#listen ok this is edelgard's song on AM

[thirteendaysintaunton]

On this lonely barricade at dawn...

[starredfishing]

Three Houses Quest: You must now assign every Major Character of Three Houses (meaning Byleth, the students, and anyone they can recruit/s-support), a song from the Oh Hellos discography. Some characters are allowed to share songs if it fits more than one. But every character must have a song.

Reward: You get to listen to good music and think about these characters again.

And a cookie.

hi anon! why would you do this to me . /lh LSDKJFSDJFFJ

ok so i have to put this under a read more bc good lord the oh hellos have a lot of songs. ok. ahem. i present to you:

THE FUCKING ENTIRETY OF THE OH HELLOS DISCOGRAPHY ATTACHED TO THE CAST OF FIRE EMBLEM: THREE HOUSES (2019)

BLACK EAGLES

Edelgard - Caesar

“Rise up to meet it, o sleeper, awake. Gather the soldiers, the heir to enfold. Crown him and give him a scepter to hold.”

Hubert - The Valley

“We were born in the shadow of the crimes of our fathers. Blood was our inheritance. No, we did not ask for this. Will you lead me?”

Ferdinand - Grow

“You’ve got a lot to learn, if you’d settle down. Let be what is, let be what isn’t. It’s a natural world in which we’re living, and if you let it alone, it will surely grow. Just leave it alone, child, and let it go.”

Caspar - Soap

“I’ve heard if I were tougher, then maybe I’d make it alive. I got a tender side, I’ll need a harder shell to survive.”

Linhardt - Rounds

“If my chest don’t cave in, when did I last breathe in? Am I empty again? Oh, that wind that I’ve been spending is a long one, my friend.”

Dorothea - Rose

“Wars are raising for her, crusades to adore her [...] Your rose is without a thorn, but no, my mouth don’t taste of metal from the pot here to the kettle. I think we got a lot we gotta learn [...] Call her briar long enough, and you’ll tangle up the true and the fable.”

Petra - Constellations

“All that’s left for me to climb to the heavens is the chasm of the night and a matter of time, but I hear the rumble as the tectonic plates start to shake and I feel my blood pounding like the beat of a drum.”

Bernadetta - Trees

“Safe inside the walls we built, we found ourselves a home. Higher branches, harder fall. Hesitation stops us all.”

BLUE LIONS

Dimitri - I Have Made Mistakes

“The sun, it does not cause us to grow, it is the rain that will strengthen your soul. It will make you whole. [...] I am afraid of all that I’ve built fading away.”

Dedue - Thus Always To Tyrants

“Let me die, let me drown, lay my bones in the ground, I will still come around when the time for sleep is through. [...] Where I go, will you still follow? Will you leave your shaded hollow? Will you greet the daylight looming, learn to love without consuming?” 

Felix - Notos

“And every word you shouldn’t say will come bubbling out of your throat. And you will drown in the wake of the things you lost to the winds of Notos. You gotta let go.”

Sylvain - Second Child, Restless Child

“I was born a second child with a spirit running wild, running free. And they saw trouble in my eyes, they were quick to recognize the devil in me.”

Ingrid - Passerine

“You were the song that I'd always sing, you were the light that the fire would bring but I can't shake this feeling that I was only pushing the spear into your side again.”

Ashe - New River

“And your stomach goes hollow at the thought that it could swallow you whole [...] But the river takes her shape from every tempest she abides, and like her, you’ll be made new again.”

Mercedes - Pale White Horse

“Down they fell like the children of Eden, down they fell like the tower as the land relinquished her ghost. [...] Neither plague nor famine tempered my courage, nor did raids make me cower.”

Annette - The Truth is a Cave

“I was bound and determined to be the child that you wanted. And I was blind to every sign that you left for me to find, and the truth became a tool that I held in my hand. And I wielded it but did not understand”

GOLDEN DEER

Claude -  Lapis Lazuli

“What can I say? ‘Cause the more I recite it, the more you wanna fight it, the more my language is sounding fabricated. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s either the growing is slow, or it cuts to the bone moving too quickly.”

Hilda - HILDA DOES NOT GET ONE BECAUSE SHE ISN'T SAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT A THE OH HELLOS SONG.

Lorenz - I Was Wrong

“I was torn between my god and my Father. [...] I was born at the dawn of our folly, and I was young and stubborn to the bone. [...] I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong.”

Marianne - Dear Wormwood

“I know who I am now, I know who I want to be. I want to be more than this devil inside of me.”

Ignatz  - Zephyrus

“You and I, we are matter, and it matters. I want to spin something out of nothing. Lead to gold, spring from winter.”

Raphael - Theseus

“Oh, that peace like a river, always going, but never getting. Seems like maybe it's not all that much a place as it is a way. And ways don't ever seem to want to stay too still for too long. Isn't that what it's all about?”

Leonie - Eurus 

“You can’t take any gold or rings further than the grave. Nothing we make can we bring, but the bait hanging from the string is calling my name, and like the wind it slips again out of my fingers.”

Lysithea - Glowing

“'Cause when Atlas shrugs, whose back is breaking? And I know how it feels to thе hands heavy as the heavens, a weight that could fold you to keep holding.”

CHURCH OF SEIROS

Rhea - Lay Me Down

“Take me home, I want to go down the road that will take me to the living oak. Lord, I know that I’m weathered stone, but I owe it to my brothers to carry them home.”

Seteth - O Sleeper

“I see the trail of shoulders I’ve climbed over, but by god, I’ll bloody up my hands with everything I am to cut away the mountains I’ve made and fill the dales below.”

Flayn - There Beneath

“There beneath the willow tree, I learned a lot about the way of things. [...] I know, I know this, there is beauty in the way of things.”

Alois - Soldier, Poet, King

“There will come a soldier who carries a mighty sword, he will tear your city down, O Lei, O Lai, O Lord.”

Catherine - Soldier, Poet, King 

Shamir - Cold

“When the feeling leaves you, it moves so slow like the loose change from your front pocket; you don’t even feel it go. When the bitter creeps in to bite you whole, a specter unreflected, oh it keeps you cold.”

Cyril - Boreas

“Yeah, I swing from believing that maybe my working will all pay off to considering drinking with Molotov. I'm halfway out the door. Maybe then my breath could embody a wildfire starting.”

Jeritza - Torches

“I got a venom like a snake running out of my mouth, it’s got you burning at the stake. Innocent or not, you’re not a bet I care to take.”

ASHEN WOLVES

Yuri - Eat You Alive

“But there’s nothing but pain on the edge of a knife, there is no courage in flirting with fear to prove you’re alive.”

Balthus - The Lament of Eustace Scrubb

“Brother, forgive me, we both know I’m the one to blame [...] Father, have mercy, ,I know that I have gone astray [...] But I’ll come around someday. When I touch the water, they tell me I could be set free.”

Hapi - Cold Is the Night

“Take this burden away from me, and bury it before it buries me.”

Constance - Hieroglyphs

“'Cause you've been too busy thinking ahead of where we're all going after we're dead to maybe consider our bodies are worth more than the dust that we can return to the ground again”

OTHER/EXTRA

Byleth - Hello My Old Heart 

“Hello, my old heart, how have you been? Are you still there inside my chest? I’ve been so worried, you’ve been so still– barely beating at all.”

Sothis - Where Is Your Rider?

“See, your face wasn’t quite as I remember, but I know that wicked shape to your smile. Bury me as it pleases you, lover. At sea or deep within the catacomb, but these bones never rested while living.”

Jeralt - This Will End

“No, I am not afraid to die. It’s every breath that comes before. [...] I will wait for this to end: the back and forth, the battery. For you, at last, to comprehend the kind of love of which I speak.”

Gilbert - Wishing Well 

“All the love you gave to me, it wasn’t enough to keep me. [...] Bent my knee to many kings, idols of prosperity. Heard that dollar calling me, so I sought it in the city.”

Rodrigue - Like the Dawn

“You were the brightest shade of sun I had ever seen. Your skin was gilded with the gold of the richest kings. And like the dawn you woke the world inside of me [...] And you will surely be the death of me, but how could I have known?”

[grandsonoflightike]

Grey Three Houses/Hopes P12: Unrest In Shadow Enbarr

Background song Announcement:  The Eternal Throne From Darksiders 2

*Outside of The Shadow Imperial Camp Outside Shadow Enbarr…*

Shadow Shez: OK, I get that this little chat needs to be a secret, but if we get any deeper into the woods, someone's gonna be looking for our corpses.

Shadow Hubert: One can never be too safe. We do not know where our enemy lurks these days.

Shadow Shez: Light Lysithea's here too? What's she got to do with this?

Shadow Hubert: Light Lysithea has had contact in the past with those who shadow slither in the dark. I asked her to come along so she might be privy to all of the information.

Light Lysithea: I'm just listening. Pretend I'm not even here. And besides, they're my enemy too.

Shadow Shez: Right.

Shadow Hubert: Now as you know, our enemy has gone into hiding. But considering what they are capable of, we cannot relax our guard, particularly at the capital. The streets of Shadow Enbarr practically teemed with them at one time. So we cannot rule out the possibility they will attempt some mischief when Her Shadow Majesty and the rest of us return.

Light Lysithea: That's true. They're devious...both everywhere and nowhere at once. We have to be careful.

Shadow Shez: They're a real headache, all right. So, how can I help?

Shadow Hubert: I called you here because I have a request— and a warning. I believe that if those who shadow slither in the dark do try something, they will attempt to approach you.

Shadow Shez: Me?

Shadow Hubert: Yes. You.

Light Lysithea: Your powers may come from the same place as theirs, right?

Shadow Hubert: It stands to reason they might try to recruit you.

Shadow Shez: Sure, but they'd be wasting their time. There's no way I'm gonna help those monsters.

Shadow Hubert: And what if they appear as your long-lost brother? Same hair, same eyes, a voice full of kindness.

Light Lysithea: Or what if one of them calls out, "I've finally found you, my child!"

Shadow Hubert: Maybe they are your family. Maybe they are not. Could you really drive a sword through their heart with that knowledge yet uncertain?

Shadow Shez: ...

Shadow Hubert: Forgive me. That was cruel. I am merely voicing one possibility among many. Still, now you will know to expect it. It behooves you to remember how harsh reality can actually be.

*Inside The Shadow Imperial Camp Outside Shadow Enbarr, Shadow Shez talks to Shadow Edelgard.*

Shadow Edelgard: Though the war has calmed for a time, that does not mean we no longer have things to do. We must reorganize our army, as well as change our relations with the other regions. I will need to lean on your strength more than ever in such times.

Shadow Shez: Leave it to me, boss! So long as it's business fit for a merc, I'll get it done.

Shadow Edelgard: You're capable of handling a great number of things, not merely mercenary matters.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Hubert and Shadow Ferdinand.*

Shadow Ferdinand: I have my regrets about this campaign, but at the same time believe I have done all that I could. I have seen a path which will lead to the Shadow Empire ruling Grey Fódlan and opening the way to a better future.

Shadow Hubert: Do you think so? We were forced into a stalemate with the Light Alliance, the fight with the Light Kingdom is at a standstill, and the Grey Central Church is alive and well. Many challenges still lie ahead on our path to victory.

Shadow Shez: I think Shadow Hubert's right. When I think of all we have left to do, it's hard to feel terribly optimistic.

Shadow Ferdinand: I respectfully disagree. We know the problems that lie before us now. We simply have to conquer them.

Shadow Hubert: Spoken like a true optimist—though I suppose I should expect nothing else from you.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Linhardt.*

Shadow Linhardt: I'm surprised Shadow Edelgard would choose to return. I thought her the type to continue a fight at any cost, but I'm quite glad to be proven wrong.

Shadow Shez: She never struck me as being the stubborn sort—at least not past the point of reason.

Shadow Linhardt: In that case, it seems your assessment was correct. Regardless, I'm just glad to be away from the fighting.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Caspar.*

Shadow Caspar: Aw, yeah! A triumphant return! Or, uh...maybe it's not quite triumphant enough for me to say that? Anyway, we're head back, but my Shadow father has entered Light Arianrhod and is keeping an eye on the Light Kingdom army. Apparently Duke Shadow Gerth, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was sent to Light Myrddin in his place. He fights pretty well, right? Like, well enough that maybe he'll be able to hold it?

*Shadow Shez Then Talks With Shadow Bernadetta.*

Shadow Bernadetta: *Humming* Ahhh, it's so exciting to be heading back to the capital after so long! And since my father's at Grey Garreg Mach and I don't have to see him, maybe I can actually relax.

Shadow Shez: You know, I've heard plenty of things about your old man, but not a word about your mom.

Shadow Bernadetta: Really? Well, my mother is a civil official who still works in the Imperial capital. She has a ton of useful skills, and people say she's an intelligent, accomplished lady. Not like me at all.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Dorothea.*

Shadow Dorothea: It's been quite a while since I've felt this kind of atmosphere. Is this what soldiers mean when they speak of the calm after the battle? We had some sad farewells, anda lot of pain... But I suppose we should try to be happy that we're alive and able to return safely home.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks To Shadow Petra.*

Shadow Petra: We are returning to the capital soon, yes? Am I having time to go back to Brigid? It would give me happiness to visit home after a time of such longness.

Shadow Shez: Shadow Brigid's your homeland, right? Place beyond the sea? Guess you'd have to sail out there.

Shadow Petra: Yes, I would be riding with a trade ship, as I am lacking a vessel of my own. Although someday I am hoping to travel back and forth as I please.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks To Shadow Monica.*

Shadow Monica: Hearing Her Shadow Majesty say what she did only makes me feel all the more inadequate. But I will never, ever let such a thing happen again. You agree with me on that, yes?

Shadow Shez: Yeah, can't say as I do. 'Course I'm just a hired sword, so we don't exactly have the same lord-vassal kinda relationship that you do. But if you mean inadequate in the sense of not being able to finish my job, then I'm with you all the way.

Shadow Monica: I suspected you might say something like that. Someday I'll make you wise to Her Majesty's charms!

*Then Shadow Shez talks to Light Ashe.*

Shadow Ashe: I'm glad Lonato made it out safely, but... But it looks like we killed Light Ingrid. I can't ever go back, can I? There's no place left for me in Light Faerghus. Whatever part of me that was a knight is dead.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Light Mercedes.*

Light Mercedes: Is it really all right that I came to Enbarr? I am certainly glad to be alongside him, but... No, it's nothing. I chose to walk away from everyone, and now I have no other options.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Lorenz.*

Light Lorenz: The Imperial capital of Shadow Enbarr has existed since before the establishment of the Shadow Adrestian Empire. It is where Saint Grey Seiros first appeared to the world. You've been there before, yes? Were you able to appreciate the city's rich and storied history in all its glory?

Shadow Shez: I've been there, but hearing you talking about the sighs has me excited. Maybe you'd even be willing to give me a little tour?

Light Lorenz: Actually, this will be my first time there—although I have been to the royal capital.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Raphael.*

Light Raphael: All this talk about rethinking our strategy seems like it's more for the big brains at the top. In the meantime, I've got some time off! But what am I supposed to do in the Shadow capital? You got any ideas?

Shadow Shez: Do what you always do—lift something heavy and then chow down on a nice hunk of beef.

Light Raphael: Sounds like a good idea to me! Wonder what kinda grub I can dig up in Shadow Enbarr... Oh man, I'm looking forward to it now!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Ignatz and Light Marianne.*

Light Ignatz: There are lots of historic buildings still standing in Enbarr! And with the battle on hold, I'm hoping to take a nice stroll around to all the different sights. Um, would you two want to walk in the shadow city with me?

Light Marianne: Together?

Shadow Shez: I'll only go if she does.

Light Ignatz: Oh, I'm...not quite sure how to take that, actually. What do you say, Light Marianne?

Light Marianne: I, um... I will think about it.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Light Lysithea.*

Light Lysithea: So long as your face remains unbothered, I trust that nothing of note has come to pass. However, common sense simply does not apply to those people, and we cannot ever know how or when they might make an appearance. Please don't let your guard down, even in Shadow Enbarr. Also, this may be overly cautious of me, but be wary of Shadow Hubert. I don't think the man entirely trusts you.

Shadow Shez: I got to agree There.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Balthus.*

Grey Balthus: Speaking of Enbarr, that reminds me... I haven't been there since I infiltrated the black market to get Shadow Vajra-Mushti back after it was stolen from my Grey mother's hometown.

Shadow Shez: The shadow black market... Wait, I heard about that! So that big guy picking fights was you all along?

Grey Balthus: Actually, uh...nope! Must've been someone else.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Constance.*

Shadow Constance: Returning to the Shadow capital means returning to the Shadow Imperial palace, yes? I wonder if there is truly a place for me there. It will surely mean suffering at the hands of the shadow daughters of shadow nobles my grey family once mingled with. Well, since the shadow nobility seems to hold little love for you, perhaps you will act as my shadow shield?

*Shadow Shez Agrees.*

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Hapi.*

Grey Hapi: This'll be my first time in Shadow Enbarr. It's the biggest city in Grey Fidlan, yeah? Whenever there are too many people around, I tend to freeze up. Might not be a good idea to head to the busiest city around. I mean, if I let a sigh slip there...

Shadow Shez: Yeah...sure. Still, if you need a hand with something, just let me know.

Grey Hapi: What a pal.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Manuela.*

Shadow Manuela: The Shadow Mittelfrank Opera Company has been tasked with providing performances as a way to thank the Shadow Imperial army for its services. As a formerly-featured shadow songstress, perhaps I could do more to show my own appreciation for all of your efforts...

Shadow Shez: Now you're talking! But what do you mean by that, exactly?

Shadow Manuela: Come by the infirmary later, and I'll sing you a song that soothes both spirits and nerves.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks to Shadow Jeritza and Shadow Scileth.*

Shadow Jeritza: Returning now? How tedious. Had we kept fighting, I may have enjoyed myself.

Shadow Scileth: I was starting to enjoy myself too.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, not much good in complaining at this point. We're heading back regardless.

Shadow Jeritza: Hmph. Indeed.

Shadow Scileth: Still I wished we could have settled things with Light Timmy at the very least.  Just what is he up to?

Shadow Shez: What does that mean?

Shadow Scileth: Oh nothing.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Randolph and Shadow Fleche.*

Shadow Randolph: Shadow Fleche and I have been allowed to return to the Shadow Imperial capital and see our family for the first time in some while.

Shadow Fleche: Plus, we succeeded in protecting Light Arianrhod, so we can go back with our heads held high.

Shadow Randolph: Exactly so. You've helped me so many times, Shadow Shez, and I thank you for it.

Shadow Fleche: Yeah, you were amazing! I hope we can work together again someday. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

*Then Shadow Shez Talks to Count Shadow Hevring.*

Count Shadow Hevring: Though it's rather lacking in reliability, I've heard whispers that an attempt on Her Shadow Majesty's life is currently in the works. Just in case, I brought along soldiers to met her, though I admit my worry may be unfounded.

Shadow Shez: Hey, better safe than sorry—especially when we're not even inside the city yet. After all, the best time to attack is just before the enemy thinks they're home free. That's when their guard is always at its lowest.

Count Shadow Hevring: Wise words! I'm actually rather shocked.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks To Grey Gatekeeper.*

Grey Gatekeeper: Greetings, Commander! Nothing to report! Although since we're headed back to Shadow Enbarr for the first time in a bit, I'd sure like to see my family. I mean, think about it. So long as we're caught up in all this fighting, there's no telling when one of us might leave home for the last time.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Anna.*

Grey Anna: Enbarr's been around a lot longer than Garreg Mach. Of course, the Shadow Imperial palace and sprawling city didn't exist in the old days. But now the town houses one of the largest markets in Shadow Fodlan. Every merchant dreams of making it big there!

*Then Shadow Shez Talks To Shadow Arval.*

Shadow Arval: I suppose one's hometown will always hold a significant place in their heart. There's a wide range of emotions coursing through you right now, from an unbridled sense of freedom to a feeling of relief. But I cannot quite wrap my head around why, as I have no hometown myself. At least, not as far as I remember.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks to Shadow Imperial Soldier near the Central Plaza.*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: The war has started, yet the air in the Shadow capital remains rather cheery, no? I suppose they can't even imagine the possibility of losing. And while I want to think that way myself, one never knows what fate has in store. Why, what would happen if instead the Shadow Empire itself were suddenly invaded?

*Then Shadow Shez Talks to Shadow Imperial Soldier at the Training Grounds.*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: There are so many leaders our age in Her Majesty's personal army! It's great! And I'm gonna prove myself to be the best!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Imperial Warlock in front of the Command Center.*

Shadow Imperial Warlock: I have come from Shadow Enbarr to welcome you and give congratulations for the many battles you have weathered thus far. I must say, you have proven to be a grand success. Her Shadow Majesty certainly does have a keen eye for talent. True, there have been a few stalemates, but there can be no doubt that the Shadow Empire will emerge the ultimate victor in this war!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Imperial Archer behind the Command Center.*

Shadow Imperial Archer: Shadow Randolph is the son of the previous Count Shadow Bergliez's second wife, and one who caused much familial strife. I wonder what Shadow Caspar and the others think of a man like that being welcomed as a leader. But taken to excess, I fear it will invite backlash. Though perhaps this conversation is lost on you, seeing as you are a beneficiary yourself.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks to Shadow Imperial General near the Chapel.*

Shadow Imperial General: I rather like the grey church in the capital. It is quite old, but possessed of a pleasant atmosphere. A thousand years ago, Saint Grey Seiros appeared in Shadow Enbarr and guided the founding of Shadow Adrestia. She also built Grey Garreg Mach, though in the end she left the Shadow Empire entirely. Given such history, I believe the Church of Grey Seiros ought to be protecting the people of Shadow Adrestia even now, and yet...

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to The Grey Mercenary near the Marketplace.*

Grey Mercenary: I can let my hair down for the first time in a while! Same for you, yeah? We could well end up dead in the next battle, so we'd better spend our coin while we can! Haha!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to a Light Kingdom General.*

Light Kingdom General: I am a member of the Light Kingdom's House Light Elidure. I spearheaded our support for the Shadow Empire, but... Well, during the subsequent discord, the Light Kingdom's army ended up marching south. And in the end, the regions north of Count Light Rowe's territory once more sided with the Light king. Sensing the clear danger to myself in such an arrangement, I fled to the Empire.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to The Shadow Scholar.*

Shadow Scholar: Are you familiar with the weapons associated with the saints, such as the Spear of Assal used by St. Cichol? And of course, there is also Saint Cethleann's Caduceus Staff. The Grey central Church controls the majority of these sacred items, but there are no small number whose whereabouts have been lost to time. Before the war, we searched for the weapons we had lost and came upon the axe now used by Her Majesty.

*At Shadow Imperial Palace Garden in Shadow Enbarr.*

Shadow Monica: I'm glad we have returned to Shadow Enbarr. It's far warmer than the Light Kingdom, for one. How are you doing, Your Shadow Majesty? I hope you've been getting some rest, at least. It seems you never stop working unless someone physically pulls you away from it.

Shadow Edelgard: I've been getting more rest than Shadow Hubert, at least. We're here in the gardens chatting, are we not?

Shadow Monica: Fair enough. And so I'm clear, even a sliver of your time is a blessing beyond all measure. Though I suggest you find a better point of comparison than Shadow Hubert for how hard you work.

Shadow Shez: This is the part where you nobles all crowd around a table slurping on tea, right? Seems like a good enough way to unwind a bit.

Shadow Monica: Tea? I wouldn't mind were it just myself and Her Shadow Majesty, but... Hm? What's happening in the throne room?

*Shadow Hubert rushes out to the courtyard to meet the others.*

Shadow Edelgard: Shadow Hubert, what's wrong?

Shadow Hubert: Intruders in the palace, Your Shadow Majesty! They entered through one of the secret passages, and are even now attempting to hunt you down. I sent soldiers to intercept them, but we should be prepared for anything.

Shadow Edelgard: Do you think it's those who shadow slither in the dark?

Shadow Hubert: I know not—but they could not have breached that passage without assistance from the inside. Though there are only a few who know of that passage and would be capable of acting as a guide. Your Shadow Majesty, might you kindly step this way?

Shadow Monica: *looks at Shadow Shez* Shadow Hubert, do you really think he would do that?

*Someone looks down upon Shadow Shez, Shadow Edelgard, Shadow Hubert, and Shadow Monica from a roof in the courtyard. Sensing an imminent attack, Shadow Shez spots the would-be assassin and rushes toward Edelgard, deflecting an arrow aimed at her head. Shadow Hubert charges a ball of dark energy and aims it at the roof toward Grey Shamir, who dodges after firing another arrow at Shadow Edelgard. As Shadow Shez deflects the second shot, Shadow Monica rushes forward with a fire spell at the ready. The attack just misses Grey Shamir, who tosses a throwing knife at Shadow Monica while she prepares another fireball.*

Shadow Monica: You're not getting away!

*Shadow Hubert stands behind Shadow Monica and prepares a more powerful dark magic spell.*

Shadow Hubert: This shall be your grave, intruder!

*Shadow Monica looks behind her as Shadow Hubert's attack misses her. Grey Shamir also disappears, having broken into the front gate.*

Shadow Monica: *to Shadow Hubert, angry* You simpleton! Were you trying to annihilate me as well? Thanks to you, the assassin made their escape!

Shadow Hubert: As though one of your paltry skill would've caught such elusive prey in the first place. What matters now is that we give pursuit. All trespassers must be felled without mercy.

*Shadow Hubert and Shadow Monica walk out of the courtyard in search of Grey Shamir while Shadow Edelgard stares at Shadow Shez. At the start of battle*

Shadow Edelgard: That was Grey Shamir, which means the attackers--

Shadow Monica: They must be the Knights of Grey Seiros' assassins! We must protect Her Shadow Majesty with everything we have!

Shadow Ferdinand: Stop the enemy incursion! Seal off those entry points before reinforcements arrive!

Shadow Hubert: Lady Shadow Edelgard, I must ask that you remain in the throne room where it will be easier to defend you and predict enemy movements. And as your protection will require my full attention, I will remain here at your side.

*After seizing one of the strongholds*

Shadow Petra: It was careless to be allowing assassins inside. We must exterminate them with much haste!

*After seizing two of the strongholds, Shamir appears in the Chapel.*

Count Shadow Hevring: Peace, good intruder! I assure you, I'm no fighter.

Grey Shamir: Says the wolf in sheep's clothes. But sure. Whatever. Where's the emperor?

*After seizing three of the strongholds*

Shadow Dorothea: Good. Just a little more and we'll retake this section of the shadow palace.

*After seizing all of the strongholds near the Throne Room*

Shadow Bernadetta: We were holed up nice and safe until they came barging in...

*When Shadow Linhardt approaches Count Hevring*

Count Shadow Hevring: Ah, Shadow Linhardt. It seems you're actually willing to work when the shadow emperor's life is on the line.

Shadow Linhardt: Could you imagine the headaches if she died? Not that you didn't already work every second of the day.

*When Shadow Byleth approaches Grey Shamir*

Grey Shamir: You're not my target, which means you're wasting my time.

*When Grey Shamir's HP reach <= 75%*

Grey Shamir: I can't waste another minute. *retreats*

Count Shadow Hevring: Slippery creature... Let's stay on guard.

Shadow Imperial Soldier: Over here! More intruders!

*The Knights of Seiros' main force appears.*

Shadow Hubert: The palace still teems with enemies. Crush them all!

Shadow Bernadetta: Is there even one room I can be alone?

*After seizing one of the main strongholds*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: The enemy is trying to seize the fire orbs!

Shadow Monica: If they succeed, they'll be able to target Her Shadow Majesty! We can't let that happen!

*When the Fire Orb Stations were defended successfully*

Shadow Monica: Whew... we secured the Fire Orbs!

*After seizing three of the main strongholds*

Shadow Caspar: These aren't assassins... They're an army!

*After seizing four of the main strongholds*

Grey Bishop: Everyone, to me! I will warp you to the shadow emperor's hiding place!

Shadow Linhardt: Well, that can't be good. He's going to use magic to send in attackers.

*After two of the generals attacking the Fire Orbs are defeated*

Grey Knight of Grey Seiros: I'll claim the emperor's head myself!

Shadow Hubert: That enemy poses a nasty threat. Dispatch her at once!

*If the Armorslayer-wielding Swordmaster reaches the Throne Room*

Shadow Edelgard: If you've come for me, I'll make you regret it!

Shadow Byleth: How dare you attack the Shadow Empress!

*When the Armorslayer-wielding Swordmaster is defeated*

Shadow Hubert: That was too close. We'd best stay on our guard, Your Shadow Majesty. Also Thanks Shadow Byleth.

Shadow Byleth: No Problem.  I am going after Grey Shamir.

*After seizing all of the strongholds*

Shadow Hubert: That takes care of all the rabble, which leaves us with the true problem at hand.

*Grey Shamir reappears in the southeast.*

Shadow Hubert: You will not escape our clutches this time.

Grey Shamir: They're really keeping the heat on. All right, time for another approach.

Shadow Edelgard: Enough of this! It seems clear the enemy won't come out of hiding until I do. *leaves the Throne Room*

Count Shadow Hevring: That may be true, Your Majesty, but is it wise to place yourself in such peril?

*After defeating the Fortress Knights*

Shadow Linhardt: I'm glad we took care of those reinforcements. The last thing I want is more work.

*When Shadow Byleth approaches Grey Shamir in the southeast gardens*

Grey Shamir: Caught one. Do it!

*Grey Shamir seals off the garden area and escapes again.*

Shadow Hubert: Hmph. It's a trap!

Grey Shamir: Heh. That should do for now.

*Grey Wyvern Riders attack the gardens.*

Shadow Hubert: The skies were meant to be secure. Now I am doubly certain we have a traitor in our midst.

*Grey Catherine appears at the center of the palace.*

Grey Catherine: It's brave of you to try and lure us out...but such courage will cost you your life!

Shadow Edelgard: Grey Thunder Catherine! It seems Grey Rhea is not playing around.

*When Shadow Shez And Shadow Monica approaches Grey Catherine*

Grey Catherine: No mercy to the Grey archbishop's enemies!

*If the "Rescue" strategy was prepared*

Count Shadow Hevring: *to Shadow Hubert* My lord, we stand ready to warp the shadow emperor back to the throne room upon your command.

*When the "Rescue" strategy is used*

Shadow Hubert: Do it.

Count Shadow Hevring: As you wish. Use the magic! *Shadow Edelgard is warped back to the throne room*

Shadow Edelgard: Nicely timed. Thank you, Minister Shadow Hevring!

*When Shadow Byleth escapes from the garden*

Shadow Hubert: They've broken through! You must hurry to Her Shadow Majesty's side!

*When Catherine's HP reach <= 75%*

Grey Shamir: You're taking a beating, Grey Catherine—but don't worry. I've got your back.

*If "Persuade Grey Shamir" was prepared*

Shadow Hubert: It is strange, Grey Shamir. I heard you quit the Knights of GreySeiros, yet here you are.

Grey Shamir: Well, someone's done their research. But yeah, I'm just another mercenary now.

Shadow Hubert: Then let me make you an offer. Come work for us, and we will spare Grey Catherine's life.

Grey Catherine: Don't listen to him, Grey Shamir!

Shadow Byleth: *Thinks* Now Show Her, Grey Sothis.

Grey Sothis: As You command, Shadow Byleth.

*A Light Shines down On Grey Shamir. Suddenly Grey Catherine is defeated by Grey Shamir.*

Grey Shamir: Run, Grey Catherine. I'm staying.

Grey Catherine: Don't make me drag you out of here, Grey Shamir!

Grey Shamir: Go before I kill you myself!

Grey Catherine: Damn it! *Retreats*

Shadow Hubert: Good. We have a contract.

Grey Shamir: Another thing guides me besides The Contract:  Defeating Grey Rhea AKA Liar Of The Grey Church.  She endangers her knights all because she wants to bring Back Her Mother as She is actually Grey Seiros and Now She is sided with Grey Nemesis, The Enemy of Grey Fodlan.

Shadow Hubert: Interesting. The threat has been quelled, but we allowed them far too much leeway. This situation calls for careful reflection.

Shadow Edelgard: Still, you saved my life, which means my path for the future remains intact. Thank you.

Shadow Ferdinand: Hubert, did you hear? My father has—

Shadow Hubert: Vanished, yes. We should have killed the dastard when we had the chance. What happened to your solemn vow to not let him stage a comeback? Pah! I told you this would happen. I think you knew he would try and scrabble his way out of his predicament. Such is the nature of a noble. Until you finally squash them, that is.

Shadow Ferdinand: I have no way to refute that point. All I can say is that I wished my shadow father to be tried fairly, as is his noble right. But now, it is clear that will never happen.

Shadow Hubert: I could excoriate you further, but we lack the time. We must get to the bottom of this and quickly. The Knights of Seiros descended on us with a fury I have rarely seen. In all that confusion, even a bear could have slipped away without raising an alarm.

Shadow Ferdinand: I would not go so far as to call them conspirators, but my father had many old friends in the palace. Some may have turned a blind eye. They should be found and questioned.

Shadow Hubert: I agree. That is one possibility. Though there is another... Yes, well, now that we have a fugitive on our hands, I intend to make full use of it. This situation affords us a chance to remedy another.

Shadow Ferdinand: If that is the beginning of a scheme, Shadow Hubert, you do a terribly poor job of veiling it.

Shadow Hubert: It is no concern of yours. Not yet, at any rate.

Shadow Ferdinand: Right. Lovely. Well, so long as whatever you are planning has Shadow Edelgard's blessing and will be of aid to the Shadow Empire, I will brook no complaint.

Shadow Hubert: All will be revealed in time. Heh.

Shadow Edelgard: I'm told the secret passage they used was sealed off centuries ago.

Shadow Hubert: Yes, the palace floor plans fail to even show it. I'm shocked the grey church knew of its existence.

Shadow Edelgard: In the age of Grey Seiros, the Shadow Empire and grey church were intimately related. It's safe to assume the Grey Central Church took pains to retain its information from the time.

Shadow Hubert: I shudder to think what other inconvenient secrets they might be privy to.

Shadow Edelgard: Yes, well, based on the scale of the attack, they must've seen this as their first and only chance.

*Shadow Shez enters the advisory room.*

Shadow Edelgard: Ah, there you are.

Shadow Shez: They said you wanted to talk?

Shadow Hubert: Er, yes. I believe I owe you an apology.

Shadow Shez: Oh yeah? What for?

Shadow Hubert: To be blunt, I thought you were with the enemy. I had you pegged for an informant planted among us by those who shadow slither in the dark. It was not an unreasonable assumption. You enter Her Suadow Majesty's life at the perfect time, allure her with your strength, and choose our house to study with? And oh, surprise! You have dark powers! It was all too much to dismiss as mere coincidence.

Shadow Edelgard: It was at Shadow Hubert's suggestion that I appointed you captain of our Shadow mercenary unit. He felt this would allow us to quietly assess your abilities and allegiances, and I agreed. I know I told you I did this because I believed in you and your strength, but the decision was somewhat more nuanced than that. I'm sorry.

Shadow Hubert: The moment I got wind of this attack, I immediately thought of you. "This is it," I thought. "The traitor has sprung the trap, and now the shadow emperor's life is in danger." But instead, you thwarted the assassination attempt and kept Her Shadow Majesty safe. I was wrong about you—deeply so—and for that I am ashamed beyond measure. Pray forgive me.

Shadow Shez: Don't worry about it. I would've done the same. Honestly, I thought it was weird how quick you both trusted me. Good to finally know the reason behind it all.

Shadow Edelgard: That does not excuse our actions. We had no right to deceive you as we did. But I swear we will make amends—you have but to let us know how.

Shadow Shez: You can start by trusting me. Or if that's not in the cards, have the decency to tell me you don't to my face. At least then I'll know where I stand.

Shadow Hubert: I doubt doing so would've changed anything, but I understand the sentiment. We will attempt to be better going forward.

Shadow Shez: "Be better"? Really?

Shadow Edelgard: Shadow Hubert, why not just promise to be more forthright?

Shadow Hubert: Because that might make me a liar. Let me speak plain—I no longer believe you to be working with the enemy. However, that does not necessarily mean the possibility is now nonexistent.

Shadow Shez: Well, I guess I did ask for honesty... But look, do you guys trust me or not?

Shadow Hubert: Of course we trust you.

Shadow Edelgard: Or I do, at least. So please, let us begin this relationship anew on solid ground.

Shadow Arval: ...

Light Male Robin: It is now 1182. The great war Shadow Edelgard instigated has swept across Grey Fodlan, and looks more grim with each passing day. The Shadow Empire struggles to hold Light Arianrhod to the west and the Grey Great Bridge to the east. The Light Kingdom cannot bring western lands to heel. Even the Light Alliance must face changing times. The Grey Central Church sends the Knight of Grey Seiros to the Imperial capital to assassinate the Grey emperor, but fails. Roughly half a year passes before the tides show any true signs of shifting.

[edelvonhresvelg]

I was listening to Edge of Dawn and had a few ideas about how it could exist in-universe. Consider: Byleth writes the lyrics for Edge of Dawn in non-CF routes after El is defeated (possibly also due to having dreams of a CF timeline.) Or El writes the lyrics during her academy days and Byleth finds them in all routes (and possibly tries to get El to sing for her in CF haha.)

oh my days. ok. this made me listen to the song again for the first time in a wee while (still hurts just as hard in the feels as I remember).

the idea of Byleth writing it is an interesting take I'd never thought of before! maybe because CF is my ‘default’, I've always imagined the lyrics being Edelgard’s. and, I am all for Byleth trying to persuade El into singing it for her -- I may definitely need to write that.

but in the meantime...I couldn't resist...

– – – – – – – – – –

It felt wrong, standing there outside Edelgard’s old room. Yet Byleth couldn’t stop herself from reaching out, gently pushing the door open, and stepping inside.

Five years... For Byleth, it felt like only a matter of days had passed since the battle of Garreg Mach; though equally it felt like an eternity since she’d last seen Edelgard roaming the monastery. The stark reality of her decision back in the Holy Tomb still hadn’t sunk in. She didn’t think it ever would.

Byleth looked around the room. The bed was neatly made, books all aligned upright or stacked, wilted flowers drooping from a vase. Gaze fell on the small table beside the bed, where Byleth had once seen the armoured stuffed bear she’d bought sitting; gifted long ago, now gone. Surely it was foolish to think Edelgard had taken it with her…

With a sigh, Byleth turned sharply on her heels, ready to leave — though as she did, her eyes caught sight of the desk, and she stopped. In contrast to the tidiness of the rest of the room, papers were sprawled messily across the surface.

Guilt tugged at her insides just at the thought…but she had to know. A couple of small steps took her to the desk, where she reached out and lifted a few of the papers. Between thick lines that had been hastily scrawled to cover what had originally been written beneath, Byleth read the elegant writing, brow creasing at first as she wondered what it was, lips moving along with the words as she spoke them in her head.

Soon enough, she saw her hand began to tremble, and dropped down on to the chair while reaching to grip the papers with her other hand.

“My dearest wish…” Byleth whispered aloud, her voice breaking.

The papers fell from her grasp in a renewed mess on the desk, as Byleth slouched forward, head resting in her hands.

The thought of Edelgard sitting there, in that same chair, writing those words… Byleth’s chest tightened, guilt and hurt and regret all flooding in at once.

“Edelgard…”

If only there was another chance — to reach for Edelgard’s hand with her own.

But that chance had already been missed. Byleth knew it.

[notcatherinemorland]

More Hamlet Thoughts because i leave everything to the 11th hour . production continues to be the 2018 globe w/ Michelle Terry

Hamlet and Ophelia’s uhhhhh fight 

Ham’s personality twists into cruel mockery of her at the line ‘Where’s your father’ and OHO the facial expressions

Ophelia kept trying to hold onto Hamlet’s hand and body and curl her fingers around hamlet’s hand and it was very heartbreaking . Hamlet was a ball of chaotic energy who scrabbled her hands off himself. rlly interesting to watch

this turned around with hamlet scrubbing over her face as he presents her to the audience’s 4th wall for the make up lines. and shoves her down to the floor at the end

the physical manipulation hamlet takes out on ophelia is a super interesting segue to the players scene

2 b / x 2 b

ham sat in the middle of the front of the stage and held the hand of an audience member who he talked he speech to. very intimate and closed and really interesting interpretation

im a nerd so i really like the juxtaposition of such a grand and philosophical speech being told on such an intimate and small scale

Hamlet’s still got his smudged clown makeup on

hamlet and horatio come across Very gay in the ‘something too much of this’ line. i vibe 

hamlet decimated his friendship with R&G and i LOVED how Horatio held him and then forced him away to give him just a touch more character. this Ht loved R&G as well and i appreciate the bit of character we all try to give horatio

Horatio’s Emotions over R&G’s impending death is a++ give this man some emotional range

OH the ‘if your mind dislike anything, obey it’ can we PLEASE listen to horatio the lone voice of reason within elsinor’s halls

that’s not me being gay, that’s a legit analysis of Hamlet in that everyone in Elsinor has a twisted sense of reality and morality and Horatio as an outsider is immune and must watch in horror

the argument is flawed with R&G but hey it’s not my theory.

THE TRUMPETS . there’s live trumpets 

the music they played to signal the half time of the play was wonderfully dissonant and i VIBE WITH THAT that is the ENERGY of Elsinor right there

honestly im annoying and i don’t particularly care for the play scene as an audience member. like academically the play within a play is rife with analysis but like. to just sit and watch it feels like such a halt in the energy

plus i really dislike it when they use gross physical comedy in the dumb-show because again. im annoying

anyway they only do the dumb-show (more tollerable than a lot) and they use drum beats and purcussion in place of lines, and have hamlet explain what’s going on with his lines. it’s certainly different and its a lot quicker than the text is

This Claudius is Prime Smarmy Politicians and is very indignant as he tries to pray and i REALLY LIKE HIM

The scene transitions are .. non existent in this play and i LIKE IT 

the lines follow on immediately between scenes as the other characters are leaving the stage 

i love how it supports the theme of acting this play has and how it breaks down the barrier for the audience of personal vs private 

thats not quite what i want to say uhhhhh. in other productions some of the scenes are really discreet from each other- like how pearl necklaces have stoppers between the pearls- and that’s especially evident in films, but here it’s the opposite and the scenes bleed into each other to create a really fast paced and chaotic energy and i REALLY LIKE IT

‘personal vs private’ is on god my favourite theme in hamlet and the way it works with the audience creating it here is GREAT

Closet scene... OH BOY

this hamlet is CRUEL oml 

the ghost enters after hamlet spends 3 minutes berating his mother and she’s crying on the floor by the audience and hamlet immediately stops and starts weeping 

‘oh save me’ sounds so small and childlike and it really showcases the love between them

not that kind of love, sigmund fucking freud. get your mind out the gutter

the disdain hamlet has for gertrude absolutely breaks my heart but that’s a me thing because i haven’t been able to see my mother in person for coming up on a month due to quarantine :(

added an extra hug before ham leaves .. v sweet

Claudius comes barreling in and picks up ham’s dropped sword. :eye emoji: doesn’t put it down until Hamlet’s brought in for questioning. but he’s still holding a book (english dictionary presumably?) and this act of holding a sword for 2 scenes WILL be reiterated time and time again in ever hamlet essay i write forever to whatever end i so desire because it’s easy to manipulate to my own purposes. bless this moment

There’s a seagull that keeps interrupting claudius at perhaps the funniest possible moments in his soliloquies and honestly WHERE is it’s Olivier

Ophelia’s madness isn’t as explicit as it is in other versions, but watching her tumble into emotions and lack of restraint is so, so heartbreaking.

this is one of the productions of hamlet that makes a really convincing case for ‘madness’ in elsinor being synonymous to speaking one’s mind and being truthful about one’s heightened emotions and like. i Love that interpretation

lets be real i love 99% of hamlet interpretations

the 1% is freud. fuck that guy

I’m Digging the parallel of Ophelia’s emotional outburts of grief (in madness) to Laertes incensed outburst of grief . ohoho

Laertes gets rosemary and pansies, Claudius gets fennel and columbines, Gertrude gets the rue, Audience member gets the daisy and the thought of violets

unfortunately i once wrote a shite poem about gertrude and weather she know of the poison in the cup at the end and unfortunately that’s all i can think about for the last 40 mins of the play hfdhgjgghjhgj

im annoying so i read along with the play and the duets Claudius and Laertes make of the meter and the word formatting on the page comes across really different on stage, which is super interesting. 

not to be really fucking dramatic but i read in the info packet of this play that the pillars on the stage are actually tree trunks carved and painted to look like marble and considering how many times i had to hear the words ‘appearance vs reality’ in my english class, i think im allowed to use the smirk emoji about how the setting of the globe is Integral to Hamlet as a play

i am itching to write an entire 4000 word tirade about the use of the physical body in hamlet because between the actual acting on stage, polonius, ‘one auspicious and one dropping eye’ and all whole host of references made to physical body parts i am going feral 

PLUS this one incorporates sign language 

i actually hate the word incorporates but needs must  

The Ophelia’s death speech is of course wonderful, but i can’t stop thinking about how John Everett Millais made his model (who’s name escapes me in a terrible irony because i got this information from an exhibition about the female pre-raphalites) sit in a cold bath for hours on end whilst he sketched and it made her very ill because the fire went out and she was sat nude in a bath of cold water for hours.

Gravedigger only has the songs and the hamlet interaction, and he wears a high vis jacket. he’s also played by the ghost’s actor, which whilst understandable in such a small cast, amuses me greatly

Hamlet’s got his hair tied back and in a military style jacket, and marches around with Horatio who’s in a hoodie and a black duffle coat (absolutely a student) and the same tight plait. Ham’s definitely meant to be sane now, he speaks very brusquely and all but marches around the stage

Not To Make An Edelgard Reference But edelgard’s cause in 3H was also cemented by a timeskip and a military outfit and a brusque personality hehehe 

Hamlet gets into the ‘grave’ to chat to Yorick which, again, i will use in every relevant essay i will write and manipulate this scene to whatever end i desire and on god i thank this production for this 

a level me would have gone feral

current me is also going feral

Grave Scene: a terrible one for your family to walk in and ask what the fuck you’re watching

Polonius’ actor plays the priest. yes, capsule wardrobe of a cast, i know but i’m an english student it’s my duty to wring every irrational inch of analysis out of this thing

i won’t trail on about unsubstaniated interpretations of Polonius’ parenting skills and fate in Hamlet but on god i will find an essay about it

i always enjoy it when someone leaps in the grave .. the melodrama... the meaning... the liminal spaces...

the DRAMA of seperating feral laertes and the really calm and imposing hamlet is excellent and a bit hilarious and the camera is going nuts

i’m very aware that everyone is now traipsing about over the grave in the middle of the stage and THAT’S a fun dynamic you don’t get from film or text

ok I’ve just noticed the video has the ‘top chat replay’ going and the very first line i saw is ‘what if hamlet had tiktok’ and i am CRYING 

Ophelia’s actor also plays Osric and is a) absolutely hilarious and b) again, capsule wardrobe of a cast will not stop me from analysing everything and anything this play may or may not offer me. 

im not saying hamlet is a play about inheritance and the burden of it, but also... isn’t it :eye emoji:

if bloody fire emblem fates can do it so can i, step off

Fencing scene: oh thank god it’s nearly over

The hearts on their fencing get ups parallel Hamlet’s clown outfit with a heart on the sleeve Very Nicely

Gertrude isn’t wearing her headpiece anymore .. ohoho dispelling the trappings and suits of dishonesty, if you will

The duel is a) bloody terrifying because sword fighting and b) judged by Osric (Ophelia) and the poetry of having ham & lae’s duel waged over and judged by Ophelia is absolutely excellent

Claudius’s aside (or to laertes? camera didn’t follow) had no right to be as humorous as it was jdfsghfkd

Gertrude figured out it was poison in this one. Nice

I like the call and response effect of ‘Treachery! Seek it out! / It is here Hamlet’ they made with Hamlet running around they stage to find little propped up Laertes

The dramatic eye contact of Hamlet and Claudius as he forces him to drink the poison.... OH HECK YES 

the way they sink to the floor in a pair, with hamlet crawling over his body to make sure he dies... oh LORD 

the swing hamlet does with his arm to the audience to cast them as ‘the unsatisfied’ was EXCELLENT and i would like that in every production of hamlet please 

the tussle of horatio and hamlet over the cup..... iconic.... and i enjoy the parallel of that to hamlet with claudius as they’re stood in the same corner 

The harsh projection of Hamlet’s voice and the blunt manner of his words about Fortinbras’ inheritance of denmark against the soft way Horatio rocks Hamlet back and forth ... i want to CRY

Horatio got to have emotional range in this production .. wonderful

i always enjoy the way the play tails off with politics in a room of dead bodies.. the layers the absolute onions

how none of the drama within the castle has any meaning to anyone outside of it is Excellent 

and then the way the prison and enclosure of elsinor is finally broken with military force in parallel to the tumultuous interpersonal relationships within it... i vibe yet more

they actually ended with ‘go bid the soldiers shoot’ which i enjoy a lot!!!! and the music is wonderful

then they all start doing this dance which i think is meant to be about the themes of the play and to be perfectly honest it’s a bit crunchy for me but the music absolutely slaps!!!

final thoughts:

that sure was a hamlet production and i thought it had a lot of heart and did some new things very very well!!!

and i loved the emphasis they put on the costuming!!!! 

overall: a solid hamlet. very nice. i greatly enjoyed it!!!! 

[three-houses-text-files]

dorothea/ferdinand

c-a support + paired endings

c

Ferdinand: Ah, Dorothea! The dining hall seems so much brighter with you here. Dorothea: Ferdie! I must say, you are quite adept with flattery. Please, give me some more. F: Flattery? No, I was not... There you go with that attitude again. F: Why do you reserve such cold treatment for me, and me alone? F: Do you hate me, Dorothea? Or have you some other reason to avoid my company? D: I underestimated you. I assumed your noble upbringing had dulled your perception. D: But you got it right on your first try. I hate you. F: Huh. I was right. F: Might I ask why you find me so despicable? I can scarcely guess. D: Don’t waste another minute thinking about it. F: That will not do. I do not think you would hate a person for no reason. D: Hm, perhaps. How's this? If you can guess why, I'll let you know if you're right. D: The brains of us commonfolk are so simple, it should be pretty easy for a big-shot noble to sort out. F: Very well. I cannot walk away from a challenge. I have no choice but to chance a guess. F: You are always making fun, calling me a "big shot" and so forth. Perhaps you think all nobles are... No, it could not be that simple. D: Oh? What can't be that simple? F: Please. Will you not give me a clue? D: Well, let me see. A good clue... I know! It's because you're like a bee. D: That oughta be enough of a clue. So long, Ferdie. F: A bee? I haven't the slightest... Perhaps because I am such a diligent worker?

——————————————————————————————

b

F: Ah, you have arrived at just the right time. Care for one of these handmade treats? D: My goodness, Ferdie. When did you become such a talented confectioner? F: Oh, Dorothea! I am hardly an expert. D: Nevertheless, you have managed to make some tasty-looking treats. F: Well, it is the first time I have tried my hand at it. Honestly, there were several unsuccessful attempts preceding this batch. F: I made these pastries to solve that riddle you gave me. The reason you despise me. D: Oh? F: You said I was like a bee. The bee is a dutiful worker, just as I am. F: But the bee inherits a capacious home, with a wealth of honey. Similarly, I inherited my fortune. I did not receive it as a reward for my labor. F: I surmised that perhaps you'd feel differently about me if I earned something all on my own. F: That was my plan. To emulate your transformation from desperate pauper to successful songstress. D: All on your own? Did you renounce your nobility? Give away your riches? F: No. I made these! F: I obtained all the ingredients on my own, without anyone's help. D: You mean...you got the sugar and the flour. F: Yes. To earn the flour, I worked in the fields. To earn the sugar, I carried a merchant's wares. D: Who did the cooking? You? F: Naturally! I took on some extra chores in exchange for use of the kitchen at night. D: I have to admit, that's impressive. Hey... It looks like you had a bit of an accident. Is your hand OK? F: I burned myself a little while I was baking. Nothing to worry about. D: Nonsense. That burn will scar, you know. Come on, let's get you to the infirmary. F: Wait! Dorothea! You have yet to try my treats... D: You should be fine now, Ferdie. Big-shot nobles have to treat their bodies with care just like the rest of us. F: There you go again. Noble this, noble that. Though you did say it with less disdain than usual. D: Nothing gets past you. As it were, I may have reconsidered you a little. F: You have reconsidered me? Finally! Just as I had hoped, we are becoming friends. Now then, I propose that we— D: I only said I reconsidered a little. And you still haven't figured out why I said you're like a bee. D: Which is funny, because you look like a bee right now. Bye! F: So, I am still a bee. A completely mystified bee…

——————————————————————————————

a

F: Ah, Dorothea. I am surprised to find you here. I did not think you were all that religious. D: There’s a lot you don't know, Ferdie. But you're right. I'd hardly call myself devout. D: After all, it was thanks to the goddess and her noble regime that I suffered so much as a child. F: You must be quite brave to speak so coarsely in this hallowed place. F: But what do you mean...about suffering as a child? D: Ugh… Do I really have to tell you? D: Oh, forget it. I'm sure you already know that I'm an orphan. D: I grew up in the alleys of Enbarr, begging for coins, eating scraps, drinking from drains. D: I see. I remember seeing street children around the city... D: I could've died. Then the right person overheard me singing... D: And suddenly I was in the opera. I was a songstress. And my goodness...did the nobles like me. D: The people who used to spit on me and call me an urchin? They praised my voice and my beauty. D: A nobleman who had once kicked me, gave me the most gorgeous shoes. I almost asked if it was a joke. F: So, that is why you despise the nobility. But why do you think I am the same as them? F: Do you really believe that is the kind of man I am? F: You think I would ever treat people differently based on appearances? There is nothing noble about that! D: Oh, really? You're something different? That's not how I remember things... D: It was the very day that I was discovered... I was in high spirits. Nothing was wrong in the world. D: I secretly bathed in one of the town's fountains, hoping to wash off some of the dirt from the streets. D: I sang the same song the opera composer overheard earlier that day. And that's when you appeared. F: Me?! No... It could not have been... D: Don’t play dumb. You glared at me, the same look I'd gotten from every other noble. Then you ran off. D: When we met at the academy, you were a different person. All smiles and friendly words. D: You were like a bee, Ferdinand. A bee attracted to a flower in full bloom. F: So, it was you then, singing that song... F: Dorothea, please listen. This is a misunderstanding. F: When I saw you... I could not take my eyes off you. I was hypnotized. F: Your beautiful voice, your elegant face...droplets of water on your skin that glittered in the sun. I thought you were a water nymph. D: Stop it. Don't lie to me. F: No, it is true. I was only a child. The vision overwhelmed me. That is why I ran. F: I plucked up the courage to return, but no one was there. I thought perhaps it was a dream... D: … D: Maybe I can believe you. I've wanted to ever since the day you made me those treats... D: I thought then that maybe you weren't like the others, but... There's a lot I have to let go of, Ferdie. F: Of course. I am glad we had this conversation. You know, I do not mind you thinking of me as a bee. F: Life as a simple drone, circling a queen... It actually sounds quite wonderful. D: Don’t drones keep the queen safe from other bugs? I like the sound of that.

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paired endings

After officially becoming the new Duke Aegir, Ferdinand set about reforming his territory. Thanks to the wisdom of his wife, Dorothea, Ferdinand's policies were of massive benefit to the commonfolk and brought about a swift recovery. In recognition of this achievement, he was called upon by Emperor Edelgard to introduce these reforms to the Empire at large as the new prime minister. Though the work kept him very busy, he always managed to find time for Dorothea. It is said that their children filled their loving household with beautiful music ever after. (black eagles route)

After officially becoming the new Duke Aegir, Ferdinand set about reforming his territory. Thanks to the wisdom of his wife, Dorothea, Ferdinand's policies were of massive benefit to the commonfolk and brought about a swift recovery. In recognition of this achievement, he was called upon to help govern to Fódlan at large. Though the work of reforming the entire nation kept him very busy, he always managed to find time for Dorothea. It is said that their children filled their loving household with beautiful music ever after. (other)

[strawberryybird]

Me sees the character songs post, immediately wants to know what character songs you have for the characters and why.

ok so. welcome to the rabbit hole that is my music taste and what is my no.1 most frequently done activity.. plastering emotions i have for fictional characters all over my music taste. I restricted myself to ¾ songs for each character & then to Edie, Hubert, Dorothea, Lysithea & Byleth because otherwise we’d be here all day (and those are the Primary Daydream Candidates rn)

under a rm because as im sure we’ve all seen.. i just don’t fucking stop.. also i got weirdly deep about some of these topics. i don’t know how to tag it. tread careful?

Here are some songs.. welcome to my (notoriously bad) music taste. alsoi go in Very heavy handed about it all. i make only a few apologies:

Edelgard:Everybody wants to rule the word - tears for fears. (ucan go with Lorde’s cover but i prefer the original bc im like that.) i meanit’s pretty heavy handed but it’s such an Edelgard song it !!!! fuels my ficwriting. if it’s not so very Edelgard’s relationship with twsitd then idk whatto tell you. plus it’s an iconic song

Medicine - daughter. (daughter is My Favourite Band. Ever. I cannot articulate how much ilove their (and ex:re’s) music!!) anway. this is a hegegard song & i don’ttake constructive criticism. I’ll reiterate this better in other descriptions,but please don’t take my inclusion of a song about such a topic as adevaluation of it in any way, that’s not my intention. The reason I go so feralfor Hegegard is because im no stranger to watching someone you care about hurt themselvesin a way you can’t stop, and that’s what the AM ending evokes in me. Hence: asong I love that one can read the same story in. And then the lyrics ‘You couldstill be / What you want to / What you said you were / When I met you” just !! parallelsEdge of Dawn’s lyrics about regret & overall I’m very feral about this.

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper - blue oystercult. this is PRIME Edelgard telling freshly-awokenbyleth she’s been waging war for 5 years. also !!!! “Seasonsdon’t fear the reaper / Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain, we can be likethey are” >>> “The Edge of Dawn (Seasons ofWarfare) (フレスベルグの少女～風花雪月～,lit. Girl of Hresvelg ~Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon~)” .. the link is tenuous but coincidence?? is it, fuck.

Seneca - Novo Amor. this is another one of those songs that could mean something different to everyone. very easy to project onto, is novo amor. I like the story of being prepared to run and break ties at any given moment, but ending up - emotionally or physically - in the same place one always was. apart from the glaring tie of how Edelgard returned to garreg mach, this song is a lot of me trying to repatriate Edelgard’s lack of emotional arc in the game by saying . well. this song. 

You can call me Al -  paul simon. am i projecting edeleth thoughts onto my favourite song? it’s morelikely than you think!!! but also i like the chorus and all the exasperating ‘call me el’jokes i can make.. i may be half writing a fic based on this song.

Dorothea:Agnes - glass animals. so i have significant emotions about edelthea at the best of times !! and this song !!! really bloody hits it home !! yes I knowit’s got a really heavy and real subject matter and I’m not trying to devalueit or minimise it.. but the story - about watching someone close to you hurtthemselves/get hurt, and doing so in ways you can’t stop them from - is adamn real one. And a Lot of why I love Dorothea’s character in the gamebecause she’s the one who can’t stop her friends from getting hurt – through exposureto warfare .. or  stopping Edelgard becomingthe monster at the end of the story. Even though she’s one of the healers onthe beagle’s team. And I feel that.

Ex’s and Oh’s – Elle King. So you know that one spn fanvid featuringthis song about all of dean winchester’s relationships? That, but for my flirting Queen Dorothea Arnault. (and I have the dumbest most fun little headcanon thatonce Dorothea and Sylvain derailed a lgbt+ society meeting whilst Edie wastrying to go over the budget by blasting this song and dancing on the table.The idea makes me laugh)

Hold My Girl – George Ezra. The whole thing about wanting just that onemoment to cherish the people you love for one moment more before you have goout face the world? If that’s not the timeskip’d Dorothea Arnault Aesthetic, Idon’t know what is.

(Call Me Out – sea girls. On a much lighter note, this song is fueling the later half of mydrafts of road trip au. And it’s literally because of that one verse. im gayshut up.)

Hubert:Red Right Hand – nick cave and the bad seeds. Is it on the nose? Is itheavy handed? Oh u fuckin bet but that won’t stop me!!! A) it’s a good song. ItIs. B) I like narrative songs. C) Any ‘red right hand’ symbolism in Anycharacter has me love them immediately and also plonk this song in the middleof any playlist about them. sure, the artic monkeys version might be a bit more on hubert’s brand.. but my mileage varies about it lmao

I had fortress by bear’s den earmarked for Hubie, as I think it’s easilyread about boundaries and a one sided intense relationship & that’s! Hubiebaybee! But I can’t possibly cover unhealthy relationships without shoving thealbum Hospice by The Antlers into every which way of it. It’s by no meansdirectly translatable to Edelgard and hubert’s relationship and it’s arguable ifI should even mention it in the same sentence as a bloody fictional character… that beingsaid, I’ve been having emotions about:Shiva – the antlers. This song specifically reads to me to be a really goodarticulation of my own thoughts about Hubert’s perspective of Edie getting experimentedon. heavy but damn. I like that. I just see a lot of what their teen years togethermust have been like in Shiva.

Time – Pink Floyd. Ok so.. it’s like Hubert in parallel bc I think thissong is a lot about searching for a purpose/reason or a quote unquote bloodyred path in life. And I may have been listening to it when I watched Hubert/DorotheaA support & now it’s just permanently associated with it bc it complementedit so well. And I like it. So . it stays. It’s very much a beagles song to meas well.

Lysithea:The Beautiful Dream – George Ezra. Ok so I read this Edelysithea ficwith this on repeat bc the title reminded me of it, and then I stuck it onrepeat because it worked too well and now.. im crying.. and i like the inflection of Lysithea’s bitterness over the titular lyric. (but also, it remains one of my steadfast edeleth songs.. sorry lys)

Secrets (Cellar Door) – Radical Face. Another Edelgard&/Lysitheasong!! I really like their relationship ok. And given the song itself can beread straight or an allegory for whatever you particularly want, but the storyis just too on the nose for me not to mention it here.(also general advocation of listening to the whole of radical face’s musicbecause I’ve loved it for years now & the work is beautiful.) (also it’swonderful for fe awakening projection. Or ur own.)

Oh Children – nick cave and the bad seeds. there’s a million different interpretations of this song, but to try nail a few onto Lysithea.. there’s the harry potter use of making/finding a light in the depths of tragedy & i love that for Lys. there’s the whole ‘the kids aren’t alright’ theme and it’s various depths. and i like narrative lyrics to plaster my large fictional-character-caused-emotions onto, so make of this one what you will.

Marianne (and Lysithea too if you like)Bad Blood – Radical Face. Ok so. This is one of my favourite songs in bloodyexistence, and it’s so loaded with meaning & it has a metric tonne of it. Icould wax lyrical about how much I love Radical Face’s work. I don’t want myinclusion of this song (specifically this one) to in any way devalue it. Butmusic is ofc incredibly subjective, and so is my reading of a lot of threehouses – in case it’s not bloody obvious by now. There’s a Lot of stories onecould take from Marianne’s character (and none of them are More Valid^tm thanany other), and I do see a very personal story in her – as I do in this song. Hgghhghive just spent 10 minutes trying to find an impersonal way to talk about twovery personal and relative stories, which naturally doesn’t work. That, and theway I read her story is Real Fucking Dicey for tumblr.com. so if this song is about accepting rejection because of parts of yourself so deep they’re in your blood, i think.. y’all can see.. where my neurodivergent gay self is going with this..

Byleth:Something to Believe In – Tom Walker. Yeah. You’re bloody welcome. If this isn’ta completely on the nose Byleth song, I’ll eat Dorothea’s hat.

Don’t Let the Man – Fatboy Slim. ~ And the sign said green-hairedpartially possessed emotionally void mercenaries need not apply for aprofessorship at the country’s most prestigious academic centre… ~

Emigrate - Novo Amor. this just fucking Got Me in the ‘actively choosing crimson flower’ feelings. im an emotional wreak but its aight. the lyrics just matched up too well for me to let it go !!!

Alps - Novo Amor. this hit me in the ‘i miss the gremlin child sothis’ feelings one day and now it’s permanently stuck that way.

Make Them Gold – chvrches. (this is very much associated with awakening’sfuture past kids and also the Carmilla series in my mind But!!) I love a story about‘if we’re all falling, we’re going down together’ and the magical power of teamwork, and how it brings out the best in people.. & that’s what this song& Byleth kinda bloody stand for ya know??

woooh.. oh my god . i need another cup of tea.