#day of devotion edelgard

[thewisemankey]

An Edelgard for every occasion!

Valentine Edelgard 💗

[pistachio-pierrot]

What were Edelgard, Hubert, Dimitri, and Dedue getting up to on the Day of Devotion? Swapping around, of course! featuring the newest feh alts and @faerghusfucker's wonderful Dedue ball redesign. Dancing pose from @/Guek_Rak on Twitter.

[siren-brainrot-boogaloo]

Ngl I’m a huge fan of how Day of Devotion Edelgard’s dress and big gold wing shawl seem to just… smother her? Like it really drives home that this poor girl is only 17 when you first meet her and the world has dressed her for an occasion that is larger than one teenager should have to be at the helm for. Same with her timeskip design.

Idk I think there’s kind of a subtle poetry to how this young girl always needs to be strong enough to carry so much.

[fogaminghub]

🎊🔥 It's the 8th Anniversary of Fire Emblem Heroes! Join us from Feb. 1 to March 6 for epic log-in bonuses, a guaranteed Special Hero summon, and exclusive summoning events including the first-ever Emblem Hero in a Hero Fest! Catch House leaders like Edelgard and Dimitri in new outfits! 🍰✨ Make sure to tune into the latest Feh Channel for all the exciting details!

[thewisemankey]

"Reach for my hand..."

beloved ♡

[ninesugars]

*Hubert voice* “Lady Edelgard, it is of paramount importance that I attend this… day of devotion celebration of yours. Indeed, I would dare say that it is necessary. what sort of intel could be lurking in the shadows? It is, of course, my eternal duty to discover this for you. Really, I insist. You ought to be having a lovely time while I take care of such matters. Truly, it will be like I’m not even there. Trust me.” (((((<— HE WANTS TO PLAY DRESS UP SO FUCKING BAD)))))

[hibari-draws]

For Edelgard Rarepair Week Day 7- Dawn

"After the war, Edelgard and Lysithea threw themselves into the fight against those who slither in the dark. The struggle was long and arduous, but not without its benefits. With careful analysis of ancient techniques, they discovered ways to recover the years of life that had been stolen from them. Afterwards, the new Adrestian emperor and Lysithea, her trusted officer, devoted the rest of their lives to Fodlan's rule. For her counsel in instituting class reforms and ensuring the independence of the people, Lysithea came to be known as the Wisdom of the Empire. The pair of talented women ushered Fodlan into a new age of innovation and prosperity."

Thank you to Edelgard Rarepair Week for giving me an excuse to draw them! I enjoyed the event and seeing everyone else's ships very much :)

[fan-girls-r-us]

Since I was tagged twice (and the OG thread is really long) I’m making a whole new post. Thanks @pelicanpig and @miadearden for the tags! Without further ado, here’s a little bit about me:

What I listened to last

Last song with lyrics: Still/The Neva Flows Reprise from the Broadway adaptation of Anastasia

Last song without lyrics: Life at Garreg Mach Monastery by Rozen

Favorite color: Deep violet (any purple that’s more blue than red, honestly)

What I read last

Last book: The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Last fic: Cura Te Ipsum by ehmazing and Have a Drink, Princess by Fyreflare— I’ve been re-reading both at the same time lol

What I watched last

Last movie: Last Night in Soho (no matter how many times you watch this film, you find something new and I am here for it)

Last show: My Happy Marriage (new episodes 🎉🎉🎉)

Sweet/spicy/savory: Spicy— it’s not even a contest

Relationship: Taken :)

Last thing I googled: What streaming service Crimson Peak moved to

Current obsession: Easier to list what I don’t like 😂 If I had to pick something in particular, I’m stuck between Fire Emblem Heroes’ Valentine’s Event with Edelgard and Hubert as featured characters for the “Day of Devotion” (don’t squee don’t squee don’t squee) and Spy x Family’s latest chapter

Things I’m looking forward to

What I should say: My anniversary

What I want to say: The Switch 2 presentation in April

This was so much fun— it’s like those “Coke or Pepsi” things we used to do in school in the library or during recess. I think I’ll tag @hyylia , @zeldaelmo , @louwhose , @wouldyoustilllovemeifiwasawyrm , @summonerluna , @msssfireish , @abbyzwrites , @raurusthirdeye , @orangekoalaracer , and @foulnightmaretriumph No pressure or anything. Sorry if I’m tagging you and you’ve already been tagged 😅

[sydney-my-beloved]

A DoL FE3H AU would go so hard, and I already feel like I know what houses everyone would be in. Bonus with Sabrina and Sasha.

Whitney: Golden Deer. Honestly, it’s a miracle they manage to even stay in Garreg Mach given their status as a delinquent. They use knuckles and axes, and would have a high strength stat while their magic stat suffers. Their secret talent is authority. Maybe Byleth thought that giving Whitney some sense of leadership on the battlefield with a battalion would help them? Speaking of battle, Whitney lives for it. They love the rush and it allows them to let loose without repercussions… most of the time.

Timeskip Whitney: Gets their act together VERY quickly after the fall of Garreg Mach, and Byleth’s disappearance. They don’t show it, but are so happy to see them again after the five years their favorite Professor has been gone.

Robin: Is also in the Golden Deer, and is a commoner. They’re very skilled with a bow, and have a weakness in weapons like axes. Their secret talent would be white magic.

Timeskip Robin: They’ve become such a talented archer in the time that’s passed, and never gave up hope that they’d see Byleth again. They cry for sure when Byleth comes back.

Kylar: Formerly Blue Lions, currently Ashen Wolves. They were expelled from Garreg Mach Monastery and their parents are nowhere to be found, presumably dead. They have a talent with dark magic, and a weakness in light magic. Their hidden talent is with swords. There are some rumors surrounding them that their parents were plotting against the church which led to their disappearance and Kylar’s explosion..

Timeskip Kylar. They’d heard about the war, the monastery falling, and Rhea behind held captive in Adrestian territory. They’re terrified of Emperor Edelgard, and waited all this time for Byleth to return. They were the only one to pay such close attention to them, after all. Upon Byleth’s return, Kylar devotes themselves entirely to them.

Sydney: Them being more pure at this time, Sydney would be in the Blue Lion house. They go to the cathedral every day to pray to Seiros and are very dedicated to the church. They’re a talented healer, specializing in white magic, while their weakness is dark magic. They’d have a hidden talent with lances. They are also still, somehow the library assistant here as well.

Timeskip Sydney: The war skewed their perception of the world, but they still pray every single day that peace will return to Fodlan, and that Byleth is still out there safe, wherever they are. Sydney becomes in a way, more “corrupt” as their world view darkens from the many tragedies they’ve seen, and when they sees just how much Dimitri has changed as well. When Byleth returns, so does their hope, and they are overjoyed to be reunited with their beloved professor.

Sabrina: Black Eagle house for sure. She’s a skilled mage, much like many of her classmates, specializing in the dark arts. She’ll often cause mischief, and her fellow students call her “The Witch of Black Eagle House”. Her weakness would be axes, and her hidden talent is white magic, specifically healing.

Timeskip Sabrina: Takes her role as a mage very seriously. She aims to help Edelgard in whatever way she can, given she and the people she cares about are provided for when the war ends. When Byleth returns, she vows to also stay by their side in fear of losing them again.

Sasha: Black Eagle house as well. He and Sabrina are rarely seen apart as they practice their craft together. He sticks by her as much as he can. Combat can be difficult given his disability, but Sasha is a skilled mage in his own right. He has a talent for dark magic, a weakness in white magic, and a hidden talent with bows.

Timeskip Sasha: The truth of the matter, is that Sasha doesn’t care who’s side he’s on. As long as he and Sabrina make it out alive. His world view is rather bleak, and he thinks it’s all going to hell no matter what happens but he seems to cheer up just a little bit when Byleth returns.

[randomnameless]

I still can't believe that "Dimitri stabbing Edelgard with his phallic-shaped lance is meant to be a grape allegory" was an argument that devoted fans would use unironically just a few years ago

Nor that "Nemesis was a hero who saved humanity from dragon tyranny and only killed every single Nabatean he saw because they all had the potential of fighting back against him" is an argument they use unironically to this very day

Never underestimate how far some people can dig anon!

Even if you expect the worst, you can still be surprised!

[trytoimaginefireemblem]

Headcanon: Hubert Realizing He Loves You Would Be Like...

Request: None

Word Count: 517

Hubert had never really thought about dating or getting married. He thought he would be devoted to one person and one person only: Edlegard. However, when he met you, everything changed.

He first noticed how his eyes drift to you when you are around him. He also finds himself searching for you in crowds. Hubert scolds himself for losing focus but finds he can't stop himself from ensuring you are unharmed after a battle.

Edelgard would notice a change in Hubert immediately. At first, she would tease him about his crush on you. Hubert would deny his feelings for you and try to keep you out of his thoughts. Edelgard would notice that Hubert would still perform all his duties to perfection, but something was different about him. Edelgard would push him to take you on a date.

It was after your first date that Hubert knew you were special. You seemed to understand him better than anyone else, and he knew he wanted to spend more time with you. After a couple more dates, Hubert would like to make it official: the two of you would be a couple.

It would take Hubert a long time to realize he loves you. At first, it would be an unfamiliar feeling that he would look forward to seeing you after a long day or the way his heart practically stops when he loses sight of you during a battle. At first, he would ignore these feelings, but then he would want to know why he was having those feelings. That research would lead him to the word love.

Once he realized he loved you, he wouldn't say anything to you right away. He would want to explore what he was feeling to make sure his love for you was real.

Hubert would find himself spending less time working. He would get everything done but wouldn't work himself into the ground. He would just want to spend as much time with you as possible.

Hubert would try to plan how to tell you that he loves you, but every time he was ready, something would come up, go wrong, or he would chicken out.

In one particular battle, Hubert's hand was forced. It was complete chaos. Hubert wasn't able to keep an eye on you and Edelgard both. He decided to stick with Edelgard but couldn't help but look for you between enemies. It was a tough battle, but eventually, it came to an end. Knowing that Edelgard was fine, Hubert began looking for you. He found you on the ground, injured.

Hubert immediately got help for you. He regretted leaving you alone during battle. He couldn't believe you were injured on his watch. You were severely injured, but the healers confirmed you would pull through. He knew he needed to tell you he loved you as soon as possible. He never knew that you could have been taken away from him so easily. When you awoke, Hubert was there with too many emotions to count swimming in his eyes. His first words to you were, "I love you".

[reunionatdawn]

My Analysis of the Best Paired Endings in 3H (Part 5: Hubert/Ferdinand)

Hubert: I've already dedicated my life to Lady Edelgard. To throw my lot in with you is inconceivable. But if I had two lives to give… I might devote one of them to you. Not as master and servant, but as equal partners.

Hubert's earliest memory was being told that he was a servant and he must guard his "master" with his life. As a member of House Vestra, he was also responsible for carrying out House Hresvelg's dirty work from the shadows. He left his carefree innocent childhood days behind long before coming to the monastery.

Hubert said he killed his father for his disloyalty to the emperor, but I suspect his resentment ran much deeper than that. Deep down, he truly did desire to devote his life to someone as an equal, not as a servant. Even if he wasn't consciously aware of it, I think he despised his father for robbing him of that dream.

Dorothea: Oh, Hubie, I finally get you. You're just another servant suffering from unrequited love for their mistress. Hubert: You completely misunderstand. Unrequited love? Do I really look like the kind of drooling simpleton to have that kind of motivation?

The fact that Hubert was so obsequious to his master was not natural for him. He is an Aries, which is a very masculine fire sign. They actually have a naturally powerful and dominant personality, and they are also known for not being very emotional.

Edelgard is the "obvious" person Hubert would be in love with. Dorothea assumes this as well as Ferdinand in Hopes. But he denied that he was motivated by unrequited love. And you know what? I actually believed him. The way he described Edelgard was idolization, not love. Hubert wanted to crush the nobility he hated, and he admired Edelgard for sharing that goal. He was definitely bonded to her since she was the only person he could trust. But there was a distinct lack of emotional intimacy between the two.

Edelgard: Well, that's utter nonsense! You can't possibly keep something so fascinating from me! Who is it? Hubert: It is you, Lady Edelgard. Did you ever really doubt?

In their A-Support, Hubert was reluctant to open up and share his feelings with Edelgard, much to her frustration. She even tried to use her power as emperor to get him to confess his secrets, but he wouldn't budge. The dialogue actually changes slightly depending on whether he has already reached A-Support with another girl.

But curiously, even if he has, he will still say that the person he loves is Edelgard. You could always take his declaration at face value. However, I believe that it should not be. The implication was that crafty unreadable servant didn't think the details of his love life were any of her business. He knew she didn't want to drop the subject, so he just lied. He'd rather deal with the awkwardness of her believing that he is a simp than letting her know who he is dating.

Ferdinand: Please do not compliment me again though. I find it quite unsettling. It is like hearing a snake sing an aria. At least put it in a letter next time. Hubert: In the very unlikely event that there is a next time, I promise to put it in writing.

Even if Hubert doesn't have A-Support with another girl, I still think he was lying to Edelgard in his A-Support. I got the sense that Ferdinand was the one Hubert "canonically" had secret romantic feelings for, regardless of their Support level. The way he describes Ferdinand is so similar to how he described Edelgard in his B-Support with Dorothea. While Hubert hated the nobility, he genuinely admired true nobility and all of the qualities associated with it.

Hubert: Is it a gift? Perhaps for someone you fancy? Ferdinand: A gift, yes. For you. Hubert: Hm. Who is the unlucky— Did you say for me?! This coffee is a gift for me? Have I heard you correctly?

In Hubert's other A-Supports, the woman is always the one to come onto him, which he does admittedly enjoy. But Hubert actually took the initiative with Ferdinand. If Byleth marries him, he won't even have a ring because he's "never done well with gifts or flattery." But he will compliment Ferdinand and buy him expensive tea?

If this A+ Support is unlocked first, Ferdinand will be drinking Hubert's coffee in his A-Support with Edelgard. It implies that his relationship with Hubert helped him reconcile with his subordinate position to Edelgard.

I loved how the unapologetically evil Hubert developed a crush on the compassionate and conventionally attractive Ferdinand. And I loved how some genuine flattery from Edelgard's #1 fan fed into the flamboyant Ferdie's ego and turned him into a blushing schoolgirl. Hubert is a man who is described as ghoulish inside and out, yet I daresay, there was mutual attraction.

Hubert: I have an entire laundry list of loathing, but if I had to pick one, it would be reminiscing.

The tagline for FE3H was, "Sweet memories twisted by time's cruel hand". Hubert did not have any particular emotional response to fighting any of his former Black Eagle classmates, with one exception. He became nostalgic when Ferdinand confronted him in Enbarr.

While I think he will settle for an attractive woman who makes the first move, Ferdinand was the one he always fancied. This definitely feels like the "canon" ship for Hubert. Of course, no pairings are truly canon, because of player input. By "canon" I mean the writers favored this pairing the most, similar to Eliwood/Ninian in Blazing Sword.

Ferdinand: I cannot afford to die now, or my page in the history books will end in a most horrid fashion. "Plagued by the guilt of striking down his father, Ferdinand welcomed the cold embrace of death on the battlefield." Or some such hogwash. Yes, I killed my father-and I would be a liar if I said it did not wound me nearly beyond reckoning. But I will not hate myself for it. It was the correct choice. I did the right thing.

Ferdinand and Hubert had a prominent relationship in Hopes as well. More prominent than any of Hubert's relationships with his potential wives. I can't exactly say Hubert is a good influence on Ferdinand's (or anyone's) morality. With Hubert goading him, Ferdinand beheads his father, while in his paralogue "Retribution" he tried to save him. And an Empire-aligned Ferdie never does let go of his obsession with his historical legacy.

But Ferdinand had a positive impact on Hubert's character development across both games. He criticized Hubert for not thinking for himself and never expressing an opinion of his own. Hubert is the one who wrote the letter to Claude/Seteth to carry on their goal to defeat those who slither in the dark. We can probably assume he did this on his own. In Hopes, Hubert also used his own money to hire Jeralt's Mercenaries to save Ferdinand's life, without consulting Edelgard.

Hubert & Ferdinand Hubert and Ferdinand became the left and right hands of Emperor Edelgard, competing constantly with each other to see who could be the more helpful. They were opposites—the Minister of the Imperial Household, melancholy and merciless, and the prime minister, bright and compassionate. Still, they brought out the best in each other. As the Empire became orderly and prosperous, the two came to be known as the nation's "Two Jewels," and were remembered fondly for generations to come. Some say their fame made even Emperor Edelgard jealous.

According to Teaspoon Translations, the Japanese ending for Hubert/Edelgard states that, "Even in their retirement, spent just by themselves, there were likely no romantic exchanges until the end." For Hubert/Ferdinand, it states: "Stories say that even the Emperor was envious of their inseparable relationship [lit: relationship in which they are truly open with one another], but the truth remains unclear."

Hubert's intimate relationship with his partner was apparently meant to directly contrast his emotionally closed-off relationship with his master. And Hubert probably displays the most positive development in his ending with Ferdinand. Instead of being feared for his unsavory reputation, he is actually remembered fondly by the public. I suspect all that kinky sex they were having behind Edelgard's back made all the difference.

[malsfefanfics]

Edelgard and Marianne?

Hey, so that line Marianne says about Edelgard in CF before the timeskip haunts my brain on the daily.

"Thank you for taking the time to join me, your Majesty."

"I couldn't possibly turn down such an invitation. Though I'm surprised that you invited me to tea to begin with, I am grateful all the same."

Marianne nodded, and started pouring them both a cup. "I'm glad to hear that." She glanced over her shoulder, staring at one of the hedges that surrounded the gazebo. "And Hubert is still not going to join us?"

Edelgard held back a snicker. "So you noticed him as well."

"He's not as hard to notice as he thinks he is."

"Oh, now he'll be working harder to make sure he's absolutely undetectable until the last moment."

"So long as he doesn't scare the horses, that's fine."

The two shared a laugh and continued their conversation. Updates on animal care. Training reports. Books they'd been reading in what little spare time they managed to get. Edelgard, much to Marianne's surprise, had been catching up on a romantic novel about a devoted cleric and a third prince of an ancient kingdom. Quite fantastical, but truly enchanting. Marianne hadn't read much herself, but she was learning to paint from Bernadetta and Ignatz. The three of them were having a great time.

Just as Marianne was enjoying the time now.

It was rather nice, getting to see the Emperor relaxed and enjoying herself. From what she knew at the start of the school year, Edelgard rarely allowed herself a moment of repose. And the few times she did, she was often surrounded by others. It felt more forced. As though she were wearing a mask.

Well. She had been. But not what Marianne meant.

Edelgard finished her cup and reached to pour more. "Marianne? Might I ask you something?"

"Of course," Marianne answered. "Anything."

"Why did you invite me for tea. You never had before."

"Oh. Um...." Marianne traced her finger along the rim of her cup. She knew it was coming. "I...noticed the other day, while heading to the stables. You seemed panicked about something. And frozen in place."

"....I see." The Emperor set the pot down carefully. Her jaw stiffened slightly. "I....I saw a rat. On my way back from putting my horse away for the evening."

Marianne blinked. "A...rat?"

"Yes."

"I see."

Silence passed over them, barely broken by the sound of birds flying in the air above.

Edelgard sighed. "I'm sorry. I had a bad experience with rats before. So they make me...uncomfortable."

"Oh!" Marianne shook her head. "Please, don't apologize! I completely understand. If anything, I should apologize for bringing it up."

"You don't need to, Marianne," Edelgard assured. "Still, now I am curious. Was your invitation for tea a ruse to check on me?"

"Um...y-yes." Her face flushed. "I just...I've never seen you look so unsettled. I was worried. You and the others have done so much for me, so... I wanted to repay that kindness somehow."

"You needn't try to repay anything, Marianne. We do what we do because we care about you."

"And I care about you too," Marianne said. "That's why I wanted to check on you. You are the Emperor of Adrestia. But you're also our friend. You deserve to feel safe. And happy. And if I can do something...”

Edelgard's face slowly became as pink as the roses on the table. "You've done more than enough, Marianne." She reached out, gently taking her hand. "But...if you wouldn't mind indulging me. I would love to do this again."

Marianne wasn't sure, but she could have sworn her heart skipped a beat.

"I would love to."

[dragonsarecats]

To be fair CF is just as much about found family than VW

Hi anon! I'm gonna link the post I talked about the Golden Deer here for clarity's sake lol.

I think when discussing themes of found family in different three houses routes, it's important to talk about Byleth. In a game where the single, main variable between possible futures is Byleth's interference, it means the story has to be written in a particular way--I mentioned this before when talking about character supports and endings; each character needs to be able to have a romantic ending with Byleth, which affects how their supports are written. In the case of the Lord's, this means you're given tangible reasons why you should've chosen them.

I mean. Let's be real here. Claude has the highest survivability rate of any character in the base game. He can't die if you're completing Verdant Wind (for obvious reasons), or Blue Lions. He's heavily implied to live to see another day in Silver Snow, and you can spare him in Crimson Flower! Edelgard and Dimitri die without the professor's stabilizing influence--but Claude? What does he lose without the professor.

That's sort of how I determine subtler themes of each route in a way--by comparing what you get with and without Byleth.

So when I argue that Verdant Wind is the most about found family, I mean it thematically; the other routes don't have tangible less found family, but without Byleth members of the Golden Deer just blatantly disappear unrecruited post time skip in several routes!

Without Byleth, the option for found family is removed for Claude in a big way, I personally feel, and not just by full recruitment runs lol. Not completely, of course--even in Crimson Flower a recruited Lorenz laments having to face off against Claude and Hilda is willing to die in defense of him and the city--but enough that it was blatantly shocking to me that if you don't recruit Marianne, she does not appear at all post time skip, no exceptions.

In a narrative sense, perhaps slightly unshocking; but in a practical sense? This leaves Claude without a healer.

Claude can't hold onto all his Deer even if you don't recruit any of them in the Academy phase. Silver Snow, Azure Moon, Crimson Flower--Marianne will always be gone; consistent, non variable. Depending on the route other characters like Lorenz might disappear as well.

The themes of found family are prevalent in all the routes, but since each route is pretty much defined by the Lord who leads it, I feel as though their personal relationship with the found family is most defining, if that makes sense.

People stand by Edelgard, Dimitri, and even Rhea for better, or for worse. Even recruited, characters like Felix make it abundantly clear that switching sides doesn't change the immense emotional attachment they have to their original lord.

This just. Isn't true for Claude.

Without Byleth, he doesn't get to keep everyone together. Without Byleth Hilda is recruitable in two routes. The idea that you could ever do the same with Hubert or Dedue is blatantly laughable.

Byleth's presence is what enables Edelgard, Dimitri, and Rhea to remain the most of themselves, if that makes sense. Edelgard's war strategy in Crimson Flower is a lot less aggressive and scorched earth then it is in the other two routes because she's had the professor as an emotional rock. Similarly for Dimitri, he's able to recover because Byleth is there to keep him alive and safe. And then Rhea will blatantly die in the Verdant Wind route where she doesn't in Silver Snow. Byleth, in every sense of the word, keeps these three characters alive and well.

But without her? They still inspire loyalty and devotion--unquestionable, again, if no recruitment takes place. Dimitri, Edelgard, and Rhea can all face up against you as enemies with the full force of their houses/allies (save for, oddly, Annette).

Claude does not.

Claude's whole route is about learning to trust others in a way that allows them to trust him. The Deer are devoted to Claude in Verdant Wind in a way they just, textually aren't otherwise, and that's due to Byleth's influence, both as a Professor to these individual students, and to Claude.

When I say that Verdant Wind is the most found family thematically to me, I mean it at a very base level. Claude knows he doesn't have what Dimitri and Edelgard seem to take for granted. It seems almost effortless, in Verdant Wind, the loyalty and devotion he inspires in his friends despite how often you, as Byleth, are told that Claude appears to be an untrustworthy and sneaky individual.

But it's easy to see in routes where you don't chose him that without Byleth, that image mantains. Claude is an outsider. And maybe he doesn't need Byleth in the way the other lords do to survive or achieve his dream (after all, there's nothing saying he can't open diplomacy with his former classmates after he goes back to Almyra so long as he lives to do so), but just as Byleth is uniquely able to be a peer to the Golden Deer, so can Claude uniquely trust and gain the trust of his house in full.

It's not as dramatic as the other two houses, and I think it's the point. Edelgard and Dimitri have already built a solid foundation of devotion and loyalty. Ferdinand and Felix (your "rival" characters in those houses) are loyal without Byleth, even if Ferdinand claims it's to guide her or if Felix complains every step of the way. Lorenz isn't. In Verdant Wind, you sort of take it for granted that everyone will be there at the reunion if they survived the Academy phase. Of course they will--they promised, didn't they?

But outside Verdant Wind, it's clear to see that you as the player took it for granted. And that's why I think Verdant Wind is thematically the most found family. It's not because the other routes don't love each other as much or aren't as complex or there isn't devotion. It's because fundamentally Verdant Wind is about Claude, for the first time in his life, having a group of people he can rely on and who will rely on him without hesitation. It's about the formation of found family, and how Claude doesn't need it to achieve his dreams, but man, does it give him something to achieve those dreams for.

[beezonia]

Crimson Path. A little Black Eagle centric ficlet because I’ve been thinking about them again.

Just some mentions of blood and a vague mention of Edelgard’s condition but that’s about it.

——

She knew she was running out of time. It was unfortunate but true.

Life had not been kind to Adrestia’s current Emperor. Her heart spilling blood wherever it went, all thanks to those who hurt her in the past.

Edelgard knows she’s running out of time, so she has to fight. Fight for those who have stood by her this whole time, those who have celebrated her determination and hope for a new world to live in.

Her strike force, her loyal friends and companions who shared her goals for freedom.

The ruler thinks of Hubert and his solid devotion, Ferdinand and his soft heart. Opposite’s who had been brought together under her watchful eye.

Or Dorothea and her powerful charms mixed with Petra’s childlike curiosity for a land she knew almost nothing about.

Each and every one of the Black Eagle Strike Force had been brought together because they yearned for a life that was free to live.

No crest system, no church. Just plain freedom.

So Edelgard fights even though her lifespan is short, she claws her way to victory with ragged breaths.

In hopes that one day, she and her eagle’s would be free. From chains or status, anything that ails them.

It was her one wish.

One that she hoped she’d be there to see.

———

it’s a little rushed but I hope you like it!

I truly love the black eagles, they deserve so much.

[vilonnie]

got randomly smacked in the head by mercedes brainworms so now I’m thinking about verdant wind black eagles mercie again… imagine you are an older sister and you have abandoned everything and you have always passively gone along with whatever everyone else decides for you – you are not in the business of making choices. the only things saving you from loneliness are your faith and annette, your first and last and one and only best friend. annette understands you (she understands how to cannibalize herself trying to fix the men in her family, understands the preciousness of a teenage girl’s dear friend, understands the constant struggle to be good, good, good despite it all.) you are both good girls, but you are not good girls. and in truth she is not like you, because you see her desperate conviction, dedication, hard work and sleepless nights, and wonder how such a small girl can grasp such powerful devotion.

the first real choice you ever make is to transfer. you find the brother you left behind all those years ago, and you allow yourself to hope that maybe this time you can do better, make it better. it is a sister’s responsibility. you have been given a second chance. then you fight on their side in the war, and you are fighting against the only true home you have ever known – the only place you have known shelter, haven, friendship. didn’t you want to give that to other helpless young girls, once? it is annette who brings you back again. she brings you to your knees as her black magic pierces even your resistance, and instead of cleaving her axe through your heart, she only extends a hand once again. at this point, you both know that you cannot win. the good girls have backed the wrong horses. annette’s king faerghus has gone mad, with a doomed procession of childhood friends trailing lovingly, blindly behind him, but still she will not leave – she once told him he was like a brother to her – and she does not abandon the things she loves. she is not her father. and you know that edelgard’s time is running out, too – you have seen the tides of war turning against her. the game is up, princess. so you return. you return, and you abandon. this is the second time you have left your brother behind.

there is a man you know, dressed in red and black on wyvern’s wings, who curses his own disloyalty, his cruelty, his self-destruction, his misery. but he has stayed all these years by the same broken hearts he has loved since childhood, there for them as he has always been, unfailingly loyal, at the core of it. it is you, the holy woman, draped in shining whites and rose golds, who left them (who left her, who left your home.) you who is the traitor, you who has committed treason. you are strong and you are kind, so you will continue onward no matter what, but the burden lies heavy upon your heart. later, it is you, the gentle pacifist, the healer, who will take down the famed death knight. a legendary deed! this is a very pretty way of saying that your hands are the ones to end your brother’s life. in the end, you kill him for the country you chose over him. the first real choice you ever make.

one day the war is over, and you have played no part in it, and none of this matters, in the end. but a new dawn is still here, and you can take the woman you love into your arms, and you can promise to give her the world she deserves, promise to give all helpless children like you the world they deserve, and aren’t you finally happy, to be making a choice for yourself? I love mercedes,