place in the sun

chasing a starlight

expedition week 2 (lake prompt)

sanakialtina

Verdane is a good name for this land, Sanaki decides. Greenery everywhere, from the sprawling forests to the encroaching mosses to the sweeping valleys, and it's only natural that said verdancy might shine through the water too, when the light strikes just right. If Sanaki were to be honest, she could do without meeting the mysterious giantess entirely—the beauty and serenity of the lake ought to be enough of a reward in and of itself.

Of course, the company for the hike isn't so disagreeable either, especially since her companion came so adequately prepared. "I don't think she would be offended," Sanaki offers, "but if she was, maybe that would provoke her into paying us a visit!" Raising a teasing eyebrow, she continues on the path, smiling despite herself.

Really, Princess Hortensia is something else. A royal who purchased weaponry to match her outfit, who proposed languid picnics at mysterious lakes on a whim—Sanaki can't help but think that the other girl has a much better sense of what it means to 'have fun' and 'be on vacation' than she herself did. An infectiously carefree attitude that Sanaki had rarely allowed herself the luxury of.

But they are on vacation, aren't they? A field trip for personal enjoyment, despite all the disputes and bloodshed. So Sanaki loosens her shoulders, and replies, considering, "Tellius has plenty of elemental spirits, but they, hmm, can't exactly be described as sentient, or friendly…" Not with what they do to the mages who host them, anyway. "I think the giantess is probably more alike to Tellius's goddess, if anything. She's somewhat temperamental, but at least she can be reasoned with."

As they emerge from the woods and approach the clear surface of the lake, Sanaki turns over Hortensia's words in her mind. Hadn't Ashera simply been lonely too, in the end? "It can't hurt to offer something," she agrees, setting down a box of butter cookies from her pack. Yune, at least, might have appreciated a treat or two. "Perhaps these will do…?"

After all, if Hortensia's so keen on meeting a spirit or fae, Sanaki had better put her best foot forward too.

#thread | chasing a starlight

Hortensia’s face lit up despite herself at the raised eyebrow and teasing words, about a goddess no less! Beaming, Hortensia decided she would definitely remember the moment she had heard Sanaki tell a joke long after leaving Jugdral.

“Oooh, that is tempting, but it just feels so bad. If she’s been here so long I am sure we aren’t the only ones who have tried to get her to come out of the water like that… seems a little rude when we are just tourists here.”

She’s swept away at Sanaki’s mentions of spirits from her homeland, different from what Hortensia has heard of from her own country’s legends growing up. She wanted to know more, and even share said stories but settled for mulling the little she now knew over. Not sentient slash unfriendly was better than unfriendly slash sentient for one, right?

“Oh, hey, perfect,” Hortensia said, eyes lighting up at Sanaki’s flourished tin of cookies (boo, they looked good; but this was for the goddess and the tranquility of their lunch). “Let me just unwrap this here and…” she slowly took out the jam she had brought along for their fruit sandwiches (she had a sweet tooth, okay; and if Empress Sanaki was different there were plenty of fresh salad wraps too) and places a large dollop beside the butter cookies once they find a place close to the lake.

“Now we have both given her something! I can’t imagine she can complain after that. So let’s see… where should we set up our picnic blanket? Oh, and do you prefer green tea or lemonade!”

bltgang

A guide on how to befriend horses

( Marianne & Hortensia / continued from here )

bltgang

It was little to say that Hortensia's enthusiasm took Marianne aback, it was entirely unexpected. With how Marianne tried to distance herself as best as she could from anyone, it was little to say that someone being enthusiastic to spend time together ( albeit for the other to be taught something ) was something she hadn't ever expected.

" Um.. teach me something in return? " Although Marianne was originally quite flustered about the entire ordeal, she couldn't help but feel.. happy about it. Happy to be included, happy to be bonding with someone in a way she never expected.

Part of her wanted to ask how to be like her; to be so social and carefree, to have an air of presence. Though, Marianne opted out of that idea; a contradiction of what she'd been doing ever since she arrived at the Academy.

" Is there something you're really good at? " She eventually asked, unsure of what Hortensia could possibly teach her. That, plus, well, she simply didn't know the girl all too well — appearance aside. " If you want, I am free tomorrow afternoon. We can, um, go to the stables if you have time? " Her fork nervously pricked into a vegetable, eyes momentarily darting towards her momentarily untouched plate before looking back at @asperants again.

#thread | A guide on how to befriend horses #bltgang #//so glad u wanted to continue this! it is indeed already moving in ways i did not anticipate #//feel free to skip to the stables in ur next reply if that works!

Oh ho! Marianne seemed to have taken to her suggestion if that thoughtful look was anything to go by (okay, Hortensia had to admit - all of her looks were kinda like that but hey this princess would distinguish each one sooner or later, surely).

"Yeah like I said: whatever you can think of," Hortensia chirped, chin cupped by her hands as she finally exchanged eye contact with Marianne, "just makes sense to learn from each other, doesn't it?"

She can't help but feel some surprise when the other Golden Deer turns the question on her. Why, Hortensia was good at so many things after all! And furthermore... it was a surprising segue, after all with someone as naive Marianne appeared this line of inquiry was the perfect way to size someone else up without making it obvious.

She prooobably didn't have to worry about that, though. Probably. Still, she filed that in the back of her head for another time nonetheless.

"Well, Elusia is known for its magical prowess and I was at an academy there before this one. Got any spells you want to perfect? I'm your girl! 'Course healing is my specialty but I've picked up a lot of combat arts too if you're interested."

That was pretty boring, though. You could get any professor to tell you the same. Hortensia needed to sweeten the deal here.

"More importantly I have been told I am a deft hand at gift giving! Everyone wants to show their appreciation to another, at least once, I'd say; and I have a whole list of ways to do it."

(She had multiple lists but, well, saying that was a bit embarrassing).

"Ooh, stables it is then! We can meet there and I'll give you a show of my gift giving in person. Thanks, Marianne~"

secrets travel

expedition holy war ; grannvale week 3 ; subteam 3

amitieos

Yet another bow knight arrives on the battlefield and Elincia has to hold back her frustration. Where are they even coming from? And on who's orders? Thankfully, she's more alert this time and whilst they aim to shoot her down, the arrow pings off Amiti before falling to the ground.

"How bothersome," Elincia quips, turning towards Byleth who taunts their foes. She frowns, whilst her dear friend appeared largely unharmed, Elincia really couldn't forgive the slight against them. "You're frightfully quick on your feet, I daresay you're untouchable right now."

She finds her gaze drawn to the raid's leader, suppressing the urge to fly to the castle's heights and take them down and put an end to this nonsense. However, she instead focuses on the more logical target - the marksman who can barely stand will be one less threat at play. Swirling Amiti in a wide arc, Elincia dispatches the foe with ease before flying back to her allies.

"Hortensia, you might be silenced but you can still throw a punch, correct?" Elincia wears a wolfish grin as she raises her staff. "Get an extra one in for me, won't you? We're an unstoppable team."

@asperants

As she watches Queen Elincia soar overhead on Chrysoar she cannot help but wonder how her dear Sleippi is doing back at Garreg Mach. Part of her wishes she had brought him to help, but... seeing how nasty these archers were she is also a bit relieved. She'll just have to pull her own weight to make up for it.

If only those cowards weren't so high up!

The Crimean Queen comes her way, this time with a friendly order rather than a request for aid. The feel of the magic that sweeps over her is unfamiliar, but Hortensia quite prefers it to that of the enemy's and she knows that both the other's words and rally have invigorated her.

"You got it! Just leave 'em to me."

The sharp shooter still clearly had her eyes on the Queen and her steed, no way Hortensia was letting that happens. This time it's her first rather than an open palm that connects and she can tell there's added weight to the strike; pushing her advantage she hits again, though the second one doesn't have the force she'd like. Still, not much this long bow user can do against her right up in his face - yeah, she could get used to this.

"Okay, stop squirming and let me hit you! I gotta get the hang of this, and it's not like you all are going to win anyone. Please? ♥"

#thread | secrets travel #|completed #/reblogging for posterity ty!!!

Following through on her self-imposed promise, Edelgard sets her sights on the one with a long bow. She's seen those tricks before. It's a conniving means one uses to distance themselves from others. The axe prefers to slice in close quarters. Her brows furrow at the sound of pleas from her comrade— Is this truly the best place for that?

"Asking nicely won't change their mind," she says as she emerges from an alleyway with the weapon hoisted on her shoulder. "I can see it on their face. They won't give up. Look closely." I should know. "I'll show you."

Much like the one before, and the one before that, she leaves them on the ground underneath her foot. They sputter nonsensical words. She is unbothered. Might meets the sky; tears the world down with it. The longbow is knocked out of their hands and the arrows bounce off walls until they are silent. Their back is pressed against the wall, scrambling to pick up another arrow. Again, again, until she pounds axe into wall and pierces a hole through. "My weapon does not want you," she repeats. "But I—"

"Hey!" Edelgard turns around, now faced by a figure clad in robes. He wields that same magic she saw moments earlier. She aims naught for the head that holds his thoughts nor the legs that keep him afloat, but the weapon. As he runs towards his peer, he guards him with his body. She tears their defenses away. The Crest of Flames flickers within. The weapon jams into a gap in the wall; her eyes run wide. Removing it with enough gusto to make its base shake is all she needs to know what to do next.

Urging herself and her allies to leave the cornered space, Edelgard watches as walls fold in and leave dust in their wake. This fight isn't theirs. This wall and that castle with a silhouette as mighty as it is will amount solely to the people of Jugdral. Time can only tell what happens next.

— End

secrets travel

expedition holy war ; grannvale week 3 ; subteam 3

ashenprofessor

It was wishful thinking to believe that their lives would be made easier by defeating the enemies. No sooner had they done so than more appeared. "We need to take out the jackals atop the fortress" the professor said stating the obvious.

Byleth cringed as another bow user came forth alongside another devout rider. It was as through the battleground had been reset. Clearly not pleased with the professor's attacks on his forces so far, the rebel leader pointed his hand towards them. A great fire ball shot forwards to where they were all standing. The heat was immense and the tips f their teal hair became singed.

"That the best you got" they taunted not wishing to give the enemy the satisfaction of knocking their confidence. Indeed it was all they had for despite more of them taking a shot, Byleth was able to dodge the attacks. Oh they were going to enjoy getting their own back soon.

amitieos

"Hortensia, you might be silenced but you can still throw a punch, correct?" Elincia wears a wolfish grin as she raises her staff. "Get an extra one in for me, won't you? We're an unstoppable team."

@asperants

#thread | secrets travel #ashenprofessor #hresvelged #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #amiteos

If only those cowards weren't so high up!

"You got it! Just leave 'em to me."

"Okay, stop squirming and let me hit you! I gotta get the hang of this, and it's not like you all are going to win anyone. Please? ♥"

secrets travel

expedition holy war ; grannvale week 3 ; subteam 3

ashenprofessor

Those bowmen had to go. Byleth felt enraged at the guy with the shiny bow shot an arrow toward their best friend. And their beautifu, sweet Chrysoar. It was frustrating that the main raiders were out of reach behind the fortifications, however the archer who'd shot Lincie were closer.

"Hang in there Lincie" They called "I know you said protecting the town was most important but this can be an exception"

After checking that Edelgard and Hortensia were tending to the Queen, Byleth went in search for the aforementioned archer. They spotted him at the base of the fortifications. Bingo.

The ashen demon roared pummelling him with their cloth bound fists. They may have overdone it with the violence and it took a sharp rebuke from Sothis to stop them. Breathing heavily Byleth wiped their fist across their face then looked up, narrowing their eyes at the raiders above.

"your next"

Returning to the safety of the town, Byleth went to check on their friends. "How are you doing Ellie?" they enquired. "There's one fewer archer for you to be concerned with" It was strange though for Hortensia was looking put out. They recalled the knightly figure cast some spell on her.

"Are you alright Hortensia?"

amitieos

Enter scene: the growing sense of dread upon realising Hortensia, healer extraordinaire, has been silenced by the enemy. Well, time for plan B.

What's plan B? Time to figure that out.

"Okay, no healing for now. Well, I hate to be selfish but I don't think I can take another hit from those archers. I can reach the fortifications, I'll try to stun their sniper," Elincia takes the reins and prepares to head towards the castle. "Byleth, if you can handle the Bow Knight? Then our next target should be that pesky Devout."

Her knuckles burn white as her grasp upon Amiti's hilt tightens. She has one chance, one strike to neutralise the sniper or else she faces a very long trip to the ground. Elincia does not think herself much of a commander; that is a role far more suited to Lord Ike, or her dear uncle. Yet it's the part she must play today and she will be of little help to her allies unconscious at the base of a foreign castle. With gargantuan effort, she clears her mind and makes her move. Precise and swift, she jabs her sword straight into the archer's chest, leaving the marksman stunned. An elite technique, mastery of which is expected of all flying cavalry in Tellius. With time to spare she follows up, leaving the sniper barely able to stand before returning to the town below.

"I'm okay, By. No need to worry about me," Elincia attempts to reassure her friend, though how effective her words are might be debatable. There's still work to do and fight left in her. "Thank you! Their sniper should fall soon and won't be bothering us for a while yet."

"Edelgard, well observed. Sadly, it looks like tending to our wounds will have to wait. However, my scepter isn't purely ornamental." She lifts the staff high, using it as a conduit to channel magic. "Your skill on the battlefield is certainly formidable; this ought to augment your prowess. Let's press every advantage we can, yes?"

"Hortensia? I won't patronise you and tell you to hide but I must ask you to stay safe. Your skills are vital to our endeavour to outlast these curs." Elincia wielded a staff long before she ever picked up a sword, knows first hand how vital a talented healer is to any battle. Certainly, she thinks, this is a lesson Hortensia knows well. "Take caution, you're truly the keystone of this team."

@asperants or @hresvelged

#thread | secrets travel #ashenprofessor #hresvelged #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #amiteos #//shell get over the emblem thing eventually don't worry... she is just very excited at being able to pull of a single monk attack softsmil

Hortensia would say they're all worrying too much about her but after having just recovered from being pelted with fire the sickly sensation of a Silence spell overtakes her and it's all she can do to stand, still holding her tome.

Still! She didn't look anywhere near as bad as Queen Elincia did! And yet... she still stood strong, even riddled with arrows. She still assured them, her, of the worth of battle if it meant winning against such vile foes as these.

"I'll do my best, Queen Elincia," she smiled, and then glaring across the way at the "holy" knight who had cast the silencing spell attempted to summon up anima but, just as she feared, any incantation of hers caught in her throat and started to choke her. She quickly switched from tome to scroll.

"Let me go whack that guy and then I promise to stay in the back. Just hang in there, and I promise I'll heal you when I can!"

She gave Byleth a reassuring smile and a wink as she passed the other. Okay... how would either of the Byleths she knows do this?

Taking a stance, she thinks of their confident movement and their lithe but powerful strikes; here went nothing! She opened her palm in the style of Lythos monks and felt her attack connect. The knight reared back from the hit, and even as Hortensia felt their light magic spell hit she still couldn't keep the smile off her face.

No way these guys were going to beat Emblem Byleth, Queen Elincia, or Lady Edelgard! Hortensia would make sure of it.

"Lady Edelgard, you said I could call on you, right? Requesting assistance to take this one down!"

@hresvelged

secrets travel

expedition holy war ; grannvale week 3 ; subteam 3

When Hortensia joins alongside her, Edelgard finds herself noticing the way she speaks— The words crafted to turn the tides their way. Where the house leader has always had a blunt way of speaking, there's much to be said in the way her peer is able to obtain her tome in a state better than before. Lilac eyes teeter with intrigue.

To that end, she bows her head to the woman who led them there: "Understood. Thank you for your assistance."

Realizing the implication from Hortensia, she gestures for her to follow her out of the couple's earshot. Moving them to a vacant wall, her words are imbued with a commending tone: "You knew exactly what to say. That was impressive." Were it not for the sound of weaponry flying and people uttering commands, she may have even considered this worthwhile on its own.

"She told us to stay away from the castle. The market is safe. What do you think? This isn't our fight." And it wasn't. Nor were any of the other ones she's fought in since arriving in Jugdral. They have all been conniving in the ways of forcing themselves into their clutches; singing at them to play along. "It's best to know what exactly you're fighting for before intertwining yourself too deeply."

@amitieos @ashenprofessor @asperants

#toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #amiteos #hresvelged #ashenprofessor #thread | secrets travel

After the upgraded tome is paid for the merchant couple seems happy enough to let them go, so Hortensia waves goodbye as she and Edelgard exit the shop. Outside, she can still hear shouts and can't help but notice Byleth and Queen Elincia have gone somewhere.

Knowing those two it was almost definitely in order to help someone.

“Th-thanks,” Hortensia told Edellgard, trying to keep cool after being complimented and almost definitely failing; “I just have a lot of experience with those kinds of people. Haha, guess that’s one thing that never changes.”

She nodded as Edelgard turned to the little info they had managed to gather; “right? I’d like to know more too but with the crowds in the market and the unrest I don’t think I’ll have much luck scouting. Maybe the others have?”

They press ahead and attempt to find their companions, but even with someone as capable as Edellgard at her side the Elusian princess just can’t shake the sudden feeling of dread.

For a moment it fades as she catches sight of her other companions, but in the next she finds herself enveloped in magical fire. And not just her! That blast of anima magic had targeted the whole area around them.

“Okay, that’s it,” Hortensia said, coughing around the remnant smoke, “if this fight at the castle is going to danger civilians like this there’s no way I can stay out of it!

@ashenprofessor & @amitieos

secrets travel

expedition holy war ; grannvale week 3 ; subteam 3

Leaving behind the lush forest from an even further snow-dropped terrain, the town Edelgard finds herself in is bustling with gossip. She is interested in none of that— Not the shyer townsfolk pointing at their group and whispering nor those who inch away from the imposing armory stomping through their grounds towards the castle.

An older woman tugs Edelgard by the arm, offering her a smile as she signals for her to follow. "Oh, my. You look like quite the fighter. A strong, young woman," she says warmly. "My husband can help you become even stronger. Please, follow me."

"Help? I don't need—"

She is pulled along towards a small hut adorned with shields and weapons. Over her shoulder, the house leader signals a nod to her peers. It's difficult to tell whether the intent is genuine or to simply obtain monetary goods. The answer will become clear soon enough. The tall smith has his back turned to her, hunched over in front of a broken shield. "What do you want.. Oh!"

The moment he turns around, his eyes sparkle with intrigue: "I've never seen an axe like that before..!" He leans forward to inspect Aymr, hovering his index finger over its self-moving spikes before jetting his hand backwards out of sheer surprise. "I'd be surprised if you did," she states plainly. She'd yet still rather not use it on foreign soil, but she would prefer to keep it in her sight nonetheless. It is an unfortunate truth.

"Oh, I'd just love to get a closer look! You don't mind, do you?"

"I do mind. You're wasting my time. While I'm here, I wanted to ask if you knew anything about what's happening outside."

He smirks; a smile to withhold information. "Heh! Well.. Even if I did, it'll cost ya. Sorry!" Her head shakes; a scoff, turning on her heel.

@asperants @ashenprofessor @amitieos

#thread | secrets travel #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026

The city is chaotic, and the rumors they have heard so far only increase that impression; but how far this might go… Hortensia upset to admit they cannot know until they all witness it themselves.

At the very least she is with people she has come to trust on the journey, but still she worries for the civilians.

So long as they stay together and keep an eye out, she tells herself, everything should be just –

“Lady Edelgard, hold on a sec! Let me come with!”

She waves at Byleth to let them know she plans to be right back, and hurries after Edlegard. While she has no doubt the other princess can handle this kind of thing, Hortensia had always held a high opinion of merchants and their flow of information, and as they said two heads were better than one!

over its self-

“We’ll pay,” Hortensia cuts in, though she had secretly been hoping to hear more about that axe herself. Then again, if it were one of those family relics or whatever Fodlan people got weird about it was probably best to keep out of it.

“Do my tome too. It already is imbued with an ability enhancement so it should be easy peasy for someone like you to add a bit more to it, yeah?

The man grumbled at that but a glance at his wife and a longer one at the bag of coins Hortensia was shaking out had him finally get to work.

“You have such a nice business here,” Hortensia coos, and finding a small buckler shield brings it over to the wife. “I’ll take this too. The craft is just lovely! And if I heard correctly we might be needing it if we go further into the city.”

Seeing Hortensia bring out her coin purse again the woman beams and says, “shall I wrap it for you then? And I wouldn't worry about that. Stay here in the market away from the castle and you’ll all be just fine.”

Hortensia glances Edelgard’s way at that, but only for a moment as she next pays for her purchase and goes to check on the scroll.

chasing a starlight

expedition week 2 (lake prompt)

#thread | chasing a starlight #//yay ty for waiting!!#toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #sanakialtina

@sanakialtina

“Thanks for taking the time to come along with me, Empress Sanaki,” Hortensia told the other with a grin as she led the trek from the Spirit Forest to the mysterious lake they had heard the Agustrians mention; compared to her first Jugdral excursion the Elusian princess actually felt relatively safe here but she still far preferred having company when out exploring.

Also, she was an extremely good judge of character and could not help but find herself interested in someone as self-confident as Sanaki. Honestly, she had been surprised the Empress had taken her up on the invitation (not that she let it show) so she definitely wanted to make the best of it!

“I figure we could stop for lunch once we got to the cape so I packed some for us both,” she said, gesturing to her pack before she realized: “oh! But maybe the lake spirit might think that rude?”

They had both heard the rumors of the giantess who inhabited the lake, and she, as well as the phenomenon of the lake’s illumination that coincided with her appearance, was one of the reasons they were making their way there now. Geez, how come Hortensia hadn't thought of this sooner!

“...hmm, I worked really hard on our lunch too. Maybe if we eat closer to the lake and give her an offering it will be okay? She probably could use the company.”

She nodded to herself, and was glad she had remembered to pack some premium tea leaves from home. Surely not even a super powerful lake spirit would turn down a tea party!

“Hehe, even if she doesn’t show up to eat with us I gotta say I’m excited. Back home I was always at the castle or the academy so I never had a chance to meet any spirits or fae. What about you?”

If she recalled the land Sanaki came from had a goddess, just like Fodlan did; though Hortensia supposed She might not have been the tea party type just based on the few religious texts she’d flipped through.

enchantment

red team subgroup 1 / week 2

Edelgard watches in fascination at Byleth's swift, strong punches to this person wearing the false title of leader. When she looks towards where he now lies motionless, she offers naught to him save for a raise of the brow. His arrows are shattered under his form and around the ground. The princess kicks a piece away from her foot, bouncing off the ground until it collides into a nearby bush. She feels fortunate to have such an impressive professor at her side— She hopes that never changes.

"Yes, I'd suspect they'd feel as much." A beat, swiveling a hand to tap the side of her chin. "Without someone to give them orders, the rest will crumble. They're underestimating our prowess. Clearly." The axe hoists over her shoulder; she looks in between the trees and into the rays of light emanating from the sky. "Thank you for coming to my aid. I'll return the favor."

The house leader leaves the man to fall pitifully into greenery, intercepting herself instead towards the Agustrians. The woman's hands, still in prayer, calls out to a rough figure wielding a large axe: "Oh, please! I will not fall for your vile traps again! There is nothing looking down at you in kindness."

He growls, raising his axe: "Hah. You sound real pathetic talking like that, y'know."

Moving herself to stand between the two, her axe is taller than his; menacing, defiant. She looks up to meet his gaze. "You must not realize what you're saying." She takes a step closer. Again, again, until the man stumbles into a hole in the ground. He screams as he falls, finding himself looking up at her. Twice, now. Scrambling for his axe, Edelgard kicks it away before he can grab it.

"There is a difference between fighting for what's right and what you're instructed as truth. Learn it." Her axe silences the man cleanly, rendering him helpless from standing up anymore. He lays on his side and mutters curses under his breath before he speaks no longer. When she takes a step away, she turns around and offers the woman a single nod.

@sanakialtina @asperants @ashenprofessor

ashenprofessor

They were down to the final assailant, the typical brigand type all muscle and a burning desire to use it. Having seen Edelgard take out their companion, the brigand goes to take a swing at the house leader. Sadly (for them) Byleth spotted them and rushed forward to stand between the two.

There was a strong feeling of deja vu but this time instead of being greeted by Sothis, they instead met the brigand's solar plexus with their fist. The man spasmed and was out cold before the professor had time to draw their glove back for a second hit.

Battle over, Byleth relaxed slightly but remained on guard should any other enemy be hiding in the woods. "We should return to the others, and round up those tourists." They advised Edelgard "The sooner we're out of the woods, the better"

@sanakialtina, @asperants

#thread | enchanted #sanakialtina #ashenprofessor #hresvelged #|completed #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026

"Oh, thanks Empress Sanaki," Hortensia smiled, taking the scroll back into her possession and attaching it tightly to her belt. She still felt a bit guilty for having caused such a fuss, er - one of the many fusses, she supposed. Just went to show she had to really put some work into this martial monk thing.

"Wouldn't be surprised," she said in response to the Agustrians and said traps, though the fact they had been surviving at all was rather miraculous. If the forest liked them it had the worst taste, she pondered; still, they had come all this way for it so maybe it made some sense.

By the time she found Byleth and Edelgard with the remaining tourists the battle was done. Huh, had that Paladin actually done something? He sure was holding his sword like he had anyway. Well, it wasn't Hortensia's problem as long as he didn't start swinging it again.

"Hey, professor!" She called over to Byleth, hearing their plan of action; "sounds good. If these guys let us round 'em up anyway. We did all come here to sight-see, so I suppose we could hang around for a bit but... up to all of you."

She took in a deep breath and tried to concentrate. As far as she could tell there did not seem to be any further erratic magic in the forest. Maybe it had finally calmed?

The scenery, now that it wasn't being shot through with arrows, certainly was tranquil, and Hortensia decided to sit down in the grass, for a moment - with her sketchbook on her lap she closed her eyes and let the air move the pages about as if in play, and picking up her pen she smiled.

"Jugdral sure is an interesting place," she commented, taking it all in so as to better regale Rosado with her tale when she returned.

// THE END

enchantment

red team subgroup 1 / week 2

She remains a slight distance away from her allies a beat longer, still plenty within earshot— If there is any reason for this forest to loathe them, she fails to see it. As she steps away from the man she fell, Edelgard feels the heel of her boot entangle with vine. This is assuredly one of the many traps Sanaki had been referring to, feeling it crawl up her ankle and bringing lilacs to a widened halt. "Gah—!" The house leader slashes her axe down cleanly in half to collide with green, shaking her leg to rid herself of its shackles.

She takes a deep breath, bringing her gaze to a figure that stands rather opposite to her own. She supposes he must be their supposed leader; tall stature, gloved hands, flipping around a bow as if it weighs nothing. Edelgard gets the impression he doesn't take his role very seriously. "We all agree, then. Side with the Agustrians. Prioritize retrieving Hortensia's weaponry," she calls with a swivel of the head.

"I'd do it myself, but.." She points towards the opposing authority, then tugs her head to the figures creeping between the trees. "I've realized who they're taking orders from. Do you see that? Halt him and they will have nobody to turn to."

It's simple to observe the enemies and copy their techniques. Hide behind one tree, squat under another. Tree bark falls from the top as her hand brushes against it and sprinkles with white, catching the attention of a man with an unassuming smile. Edelgard's fingers tighten around the axe's handle. When she hoists it into the air, she purposefully aims for his bow to knock it out of his hands. He isn't fast enough to kick the shield out of her hands nor to valiantly obtain his scuffed, cracked bow with arrows that lay scattered on the ground. She steps on one and shatters it the same as any other.

@sanakialtina @asperants @ashenprofessor

#toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #thread | enchantment

In usual circumstances, Hortensia would insist “yes, I spent a lot of time coordinating that scroll with my outfit; do get it back” but right now that seemed not only unsophisticated but purposefully obtuse. If the others were worried about her at a time like this it would just be embarrassing.

“I mean, I think the professor is right. The stolen weapon doesn’t matter too much, but the way they moved is worrying. We want to put a stop to the chaos, yeah? Maybe the forest will even give us a break if we do!”

Really, that was only polite in her opinion.

The Agustrians, huh… speaking of embarrassing, she was just hoping that if they all got through the battle in one piece they’d leave. Not likely but they certainly weren’t the ones putting in work here.

“Looks like Professor Byleth is on it,” she chirps in response to Edelgard’s plan; ah, this Byleth may have been a bit different from the Emblem she knew back in Elyos but that throw of the hand was so familiar. What wonderful punches, truly she felt she had learned something!

Determined to help out, Hortensia took the staff that had been on her back and sent some healing magic Edelgard’s way. Yeah, the forest sure was tricky if it had even gotten one up on the Black Eagle leader but with only a few vagabonds left Hortensia was sure they could outlast both it and anyone within.

“Let’s finish this, everyone!”

@sanakialtina@hresvelged@ashenprofessor

enchantment

red team subgroup 1 / week 2

sanakialtina

With Professor Byleth's blood trickling down her shoulder and a rogue sniper crumpled by the bushes, even Sanaki has to admit that it's a tad too late to consider negotiations. Not that it had been much of a conversation in any sense of the word, the sniper spitting nothing but vitriol at Edelgard even as the spindly axe (a Hero's Relic, Sanaki recalls) cut him down. Proud to the bitter end, and yet far, far too desperate. What could possibly drive these men to such lengths? There must be more here than meets the eye---but they're out of time.

Eyes wide with equal parts relief and envy at the Imperial princess's astonishing show of strength, Sanaki falls back into step beside Hortensia and the professor. "We may as well ally ourselves with the Agustrians for now," she suggests to her companions, shaking her head. "I left my fire tome in the carriage, out of respect for the forest, but do call on me if you require Fodlan's refresh magic. These foes have traps lying in wait. We must be prepared for anything."

Speaking of strange occurrences, a shadow flits across the bushes, and Sanaki might have missed the motion entirely if it were not for a brief flash of bright pink. Wait a moment---"Hortensia, isn't that your scroll?" she calls, confused, quickly summoning a blast of lightning in the general direction. "When did they get a hold of that!?"

An answering thud from within the woods, like a paralyzed body falling to the ground. Well, she can hardly afford to go looking for it now.

@asperants or @ashenprofessor !

#thread | enchantment #hresvelged #ashenprofessor #sanakialtina #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026

"What explanation could you possibly need,” The man in shining, and horrendously tacky armor asked Hortensia; “surely just the sight of our poor party being besieged by these ruffians should be enough for you to trust us!”

“Nooot really,” Hortensia huffed, turning to the tourists once she had been assured Edelgard was alright. “And hey hold still a sec!”

The man did not hold still, instead leading a disastrous charge against said “ruffians” who drew them further into the forest with laughter and threats. Spells and curses went flying and all Hortensia could do was sigh.

“They took it about the time the arrows started flying,” Hortensia told her baton happy friend; “sorry for not mentioning it, Empress Sanaki. There’s been a lot to take in.”

Speaking of, something about this forest… irked her. If she didn't know better she would almost think the very land itself was starting to get annoyed with all the squabbling.

She put the thought aside to tend to the Troubadour who had backed away from the more heavily foliaged part of the woods. It made sense to tend to their wounds and hope for a similar turn, right? But the wounds they had also gave Hortensia pause. They looked as if they had been caused by magic but she hadn't sensed any anima users in the party against which they were currently embroiled.

“Does anyone else think this forest might be, um, upset with us?”

@ashenprofessor

enchantment

red team subgroup 1 / week 2

Leaving behind her footprints in the snow, the forest in Verdane is much richer; vibrant, lush trees flood the space liken a child lost in their dreams. It is the scent of freshly grown greens and sight of blooming life that stands so starkly against the cold of Silesse. She doesn't mind it. While she hardly expects them to be the only travelers, the thought scarce forms until another pair of steps blocks the four of them from their path. "Pardon the interruption! But.. Where are you all headed?"

Edelgard intervenes and steps forward. She'd rather not answer that question lest she places them in an unwanted position. There's no reason to trust this. "Why are you asking?"

"— Our Lord traveled here ahead of us, you see," begins an adult woman clad in white. Her hands are folded in front of her, nodding pleasantly to her male companions. "The Spirit Forest is deeply renown. We've been stopped before, but this time..! This time, for certain. Perhaps you could help us search? We have a map laid out."

Edelgard whirls her axe to hang over her shoulder and takes a deep breath. The fresh air drops her to relax, albeit slight, as she raises a brow towards her allies: ".. You must realize it's odd to be inquiring strangers for assistance." A hand falls to her chin in contemplation. "I won't make that decision alone, but.." She looks towards Sanaki, her professor, then to Hortensia, as if to gauge their opinions. Stopped before? "I wouldn't be opposed to having a map on hand. I'd like it now, if you don't mind."

The finely dressed woman clasps her hand in prayer and smiles: "Ah! Yes, yes, of course. Thank you. Now, where is it..—?"

..!

When she looks over the shoulder of a taller male dressed in opposing colors, the lady's suddenly falls to her knees. It is the whirling sound of arrows, vulgar, muffled language and the noise of a bow readying itself that draws Edelgard's attention. Arrows had fluttered off her shield and fell to the ground. The princess picks one up and breaks it in half.

"Those scoundrels..!" A man dressed similarly sneers. "Acting like we shouldn't be here.. Quick, hide behind those trees..!"

@sanakialtina @asperants @ashenprofessor

#thread | enchantment #hresvelged #ashenprofessor #sanakialtina #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026

Hortensia had been quite looking forward to going to the spirit forest; even having dressed up for it, as a sacred place deserved a sacred garb so a monk from Lythos it was (she had always wanted to swap clothes with Framme too, but that was a secret). She had brought a sketchbook with in her small pack of things just in case she had the downtime to maybe take in the scenery and bring something back for Rosado, who absolutely would have loved this place.

This time things would better. This time vacation would be fun.

…She really kept walking into these jokes, huh.

“You alright, Lady Edelgard?” Hortensia asked, coming up to her after the arrows started flying; she squinted at the larger party that had called upon them before they were accosted and could not help but wonder about them being here. They had said they had tried to visit the forest before, but that being said they seemed sadly lacking.

Or had the people laying in wait simply known about them ahead of time…?

Distracted as she was pondering such things Hortensia hardly had a moment between the arrows and her question before she felt something move against her pack. “Hey!” She said, twisting out of the way only to see a figure slip away with her cute new scroll. Geez, she had spent forever shopping to try and find something to go with her cute, new pink monk outfit!

(At least her sketchbook was safe).

“Don’t think there’s much point in hiding now! And you guys will be explaining this once we get out of here, map or no.”

@sanakialtina

December activity - passed! 1 skill point gained. 9 > 10 Allocated to Flying.

#toaactivity #shhh

glancing nervously at the blue frame around the screen are we going to address that or-

red team || week 1 silesse || subgroup 3 (x)

He was glad – that Edelgard had allowed herself to soften, that she had found a tether to remind herself of the stakes, and to make it real. It was a difficult feat, to find oneself in the middle of chaos like this, to keep one's composure, and to remain human to the end of it. Too easy would it have been, to trample over the lives, to leave them to the wayside merely for the heady slaughter and the high of self-righteousness.

"Up you get," he said to Hortensia, tucking her carefully onto the saddle before mounting once more behind, hoping that the lingering warmth of his heart and the life that still flowed in him would keep her warm for long enough for them to escape. The frostbite had already taken Lianna, but she yet lived – they would double back for her, and to check in on the remaining villagers, once they were done with the brutal task of rout.

And for that matter...

He wheeled his horse around, followed in Edelgard's trailing footsteps towards where the last remaining bandit found himself. The cruel spike of his axe made Heppinn shy, briefly, a long and hooked thing that was sure to be designed precisely for people like himself.

"Just you then, is it?" Sigurd made a show of sheathing his sword and looking around, noting the bodies of his fellows where they seeped out into the snow. His hand, stiff and chilled to the bone, found the warm glow of his lance, and he gave it a firm swipe.

"Not for long - !!"

He drove Heppinn forward abruptly, catching speed swiftly, so as not to allow the man the space to escape, and only found the surging force of Holy Blood upon him, the stab of his lance downward precise and brutal in spite of the shine it gave against the sunlight, now beginning to peek through the clouds.

"Edelgard! Finish it!"

@hresvelged

Her hand drew back.

With a silent breath, Edelgard grabbed Aymr and brought it into her familiar, scarred fingers. She had gathered brief about Jugdral before arriving here, noting things like the existence of Holy Weapons and Blood. It reminded her too much of the same disdains that plagued Fódlan. This axe was not holy— Not here nor in the land she needed to unshackle. Perhaps his weapon was. Or wasn't. It made no difference to her. Perhaps, too, these things held dominion over villages like this. If nothing else, she could rid her allies of further fighting.

The man was cornered, facing his end with nowhere to go. His breath was ragged; hair tossled in front of his eyes and hands on his knees. That was where her focus must be.

Her head teetered, eyes brimming with a familiar flame perpetually by her side. "Understood," she said. She looked at the man. He didn't meet her stare. The axe's claw surged open as she ran forward to thrust it down. It closed shut to plunge its spikes into the man. It was silent, somehow, save for the breath of those she traveled with and the villagers sprinkled in her peripheral. Are they gone? Is it over yet..? The axe's glow dimmed as she tucked it away; she could not differentiate red from white. "There's no more."

They are safe now, one might want to say. She couldn't promise that— Not when this had been her greeting into what others foolishly deemed a safe journey permitted by Garreg Mach.

@asperants

#thread | glancing nervously at the blue frame #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #|completed

"H-hey, Lord Sigurd, you don't have- ah, thanks," she relented, eventually, because she did need the help actually as her strength was only enough to hold onto the horse itself and focus on riding.

She looked back, in time to see Edelgard conversing with the boy she had pointed out. She heard her urge him leave this place behind and Hortensia wondered if he could.

In Elusia it was said there were furious spirits who lived inside a snow storm, and that if a person did not keep moving they might get swept up in the unholy host.

She thought that was probably true wherever violence like this festered.

Still, she made sure to watch as the final bandit was felled. She thought the boy might need to see it too. At times the same things that left you frozen could also spur you on, she thought.

"Lady Edelgard, look over here," she said, and from her seat behind Sigurd managed to find the handkerchief kept in her coat pocket. She reached out and wiped the blood from the Adrestrian royal's face and after a moment she nodded, satisfied for the time being.

"That's much better. It would be a shame if we couldn't see your lovely eyes, anymore! Now let's go check on Lianna and see how everyone else is doing, shall we?"

No reason for the four of them to stay frozen, after all.

// THE END

glancing nervously at the blue frame around the screen are we going to address that or-

red team || week 1 silesse || subgroup 3 (x)

From where she stood on foot, Sigurd's silhouette was much larger than her own. It perfectly fit the visage of what a commander was meant to imbue; all withstanding, unafraid to show themselves. He told her to follow in his path— That there was no time to spare.

Edelgard walked in what wasn't her own, the concept awkwardly foreign. Before the man could remove himself from Sigurd's attention, she drove the large axe into the large figure's right shoulder blade. Red grazed the weapon and snow as he fell into it. "A person only does as well as the invigoration they feel. That's a leader's role. You can't fight without it." She crushed her boot against his leg to parry the injury on her ally. "You fit the position well."

Still, she was concerned about not having Hortensia in closer proximity to her as the snow sprinkled. "Hortensia," she called. Her shield grew covered in white, rocking her arm to clear it. "Stick closer to us. That's..—" An order, she began to say before cutting herself off.

From her peripheral lay the shadow of a teenage boy again. He was by his lonesome, arms crossed and covered in tattered clothing. It was the same one as before. The scared expression he wore jabbed her more than she thought herself capable of these days. She needed to speak with him, even if only for a moment. "Look," she spoke to her teammates with the man under her foot, pointing to the boy. Her silhouette turned redder. Before he could push her away to stand up again, she pressed harder. He screamed and thrashed. "He called to me for help earlier. I'll tell him the enemy leader is gone. He requested that of me. Of us."

@bxldrsdraumar @asperants

#thread | glancing nervously at the blue frame #toaexpedition2026 #ehwred2026 #bxldrsdraumar #hresvelged #gemianthium

The sound of her name brought Hortensia back from the wave of despair that had threatened to swallow her. She stood up, straightening her coat and nodded at Edelgard.

"Yeah." I'm here. I'll stick close.

She hardly had time to thank her for engaging the bandit who had been after her, as the Black Eagle's gaze turned to more important people - the people they still had to protect - and Hortensia followed her line of sight.

"Then, we have to make sure you get a chance to talk," Hortensia told Edelgard and gave her a small smile in lieu of words of thanks. She went over to the shivering boy, and took one of his hands.

"Here, some gloves. And healing magic too! Just hang in there and we will get you out of this."

Her own encouragement and the warmth of the other's hand in hers lets her magic flow freely and for the first time she can see a spark of life in one of the villagers. That's right, they weren't done yet!

"Lady Edelgard sent me over. So let's stay together and cheer her on, okay?"

@hresvelged and @bxldrsdraumar

glancing nervously at the blue frame around the screen are we going to address that or-

red team || week 1 silesse || subgroup 3 (x)

"Lianna..!" Edelgard called her name through what felt like a tundra, snow mixing with white locks and red under her feet. It was a powerful, relentless attack— A pride she herself worse through flesh and bone.

She was not used to fighting with a shiver up her spine, but she would do so proudly.

Edelgard moved herself in front of where Lianna was, the shadow of Aymr covering the rightmost half of her face. She wouldn't allow him to cause further harm. To fell the leader meant its allies would have nobody to turn to, either. She cared not to intertwine herself with Jugdral's affairs when Fódlan needed her, but who was she if not someone who protected her comrades? "I thought I made it clear to you."

"Why should I listen? I don't even know who you are!!" He fumbled, but stood. One hand rested on the hut. Hers gripped the axe that would take him. This is what she knew best to do. He coughed as the sword in his hand raised; Edelgard saw her reflection in its silver.

She had no authority here. She didn't want it, either. Still yet, she liked to believed she knew right from wrong. Necessary versus selfishness.

Her words are whispered, matching the snow that drew itself on cheek and tongue. "I don't care if you do. Don't. I was only extending you a warning." The princess saw her reflection raise the axe as she drove it straight forward. Their supposed leader crashed into the hut and collapsed. In her opinion, he was not fit for the title.

It would never be her duty to consider the after— Not here. Her head shifted to find Sigurd.

@bxldrsdraumar @asperants

"Edelgard!"

He saw the shape of her, nearly gleaming in the middle distance, the movement of surety and unflappable composure as she followed the tracks of the leader of this group of ruffians, and took him down. He knew she did not need assistance, but he rode to her anyway, glancing about.

"You've done well. It isn't quite done yet, but things are calming down, for the time being."

There had been so much, at first, the shearing cold that penetrated deep with every gust of wind, but as he looked down to his fingers, now stiff and curled of the reins of his horse, on the hilt of his sword, he thanked god for the numbness - the better to keep his grip tight, and to focus on the end.

"We will need to speed this up." Heppinn nickered anxiously, watching the flurry of movement as the remaining two of the bandit troupe zeroed in on another pair of villagers - safe, for the moment, not another loss.

They could not afford much more loss.

"With me, then! Follow in my path, and we will tear them down together!"

And he kicked forward, driving Tyrfing's point into the man's collarbone, hearing the spurt of blood escape the body like a gasp as the man swung in retaliation, and nicked the edge of that cruel axe against Sigurd's leg.

"You will find me a fiercer foe than these villagers!"

Next! @hresvelged or @asperants