#s:caeda

[amitieos]

nanomachines, son | team 4 iron round

The world shifts rapidly, flashing before her eyes in a blur. It’s disorienting, enough to leave one nauseous, and as her vision swims and blurs, Elincia wonders if it will ever end.

Then it halts, abruptly. Her head jerks forward as she tries to steady herself. Their surroundings haven’t changed at all, strangely. Yet her garb has and so has that of her comrades. She breathes a sigh of relief. Thank Ashunera that Julius’ accursed hat is a thing of the past. Their foes have changed too, multiplied as well unfortunately.

Lilina is standing once more, at least. Or more accurately, flying, of which Elincia is admittedly rather jealous. Being grounded on the battlefield frustrates her to no end.

“Caeda, be careful! We don’t know how dangerous these things are,” Queen Crimea calls out, dashing over as fast as the hem of her robes will allow her. Whilst used to wearing long skirts, it really is an impediment during battle. She skids over, next to the airborne pegasus knight and feels yet another pang of jealousy. If she has to be trapped in such a terrible situation, she could at least have her beloved steed by her side. “Ah, I miss the skies already. Here, let me patch you up before you fly off into battle. We’re all a little sore after the last battle.”

Elincia casts Recover on Caeda. Roll d20: 2! 5 HP recovered Caeda has 7.5/10 HP remaining.

The mental block she felt earlier still lingers, but the spell she casts now is more powerful. It helps make up the difference, reinvigorating the marine haired woman to fight another round.

“Good luck! I believe in us, as a team!”

@childofvalla, @arcaeda, @disgracedvessel & @higaneion

[luneirika]

disney princess storybook tea party playset

Reason and Faith band together to put on this month’s special seminar: the history of tasseomancy! You will be learning the “magic” behind divination and how the old masters used the remains of tea leaves and coffee grounds to predict future events. Just in time for the moon of love, you will all be divining your romantic futures from a delicious cup of white rose tea. [Grants Reason or Faith +1]

The classroom is abuzz with quiet but excited chatter before the seminar starts. Gossip seems to be in the air today, Eirika notes quietly to herself, pulling out the tasseomancy guidebook from the reading list. Divination was a tricky topic, not in it's academic complexity but rather that Eirika knew full well the dangers of knowing the future too well. Knowing too much and being powerless to halt the coming ruin. Falling into the abyss oneself in a vainglorious attempt to control destiny and fate.

The lengths good, kind men could be driven to by prophecy.

Flicking through the handbook though, it seems to dwell on lighter topics. Predictions about dating and romance mostly, and all of them rather vague. Likely nothing of concern but it's impossible for her to deny the fact she'd rather study almost anything else.

The delicate sent of white roses floods her senses, as she pours water from the tea pot over the leaves in her own cup. She supposes that, whilst things could be better they could also be much worse. Chair legs scrape across the floor and another young woman takes the seat across from her. Hair as blue as the night sky obscures her face for a moment before being swept away, revealing a gentle face with sparkling eyes. For a moment, Eirika is left speechless. It would however, be rude to stare.

"Good afternoon. I take it you're here for the seminar as well? I'm pleased to share your company," her hands grasp the porcelain handle of the teapot, feeling the warmth bleed through into her fingers. It's not so hot as to be unpleasant, thankfully. With careful attention she pours water into the other woman's cup before settling it down to one side, out of the way and so as to not create a barrier between the two of them. "I'm Princess Eirika of Renais and the pleasure truly is all mine."

@arcaeda

[amitieos]

"Caeda, don't talk like that." Her voice comes out harsher than expected, and it's an effort to lift her arms at this point. She fixes her gaze on Caeda. Truth be told neither of them can take much more punishment but now is not the time for giving up. "You're still on your feet. You've been so brave, let's not give up until the very end, okay?"

Elincia steps over to the younger woman, offering her arm to help support Caeda. It makes swinging her lance a little harder but there's more to gain in camaraderie than the glory of battle. Surely, Elincia thinks to herself, surely this round of the training simulation can't last much longer...

Elincia 5/10 HP attacks Prima Materia 44.5/50 HP with Wishblade Roll d20: 2! Miss. Artist of the Beautiful triggers. Roll d6: 1. Sin counterattacks Elincia. Roll d20: 11! Hit. -2 damage, mitigated by Elincia's +3 defence. No damage taken. Furor Poeticus roll: 2! Elincia is unaffected.

Be it exhaustion, encumberment or trying to shield Caeda, Elincia isn't nimble enough to dodge the retaliatory attack. The blow dents her shield but it remains intact, as does her resolve.

"You're not hurt, are you Caeda? That's all that matters to me right now." Elincia turns her head to Ratatoskr and waves her spare arm. "Hey, think you can take one last shot at it for us? Show it the strength of our courage!"

@ourdivinehands

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round

[amitieos]

no darkness, no season can last forever | team 4 gold round

She expects oblivion to blanket her. Cocoon her from the ravages of the world. Instead she stands once more in a crowded coliseum, face to face with a golden statue it’s gleam searing in the bright sunlight. Threatening to burn away the peace that had drowned her mind.

It moves, unlike a statue. Growls and roars with a terrible voice, the sound of angel’s strangled until their last breath falters.

Amaterasu heals Elincia for 1HP. Elincia has 6/10HP remaining

The shining, radiant faces of her allies is a small but welcome comfort. Elincia dares not hope this will be the last of their trials but there is no time like the present. Nothing to be gained just waiting to be assailed upon. Hand raised high she chants Luce’s incantation in a soft but self-assured voice. What need of her is there to bellow and shout when it responds so easily to her call.

Elincia attacks Shadow Self 1 (Chosen) with Luce Roll d20: 15! Critical hit. 6 damage dealt. Shadow Self 1 (Chosen) counters with Mauling Strike. Roll d20: 14! Hit. 1.5 damage dealt. Elincia suffers Def -2 until next player phase. Elincia follows up with Luce Roll d20: 16 Critical hit. 6 damage dealt Elincia has 4.5/10 HP remaining. Shadow Self 1 (Chosen) has 3/15 HP remaining.

Her assault upon the brazen King of the World is swift and assured. The bright light of her spells reflects from it’s golden form but it does her no harm. If anything it’s warm, refreshing. She isn’t quite done yet.

Elincia’s Galeforce triggers. Elincia casts Fortify. Roll d20: 16! 6 HP restored to party members. Live to Serve triggers. Elincia has 6 HP restored. Everyone has 10/10 HP remaining!

Back in her element, Elincia can’t help but feel her confidence renewed. Faith has always guided her well, stirred the magic in her heart to help in times of need. Her gaze dances over the others, the hint of a smile on her face.

“Are we well? Last round was brutal, if anyone finds themselves injured, please call upon me.”

[vidames]

It really isn't her day.

Caeda takes full advantage of her mistakes. The moment Céline drops her guard, a lance crashes into her shoulder with a startling amount of force. Their weapons aren't made to pierce as this is a mock battle but it's enough to throw Céline off balance, landing her gracelessly on her rump in the mud.

She prays the other competitors are too distracted to notice. At least let her leave this place with her dignity still in tact.

"Thank you, Miss Caeda," she takes the hand offered to her, getting back on her feet. With a teasing smile, she continues. "An impressive display of strength. Let's not pretend I hurt myself today."

"Congratulations, a well earned victory. Now, I think a nice warm cup of tea will have me feeling right as rain again. Care to join me?"

[caeda: 5/5HP] "miss celine, correct?" caeda greets with a smile atop her dear pegasus, her mount ever the comfort in battle. "don't go easy on me, give it your best shot!" her lance is twirled around with one hand once twice and then she dives toward celine with a hardened vigor. oh how she missed flying like this. [ caeda rolls to attack with blessed lance, 8, 1.5 damage! celine: 3.5/5HP ]

The lance strikes her in the side and Céline winces slightly. She steps away, doing her best not to let it show but her arm smarts terribly. When she raises her hand to cast Fire the flames flicker out in the palm of her hand.

Céline counterattacks with Fire. Roll d20-4: -2! WOMP WOMP!

Aggravating.

"Correct, Miss Caeda. I'd prefer we took the chance to chat over tea rather than battle but I suppose we must go along with this, at least for now." Her smile is polite and good-natured all the same. This isn't a real battle and whilst she hates to display her weakness so openly, it's hardly Caeda's fault she was so careless. She is not her enemy and the real obstacle to overcome is herself. "Perhaps once the tournament finishes up?"

Gaining enough distance to avoid a counterattack, Céline prepares another spell. Warmth gathers at her fingertips and a blaze is summoned this time, but she still can't find her mark. A paltry improvement, but one nonetheless.

Céline attacks at range with Fire. Roll d20-4: 1! Miss

"This isn't going very well for me. You're a swift foe, my lady. I can only count my blessings that this is a mock battle."

Caeda has 5/5 HP remaining, Céline has 3.5/5 HP remaining

[amitieos]

Their foes do not relent, though morning grows ever closer. The battlefield is chaotic, Elincia's attention swiftly drawn away from Byleth to Ratatoskr in worry. Instinctively, she starts to rush over, ready to provide any aid or healing to her companion.

She's let her guard down completely, her focus on the wellbeing of her teammates rather than her own. So far she'd been incredibly lucky to avoid the ire of their enemies. It runs out rather abruptly when the Bishop rounds upon her from behind. Tendrils of dark, foul magic crash against Elincia, knocking the wind from her chest. A swift turn, blade swung in a defiant arc - the Bishop retreats and her knees buckle.

Bishop 4/8 HP critically hits Elincia 10/10 HP with Fogbound Consecration. [Roll d20+8 = 18 + 8 = 26. -5 HP] Elincia 5/10 HP counterattacks with Repelling Sword. [Roll d20: 15, -1 HP] Bishop has 3/8 HP remaining Elincia is inflicted with one stack of intoxication.

Her head swims, as though she'd imbibed one glass too many of wine despite not a drop touching her lips this evening. It takes a moment to catch her breath back and stumble to her feet but as she does, dawn's rosy glow greets her like an old friend. The priests and their leader shriek like banshees, scurrying away to hide from the sun's warm light.

"I'm... I'm okay, don't worry. Although," Elincia turns to Camilla with a sheepish smile, "if the others are safe and well, I wouldn't turn down a quick once over. We'll all want to be on top form for our next battle."

"Thank you dearly, Lady Camilla. Don't forget I've got your back too."

that's not very priestpilled churchcore of you — team 3 ; bronze round

[amitieos]

Respite is brief and fleeting, though a blessing nonetheless. Fully healed and raring to go, the scenery in the illusory arena flickers to life once more. A fresh, open field is conjured around them and five foes, armed to the teeth and some of them a little more familiar than she would like. Elincia recognises Emma's sweet, cherubic smile first and her heart sinks in that moment.

Yet she does not allow herself to dwell on it overlong - this is after all an illusion. No real harm will come to their friends and colleagues. Elincia gathers the others around her, a moment of preparation before the chaos of battle starts anew.

"I see our final battle is intended to truly test our resolve. Let's not hold back and do our friends a disservice." Elincia grins, almost excited for the opportunity to spar against such strong opponents. The sight of her dear friends, huddled together, makes her heart soar. Together, they're unbreakable. "I suggest we focus on the High Priest first, that bottle she carries looks just like Ratatoskr's. The Starry-Eyed Poet also has a Light Rune, we might want to take that off the field soon after."

"As strong and valiant as the real people these illusions are based off are, I'm certain that if we work together as a team we will emerge victorious." Her attention focuses on Caeda, young queen of Archanaea. A heart that understands the devotion and sacrifice that the caretaking of a nation requires. Perhaps even a kindred spirit. "Caeda, would you like to do the honours and start us off? Your strength and agility are truly impressive. I'm with you every step of the way - that goes for all of you!"

Elincia 10/10HP uses Rally Magic and Rally Speed on Caeda 10/10HP Caeda gains +3 magic and +6 speed for one round.~ Ruse activates! Byleth 10/10 HP also receives +1.5 magic and +3 speed for one round!

They separate, getting into position and Elincia catches her best friend's eye. She shoots Byleth a toothy smile and thumbs up as they prepare to take on their most difficult foe yet.

@arcaeda

everyday is yuri day if you believe

[amitieos]

"Excellent work, Caeda! It's an honour to fight at your side," Elincia can't help but feel a great deal of pride, watching the young queen stand tall and continue the fight. Lance in hand, Elincia follows suit, swinging at the Prima with all her might. Still unaccustomed to heavy armour however, her attack is clumsy and graceless.

Elincia 5/10 HP attacks Prima Materia with Wishblade. Roll d20: 4 Miss. Artist of the Beautiful triggers. Roll d6: 6. Nergal counterattacks Elincia. Roll d20-2: 3! Miss

"Well crackers, that didn't go to plan," she mumbles, managing to at the very least sidestep the counterattack. At least it could still be worse, Elincia reminds herself, as she prepares herself to keep going. "Sorry about that! I'm not used to all this heavy plate... still, let's give it our best shot, Caeda!"

@arcaeda

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round

[amitieos]

Shamash takes a swing for her, one she manages to side step in spite of her armour. Unfortunately she isn't quite quick enough to move out of Nabu's range in time but her shield soaks the blow for her. Her mind stays calm, collected as she assesses the battlefield - that is until she sees Byleth fall to the ground, eyes fluttering shut in exhaustion. A scream tears itself from her throat, an equal mix of fury and terror. It almost overcomes her but the red mist dissipates when she hears Caeda's voice. She's not alone in this.

"You did great, By. Let me take it from here." Elincia whispers, kneeling by her friends side as she tries to keep track of how far they've come. How much longer they have until Prima Materia unleashes another attack. "I can try and break it once more but..."

But Caeda was already unsteady on her feet. Both herself and Ratatoskr could easily weather another blow but could the same be said for Archanaea's queen?

"Caeda, get behind me and brace yourself. This is going to get ugly," yet the Prayer Ring on her finger might just be enough to keep her standing, as long as they remained alert and prepared. Lance aloft, Elincia steps forward ready to strike, turning back to her allies once more to strengthen her resolve. "Ratatoskr, hold on tight. It's about to unleash another attack."

Elincia 8/10 HP attacks Sin with Wishblade. Roll d20: 7! Hit! Sin is broken for one turn. +1 stack of Divinity to all players (Total: 4) Prima Materia unleashes Chrysopoeia. All players take 7 - Divinity damage. (7-4=3 HP damage taken) Elincia has 5/10 HP remaining, Ratatoskr has 7/10 HP remaining. Caeda's HP is reduced to 0; Prayer Ring's Miracle procs, Caeda survives with 0.5/10 HP. Prima Materia is now vulnerable to damage.

It feels like a storm sweeps them up, a raging tempest that refuses to relent. An eternity passes, at least in Elincia's mind, before calm returns to the world. All three of them are looking a little worse for wear but they're still able to fight on. She offers her arm to Caeda, a weary smile on her face.

"Are you feeling okay, Caeda? If we can just hold out a touch longer, I think..." her gaze finds Byleth, still out cold on the floor. She's not taking that lying down. "Our enemy is vulnerable, let's give it all we have!"

I'll make you proud, Byleth!

@arcaeda or @ourdivinehands

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round

[amitieos]

"It's not your fault--" Elincia is quick to protest, linking their arms together. She's naturally protective of her best friend but she's quickly grown to care so fiercely about the other three women fighting valiantly alongside them. Whatever cursed magic the priests used to addle their minds, whilst a dirty trick, would never get the better of them. "Their underhanded tactics can't beat us. Everyone, let's try our best to keep a level head."

"But there is no need for guilt; should any of us falter, we'll catch each other." Elincia smiles brightly, reaching out to the others with her spare hand. It was almost light again, the sun's first rays already peeking out above the horizon. Not long now. "All four of you should hold your heads high. You display compassion and strength in equal measure."

"Dawn is almost here. We can stand our ground until then, I'm sure."

that's not very priestpilled churchcore of you — team 3 ; bronze round

[amitieos]

"It won't be long yet, look. The sky is starting to brighten in the distance," the soft light of dawn would be upon them very soon. They could hold out until then, of that Elincia was sure. She returns Caeda's smile, glad to see her back at her best. "The enemies might be tough but it appears we're tougher!"

All of them stand tall and proud, ready to fight on. Their resolve is her strength and she vows to protect them.

"Ratatoskr! How are you feeling?" she asks, before chanting a Physic spell under her breath. None of them are in any really need of healing but every little helps. Best to fortify their defences now, before the next wave of attacks. "It's not much, but I hope you feel a little fresher!"

Elincia 10/10 HP casts Physic on Ratatoskr 9.5/10 HP. Roll d20: 3; +3 HP restored. Ratatoskr has 10/10 HP remaining

Speaking of preparations, the rune begins to glow once more, ready to be recast. Elincia scuttles over to Byleth, reaching out to clutch her friends sleeve. The other woman's expression appears vacant, the barest hint of recognition swimming in her eyes. It flickers, frail and unsteady but it's there. She breathes a sigh of relief, her friend is in there, fighting against the foul magic of their foes.

"It's only me, don't worry Billie." Elincia is certain to stress the nickname, remind Byleth of their bond. They'd get through this, together. Taking Byleth's hands in her own, she gives a soft, gentle squeeze and broad smile as the rune begins to shimmer between them. "I won't let anything happen to you, okay? I promise. So don't give up the fight."

"I'm right here with you."

@ashenprofessor or @ourdivinehands

that's not very priestpilled churchcore of you — team 3 ; bronze round

[amitieos]

Furor Poeticus roll: 3 (From Inanna Counter) Elincia is unaffected.

Her heart catches in her throat as once more, the sombulon's focus down Camilla. They pay herself little to no attention, perhaps aware of the fact their attacks will do little to break her defences. Watching her fall however is painful, it awakens the same panic, the same fury she felt watching Lucia prepare to sacrifice herself. Her hands tremble - though she knows that Camilla will be fine, that this is nothing but a training exercise, it does little to quell the anguish in her heart. She strikes out blindly, recklessly and with little regard for who she hurts.

At least it isn't an ally.

Elincia 8/10 HP attacks Sin with Wishblade. Roll d20: 12! Sin is broken for 1 turn. All players gain +1 divinity (1 stack)

But foolishly, she wastes the opportunity to strike the Prima Materia itself. Instead she takes her anger out on Sin, driving her lance through it in frenzied acrimony. It breaks, buckling under the strength of her blow. Elincia bites her tongue to hold back a curse, how could she let her frustration get the better of her. Let old wounds reopen and control her actions even years later. It's utterly shameful.

Yet she still trembles like a child, terrified, heartbroken and devastated. A dry sob is choked from her throat as she tries to pull herself together.

"I'm sorry, I--" Elincia stops herself, there's no excuse for her actions. For her selfishness. Instead her head hangs low, staring at the ground. She swallows the lump in her throat. "We need to work together, I know. I'll do better, I promise - for Lady Camilla's sake."

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round

[amitieos]

Both the Wild Knight and Curious Spirit manage to withstand Ratatoskr's counterattacks, despite her best efforts. They're considerably weakened though, it won't take long to finish them off. Though things do not look good for their fluffy-eared friend, either. Elincia takes off, rushing closer to her in concern.

"Tottie be careful! Your spell casting might be empowered right now but you can only cast so much before you exhaust yourself," she casts a Physic spell, a light heal but one that reaches her ally safely. Elincia finds herself by Camilla's side, equally as injured as Ratatoskr but at least their sweet ally. "Please, take it easy for now! This fight will be over soon."

"Camilla, I know you must be exhausted but our foes will crumble before your might." Crimea's queen rallies the Nohrian in hopes of bringing their fight to a swift end. "The quicker we finish her the sooner we can all have a spa day!"

Elincia rallies Camilla. Camilla gains +3 magic and +6 speed for one round. Ruse activates. Ratatoskr gains half of the buffs for one round.

@maligknightsthorns

everyday is yuri day if you believe

[amitieos]

"Lady Camilla, are you al--" her call of concern is cut short as Prima Materia launches an assault on all five of them. Elincia's armour provides no protection against the wave of energy that surges forward. She can do little more than grit her teeth and bear it.

Prima Materia unleashes Chrysopoeia. Inflicts -2 HP on player and all allies. Elincia has 8/10 HP remaining

Their foe leaves itself vulnerable and open to attack however and with only a lance in hand to support her allies, Elincia's grip tightens around it's shaft. Her steps forward are lumbering and indelicate, encumbered by the weight of the very shield that protects her. After a long, drawn out breath to gather her courage and bolster her defence, Elincia raises the lance, swinging it in a wide arc. Yet she has no practice manoeuvring weaponry around shields and plate; the strike misses as it's momentum throw her momentarily off balance.

Elincia 8/10 HP uses Glowing Ember with Wishblade against Prima Materia 50/50 HP Roll d20=2! Miss! Prima Materia 50/50 HP cannot counterattack. Prima Materia is vulnerable for three more turns.

"How is it so agile?" Elincia grumbles under her breath. Neither herself nor Caeda had managage to even graze the wretched thing. "Perhaps we should adjust our strategy? Better to land one solid hit rather than none at all."

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round

[amitieos]

Elincia rushes over as Caeda falls to her knees, focussed solely on her duty. Yet chaos continues to rage and roil around them; dark, fell magic flies through the air as their unholy assailants refuse to relent. But she knows Byleth is safe and whilst she cannot lift the fog from Caeda's mind, she can at least keep the young woman safe and on her feet.

In spite of their foe's efforts to bewilder and disorient them, Caeda needs no assistance in dispatching her foe and clearing her head. A welcome relief, for the time being she's safe.

"Impressive as ever, Lady Caeda," Elincia's eyes crinkle in delight as she musters a smile. Despite the rather rude welcome from their foes she was genuinely happy to be here with comrades. "It seems our foe's magic is designed to take advantage of the terrain here, and our defences against it. Should Lady Camilla be correct about them regenerating..."

She doesn't finish that thought. Caeda's shield may be her salvation, but her defences could also spell a death sentence. It's not a chance Elincia is willing to take, though her gaze wanders towards their other teammates. They need protection, too, yet she can only do so much. Before she even touches it or begins praying, before her head has even made it's choice, the rune in her pocket begins to emit a warm glow.

It knows her heart is set.

A few whispered words of gratitude, a plea for mercy and the rune draws itself in light just above Caeda's chest. It's protection may be short-lived but it's absolute in it's scope.

"There. It may only last a few moments but I can guarantee you no harm whilst the rune still glows." She inclines her head briefly before turning her head back to the battle waged around them. A brief assessment of everyone's state - as long as they're careful, they'll surely outlast their foes. Even if it takes all night long. "Lady Camilla? Could you please heal Lady Ratatoskr? We'd do well to take up defensive positions whilst we see how this progresses and size up our foes."

"Byleth, please be careful..." Elincia's final statement is but a whisper on the wind, one the others may miss entirely. Surely she had done the right thing, ensuring Caeda's safety, though it came with a steep cost. None of them are guaranteed to remain unscathed, but Elincia trusts her colleagues will understand her decision.

@ashenprofessor @ourdivinehands or @maligknightsthorns

that's not very priestpilled churchcore of you — team 3 ; bronze round

[amitieos]

“You’re right, La— Caeda, Camilla will be fine. We all will be, and every mistake is a learning opportunity,” Elincia follows Carda’s lead, dropping formalities in exchange for camaraderie. As teacher and ruler she still had much to learn. There was ever room to grow, which was to be cherished. She offers a relieved smile before turning to see Ratatoskr raise her staff to aid Byleth. “Take care you two. I believe in us. I’m going to try and draw its attention my way!”

What else were shields and armour for, if not to protect? Elincia tightens her grip on the Wishblade, stepping forward and squaring her shoulders as she faces the behemoth before them.

“Hey you! Yes, you! I will not stand for your villainy and violent acts any longer,” Elincia bellows in an attempt to ‘trash talk’ her for. With a furrowed brow, she charges forth, lance swinging. “Your skills are lacking and your battle stance clumsy and uncouth. You cannot hope to prevail!”

Elincia 8/10 HP attacks Sin with Wishblade. Roll d20: 6! Hit!

Sin is broken for one turn!

Her lance skewers through Sin. Elincia pulls it back out, triumphant and proud. It reels backwards, away from her teammates.

“That’s right! Cower like a child against our might!”

there are lines on the floor — team 3 ; silver round