of an island and it literally takes your breath away the first time you see it. It’s magical and an absolute must-see for visitors to Normandy.

If you want an overview of what to expect at Mont-Saint-Michel then take a look at Rick Steves' video. This was published in 2009 and shows vehicles parked near to the Mount. This isn't possible now but check out the 'Practical Information' section about parking. You'll get to see the main street with the shops and restaurants as well as the abbey.

If that's whetted your appetite, then read on to discover more about the island and its history, the abbey, the dam, shops and restaurants, things to do in the area, practical information and how to make the most of your visit to Mont-Saint-Michel.

The History of Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel's long history began in 708 when Bishop Aubert of Avranches erected a sanctuary on the island of Mont Tombe in honour of the Archangel Michel. Benedictine monks settled there in 966 and were responsible for the growth of the new monastery and its focal point for pilgrims.

The diverse architectural styles reflect construction methods dating from the 10th century when it was first built through to the 19th century restoration. The Abbey church is built on the summit of the Mount at an altitude of 80 metres and sits on an 80 metre long platform consisting of four crypts built into the spur of the rock. The abbey church is known as La Merveille; a thirteenth century addition regarded as its crowning glory. The Mount is positioned on the border between Normandy and Brittany and was both a place of passage and a fortress for the Duchy of Normandy.

The abbey buildings have been transformed throughout the centuries. The conflicts of the Hundred Years War between France and England in the 14th century led to powerful fortifications being built. These additions included a wall flanked with defensive towers and enabled Mont-Saint-Michel to resist attacks by English troops. It remains the only place in Normandy not to have been conquered by the English and is a symbol of national identity. In 1421, during a terrifying siege, the Romanesque chancel of the church collapsed, and was not completely rebuilt until 100 years later, in a flamboyant Gothic style.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the Mount lost its importance in both military and religious terms. Following the French Revolution the monks of Mont-Saint-Michel were driven away and the abbey became a prison until it finally closed in 1863. While the prison saved the Abbey from destruction this former religious monument was severely dilapidated. In 1874, the Abbey was classified as a historical monument and the long process of restoration began. A causeway, constructed in 1878, made access to the Mount easier. This was followed by a tramway line for transporting visitors whose numbers continued to grow.

In 1969, a small community of Benedictine monks was established at the Abbey, who were replaced in 2001 by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. The conservation work led to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

In 2014 a building project started 10 years previously saw a dam and a new elevated road bridge opened. The previous causeway had permanently linked Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland. However, the tidal surges in the bay had led to the area becoming silted up. In July 2014 the new bridge returned Mont-Saint-Michel to an island which now becomes cut off from the mainland at very high tides. 2016 saw the statue of Saint Michel being re-guilded. Today the Archangel shines brightly on top of the world. This project involved shrouding the abbey spire with scaffolding and removing the statue by helicopter before it was replaced. A year long project during 2017 focussed on the restoration of the cloister. The Abbey therefore undergoes continuous building work led by the Chief Architect of Historical Monuments.

Have a look at this video which shows the setting of this delightful island commune.

The Abbey

A visit to Mont-Saint-Michel isn't complete without visiting the abbey. Only certain parts of it are open to the public and you follow the signs which take you on a journey across three different levels and through time.

At the entrance to the abbey, is a stone staircase which will take you to a security point located in the original Guard Room. There may well be a queue of people here belonging to groups and tours. Groups take the left hand side of the staircase and individuals use the right hand side. Once through security (bags will be scanned and you walk through an airport-style scanner to check you have no metal objects on you), head for the ticket office on the right. Purchase your ticket, audio guide if required and pick up a leaflet. Retrace your steps to go back to the Guard Room and head over to another stone staircase once your ticket has been checked. You're now on the lower floor of the building and are going to go up to the upper floor.

The first part of the tour is outside. Climb up the wide stone stairs of what is known as Le Grand Degré which sits between the abbey buildings and the church. Look up and you'll see suspended passageways built between the 14th and 16th centuries that linked the two sides. At the top of the stairs are some restrooms (currently the only ones in the abbey) and a small open area giving a great view toward the dam. Go through a small room where there are some models showing the development of the Mount. Walk out into the open and onto the west terrace. If the weather is good, so much the better as you'll have great views here across the bay. Tombelaine and Mon-Dol are the two smaller islands you can see. Brittany is to your left and the Normandy coastline to your right.

Before you head into the abbey church, take a look at the Neogothic spire of the church tower. It was built in 1897 and has a gilded statue of Saint Michel as it's crowning glory.

The gilded statue on the church spire at Mont-Saint-Michel

Now head into the church and explore before crossing a small room (gift shop) that leads to the cloister. Traditionally cloisters are the centre of an abbey but the Mont-Saint-Michel has buildings on only two sides. One side has three arched windows which give a wonderful view across the bay. The cloister leads directly into the refectory - a vast room with pillars down either side an a wooden vaulted ceiling.

You now leave the upper floor and walk down the stone steps to the middle floor. The first room you visit on this floor is La Salle des Hôtes (Guests' Hall) which is directly underneath the refectory. Another huge room which was designed for receiving royalty and nobility. From here, you walk through La Chapelle Saint Madelaine. Leaving here there's a brief visit into the open air before you walk into a crypt (Crypte des gros piliers). This crypt was built in the mid 15th century and supports the Gothic chancel of the abbey church which is directly above. The large pillars and small windows make the crypt rather dark so head over to the right hand side of the crypt to the exit if you don't want to linger too long here.

A short walk along a passageway leads to another crypt (Saint Martin) that's is directly underneath the south arm of the abbey church transept. The visit then takes you to the big wheel (La Grande Roue) that occupies the former ossuary where human bones exhumed from churchyards were preserved. The wheel was installed around 1820 and was used to hoist provisions up to the prisoners during the time it was a prison. It replaced pulleys that were used for hoisting building materials up the building during the middle ages. You can see where the pulleys were on the outside of the building slightly towards the left hand side of the building.

La Grande Roue

Another small chapel (Saint Étienne) leads on from here and was the chapel of the dead. Leaving here, you climb another staircase - the north south stairs - which is directly below the west terrace in front of the abbey church. At the top of the stairs turn right into a covered walkway which the monks used as an ambulatory. Stairs lead down into La Salle des Chevaliers (the Knights' Hall). This vast room was built to support the cloister which sits directly above it and was where the monks worked and studied. This room, together with the cloister, are my favourite parts of the building.

Salle des Chevaliers at Mont-Saint-Michel

To leave the middle floor, take the spiral stone staircase down to the lower floor which will take you briefly into the other end of the ticket hall. This room is known at the almonry and was where monks received the poor as well as pilgrims. You then walk through into the gift shop and out into the open air. You're now at the back of the Mount and can get a view of the small chapel at the base of the rock. Walk through the small garden and back out through a turnstile onto some steps slightly lower down from the entrance to the abbey. If you turn right as you come through the turnstile you'll be heading towards the Abbey entrance. Heading left will take you towards the ramparts and you can now explore the village.

Mont-Saint-Michel ramparts

For an in-depth behind the scenes view, watch this amazing video below. Given special access to secret passageways and hidden areas of the abbey, it's a fascinating insight into those parts of the abbey that aren't open to the public. It's in French but sub-titled in English. You may need to click on the settings icon (the cog) to activate the subtitles.

The Island

If you want to explore the small village, it's completely free to wander around. Watching the spectacle of walkers crossing the bay, glorious sunsets or sunrises as well as the high tides are free. Early morning and evenings tend to be quieter.

Crossing the bay on foot should only be attempted with an experienced guide due to quicksand and a rapidly advancing tide. The list of guides for crossing the bay is here https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/traversees-baie-msm.htm You can also hire a guide to help you discover the surrounding area, the village and the abbey. The list is here. https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/visites-guidees-individuels.htm

There are two entrances to the village. The main one is straight ahead of you as you walk along the bridge road.

Near the main entrance

This leads to an entrance where you'll find the tourist office and restrooms. Walk through another gate with a drawbridge and you arrive in the narrow cobbled street which leads to the foot of the abbey steps. This street (La Grande Rue) is pretty commercial with souvenir shops, bars, restaurants and galleries. However, it's the only place to buy refreshments on the island and consuming food and drink in the abbey isn't permitted.

There is a small flat grassy area below the abbey where you can pause and take a picnic. At the top of the main street is the parish church of St-Pierre, cemetery and four museums. Also look up as you navigate the cobbles at the houses above the shops. These houses were built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Details about the parish church and museums is here https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/visite-mont-saint-michel.htm

For a list of restaurants inside the walls https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/restaurants/inside-msm.htm

Details of shops in the village https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/commerces.htm

If you want a pretty expensive omelette, then perhaps La Mère Poulard restaurant experience is for you. Established in 1888, the house speciality is a fluffy omelette cooked in a copper pan over the fire. Read the story here https://lamerepoulard.com/en/home2/

The second entrance is to the left of the main entrance and is a much quieter route away from the shops.

The second entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel

Practical Information

Getting There

Address: Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel Ph. : 33 / (0)2 33 89 80 00 GPS COORDINATES Latitude : 48.6360 Longitude : -1.5114

BY CAR

From Saint-Malo and the West: Take either the D 155 and D 797 or then N 176 to Pontorson, then D 976. From Caen and the East: Take the A84 and N 175 in the direction of Rennes. At Pontaubault take the D 43, D 75 and D 275 to Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Follow the signs for the parking and 'navettes' (shuttle buses). There are two entrances to the car park.

You'll be directed to a parking area and will take a ticket as you go through the barrier. Take this ticket with you as you'll need to visit a payment machine just prior to returning to your car. For information about parking costs, click here http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/en/preparing-your-visit/prices

You now have three options to get to the island - on foot (30 - 45 minutes), a free shuttle bus called Le Passeur (12 minutes) or a horse drawn carriage which is a paid service. More information is here http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/en

BY TRAIN/BUS

A special bus route runs from Pontorson train station to the island with journeys scheduled to connect with the train timetable. For more information see here. http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/en/preparing-your-visit/arriving-by-train

The Tourist Information Centre

The centre is near the car park and is open 10am - 6pm every day except 1 January and 25 December. There's an exhibition about the island, restrooms, baby changing facilities, car park ticket machines and kennels. Animals (other than guide dogs or assistance animals) are not permitted on the shuttle bus. You can take your pet to the island by walking there although they are not allowed in the abbey.

Download their brochure here http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/file/medias/cppmsm-anglais.pdf

Opening hours for the abbey

Information is here http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/en/Prepare-for-your-visit/PRATICAL-INFORMATION The abbey is closed: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. For the last few years, visitors have been able to enjoy extended evening opening hours which have been very popular.

Prices for entry to the abbey

Information is here http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/en/Prepare-for-your-visit/PRATICAL-INFORMATION#price

Entry to the abbey is free of charge on the first Sunday of the month, between November and March. Audio guides are an additional 3€.

There are scheduled guided tours throughout the year in French and English. There are usually two a day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You don't need to book and there's no additional charge on top of your admission fee. They last around an hour and a quarter. Ask at the ticket desk for information. There are additional tours and talks in French http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/Actualites You could also organise your own tour of the abbey and or the village with an English speaking guide (see the info in section about The Island), pick up the English version of the short leaflet in the ticket hall or buy an audioguide.

The Surrounding Area

Take a look at the 2018 brochure of the surrounding area including helicopter trips, train rides around the bay, American and German cemeteries, artisan producers, health and well-being experiences, biscuit shops and nature trails. https://issuu.com/bitpontorson/docs/mon_complice/1?ff=true&e=32899822/58977612

The Dam

The damn is built at the mouth of the Couesnon rives and regulates the ebb and flow of the water. It came into operation in 2009 and offers a great view of Mont-Saint-Michel. If you catch the free shuttle bus, you can get off at Place du Barrage and explore the dam. It's the second stop. The bus starts at the tourist Information Centre/car park. The first stop is for a small number of shops, restaurants and cafés. The second is for the damn and the third stop takes you within 350m from the base of the Mount.

More information about the dam is here http://www.projetmontsaintmichel.com/en/organise_your_visit/dam_tours.html

How can you make the most of your time there?

During the summer it is busy but given it’s an UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s not surprising. The information above will give you some of the practical information on tide times, parking, the shuttle buses etc. I’d recommended going early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Between 12 and 2pm is also a good time as many people will be lunching. Saturday can also be a good time as this is often the start and end day for holidays in peak season. The summer evening openings are also a little quieter.

The main entrance is to the left of the red and yellow Normandy flag. If the tide is low enough, head for the building on the far left instead. This is a quieter route and gives you a great view of those fascinating turrets you can see. It’s often busy around the steps leading up to the abbey but there are two queues and one is for groups. You should take the queue on the right hand side which is for individuals. Once you’ve got your tickets, take a free leaflet and decide if you want to purchase an audio guide. Then, you can wander round to your hearts content admiring the amazing architecture and views across the bay. Take your time as it’s not easy to double back as in places you go down narrow spiral stone staircases.

To help you plan your time at Mont-Saint-Michel, the following websites may be useful http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr English version http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/en/ http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/accueil.htm and also http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/en

For tide times click here https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/FCKeditor/UserFiles/Brochures-OTMSMN/HORAIRE-DES-MAREES-2018-OT.pdf

This leaflet is also very useful and includes a map of the island https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/FCKeditor/UserFiles/Nouveaux-plans-du-Mont/Mont-Saint-Michel_map_ANGLAIS.pdf

Damn information and leaflet http://www.projetmontsaintmichel.com/en/organise_your_visit/dam_tours.html

Useful Tips

There are a lot of steps on the island and in the abbey

Taking a pushchair isn't recommended due to the steps and cobbled streets

Check the tide times and opening times of the abbey

Take your time in the abbey as doubling back isn't easy

Restrooms are located at the Tourist Information Office, inside the main entrance to the island, at the top of La Grande Rue and at the top of the first staircase in the abbey

Refreshments can be purchased before you get to the island is the shops near the car park or in the bars and restaurants on the island.

Food and drink shouldn't be consumed in the abbey

Dogs aren't allowed on the shuttle bus or in the abbey. They are permitted to go on the island and possibly in bars and restaurants depending on their policy.

Some ticket machines for the car park only take cash and others only take credit card

Take your car parking ticket with you and pay for it before you return to your vehicle. Machines are near the Tourist Information Centre and the main walkways to the car parks.

Enjoy your visit to Mont-Saint-Michel!

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It covers Mont St Michel, Monet’s garden, the D Day beaches, wine tours and much more. .

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Byleth, Closer to the Truth

Thanks for the support as always, @xpegasusuniverse! It’s amazing how much worldbuilding three houses had ;v;) it’s so good to explore it all!

Summary: Byleth asked Hanneman to aid him in his pursuit of knowledge, but there was TOO MUCH that the crestologist knew that the young Professor did not, so Byleth had to actually catch up in his own studies to be able to discuss things in equal terms with Hanneman. However, the more Byleth learned, the bigger were the questions forming inside of him, as well as the discomfort such things brought Sothis... could it all be connected?

Commission info HERE and HERE!

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Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 -  Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8  - Part 9 - Part 10  - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14  - Part 15

Enlisting Hanneman into his personal group (consisting of Byleth himself and the voice in his head, Sothis) dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the Heroes' Relics was truly an astounding idea.

Although the older Professor demanded much knowledge Byleth never had in first place to even start a proper discussion, Hanneman's insightful questions truly spurred Byleth and Sothis to seek more answers to millennia-long questions.

Since the Relics were weapons that could only be wielded by crest-bearers, they fell into Hanneman's area of expertise -- meaning that the crestologist knew by heart all of their names, related crests, original wielders and general location. Byleth, on the other hand, knew no such thing, so Hanneman's lecture was taken to heart.

Areadbhar, the lance that once belonged to Blaiddyd of the Ten Elites, lay inside the Royal Palace of Fhirdiad, guarded to be used only by its King. The Crusher of the Dominic crest was also back in Faerghus, though thankfully those were the last two Relics located in the Kingdom to yet come to Byleth's hands.

The Aegis Shield, the Lance of Ruin, Lùin and Thunderbrand were all within the Professor's grasp, alongside the Alliance's Freikugel and Thyrsus. Byleth held onto six out of the twelve Relics in existence, and that was the most a single person possessed in over a thousand years.

"But... twelve?" The Professor mumbled as he stared at the open book in front of him. Wasn't that strange, though? There were twelve documented Heroes' Relics (their whereabouts varying from 'unseen since the Heroes' War' to 'being guarded by a noble house'), though only Ten known Elites, plus the Sword of the Creator, supposedly handed by the goddess herself.

Hanneman mentioned that Maurice had been the eleventh Elite back in the day, though he had been banished for being consumed by his Crest, so the math added up on that account.

But what about Seiros and Four Saints?

If they were the ones closest to the goddess, it should've been natural for Her to bestow Relics to them as well, yes?

However, that didn't seem to be the case. Seiros and the Saints were only known to use a different kind of legendary weapon, dubbed Sacred Weapons by the church. Their whereabouts were documented by ancient texts, which informed the reader that all Sacred Weapons were supposedly buried alongside their original wielders under the monastery: inside the Holy Mausoleum.

'Why supposedly?' one might ask. The answer was simple: Inside Seiros' tomb lay the Sword of the Creator, not her sword neither her shield. What's more -- Byleth also had two Sacred Weapons in his possession, the Spear of Assal and the Caduceus Staff, originally Saint Cichol and Saint Cethleann's weapons respectively.

The place Byleth found them at couldn't be farther from the monastery: on a remote island far from the Central Church's grasp, inside the tomb of a woman completely unrelated to the Saints if only that she was a devout follower of the religion. Flayn and Seteth considered that place special to them and were the ones to bestow the weapons to Byleth, alongside a very distinguished detail regarding their family bonds.

Though Byleth informed Hanneman of the Sacred Weapons in his possession, he of course refrained from repeating secrets entrusted to him.

"Your mind has been wandering and wandering... each second farther away from the text in front of you." Sothis mentally poked Byleth's shoulder, making the Professor blink back into reality.

"Ah, that's true," he shook his head in a vain attempt to shoo away the boredom that came with reading any heavily worded text that hailed from the church.

The volume in question was one of the many tales centered around Saint Macuil. As were the other seven books stacked right beside it, which only made Byleth even less willing to even go through with all that encrypted and salted reading.

Sighing, the Professor resigned himself to going back to studying, his thirst for answers winning over his unwillingness to read.

Although the origins of the Heroes' Relics was unknown, the Sacred Weapons properly hailed from a documented place; or person, for that matter: Macuil was an accomplished blacksmith, rumored to use his skills to craft weapons for Seiros' army. One could only assume that the Sacred Weapons were made by Macuil's hand.

Yet, that wouldn't add up, according to the teachings of Seiros!

How could the Four Saints and the founder of the church herself be left to their own devices in wielding weapons that anyone -- crest-bearer or not -- could brandish while the ten, or rather, eleven humans that followed them were the ones blessed by the goddess with weapons that only those with crests could use?

Humans; the creatures that could be born with crests or not, purely by chance. Humans; against whom the goddess herself fought before these eleven heroes emerged.

Why didn't Macuil forge weapons for the humans, instead? Why weren't there Relics for the Saints?

Even if one inspected the Spear of Assal and the Caduceus Staff, they wouldn't find any trace of the bone-like structures common to the Heroes' Relics. Hell, even the Crest Stone inherent to every Relic apart from the Sword of the Creator was nowhere to be found with the Sacred Weapons!

Of course, since they were weapons anyone could wield, that much was obvious, but still -- why did the Saints wield these considerably weaker weapons as opposed to the much stronger ones their human companions brandished?

Byleth groaned, closing the book loudly. And these texts heavy with parables and metaphors! There was very little one could learn from reading them, even though they were basically the only source of knowledge around anywhere in Fódlan.

Sothis hummed chipperly by his shoulder as Byleth got up from his seat at the library. "Finally gave up, hm? About time! You were not getting any studying done."

Pursing his lips, the Professor took the remaining books, intent on taking them to Hanneman's office rather than his own room -- that was also another boon of having the older Professor in his pursuit of knowledge: proximity to the library.

Not three weeks after Tomas -- no, Solon -- revealed himself to be an enemy of the church, the library managed to remain mostly unchanged. Since there had been a rotating system of students and teachers to take care and oversee the books, the usual library activities could go on as always.

Byleth's mind wandered once again to his headmate, the amount of information he'd absorbed in the past few days overloading his thinking capacity. Hey, Sothis? He looked up as though he could see the girl floating by the ceiling.

She preferred to float beside him, instead, however. "I know that tone..." Sothis crossed her arms and legs in a sigh.

Byleth's head drooped. If you still don't want to talk about it, i won't, but-

"Hahh... Very well. Out with it."

You're... The goddess, right? You have the power to control time and are linked to many places the goddess is said to have been, he started, tentatively. Sothis bobbed her head to the sides.

"So we are to believe, according to Rhea's words at the start of this month. Sothis, also known as The Beginning -- I identify with both aliases, as does the goddess. However, I am not up there in an imaginary heaven; I am bound here with you by something beyond my current understanding. Am I simply a part of the goddess? The conscience one calls 'self'? If so, is that the reason why I bear the appearance of a child? Because whatever bound me to you could not harness the vastity of my power, only managing to tap my sense of self instead?" She asked in a serious voice, then sighed, her small shoulders sagging. "I cannot give you the answers you seek, young one. However, I AM grateful that you are going through such lengths for my sake -- or at least for the sake of having your own mindspace for yourself." She sneered, visibly tired.

Such exhaustion bled into Byleth himself, making the task of simply going from the library to Hanneman's office a most strenuous one. I just want to help you regain your memories, and I feel that all of this is connected...

Sothis chuckled, mentally patting Byleth on the head. "Thank you for this, Byleth. Good luck when you go through that door, however. Hanneman seems to be eager in drawing your blood to check your crest in depth."

"Ugh," it was Byleth's turn to groan, throwing his head back in regret. Hanneman had mentioned that he wanted to do a thorough physical check-up on Byleth and compare it with the pulse they felt coming from the Relics, after all, so Byleth couldn't run.

He himself wanted the answers, so subjugating himself in a mostly harmless experiment or two was a good enough price to pay for answers.

"Ghk- W-what did you-" Sothis winced, curling around herself before entirely disappearing from Byleth's sight. "What was this thought?!" She huffed, as though in pain.

Byleth's legs gave out as he loudly crumpled on the stone floor, scattering books and scrolls about. "S-Sothis?" he panted, a sharp pain twigging his chest. He clutched it with one hand, pressing his forehead against the cool stone to regain his breath.

"Experiment...? What- what is this terror engulfing my entire being?" Sothis cried, her very soul trembling to the point of translating it to Byleth's body. "Did I- go through such a thing in the past? What IS this?" She sobbed a cry without tears, her voice slowly disappearing as she succumbed to a forced slumber.

Sothis? Byleth called in his mind, his body still too weak to stand. "Sothis?" He mumbled, realizing his breath was coming back. "She must've gone to sleep..." he huffed, forcing himself to sit up.

Dizzy, he could barely hold his head up, choosing to lean it on a nearby wall. There were many incongruences and discrepancies with Sothis' memories and real world events.

She wrote a song only Rhea knew of; She, supposedly the goddess, lived in a place that the goddess destroyed in her rage; She bestowed weapons of fine quality 'materials' to humans and feared being experimented on-

"Wait," Byleth widened his eyes, his hands patting his own self in search of the Sword of the Creator hanging by his hip. Upon touching it, the sword glowed red, its bone-like structures warming Byleth's hand as though he touched a person's body. Yes... as though it was someone's flesh and bones.

Were... were the Heroes' Relics part of Sothis' body from the time she was alive? Was that the reason the goddess de facto disappeared from the records? Because she tore her own bones and flesh apart to help the Saints and the Men win the war?

Sothis conjectured herself just a few minutes ago: her childlike appearance to Byleth's eyes could simply be because that whoever channeled her conscience to him didn't manage to capture her entire essence. It was also known that the Children of the Goddess could transform into Magic Beasts, so if the goddess herself could change into a form so large she could rearrange her own bones into weapons, this theory could hold some truth into it...

Still dizzy, but with his mind racing with the prospect of learning more about the Relics, Byleth dragged himself up to his feet after painstakingly picking up the books and scrolls from the floor. "This all might be just my tired brain throwing whatever it can at me, but I feel that... somehow, I'm on the right track." The Professor nodded to himself, dragging one shoulder across the wall to help him walk.

If possible, he wanted to bring this up with his father, as well, once Jeralt was released from whatever duties Rhea had him go through. They would meet at the end of the month for their shared mission, yes, but this wasn't something Byleth could simply bring up to his father right before a battle, after all.

"All this reading and thinking only brought more questions, but I'm on the right track. We're on the right track, Hanneman, Sothis." He mumbled before stepping inside the crestologist's office for yet another afternoon of studying and experimenting.