#support: céline

[heartjewelofthesea]

Sweet Bun Trio- Instead of finding herself holding one sweet bun, a trio assortment had found its way into the princess's hands. To decline the offering would be ill-mannered, but to partake in them all by herself would be just as much of a missed opportunity.

Holding them delicately in her hands, Céline turned to her left. "Would you like one?" She extended a hand forward, offering Cordelia the opportunity to view the assortment. "There are a multitude to choose from— You are welcome to pick the one you would find most delight in. I simply could not have all of these by myself."

"Oh, thank-you," Cordelia hummed, happy to inspect the sweet buns being offered to her. "They all look so good too..." With much thought, taking into account the potential flavours of each bun, the red head reached out to pick up the chosen sweet from Céline's hands, accidentally brushing her own hand against the other's palm as she did so. Fire and earth met for a moment and the vine necklaces seemed satisfied, new flower's forming to Cordelia's surprise. "Ah, and an extra gift from our patrons too it seems," she noted, smiling. She looked at Céline, holding the bun she had picked up in a gesture of thanks. "Thank-you for sharing your sweets."

[chainreh]

céline being so obsessed with tea is actually such an important part of understanding her character and im not joking. when you realise she's so afraid to feel happiness with the thought she'll never be able to recapture that feeling and spend the rest of her days longing to return to that moment. tea is not necessarily special, fairly common, a small joy easily replicated. tea wont change her life, but it certainly has saved it.

[gentlenekomata]

❀ blondies back together ❀ { ethereal ball event }

from here @firelles

As the other petite girl accepted her invitation, Sakura burst into a soft giggle as the two of them began to twirl in the middle of the room; they were so delicate and so light, emanating a radiant aura all around them.

“Actually, no” she shook her head, but her smile never disappeared, “But I’m sure we can figure it out together” and she softly made her grip a little sturdier on Céline’s body, hoping that the rhythm of the music would lead the two of them to understand the dance steps more easily.

“Anyway, you look stunning in this green dress! Very befitting on you!” and she noticed the string of pearls as well; they were just perfectly fine as décor for the entire outfit.

[bi-leth-eisner]

i noticed that of the Royal duos, i prefer the one that isn't around in the main story beats after their respective arcs

[lovecanyon]

KISS OF LIFE

dad!charles leclerc x wife!yn

patreon | masterlist

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charles_leclerc Céline and I = bed heads 🤍

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user113 CÉLINE IS LITERALLY A MINI CHARLES

user201 if she doesn’t become a f1 driver…i will be 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

yourinstagram my babies!

charles_leclerc I love you so much mon chéri!!!

user153 CRYING IN THE CLUB

joris__trouche Céline has stolen all of our hearts ❤️

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leclercdaily CHARLES AND Y/N WITH THEIR NEW PUPPY TODAY!

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user113 I AM FUCKING DYINGGG

user300 charles and y/n’s fur baby 😭😭😭

user639 CÉLINE IS PROBABLY SOOO HAPPY GOODBYEEE

user367 he and céline are gonna be the bestest friends

user210 leo already deserves the world

user15 the leclerc’s just added another baby to their family…i am sobbing

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f1wags Y/N and Charles Leclerc’s new puppy Leo!

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user616 LEO IS THE CUTEST PUPPY I AM NOT OKAYSJDNSNS

user202 he’s got that leclerc charm already 😭

user464 i never knew i needed leo content in my life until now

user69 leo’s instagram debut needs to happen ASAP, i need more adorable puppy content in my feed!!!!

user177 HE IS LIVING HIS BEST LIFE

user213 the way this puppy single-handedly destroyed the f1 fandom

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yourinstagram where my heart is

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user61 SHE MAKES ME WANT TO BECOME A MOTHER

user898 the beauty of motherhood

charles_leclerc Two peas in a pod 🤍

yourinstagram don’t get jealous…

user534 PLEASE I LOVE HER LMAO

francisca.cgomes You two are so precious!!!

user462 MOTHER!!! (literally)

carlossainz55 Ferrari girls ❤️

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f1updates #NEW! Charles and his daughter Céline on his yacht in Monaco recently! via Y/N’s stories!

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user544 HE IS SUCH A RICH MAN UGHHHH 🙌

user271 y/n is one lucky woman

user620 literally the hottest DILF to ever walk this earth

user205 I WANNTTTT HIM BAD @yourinstagram count your days 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

user657 y/n wins at life.

user209 charles looks so happy aweeee, i love him and his little family

user111 leo in the corner like: 👁️👄👁️

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yncharlesnews YN AND CHARLES AT LEC’S ICE CREAM LAUNCH!

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user523 the way y/n constantly supports charles, i love her so much

user152 she’s nothing but a trophy wife

user178 someone is jealous 😁😁😁

user424 literally partners in crime

user208 charles was following her the entire night like a lost puppy 😭😭

user981 they’re truly meant to be together

user341 i love y/n, she’s such a supportive wife

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charles_leclerc Puppy love and baby giggles in the air 🤍🩷

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user167 THIS IS SO ADORABLE WTFFFFF

user543 céline and leo are gonna be besties forever

yourinstagram puppy and baby heaven

charles_leclerc Dying of happiness 🤍

user321 THEY ARE SO HAPPY I AM SOBBING

scuderiaferrari F1 teammates: coming 2046

user334 LEO THE LOVE OF CHARLES’ LIFE 🙏🙏

arthur_leclerc Squad goals

yourinstagram via stories

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yourinstagram l'amour ❤️

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user606 charles and y/n: f1 royalty. céline: future fashion icon. leo: the real mvp of the family!

user145 leo leclerc 😭😭😭

charles_leclerc So happy!!!!

yourinstagram i am so in love with you it’s insane

user451 she really loves him so much 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

user348 Y/N IS REALLY LIVING THE BEST LIFE IN THE WORLD

landonorris I'm officially declaring myself a Leo stan. Sorry, Charles and Céline but your puppy is just too adorable!

yourinstagram not offended

taglist: @harrysmatcha @harryspinkpillow @helen-with-an-a @florencepughily @peterparkerbae @toji-dabi-wife @fallonx @drphilssoulmate @cherriesrae @alienorknight @valluvsu @ayeshathestyles @hazgoldenstyles @tsukishimawhore @renatavieira @michellekstyles @eleanordaisy @shawnsblue @agustdpeach @whoscamila @ch3rryrry @msolbesg @youusunshineyoutemptress @cherryfragrancx @milkiane @golden-hoax @sunshinemendes8 @your--sweetest--downfall @melllinaa @tenaciousperfectionunknown @stellarossii @scenesofobx @manifestrry @lomlolivia @honethatty12

[fayesdiary]

If it makes you feel better, it also took me a while to notice.

When I played Engage I thought it was just him wanting to keep his retainers safe, but when I read this convo where he keeps insisting to be a decoy and makes it clear why he keeps doing this it made me go:

"Oh. Oh, no."

Ok, sorry if this feels a bit unprompted negativity but given our previous convo about how they write Alcryst (or rather, how they write about him), this short convo feels like everything wrong with it. Which is a shame because I still really like him but this stuff drags him down so much for me :(

Man is displaying deeply concerning behavior and eageress to get himself killed for no reason other than despising himself and yet everyone around him is like "Ah, Classic Alcryst, always so humble and modest." and like- I think Hortensia is the only one to use the correct term: self-loathing.

And while I admit it is kinda funny during battles where he's one of your best units and he's like "sorry i am so worthless...", in the Somniel and during support it feels EXTREMELY concerning and yet no one is treating it seriously and even worse the game plays the funny music because man, self-loathing is peak comedy. DUDE WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING DRAG HIM TO A THERAPIST ASAP HE COULDN'T MAKE IT ANY MORE CLEAR HE'S GOING TO GET HIMSELF HURT

OH MY GOSH WAIT. I THINK. You made something click for me actually I figured out Why his treatment by the writing feels So Bad

Like. This exchange didn't sit right with me either, but I kind of just shrugged it off like, eh, what can you do. Dumb writing will happen. But. Here's what I'm thinking.

I THINK. IF THIS DIALOGUE WAS ABOUT LAPIS. IT WOULD WORK SO MUCH BETTER. Because the thing about Lapis, is she IS very modest and humble, and if that's your first impression of her, it doesn't feel too bad. Because, that's exactly how she carries herself. And as you get to know her, it's very clear she does have self-esteem issues that directly ties into her being "humble" and "modest" -- she has low confidence. And, if you dig deeper, you find the route cause -- she's deeply self-conscious about how she was poor growing up, and I'd even go as far as to say the experience of growing up like that was traumatic for her. It still has lingering effects, where she's constantly scavenging and squirreling things away. (ESP significant when you consider her position is vastly different now -- she's working for royalty. She HAS to have security in a way she didn't have before. And yet, she's still acting as if she doesn't, still operating as if she's in survival mode.)

I think, Lapis' self image issues are handled so much better than Alcryst's. Like, it actually feels like I'm not explaining or expressing it well, but... the way Lapis is, how she carries herself and how her past is such a painful ever-present part of her, it's handled with nuance and care. You can See just how much it still hurts her, you can actually see that she has a Lot of unresolved issues about it, in the way she tries to hide her background and the way she snaps and breaks down if pushed too far about it. And even the way she talks down about herself, it's sad for sure, but it feels grounded. Also, there Are instances where she wishes for more for herself -- wishes, didn't feel this way about herself (esp thinking about her supports w Rosado). It's handled very well.

MEANWHILE, the way Alcryst's issues are handled.... in-universe and by the writing in general. There's. Actually so much to unpack here. But what you made click for me, WAS pointing out how he's clearly engaging in dangerous behavior. Which made me think, OH, he has. Another issue altogether actually. Like... with this level of self-loathing, and this level of Eagerness to put himself in danger. It does read like he could have suicidal ideation. Which. I mean, I know Engage is largely lighthearted, but if they took that angle more in his character, like... I think it would make a lot of sense. He has some prominent warning signs.

Like, I like that you said "eagerness", because it really IS the difference between him and Lapis (and Citrinne as well!). Lapis and Citrinne have resolve, a willingness and deep devotion to Alcryst. They're Willing to endanger themselves for his sake, because they fully understand it's part of their duty as retainers, it's something they wholeheartedly believe in and Want to dedicate themselves to. Meanwhile, Alcryst... he's just not well. Like. It's abundantly clear he's not well.

AND. Finally sort of getting to unpacking like. How this is treated in-universe. I think all these things considered, THAT'S why it feels so bad. Alcryst is showing clear signs of being extremely mentally unwell, maybe even cries for help, and over and over it's dismissed by the writing as comedic AND dismissed by the characters around him as Alcryst being kind, in his own "funny" way. Classic Alcryst! So humble. So modest.

Now, here's something I've been thinking about in all of this... I think, for some characters, it would actually make a lot of sense for them to regard him this way. I'm ESPECIALLY thinking of Lapis. It would make complete sense for her to idealize him, misconstruing these things about him in the process. It's clear she has feelings for him, for one, but also, I think she sees a lot of herself in him -- which may cause her to project onto him, too. Which blinds her, in a few different ways -- the main one being, I think, is how each is handling their issues. Yes, Lapis very much carries her past and the unresolved issues that came with it wherever she goes, seeping into every interaction she has. It consumes her. But, from like. An, "Is She In Any Danger Because of It" standpoint, she seems to be in the clear. I think, maybe, it would make sense, if in all of her romanticization of him and projection onto him, but not quite being in that dark place herself -- it may be very easy for her to look over it or call it something else (his Kindness, Humility, Modesty, ect -- maybe even bravery too, when it's actually just recklessness and little to no regard for what happens to himself).

But for other characters. My god, I wish they could just See it and call it what it is, exactly like Hortensia does. I wish the game ITSELF did that, actually. Because, I think THAT was the thing about Alcryst that I just couldn't place or put words to, how, I do love him, I do think he's funny, and I do like the parallels between him and Takumi -- how, each struggle interpersonally and from various Horrors, but. They're perceptive. And they're kind. But, there was just something I couldn't place, that felt Bad. And I think it is, the writing itself being dismissive and cavalier about the very heavy issues Alcryst is portraying. AND, almost trying to portray the issues as something else? As if it isn't That Bad. It's funny!! Or misguided bravery!! Heroic, even!! Like.... oof. That. Does not sit well.

And like. That's not even to say you Can't make his traits and tendencies funny. Cause exactly what you said, it IS SO FUNNY when Alcryst is one of your MVPs and you talk to him and he's just the saddest wettest poor little guy in the whole wide world like "I'm sorry :( I know I'm a burden :(" like BUDDY..... you are a crit and dodging machine of death and murder and you single handedly carried us to victory LMFAOOO -- ALSO. One of my FAVE moments in my playthrough was when he made like, a PERFECT meal, and he was like. "Oh.... I'm so sorry....... if it's not very good ..........." LIKE BUDDY!!!!!!! COME ON!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S OKAY YOU'RE DOING GREAT I PROMISE!!!!! Little moments like that, and I think in some supports as well if the context feels right for it, I think he can def have funny moments!!!

I'm SO sorry LMFAOOO I FEEL LIKE. I'VE BEEN TALKING IN CIRCLES AND GOING ON SO MANY TANGENTS. BUT. MAYBE. WHAT I WAS TRYING TO ILLUSTRATE HERE. Is it's extremely fucked up actually, for them to write a character who's showing some scary warning signs, only to dismiss those warning signs and say they're something else, even down to silly goofy music like. Espppp in how I just, largely ignored it, dismissing myself as "bad writing lmfao" or "a bit much" but like. While those things could be true, it's so fucked up that like.... the game itself makes you inclined to dismiss it. Maybe only leaving you with a few qualms and a nagging feeling, that something. Isn't quite right here.

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

I like that all the nations in Engage show the negative sides of each virtue associated with them

Brodia's might and Elusia's wisdom are both obvious, leading to warfare and research into the Fell Dragon respectively

However, Firene's bounty lead to them being relatively complacent and in Fogado's words, appearing isolated and closed off. They don't need anyone else so they didn't bother building up their alliances beyond "let's not kill each other." They never even considered setting up trading goods by the sound of things

Meanwhile, Solm's freedom does lead to the issue of being less structured. Timerra mentions their forces being spread thin and Solmic culture despises debts which implies their people are more likely to focus on their own personal problems than accept responsibility for other people's well-beings by joining a formal military. Which is probably why every character from Solm mentions dealing with bandit attacks at least once and why Timerra and Fogado are often shown dealing with these attacks personally while Céline is able to delegate the task to someone else in her Alear support

👀

[campaigningforengage]

We need a Brave Alcryst that reminds people that he's more than a wet cat

My opinion might be skewed because of the first supports of him I got, but I've never really seen him as that much of the sad wet cat prince everyone talks about. This is the same prince who was willing to strike down his father so Diamant wouldn't have to suffer the burden. He sweetly comforts Céline when he learns that she suffers from nightmares. He's outright hostile to Ivy for her role in Morion's death. He actively returns the support he receives from Lapis and Citrinne back to them

Despite his issues, Alcryst has his own kind of strength that he's always willing to use when he needs to

[chainreh]

i hate that céline got 0.5 seconds of screentime bc she's such a fucking interesting character

[pridelessdaydreamer]

It is only now that Linhardt realizes just how strange his companions are—or, more specifically, how weird their resident axe girl was.

‘Deader than dead next time?’ (They suppose she must be pretty happy to be… hitting… people?) Lin never was the greatest at understanding others. (She and Caspar would probably get along.)

At the very minimum, she was distracting the lance guy for him, so instead, Lin could focus his attention on: the flaming axe girl, the wind sword user, or Professor Deirdre, hm?

“Yeah, I’m not beating either of these two,” she remarks matter-of-factly. (Even if she did land a hit on them, there wasn’t any guarantee it’d do something—and she’d probably get a nasty hit in return.) Similarly, she could already feel her exhaustion kicking back in; to that end, there was no point not actually trying this time, was there?

Linhardt heals Deirdre with [Heal]: Roll [d20]: 15. Great Heal! Deirdre HP: 5/5

Maybe it’d be better spent on the child they were fighting with, but Linhardt had the sense they probably shouldn’t interfere with… whatever was going on over there. As such, light dawns with the same ease and purpose as would be befitting a proper battlefield, and Lin tosses their hands up.

“That’s about it for me, I think. I’m starting to get tired again, and I would very much like a nap right around now.”

*incredibly loud incorrect buzzer noise* - BOEL Round 1 Battle 13

[lolasimms]

Matilda - Ellie x Reader

Summary: Your mother agrees to visit for the weekend, but things end with you being reminded of the reason you left home in the first place.

A/N: Bit angsty so just be warned! Comments, reblogs and likes are all appreciated 🤍

_____________________ ୨୧ _______________________

“Do you think she’ll like me?” Ellie asks you as she had one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting on your thigh.

“We’ve talked about this before, as much as I’d like to say she will, I’m afraid she’s not the warm type.” You squeezed the hand on your thigh and smiled apologetically at your wife.

“I know, I just wish she did. I guess her approval means a lot to me.” She turns to look at you, her green orbs staring deep into you.

“She doesn’t even approve of me, don’t take it personal baby.”

“Think she’ll like Céline ?” Ellie gestures to your sleeping daughter who was buckled into her seat in the backseat of the car.

“Yeah, I think she will.”

୨୧

“You’re late.” Wasn’t the greeting one would expect from their mother after not seeing each other for 2 years, but your mother wasn’t the ordinary mother.

“I’m sorry, there was traffic and I had to find a park.”

“Hm.” You knew she wouldn’t show you affection but that stupid brain of yours hoped she’d at-least hug you.

“Ellie’s in the car with Céline, shouldn’t be too long of a walk, here let me hold your suitcase.” You reach over to grab her bag and catch the rude glare she sported upon hearing the mention of your wife.

“I wish you’d get rid of that girl, you’re in over your head if you think marrying a woman is real marriage.” You chose to ignore her words, hoping she’d fix her act before the two of you were in the car with Ellie.

Once you’d gotten to the car, you rounded your way to the trunk to place her case in and then walked her over to the backseat. As you knew very well having her in the passenger beside Ellie would turn sour.

“Hello, Mrs. Y/LN. Nice to meet you.” Ellie turns around and holds out her hand to your mother who simply ignores her. She looks down to her sleeping granddaughter who was in the seat beside hers and finally let out a smile. The first of very few you’d seen.

“M’sorry, she’s in a mood.” You placed a hand over Ellie’s and she smiled back at you, squeezing your hand in support. You appreciated that she was understanding as ever. She knew how hard it was for you to have parents who didn’t care about you or agree with you life choices. So she never blamed you for trying to make things work with your mother, no matter how hard it was on the both of you.

୨୧

Upon arrival at the house, Céline had woken up to a new face and seemingly had hit it off with your mother. Making her the first and possible only William family member to be on your mothers good side. You retreated to the kitchen to get a start on dinner while Ellie headed into work for a short meeting. Before she set of however she made it into the kitchen to check on you.

“Everything okay? It smells really good in here by the way.” You smile, dropping the wooden spoon into the pans handle and turning to your wife. “Thank you baby, and everything’s fine, she’s enjoying her time with Céline, that’ll keep her off our case for a while.”She smiles at this and leans down to peck your nose.

“I’ll be back in time for dinner, so don’t worry about that, I’ll even bring a nice bottle of red.” You smile and nod, nuzzling into her warmth and letting out a sigh of relief. You didn’t know what you’d do without her reassurance, patience and understanding.

“Alright baby, I’ve gotta go before I’m late.” You turn off the stove and walk her towards they exit but not before a brief stop in the living room when she decided to bid your daughter goodbye. Your mother scowls at Ellie as she squishes baby Céline’s cheeks and then kisses her goodbye. Immediately the receptive baby realised her mother was leaving and begins to cry hysterically. Ellie shushes her with kisses and back rubs and you reach into your mothers arms to take the upset baby and calm her.

“Some mother you are making the child cry.” Your mother scoffs. Both you and Ellie are taken aback from the attack and you grab your wife’s arm and take her to the door before the situation escalates.

“I’m sorry about that baby, just ignore her she’s a witch.” You kiss her on the mouth and she envelops you in a hug, then leaning down to kiss Céline once more. “It’s fine, I’ll see you at dinner okay baby?” You nod as you shut the door and let out a long sigh.

୨୧

After Ellie had left you’d had a talk with your mother, expressing that you’d very much appreciate if she’d refrain from making condescending and rude comments towards your wife and be civil. To which she simply hummed and took Céline from you.

Your daughter seemed to be the only reason she’d even come down to visit. Not that you were complaining, it just hurt that she didn’t show any interest in conversation with you. She didn’t ask about how your birth was, how your pregnancy turned out, the general things mothers and daughter spoke about. It hurt but that’s how it has been your whole entire life. That was until you’d met Ellie, she changed you, made you feel wanted and always showed you love.

Surprisingly she’d put Céline down to help you organise the dinner. A tray of vegan lasagna, some caesar salad and a jug of red sangria adorned the dining table, the two of you setting down plates and glasses. She’d been nicer (nice for your moms standards) this meant she hadn’t taken a dig at you or Ellie in the last hour so you had hope for dinner.

“I’m back!” You heard Ellie call from the front door, immediately your daughter jumped at the sound of her mothers voice and began bouncing in her highchair. Ellie walked into the dining room, placing a chaste kiss towards your lips, to which your mother let outa huff. She smiled at your mother civilly, giving her a nod and then picked up her happy daughter.

“Did you bring the wine?” You asked as you caressed Ellie’s head to which she slightly winced.

“My bad, I was in a rush to get home.” She kisses your hand, proceeding to place Céline back into the highchair.

“It’s fine honey, mom and I made sangria with an old bottle from last week.” You smile, pushing on her shoulder for her to take a seat which she does.

“Couldn’t even do the one thing your wife needed from you, hm.” Not a single piece of food was served and your mother was already dishing out heats

“Mom could you not, seriously can’t we just enjoy this dinner?”

“I was pointing out a fact that this woman can’t do anything right, but you’re just putting her on a pedestal.” Your mother yells and immediately Céline begins to cry. You pick her from the highchair and immediately take her upstairs for a feed.

“I’ve been respectful to you for my wife’s sake but the way you treat your daughter is unacceptable.” Ellie’s words catch your mother by surprise and immediately she drops her fork onto the plate.

“Oh save it for someone who cares, you disgust me.”

“You can talk all the talk but you’ve been nothing but a horrible mother to Y/N. Honestly I’m surprised she turned out so perfect considering you showed her no love.”

“Who exactly are you to speak to me that way?” Her fist is clenched and she’s staring daggers towards Ellie.

“I’m your daughters wife, the mother of your granddaughter.” She retorts, the both of them didn’t realise you’d settled Céline down and we’re standing outside the dining room listening in on them.

“You really believe for a second that Céline is your daughter? She’s not even your blood, your last name being attached to hers doesn’t make her yours.” Immediately at those words you’re barging into the room ready to rip your mother a new one.

“Mom that’s enough. Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage here already?” Your mother looks from Ellie to you and shakes her head in disbelief.

“This is really who you’re choosing, this woman over your own mother, over your own family?”

“She’s my wife and no matter what you say she’s Céline’s mother. She’s my family, probably the only family I’ve ever had.”

“Suit yourself then.” She pushes her chair out from the table with force and makes her way up the stairs.

Immediately you broke down into sobs, Ellie rounding the table to hold you in her arms. You wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say, she sensed this and instead the two of you stood there for what felt like hours in a warm embrace.

୨୧

After the confrontation at dinner you, Ellie and Céline had spent the majority of the evening in your bedroom playing. You’d eventually left the room giving your wife and daughter kisses and promising to be back in a minute. To Ellie’s shock however you’d been gone for what was now 45 minutes.

She’d searched high and low throughout the house for you, with Céline in her arms but failed to find you. Just as she was about to call you, you’d walked through the front door, unzipping your leather jacket.

“Where were you, I was fucking worried?” She comes up to you, embracing you in a hug. You place a kiss on her cheek and then one on Céline’s forehead.

“I dropped my mother at a hotel, she’ll be going back home tomorrow.”

“I’m so fucking sorry, I should’ve been more civil with her but I couldn’t stand there and let her speak about you like that .”

“Ellie stop. She deserves it, honestly it was my fault for believing she’d changed. She’ll always be that way and you and I both don’t deserve that.”

“You’ll always have us you know that right?”

“I know.”

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

I've come to notice that out of Engage's younger siblings, while all of them want to support to their older siblings, Hortensia's the only one who idolizes hers. Hortensia is the only one who genuinely wants to be more like Ivy

(Alcryst doesn't want to be like Diamant. When he talks about him, it's more about being overshadowed than wanting to be like him)

Back to Hortensia, I think this idea is reflected in everyone's playstyle. Céline, Alcryst, and Fogado have completely different unit types and mostly different weapon choices that can cover their siblings' shortcomings. Even Veyle, while also a dragon, is completely different as a magic user to Alear's physical

Hortensia shares both of Ivy's weapons with the only difference between the sisters being whether they excel at combat or healing. I think this is a reflection of just how much Ivy has inspired Hortensia and influenced who she wants to be

its likely bc Hortensia is considerably younger compared to the others and Ivy being much older than her. I'm sure alcryst also has but he grew out of it. Its kinda common tbh

[mlleclaudine]

Au procès de Christophe Ruggia, Adèle Haenel veut « rendre justice à l’enfant que personne n’a protégée »

by Sophie Boutboul - Mediapart, December 10, 2024

On Monday, the first day of the director's trial for sexual assault of a minor against the actress, the latter explained that she was speaking «to shatter the isolation of children» who are victims of pedophiles.  [Ruggia] continued to deny the facts.

«Adèle, we believe you», «victims, we believe you», shouted the forty or so people on the steps of the Paris courthouse, present to support actress Adèle Haenel, who filed a complaint against director Christophe Ruggia five years ago, after testifying in Mediapart.

Contrast this with the silence of the courtroom, where for two days Christophe Ruggia has been on trial for sexual assaults on a minor, committed in Paris between September 1, 2001 and February 10, 2004, with the aggravating circumstance of having been a person in authority over the victim.  Adèle Haenel was between 12 and 14 years old at the time.  According to the examining magistrate, these assaults took place on a «weekly» basis.  Christophe Ruggia does not deny these meetings.  He denies what took place.

Many of the actress's friends and family came to support her, including director Céline Sciamma in the front row.  For over an hour, presiding judge Gilles Fonrouge summarized the main points of the investigation, while Adèle Haenel took notes, seated in the front row of the civil parties' bench, looking straight ahead and often in the direction of Christophe Ruggia, who was fully turned toward the judge, motionless.

At the end of the hourlong summary of the case, the judge, at the request of the civil parties, screened seven clips from the film Les Diables, in which Adèle Haenel as a child is seen undressed or naked most of the time, in moments of caressing and kissing between herself and the actor Vincent Rottiers, who play a supposedly abandoned brother and sister but in fact turn out to have no blood ties.

On the stand for over three hours, slightly stooped in his black jacket, Christophe Ruggia sometimes digressed, often answering by avoiding the point of the court's questions.  He continued to deny all [allegations of] sexual assault.  According to him, Adèle Haenel wanted to «launch #MeToo in France» and «it landed» on him.

The presiding judge attempted to understand the context.  He questioned [Ruggia] about the relationship between his characters played by Adèle Haenel and Vincent Rottiers, «a relationship that could be perceived as incestuous at the start, which he has very young children enacting».

«Overwhelmingly sensual»

The filmmaker conceded that it «doesn't seem impossible to him that Adèle Haenel might have imagined» that he was in love with her, given that he was «fascinated» by her and «loved the actress».  The judge asked: «When you write to her that your love is absolutely sincere, how is a very young woman to interpret that if it coincides with actual tactile physical closeness?»  Once again, the director's response was a little evasive, arguing that it was a matter of expressing his «love that was too much to bear», as he put it.  Despite his writings at the time, he insisted that he was never «in love» with the young actress.

Referring to Adèle Haenel's mother, who may have found the relationship between a 36-year-old man and a 12-year-old child «disturbing», the judge asked Ruggia if he had «considered the accuracy» of her attitude.  The director repeatedly replied in the negative.  The judge finally concluded: «We’re not going to make any progress on this issue.»  The same goes for the sexualization of Adèle Haenel, which he continued to deny, despite his words describing her as «overwhelmingly sensual» and his Google search for «Adèle Haenel hot» in 2011.

To explain why he denied the facts, he told the court that, in his opinion, the actress lied based on the version she gave to the police:

«Why is this young woman lying?» asked one of the assessors.

- Because between the time of the Mediapart article and the suit, she figured that she had to go further, she hadn't planned to go to court at first...

- Why would she want to hurt you so much? asked the assessor.

- I think she's been radicalized with #MeToo [...]  Look at her trajectory over the last five years, it started with me, then it was the César awards with Roman Polanski, then her support for Adama Traoré, then her involvement with Révolution Permanente, her attacks on cinema as a whole and on ministers...» he concluded.

Regarding the context of the revelations, the judge recalled that, according to Ruggia, there had been «no influence» in his relationship with Adèle Haenel, but that, according to him, «an influence would instead be exerted» by Céline Sciamma, the actress's former partner.  «However, said the judge, since the end of that relationship, they have remained close and good friends, whereas yours led to a brutal and definitive break-up.  Do you still maintain the notion of influence?»  Christophe Ruggia replied, «That's my interpretation, and I do indeed think she's still under Céline Sciamma's sway.»  Laughter erupted in the courtroom.  The judge called the spectators to order for the «dignity of the proceedings».

At times, Ruggia seemed to half-heartedly acknowledge certain things: «I wasn't aware at the time that she was traumatized by the film, I realized that the fact that we saw each other often was too much for her.»

Asked about the «boundaries» he didn't set, notably in a scene that only he remembers - he describes her «licking his ear» in front of her parents, and his blowing in her ear in response - he again avoided answering. «What should an adult's response be to a child licking your ear?» asked the assessor.  «It's something that couldn't happen these days», he replied. «Who set the boundaries at that moment?  Let's imagine this scene had existed, which everyone but you denies.  Who set the boundaries?» insisted the assessor, without getting a clear answer.

A rally in support of the actress

«We support her, we believe her, we see her.  It's important to show the justice system that we're united, given the tiny number of suits that aren’t dismissed», says Cami, 25, holding a small sign reading «Adèle, you are not alone».  She was one of around forty people who came to support Adèle Haenel on the courthouse steps on Monday, December 9.  The young woman mentions that she herself filed a suit for rape of a minor four years ago, and that she still hasn't heard anything.

Arnaud Gallais, co-founder of the Mouv'Enfants association and former member of la Commission indépendante sur l’inceste et les violences sexuelles faites aux enfants (Ciivise) [the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence against Children], points out: «When 97% of men assault 81% of young female victims, you can see that for the most part, it's men who rape children.  These are the statistics of impunity, for permission to rape and re-offend, so being here today is also political.»

Vanina, 54, who works in the film industry and wears a «Support Ciivise, I believe in you, I protect you» sticker on her coat, said it was «important for Adèle Haenel to know that we are grateful for her»: «I don't expect much from this trial, but there’s always hope.  As a child of incest myself, my suit was dismissed.»  Colombe, a visual artist, hopes that this trial will not be «another violation» for the actress.

Prosecutor Camille Poch referred again to the «semantic field of sex» that he uses when talking about Adèle Haenel or in his Google searches.  In this context, he noted: «When [Bertrand] Bonello's film was released, if you searched it in Google, it would bring up “Adèle Haenel hot”, so I clicked on it [...]  Yes, she's sensual, that's the heart of the film, she's going to show her body.  Yes, Adèle Haenel had an overwhelming sensuality, which she still has today», he even dared to say.

«He destroyed everything»

Around 7pm, Adèle Haenel was called to the stand.  She approached with a firm, determined step, and delivered testimony that alternated between emotion and anger, pleading for the protection of the child she used to be, and for all child victims of pedophiles.

She would be questioned for a long time about her choice to speak in a press article and not to take her case to court first.  «At the time I spoke in 2019, there were so many dismissals, I'm not telling you anything you don’t already know, I didn't want to add violence to violence.»

Speaking about the film Les Diables, she recounted the «confusion Christophe Ruggia fostered between the love of acting and the love for himself, a shifting of reality»: «There was no longer any demarcation for intimacy, for sexuality, and I found myself being directed to touch myself like in the film [...]  Mr. Ruggia became the main adult in my life, I had a normal life, friends, a brother, and he destroyed everything.»

Asked by the judge about the impact these assaults have had on her, she described how «devastating» it has been, particularly with respect to «disparagement and self-hatred».  She talks about her «depression», the work she has done on herself since 2016.  «These days, things are getting better.»

The judge then asked her again about not referring her case to court. The actress replied simply: «The truth is, I didn't even think about it, I thought the courts would never be interested in my story, what I’d been through in those years, nobody cared about what happened to me.» 

The assessor then asked her about the Saturdays during which she described the assaults, Saturdays on which he bought her snacks: Cadbury Finger blanc cookies and Orangina, her «favorite».

«Can you explain why a 12-year-old child would keep going back?» the judge asked the actress.

- It's horrible, I thought I owed it to him, that it was my fault.  When he drove me home, he told me that the others wouldn't understand, he made the situation seem normal, and I felt obliged to go [...]  I felt indebted to him.»

Adèle Haenel then talked about her response to the assaults that she is denouncing.  She described in detail, speaking more and more rapidly, about what she remembers: «In his living room, it's a half-normalized conversation, thanks to a joke or a laugh, for example, he would come and sit down right next to me, and “you’re too funny my little whale, my baby girl”, I tighen up, I'm on the sofa, I get tense, my body tenses up, he goes on, interjecting a few words as if it were normal, his hand partly on my thigh, “ah là là your top is really cute”, sliding his hand part of the way under my collar, I'm so tense, I curl up as much as possible in the corner of the sofa...  If he thinks I'm resisting too much, he'll stop for a moment, look at me like, “what the hell?” and starts again.»

Adèle Haenel responded to his saying that none of these things ever happened: «He’s a big liar, you’re a big liar, Mr. Ruggia», she said, turning to him.

The actress also told the court about the moment when she said to stop.  «I got up from the sofa, went over to the window and said “this has gone too far, this has to stop”, he was still next to the imprint of my body on the sofa, I said it again, then he brought me back, [...] he was trying to use his film [a project in progress - ed. note] as a reason to keep me because he said I couldn't do that to him.»

Asked by one of her lawyers, M Michelin, about the preparation of the film and the sex scenes in particular, Adèle Haenel explained: «That child should have been protected, it was possible to do so.  I don't think I said much, no one tried very hard to break the silence.»

As her testimony went on, her words became louder, more raw: «Today, I'm an adult, but back then, I was a child.  He says: “You're the one who jumped on my lap, you're the one who touched yourself.”  But who was the adult?  Who was supposed to set boundaries?  I felt disgusting and it was never his fault, all these nasty people around me and he's the nice guy who gave me Cadbury Finger blanc cookies!  I'm sorry I'm getting upset, we're talking about at least a hundred Saturdays... »

As Adèle Haenel spoke, she went back over the details of the assaults and apologized to the court at times: «I'm so sorry, it's stressful to talk about this, he says my statements have changed but no, I’ve always tried to tell it as best I could with the words I had, the shame I had.»

At one point, she returned to one of the court's first questions, namely whether she had thought about the consequences for Christophe Ruggia when she spoke out in Mediapart.  «All I did was protect him when I was a kid, I didn't even think that I had the right to defend myself, that it wasn't okay to be touched like that [...]  There was a total inversion of the meaning of things.  This guy, he pretends there was an equality with a 12- and 13-year-old child, he’s never stopped sexualizing me, saying “she jumped on me, she looked at me with pornographic eyes”, is that even real?  It disgusts me, I'm sorry to get upset but frankly...»

In response to Ruggia's defense that she wants revenge, Adèle Haenel stated: «I'm not driven by revenge, I want justice for this child whom no one protected, who got through it all on her own.»

Her lawyer Yann Le Bras referred to the «rather unusual judicial treatment» his client received, for example a twelve-hour police hearing. «Totally unusual» said the actress, who continued: «I spoke out thinking of the children, thinking about all those who are told “don’t destroy the family” [...]  I spoke out hoping to ease a little of the isolation of all these children, because I've lived this isolation, and I know how it made me want to die.  It's the most important thing I've done in my life, trying to shatter the isolation of children in my situation.»

Adèle Haenel talked about her «shame» and the fact that at first she found it hard to put into words what had happened to her.  To Véronique Ruggia, Christophe Ruggia's sister, who will be heard on Tuesday December 10, she explained that she spoke «half-heartedly»: «I always used the term “second base” with her, I was in a very raw emotional state, so I scratched my head until it bled, and I've never stopped since.  I've always tried to take care of the people I talk to...»

At the end of her testimony, Adèle Haenel explained that when she received the order to refer her case to the correctional court - a document written by the examining magistrate to support her decision to go to trial - she felt very emotional: «Seeing it in black and white, the “consistency” of my words, the “massive psychological repercussions”, wow, it had an effect on me, this recognition, so much isolation around it, I'm proud to have managed to hold it together throughout this process and life that have been so painful.»

[Please don’t repost this anywhere, in part or in whole.  Feel free to reblog, or at least cite your source and provide a link back here.  Asking permission would be nice in an ideal world, but I’m a realist – I know far too well how easy it is to appropriate stuff on Tumblr.  I would be the first to admit that my translations are not perfect – there are some words and phrases that simply do not drop neatly into an equivalent in English, and I constantly fix typos and make changes or corrections in older posts – but they do take a lot of work and time.  Thanks for understanding. - C.]

h/t to @thexfridax for the article! Thank you, Ros!

[mauvehound]

"Oof—"

Even though he knew it was coming, the strike still manages to catch him by surprise with the lightning speed of the swordswoman as she charges at him with unparalleled swiftness. The magic blade slashes at him, forcing him to stumble backwards, and down to his knees.

Though it is nothing special compared to some injuries from his past fights, it is certainly a strike he will not soon forget. It feels as though they both swung at him at once; had it been a real battle, this would be an attack to end him and his evil deeds once and for all.

But that is not where he finds himself - not anymore - and for that, he shall be grateful.

"Thank you as well," he says, slowly getting back to his feet. Although the pain lingers and stings, he still manages a smile. "I wish you all the best in your final battle."

— Thread End

*chuckles* i'm in danger - BOEL Round 2 Battle 18

[campaigningforengage]

Timerra and Fogado: Caring too much

Timerra and Fogado have the best childhood out of the royal siblings. They have both their parents, no illnesses, and the Solmic court seems more peaceful than Brodia's and Elusia's. The sibbies have a relatively more normal relationship because they just had a healthier upbringing

The only real problem between them was done by complete accident and still with the best intentions

Timerra was born with the responsibility of leading Solm one day. It's a responsibility she's happy to have, but it's still a difficult one. Fogado, wanting to be a good brother, decided to create his own role to help ease her burden. In his supports with Céline and Hortensia, he mentions training twice as hard so he'd be strong enough to support her but admits to still feeling like he's still not good enough to really help her in a meaningful way

Despite Fogado's own concerns about not pulling his weight, Timerra is just happy to have him around. Not only does she immediately figure out that a lot of his sentinel work is meant to make things easier on her, she takes the time to clarify that while she's grateful for his help, most times she just wants him to spend time with her

Fogado makes the mistake of caring so much about Timerra's needs, he forgot to consider her wants. While she does need this kind of support as a future queen, she also wants some quality time as siblings

My personal belief is that while it's not directly stated, Timerra is aware that Fogado puts too much pressure on himself and that her insistence on him spending time with her is also her attempt to make give himself more of a break. She boasts that she always knows what he's thinking and he does have a bad habit of putting pressure on himself even when no one else does, so it would make sense that she realizes this and wants to support him as well

Their relationship can be described as them trying to be each other's rock while viewing the other as their light. Fogado tries too hard to make everything easier for Timerra. Timerra attempts to convince him take it easy and just enjoy each other's company. Just knowing their sibling is okay and smiling is all they'll ask from them

Timerra and Fogado's dynamic feels more grounded in sense that they're really your most ordinary set of siblings. They don't have a serious source of trauma that they need to unpack. At worst, they just have to put in a little bit more effort to make time for each other, but aside from that, they're rock solid

[kykyonthemoon]

The first bouquet: For reunion and childhood memories

⭑.ᐟ The Little Flower Shop In Linkon ( Long fic) - Table of contents

⭑.ᐟ L&D Masterlist

Word count for this chapter: 2k5

When the late spring hues began to bloom, Lunaire decided it was time to open her own flower shop.

That property was on a quite ancient and peaceful street. Finding a calm space like this amid crowded Linkon, near the city center, was a blessing. The shop consisted of a ground floor that was a commercial space, on the side was a wooden staircase covered with vines leading to the upper floor separated from below. It became Lunaire's living space - a modest house with full amenities for one person.

That property was formerly owned by Lunaire's grandmother's long-time acquaintance. They opted to live overseas and sell it. With her savings over the years, Lunaire could only afford a lower floor. Although her grandmother intended to help her, she did not accept and was still working hard to be able to buy the house above.

After some renovation and rearrangement, Lunaire was able to officially move in on a late spring day.

Her flower shop, Elysium, would be open that weekend. Everything was well, thanks to her grandmother and Caleb, who frequently came to support her. They were now in the kitchen, and Lunaire sat on the floor, holding a huge cardboard box filled with beautiful objects from her previous home. Most of them were older than ten years. Lunaire had a passion for preserving artifacts related with specific memories.

The box gradually emptied once the objects were displayed in new positions. Her palm met something chilly at the bottom. It was a box made of wood. The familiar icy air emanating it drew Lunaire's attention. It had been a while since she had opened it.

Lunaire lifted the box with her hand. It had been on her desk for many years, stretching back to her childhood. She vividly remembered what was inside: plump, snow-white seals presented to her. But since the person who gifted them to her departed, Lunaire no longer desired to open the box and look at them.

That was why the box was always carefully tucked away in a corner of her desk. Sometimes, when she missed that certain person, she would softly touch it, allowing chilly air to flow through her palm. For a brief moment, she imagined her childhood friend standing in front of her, with the same appearance as before, encouraging her to keep studying or soothing her when she was in a bad mood. But it would all disappear when she returned to reality and realized that what she was holding on to were just memories.

"Lunch is ready." Grandma's words echoed from the kitchen. She quickly emerged. "Oh, you've found that box?"

Grandma, more than anyone else, acknowledged the value of the wooden box in Lunaire's hands and the memories contained within it. So she was astonished when her granddaughter did not bring it with her to the new residence on the first day. The next day, when the girl came to get something else, grandma quietly placed this box in her cardboard box. How silly that Lunaire then rummaged through her old room just to find it, almost crying because she accidentally lost such a precious thing. Of course, her grandma had not told her where the box was. She thought that sometimes her granddaughter had to truly lose something first to eventually admit how much she needed it later.

"Yes." Lunaire answered. "But I don't remember putting it here."

"Sometimes you still forget things here and there." Grandma's bright grin puzzled her a little. "Once you discover it again, be mindful of it. It would be a shame if you lost it for good one day!"

Before Lunaire could reply, Caleb's voice burst out:

"Grandma Céline. Lune! Let's have lunch!"

Lunch was served in Lunaire's brand new and cozy kitchen. She and Caleb prepared the dishes. Lunaire felt a twinge of sadness as she realized that after living alone here, she would no longer be able to enjoy her grandmother's cuisine every day.

In recent years, she had frequently had to leave her home to engage in EVER's research projects. Not long after returning, Lunaire moved out again. Only her grandma was left alone at home. However, she constantly claimed that she was not alone because Caleb's grandma lived right next to her.

When she was a child and moved to the Bloomshore district with her grandmother, Lunaire became Caleb's next-door neighbor. He also resided with his grandma. The two kids instantly became friends. To her, Caleb was like a big brother who always protected her. Currently, because he was on leave, he came home to visit, but then Lunaire bothered him again, asking for all kinds of help with her new shop and home. Despite his complaints, he was still willing to assist her.

After lunch, her grandmother said she wanted to go downstairs to see how the flowers in the shop were doing. Lunaire's maternal side of the family had a strong connection to plants. She also inherited the bloodline believed to be from witches. To others, this ability was known as Evol, but her family called it magic.

Grandmother seemed pleased with how Lunaire displayed and adorned the shop. It resembled their modest garden, particularly the light-filled tea area. She assisted her with the plants as Caleb checked the shop's lights. Lunaire was waiting for an electrician to arrive and install extra lights that day. Everything came into place, leaving her absolutely thrilled.

Suddenly, she heard a clanking sound in the corner of the shop. Grandma hugged her chest and knelt on the floor.

Some members of Lunaire's maternal family have exceptional talents. They have the ability to influence the Evol of others, either increasing or decreasing their strength. But that type of impact comes at a cost. If someone utilizes such power excessively, their body will be destroyed in a variety of ways.

Grandma Céline frequently suffered from heart attacks. When she was younger, things were not as dreadful. However, as she grew older, the suffering increased longer and more powerful. That was why she had not used her Evol in a while.

That day, she intended to use a little of her power to make the flowers in her grandchild's shop bloom exactly on opening day. Unexpectedly, just that little bit would cause her to be hospitalized.

Elysium Flower Shop was located near Akso Hospital. Caleb and Lunaire were waiting in the sparsely populated hallway. Her phone rang. The electrician had arrived at the shop and was waiting. She was about to reschedule for another day when Caleb suggested:

“How about I go back to take care of the shop for you? After finishing work there, I'll get back to the hospital to visit Grandma Céline. Is that Okay?"

"Thank you." Lunaire nodded slightly. Fortunately, Caleb was there for them. 

A nurse arrived shortly after he had departed. She stated that Grandma Céline had recovered consciousness, but that Lunaire needed to first consult with a doctor about the patient's condition before visiting her. Worried, she followed the nurse named Yvonne to the front door of an office. She glanced at the nameplate attached above and thought she was dizzy. 

Yvonne said: “Just go inside. Doctor Zayne is waiting.”

Zayne…

Lunaire's heart rate increased as she heard the name. Perhaps she was not mistaken. Maybe she knew the person in the room. Once.

With her fingers on the doorknob, Lunaire's thoughts strayed back to a day many, many years ago.

The town where the Lunaire family resided has been attacked by Wanderers. The ten-year-old girl lost her relatives and could only follow with the flow of refugees into Linkon city. By the time she regained consciousness, she was surrounded by strangers who were injured and screaming.

The girl shifted her gaze, seeking for any recognized faces. Yet, there was none. As she walked, she inquired whether anybody knew where her parents were. Those tiny legs kept roaming till they became exhausted. She sat down beneath the eaves of an unknown home. In her palm was a melted popsicle, leaving just the vibrant colors on her fingers.

Little Lunaire started to weep. What if she were forever separated from her loved ones? What if no one could find her? What would she do in this utterly unfamiliar city?

At that time, a person approached her. Another child who was older than her had a calmer demeanor. He stood there staring at her, his yellow and green eyes barely showed anything. But then he held out a popsicle in front of her.

“Take it. Don't cry anymore.”

Lunaire gazed at the popsicle, then at the young boy, and finally at her hand. Did he think she was crying because her popsicle had melted? She hesitated for a time before taking the icy present from his palm. She no longer had the heart to wonder where the boy got the ice cream from.

Sweets always made Lunaire feel better. The popsicle had a mild minty flavor. It was not her favorite flavor, but at that very moment it was strangely delicious. While she was eating the treat, the boy sat down next to her on the porch and took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket.

"Wipe your hand." He talked in short sentences, his tone a little frigid. However, he appeared to be rather kind and gentle. To Lunaire back then, everyone was good people. That was why she extended her hand to him.

The boy was a bit astonished. He obviously told her to wipe it off herself, but instead she extended her hand to him. He did not say a word, merely using the handkerchief to cover her palm and carefully wiping away the remaining traces of cream. When his hand touched hers, Lunaire felt a bit of cold mist emanating from it. When she calmed down, she realized that the boy possessed a type of icy Evol.

Lunaire's hands trembled slightly. The boy knew she was a refugee who got lost here and offered to help. He volunteered to take her to where people were seeking sanctuary in the district. There maybe she would find her family. Eventually, Lunaire agreed to it.

The little girl was absolutely unfamiliar with this place. But she kept following the boy. He was considerably taller than her, and his mature appearance gave people the impression that he was immensely reliable. Lunaire occasionally fell behind due to exhaustion. Realizing this, he deliberately walked slower to allow her to catch up. Her legs were not hurt, but they were fatigued and covered in mud. Her face was dirty and her clothes were unkempt. After a long distance, the two children arrived at the district's center, where a big crowd was rushing in the direction of the Wanderers' recent attack.

In the midst of the crowd, Lunaire lost sight of the friend from earlier. While looking blankly to the left and right, she felt a squeeze on her hand. He found her.

"Let's go. We're almost there.”

Lunaire's tiny fingers intertwined with his, allowing him to guide her through the crowd. All turmoil appeared to have subsided. Finally, they arrived at the shelter. But the boy remained with Lunaire for a while longer, until her grandmother found her.

That boy was Zayne. And after several years, they met again at Akso Hospital.

Lunaire walked into the minimally decorated office. An individual sat behind a desk, focusing intensely on the computer screen.  The typing on the keyboard stopped. He lifted his head. Through his thin glasses, their eyes met.

Lunaire would always remember that childhood friend's eyes. Everything about he could change; his appearance, his voice, his address; yet those eyes remained the most gentle. It had been too long. She had imagined the moment they met again, the things she would say to him. But when they actually met, her mind became empty.

He was the first to say: "Come here."

Still so gentle. 

Lunaire moved closer. She felt like her feet failed to walk anymore. She sat down in the chair near his desk.

"Grandma Céline is fine." He spoke as if he had sensed what she was worrying about. "She used Evol again, which caused the previous illness to recur. She will have to stay here to be monitored over the remainder of the day. If everything goes well, she can leave tomorrow morning.”

"Thanks, Z..." "Dr. Zayne." Lunaire spoke.

Zayne glanced at her swiftly and handed her a piece of paper.

"Fill this out."

He remained as reticent as he had been as a child. She snatched it from him. She assumed it was Grandma Céline's paper, but it had her full name written on it. The messy handwriting made her have to squint her eyes to read it over and over again before she could recognize her name being there.

"This is?…" 

"Yours." Zayne responded without glancing at her. He resumed his work on his computer screen. "You need regular health check-ups."

Zayne turned to look at her and replied:

“Grandma Céline and you own the same kind of Evol. Do you still feel pain in your heart at times?"

Lunaire nodded slightly. Zayne was well aware of this since as a child, he had witnessed her go through a similar predicament. 

“But it was only fleeting,” she continued.

“Nevertheless, you should be checked. I already spoke to Grandma Céline about this. She also agreed that you should both have regular health check-ups."

“All right…” Lunaire replied. She raised her head, looking for a pen on Zayne's desk. He immediately reached into his pocket for one and handed it to her.

"Thank you." She took it. At that time, she unintentionally noticed the scars on Zayne's hands. He promptly retracted it. 

Lunaire began filling out her information on the paper in silence. But in her heart, she wanted to ask him countless questions; about Grandma Céline, about him. How had he lived these past years? Where had he set foot to? Who had he met? What had he gained and lost during the time?

Finally, as late afternoon fell on the pot of jasmine in the window - the only plant present in Zayne's office - Lunaire handed him the paper. It was time for her to go see her grandmother. 

“Thank you, Doctor Zayne.” Lunaire said as she stood up. The reunion that she was looking forward to may have to wait a bit longer. For this meeting, it ended here. 

Lunaire walked out the door with unprecedented awkwardness. When she looked back, she found Zayne staring at her from his side of the desk. She smiled.

“By the way, I have a flower shop nearby. Elysium Flower Shop. This weekend will mark its grand opening. If... Doctor Zayne has time, perhaps stop by for a bit? I will be delighted if he does…”

Lunaire hesitantly observed Zayne's expression. His face remained the same, nothing had altered to indicate whether he would agree, or if he was happy to see her again. Zayne simply replied: "I will see."

Lunaire nodded slightly to say goodbye to him, attempting to disguise the disappointment that was quickly showing on her face. 

When the door closed behind the girl, the jasmine bud in Dr. Zayne's window suddenly stretched out, bursting with white petals. He smiled a little, realizing it was a present from his childhood friend.

Artwork: commissioned by me.

Artist: Thiếu I-ốt