#this is my otp from 3h

[reunionatdawn]

My Analysis of the Best Paired Endings in 3H (Part 19: AM Sylvain/Felix)

Sylvain: I hate Crests, you know. They mess everything up in life, the future, everything… Just because I have a Crest, I'm treated as the heir, and my older brother nearly killed me because of jealousy. Bitches... they swarm to me, no, to my blood, like ants... Mercedes: …I'm sorry. Did I remind you of something you didn't want to remember? Sylvain: …Sorry, I slipped. Ah, damn, I didn't mean to show such a pathetic side… Mercedes: …No, I'm glad. It feels like I saw your true face for the first time.

The localization watered down, omitted, or completely rewrote a lot of the more interesting gender-related dialogue. In his Japanese B-Support with Mercedes, the word Sylvain used for women was "女ども" (onnadomo). This term is derogatory. It is used to refer to females in a demeaning manner and carries a tone of contempt or disdain. It is considered offensive and is avoided in polite conversation. A comparable word in English might be "bitches" or "wenches."

Sylvain: …Oh, what's up, Professor? Haha, sorry, didn't notice you at all. We've been meeting quite often lately. Oh, could it be that you're interested in me? (Female Byleth): ...Just kidding, it's a joke. Please don't make such an obvious disgusted face. (Male Byleth): Sorry, my arms are reserved for girls only! I'd prefer not to lend them to bastards.

The localization also changed some lines in Sylvain's B-Support with Byleth pretty significantly. If you are playing as Male Byleth, he refers to males as "野郎" (yarou). It's an informal term that is somewhat similar to "guy" or "dude" in English, but it's more derogatory. It's a gendered insult and it suggests that the person being referred to is undesirable or contemptible in some way. It implies qualities like rudeness, roughness, or unpleasantness. It is also considered offensive and impolite, and it's generally not used in polite contexts.

Sylvain: My brother was always a truly irredeemable bastard. Selfish, conceited, and arrogant. I've always had to clean up after him…even after he died. But, thinking about it, if my brother, not me, had been born with the Crest… Would I have become like my brother, or would there have been a different fate for me…?

"Yarou" is often translated as "bastard". In Hopes, if you take Sylvain on an expedition and ask about his likes, he says it's talking to girls. If you ask what he dislikes, he says it's being surrounded by guys, and he uses the same term. And he often used it when referring to guys in general, such as during teatime. I think he was even more of a misandrist than a misogynist, and it's a shame that wasn't as apparent in English because it's pretty integral to his character.

Sylvain: If someone is in trouble, you help them. That's what a knight, no, what a human being does. Whether it's a cute girl or a rugged big guy, it's the same thing. Ashe: …！ Sylvain: Hey, don't give me that look. Are you falling for me? Unfortunately… Ashe: What are you talking about? …I'm just a little surprised.

Even though Sylvain disliked most women, he still vastly preferred their company over men. In their B-Support, he saved Ashe's life, and Ashe came to thank him (quite similar to Sylvain's A-Support with Felix, actually). And he basically told Ashe "no homo". In the localization of their C-Support, he asked Dimitri to come to town together with him to pick up girls. But in the Japanese, he simply encouraged him to invite girls out to dinner on his own.

Sylvain: Hey, Professor. If you're free, wanna go out to the town together? (Female Byleth): I found a place with delicious food. I thought I had no choice but to invite you, Professor! (Male Byleth): In search of unseen beauties… No. Just kidding. Please don't give me that look.

While there are plenty of hints that Sylvain is bisexual, I think it makes perfect sense that he can't end up with Male Byleth or any other male character except for one. He had a VERY specific type. I don't even think Female Byleth was truly his type. But ya know, self-insert.

Sylvain: Dorothea, Hilda, Mercedes… Lady Rhea is also quite the beauty. Ah, the Officer's Academy is great, Professor. Beauties everywhere you turn! Haha!

So, what was his type? Well, he tells you on the first day of school who he was interested in. Three girly girls and Lady Rhea, who represents the Mother Goddess archetype, the embodiment of the divine feminine principle.

Sylvain: Professor, have you seen Felix? He's always disappearing when you take your eyes off him. Byleth: I saw him at the training ground. Sylvain: Well, I thought it might be something like that. Sorry, Professor. Thanks for your help! Taking care of horses, you know, it's quite soothing. They repay trust with trust. Sigh… In that regard, dealing with girls is quite tricky.

Sylvain liked damsels in distress he could swoop in and help. He thought Hilda was cute until he learned that her "delicate flower" act was insincere. And he was attracted to Dorothea, whom he compared to a beautiful flower in bloom, until he suspected she had an ulterior motive. On the day he was looking for Felix, he said he liked looking after horses because, unlike girls, they can be trusted.

Yuri: Oh, is this what they call mutual affection? I'm up for a rendezvous anytime… But next time, could you use better lines than when we first met? That was terrible! "Hello, young lady, delicate as a little bird! Would you care to chat a bit over there…" Sylvain: Oh, come on, I already apologized plenty for mistaking you for a girl! How many times do I have to say it! Yuri: I didn't really need an apology, you know. Look at this face; there are plenty who make that mistake. In fact, I even think I should have conversed with you, even if I had to pretend to be a woman. There's nothing wrong with maintaining a relationship with the future Margrave, right? Sylvain: What an enthusiastic pick-up line… I can't help but feel strange myself.

What mattered to Sylvain was whether his brain registered someone as a girl. He tried to woo a crossdresser at a harvest festival. And the pick-up line he used on Yuri was changed in the localization. He called him "delicate as a little bird" in Japanese. And he was not turned off by the idea of Yuri pretending to be a woman with him.

Sylvain: ...Sorry. Well, I understand, but it seems my mind was refusing to comprehend... Certainly, you... I mean, you're a woman. Yes, a lovely young lady, indeed. Oh no, I've been rude. I'm terribly sorry, miss. Leonie: What's with that tone... Sylvain: I really am sorry. This is a first for me, too. Even if Leonie is ro… I mean, even if she's an active girl, something like this… Leonie: You were about to say "rough", right!?

He knew Leonie was a girl, but his mind just didn't see her as a one. He used the word"粗雑" (sozatsu). It means "rough" or "crude". Later, he compared her to a sunflower, rather than a delicate flower.

Sylvain: It might also be one of the knights… Oh, wait, me!? Ingrid: I'll hit you. Sylvain: W-wait, I was just kidding! I'm against violence! Being too rough ruins a beauty, you know! ………… Uh, well. I-I mean, when I say "beauty," I'm not talking about flirting or anything, yeah!

In his A+ Support with Ingrid, the Japanese word he used was "乱暴" (ranbou). It means "rough" or "violent" in English.

Sylvain: I'm weary from the nonstop battles. A gentle and beautiful young lady who can heal my troubled heart, I wonder if she’s lying around out there somewhere… (Best Answer): She might appear someday.

Even his notes to the advice box suggested that his ideal partner was a "Yamato Nadeshiko". The term describes the "flower of Japanese womanhood" or "traditional daughter of Japan". It's a nostalgic term for the perfect woman under the ideology of Japanese patriarchal society. Sylvain adored traditional femininity and wanted a partner who was the epitome of feminine beauty.

Sylvain: To be honest, I left home without telling my father, even though the country was in a difficult situation. Haha, I can imagine my father's angry face. "That idiot son of mine…" Haha, scary, scary…

But it was not because he was interested in upholding patriarchy. In fact, it he hated patriarchy and did not have a good relationship with the men in his life. His father was known as the "Wall of Ice". Matthias only cared about whether he had a Crest and could wield the Lance of Ruin. He didn't have much regard for his son's life and wanted him to take out a group of bandits by himself to earn his inheritance.

Ingrid: As you know, Sylvain and I have known each other since we were children. In the past, he often had bruises and other injuries on his face and body. Every time I asked, he would say he got them during training, but still…

And growing up, Sylvain was regularly beaten by his older brother.

Dimitri: Who's naïve and serious…? Besides, compared to you, most men are probably the same. Sylvain: Oh, really? A man who gives a dagger as a gift to a girl he likes is quite… Dimitri: How many years ago was that story? …If I seriously slap your head, will you forget about it? Sylvain: If I were hit with that monstrous strength, I'd die… It doesn't sound like a joke.

His Japanese voice acting during his C-Support with Dimitri conveyed a lot more distress than the English version did. Because of how overly serious Dimitri was, and his history of being abused, he genuinely could not tell that he was just joking about hitting him.

Sylvain: Ah, damn it… Joining the Empire… I wonder what Father would say… And then there's His Highness… He's definitely furious, right? That guy, when he's angry, he's downright terrifying… I wonder how I'll be killed… Just imagining it makes my legs tremble. However… it's your decision. I'll follow you…until the end. Haha, I wonder what's gotten into me. I should be scared out of my mind… and yet…

If you recruit Sylvain into CF, you'll learn that he was terrified of Dimitri's anger. He was a childhood friend, but he was never as close to him as he was to Ingrid and Felix. Dimitri was, after all, the future patriarch of the Kingdom with superhuman strength. Which would be kind of intimidating to an abuse victim. In CF, he calls Dimitri a stubborn "yarou". While he is on good terms with him in AM after his boar phase, he doesn't even have an A-Support with him.

Sylvain: Thinking that he's in the next room makes me hesitate to invite a girl over at night. I'm already scared and scared of the scolding the next morning... (Best Answer): Maybe I should reconsider the room assignments…

Sylvain's note to the advice box was about how he was afraid to invite girls to his room because Dimitri was next door. He didn't take his scoldings from Ingrid or Felix very seriously. But Dimitri's seriousness seemed to remind him of his father. And Sylvain was deathly afraid of his father. I'm sure that's why he felt like he had no way out of his arranged marriage.

Sylvain: As someone with a Crest, I was raised with great care by my parents. But my older brother, who didn't have a Crest, was suddenly treated very coldly when I was born. …My older brother even pushed me into a well and abandoned me in the snowy mountains. I understood it even as a child. I had taken everything from him. How could I complain in front of someone who wanted a Crest but couldn't get one? So, the persistent stares of women, the appraising looks of noble daughters… I had to smile and accept them. ��Because I had the Crest.

Sylvain bears the Crest of Gautier which is associated with the Death Arcana in Tarot. And the theme of "death" certainly played a large role in his character arc. Growing up, he was constantly told that he should go die and his brother tried to kill him. But Death doesn't mean literal death. It signifies a time of significant transformation, transition, and change. The old version of you needs to "die" to allow the new you to be created. 

Sylvain: Ever since King Lambert passed away, I hardly get to see my childhood friends anymore…

Death also represents a resistance to change. In Hopes, if you take Sylvain on an expedition and ask him about his memories of the past, he sadly recounts how he and his old friends stopped hanging out much after King Lambert died. Sylvain would have been fifteen at the time. The same age he was when he hit on Lord Gwendal's daughter, prompting Ingrid to finally leave her room out of concern for him.

Sylvain: Actually, I have a history with Lord Gwendal. Yes, that was a story from many years ago. I met a lovely young lady, fell in love, and was nearly killed by her father… And that father happened to be Lord Gwendal. Oh boy, I was truly prepared to die at that time!

In Japanese, Sylvain's Classic Mode death quote uses the word "覚悟" (kakugo). It means "prepared for" or "mental readiness." And in Japanese, he uses that exact same word when talking about the Lord Gwendal incident. Sylvain's childhood antics (such as hitting on Ingrid's grandmother) could be seen as a harmless ploy for attention to compensate for his terrible home life. However, his involvement with Gwendal's daughter appeared to be way more serious.

Sylvain: …Well, whatever you think, Professor, I don't intend to change my attitude. You see, I may be a good-for-nothing, but I'm still a noble with a Crest… I try not to get involved in serious relationships. They only bring trouble. Eventually, I'll be quietly married off to some suitable partner and settle down.

Sylvain was extremely disingenuous with girls. He would use them for sex, then dump them in public. He was dreading the fact that his life would change after he got married and he blamed them for it.

Ingrid: Right? We're just childhood friends, right? Then why do I have to clean up after your messes? Sylvain: Haha, nobody asked you to do that! Well, just think of it as your role and accept it. For some reason, it's been like this since we were kids, and it'll probably continue. Ingrid: …Continue like this? So, you don't have any intention of changing your ways!?

The only way Sylvain knew how to cope with his fate was by pretending that he just couldn't resist falling in love with every cute girl that he laid eyes on. But the truth was that he disliked girls and was even afraid of them. He was being literal when he said he would stake his life on flirting.

Ingrid: You keep earning resentment from women, and eventually, you'll really get stabbed. Sylvain: Haha, well, if I get stabbed, I get stabbed. I suppose that's just how it goes. Ingrid: …Dying for such a silly reason is definitely not okay, are you stupid!? …Glenn was the type to make those kinds of jokes too. And he really never came back.

Ingrid's line in her B-Support with Sylvain was changed slightly. She specifically warned him that he would get stabbed if he didn't change his behavior. And he just laughed, as if he were prepared to die.

Sylvain: I just, uh… Well, you're going to think I'm being a jerk or hitting on you or whatever… When we're side by side like this, training, I feel— I don't know—oddly at ease. Ingrid: I know what you mean. It's probably because we've been friends for so long. Sylvain: That must be it. Let's never change. Friends forever?

All Sylvain wanted was for things to go back to how they were when he was a kid. In their Houses A-Support, he emphasized that he was not trying to hit on Ingrid. The idea that things wouldn't change between them just put him at ease.

Ingrid: What do you mean you feel relieved seeing me eat? Sylvain: Haha, sorry, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. Just seeing you enjoying your meal like that makes me, you know, feel relaxed. [...] Nobody can stay the same as they were in the past. You said something like that recently too, didn't you? That's why having something that doesn't change is really comforting for us.

In their Hopes A-Support, he offered to treat Ingrid to dinner not as an attempt to woo her, but just so that he could watch her eat. It was a relief to him that some people never change.

Sylvain: Hey Felix, you free? You must be free, right? Let's go flirt with some girls together again today. Felix: Tch… You're disturbing my training. Go by yourself. Sylvain: Don't say that. Come on, we've known each other for a long time, haven't we?

The one change that bothered Sylvain more than any other was the change in Felix's personality. While he didn't like girls becoming attached to him, he was sad that Felix seemed to have outgrown that tendency and no longer wanted to spend time with him.

Felix: We've certainly known each other for a while, but that's about it. Besides, it's not what I wanted. It was just our parents' wishes. Sylvain: So, you're saying it's a rotten relationship, huh?

The phrase "rotten relationship" is kinda hard to translate. It is "腐れ縁" (kusareen) in Japanese. It means "a relationship that cannot be severed even if one wants to." It's usually a relationship that has persisted for a long time, often against one's will or preference, because it is bound up in some work, social, or family obligation. It tends to have a negative connotation, implying that the relationship is undesirable or plagued by difficulties.

It was derived from "鎖縁" (kusari-en) or "chain relationship", a term that refers to a close and inseparable relationship between two people, often described as being bound together by chains. "Chain relationship" was a positive term referring to two people bound by fate, as if they were destined to be together. But over time, the "rotten" part was added, and it took on a negative connotation.

Felix: That boar prince, it's been a rotten relationship since birth… No, even before birth. That's why I'm warning you… He harbors a beast within. You can trust in his skill in combat and brute strength, but as a person, he's utterly untrustworthy. You better be careful not to be devoured yourself.

Felix used the exact same term when he warned Byleth about Dimitri in Chapter 2. And the way he described his relationship with Sylvain is actually a far more accurate description of his relationship with Dimitri. Felix did have fond memories of their childhood together, but Dimitri's sadistic smile while torturing the rebels was ingrained in his mind. After that, he no longer wanted to associate with him, but he couldn't break off their relationship due to his family.

Sylvain: So, you're saying it's a rotten relationship, huh? Come on now, Felix. You used to cling to me like glue back in the day. You couldn't beat your brother, got into fights with His Highness, and every time something happened, you came crying to me. Back then, you were so meek and innocent. I doted on you like a little brother… Felix: ...Enough.

Sylvain disagreed that his relationship with Felix was just a rotten relationship. The implication was that it was more of a chain relationship and Felix was trying to downplay how close they were because he was hurt by the way Sylvain was acting.

Felix: Listen. I've held back until now, but there are plenty of things I want to say to you. In your personal life and even on the battlefield, you're frivolous. Whenever something happens, it's always about women… Sylvain: Hmm, what's wrong with that? It's rude to ignore cute girls… Felix: There's a limit to that, you sex fiend. If your sword skills were solid, I could acknowledge that. But you slack off even in training… Do you not feel any guilt about hurting others' feelings and holding them back?

Sylvain's womanizing certainly hurt Felix's feelings, but he was even more hurt by his frivolousness in battle. The implication was that he had no choice but to double down on his training because he was always babysitting Sylvain on the battlefield.

Felix: Being in this military academy, one becomes speechless at the sheer number of fools who, indulged by the power of their Crests and the status of nobility, neglect their training. It's truly astounding. (Best response): It would be good to give them training.

Felix's note to the advice box was undoubtedly written with a particular person in mind.

Sylvain: You know, since way back, I've been doing stupid things, and you've always been there to yell at me… Felix: Both of us getting lectured by Ingrid because of you… Try to put yourself in my shoes, I got dragged into it every time. Sylvain: Yeah yeah, that's right. Our relationship hasn't changed no matter how many years have passed. But you've changed, Felix. You were so adorable when we were kids… Now, you've become completely warped. I wonder why you grew up like this… Felix: Tch… You, on the other hand, are still a good-for-nothing, just like in the past. Sylvain: Ahahaha, what's that? Is that something the person who has always been by my side would say? Even now, look, you came all the way to me with the intention to apologize for what happened the other day, right?

Sylvain wasn't intimidated by Felix. But being yelled at by him still hurt his feelings and he kept his distance afterwards. And Felix came crawling back to him to apologize. He couldn't sever their relationship even if he was so hurt that he may have wanted to. He was afraid of losing their friendship, so it proves he was lying when he called it a rotten relationship.

Felix: …The boar prince and I have been acquainted since before birth. Before I knew it, he was always by my side… You might even say that, at one time, we were best friends.

Dimitri and Felix were always together as little kids and Felix used to whine unless they could do everything together (Ironically, Dimitri was probably the one who viewed it as a rotten relationship when they were kids). I've seen some people say that they were best friends up until the incident suppressing the rebellion when they were 14 or 15. But that didn't appear to be the case. At the time the Tragedy of Duscur occurred, when he was 13, Dimitri considered Glenn his best friend.

Sylvain: However, both His Majesty and Felix have really grown up, haven't they? Ten years ago, they were the kind of guys who would squabble over breaking each other's swords and whatnot…

Felix always went crying to Sylvain whenever he and Dimitri fought. Dimitri broke Felix's sword when they were nine years old. So, even by that age, Felix was clingier with Sylvain than Dimitri.

Sylvain: A little laziness is just right. If you push yourself too hard, you'll just get tired. Oh yeah, I'll treat you to a meal, so let's go out to town together, Felix. Felix: No. Sylvain: Which is more important, going to town with me or training? Felix: Training. See ya.

Sylvain lamented how cute Felix used to be in Houses, Hopes, and even Heroes. He was the only male character that Sylvain was ever interested in spending time with one-on-one. He even invited him out to dinner like he did with girls. It is very likely that he was so sad about how much Felix changed because he used to be his ideal "girl".

Sylvain: More importantly, it's time for the ballroom dance now, isn't it? There's also the White Heron Cup competition, right? So, Professor, who are we sending from our class? (Byleth chooses Sylvain as the representative for the White Heron Cup) Sylvain: Huh, me? Well, um, that's fine I guess. It's a good opportunity to show the girls what I can do. (Byleth does NOT choose Sylvain as the representative for the White Heron Cup) (Japanese) Sylvain: If anything, I'd rather see a beauty dancing than watch a bastard dancing, you know. (English) Sylvain: I get it. No worries, really. I'd rather see a beautiful person dancing instead of some goof like me.

Sylvain lumped himself into the "yarou" category, too. He was eager to impress girls during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. But he will sound a bit disappointed if you choose him as the representative for the White Heron Cup. He's happier if you choose a beauty. The term he used for a "beauty" was "美人" (bijin). It means "beautiful person," but it is primarily used to refer to women.

It can sometimes be used to describe an exceptionally attractive man, although less commonly. Generally, "bijin" is more commonly associated with feminine beauty in Japanese language and culture. While it can technically be used to describe individuals of any gender who are considered beautiful, the term often carries connotations of traditional or stereotypical feminine beauty standards.

And since "yarou" is gendered, you'd think that "beautiful girl" would be the obvious way to translate that line, right? On the first day of school, “beautiful girls” was used. But I have to give the localizers credit where credit is due. They used "person" rather than "girl". Because they knew Sylvain would not have minded one bit if Felix had been the White Heron Cup representative.

Felix: You seem like you have something to say. …You're not seriously considering choosing me as the representative for the White Heron Cup, are you? (Byleth does NOT choose Felix as the representative for the White Heron Cup) Felix: I see. That's fine then.

Felix is unsociable. He gets annoyed if Byleth stares at him too long during teatime and he struggles to maintain eye contact when talking to people. Yet he was not as opposed to participating in a dance contest as you'd expect. He even brought it up himself. If you don't pick him, he doesn't sound relieved like most of the others. In fact, in Japanese, I'd say he sounds a tiny bit disappointed. His objection seemed to be dancing with a girl, not dancing in general.

Felix: I'd much rather swing a sword at the training grounds than dance with a girl at the ball. Sylvain: Huh? Your Highness and Felix, are you joking…? You can dance with all the girls in the school. Do you mean to say that on such a wonderful day, you two dudes will be practicing swordplay with each other…? That doesn't seem like a sane idea!

One the "Night of Promises", Dimitri was not looking forward to the ball because he was sad that he was never going to rekindle his spark with Edelgard. He still attends the ball, and the cutscene shows him dancing next to Edelgard, as if to imply that he wished he was dancing with her instead. Felix felt the same way as Dimitri. He said he was going to skip out and train instead, something that made Sylvain sad. He used the word "yarou" once again here, emphasizing the masculine nature of the activity he's criticizing.

Felix: But… to the casual observer, it might not look entirely unlike a tryst between a man and a woman. If you're truly dissatisfied, then that's your compromise. Byleth: Unfriendly. Felix: Call it whatever you want. I'm about to head back to the training grounds.

If Byleth meets Felix at the Goddess Tower, his dialogue indicated that he did indeed skip the ball to practice at the training grounds.

Sylvain: When I heard you were heading to the Goddess Tower, I wondered who you were having a tryst with… I never expected you'd just be standing there alone, lost in thought. Byleth: Tryst...? Sylvain: Wait a minute. Seriously, what's going on? When someone goes to the Goddess Tower, isn't it to meet a lover? Here, vows exchanged are sure to be fulfilled… It's the lovers' sanctuary, you know. (Option 1) Byleth: Why did you come alone? Sylvain: Huh? Oh, well... Truth be told, I was curious about who you were waiting for. I hurried to catch up, only to find you alone in the end... Well, I must say, it put my mind at ease.

Sylvain goes to the Goddess Tower simply because he was curious about who Byleth was waiting for and was relieved to find out that she was alone. Then afterwards, he offers to make a vow with her.

(Option 2) Byleth: Don't you need to invite a female student? Sylvain: That's true. I could have invited someone, but my true love is right in front of me. Being alone at the Goddess Tower means I can try to woo you, right?

The phrase Sylvain used for "true love" was "本命の相手" (honmei no aite). "本命の" (honmei no) translates to "main," or "primary". "相手" (aite) translates to "partner" or "opponent," depending on the context. The phrase typically refers to the person that the individual truly loves or considers as their ideal romantic interest.

HOWEVER. It also translates as "favorite opponent" in specific contexts, particularly in sports or competitive activities where "aite" means "opponent" or "rival." In that context, it refers to the most formidable opponent in a competition or match, the one whom the athlete or team considers their top rival or challenger.

Byleth: …Me? Sylvain: Yes. Who else would I be talking about?

Who else would he be talking about? Well maybe someone who spends a lot of time with Byleth as a sparring partner? Someone who was absent from the ball? Perhaps someone he made a promise together with in the past?

Sylvain: Hey, Professor, I won't make you unhappy. So, how about getting married… Byleth: You're not trustworthy. Sylvain: Haha, well, that's true.

Sooo. Why did Sylvain go to the Goddess Tower? Was Byleth his true love? Or was she actually his primary rival for his true love? Well, I think we can rule out the "true love" option.

Felix: This is troublesome… The enemy is just a bunch of thieves. I doubt there are any skilled fighters among them. Sylvain: Don't be so cold. I'm looking forward to it. Come on, there might be a beautiful female thief among them.

Felix was always trying to prove his worth in battle. And Sylvain was always goofing off because he didn't value his own life. Before the group's first battle against bandits in Houses, he wasn't acting serious because there would most likely not be skilled fighters among them. He even made a joke about flirting with one of them.

Felix: If they're in a state of confusion right now, we can easily round them all up. I'm on my way. Sylvain: …No, no, no, hold on a second. Don't you think there's something strange about that fortress?

In Hopes, the bandits were a much greater threat than they anticipated, and Sylvain completely changed his tune. You gain Support points with Felix if you suggest charging the fort. But you gain points with Sylvain if you suggest a more cautious approach.

Sylvain: Ah, I thought since it's a festival day, there wouldn't be any lectures, and we could play all day… Hey, Professor. Even if you were planning an assassination, would you really choose the day of the Rite of Rebirth for it? I feel like there might be times when security is less tight. Or is there a reason it has to be this day?

Before the Rite of Rebirth, there was an assassination attempt on Lady Rhea. Sylvain didn't take it seriously because he knew the monastery's security would be tighter than ever on that day, and he was just goofing off and chatting up Hilda.

Sylvain: …But it's strangely quiet these days. Is it because the knights are out and about? Felix: I heard the knights are putting all their effort into tracking down the enemy. Sylvain: Putting all their effort… Isn't that a bit too much? Is it okay to neglect the monastery's defense? Felix: …How do you see this situation? Byleth: Maybe you're worrying too much. Sylvain: Is that so… Well, I hope the knights come back soon.

But after Jeralt was killed by intruders, he was standing with Felix, worrying about the thin security with all the knights out looking for the enemy. It's a very nice bit of subtle storytelling, showing that, even if he seemed like he was always goofing off, he was serious about Felix's safety and always kept an eye on him.

Sylvain: Come to think of it, you don't like sweets, huh? Well, thanks. I'll eat it later. …So, what do you want me to do? Ah, you want me to play matchmaker with a girl? Felix: Is your head filled with sugar or something? I'm just here to thank you for the battle the other day. If you hadn't noticed the ambush, I would probably be dead by now. Sylvain: Oh, right... But isn't that just how it goes? On the battlefield, it's all about mutual support. That's what comrades do, right? Felix: …You haven't changed a bit. Sylvain: Yeah, I'm still the same as ever. Felix: You always…

Felix is the only partner who will confess their feelings for Sylvain at the end of the Support chain. You could tell that he was mulling it over in the A-Support. He even brought a gift of sweets for Sylvain before he planned to tell him how he felt. But he chickened out. Still, he was going to say that he was grateful to Sylvain for always protecting him ever since they were kids.

Sylvain: His Majesty or Felix would probably make better hunting partners than me. I prefer to just sit back and watch.

While there are no specific childhood anecdotes related to this, a comment Sylvain made during his Hopes expedition did imply that he occasionally accompanied Dimitri and Felix on their hunting trips.

Felix: Boars are naturally wary animals, but this one seems injured… If it senses us, it'll charge. We can't afford to get injured by its massive rush. Raphael: Huh? Felix, you sound like you've fought something like this before? Felix: It's a story from many years ago, but I once let a similar quarry slip away. [...] House Blaiddyd and House Fraldarius used to go on hunting trips together. On one trip, a certain prince killed so many deer it proved impossible to fit them all on the sled. Meanwhile, I went off hunting on my own, encountered the boar, and barely escaped with my life.

Felix had a near-death encounter with a wild boar as a child. And I strongly suspect that Sylvain was the one who saved his life and got pretty hurt in the process.

Felix: You've always been like this since we were kids. Normally so unreliable, but you've always thrown yourself in harm's way and helped us when it really counted. …Every time you managed to put on that carefree smile for us, I cannot deny that I wanted to hug you a little. Sylvain: O-Oh… You're the one spouting those kinds of lines? Have you eaten something strange? Felix: Tch… I won't say it again, you fool! Now that I know you're safe, I'm going back to my room.

In the A+ Support, Felix will finally say what he was thinking back in the A-Support. He will mention how Sylvain would literally put his body on the line and then smile afterwards. And Sylvain told Marianne that a smile was the true measure of a person's worth. He always smiled because it made him feel strong.

Felix uses the word "抱いていた" (dakishiteita). It means "embrace" or "hold." It can mean to literally hold, hug, or embrace someone in a physical sense. Or it can be used metaphorically to express the idea of cherishing or harboring a feeling of admiration or longing. But the writers probably chose that word for its dual meaning.

Felix was certainly trying to communicate his admiration for Sylvain's ability to smile even when he's hurt and in a lot of pain. And in doing so, he made his intense longing for Sylvain clear. And I do not think the localizers were wrong to have Felix express his desire to hug Sylvain in a literal sense. It was all part of the same package.

Sylvain: Alright, alright. Then I'll wait while having a meal until you feel like it. Come on, Felix, let's grab a meal in town. I'll treat you. How about some meat? Felix: …Alright. I owe you one. Just for today, I'll go along. Sylvain: After we fill our stomachs, then we can go chat up some girls… Felix: ………. Sylvain: Just kidding, jeez, you're really short-tempered. Come on, let's go together, Felix!

Sylvain offered to treat Felix to dinner in their B-Support, and he got rejected. In the A-Support, he offered again, and Felix agreed because he owed him. Now, Sylvain offered to treat Byleth—even the male—to dinner in his Paralogue because he saved his life, and he owed him. So, that probably wasn't what he wanted to hear.

In Sylvain's mind, relationships were always transactional, and he was very suspicious over whether anyone really wanted to spend time with him. He even suspected that Felix came to give him the sweets just so he could set him up with a girl. So, he apparently tested Felix's intentions by suggesting they chat up girls afterward. Ya know, just to make sure they're on the same page and it's really a date. In light of what Felix intended to say, it's clear why he was upset.

Sylvain: ...Hey, uh, Ingrid. Training again today? Ingrid: No, today I'm going to the city to buy supplies. Training comes afterward. Is there something wrong? Sylvain: N-no, you're still as serious as ever, huh? Some things never change. Ingrid: …What are you talking about? I haven't changed at all. Sylvain: Y-yeah, you're right, haha. Ingrid: …Hey, what's up, Sylvain? Did you eat something strange? Sylvain: N-no, it's not that. Um… Have you found someone you like?

Sylvain was always smooth whenever he was flirting with girls. But in his A+ Support with Ingrid, he was incredibly flustered and stumbling over his words. He's a completely different person when he's really fallen for someone. Taken at face-value, the player would assume that he has fallen for Ingrid. And while that is certainly a valid interpretation, it actually isn't the only interpretation. He was particularly worried that she had been training a lot lately.

Sylvain: No, it's not like I'm flustered or anything. …I was just a little curious about the reason, that's all. Ingrid: …The reason for the makeup, huh. What do you think it is? Sylvain: Well… Is it because of a guy? If we're talking about someone you might like, going by your past tendencies… Felix…No, His Highness is also a possibility.

And the first person he asked about was Felix, due to Ingrid's history with Glenn and how Felix had changed to be more like him. But was it because he was afraid Felix would steal Ingrid from him? Or was he afraid Ingrid would steal Felix from him? While many people consider Ingrid the "canon" love interest for Sylvain, they deliberately left their A+ Support open to interpretation. I have no doubt that the writers preferred Felix as Sylvain's love interest, but they didn't want to make a gay pairing too obvious, so they left it open for Ingrid, too.

Sylvain: I've been given the opportunity for revenge. I won't waste it… even if it means stabbing each other to death…!

Regardless of which one you interpret as his love interest, Ingrid and Felix were the two most important people to Sylvain. If you do not recruit them in CF, they will die at Arianrhod, and Sylvain's dialogue changes in response during "Field of Revenge". The Japanese verb he uses "刺し違える" (sashichigaeru) literally refers to stabbing one another and killing each other.

Sylvain: Professor! Has it really been five years? We ought to raise a glass to the occasion. Celebrate your return. Nah, I'd rather commemorate it with your death.

Sylvain's CF arc is very interesting. He becomes like Miklan. The foreshadowing in his B-Support with Byleth was intended for this exact moment. He was so jealous of Byleth's ability to live freely that he wanted to kill them. And now he gets the chance. He doesn't care if he dies as long as he gets his revenge for his two friends. Sylvain felt like his parents only valued him for his Crest and his brother wanted him dead. But those two really loved him. He was so driven to kill Byleth in CF because s/he took everything from him.

Mercedes: You can't choose where you're born. It's like flowers not being able to choose where they bloom. Since we don't suffer from hunger or thirst, we can't complain even if the place is cramped. It's the same for both of us… We all have to bloom where we're planted. Sylvain: It's true that flowers can't choose where to bloom. They can't go where they want to go until they die, and if the environment is bad, they will just wither away.

Because of the arranged marriage looming over his head, Sylvain felt like a flower with his roots firmly planted. He didn't feel like he could go where he wanted to go until he died.

Sylvain: Finally… I can go to the place where they are… I'm sorry, Your Majesty… I… will go ahead and wait… Dimitri: Thank you, Sylvain. I will also… definitely go to where you all are.

And where did he want to go? To the place where Ingrid and Felix were. CF!Sylvain was relieved that he could finally join them upon his death, something that was sadly not included in the localized version. That line was especially relevant to his relationship with Felix because they promised to die together.

Sylvain: Me… disliking girls? Hahaha, no way, no way, not at all! I'm always serious when it comes to girls. I put my life on the line to woo them. Dorothea: You should focus on one person and then say that. You only have one life, and usually, there's only one person you can love enough to stake your whole life on.

Sylvain has the fewest number of paired endings out of any student. Understandably, very few women would consider marrying him. Mercedes would in order to escape her arranged marriage, but she'd have to give up her dream. And Ingrid would because she loved him and thought she needed to take care of him or else he'd end up like Glenn. But she'd also have to give up her dream.

In his S-Support proposal, Byleth was not quite sure if Sylvain was being sincere because he was still using shallow words. And Dorothea did not trust him, either, because he had to propose to her at least ten times. And of course, Dorothea will marry pretty much any nobleman in the game to secure her future. Felix had no one pressuring him and nothing to gain from being with Sylvain.

Sylvain: Do you remember? We made a promise when we were kids. That we'd die together. Felix: ...I remember. Sylvain: So, you see, there's no way I'd die before you and leave you behind.

In English, "dying together" could be taken as platonic. Just brothers-in-arms or best friends. However, there's a cultural nuance to it in Japanese because that phrase is often used in a romantic context. It implies that they will not just die but spend their whole lives together. It was, in essence, a marriage proposal.

Felix: …Well, I suppose that's true. But I'm fed up with getting terrified like this. You shouldn't just fool around all the time. Take your training seriously for once. …If you end up carelessly throwing your life away, I won't be able to die with you. Sylvain: Yeah, you're right. Once I'm healed, I'll try to be a bit more serious.

Felix uses the phrase "肝を冷やす" (kimo-o-hiyasu). It's an expression that literally translates to "cooling the liver" but figuratively means "to be frightened" or "to be scared stiff." It refers to the feeling of fear or nervousness that causes a person's body temperature to drop, often likened to a sensation of chilling one's liver.

Their entire Support chain was about how Felix never really changed. He always prioritized his training over hanging out because he was absolutely terrified that Sylvain would get himself killed and they wouldn't have a future together. After finally realizing this, Sylvain reaffirmed his childhood promise. He no longer wanted to die.

Sylvain: Anyway, I suppose you just said the things I usually say, right? Even if it's the same pick-up line, serious guys' words are taken seriously.

When Felix said Sylvain was frivolous in their C-Support, he used the word "不真面目" (fumajime). When Sylvain said he'd be more serious from now on, he used the word "真面目" (majime), which is the opposite. He also used this word in his Support with Dimitri. It means "serious" or "earnest" in English. It describes someone who is diligent, takes things seriously, and is sincere.

The "Sincerest of Knights" was not just saying that he would take his training seriously. He was also saying that he would take his personal life seriously. He wouldn't be frivolously going around picking up girls and telling them he loves them enough to stake his life on them anymore. Because he already found the one.

Sylvain: These five years, fighting and fighting… Finally, the tough times have come to an end. A new era is about to begin. …So, I thought it's about time I put an end to my own fate. Byleth: Put an end to? Sylvain: Yes. My fate is not determined by something like a Crest; it's determined by me… This is the first step towards that. Not someone trying to use my Crest, not someone decided by someone else, and not just a playmate…

Death is the arcana of transformation and typically refers to a need to start over by letting go of the past. It is about moving forward from outworn and outgrown ways of life. And that's what Sylvain's character arc was all about, regardless of whether he marries Byleth.

The term for "put an end to" is "けじめ" (kejime). It can be translated as "closure," "settling accounts," "bringing something to an end," or "establishing a clear boundary." It suggests that Sylvain is finally ready to confront his fear, establish firm boundaries with his father, and decide for himself who he forms intimate relationships with.

Sylvain: But our feet aren't roots. We can move ourselves and go where we want. If we navigate cleverly, we might not have to give up what we want to do. [...] I'm not trying to court you or anything like that. But if I, as the legitimate son of Gautier, were to propose to you… The other party would have no choice but to withdraw. It might sour our relations a bit, though. Afterward, you can do as you please. You can work at the church or become whatever you want. Mercedes: But if you did that, Sylvain, you wouldn't be able to marry the person you love, right? Sylvain: Hahaha, I'm not being serious about that.

Sylvain is a Gemini. Being the Twins, they'll flit from person to person to see what everyone has to offer, but once they commit, their lives are complete and whole. Because he and Felix made such a promise before the game even started, it suggests that they were both in love with each other, regardless of whether you go for their paired ending.

And if Sylvain already had someone that he wanted to spend his life with, but that he wasn't free to do so because they were the wrong gender to produce heirs, then it casts his behavior in a different light. His storyline was about forbidden love. He changes his behavior in Hopes because he realizes that he can go where he wants and doesn't have to give up on being with the person he loves.

Felix: I was raised to value strength above all else. Whereas you had a reason, an ambition, pushing you toward that hunger. So, tell me. What was the reason? Why were you driven to become so strong?

Not only is Sylvix the best relationship for Sylvain's growth, but it is also the best relationship for Felix's too. Felix was also a victim of Faerghus's patriarchal culture. He was taught to swing a sword before he could write and was raised with the motto: "Grow strong so you may live, and live to grow stronger".

Felix: It's like training with my brother. He always won—always—and died before I could win a single bout. From the first time I held a sword, all I wanted was to surpass him. And that's what drove me to become so strong.

Since Felix was a child, his main ambition in life was to surpass his brother, who he always lost to while sparring. And that sense of purpose continued to subconsciously drive him, even nine whole years after he died.

Rodrigue: …My eldest son was quite outstanding, you know. He was knighted at the age of fifteen.

Glenn possessed exceptional swordsmanship ability. Felix was probably so obsessed with surpassing his brother at swordplay because he was trying to earn the admiration of his father.

Felix: Sorry, but I'm not "Emile." And of course, I'm not your brother. Tch… It's so annoying being compared to someone else. Mercedes: I'm really sorry… I'll be on my way then. …Oh, the tea refill is here. Please help yourself if you'd like. …Well, see you. Felix: …I am me. Regardless of what anyone says, I'm not anyone else. …Isn't that right…Brother.

The English localization changed several lines in Felix's C-Support with Mercedes, giving it a slightly different meaning than the original Japanese version. The verb used by Felix is "重ねる" (kasaneru). It means "to pile up" or "to layer". Metaphorically, in this context, it conveys the concept of overlapping an image of one person with someone else, because they remind you of them. The Japanese version made it sound like "You're you, not anyone else" was something Glenn had to remind Felix often.

Shez: Is Dimitri really that much like his dad? Rodrigue: Oh, yes, absolutely. Well, the late King was a bit more hot-headed, it seems… Compared to me and my son, they are spitting images of each other. See, we don't resemble each other much. Shez: Yeah, you're really not very similar at all. Your looks aside, of course.

The concept of "kasaneru" played into Rodrigue's relationship with both of his sons. He had trouble viewing them as their own people, rather than just reflections of himself. He was very proud that Glenn took after him and disappointed that Felix did not. He also projected his own feelings onto Glenn. While it did seem like he chose to defend Dimitri to the death, he was not satisfied to die.

Felix: …Hmph. It's a waste to keep someone like you as a woman. Leonie: Oh, come on. That's what's wrong with you. Strength has nothing to do with gender. It's because you underestimate your opponent that you fall into traps. Felix: …Yeah, you're right.

I've seen some people accuse Felix of being a misogynist because of several comments he made to female characters. One comment was to Ingrid about finding a husband, which I'll get to later. Another was his comment to Leonie about being impressive "for a girl". His comment in Japanese is actually entirely different. He was saying that Leonie is so strong that it's a waste because strength isn't a trait that is appreciated or expected of females in Fódlan.

Felix was implying that her talents might be better suited for manhood. And she actually made him question that way of thinking. This Support showed how Felix was aware that some people don't naturally conform traditional gender roles and it would make their lives much easier if they were the opposite sex. Which is something he had undoubtedly thought about himself.

Felix: It's all well and good to remember the dead, but sentimentality will get you killed. All the tears in the world couldn't bring them back, after all. Ingrid: You have always viewed the world in such stark terms. It might even be one of your strengths. But one day, you will learn that emotions and sentimentality are also a strength, not a curse.

Felix is a Pisces, which is considered one of the most feminine signs of the zodiac due to its association with sensitivity, intuition, empathy, and creativity. Pisceans are often described as dreamy, compassionate, and deeply empathetic individuals who are attuned to the emotions and needs of others. As a child, Felix was meek, innocent, clingy, and would cry easily. These are stereotypically feminine traits which would certainly not be valued in a strength-obsessed culture like Faerghus. And especially not in a boy.

Felix: I am tired of it. For years, I've been forced to be a "replacement" for the dead. I had an excellent brother. He was a splendid knight worthy of admiration… He's dead now. After my brother's death, his presence haunted me like a shadow.

The Mother Goddess archetype is a powerful and ancient symbol found in various cultures and mythologies around the world. It represents the qualities of nurturing, fertility, protection, wisdom, and interconnectedness. Some examples are Isis from ancient Egyptian mythology and Mother Mary in Christianity. Sothis was the embodiment of the divine feminine principle.

The one who embodied the divine masculine principle was Nemesis. He represented the Warrior Hero archetype, which embodies qualities such as courage, strength, and valor. Figures like Achilles in Greek mythology, King Arthur in Arthurian legends, and Beowulf in Anglo-Saxon literature exemplify the ideals of the Warrior Hero.

Despite being the most religious country, the actual values of Faerghus were much more aligned with the Warrior Hero than the Mother Goddess. The Crest of Fraldarius is associated with the Emperor arcana. It represents the divine masculine principle. As the replacement heir, Felix's patriarchal duty was to serve as the king's sword and shield. But he hated the ideals of chivalry.

Dimitri: Heh. You know, Felix, you really are growing more and more like your brother. Always so sarcastic, and constantly looking for a fight. But deep inside, more than anyone, you—

The concept of "kasaneru" factored into Dimitri and Felix's relationship as well. Felix's gruff personality was not the natural effect of puberty. It was the result of being forced into a role he wasn't suited for. He hated bloodshed. His first battle left him horrified and he needed to desensitize himself to cope. After losing his brother and becoming a squire, his naturally sentimental and meek personality changed to become more like his brother, "sarcastic and constantly looking for a fight". Stereotypically masculine traits.

Bernadetta: Felix, did you just smile? And it was a really big smile, right? Hehehe, it's like cracking open a tough nut and finding a sweet smile inside… Felix: Tch… Don't get cocky, silly girl. Bernadetta: Oh no, the shell closed! Felix: …You've got guts to tease me like that. Seems like you really want to get in trouble.

The word Bernadetta used was "甘い" (amai). It is used for "sweet" and, just like in English, is often used to describe something that is sweet in taste or metaphorically sweet in demeanor or expression. In Japan, sweets are culturally coded as childish and feminine and liking meat is considered masculine. Did Felix truly not like sweets? Or did he just avoid them because of how they are perceived?

Bernadetta: Felix, please try this. This candy has a reputation for not being sweet. (Normal) Felix: I refuse. Whether it's sweet or not, I don't like candy. (Felix & Lysithea support level B reached) Felix: Candy, huh... If you say it's not sweet, should I take some?

It's worth noting that Felix will refuse to eat unsweet candy that Bernadetta offers him in their A+ Support. But he will actually give the candy a try if he has reached B-Support with Lysithea, after he tries her cake. And in their paired ending, he gives up the sword to spend to his life baking sweets with her. So, it suggests that he was just concerned with keeping up appearances.

Felix: If I were to die here, would you say something like you did when it was my brother? "That's the true end for a knight."

During World War II, ultra-nationalists popularized Yamato Nadeshiko as the female manifestation of Yamato Damashii. It is the term for an idealized Japanese man and refers to the traditional virtues and characteristics associated with him. These include loyalty, courage, honor, selflessness, and a strong sense of duty. This concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, reflecting the values upheld by the samurai class and other historical figures. The Kamikaze suicide pilots were said to embody Yamato Damashii.

Dimitri: My closest friend was a knight who served the royal family. He was near to my own age, and I admired him greatly. But one day, I watched him die. He stood his ground and fought bravely, but his life was snuffed out in the blink of an eye all the same. Ingrid: I always looked up to Glenn. He was the very picture of a perfect knight—noble and virtuous. In the end, he laid down his life—the ultimate sacrifice. I feel proud of him in ways that words can't quantify. Rodrigue: To this day, I'm proud of Glenn. He gave his life to protect Prince Dimitri. If he had abandoned His Highness and fled, I don't know that I could have forgiven him… I would have been deeply ashamed.

Glenn was less a character and more an archetype. He represented the ideal man of Faerghus that Felix was supposed to aspire to be. Since he was a child, his purpose in life was getting strong enough to beat Glenn at sparring. He felt like he would only be valued if he became more like his brother. And after the Tragedy of Duscur, he felt like his father would only value him if he died.

Sylvain: The old Felix was really adorable, but what happened to make him like that? (Best Answer): Say it's part of growing up.

Whenever Felix lost to Glenn at sparring, he would go crying to Sylvain. It is likely that Sylvain was the one person, other than Glenn, who made Felix feel appreciated for who he really was. Rodrigue, Dimitri, and Ingrid always talked about how admirable Glenn was. Sylvain always talked about how adorable Felix was and was sad about how he had changed. After losing his brother, Felix probably felt like his purpose in life was keeping his promise with Sylvain.

(If Byleth is male) Felix: Having heard of your skills, I'm eager to meet you in battle. Come to the training ground later. There, you will show me what you're capable of.

Regardless of gender, Felix viewed Byleth as his personal rival, just like he did with Glenn when he was a kid.

(If Byleth is female) Sylvain: Such benevolence is a sight to behold! I don't suppose you would care to join me for tea? We could discuss education…and marriage. Felix: Control yourself, Sylvain. I have more important matters to discuss with our new professor. Come to the training ground later. There, you will show me what you're capable of.

Although, interestingly, it was Sylvain's marriage proposal that prompted him to challenge Female Byleth to a sparring match when she first became Professor.

Felix: …What. I thought it might be someone else, but it's you. Byleth: Meeting someone? Felix: I didn't have such plans. …I just wanted to come to a quiet place.

Felix skipped the ball. But he was already at the Goddess Tower when Byleth arrived. He said he just needed some quiet, but wouldn't the training grounds already be quiet on the night of the ball? In Japanese, it's clearer that he was actually expecting someone else instead of her. There's only one person he could possibly have had in mind. The person he made a promise with long ago.

Felix: You know the legend of the Goddess Tower, don't you? The one where vows always come true. It's so absurd it makes me feel like vomiting…but trying to believe in it might be amusing. Let's make a vow to the Goddess of Fódlan. I will… I will, someday, surpass you. I'll surpass your sword, your skills, and as a warrior, I'll defeat you.

Byleth rejected Sylvain's request to exchange vows. And her vow with Felix was quite unromantic. Before swearing his vow, Felix closed his eyes, which he also does in his A+ Support when he remembers his promise with Sylvain.

Byleth: What kind of vow is that? Felix: What, unsatisfied? If you're looking for a romantic relationship, I'm sorry, but hit up some other man. Unfortunately, I've lived a life devoid of such things. Blades, blood, and battles. That's all I am.

Felix wasn't disinterested in love. He was disillusioned with love. After feeling unloved by his father and cheated on by Sylvain, he was trying to fill the void of love with strength. The only way he knew how to prove his worth to himself was on the battlefield. And that was the only sense of purpose he had left in life, anyway.

Felix: Once I decided to fight alongside you and the emperor, I was prepared. …Prepared to abandon my country, to strike down my father, and to kill a man I once called a friend. But… my sword feels a bit heavy.

I found Felix's character arc in CF very interesting due to the whole "rotten relationships" idea. Remember how it means "a bad relationship that cannot be cut even if you try"?

Dimitri: Felix… You killed Rodrigue… your own father. Felix: I decided to cut down anyone who stood in my way. Even if it's my own father… Even if it's a friend I spent my childhood with. Dimitri: I see. After this exchange… I have finally resolved to kill you.

When it came down to literally cutting Dimitri out of his life, CF!Felix was very hesitant. He had a sad expression during this dialogue. And it was the same when he fought Ingrid.

Sylvain: Hey, Felix… Remember back when we were kids? We promised we'd die together, didn't we? Felix: ...Yeah, I remember. Sylvain: So… Now, it's gonna be you and me, killing each other. Felix: …Sorry, Sylvain. I'm gonna have to let you die first.

However, he showed absolutely NO hesitation killing Sylvain. In fact, he was even colder to him than he was to Rodrigue. Sylvain was clearly the real target of Felix's revenge in this chapter, not the boar. When Ingrid warned Sylvain that he was going to get stabbed if he kept cheating, it was probably foreshadowing for this moment.

Sylvain did not take CF!Ingrid's disloyalty personally and was not angry at her. He was just happy that her stubbornness hadn't changed. But he was very angry at CF!Felix. It was the betrayal he wanted revenge for. He specifically brought up their promise before expressing his desire to fight to the death. He was fully prepared to be stabbed to death, but he wanted to take Felix with him.

Rodrigue: Hmm. The dreams I held dear as a child have either already come true…or never will.

The Hero's Relic of House Fraldarius is the Aegis Shield, a reference to Greek mythology. It's likely no coincidence that Rodrigue's middle name is "Achille". He was probably inspired by Achilles, the warrior hero from the Iliad. Achilles' strong reaction to his childhood companion Patroclus' death is often taken as a sign that their relationship was possibly deeper than friendship. He lamented, "My dear comrade Patroclus has fallen—he whom I valued more than all others, and loved as dearly as my own life? I have lost him."

Rodrigue: No matter how much we grieve, the dead won't return. There's no way for them to hear our words. That's why their presence binds those living in the present like a curse. The more we cherished them, the more we become entangled and suffer… I'm not strong enough to scold His Highness for his foolishness. Byleth: Even so… Rodrigue: Yes. It seems scolding and getting them back on their feet is our duty as adults, isn't it? …Despite speaking so arrogantly, in the end, I am unfit to be an adult, aren't I?

When I first played AM and got to the scene called "Entrusting the Future", I assumed Rodrigue was still talking about Glenn when he lamented how the dead can't return.

Rodrigue: We both have a disposition where we can't just live without purpose. Both Felix and me. I lived to serve him, the late King Lambert… to support him as his right hand. Having lost the king I should serve, having lost the purpose of my life… I thought about what I should live for… And in the end, I made fulfilling our promise my new purpose. Shez: A promise… What was the promise about? Rodrigue: He asked me to admonish and correct his child if he ever strayed from the right path.

But after playing AG, there was another scene called "Entrusting the Future". And I realized he was actually talking about Lambert all along, not Glenn. AM!Rodrigue understood why Felix hated him for his comment about Glenn's death and he didn't blame him.

Dimitri: Every time I see the expression of longing on your face when you remember my father, there's always a thought that crosses my mind. I wonder if you wished to live and die alongside him. Rodrigue: …Haha, you're overthinking it, Your Majesty. Despite appearances, I consider myself quite resilient. No, I didn't wish for my own death when Lambert passed. However… if it were to fulfill a promise with him, I believe I'd be satisfied to die.

The concept of "kasaneru" played a large role in Rodrigue's relationship with Dimitri. It was very telling that he decided that his new reason to live was not to help his surviving son get back on his feet, but instead keeping his promise to Lambert. Dimitri had strayed from the right path, but Rodrigue could not scold him. In VW, this enabling caused Dimitri to throw everyone's lives away at Gronder Field. In AM, when the consequences of Dimitri's actions came back to bite him, Rodrigue took the punishment on himself, stating how there are no sins or punishments on the battlefield.

Rodrigue: He left home on his own, and now… this foolish son of mine. Felix: I have no intention of returning to you. Nor do I have any intention of returning to that boar. Rodrigue: …When a child misbehaves, it's the parent's responsibility. Felix… right here and now, you'll die!

Yet Rodrigue said he would not have forgiven Glenn if he had run away at Duscur. He could not even forgive his own teenage son for an act of cowardice on the battlefield. And if Felix joins CF, he has absolutely NO problems punishing him with death. I could understand and empathize with Rodrigue more after playing AG. I don't think he was a bad person. But he was certainly a bad father. He valued Lambert's (and Dimitri's) life above all others, even his own. And even his own sons. And Felix could pick up on that.

Felix: So, the old man's dead… Dimitri: Yes. Felix: I'll cut you down. Prepare yourself, you damn boar! Dimitri: Very well. Come at me, Felix!

There is unused dialogue that was apparently meant to be an alternate scenario based on whether Felix was defeated in Part 1 and was unrecruited in Part 2. I suspect much of his vitriol towards Dimitri in AM stemmed from jealousy over his father's affection. And because of him, he lost the chance to ever make up with his father. Their AM battle dialogue is the opposite of CF. This Felix had no hesitation cutting Dimitri out of his life violently and was prepared to die with him.

Felix: Sylvain, stand aside. My blade thirsts for his blood, not yours. Sylvain: Then surrender already. I don't want to fight you, either! Felix: …Sorry. That isn't up for discussion.

But he had no desire to cut Sylvain down. Because they could not finish their Support chain, Felix could not reaffirm his promise and find a new reason to live. I'm sure Sylvain knew that he was throwing his life away by trying to kill Dimitri and he was desperate to stop him. It's hard to overstate just how much more emotional Sylvain sounded in Japanese. He really did NOT want to fight Felix.

Rodrigue: Remember when I told you about the time I acted foolishly and got myself into trouble? Lambert broke through enemy lines and told me, "Don't waste your life." Although he was covered in wounds, so it wasn't very persuasive, was it? Dimitri: Haha, indeed. You two were truly good friends. I'm so envious of my father. Rodrigue: Haha, saying that would only make my son jealous. He'd ask, "What am I to you?"

As a descendant of the hero Fraldarius, Felix was expected to have the same kind of bond with Dimitri that Kyphon had with Loog and Rodrigue had with Lambert. But I never got the impression that he did. In Hopes, he inherits his father's title and position as the king's right-hand, similar to his solo ending in Houses.

His duty was to act as the Shield of Faerghus, and that involved protecting Dimitri, primarily from his own suicidal recklessness. That was a role he played in Houses as well, but he was mainly protecting Sylvain from himself instead of Dimitri. That's not to say that Felix did not care for Dimitri's safety in Houses. He just delegated those duties to Byleth, like when he asked her to "cage the boar".

Sylvain: Be careful, will you? …Jeez, you've even got bruises on your neck. If something were to happen to you, we don't know what will become of Faerghus, do we? Felix: I won't say it'll go smoothly without me, but I always assume I might die on the battlefield. Sylvain: Seriously, Felix… if you were to disappear now, what would happen to Faerghus and His Majesty?

It did not seem like being the Shield of Faerghus gave Felix a true sense of purpose or a reason to live. Sylvain's appeals for him to survive because Faerghus and Dimitri needed him did not seem to be very effective. In Hopes, he was pretty nonchalant about dying on the battlefield, causing Sylvain to scold him for being reckless. It was the exact opposite of their Houses Supports.

Sylvain: You and me, we'll support His Majesty and Faerghus, by complementing each other's weaknesses. Felix: …Yeah. Um… in the future too, I'll count on you. I hate to admit it, but I probably need you. Maybe. Besides… without you, everyone else would be insufferably gloomy. Sylvain: I get it. You don't have to say it. I'll always be with you, no matter what.

In Hopes, Felix was there to help Dimitri get back on his feet, both literally and figuratively. But Sylvain was the only one he could ever lean on. Felix was raised to believe it was his duty to be a literal human shield. And that's why it meant so much to him that Sylvain would always protect him.

Shez: Well, you know, Sylvain, who always fights with you, ends up being swarmed by enemies... Felix: …That's because every time, he boasts about taking charge with nonsense like "Leave it to me." Well, I believe he'd manage to get through any predicament, no matter how dire.

There was a change in Felix's C-Support with Shez. The localization stated that Felix would always get surrounded by enemies when fighting with Sylvain. But in the Japanese, it was the opposite.

Matthias: Rodrigue, fall back with the duke. The escape route is secured… Leave it to me. Rodrigue: Matthias… What a fool. Make sure you come back alive. You must! Matthias: It's been a while since I've fought to protect a friend's back. My blood is boiling with youthful fervor! Claude: Risking your life to let allies escape, huh? That's the knightly spirit of Faerghus we admire.

When Matthias died in GW, he said he would be waiting for Rodrigue and Lambert on the other side. It's extremely similar to what Sylvain says when he dies in CF. And there were many parallels between Sylvain and his father in Hopes.

Felix: I can still stand… I can still wield my sword. I can still fight…! Tch… With injuries like these, I won't withdraw…! Sylvain: Felix! Stand down! Aww, look at you all beaten up… Leave this to us and fall back, okay? Felix: Ugh… You better come back. If you're planning to die, I won't forgive you, Sylvain!

When Dedue is low on health during the SB battle at Ailell, Dimitri begs him to fall back because he cannot afford to lose him. But when Felix is low on health and can no longer stand, Sylvain is the one who comes to his aid. Rodrigue made it clear that he expected his son to fight to the death. But because of Sylvain he retreats. His future with Sylvain was the reason he chose to keep on living.

Sylvain: Ah… Felix. I'm glad you're safe. Felix: You, always trying to shield me... Don't be reckless. Even though you're weak, you always, always...! Sylvain: It's fine as long as you're safe. As long as you're alive, I… Felix: You stupid bastard! Don't joke like that. If you ever dare to die, I won't forgive you…!

It's more obvious in Japanese, but what Felix said to Sylvain at the Valley of Torment was almost the exact same as their A+ Support. Sylvain probably knew he was going to die, just like Matthias did in GW. He was fighting to the death as he avenged Ingrid. Even though he wanted to die together with him, if it came down to it, Sylvain was always content to sacrifice his life to let Felix live. He died as a true knight so that Felix wouldn't have to. Felix had the type of bond with Sylvain that he was supposed to have with Dimitri.

Felix: …Well, I was prepared for it to come to this. With Father… and also with that boar, we'll eventually have to part ways.

Felix did not want to become a knight for many reasons. In Japanese, he used the phrase "袂を分かつ" (tasuki wo wakatsu). It literally means "to separate the sleeves" and is often used metaphorically. The imagery evokes the idea of two individuals going their separate ways, often signifying a farewell or divergence of paths. That is his entire motivation if he joins CF.

Felix: For the past five years, I've been fighting under the emperor. …I've slain quite a number of enemies. Now, I must look just like that boar from back then. …It's the face of a cruel beast that revels in blood and violence.

But if he takes that path, he becomes the very boar he hated.

Felix: …He's dead. I heard he was beheaded… But… I didn't see his head. If, by some chance, he's leading that army… Byleth: Are you truly ready to fight? Felix: …Don't underestimate me. Even if it's him, I'm prepared to kill.

In VW, Felix suspected that Dimitri was still alive all along. But he still chose to stay with the Alliance.

Felix: …I never truly understood his hatred and anguish towards the Empire. If it were me…could I have saved him? Could I have… stopped him?

Afterwards, he wondered if he could have saved him from dying like a wild boar. Even if he had stayed with the Kingdom, it wouldn't have made a difference. Only Byleth would have been able to stop him. Felix would have just died pointlessly at Gronder like everyone else. But there was no way for him to know that. In both routes, he suffers from regret and wishes he'd died alongside Dimitri. He is a lost soul, who lives only for the sword and fights with a will to die.

Felix & Sylvain (Non-AM) After the war, minor skirmishes continued throughout various regions in Fódlan. Felix, upon learning that there were battles still to be fought, chose to forsake his noble status and make a living as a swordsman. Over a decade later, he took on the role of a mercenary, and his employer turned out to be Sylvain, who had inherited the title of Margrave Gautier. The two of them were overjoyed to reunite, but their diverging paths meant that their fates would never intertwine further. After finishing his work, Felix left Sylvain's territory, embarking on another journey as a wanderer. It was a few years later when Sylvain received a sword that was unmistakably Felix's.

This is the ending you get if Felix uses his sword to cut a path to his ideal future. While he can eventually give up the sword and find some peace if he has a female partner, his paired ending with Sylvain is the single most tragic ending in the game. Despite having a chance reunion, Sylvain is unable to save him. While the reason for this is never stated, the Japanese ending offers a clue.

The phrase used for “diverging paths” in Japanes is "道を違えた" (michi o tagaeta). It also translates to "took the wrong path" or "strayed from the path." It implies making a mistake or deviating from the correct course of action, moral path, or intended direction. It emphasizes the idea of going astray or making an error in judgment.

Sylvain's arc was about realizing that his Crest did not decide his fate, he did. After Felix left him, he probably settled down with a random noblewoman, had children, and it was simply too late for him to start a new life with Felix. Because Felix went astray and chose an immoral path, it caused Sylvain to make a big mistake. Felix follows in Glenn's footsteps and dies alone, full of pain and regret. And I can't imagine that Sylvain's fate was any better when Felix's sword arrived on his doorstep. He probably became the next Wall of Ice. They can only be together in AM and their non-AM ending strongly emphasizes how that was the intended path for them.

Felix: Why did they die while I lived? …Even now, there's not a day I don't question. But I'm not as spoiled as you. I'll take my regrets to the grave. There are more important things to me now.

The localization did a faithful job with the Dimitri/Felix A-Support. It's just that, in Japanese, there was a line about how Felix would take any regrets to his grave. It was very similar to his A-Support with Rodrigue in Hopes. In AM, Rodrigue dies, and Felix never got to apologize for punching him. He even left a note in the confession box about that. But in Hopes, he could get closure with his father.

Felix and Dimitri's relationship was FAR from healthy. It probably would be much better for both of them to sever their rotten relationship once and for all and walk separate paths in life. And their A-Support was written with the idea that, if this was the final time Felix spoke to Dimitri one-on-one, that would be okay. He said what he needed to say and wouldn't have any regrets. Dimitri could sense his underlying compassion and was content to leave it at that.

Flayn: But isn't there a future beyond that where Felix can avoid taking lives? Felix: …It's fine to dream of such a future, but I don't belong there. After all, I've been swinging a sword ever since I was born. ...Swordsmen are troublesome creatures. Fighting for peace, yet losing our purpose when peace finally arrives. Flayn: …Haha, if that's the case, you need not worry. […] If you felt like you lost your purpose in life, surely you would find a new purpose. It's not like you to fear loss. Felix: …...… You really are something, aren't you? Huh… I've never even thought about it. Maybe there is such a way of living after all. ...I'm starting to get interested. Perhaps swinging a sword for the future you dream of wouldn't be such a bad idea.

One way Felix resembled his father was that he couldn't live without a great purpose in life, and if he lost that purpose, he'd need something to fill the void. He needed a future to look forward to during peacetime. He was intrigued by the idea that one day he could chop wood, fruits, and vegetables instead of people.

Felix: The millennium festival? Talking about festivities at a time like this, you're as carefree as ever, huh… Sylvain: No, no. While it's a celebration, it's also a political gathering where rulers from various countries gather. It wouldn't hurt to think about the future, right? You can't stay uninvolved either. Felix: Well, that may be true. For now, focus on the battle at hand, Sylvain. If you die here, there won't be any millennium festival or anything. Sylvain: Oops, a valid point! Well then, for now, I'll quietly prepare for the deployment. Felix: Do that. Don't neglect your preparations and end up losing your life in some trivial place.

He wielded a sword because he was afraid of loss. Getting stronger would not fulfill him the same way a relationship could. His non-AM endings really emphasize the fact that the sword was just filling the void of a partner.

Felix: I find it easier to wield a sword than to hold a woman's hand.

But personally, I think he was the only gay character in 3H (well, other than perhaps his father). He got along well with women, but I was struck by how unromantic his paired endings with them were. He is the only man to propose to Byleth at the training grounds instead of the Goddess Tower. He spends a lot of time apart from her in their paired ending and is happiest exchanging swords instead of words when they actually do see each other. It felt more like he was replacing the loss of his brother through her than really being in love.

In his ending with Flayn, he continues to wield a sword as Dimitri's right-hand and only gives it up in favor of a quiet life on his estate when Dimitri dies. When he marries Mercedes, Bernie, or Dorothea, he becomes the king's right-hand and travels across Fódlan with Dimitri. He spends a lot of time away from Bernie. Dorothea has to accompany him on the battlefield to get quality time.

His ending with Leonie is not romantic and they just become drinking buddies. In his ending with Ingrid, he gives up the sword when he's injured and does not regret it. The only two female paired endings that don't mention warfare, swords, or knighthood are Annette and Lysithea. But it felt like the joke was that he actually fell in love with he singing, not Annette herself. And with Lysithea, she dies young and leaves behind her cake recipe.

Felix: You're not cut out to be a knight. How about you start seriously looking for a marriage partner? Ingrid: …What's that supposed to mean? Felix: Just as I said. Ingrid: I understand that you dislike things like chivalry and knightly pride. Just because of that, you keep running away from your duty as the heir of the house… You have no right to speak so high and mighty.

In Japanese Felix did tell Ingrid to go find a husband, but he used the word "結婚相手" (kekkon aite) instead of "夫" (otto) which means husband. "Kekkon aite" refers to someone whom you are seriously considering as a potential marriage partner but may not be formally engaged to or married yet. He wasn't telling her to go find the next man to offer a huge dowry and immediately get engaged.

He was saying that she would be better off dating, finding a serious partner that she loves, and eventually getting married. He did not say this in a disparaging way. He didn't want her to end up like Glenn nor did he want her to blindly follow the orders of a king who he considered bloodthirsty. He genuinely thought that being a wife would be a safer and more fulfilling lifestyle than being a knight.

Dimitri & Felix Dimitri formally succeeded to the throne of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus after his coronation, dedicating his lifetime to the governance and reform of Fódlan. Behind many of his achievements stood Felix, the Duke of Fraldarius, who sometimes acted as the king's right-hand man and at other times served as his advisor. Bound by a lifelong steadfast friendship, it is said that Felix mourned more intensely at Dimitri's passing than even the queen herself. The tale of their lives, akin to the legendary Lion King Loog and his sworn friend Kyphon, will be passed down through the ages as one of the stories that adorn the history of Fódlan.

In any case, Felix was projecting his own feelings onto Ingrid. If you pair her with Dimitri, it says she supported him as a wife and queen, but still insisted on fighting on the front lines in battle like a knight. If you pair Felix with Dimitri, it says he mourned the king's death more than the queen. Ya know, the wife. Chivalry promotes homoromantic social bonding among men. Rodrigue had a wife and kids, but he devoted his life to a married (presumably heterosexual) man. He used his position as "sworn friend" of the king to fill the void of an actual gay relationship. He lost his reason for living when Lambert died. In this ending, Felix ends up following in his father's footsteps. I don't think that's a satisfying ending for him.

Dimitri/Felix: "彼らは生涯固い友情で結ばれ" means "They were bound by a lifelong strong friendship." This phrase emphasizes the steadfast and enduring nature of their friendship. The word "固い" means "firm" or "strong," implying a friendship that is resilient and unwavering. Sylvain/Felix: "生涯無二の友であり続けた" means "They remained lifelong inseparable friends." This phrase emphasizes the unique and unparalleled nature of their friendship. The term "無二" means "unparalleled" or "incomparable," suggesting that their bond was extraordinary and unmatched.

I would also like to compare the descriptions of friendship in the Dimitri/Felix ending to the Sylvain/Felix ending. Both phrases convey a deep sense of friendship, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. Dimitri/Felix emphasizes the enduring strength and solidity of their bond. In terms of depth, Sylvain/Felix carries a stronger sense of exclusivity and uniqueness in their friendship.

The term "無二" was also used in Ingrid's AM paired endings with Ashe and Dedue. Her arc was about belonging to herself, not a man. She wanted to go down in history as a knight, not as a wife. For that reason, her AM paired endings with Ashe and Dedue don't specify her marital status. But the writers still wanted to suggest that she and her male partner were possibly lovers. Since it can also mean “inseparable” in certain contexts, "無二" was chosen for their bond.

Felix & Sylvain (AM) Felix, who succeeded his deceased father Rodrigue as Duke Fraldarius, and Sylvain, who inherited the title of Margrave Gautier after his father's passing, both devoted their efforts to the restoration and prosperity of the Kingdom. Even amidst their busy days, their friendship never wavered. Felix would occasionally show up at the Gautier family's residence and insult Sylvain, and Sylvain, in turn, would visit the Fraldarius house frequently, solely to tease Felix. Throughout their lives, they remained inseparable friends, and there is even an anecdote that they coincidentally passed away on the same day.

In this ending, both men inherit their fathers' titles, but neither of them is forced to fulfill their unwanted patriarchal duty. Their bond is characterized by mutual devotion, not chivalry or bloodline. Their relationship effectively goes back to how it was when they were kids. He apparently made peace with Sreng as Sylvain is free to go where he wants and spends his life with someone he loves, not just someone he can have Crest babies with. While he becomes a famous cheater in his solo ending, and a renowned lord in his others, here historians remember him most for his closeness with Felix.

Like Rodrigue, Felix wished to live and die alongside another man. When paired with most of his wives, he becomes the king's right-hand, a role that would require him to wield a sword and travel. But not in this ending. He stays in Fraldarius territory so he can be available for frequent surprise visits. Sylvain was his true purpose in life, and neither can live without the other. And to me, that is the ideal ending to both of their character arcs. The Shield of Faerghus died like a true knight. "The Shield's Successor" died like a true wife.

[emblemxeno]

I have a spicy fucking take for you king. Rhajat is the best wlw option we've ever gotten. Id argue shes the best queer option but im not a man so im not gonna argue that. (Best mlm is Yuri tho I love him.) I feel she's the most human. She's pretty flawed but still ultimately a good person. (No offense to the 3h/engage bis). Her wlw support with corrin is still imo better than byleth or alear's supports with their respective girls. I find it really sweet but also good for both characters. I like how Corrin messes up and apologizes for forcing her ideas of "normal" onto Rhajat. She learns to accept Rhajat for who she is. And for a character who's said to be creepy and predatory she respects corrin's boundaries by (albeit begrudgingly) not staying behind Corrin during the tea party. Sure she still stalks but it's something. (Soleil doesn't respect ANY boundaries but yall ain't ready for that conversation full offense HEYO.)

So uh corhajat is peak and my OTP more people should ship it thank you for coming to my Ted talk.

JOKE'S ON YOU ANON, I LOVE SPICY FOOD, AND YOUR TAKE IS PEAK AND CORRECT

Like, it's impressive that she managed to be the most separated from Tharja compared to the other Awakening copies in Fates' second gen. She has such... standard depth and social issues that intertwine well with how the Deeprealms fucked her up and trauma from surviving falling off a cliff at a young age, like wow she's just weird and is constantly angsty about being seen as weird, and initially reinforces it before gaining trust from her friends and then reciprocating it. It's so sweet!

AND IT'S SUCH A PEAK EXAMPLE IN THE ORIGINAL JP SCRIPT FOR HER AND F!CORRIN AND I'M STILL MAD THAT LOCALIZATION CHANGED IT TO BE THE SAME AS THE MALE ONE RAAAAAAH

[unsuspecting-person]

y'know, writing a reply to the ask for Bernadetta got me wondering--so what are your thoughts on Cyril, if you still want to do the character breakdown?

How I feel about this character

Admittedly out of the LM three he's the one I'm the least familiar with, because in both Fòdlan games he always feels shoved off to the side. He's not even playable in Hopes for fuck's sake

But despite that, he's really neat! I like his personality, he's fun to play with and his bluntness and kindness really make him endearing and, I dunno. I guess he suffers from lack of spotlight even among the church units and it makes me wish we got... more out of him.

Doesn't help his most important relationship is 99% told and not shown because Rhea was contractually forbid from having supports with anyone but Byleth. I love Fòdlan writing. /s

All the people I ship romantically with this character

Lysithea! Their support together was so cute :D

My non-romantic OTP for this character

With Rhea, of course! It suffers a LOT from being almost entirely offscreen, but even then their whole dynamic is just. So great.

I mean, you have a head of a religion whose figure of worship is her own mother making her a demigoddess and a foreign child who explicitly does not believe in said religion, yet they love each other so much. But they still can't admit they view each other as mother as son. It's both so sweet and so funny.

My unpopular opinion about this character

I really don't get the hate? I don't know if it got better now, but I remember when 3H released that people absolutely hated this kid and wanted him dead because... he's occasionally rude and often talks about Rhea.

You know, considering he's POC and views Rhea in such a high regard, there was little hope of him getting a good reception to begin with. Fandom, amirite?

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

He and Rhea really needed that support together. It would have done wonders for the both of them and maybe people wouldn't have misinterpreted their relationship that much.

[asaelfic]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💗

Yes let's do it!! All fic authors deserve a little self promotion, as a treat. I have 135 works so picking five is HARD. Every fic I've written has a little place in my heart and I would love for anyone to read any of them. Also I didn't include anything I've cowritten but y'know… if you like Dimiclaude… Rae and I have two fics.

1) with this ring (Dimitri/Claude, 67,351 words, rated E) I'm still really proud of this one. It was written for the Dimiclaude Big Bang and has some lovely illustrations to go along with. I really love both writing and reading long fics, like sinking into a good novel, so I'm always happy when I finish one. I LOVE the arranged marriage trope, it's so fun to play with, and I'd been wanting to write an arranged marriage fic for these two for awhile. The things you can do when your OTP is canonically royalty!

2) lake song (Dimitri/Claude, 58702 words, rated T->E) This is cheating probably, as this is actually a series of 5 fics. But I couldn't pick only one of them, and it's one of my favorite things I've ever written, digging into trauma and recovery and living on after something that's changed not only your life but the world you used to live in. Primarily Dimiclaude, but very slowburn, with background ships and worldbuilding for things the game didn't give us. I really enjoyed writing it.

3) in the age of kings (Emet-Selch/Hythlodaeus, 16069 words, rated E) I have some difficulty writing FFXIV fics because the fandom is very focused on things I'm personally not that interested in, but this fic flowed out of me like it was meant to be. So easy and satisfying to write. I love writing getting-together fics, especially if there's a dash of bittersweetness, which needless to say the Ancients have in spades. It's my love letter to the Hythades ship, I guess, and I'll probably come back to them again someday.

4) all this riot of light (Sylvain/Claude, 15035 words, rated E) I really wanted to write Claudevain, and the different outcomes for different characters on different routes is something I thought about a lot when I was deep in 3H fandom. It all came together and haunted me with a Black Eagles Sylvain post-game idea that turned into this fic, which I still love, and which made me really love the ship as well. So many fun possibilities.

5) who burns like fire on the rushing sea (Ronan/Adam, 63867 words, rated E) I took a years-long break from fic writing and didn't really know if I'd ever get back into it, for various reasons. Then my friends and I all got obsessed with the Raven Cycle, which brought back my fic writing bug and made me remember everything I loved about fandom and creating for a fandom. This was the first long fic I wrote after coming back. I was super proud of myself then and I still am now.

[loregoddess]

Bernadetta for the character breakdown?

How I feel about this character LOVE HER, she's one of my favorite characters actually. I enjoyed all of her supports in Houses, and I appreciated that her characterization was consistent across all the routes. Despite her anxiety getting played for laughs a bit, I felt like there was actually a decent amount of depth to her character overall after I had finished playing all the routes and reading all her supports.

Hopes...did her a bit dirty (although all the BE characters--except Hubert, Petra, and most of Caspar's writing--got kinda shafted in Hopes, although NOT to the same degree that the Church characters got shafted). I do appreciate that she's one of the "you can recruit her on every route" characters in Hopes, because the fact that she is extremely good at surviving does fit with pre-established characterization. Hopes leaned more heavily into her anxiety and made it even more of a joke, whereas with some of the later supports/monastery convos in Houses it felt more like Bernie's extreme expression of her anxiety was a genuine response to a traumatic childhood rather than just "haha, look at this girl who is afraid of everything" so take that as you will. I still love her lots though.

All the people I ship romantically with this character Finally a shipping question I can sorta answer, bc FE is one of the few games with ships I enjoy. I'm partial to her paired endings in Houses with Raphael and Yuri (love, love, love the idea of her taking a commoner spouse to spite her father), and Bernadetta is my favorite paired ending for Hubert. So I'm overall partial to those ships from Houses.

Hopes doesn't have paired endings, but her supports with Marianne are SO GOOD and I think the two would make a lovely couple. Her supports with Hapi are excellent too, but I see the two more as besties afterwards, although I wouldn't be averse to the ship either.

She doesn't have any supports with Ignatz, but they're both artists who're nervous around other people to various degrees, so I could see them working well as a pairing, either romantically or platonically. (Yes, Ignatz is the most "doesn't have supports with this character, but would make a great partner for them" character in 3H, no I don't know why I think this, he just has a lot of untapped potential relationships, and he and Bernie WOULD get along really well methinks, bonus points bc he's a commoner).

My non-romantic OTP for this character Love Bernadetta's friendships with Petra, Dorothea, and Leonie in Houses. I think Bernadetta and Ingrid would eventually get along as friends even though their supports kinda nosedived (to make a joke about Ingrid's character though)--but like, Ingrid clearly sees a lot of Bernie's strengths and respects those strengths, so if the writers had just leaned into that more instead of "Ingrid is fanatical about training and will drag everyone else into it", I think the two would have had a super interesting dynamic.

As noted above, per Hopes I think Bernie and Hapi become besties for sure, even if their approach to carnivorous plants is very different.

I loved her supports with Alois in Houses as well, and I think--given Alois's nature--that he would act as a surrogate uncle-figure to Bernadetta, and the two would have a good uncle-niece -esque relationship overall. I also really enjoyed her supports with Seteth, but I prefer to think of the two as weird friends afterwards (even if their paired ending has the two eventually married, I just see them being platonic "weird found family" to each other, moreso than romantic).

I have...a lot of mixed thoughts and feelings on Sylvain as a character, but I do think his supports with Bernadetta were good, and I also think their supports could have been a lot deeper if the writers had given them more thought, bc Bernie--like Mercedes--had a fucked up childhood bc of her Crest and, my trying to untangle what is going on with Sylvain aside, I think he would have empathy for Bernie's situation, and probably offer to kill her dad as well. So, even if only in the version of 3H where I start reworking things in my head, I think the two would be weird friends as well. Like, in my head Sylvain is her #1 fan when it comes to her writing and art, but also feels for her situation and is lowkey protective of her as a result.

She also has supports with Dimitri in Hopes which are...okay. They could have been so much better though. I think the two would get along as extremely weird friends, and by extension I think Bernadetta could have had really interesting supports/friendships with Dedue, Ashe, and potentially Rodrigue (although he would have been another weird "surrogate uncle" for her in Hopes at least).

Bernie doesn't have supports in either game, but I think she would get along well with Mercedes and Annette too--maybe even Constance as well, although Bernie would have an easier time around Constance's "daylight" side as compared to her "night" side. I think Bernie would also get along with Flayn (re: weird found family dynamics), Cyril in a weird way (partly bc of your fic, but you're right they would get along in a weird way), and Rhea as well (again, bc of your fic).

Bernadetta deserves All The Friends honestly.

My unpopular opinion about this character Uh, well my general interpretation of and feelings towards 3H (both Houses and Hopes) are a bit contrary to a lot of popular fanon, but I feel like Bernie gets reduced down to her "uwu, girl with anxiety" traits more by fandom than in canon, whether that be fans doubling down on the trait as a joke (which is, I will note, rare), or more commonly fans criticizing her writing bc of her anxiety getting treated like a joke (valid, but also there is SO much more to her character than that, like? did we play the same game? why are critiques of her writing or arguments about whether her anxiety was or wasn't well-written the ONLY discussion points I see get brought up frequently? this girl has an entire range of skills and other character traits to discuss?).

Also I do get the jokes of "Bernie writes smutty romance fic" which is a very popular fanon HC for the types of stories she writes, but it just doesn't jive for me, both bc there's no canon text to really back that irrefutably, and also bc it just doesn't feel like it fits her characterization. I think she probably writes adventure stories, ironically, as a way to travel the world without having to leave her safe spaces (Bernadetta IS very excited to see Brigid's plants and scenery in her shared paralogue with Petra, and Petra even states that she brought Bernie along to see the plants, so I think Bernie would love traveling and seeing new plants and scenery if it weren't for her anxiety).

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon. I don't actually have too many complaints about Bernadetta's writing in Houses, aside from maybe toning down how her anxiety gets treated as a joke on occasion, but she really is one of the most consistently written characters in Houses, and given how inconsistent some of the writing is, I always take that as a win.

Hopes on the other hand...could have used some polish for her writing. Specifically, it's possible for her to fight and even kill her father in the final battle of the AG route, but their in-battle conversation is...lacking? for want of a better word? Like, I'm fine with Bernadetta not necessarily wanting to kill him so much as she doesn't want him in her life at all, but I think there should have been more emotion of some sort in their exchange of words. Gregoire's characterization in Hopes wasn't that interesting in my opinion though, I felt like the writers should have done something different to really show a character who would treat their Crested child as a political tool to vie for more power, rather than making him a copy of Bernadetta. I suppose if I were to ever do anything with my "merge Houses and Hopes, make it into the forbidden golden route AU" idea, I'd just entirely rewrite his character and actually explore Bernadetta's family dynamics in general a bit more, but that's just me.

Also, and this is more of a nitpick with the general writing (both games), but Bernie's family is in charge of "religious affairs" in the Empire, and I feel like this should have been explored more? Like what ARE Bernadetta's thoughts on the Seiros religion? This would of course require the CoS to not be one of the weakest parts of all the games' writing, and have some actual worldbuilding, which is definitely asking too much of IntSys. But that's a me problem with the general writing rather than a problem with Bernie's writing.

[dimiclaudeblaigan]

How or when did you realize that you love Dimiclaude as a ship? Was it already while playing the game/their routes or some time later? I already picked up on their chemistry in the game, especially their banter during WC (incl. El here, wish there was more House leader content) but tbh it really got me trough good fanwork. Probably bc I'm not that much of a shipper, in 3H there are few pairings I really care about, Dimiclaude and Sylvix on the top there. So, slowly I thought more about their[1]

[2] canon interactions and how good they would be for each other. All the things you and others already mentioned in "why do you ship them" answers, but also they do complement each other so well. Even in Hopes you can see Dimitri really needs someone to help him relax and take things a little more easy - Claude could help here. And Claude really needs someone who he can trust unconditionally to work on his issues there, and who better than someone as honest and good-hearted as Dimitri? ♡

[3] adding to my prior post: I also noticed that there are a fair number of fics that include both Dimiclaude and Sylvix, which is nice for me since I ship both. Most of them are modern au and often one of them is more in the background, but I do think it works really well in the post-AM universe, too. Imagine the King of Faerghus/Fodlan and the King of Almyra, and the Duke and the Margrave (who are more or less the most powerful nobles in the kingdom after the King himself) ... if I ever heard

[4] of two power couples it would be them. Though ofc that means a lot of responsibility and some long distance longing as well, ah poor Dimitri and Claude. Imagine, when Sylvain got send off to deal with Sreng/work to negotiate with them, at least Dimitri and Felix can exhaust themselves in practice, like the training maniacs they are (win-win!) while they "secretly" pine for their loved ones (secretly = obviously Dimi a little down, Felix more grumpy). Ok I'm getting a bit off-topic, sorry lol

Tbh I don’t really remember exactly what made me love them or when I realized it. I know it started in 2019 so it wasn’t too far into the game’s existence, but I don’t recall if it was fanart, Tumblr posts, their chemistry or a combination of those things. I do know it was BL/AM where I first really gave it thought. Originally my main ship was Dimitri and Byleth, but somewhere along the way it just kinda shifted to DimiClaude.

Generally I very casually ship things, like I can say I ship Hilda and Marianne or Ashe and Dedue, but I don’t really actively seek out content for it nor write it myself. It’s rare for them to be really dedicated to a ship and I have a few other OTPs from other fandoms that I love a whole lot, but I have comparatively way more casual ships, so DimiClaude being so interesting to me was surprising.

Aside from their canon interactions, for me it’s also the amount of possibility they have together and how many fic ideas, AUs or canon, could fit with them perfectly. They fit into a whole lot of ideas and concepts that always help explore different aspects of both of them. Having that is fun because it also helps me really see the kind of relationship they could have. They have an insane amount of potential and I love that.

Personally I do think Dimitri’s openness and honesty is perfect for Claude. I think if anyone else just said overly nice sounding things to him he wouldn’t immediately believe it, but considering how earnest and easily excited Dimitri can be, it’s hard to believe Claude would look at him and be like nah he’s lying. After Claude had such a terrible childhood, I think Dimitri would be perfect for making him feel better about himself and really giving him even more motivation to achieve his dreams. Being with Dimitri would also definitely help with his dreams since they want the same thing.

When I write them in fics I like to explore a sillier side of Dimitri that he starts to ease into because of Claude. It’s obvious throughout the game that he really does try to be relaxed and not so formal, but it’s just difficult for him. Claude is basically like... the kind of person who can be joking around one second and then get to work and do what he needs to do the next second. I feel like it’d be easy for him to slip into a relaxed, casual attitude to make sure Dimitri doesn’t tend to feel too uptight or serious around him. I like to think that eventually, being with Claude would help him open up to being a bit more silly and joking more. The way they banter in the game makes me think they could easily bounce off each other in a silly situation and have a really lighthearted moment.

Typically I am one of those DimiClaude/Sylvix people lol. For me it’s mainly because Sylvain and Felix are so close to Dimitri that they’re going to be the people who see Dimitri pretty regularly even post war. Also, I think Sylvain would notice Dimitri’s feelings pretty fast, and Sylvain is pretty loving and protective over his childhood friends. I think he’d want to stay close at first just to make sure Dimitri is alright, kind of also with the whole “if you hurt his feelings I will slay you” kind of thing with Claude. Protective older brother kind of deal.

Another character I love incorporating into DimiClaude is Dedue, because I think he’d be both so happy to see Dimitri happy and so happy and grateful that it’s someone with the exact same ideals as Dimitri that Dimitri is with. Both of them want the same things and have been planning for a long time to work on the same things. I think he would get along well with Claude and be really grateful to him for helping Dimitri.

I have headcanon about DimiClaude to keep them from having a long distance relationship because I’m a nut and I can’t handle them being apart lol. I like to write them as always being together like a normal couple, but they go back and forth between Fodlan and Almyra. Basically they’ll stay in Fodlan for half a month or a month or something at a time, then they’ll go to Almyra together. I headcanon that while they’re away from Fodlan, Sylvain, Lorenz and Ferdinand are the Help Desk instead of Dimitri. Generally I headcanon post AM that Lorenz takes care of the former Leicester territories and Ferdinand takes care of the Adrestian territories, so Sylvain would take care of Faerghus while Dimitri is away. And, of course, people know better than to try to start something while the kings are away, because Felix is grumpy and impatient and will just slice. When the boys are away from Almyra, he’d probably leave his dad and mom in charge like before he was king, or maybe have Nader be his temporary replacement while he’s away.

That way they’re always together and grow together as a couple, which would also help them get very used to each other and being around someone else in their daily life. Dimitri mentions in Houses that he didn’t have friends in the palace after the Tragedy besides Dedue because they all died, and of course we know his only other friends were long distance. I think it would make Dimitri really happy to wake up to someone every day and not have to worry that Claude will have to leave soon and be apart from him for long periods. I think Claude would also be really glad to have someone he knows loves him by his side regularly, because he’s already spent his whole life alone. Both of them were pretty lonely people. I like to think they can help each other not be lonely because they know no matter what, someone will always be there now.

Plus, I think if they show up together a lot, whether it’s a formal event or even just walking around a town together, people would get used to seeing them together and it could open up a lot of chances for their nations to get along better. I feel like Almyra would take to Dimitri faster than Fodlan would take to Claude once they know he’s Almyran, but I also think since their leadership would be so good to the people that they would start to accept Claude (and the marriage) a lot faster than they otherwise would.

One of my favorite ideas I still need to write at some point is Dimitri going with Claude to a poor area in town and visiting the kids... I have a n o t h e r and it’s that Dimitri learns to sew from Mercedes like in their supports but he handmakes things for the kids, and he often visits orphanages to bring the kids gifts. It always makes the kiddos super excited when they hear he’s gonna stop by, and when they get gifts from him they like to tell everyone they got presents from the king. Of course, you know Claude’s good little heart is melting whenever he sees this, and after going with Dimi a few times he starts to also learn some things so he can make some Almyran gifts for the kids. Sometimes they also bring ingredients so the kids can have a huge meal that day, and usually enough for leftovers for another day. They’re kings, they can afford more stuff than they’ll know what to do with in their life!

And yes, bodyguard Yuri will usually be shadowing them... even though Claude insists they’ll be fine because he’s used to being targeted. Yuri is a worrywart though despite his denial about that and will often be making sure they are safe. 

[hydrangeatattoo]

17, 18, 19, 43, 45! (For the FE3H meme)

17. Rank the Black Eagles from your favorite to least favorite.

Ferdinand > Hubert > Petra > Edelgard > Linhardt > Dorothea > Caspar > Bernadetta

18. Rank the Blue Lions from your favorite to least favorite.

Sylvain > Annette > Dimitri > Dedue > Ashe > Felix > Ingrid > Mercedes

19. Rank the Golden Deer from your favorite to least favorite.

Claude > Lorenz > Hilda > Marianne > Leonie > Ignatz > Lysithea > Raphael

43. Who is your favorite in-game ship (meaning they have supports and a confirmed romantic ending card)?

Claude/Hilda! Love their chemistry.

45. Who is your FE3H OTP?

I don't really have one currently. I have several ships that I love – including my former OTP – but nothing on that level of obsessive brainrot. Closest that comes to that is Claude/Shez currently, but that's not 3H. lol

Thanks for asking! :D

[danpuff-ao3]

Hi Danni!

Your HP astro series introduced me to astrology (much like your Snarry introduced me to Snarry), as I rejoice in finding theoretical foundations for shipping my OTPs, for which I'm infinitely grateful. If I may also jump on the astro-sorting train…here's my chart:

Sun: Pisces, 6th house

Moon: Libra, 1st house

Rising: Libra, 1st house

Mercury: Pisces, 6th house

Venus: Aquarius, 5th house

Mars: Capricorn, 4th house

Jupiter: Leo, 10th house

Saturn: Gemini, 9th house

Uranus: Pisces, 5th house

Neptune: Aquarius, 5th house

Pluto: Sagittarius, 3rd house

Oof, hope this is not too much information? You don't have to analyze everything of course, though I am quite curious where you'd place me (if you choose to), since I've never been able to get myself neatly sorted.

Otherwise, spring's coming where I live, and I wish you enjoy a beautiful spring :)

Sincerely,

A reader of yours

Hello there! What a familiar name! :D I'm very glad to hear from you again!!

(I still have your other ask sitting in my ask box because I don't have the heart to get rid of it, even if it's never to be shared <3)

Getting someone into Snarry could not make me prouder, but getting people curious about astrology sure comes close!! AND you included not only the outer planets, but the HOUSES???? What a gem you are!

I will do a rundown of all the planets with their associated houses (per element) and I'll include the minor houses I usually give, if I feel like they're strong enough. And because the Houses have a loose association with the elements, I'll also list those out, too. Then we'll pick it apart and explore bits and pieces!

The Signs

Sun - Pisces - water - Slytherin (Ravenclaw)

Moon - Libra - air - Ravenclaw (Hufflepuff)

Rising - Libra - air - Ravenclaw (Hufflepuff)

Mercury - Pisces - water - Slytherin (Ravenclaw)

Venus - Aquarius - air - Ravenclaw (Gryffindor)

Mars - Capricorn - earth - Hufflepuff (tentatively: Slytherin?)

Jupiter - Leo - fire - Gryffindor

Saturn - Gemini - air - Ravenclaw

Uranus - Pisces - water - Slytherin (Ravenclaw?)

Neptune - Aquarius - air - Ravenclaw

Pluto - Sagittarius - fire - Gryffindor

The Houses

Sun - 6H - earth - Hufflepuff

Moon - 1H - fire - Gryffindor

Rising - always 1st House

Mercury - 6H - earth - Hufflepuff

Venus - 5H - fire - Gryffindor

Mars - 4H - water - Slytherin

Jupiter - 10H -earth - Hufflepuff

Saturn - 9H - fire - Gryffindor

Uranus - 5H - fire - Gryffindor

Neptune - 5H - fire - Gryffindor

Pluto - 3H - air - Ravenclaw

Now I always prioritize the inner planets. Jupiter and Saturn are more moderate, or intermediary planets. Not as personal as the inner planets, but not quite as generational as the outer planets. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are farther from the sun, and considered generational because they represent more of our generation and how society and the world changes and impacts how each generation grows up. So less personal. Still important in their own ways, but not areas I look at without reason.

But let's sort of tally up what the outer planets look like between the signs and houses.

5 points for Gryffindor, 3 points for Ravenclaw, 1 point for Slytherin, 1 point for Hufflepuff.

From here (for reasons) I'm going to work a bit backwards through the outermost inner planet up to our topmost luminary.

Mars: planet of aggression, action, and drive. In Capricorn, the cardinal (forward moving) earth sign (stability, security.) Capricorn is the Goat (or: the GOAT) and is ruled by Saturn. Capricorn is all about ambition, success, responsibility, etc. So they are driven (Mars) by ambition, and a need to succeed. They are driven (Mars) by the need for security and stability (earth.) And they take action in very Capricorn ways. Very putting in the work (earth), very practical, very determined. Very letter of the law, in a way, ruled as it is by Saturn. Very about doing things right, and also just getting them done. Capricorn wants RESULTS. Hufflepuff for how hard it works. In Mars the more Slytherin nature pops out, too. But Capricorn is so extremely ambitious, and put in the specific realm of Mars...I think Slytherin nudges out the Hufflpuff a bit. Slytherpuff, perhaps?

Mars is also in the 4th House, which represents roots, home, and family. So a lot of that action and drive is focused there. On building a family, having a nice home, being safe and stable and having a reliable place to return to. And while the watery nature of the fourth house is rooted in emotion and the connection to family and history, I'll overall give the win to earthy comfort, toil, and HUFFLEPUFF.

Next we see Venus (also the chart ruler, so gets a boost), which is the planet of love, relationships (romantic and/or platonic), and pleasure (hobbies, interests.) Venus is in Aquarius, the fixed (stubborn) air sign (intellect, sociability.) Aquarius is very rebellious, unique, independent, individual, and humanitarian. Likely drawn to unique, interesting people; especially those very loud and proud of who they are. Drawn to interesting subjects and hobbies. Very inclined towards innovation and progressiveness. In Venus this feels a bit more crafty and artistic, so probably likes trying new methods of doing things. New/different art styles, new spices in their cooking, etc. Probably enjoys a more odd/quirky humor and/or aesthetic.

This feels further supported by Venus in the Fifth House: House of Creation. The fifth house represents procreation and children, art and culture. It is also called the House of Pleasure. So, yeah, that sort of pleasure. But also self-satisfaction. Play and fun. Whatever feels good, really! So you have the planet of pleasure in the house of pleasure! And in a sign that is often called the oddball. So this really does feel like taking a more progressive, experimental, and unique approach to fun and games, romance and relationships, sex and pleasure, and even arts and crafts. Still pretty Ravenclaw, but leaning very heavily on the creative end of the Ravenclaw spectrum. With a tinge of Gryffindor spice in there.

Let's stay in the realm of air and jump to Libra Rising & Moon! Libra Moon in the first house which, similarly to the Rising sign, is about the Self. Similar veins of being who we are and how we present ourselves and how we go about the world. With moon in the first house, we're seeing more of an emotional, sensitive, even moody person. But there is also this ability to express oneself and one's emotions.

Libra is the cardinal (forward moving) air sign (intellect, sociability.) Libra is the Scales (balance) and is ruled by Venus (harmony.) Libras value peace, fairness, and justice. Libra is also very about seeing both sides. (Being fair, per the Scales, and very knowing, per air.) Libra Rising gives a sense of charm, yes, but also a peacekeeper, the diplomat, and at worst the devil's advocate. And Libra moon seeks inner harmony (moon being emotions and subconscious.) Very desirous of calmness, being settled, a balanced and harmonious environment.

Very Ravenclaw, yes, but also pretty strongly Hufflepuff, imo, for that sense of acceptance and fairness and friendliness.

Lastly, we see Pisces in the Sixth House, covering Mercury (planet of information) and the sun (planet of the core and ego.)

The Sixth House is the House of Health and Wellness, Routine, and Odd Jobs. Also the House of Service. So it's very...taking care of oneself (especially with the sun), taking care of others, taking care of one's environment. Keeping things neat and tidy, keeping the self healthy and safe. In the sun, this gives a sense of caution (health and safety), also a good work ethic (routine, odd jobs, wellness.) A focus on self-improvement, self-care...health in both the physical sense, but also the mental sense. Mercury in the sixth house gives a sense of problem-solving...using one's intellect and communication skills to settle disputes, or attend to disruptions. The ability to use one's mind and connections to right what goes wrong.

Both planets are also in Pisces, the mutable (changeable, adaptable) water sign (emotion, intuition.) Pisces is the Fish and is ruled modernly by Neptune (dreams) and traditionally by Jupiter (expansion, excess.) Pisces is very emotional and attuned to the feelings of others (empathy) and the spiritual world (transcendence.) This gives a sense of being very emotionally and mentally overwhelmed, which leads to a sense of escapism, particularly with fantasies and daydreams. The emotional side of Pisces lends well to compassion, but also can lead to the path of obsession and addiction (again, that sense of escapism.) They also can be quite creative and artistic, a better avenue for processing and expressing emotion.

Pisces gives a sense of having their head in the clouds, but also this sense of otherworldly wisdom that people might take for granted. In the sun, this makes for a very intuitive and empathetic individual. In Mercury this lends a very...distracted sense, and also an indirect way of communicating. Not by intent, so much as...being in an almost other realm to others. Perhaps a bit creative, imaginative with how they portray themselves. This also lends a more creative, curious way of learning and thinking about things. Not a direct, logical path but an intuitive, emotional one. They have an easier time when there's an emotional connection to subjects, or if subjects are presented in a creative way.

Very Slytherin in the way of self-preservation (emotional, escapism), and resourcefulness (creative and adaptable), and even quite clever (in their own, head in the clouds way.) But there is also a Ravenclaw sense to that creativity and wisdom. Being in the sixth house sort of sets this in a more grounded place, but the expression is still quite Piscean. So perhaps, creating quite crafty and individual ways of performing tasks. Self-care by means of art, music, etc. Daydreaming to soothe the self. The sixth house realm of routine plus the Piscean changeability gives a sense of "organized chaos" to both the self, how one learns, and how one interacts with others. This sort of gives me the feel of leaning more Ravenclaw? Or more evenly a Slytherclaw?

So let's go back through:

Because Gryffindor had the most points of the outer planets, I'll give Gryffindor a major point for all the outer planets as a collective.

Outer planets: Gryffindor

Mars: Slytherpuff

Venus: Ravenclaw (Gryffindor-ish)

Rising & Moon: Ravenpuff

Sun & Mercury: Slytherclaw

But let's break it up a bit. Mars, Moon, & Rising all have a bit of Puff, but let's give the Major points to Slytherin (for Mars) and Ravenclaw (for Rising & Moon.) Then the Sun and Mercury we'll call it...Hmmm. I think with the sun, Slytherin takes the lead, and with Mercury Ravenclaw edges into the win.

So tentatively...

RAVENCLAW!!!

But also a close call for Slytherin, too.

[ncfan-1]

For the question meme: Mercedes (FE:3H) or Olivia (FE:A) ?

002 | Mercedes von Martritz from Fire Emblem: Three Houses

How I feel about this character: I like her arc, when it is fully played out via Byleth supports, of recognizing that her passivity, which once had its use in mitigating the harm that was done to her in situations where she was being abused, has now become a hindrance to her and that she has to be more proactive in going for the life she wants.

All the people I ship romantically with this character: Right now, I’m not certain that I actually ship anyone romantically with Mercedes. I think that right now, I find her story more resonant if she manages to make a life for herself where she doesn’t really need to get married. In non-Crimson Flower routes, this can only really be accomplished by taking religious orders, but I like to imagine that everything feels just fine to her when she gets to spend her whole life never getting married.

My non-romantic OTP for this character: Annette, and if we’re counting DLC, Constance as well.

My unpopular opinion about this character: I have no idea how popular or unpopular this is, so this could be a hot take or it could be that nobody cares, but I think I do head canon Mercedes as aro.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: More focus on her in Crimson Flower. We as a fandom have gone round and round about how there are a bunch of characters who could have had really interesting arcs on Crimson Flower, but it bears repeating that Mercedes is one of them.

my OTP: see above

my cross over ship: also see above

a headcanon fact: The voice she puts on is not Mercedes’s natural register. Mercedes’s natural voice is, while not particularly deep, a lot deeper than what we usually hear out of her mouth. She has put on a lighter, higher voice than is natural to her as a tool to make those who might hurt her consider her less as a potential threat to them. Also, this is more related to House Martritz in general than Mercedes herself, but when we got the new flavor text from Three Hopes, and House Martyn was described as a newly-established barony that hadn’t had any real opportunities to distinguish itself yet, I thought “Ahh, so you’re the ones who got House Martritz’s lands after it was dissolved.” Before, I had thought that Martritz territory had probably been absorbed into another house’s lands, but with Martyn’s name being so similar to Martritz, I envision them as a branch family of Martritz which, after Baron Martritz died, successfully petitioned the crown to name them his heirs instead of his unborn child (Mercedes), and booted Mercedes’s pregnant mother out to move themselves in instead. Also, a third fact, also not about Mercedes, but I’m talking about it because I think it’s a funny coincidence. So, I gave Mercedes’s mother a name in a fic I wrote in September 2019. I originally intended to name her Constance, but decided to pick another name that was more etymologically similar to her children’s, and wound up with Constanza. So in continuities where Constance von Nuvelle exists, I head canon her as being named after Mercedes’s mom.

002 | Olivia from Fire Emblem: Awakening

How I feel about this character: I like her. Honestly, I don’t think about Olivia too much.

All the people I ship romantically with this character: Frederick.

My non-romantic OTP for this character: Her Maribelle support is cute.

My unpopular opinion about this character: Like I said, I don’t think about Olivia too much as a character, so I’m going to write something gameplay-related instead. Don’t be afraid to class her away from Dancer. I do this with Azura, too. It’s fun to explore different classes with your dancers as appropriate, and Olivia is no exception: Swordmaster!Olivia and Falcon Knight!Olivia are both stupid fun.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: This is the most basic thing imaginable, but we all know what it is: please, for the love of god, give her enough time to actually form supports with Chrom before they get married.

my OTP: I don’t really have one, but I do like her with Frederick. Not a whole lot of support chains with potential romantic conclusions actually show signs of romantic feelings before the S-support, but I thought those were there in their A-support.

my cross over ship: I liked her interactions with Xander in Warriors. It’s good for making Laslow/Inigo sweat.

a headcanon fact: She does sword dances from time to time.

[wolfraven80]

Ohhhhhohhhhhaughaughaughaugh I love it. I LOVE WHEN THINGS ARE INSPIRED OR SEQUELS TO ANOTHER THING!!! And thats fair, Divine Pulse Edelgard would be too much in this one possibly. lol BUT OHHHHHHHHHAUGHGUGHGUHG I just love Separate Paths (And the Hourglass and everything else youve written. ITS ALL SO GOOD AND OOOOO) Thank you for writing Edeleth in 2024 your a hero <3 Also just so this isnt primarily me being a weirdo, whats your favorite thing you've ever written?

Thank you, anon! I'm really glad you're enjoying it! And I'm really happy I can still be writing my OTP almost five years later and there are still people who want to read it!

But wow that is actually a really hard question. I've been writing regularly since I was twelve so I've written a crapton of fanfic and original stuff since then. I think broadly speaking my favourite is always going to be what I'm working on right now just because it's the new exciting thing that I'm constantly thinking about. But if you ask about the pieces I'm proudest of I think it would be the fics where I tried something a bit different and it worked.

When I was much younger and writing for Sacred Stone I wrote a time-loop fic for the first time and was really pleased with it. When I was writing for Life Is Strange, I wrote a longfic that had a non-linear side-story that was a central part of the plot and until I was finished writing it, I wasn't entirely sure I was going to be able to make it work.

With 3H I think one of the ones I'm most proud of is Fate, because I was trying to explore Divine Pulse as more than just a game mechanic. That scene where Jeralt gets stabbed and Byleth rewinds only once because Sothis says it's fate was necessary for the game but it's really unsatisfying from a narrative point of view. But in the fic I got to have Byleth push against the limits and what is and isn't fate, what she can and can't change. As you can tell I have a huge soft spot for time-travel and other stuff that messes around with normal narrative structure. Sometimes it's fun to do something challenging!

[oliverniko]

Right back at you on the fandom love asks 👀 9 and 17?

From this ask game! Using 3H for this one

9. A ship that isn't your OTP but that you enjoy

Dimilix... This almost feels like it's cheating because it's my second favourite Felix ship that isn't poly LMAO but given as I create for Sylvix the majority of the time it's fair play. All 3H have angst potential but Dimilix are just that ship no matter what universe you put them in and it's just. Delicious. I'm not always in the mood for a tragic ship but when I am it's Dimilix Time. Just so much history to enjoy and the slow burn potential is perfect.

17. The thing in canon that everyone loves and that you also love

Sylvain and Felix dying together on the same day in their Azure Moon ending... The Sylvix fandom just seem to collectively love it. I additionally adore the message of it to death and there is something so Ahh about it when compared to how so many non Azure Moon endings for Felix are less fortunate and involve him wandering in a lonely manner, or dying young, so the idea of him having a fulfilled life followed by not dying alone is so good and perfectly shows how his home actually means the world to him.

Thank you for the ask!

[echoedfates-archive]

Hewwo... Happy end Edelbert is great but also Edelbert on other routes where they're doomed to a tragic end...

[butwhatifidothis]

43, 47 and 48

 43. Who is your favorite in-game ship (meaning they have supports and a confirmed romantic ending card)?

Answered!

47. Who is your favorite Byleth ship?

Claude///leth. I've said a few times before, but my least favorite thing about Byleth ships is how often they tend to become "Byleth Stood There and then the other character was Cured Of All Their Woes." Claude///leth is about the only one where that doesn't happen, as Claude is able to showcase either outright growth in character without Byleth by his immediate side (AM) or is able to stand as a respectable character without them (CF). And since Claude's able to stand so strong as his own character without Byleth around, it makes his growth with them feel way more... genuine almost, if that makes sense?

Like, pretty much every other character needs Byleth in some way to grow, whether by actively being with them through recruitment or by Byleth picking their route, so it feels more like... an obligation that they grow with Byleth, not as a result of them genuinely growing due to their influence. It's less of a natural result of characters developing around each other, and more a box on a checklist. Claude doesn't actively need specifically Byleth to develop as a person though (Hopes' noncanonical lips can suckle my ass cheeks on this subject), he can stand on his own just fine, which makes his relationship with Byleth that much more refreshing and interesting to watch grow.

Also helps a shit ton that Byleth is not, in fact, Just Standing There and getting all the credit. Just as Claude reveals deeply held secrets to Byleth, Byleth reveals things to specifically Claude and no one else (again, I point to the Sealed Forest event; their responses to Dimitri and Edelgard are very distinctly different from that of their response to Claude). Byleth encourages Claude's curiosity (sometimes to an extent that even Claude is taken aback by), Claude encourages Byleth to have ambitions. And this culminates into their last cutscene, where it’s only through one helping the other that they are able to win the day, and with both of them having some of their most genuine and open smiles in the game after they’ve beaten the Big Bad. It's nice that it's more mutual! That it isn't smothered by player pandering (because, and very appreciated, Claude doesn’t just Lose His Flaws as a result of getting with Byleth)! Not an OTP or anything, but I do think it's Neat.

48. What is a popular ship that you don’t care for / don’t like?

...and on the opposite end of the scale there’s Edel///eth.

Pretty much all of the things I praised and liked Claude///leth not doing is what Edel///eth ends up doing. Edelgard’s character practically revolves around Byleth, Byleth really is Standing There and getting rewarded with undivided love from Edelgard (that never fails to falter her steps just that little bit even when the two of them literally don’t know each other at all), Byleth not just doesn’t get anything from being with Edelgard but actively loses out on the progress in their character should they stay by her side. Edel///eth is the example to point to to explain how/why the player pandering in 3H can royally fuck over some of the characters, as Edelgard is always reduced to a wet noodle in Byleth’s presence for literally no reason.

I might could potentially appreciate in either a dark!fic kind of way where it’s meant to be fucked up or in an AU where these issues are actively resolved, but as is it’s just something I don’t like at all

[teaveetamer]

Since you've written a lot of Dimidue, I wanted to ask about why it appeals to you. As a fellow Dimidue shipper, I'm always intrigued about why other fans gravitated towards it. Personally, I multi ship Dimidue, Dimilix, Sylvix so I'm not a "die for one ship" type of fan lol. But the 8 Blue Lions are so ship able together that they're all so easy to poly ship as well. There's very little I won't ship in the Blue Lions because they're all so interesting and well written and great dynamic together

Idk to be honest because it definitely wasn't my main when I started with the fandom. I think it was a couple of factors:

#1 I honestly just didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

I don't hate the lord/retainer dynamic in FE, it's just that usually the execution leaves a bit to be desired. Like Leo/Niles. I don't hate it, but it was always missing something to really sucker punch me and get me on board. Never really knew what it was though, until Dimidue came on the scene.

I think what really took them over the line was just like? How much of a unit they already seemed to be? I mean you literally cannot escape them talking about each other. Even Dimitri has dialogue in 3H where he explicitly talks about Dedue. It's very clear that whatever feelings they have toward each other, they're mutual, and it turns out that was what I was missing from the previous lord/retainer dynamics. All of those tended to be more one-sided on the part of the retainer, so a ship with the lord/retainer dynamic where they're equally invested (and if they aren't you could definitely make the case that it's the lord who is more invested?) Sign me up.

2) There's just so much to work with

I mean you have their supports, which are super gay don't get me wrong, but like? You also have Dedue's return at Myrrdin in AM, or their death scene in CF, or Dedue's revenge quest in VW, and all of their explore sections and dialogue where the two of them stand together quite often, and their whole untapped pre-academy history. AND THEN on top of THAT we got Three Hopes with even more Dimidue

3) It's kind of different from what I'd been doing?

I love Sylvix too, don't get me wrong, but I think part of the reason I gravitated less toward reading and writing it is because... I mean people made the joke that Sylvix was just nu!Leokumi and they aren't... entirely wrong... I mean they aren't identical or anything but the Takumi-to-Felix pipeline is pretty apparent and Leo and Sylvain are both sad boys with daddy issues.

So yeah I spent like five years writing a ton of Leokumi stuff and then Sylvix was feeling a little too similar to me. Dimidue was a completely different dynamic with completely different character archetypes and I found that really appealing, so I think I gravitated toward that a lot

4) This might be shallow but I'm over giving a fuck lmao. I like bottom!Dimitri pretty much exclusively and Dimidue was the only ship that would consistently feed me.

5) Dimidue being a smaller ship I also felt kind of protective over it? Not like I own it or anything but like. This is a precious seed that needs to be nurtured and babied into fruition. So a lot of my Dimidue stuff just comes from me wanting to fill out the archive with more quantity and variety of stuff for them, because it's kind of a bummer when you go to a ship's tag and there's only like ten fics and they're all G rated fluff (or if you wanna get spicy, E rated fluff with lots of hand holding and eye contact. I love that for Dimidue, but I also want Dimitri to choke on a cock and call someone daddy sometimes, y'know???)

I wouldn't say I set out to be a mono-shipper btw. I don't mind shipping characters with others, but I think I just naturally gravitate toward having an OTP.

[nexttrickanvils]

A, F and Y (or V if that's you!) oneshotprincess asking from my main blog cos tumblr sucks haha

A. Your Current OTP

Ah... well... it's not really just one OTP. I've kind of been on a Fire Emblem 3H kick lately. I guess I've kind of been in the mood for Claudeleth, Dimimari, and Netteflix

F. What's the longest you've ever been in a fandom

I never quite leave fandoms just more the hyperfixation hibernates until something triggers it again. And that usually lasts about a year maybe a year and a half.

But I guess I spent a long time in YuGiOh fandom back in my high school years for a good few years.

Y. A fandom you’re in but have no ships from

I don't know if I do? Like it's not like a "I need to have something to ship" kind of thing, it just happens. Though whether or not I'm super focused on the ship does depend from fandom to fandom.

[cyokie]

47 48 for the 3h asks?

Hoo boy, I hope I don't make too many enemies over this lol! Quick reminder that these are just my opinions, and I'm not trying to invalidate anybody else's ships or their perspectives on various characters.

47. What is your favorite Byleth ship?

Dimitri x Byleth is my favorite ship in the entirety of FE3H, so Dimileth, wholeheartedly. I love how they support each other in Azure Moon--by the end of the route, their relationship is so intimate. I don't even necessarily mean this in a romantic way. Just in general, they grow so wonderfully and unusually close.

I also feel that they balance each other out. Dimitri is more aggressive and emotional, whereas Byleth is more restrained and stoic. By the end of Azure Moon, Dimitri has learned how to better accept and control his feelings, while Byleth has learned to be more expressive and sympathetic.

A smaller, more trivial detail: to me, Byleth seems sliiightly more playful around Dimitri than they do elsewhere. There are a few dialogue options in Azure Moon where Byleth can gently tease Dimitri. I find this super cute, especially since it's Byleth we're talking about!

I'll be honest--when I finished Azure Moon, it just felt right to me that they should end up together.

48. What is a popular ship that you don't care for/don't like?

Uh-oh...here we go...remember my little disclaimer from the beginning of the post, guys! ;-;

I'm not really a fan of Dimitri x Marianne. I know what you're thinking--and no, it's not because I'm a Dimileth purist, or anything like that. I'm not one of those people who hates every other ship involving characters from their OTP. I don't hate DimiMari, either. I just...don't really like it??

It's kind of hard to explain my feelings here. I want to like DimiMari. I totally understand why people love them together. Their dynamic is excellent shipping material because they have so much in common. I also adore them both as individual characters. But...I could never really get behind them as a couple.

Why? I'm not sure I can truly tell you. I think I almost feel they're too similar for me to ship them, and as such, I prefer multiple other ships involving Dimitri and Marianne over DimiMari.