Iām waiting with my parents at 12:30 in a parking lot at a rest stop.
Weāre adopting a dog.
Will provide coherent thoughts later, but while Iām not entirely ready, Iām also excited to apply all Iāve learned about training and bond with him.
In other news, I love FE16 but life keeps getting in the way. Iām about halfway through my first route. Golden Deer forever, nerds.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Fire Emblem Series, Fire Emblem Echoes: Mou Hitori no Eiyuu Ou | Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Clea | Clair & Fernand
Characters: Fernand (Fire Emblem), Clea | Clair
Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Male-Female Friendship, Fernandās family is still alive so he isnāt a complete ass here, Nagamas
Summary:
Clair asks Fernand for some help to impress Clive when he comes back to Zofia Castle, and of course Fernand canāt refuse her.
My @nagamas gift for @allitalksfandom. Happy holidays!!!!!
Her gaze softens and she mutters:- Itās the least I could do for taking so much of you time -.Maybe they should change strategy.From what Fernand can see, the problem doesnāt seem to be Clairās technique, which is strangely impeccable actually. Somehow itās awe-inspiring how, despite this, she canāt get the horse to calm down as soon as she hops onto it.The problem ā or at least what Fernand believes is the problem ā is that⦠horses donāt like Clair.⦠Yes, it does seem a farfetched answer, but Fernand has no other idea. Sure, theyāve tried only with one horse, but Clair mustāve tried this already and Fernand doubts that the horse was the same.No, this canāt be the real reason. Fernand refuses to believe it.
Um, hello!
So, long story short, my life has been a whirlwind for the last several months, and I thoughtĀ āWell, how can I show how much I appreciate this and also apologize for not thanking you?ā A fic liveblog!
First of all, the part about the hyphens is interesting! I actually noticed that in some of the books I read back in high school Spanish. Does anyone know if France follows the same punctuation custom?
Sure, she complains about the uniform a lot, but sheās already adapted by making some small changes here and there enough to make her like it more and not enough to break the rules.
Clair has some great character growth during the game, but thereās the implication that sheās also matured a lot just before the plot happens. Youāre setting up for that here.
- Clair, fighting on a horse is not necessary -, is the first thing he proposes to her in order to find a solution, -We have many infantry troops and Iām sure they can provide you⦠-.
- Fernand -, Clair interrupts him with firm tone, - Do you really believe that a lady like me would fight in such an undignified way? I will have a steed and I will accept no less -.
If thereās one thing that can be said about Clair, itās that she has high standards! This line makes me smile. Of course, she also applies those standards to herself. She needs to succeed.
Fernand sighs, hearing that, but he shouldāve known that this wouldāve happened, so what else can he do in a situation like this? At this point heād rather help her so that if she ever gets to battle ā hopefully that will never be the case ā she wonāt risk her life because she doesnāt know how to ride.
- All right, Clair. Iāll help you -.
Youāre really encapsulating the protectiveness he feels about her well! Fernandās feelings towards her are very in-character; the reader has the sense of his viewing her as both a mentee and a younger sister with perhaps a touch of the gendered dynamics of their world.
Their first attempt is what can only be described as a disaster.
If it wasnāt for Fernand ā who was always ready to catch her ā Clair wouldāve ended up on the ground so many times that she wouldāve probably hurt herself in a pretty serious way.
Ouch! I have little experience with horses, but I do know that a fall from one can be fatal.
- Thank you Fernand -, she mutters after the tenth, or maybe eleventh, time he has to catch her.
- D-donāt worry about it -, the other mutters, barely managing to remain on his feet. Sure, Clair doesnāt weigh much, but with time his arms are starting to give out for the constant effort.
Gosh, if this doesnāt prove their determination! I wouldāve given up long before that point.
Maybe they should change strategy.
From what Fernand can see, the problem doesnāt seem to be Clairās technique, which is strangely impeccable actually. Somehow itās awe-inspiring how, despite this, she canāt get the horse to calm down as soon as she hops onto it.
The problem ā or at least what Fernand believes is the problem ā is that⦠horses donāt like Clair.
⦠Yes, it does seem a farfetched answer, but Fernand has no other idea. Sure, theyāve tried only with one horse, but Clair mustāve tried this already and Fernand doubts that the horse was the same.
No, this canāt be the real reason. Fernand refuses to believe it.
This is hilarious. Silly me, thinking it was an issue with her technique when I just observed that she has such high standards for herself! I can definitely believe that some people rub horses the wrong way.
He reaches for the horseās reins and he starts to carefully pet its face in an attempt to calm it down. It works almost immediately.
- You can retire -, he says to Clair, - Iāll bring the horse back to the stables -.
- Nonsense -, the other replies, - I was the one who convinced you to take part in this, therefore I should be the one bringing it back -.
Oh dear. Fernand doesnāt even want to think about what would happen if he lets Clair do it.
- Thereās no need to worry, Clair -, he says then, - I can handle this -.
- Then I shall accompany you -, the other replies. Thatās not even a question; itās a statement. She wonāt hear any objections.
I can practically hear their voice actors saying the lines!
Her gaze softens and she mutters:
- Itās the least I could do for taking so much of you time -.
Yes, she definitely has a soft spot for him.
The scene in the library is perfect, by the way. The banterās just like it is in that flashback!
He must say, he misses those moments of quiet in which they would drink tea and talk about shallow stuff without a care in the world. Today is a good day to bring this tradition back.
As much as Fernand talks about nobility, it wasnāt until now that I realized how much he must have missed the comforts of home while serving the Deliverance.
Itās always like this with them: sometimes Fernand would be too stiff with Clair, sometimes Clair will tease Fernand for revenge, but in the end, theyāve always got each otherās back.
Iām having trouble finding a gif to express how this line makes me feel, so Iām just going with this.
- What is it? -, he asks but it doesnāt seem like Clairās heard that.
She seems occupied in a staring contest with a pegasus.
The air is tense and nothing moves, and for a moment Fernandās afraid the pegasus will try to maim Clair, but what actually happens shocks him even more: Clair carefully stretches a hand towards the pegasusās face and, after a moment of weariness, the beast gets closer, sniffing her hand and, slowly but surely, it gets closer, letting Clair pet it.
Fernand is speechless.
Heās never seen someone tame an animal this quick, and the fact that Clair of all people managed to do that is even more surprising.
⦠Turns out that pegasi are really the kind of beasts for her.
There seems to be already a big connection between them, and Fernand feels like he shouldnāt look at this moment of shared intimacy, but he canāt look away. Heās too impressed with Clair to do so.
- ⦠Amazing -.
Itās been a while since he was able to ride his horse this freely, feeling the wind against him almost as if it wants to caress him.
Riding by his side, flying lower than how she could so that they can still speak to each other, is Clair. Sheās looking ahead of her with a big smile on her face. Seeing the world like this is incredible; is this how Fernand feels every time he rides his horse?
I can picture this so vividly in my mind!
Oh my gosh, you captured the two of them perfectly! You created these sweet moments (which are bittersweet given how things turn out), and built a world and a bond around them. I canāt thank you enough; I just regret that it took me so long to get to it!
I'm feeling better, slowly but surely. I've been busy with my new job; orientation finished on Tuesday. It's been difficult to get used to a new sleep schedule-one day I had to be there at 6:15! Everyone seems nice, though. It's going to be a lot of hard work for a while, but I like to be busy.
I do have some other good news: my family and I are now "back-up fosters." The organization I volunteer with trains dogs for careers like search-and-rescue, and the dogs live with foster families at night and on weekends. When the fosters are busy, though, the dogs stay with people like me. We're getting our first dog on Wednesday, and it's a dog I really bonded with previously, so I'm super hype about it!
Sorry I've been a ghost recently, but I'll try to stay in touch more often. If we're friends, I can offer you my number or Instagram or something like that (dog pics)!
Hello @darkflierliesel! Sorry for the extensive delay (offline life very much got in the way), but hereās your @nagamas gift! I decided to write Innes x Vanessa with the sci-fi AU prompt. Iāll have a post about the worldbuilding behind the AU up soon.Ā
Rated T for implied sexy situations. Word count, including dividers: 2,186
āVanessa Bergfalk seeking permission to depart the planet. Ship designated number five-seven-four-six-five-seven-five, call name āTitania,ā over.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āFrelia space command grants Vanessa Bergfalk permission to depart, over.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She heard footsteps behind her as she began the rhythmic spaceflight departure maneuvers. She would recognize those steps anywhere. Fortunately, much of the departure work was automatic on the part of the ship, and her share was almost automatic at this point, too.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā King Innes waited until they had cleared Freliaās atmosphere to speak. āIām pleased to see that my efforts to streamline space commandās clearance protocol have paid off.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She set the ship to autopilot before she responded. āYour Majesty.ā She stood up and bowed-her uniformās short skirt did not allow for a curtsy.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Was she imagining things, or did he frown? Regardless, his expression returned to its usual neutral state. (Some of her coworkers said that he tended to wear a critical facial expression, but she always thought there was something welcoming about it.)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI heard that your parents celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Congratulations.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She wasnāt sure what the end result of this conversation would be, but she took the bait. āThank you. My parents bought each other some relics from Valni.ā Her parents were researchers studying the ancient inhabitants of that Frelian moon.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThat sounds nice.ā A pause. āI have to say, Iām pleasantly surprised that youāre willing to talk to me, Vanessa.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI donāt follow, Your Majesty.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āYouāve been avoiding me for two weeks. It would hardly have been appropriate for me to chase you down, given that Iām your employer. Or perhaps you feared a further relationship with me could affect your position in the Royal Cadets?ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Speaking of automatic, her face flushed almost instantly. The muscles in her jaw tightened. āI had thought that you had lost interest.ā Her reasoning sounded pathetic to her ears, and King Innes certainly didnāt seem to be buying it. She backpedaled, saying āI wasnāt sure what your intentions were, if you wanted to keep havingā¦ā She grasped for a word. āLiaisons. Or if you hoped to date, or if you simply wanted to forget about the whole thing.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āIdeally, this is the sort of thing a prospective couple discusses together.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa tapped her index fingers together. āTo be honest, I have little experience with this sort of thing.ā Embarrassing to say, yes, but probably evident to him, anyway.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āAnd I have little experience with small talk, which is why this conversation is torturing us both.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She waved a hand dismissively. āI wouldnāt say itās that bad!ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Her years of training had made Vanessa used to a steady schedule, and she awoke early to eat breakfast with the shipās medic.
Moulder Austen was not only a priest of the Order of Peter; he also was an accomplished medic. Vanessa was grateful for his company on their journey. He was infinitely less distracting than the king, at the very least.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā He was finishing a conversation on his Mind View when Vanessa entered the small dining area. The useful tool functioned as a visor that pulled over one eye; the device was used to transmit thought and images for the purpose of a simulated conversation. It could even receive documents. Its basis on neural networks made it difficult to hack, which made it well worth the money spent on repairs during the Solar Stone War.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Father Austen blinked five times in quick succession, causing the screen to retract. āGood morning, Vanessa. I hope you had a restful night.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI have my best sleep on a ship, Father.ā Her parents found it odd how she and her elder sister, Syrene, preferred the dorm-style furnishings of a spaceship to their reasonable accommodations of their childhood bedrooms, but tough training made her grateful for the most sparse of beddings. āAnd yourself?ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āUnfortunately, I am fussier than I would like to be, but no matter. I was just Exchange Viewing with Natasha Aquino.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa nodded in recognition of the name. āAre you in touch with the clergy from the Gradoan sector of the solar system, Father?ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āHe has been a great asset in terms of a present concern of mine, so you could say that.ā The door to the room slid open, and His Majesty entered.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Both Father Austen and Vanessa greeted him, though the former was not nearly as surprised by his presence as Vanessa was.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She turned to the priest. āI forgot how sensitive your hearing is. And His Majestyās, for that matter.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The two men instantly responded, Father Austen offering to examine her hearing and King Innes questioning the noise pollution standards of the countryās spacecraft.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āMy performance on the auditory tests was within acceptable levels as of testing last month, Father, but thank you. And Your Majesty, I suspect any damage to my hearing is from the spacecraft relics I have been restoring on my break day.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āRight,ā said the king. āIf I remember correctly, that scholar from Renais had sent you the docs containing their specs over the Mind View.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āSome of them, yes, but others Iāve found on my own in the Royal Cadet Record Library.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Father Austen cleared his throat, and this time it was her liege who was startled. He turned back to Vanessa. āI suppose you can know about Father Austenās project. You see, he has been investigating rumors of collaboration between Renais and what remains of the Magic Wielders of the Gradoan sector. Itās called Project Torch. Have you heard of it on any of your travels?ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Given that magic was found to be a byproduct of the last few centuries of technological advancement, a fair number of humans had developed the abilities to cast spells. Between that and electricity, an ancient technology, torches were something reserved for storybooks. Given the fact that it seemed to be a secret, Vanessa doubted that the project was a historical reenactment. āāProject Torch?āā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āAccording to some chemical theorists, Fomortiis influenced his army using pheromones that affected aggression in non-human species. If that were the case, then, surely it would be possible to engineer chemicals to produce the opposite effect.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āWhile that would make things easier for us cadets, wouldnāt a chemical like that override free will?ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āAh, and thatās the source of the debate. To what extent it would change an individualās personality is, again, theoretical at best. Thereās also the matter of modifications that unscrupulous characters could make to cause other emotional reactions in those exposed to the pherenomes.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āNot to mention that its usage could affect relations with groups like the Mogalls from Zaāhaās moon, Bigl,ā added Father Austen. Relations between humans and other species had been strained since the war.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āWhat do the pheromones have to do with Renais?ā Vanessa had a feeling she already knew the answer.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā King Innes did not answer at first. āThe rulers of Renais did not take the loss of their friend well. Yet while Queen Eirika strives for peace, and I have always been the first to criticize King Ephraim, I do not believe that they would take such a risk.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa had met the princess during that fateful meeting with King Hayden, but she was surprised that the woman wanted to speak to her personally before they departed Frelia.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The room where they met was functional, with a small table, three chairs, and a screen that connected to Mind View.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The princess appeared as composed as one could be in such a situation. Beside her was Seth Lapointe, Head Keeper of the Crown. Vanessa averted her eyes from his wound, instead looking at Princess Eirika.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āFirst of all, thank you for fighting beside us.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThink nothing of it, Your Highness.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The princess moved to sit down; Vanessa and Sir Lapointe followed suit.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The princess tapped her cheek with her finger. āAccording to reports, youāre about my age but well-recognized for your accomplishments in the Annual Royal Cadet Games.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āIn the course of my studies, I learned a bit about Freliaās Royal Cadets. Last year, you ranked twenty-fifth out of the all-time record for the Time Trial?ā The Head Keeper blinked five times, opening the record in Mind View and using Exchange View to project it on the screen.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThat is true. I decided to attend the Royal Cadet Academy and follow in my sisterās footsteps.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI see that you studied ancient spacecraft.ā The Head Keeper winked five times, which allowed him normal vision while keeping the Exchange View on the screen. The tone in his voice indicated that her profile, which now graced the screen, had given him pause.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI had originally planned on following in my parentsā footsteps and working in the research labs on Valni.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThereās nothing wrong with that,ā said the princess warmly. āI assume that you followed in your sisterās footsteps instead? My own brother taught me how to fight.ā She looked at Vanessa, her gaze suddenly intent. āAs a younger sibling, Iām sure you can understandā¦my situation.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa nodded slowly.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āMore than anything, itās compassion and a strong heart that will get us through this mission. If we have that, we will reunite with my brother, and youāll return triumphant to your family.ā
*****
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā They had a smooth landing, as expected, and they managed to complete their port registration in an efficient and speedy matter; King Innes expressed mild bewilderment that King Ephraim had taken his suggestions on how to streamline the process to heart. āThen again, it may have been Eirikaās doing.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Their escort consisted of two members of the Crownās Keepers. While Vanessa did not recognize one of their companions, the second was a familiar face.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āItās good to see you, Franz.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Franz Fortier was scarcely old enough to be called an adult when Vanessa had first met him, so it was bizarre to see the slightest bit of stubble on his chin. Presumably he had missed the hairs while shaving due to their light color. āVanessa! My brother will be disappointed he missed running into you.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThe last time we talked on Mind View, he said that he had left the Crownās Keepers to focus on his artwork.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Franz tilted his head slightly. āHe wants to, yes, but heās only semi-retired from the force. Unfortunately for him, heās been hounded by new recruits hoping to get some wisdom from a war hero.ā He blushed. āTheyāve even been talking to me. I just tell them that I learned everything from Sir Lapointe. Granted, my father was his role modelā¦ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā They continued to make friendly conversation while his fellow Crownās Keeper drove the subatmospheric vehicle used and beloved by Crownās Keepers, the Stallion model.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa preferred Titania, and had had many passionate discussions with Crownās Keepers on the subject of subatmospheric versus spaceflight vehicles. Princess Tana had even joined in on the debates, and Vanessa found that she had much of her brotherās strength of conviction.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Upon arrival at the residence of King Ephraim and Queen Eirika, Vanessa and Father Austen were left to wait outside the meeting room. Vanessa kept herself busy by reading explanatory Exchange Views from Lute Rayne, her scholarly friend from the war. Vanessa had asked the purple-haired woman what she knew about a reference to a long-ago civilization in one of her ancient schematics meant, which had led to a history lesson.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa had finally finished reading Luteās Exchange View. After shutting off the Mind View, she rubbed at her eyes. She stood up automatically at the sound of King Innes walking towards her and Father Austen.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā He shook his head with the smallest of movements. They know nothing.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āPerhaps I had wanted to uncover something, play the hero.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessaās quarters were more crowded than usual that night. The king lay under the blanket next to her, arms folded behind his head.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āThat doesnāt sound like you, Your Majesty. Youāre a practical man, and you wanted to make sure that they werenāt making the same mistakes as their lost friend.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. āI thought I asked you not to call me that in here. Unless you want to-ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She elbowed him lightly in his ribs, blushing.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āI deserved that. But that reminds me, we should address what, exactly, is happening between us.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa pursed her lips in thought. āActually, I can tell that youāre still preoccupied about Project Torch. We can talk about that.ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The king sounded grateful as he spoke. āRumors do not simply happen for no reason. I believe I can trust the Renais twins, which means four options remain. One, Project Torch is happening in Renais and they are ignorant of it. Two, they have been prevented from telling me about it. Three, someone or a group of someones wants to discredit them and has started this rumor. And fourth, Project Torch does exist, but in some other capacity. You know that I have little faith in Carcinoā¦ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Vanessa nodded slowly as he spoke. āWhat does this mean for Frelia?ā
I used to hate using āloveā liberally. I felt it was a sacred word only to be used in very special occasions. Now that Iām older, Iāve come to the realization that love should be shared and felt and received with reckless abandon. Love these characters, love this food, love things in the moment, even if they may seem tiny and insignificant to others. I think it makes life a little more soft around the edges.Ā
You can have a favorite in the primaries, and even make a passionate case for your favorite, without drilling down on why the other candidates are monsters. You really truly can.
i have so many Feelings about the wordĀ ābitchā. i love when itās used humorously (āiām out here ruining my own life as always bitchā), i love when itās reclaimed (āiām a boss-ass bitchā), i love when my female friends call me jokingly (ālisten here bitchā), but when a man says it? sirens, warning lights. when a man calls a woman it it comes with such hatred. itās stabbing. itās sharp and vile and it drips misogyny. itās funny how the word can be fine 95% of the time and the other 5% of the time it genuinely fills me with fear
But Iā A couple of years ago, a man came up to me after⦠my show. He had an opinion. Now, in the show, Iād spoken about taking antidepressant medication, and he had an opinion on that.
Now, interestingly, Iād also spoken about how unhelpful unsolicited advice is, in mental health plan, but he mustnāt have heard that bit.
He said, āyou shouldnāt take medication, because youāre an artist. Itās important that you feel.ā He said, āif Vincent van Gogh had have taken medication, we wouldnāt have sunflowers.ā
I never, ever, ever thought that my art history degree would ever come in handy.
I tore that man a college debt-sized new arsehole.
I said, āgood opinion, mate, except that he did medicate. He self-medicated a lot. He drank a lot. He even nibbled on his own paints.
He didnāt just paint sunflowers, he did quite a few portraits of psychiatrists. Not even random ones. Psychiatrists who were treating him. And medicating him.
And thereās one particular portrait of one particular psychiatrist, and heās holding a flower, and it isnāt a sunflower. Itās a foxglove. And that foxglove forms a part of a medication that van Gogh⦠took for epilepsy.
And that derivative of the foxglove plant medi-fucking-cationā¦ā
I mustāve skipped a dose that day ācause I was feeling.
āThe derivative of the foxglove, if you overdose out a bit, you know what happens? You can experience the color yellow a little too intensely.
āSo perhaps⦠we have the sunflowers precisely because⦠van Gogh medicated.
āWhat do you honestly think, mate?ā I said. āThat creativity means that you must suffer? That is the burden of creativity? Just so you can enjoy it?
āFuck you, mate. If you like sunflowers so much, buy a bunch and jerk off into a geranium.ā]