#dragcncrest

[armatization]

From here — Claude & Yuri @dragcncrest

Claude can't say when their little banter began. Just like the rest of their relationship, the lines are blurred. They've always joked around. It's always been a joke between them, one between them and them alone.

It's never gone past flirting. Claude doesn't know if he wants it to go past that. He quite likes Yuri; that dangerous edge of his makes him very interesting. Of course, Claude has thought about it - he has eyes, he can't deny Yuri's attractive. He's not only physically attractive, though.

Yuri leans in to whisper in his ear, and Claude fights off a shiver. He isn't foolish enough to jump into anything, and especially not with a man like Yuri. He quite likes not being murdered in his sleep, and he can't trust Yuri not to stab him in the back. It's thrilling, it's terrifying - it's exhilarating.

"You should be," Claude says smoothly. "I could always run away if you don't make an honest man out of me, Yuri." He slips an arm around Yuri's waist, holding him close.

Claude is joking, naturally. There's no way things would progress beyond easy banter. There's no way they would both want it to progress. Though right now, he can't say he'd mind if they progressed their game of chicken.

[soulcluster]

Emmeryn is quite good at keeping her pain under wraps; even Chrom and Lissa, who have seen her at her worst, are still two who she wishes to protect from knowing just how deep the trauma of their youth runs. Her shoulder aches as she awakens from a dream of stones flying her way, beating sharp edges into her flesh, blood dripping into her eyes. Never has she held their anger against them, knowing why it is they lash out, yet it seems she will never truly forget.

She slips into a silk robe and fastens it around her to cover her nightdress, and begins a slow trek through the halls. It is still esrly enough in the evening that some guards are still gambling before their shift change, and the sounds of laughter soothe her heart. The world is not quiet.

However, as her bare feet pad near soundlessly against the floors, her movement must have caught a very particular man's attention. "Peace, Frederick," she says with a smile and a gentle laugh before he has the chance to fall into step beside her. "I need only stretch my legs a bit." That isn't entirely a lie, albeit not entirely the truth, either.

(a little bit pre-game maybe? 👉👈)

It is not uncommon to find Frederick patrolling the halls of the castle even as the moon waxes through the star-studded sky. His is a tireless, often thankless job, but one he enjoys, one he finds fulfillment in, in much the same way he used to find purpose in caring for his many siblings. Now, though, it is the royal family he cares for as ardently he would his own flesh and blood.

The faint echo of bare feet on the tile catches his attention through the still night. He turns and sees her, Emmeryn, her beauty a vision in the moonlight, and her words soft and serene.

"Your grace." Frederick executes a perfect bow. The two have known each other since childhood but he's ingrained the mannerisms of a knight too deeply to shrug them off entirely. Yet he doesn't keep the mantle. Instead, he pulls out a muffler (where did it come from? who knew) and approaches.

"You'll grow cold like this, my lady." Its woven from blue cloth, the same as the royal family's crest, and stitched with the same design as the crest that manifests on them. "Please, allow me."

And don't think he hasn't noticed her without shoes...that will be addressed next, if he has any say in the matter.

[armatization]

It's late when Lucina begins grabbing the pillows and blankets from her and Cynthia's bed before the other woman can settle into it. "C'mon, let's go sit by the tree downstairs for a bit." She speaks quietly, as if anyone can hear her through the stone walls, but there's something exciting about the conspiratorial nature of something so simple and entirely nothing that would break any rules.

Arms laden with blankets, she stops by the linen closet to snag a few more - just because they've slept in uncomfortable places before doesn't mean they have to make the floor of the main hall uncomfortable - before setting off downstairs with Cynthia close by. "Do you want to see if a cook is still up to make us cocoa?" She's never made it herself before, given that such ingredients were difficult to find in their future and that she's never learned since coming here. Perhaps that's ridiculous, and perhaps she should learn now that they have the time and energy to spare for it.

But that can wait. Tonight, she wants to spend time with Cynthia downstairs, a different sort of camping than usual. A fire in a hearth, comfortable bedding, and no monsters to worry about.

Cynthia was about to settle onto the pillows when it was snatched under her. “Oof,” she huffs as her head hits the mattress. It takes her a second, in her disoriented state, to understand what Lucina is asking of her. “Oh, uh, sure?” So maybe she’s a little lost on why, but hey, Lucina wants to do something dumb. Cynthia loves dumb stuff. She’s gone along with plenty of Cynthia’s dumb ideas, so Cynthia’s happy to go along with it.

She decides to help Lucina grab more pillows and blankets - it’s not because Lucina isn’t strong enough, but rather because the more the better, right? She’s still a little confused, but she goes along with it.

“I’m always up for cocoa,” she says. Something warm to hold onto by the fire? Of course she’s going to say yes.

This whole thing feels quite indulgent; they’ve spent so long living in squalor. Thick blankets, soft pillows, and hot cocoa - these are luxuries they couldn’t even dream of during the darkest time of their lives. It’s surreal to think about it. They can have their happily ever after together. It’s the stuff girls like her dream about, and that dream is now a reality.

Or maybe Cynthia is being silly.

She arranges the pillows and blankets by the hearth. From here, one could look at the Christmas tree, covered head to toe in garlands, tinsel, and baubles. It’s just the start of a happier time for them, a sign of things to come. It brings her peace to look at it. Maybe the worst really is over.

Once they get their cocoa, they settle into the mess of pillows and blankets. Cynthia leans her head on Lucina’s shoulder, mug in hand. It’s warm and comfortable, and she never wants to leave the space they’ve created. She never wants to leave the warmth, and the comfort. She wants to stay with Lucina, no matter what. This better life, this better world, that they’ve created together.

“This is nice,” she mumbles. “But I don’t think I’m gonna get up in the morning.”

[armatization]

starter for @dragcncrest — Lorenz & Marianne

My dearest Marianne,

It has been but days since I last saw you, but those days have been agonising without you by my side.

Forgive me for not writing to you sooner; regrettably, it was too much of a struggle to write well while on the road. However, I can assure you that I write to you before I do anything else in Derdriu.

I know not how I will rest without you at my side. You are my joy and my comfort, and without you, I am off balance. All I can think of is returning home to you and your waiting arms. I've hardly arrived, yet all I can think of is going home.

The thought of you will keep me strong, and the thought of your loving embrace shall keep me warm on these cold nights. I miss you more than I could ever express. I await the day I can see you again.

Ever yours, Lorenz H. Gloucester

[armatization]

Noire pads softly down the hall to where she knows Cynthia sits at the large dining table alone, a snack by herself in the middle of the day when most everyone else is busy. She remembers vividly what happened when she accidentally startled her mother once as a child, and how she hiccupped toad legs for days, soothed only by her father running his hand over her hair as she cried. Cynthia doesn't know any hexes as far as Noire knows, but it's second nature now to make herself known before she can startle anyone.

So she clears her throat as she enters the room holding two large mugs of cocoa. "C-Cynthia?" she says nervously even though her friend has never gotten angry with her. Oh, how she wishes she weren't so cowardly because of her mother. "U-um...I l-learned how to make c-cocoa and, um...I thought...m-maybe you would like some? I p-put some m-milk and p-peppermint in it, too." She waits for Cynthia to say one way or the other whether Noire is even welcome, the mugs hot against her palms, but she dare not overstep.

( unprompted ; always accepting )

There's nothing like a snack after training. Usually she carries something with her, but not today. She's almost finished eating when she hears someone enter the room. She turns around and sees Noire - poor thing's practically shaking. It's just Cynthia; why is Noire always so scared? Maybe Cynthia's too loud for her. Yes, this makes sense to her.

"Hey, Noire!" Wait, is that too loud? Ugh, she's overthinking it! Noire is just... Noire. Cynthia can totally deal with shy, quiet people in a normal way.

"Oooh, hot cocoa! Heck yes, gimme." She takes one of the mugs from Noire's hands. "Come on, come sit. Cocoa's way more fun with other people." She gestures at the other side of the table, where no one else is sitting. She brings the mug to her nose and breathes in deeply.

"Oh, this smells so good. I wanna drink it so bad." She knows she'll burn herself if she tries. "Thanks, Noire. You're the best."

[armatization]

"Your face is heating up, is it something I said?" (Diamant @ Alear!)

( sugar, spice and bittersweet - accepting )

Alear had never fished before. They’re fairly certain of this; they might have forgotten plenty about their life, but just as they knew instinctively how to wield a sword, they know instinctively that they don’t know how to fish.

They’ve been learning with Diamant, though. Over the past little while, it’s become their thing. It’s time spent in comfortable silence sometimes, though other times, they’ll chat - it depends on how seriously they’re taking fishing on a particular day. Today, not particularly; they wonder if, in part, they both use this as an excuse to hang out. They’ve never asked.

Truthfully, Alear can’t even remember what they’re talking about. It stops mattering when Diamant laughs at something. But when he laughs, it’s a big laugh, the sort of laugh one could hear for miles. It’s not a graceful, melodic laugh, but there’s something in that unabated joy that strikes right in the centre of their heart.

Ah. Well, that’s new.

They look out to the water, deciding that looking at Diamant right now is a terrible idea. Surely he won’t notice: act natural. Of course, he does notice. Of course, he asks.

“No, not at all.” They smile at the water, playing it cool - as cool as they can. Can he see right through Alear? He absolutely can, they're sure of it. “It’s just warm today, wouldn’t you say?” They can’t tell him. They’ll never tell him.

[armatization]

@dragcncrest — Linhardt & Yuri ( starter call )

Linhardt has always found the library above ground lacking. There’s a wealth of knowledge, certainly, but he’s read enough of it. He knows the books are curated by the church. Really, isn’t the more forbidden knowledge far more interesting than the knowledge the church feeds him?

There is one place nearby where he can read those forbidden books. In fact, it’s a place right under most people’s noses.

Of course Linhardt found it; he was on a mission to investigate the Church’s secret. Abyss is one of those secrets, and it’s a secret he’s kept. Why would he tell anyone he knows about this place? Why would he revoke his own access to knowledge? He isn’t stupid, and he doesn’t see the need to reveal this place, anyhow.

He trundles in when no one is paying attention. He peruses the shelves; a lot of it is banned pornography. Those books become rather dull after a while. He touches his finger to the spine of each book, until he finds what he’s looking for - which is anything that doesn’t have a racy title. He picks up the book and flicks through the pages.

“No, I don’t think I’ve read this one,” he mutters to himself. He could read it in one night, and replace it before anyone notices.

Sadly, he doesn’t notice Yuri out of the corner of his eye: though, if he did, he wouldn’t have cared anyway.

[armatization]

"I wish we'd have more time." (Robin @ Chrom, before that final battle when she's dead set on sacrificing herself 8D)

for some meme idr lmao

After speaking to Naga, Chrom and Robin sat together in silence for a while. Chrom doesn’t know what to say. He knows what Robin wants to do. Chrom is being selfish. He doesn’t want her to sacrifice herself. He knows, were the positions reversed, that he would lay down his life for Ylisse. For his home. For everyone he loves.

He can’t ask Robin to do that. He can’t ask her to even take that chance. He knows she won’t listen, so he doesn’t say anything. He sits, elbows on his knees, hands loosely clasped together. He wants to beg her not to do this, he wants to ask her to leave it to him: after all, as the Exalt, is this not his job? Isn’t he supposed to perform the difficult tasks for the home and people he adores? Before he can, she speaks.

“And we will.” His hands tighten their grip. “I won’t let you do this. I won’t let you die, Robin. Too many people have died already; I won’t count you among the dead.” He doesn’t know how he’ll do it. Perhaps he can get Frederick to grab her when the time comes. He needs to be faster than her. Smarter. To outwit the tactician - heh, what a feat that would be.

“When this is over, we will have all the time in the world. I promise you.” This is a promise Chrom will keep, no matter what it takes.

[armatization]

"W-why are you looking at me like that?" (Marianne at Lorenz!)

( sugar, spice and bittersweet - accepting )

Lorenz had invited Marianne for tea; it’s become a little habit of his. It’s a quiet respite from the world around them. When it’s just her, he can pretend the world isn’t on fire, and he can pretend that tomorrow, he won’t have to take up arms in another battle. Their tea time is sacred to him. He wonders if she feels the same; he wonders if that’s why she says yes.

The sun is beginning to wane. As it lowers, it casts the grounds in a golden glow. Everything looks just a little different in this light, and Lorenz is rather fond of it.

What he’s even more fond of is how the light catches Marianne. The way she holds her cup and brings it to her lips is already so serene, but the light makes the gesture seem so much softer. It adds colour to her cheeks - though she might only have colour because he’s staring at her. Her hair shimmers in the light, like precious metal. He finds himself wishing to reach over and undo her braid, and to let her hair tumble free. Is freedom not what Marianne deserves?

It’s only when she speaks that he realises, yes, perhaps he is being rather intense. He chuckles.

“My dear Marianne, you don’t understand how captivating you are,” he says with a shake of his head. “Especially in this light. You are magnificent.” He says this so easily because it’s true. He isn’t trying to flirt, and he would never lie - especially not to Marianne. “I’m afraid I cannot take my eyes away from you. If this is a problem, I suppose I could try to look away, but no other sight could quite compare.”

[armatization]

"i missed you so much..." (Marianne to Hilda T_T)

( sugar, spice and bittersweet - accepting )

It has been five years since the war began. Five years since they’d all made that promise to return to Garreg Mach.

Of course, Hilda came. She didn’t know if anyone else would, but she was feeling sentimental. She didn’t expect everyone to be here. Claude is here, Lorenz managed to make it - heck, even Byleth is back. But none of that matters when she spots a vision in blue.

“Marianne!” Hilda doesn’t walk - she runs. She runs until her body collides with Marianne’s, and it doesn’t matter because she’s picking her up anyway and spinning her around. Marianne is so light - or maybe Hilda has gotten stronger. Hilda holds her tight, like she’ll disappear from existence if she doesn’t. She spins them until she’s dizzy, and then she has to put Marianne down.

I missed you so much. Hilda smiles softly at her, before putting a hand to Marianne’s cheek. She’s here - she’s really here. She’s warm, and alive, and she no longer looks so gloomy. She almost doesn’t look like the same girl Hilda had known at Garreg Mach. She’s blossomed into a beautiful woman.

And Hilda wants to kiss her until her lips hurt.“I missed you too,” she says. “It’s been forever. Look at you, you look so grown up.” She strokes Marianne’s cheek with her thumb. She can’t believe it had been five whole years. Hilda will need to make sure that never happens again.

[soulcluster]

“ truth is that i’m so damn in love with you that i don’t know what to do with myself. “ (Felix to Eirika 😌)

Felix was so focused, so serious, and Eirika found it so terribly endearing. The words tumbled from him in apparent frustration, as if his love for her should be a problem he could solve.

Smiling, Eirika placed her hand upon his cheek and turned him to face her. "Lucky for you, all you need to do is kiss me." Then, not giving him the chance to do it first, she pulled him toward her and kissed him.

Felix was also lucky in that Eirika was so in love with him that she didn't know what to do with herself, but this always seemed a good idea.

[soulcluster]

Cloud thought about her words for a moment and compared it to himself. Much like her, he found it hard to describe. "Kind of," he admitted. "Sometimes, I don't know who I am. I've forgotten things I should know and I can't explain it, except that it feels like there's different people inside of me. I don't...feel like I'm myself."

And that was hard to admit, but he didn't know who else to admit it to. Still, he looked away. "That probably doesn't make much sense." How could he be anyone but himself?

@dragcncrest !!

There's so much his question could mean, so many interpretations to take from it, but somehow...she understands what he means. Or, at least, she thinks she does. It had been a lingering feeling in the back of her mind for her whole life, that she was different somehow. That she isn't, and has never been, quite herself entirely. She doesn't know how to put it into words, so she simply nods.

"Yeah. Like there's something in your mind or...your bones, maybe? It's not that I'm not myself, but that I'm...sharing myself somehow." She lets out a soft sigh, almost a huff of frustration, and shakes her head. "I don't know if that makes sense."

[armatization]

He's surprised Yuri doesn't back down. Claude realises now that he shouldn't be surprised; he walked right into Yuri's trap. He can't imagine what kind of ploy this is. He doesn't know what Yuri wants, what he truly wants. Maybe all he wants is a kiss. Maybe all he wants is one night together. Maybe he wants everything.

Claude feels like he's playing with a losing hand. That's never stopped him from playing before, however. And right now, he wants to play.

How far will they go, he wonders. How far can Claude push? How far does he want to push? Yuri certainly doesn't seem to hesitate. Claude's overthinking will be the death of him.

He's glad the library is deserted at the moment; he'd rather not explain what he wants to do to Yuri. His arms move to snake around Yuri's body, until he has a good enough grip on him to flip their positions. Now, Yuri is pressed against the table. He pulls away from the kiss, just for a moment, to whisper.

"There, isn't this much better?" Now he's really expecting Yuri to squirm away.

They're so close now, and there's no choice but to make a bold move: Leave or give in. Shut him down, or give in to the game they've been playing with each other for ages now. Yuri knows what he'd prefer, but he isn't in the habit for forcing people to do something they aren't comfortable with - well, except the people he's killed, they were likely not comfortable with their lives ending prematurely. So he waits, eyes half lidded while he watches the gears turn in Claude's head.

And yes, he had hoped for this, even if he would have played it off as nothing had Claude pushed him away. He doesn't, though, he grabs Yuri's hips and finally lets their lips touch, and it's enough to know that Claude gave in first. It's a small win, barely a win, but Yuri takes his wins where he can, especially when the other player is something as clever as Claude.

He's almost sly in how he kisses him, a fluid motion from the brush of lips to the parting of them, years of training in this department helping him know how to make smooth work of something as simple as a kiss.

But maybe it isn't quite so simple. Yuri's had enough intimate partners to know when it's meaningless and when it isn't - it always is, it's always about power and control and getting what you want - but there's something he rather enjoys about the slide of Claude's lips against his own, and not just because it physically feels good.

He can't think about that, though, decided he'll never think about it, and instead presses in close, their bodies flush, waiting to see how this plays out.