pursuing the heights!

#helswathed #licehn #renaisguy #fauxgado #butlere #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 3 ~ damn that devil!#⚔️ thread end #toaboel2026

damn that devil! and his dances!

battle of the eagle and lion: round three (battle 19)

butlere

A student as much a wolf, a teacher as much a butler, and a lesson as much a battle. All such realities intersect here, and the reason for which they do so is not unknown to Jakob. Before him is a dull piece of coal rife with small slivers of promise. Ordinarily, he would think nothing of any crude and graceless lump like so, but the man who taught Jakob everything he knows once worked with less. Cruder and more graceless a boy than the one Jakob sees before him. A more unsightly piece of coal.

It would not be difficult to change his opponent for the better, and it will be far less difficult convincing a fighter to better his craft in a day than a disowned scion to become a first-rate butler. Alternatively, why Jakob insists on investing his time and energy into the piece of coal known as Joachim is simple. Push a coal to utter limits, strain and force it to every possible degree, and in the end shall be a diamond.

". . .Splendid. Just splendid!" The swing of lightning and sword comes one and the same; sharp, precise, immaculate. When it recedes, a frayed and slightly hair-frizzled butler is left in its place. . .a proud teacher alongside. "A job well done. Your attack was nearly perfect—your best showing yet. Granted, it has little else with which to compare, but it is worthy of note nevertheless."

Brushing the char from his clothes in a show of nonchalance, Jakob straightens once more. He had felt the sting of Joachim's attack, of course, but the pain is tucked aside. Licking his wounds and tidying his suit can come later. There is a lesson left to finish - an end to all good things to make room for better.

"I would have deemed it flawless if it weren't for one glaring oversight." Now. Struck so expertly from afar, it would not do for Jakob to fail to return the favor. He brandishes his sword, tilts it at such an angle that suggests he will throw it, attack at range in just the same manner, and then—

a blinding, obfuscating ray of sunlight bounces off its blade.

Bright as lightning, silent as the night, the position of Jakob's sword directs the light directly into Joachim's eyes. A decisive opening follows; he closes their gap, the kick of his boot arriving swiftly. As sharp, as precise, and as immaculate, it sweeps the boy from his feet onto Gronder grass. Dirt at his back, sharp tip of sword beneath his chin.

"Listen well, Joachim. No attack in this world is worth a damn if one's enemy is left standing at its end."

@licehn

licehn

The light blinds Joachim's vision and an instinct within him, despite any fear and mild mannerisms he might have professed to have, does react to thrash in return as he staggers. His dominant arm does reach to try and fight, to cut a path with which to defend whilst its wielder cannot see the path himself, but the boy cannot withstand the light and in that quick, split second, all his swing produces is a stray burst of lightning that only barely grazes its target just as he himself is knocked down by the butler's decisive sweep. He hits the scorched earth with a grunt, and as his vision comes to, this all only a few moments in real time, that's all it takes before he feels the cold of metal underneath his chin.

It's a delicate position, and he almost feels too nervous to even gulp as he stares the sword down, looking up at the man who wields it— the man who bridged that gap so fast.

“I yield,” he concedes, seeing no point in fighting it. He has fought more and gotten farther than he had ever imagined for having so little experience, and the vast emptiness of Gronder Field now, even more than it had been at the start of this bout, speaks to something unfathomable to him.

To win hadn't ever been his goal, but he supposes, by this point, he finds himself satisfied enough for having been led to try. Each opponent has found their way to push him towards there, and even the man who holds him at swordpoint now is no exception.

Despite sharp words, he perhaps sought to push him the most.

“I have a lot to train for still, I see. But perhaps one day, no longer how long it takes... I'll match up to your attack like that and be able to finish things properly.” His exhaustion at last settles, lowering his shoulders, but Joachim manages a smile past it. “Thank you for your patience teaching me this whole time, and—”

He imagines there will be many more who will speak these words to the man, but he chooses to be the first:

“—congratulations on your win, Jakob. Eheh.”

— the end.

Beaten Down By Close Combat || BOEL 2026 Round 2 Battle 14

#thelightofcreation #helswathed #chryssaetos #surebow #wingboundwarrior #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 2 ~ beaten down by close combat #⚔️ thread end #toaboel2026

There is no blood roaring in her ears, as the only rush Yuzu feels is an energetic one of receiving the ball from the kind sir’s gentle (yet firm enough) toss back, preparing for one final flurry to finish off what should be the last of their adversaries. Just as with Fee in the prior round, involving the rest of her team in this little…test of a strategy somehow builds up the girl’s confidence as she slams down the final spike.

Unlike before, Yuzu keeps her mouth shut upon delivery of her ultimate move. Any moment of being agape would force her to sputter even more than she already does currently. What could this be? Has another mage misfired their fireball, or has some other flare dominated the battlefield?

With no one nearby to answer nor the time to confirm any suspicions, the only direct consequence of the smog is the fighter missing out on retrieving her trusty spherical weapon once more. Even more insulting is how it rolls right back at where she misplaced it just earlier - right at the light mage’s feet.

She does not speak for the same reasons she puts her rejoice of their flawless victory on hold. Surely the man will pass her tool back without annoyance like before, and she can merely apologize once the smoke has cleared.

A second passes. The ball remains out of sight.

Yuzu is unsure if she should move in.

@thelightofcreation

thelightofcreation

Smoke fills the battlefield- at first, a mere irritation in the throat, but rapidly makes itself known through billowing waves of ash, lowering visibility until he could not rely on it any longer.

Sephiran freezes. Even if it were a misplaced spell- regardless if it were a mistake made by inexperience or overeager casting, this was not a safe environment to continue fighting in. He thinks to call out as a warning, or perhaps guidance, to relocate and better yet, check on those who have already inhaled smoke.

But when he tries, his voice fails him. The sound of metal on- something… and the cry of one of their remaining opponents (temporary opponent, for the sake of a mock battle, of all things) calling a surrender.

(No, you mustn't continue fighting.)

Hands rise to his throat, to his mouth, as he realizes he had begun to choke- on the smoke or memories, he cannot tell, stinging eyes and frantic gasps both expected symptoms. He stumbles backward, and finds himself at the all-too-familiar mercy of a blade.

Glancing backward, there is the impression of blue hair- a former ally. The tang of blood mixes with the arid burn of smoke, and Sephiran frantically searches for a reason to be hunted.

(He’s one of them! He’s a monster!)

Panic sets in. This man could not kill him, but he could still cause him harm- perhaps even intended to. And, Sephiran realizes, too late, that at some point his tome had slipped from his hands.

Goaded by the echo of decades-old accusations of a mob fed by lies, he takes a step back, and another- and when certain that he was not followed by his assailant, he flees.

Sephiran has been defeated!

[end.]

(mocking) "hey lach lemme smash" 🙄

BOEL 2026 - Round 1 - Team 10 (x)

#landsbluod #kinuwa #failnaughted #helswathed #hoopdaughter #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 1 ~ hey lach lemme smash #⚔️ thread end #toaboel2026

In a race between her returning volley and the precise arrow, the arrow inevitably proves itself superior. But that would be the final time Yuzu allows her projectile to lose in a duel of swiftness. Once the ball returns from her previous opposing target, the crane already begins to dribble it up and forward, up and forward, up and forward…straight across the grass and toward the archer.

Focus demands her gaze to remain on the bouncing smiley face, though she finds herself free enough to give a passing glance at the recoiling knight on their side. The exaggeration is evened out by kind praise, leading Yuzu to provide the smallest of smiles only for it to falter once she turns away.

“Old bones…” At such youth?

The brief thought is made briefer as she finally nears the archer, his attention currently taken by sword-lashing Fee. Their trio has already proven themselves superior to the opposing one. Taking the man down with dominant numbers would merely be a mercy at this point.

“If you are seeking for something that fails to last…” Yuzu speaks, providing at least some announcement to make her presence known, “...then taste my everlasting volley!”

Feverishly shoving her shield onto the ground, the girl manages to muster a high jump to meet her rising ball. Just when it’s about to begin its descent, Yuzu times a direct, diagonal shot right toward the target.

“Spiked Salvo!!!”

@failnaughted

failnaughted

Heckin' ouch, man! The sword strike from Fee he gets, he honestly invited that one upon himself, but the ball blasting him square in the chest and knocking him down? Geez, he hopes Edelgard and Dimitri didn't see that, or else he'll never hear the end of it.

"Okay, okay, I yield, sheesh." He feigns some mild irritation, but more than anything else he's just amused by exactly what finally got him sitting on the grass, and the grin on his face is still a clear indication of that no matter what he says.

"Whew. That was good. You guys make a neat team," he says with a smile, getting himself off the ground and dusting off his pants. Welp, those need a wash now. "Now then," he continues, shooting the blonde lady behind him a meaningful look before he keeps speaking, every word accentuated and making it clear he is not taking a no for an answer. "Lady Lachesis and I will be excusing ourselves to the medical tent, because I believe we both could use a check-up after this. Good luck with your next battles!"

— Thread End

damn that devil! and his dances!

battle of the eagle and lion: round three (battle 19)

renaisguy

It’s the man’s bow that catches Forde’s eye. The intricate winding carving, the strange colour. The sense that the weapon is staring at him, perceiving his every move, thirsting for blood. Seeing such a similar weapon in someone else’s hands, he can finally put into words how his own blade has been behaving this battle and the last. Like it has a mind of it’s own.

It’s the bow that catches Forde’s eye, which causes him to miss the important details. Such as the fact that said bow was pointed towards him, and that its arrow was flying through the air. At a swift speed. That would nevertheless be dodgable if he put any effort into-

It hits him square in the chest. And it hurts like hell.

Forde falls to his knees from shock, hand rushing to feel his wound. At the last moment he reminds himself not to pull it out, not until he can get it healed. He glances to Jakob, to his opponents, he flinches as a second arrow rushes past him. He isn’t the target of this one, thankfully. But he has the sense to step away before another comes his way.

“Don’t bother healing me, I don’t-” He rises slowly, taking several slow breaths, arms in the air to signify his surrender. “Just- good luck with the rest of the battle you two. Heh.”

He stumbles off at what he’ll call a leisurely pace. He can probably make it to the med tent without assistance… but it would be nice.

@craneswings

#helswathed #licehn #renaisguy #fauxgado #butlere #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 3 ~ damn that devil!#toaboel2026

Forde is right. That is no squeaky sword…and gods, does it burn at where it lands. An unsettling warmth all the while making her feel faint rather than alarmed. If it weren’t for the prattling from Lex that she remarked on only moments earlier, the call to exhaustion may have very well won her over.

And while fatigue does not succeed, a following knick! of an arrow bouncing off her untouched shield is more than enough to topple herself over. Even she wasn’t aware of how unbalanced she was after the decisive first blow.

Tossing the shield aside, Yuzu tries to quickly hop back on her feet. A painful sting comes from her injured side, but covering her tattered uniform with one arm is enough to quell it…momentarily. There’s no knowing when the gash will fully open, leaving her no choice but surrender.

For one moment, she scans the field for the source of the precise toppling shot. The archer stands far, but Yuzu attempts a very fumbled salute with her free arm. He did land a very fair shot from that distance.

She then hobbles back near the remaining lions to make her escape. “Your aim is refined as well, Lex,” the girl flatters his skills once more with a grin before turning back toward camp. “All I see myself as valid to request is another deft strike under my name!”

With that, Yuzu starts making her way back behind her team’s sightlines…only to be inflicted by another sudden sting, this one from her mind. Once safely enough out of any more archer sightlines, the Hoshidan begins to bolt in the same direction that Forde took off.

“Halt! Forde!! Forde!” Yuzu wails as she rushes on, impossible to tell she was even struck down at the pace she charges. No, she is not searching for another of battles so quickly. She merely wants to walk away from the battlefield with a friend, and with honor.

…and perhaps learn the origin of the blade he used to stagger her. Weaponry never fails to intrigue her.

@licehn

damn that devil! and his dances!

battle of the eagle and lion: round three (battle 19)

#helswathed #licehn #renaisguy #fauxgado #butlere #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 3 ~ damn that devil!#toaboel2026

As it turns out, not many other soldiers surround Lex and Yuzu as they return to the center of Gronder Field. The smog that even now still lingers within her nostrils must have been the culprit of some sort of great struggle, wiping off nearly every participant off the field. And to recall that she had been one of the sorry ones eliminated right as the start the prior year!

Her ego only grows so wide before reality seeps back in with the encounter of one final lone Blue Lion ally: one that she actually recognizes by the softness of his furry ears. Is this all of us who remain? The dense thought incites Yuzu to raise her questionable skewer in peaceful greeting, but doing so is an inevitable mistake.

For her weapon raises right as the banner of their yellow rivals sparks from the corner of her eye. And be it due to their morale or the simple desire to end the final round fast, they all rush straight toward the three lions. If the deers catch them all in the middle, the food chain would certainly be proven quite wrong on this day…

“Fie! Stand back, Lex!” Yuzu forewarns her knightly ally, acting upon her speech. She rushes out not to relentlessly attack, but rather with her shield pushed out ahead to deflect whatever their foes may use in an attempt to pincer them.

It is within this rush that she recognizes one of the three men that oppose her will to win: the clever man, Forde. Now is far from the time to delay a clash with formalities, but if he is to observe Yuzu carefully, the smallest hints of a smile paint her determined if not rushed demeanor.

@renaisguy

Beaten Down By Close Combat || BOEL 2026 Round 2 Battle 14

The oaf did not hear him. Over the sound of his own coughing and the blood roaring in his ears, Lex remained oblivious to the status of his opponent. The smoke had fully enveloped him. He could see neither ally nor enemy. All he could hope to do was remain standing until he was certain that everything was over.

To that end, Lex kept swinging. He had to. The only way to ensure no attacker approached him when he could not see their approach was to make himself a whirling ball of death, to make sure it was impossible for anyone at all to get near. The man Lex had been dueling might have yet been in the fight, and there was the blue-haired opponent that his allies had been contesting. What if she tried to take advantage of the distraction?

Lex hacked away in two separate senses of the word. Once more, he felt his blade contact something, and quite solidly at that. The resistance quickly gave way-- perhaps his opponent had been felled? No time to investigate. Better to just keep wildly swinging. There was, after all, a chance he had struck a tree or some other object that was not his intended target.

@craneswings @thelightofcreation

#thelightofcreation #helswathed #chryssaetos #surebow #wingboundwarrior #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 2 ~ beaten down by close combat #toaboel2026

A second passes. The ball remains out of sight.

Yuzu is unsure if she should move in.

@thelightofcreation

Beaten Down By Close Combat || BOEL 2026 Round 2 Battle 14

One foe down. Two left. The blue-haired woman was far enough away that Lex couldn't really concern himself with her. Even though she sported a javelin, it was doubtful she'd be able to hurl it far enough to land a hit on Lex from there. Hopefully, his allies would be able to take care of her. Lex just had to focus on the opponent before him and let things sort themselves out from there.

Lex felt he had made the threat of his blade quite clear, but apparently it did not sink in properly. The other man darted forward, trying to score a greedy strike against Lex. Though his blade struck, it was not a clean hit by any means, and it was summarily punished by a swift smack with the side of Lex's blade. Not a particularly hard blow, just a threat, a message: try that again and he'd be on the ground in no time flat. Lex had the advantage of reach and spacing. He knew exactly how to exploit that. The longer he could delay this opponent from attacking, the more time it gave his allies to deal with their target.

"Where'd that confidence of yours go?" Lex goaded, letting a confident grin spread across his face. "Realized you're outmatched, have you? You should know better than to try to step to someone like me with a dinky little blade like that."

The more he prodded, the more likely it was that his opponent would think of nothing other than their duel and continue focusing his attention on Lex alone.

@craneswings

#thelightofcreation #helswathed #chryssaetos #surebow #wingboundwarrior #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 2 ~ beaten down by close combat #toaboel2026

Her arrow’s victim goes down - or perhaps more proper to say walks down - without so much as a word. Still, Yuzu lightly prays that the thrill of their duel, even if slightly one-sided, lit a fire in his own heart just as hers. That should be the primary purpose of participating in these mock battles, after all.

Though on the topic of participation, her ears do not shy from hearing the extended scuffle between axe and sword. Her unfortunate position makes it so she cannot tell how much longer their 1-on-1 will last. Ideally between their knight’s prattling brags and the elimination of long-ranged support, she’s bought him some time…

Another whooshing of a throwing javelin nearby reminds Yuzu that this indeed began as three versus three. The lances so far have only hit their magical support of the group, though he did not seem well-equipped to handle such continuous blows. If Yuzu’s role in this battle would be to take out those who threaten her allies from the sidelines, then she is hardly one to reject.

It’s time for her ball-based strategy to shine. The warrior girl rests her bow upon her back and kicks the beachy ball sky high. There’s little time to hop right up toward it, but simply slapping it as it falls down makes decent contact with the midrange lance support. With Yuzu catching them unaware, she has the perfect chance for a second set of volleys…though the lightweight weapon has other ideas.

“Fie- Sir!” Yuzu breaks her stoic nature to call toward where the ball flies, that being right at their magical ally. “Slap the attack back toward me! Or mayhaps them, if you have the courage!”

@thelightofcreation

Beaten Down By Close Combat || BOEL 2026 Round 2 Battle 14

thelightofcreation

And it was once again time for taunts to be exchanged alongside blows, a tradition old enough that even Sephiran would find it difficult to find a time when it had not been in practice.

It doesn't make him any more eager to participate, though.

Thankfully, that blue-haired swordsman seemed to have the wordplay covered, or at least, seemed happy to engage in it, so Sephiran does little more than sigh, turn, and face a different opponent.

This one, he doesn't recognize, though his positioning was unfortunate- a bow would allow him to strike either of his allies with ease. Despite his own progress, it would be better to pave the way for the students and faculty to progress rather than an outsider like him.

A wave of the hand, a familiar exchange of life, and Sephiran steps back, an incline of his head to the student by his side.

An opening.

@craneswings

#thelightofcreation #helswathed #chryssaetos #surebow #wingboundwarrior #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 2 ~ beaten down by close combat #toaboel2026

With how his “axe” does an encore of not clashing with its opponent with any satisfaction, Yuzu’s hands waver momentarily. However, the question to change her current target is answered by the blue knight’s witty reply back at the swordsman’s own boast. The warrior girl is rarely one for comments mid-battle beyond the singular line, but she’s met enough fighters to know some relish in the gift of the gab.

Recalling his loud, boisterous chatter from their previous battle, Yuzu elects that he is fine at the moment. But that will not last for long if all of them are to remain standing.

As if the flow of battle agrees with her as well, a small flash illuminates around her previous archer target. In truth, she had seen the other man on their appear to flub whatever cast they were previously going for. Though with the spell flowing proper in their time of need, she sees no need to comment or admonish on previous failures. A mere brief nod of approval is all she deems necessary before collecting another arrow from her quiver.

It might just be an illusion from the blinding flash of light, but the winds across the grass appear to remain still for a moment. That moment is all Yuzu needs to insert the arrow into her bow and provide the proper strength in the pull for an absolute and direct shot at the bowman.

“Your archery is no less than admirable,” Yuzu slips out as the arrow makes its mark. “See my need to respond in kind as proof of such.”

@chryssaetos

Beaten Down By Close Combat || BOEL 2026 Round 2 Battle 14

chryssaetos

Well, shit: Here we go again.

His allies in the first round were capable enough, and Sin is glad to have Fiora back at his side for this one, but... Uh. He's not sure about the new guy. He just sort of has a weird vibe to him, Sin supposes, one that makes him think he might go rogue at a moment's notice.

On the other hand, while of course it's not good to judge off first impressions alone, someone on the other side starting out with hitting a patch of turf nowhere near any of them isn't a good sign for the Lions. Yeah, this isn't gonna go well.

—For them, anyway. No dishonor in taking advantage of an opening. While he's distracted with pulling his cleaver out of the muck, Sin a stream of arrows at him until one strikes him squarely: Ideally, he'll be too distracted to handle his other teammates.

But, victory is never certain.

@craneswings / @thelightofcreation / @surebow @wingboundwarrior

#thelightofcreation #helswathed #chryssaetos #surebow #wingboundwarrior #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 2 ~ beaten down by close combat #toaboel2026

With the glory of their first clean victory comes the chance of yet another - though this battle appears to contain those from the other opposing house. And just like the previous foes, the trio standing their ground possess weaponry of all kinds and ranges. A worthy challenge indeed, and Yuzu is relieved to be grouped with the knight from before for a second time. With his grand call and the addition of a small shield to his arsenal, the girl is nearly gleeful to experience an encore of the earlier performance.

…Of course, the glee melts away just as easily when the chunk of metal of a knife chops away from its target rather than toward. Any bewilderment that follows swiftly turns into sickening panic as a steady arrow does the opposite of the blue-haired man’s miss. The archer is quiet, but his impact on the battle is absolute.

A clear aspiration for her newfound gear.

“Aye, I’ve learned many in my time, knight,” Yuzu hastily remarks while drawing her firm, wooden bow. “Might it be wise to watch carefully yourself?”

There’s a faint smugness in her query, yet she does not let it stir for as long as it takes to release her own arrow. It flies with an accurate trajectory back to the sender of the initial ranged strike. Quite safer than lunging at a sniper with nothing more than a buoyant ball.

Oh, but do not worry. Her bouncing friend remains with her on the battlefield, simply being dribbled between her feet while her hands remain busy with their own offense and defense alike. It shall get its time when needed.

@thelightofcreation @surebow @wingboundwarrior

(mocking) "hey lach lemme smash" 🙄

BOEL 2026 - Round 1 - Team 10 (x)

hoopdaughter

She takes Claude's banter in stride, already setting back out towards him, reaching for her sword this time. Really, if she's gonna be doing all this running around, why bother with her big ol' lance? The bad boy at her side would be more than enough for this archer— what's he gonna do, parry me?

By the time she reaches him, it's unsheathed and ready to go. It's a darling blade, differently sized from the ones back home, but sturdy and balanced all the same; only the hilt seems a lot more natural in her smaller grip. Her sword sways behind her, trying not to impede her sprint.

"Well, I'm about to make it seem real over for you, buster!"

#landsbluod #kinuwa #failnaughted #helswathed #hoopdaughter #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 1 ~ hey lach lemme smash #toaboel2026

“Old bones…” At such youth?

“If you are seeking for something that fails to last…” Yuzu speaks, providing at least some announcement to make her presence known, “...then taste my everlasting volley!”

“Spiked Salvo!!!”

@failnaughted

(mocking) "hey lach lemme smash" 🙄

BOEL 2026 - Round 1 - Team 10 (x)

Lex hoisted the oversized knife into the air once more, planting it firmly into the ground beside him. A cocky grin spread across his face, only growing wider as allies and enemies alike commended his might. It was unsurprising, then, that a flurry of attacks were quickly sent his way-- he had just established himself as a threat, after all. Given that his allies had yet to join the battle in earnest, he couldn't blame the kids for going after him. It was the smart thing to do. Fortunately, he could weather this assault.

They were just kids, though. Lex had to remind himself of that. As competitive as he could be, he needed to take it somewhat easy on them. He wasn't the one who was learning from this. Lex might not be a teacher like Ayra, but in his position, he should probably think of how she would handle things here. Encourage the kids to go for more sound tactics (not that Lex was a strategist by any means), give them feedback to reward them for a job well done. As a result of how long it took him to think of that, there was some delay between when arrow and spell struck and when Lex gave them a little grunt to try and satisfy them. Still, he was at least trying to make sure they felt adequately rewarded for their dedication to attacking him.

His own allies, on the other hand... were playing ball? Hm. Maybe he needed to step back and let them really get into the fight. They wouldn't learn if he carried them to victory.

"Ugh, I'm hit!" Lex boomed, playfully staggering back and leaning heavily on his axe, though his smile never left his face. "Looks like you're up, girls. Look alive over there! You gotta take over for me while I recover from these wounds."

He wasn't of the fight yet, but Lex felt he should still play it up a little bit for the students' sake.

That means you, @craneswings.

#landsbluod #kinuwa #failnaughted #helswathed #hoopdaughter #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 1 ~ hey lach lemme smash #toaboel2026

An arrow and the apparition of a small creature whiz along at their own speeds, making their marks on the knight who drew first blood. Even if a significant amount of her focus is taken over by the mighty ball, Yuzu’s attentive enough to acknowledge the shift in the battle. The blue-haired man’s eccentric roar of declaration is more than enough to rile herself up for her next play.

“Aye, allow me!” she declares in his direction right as the repositioned ball from the other “girls” in question sails over her head. The crane already makes way toward her weapon and foe alike, but not before hollering, “And a perfect pass from you, Fee!”

Allowing the orb to dictate her location has her stop right in front of where the curious shot of reason magic came from. Then she would have to be quick in her upcoming attack, for this range is perhaps more ideal for casting than…well, what’s about to come next.

“You!” Yuzu calls the blonde with the…cute set of ears and tail. It would have made her hesitate, if not for the rush of adrenaline from her playful plight. “Were you staring at this ball with wonder? Astonishment?”

The question is purely rhetorical, perhaps at risk of downplaying her attack as an underhanded scheme. But with the ball already bounced up by her steel shield, she has no choice but to follow through with a hard spike and harder shout.

“Then- May you have at it!!”

@hoopdaughter @kinuwa

(mocking) "hey lach lemme smash" 🙄

BOEL 2026 - Round 1 - Team 10 (x)

hoopdaughter

Whoa, the fight's already started!

Fee's been here for the better part of the morning, of course, inspecting Gronder field. She hadn't been allowed her pegasus for this bout— but then again, it's a mock battle. She wouldn't need all that height anyway! Not when the whole field is just a bunch of haphazard hazards and battered bushes; though, keeping note of all locations would still come in handy for the event ahead.

Lined up with her squad, she's surprised to see familiar faces all around. Yuzu is here, as she could expect from their brief meeting at the carnival. Resolute as ever, it seems. And on her other side, it's Lex of all people! Her keen eyes scan up and down his monstrous muscles, and his equally awesome weapons of mass destruction. Glad he's on OUR side, heh...

Lex is the first to move, which isn't a total surprise. The guy seems practically born for the battlefield with that physique, and especially that crazy-looking weapon on his shoulder. Well, previously on his shoulder; it's already come crashing down on the other team with a shudder that Fee won't be unhearing any time soon. Fee, who's come following in his tracks towards the same opponent, stop and hollers, relieved.

"Woooo!" she cheers, pumping a fist into the air in celebration. "A perfect knock out!"

Reflexively, she twirls about the simple lance in her hands. Whether she would need both the polearm and the sword at her hip is to be seen, but she'd rather not be without either. Idle hands stay moving while idle feet pick themselves up to run to help out Yuzu with the other two foes. "Heeeeey, Yuzu! I got your back!"

@craneswings !

#landsbluod #kinuwa #failnaughted #helswathed #hoopdaughter #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #boel2026 round 1 ~ hey lach lemme smash #toaboel2026

She recognizes the flash of blonde that falls first to the seemingly allied knight’s slab of an axe. It’s incredibly peculiar, spending one evening exploring pleasant corners as comrades only for the later days to fit them as opponents. And one that Yuzu fails to face properly, at that.

But the veteran warrior does not allow the strangeness nor shock dominate her instincts. For she is here to avenge a pathetic showing from last year and a victory that barely felt deserved. The whoops from a nearby cheery ally is what vocally snaps her out of the minor daze.

For a moment, she admires the variance of weaponry on Fee’s person. A lightweight lance for immediate defense alongside that sheathed sword that does not go unnoticed by the samurai’s eye. Even for a mock battle, her classmate appears very well-prepared.

Although the same cannot be said for what Yuzu herself wields, she is not one to back down from a strategy after immeasurable training.

“Oi, Fee!” the crane is quick to call back in response. Keeping her hardened shield up high with one hand, Yuzu starts lifting her weapon of choice with her other hand. The weapon itself being…a round, faced ball??

Without clarification, she bumps the ball toward the green-haired girl with her single fist. “To you! And pass it back with utmost haste!!”

There is no ounce of humor within her directions.

@kinuwa

February Activity Check

Level Up! (Passed)

Status: Cleared!

Points Obtained:

+1 Any (Monthly Activity)

Total Points: 39 –> 40

Point Allocation:

Sword C+ -> C+(1/2)

New Classes Accessed:

N/A

Classes Mastered: Lance Fighter

Inventory Changes:

Backup (Lance Fighter Mastery)

#⚔️ ooc #toaactivity

99% of gorgeous women stop gambling before they make it big

#toastarlight2026 - finale- expedition to star cave (x) (x)

delicatevalentine

The mysterious cave voice continued to fire questions at her companions, and Hilda couldn't help but feel affronted that none had yet come her way. Her mood was slightly improved by the offer of a gift from Lachesis.

"Awww! Thank you!"

She ran her thumb over the smooth surface of the rose quartz before slipping it into her pocket -- it would make a lovely necklace when she got round to it.

Beginning to walk in the direction of the exit, she tilted her head up hopefully, awaiting an interrogation of her own. She hated being left out!

Another apple fell from the trees above and hit her on the head.

"Hey!" she said indignantly. She didn't know if the voice was responsible, but it felt personal.

Hm?

Lachesis tilted her head, hearing the whisper of that voice through the cracks in the crystal walls, but not its words - a brush of wind against her cheek, and then, more starkly and undeniably, a firm raspberry of irritation. Reaching out a hand, to console Hilda or smooth over the irritation, but completing neither, her attention dragged downward to the snuffle against her boot of a little creature.

"Ah? What a little surprise you are…" There had been bats, and there was water, it was not so great a stretch that there would be other forms of life down here, and getting a closer look she saw the closed eyes and split nose of a burrowing little mole, bumping its snout against her boot.

"The poor thing looks rather tired, doesn't it? I hate to ask," she said, a touch ruefully, turning to Yuzu, "after I had given you the thing, but perhaps the apple I gave you would perk it up?"

She reached out her hand, palm up, to receive the fruit, before cutting it into slices for the creature to take, the crunching sounds making the apple seem all the more crisp and fresh than it had felt in palm.

"Is that better? Oh!"

As though in response, it leapt to attention, wiggled its body as though preparing for a great bout of energy, and dove headfirst and digging into the ground, tunnelling away in a flash. A tinkling sound alerted her to several pristine shards left behind.

She scooped them up with a smile. "Another gate ahead, isn't it?"

Take us home! @oflowersandlight or @craneswings

#landsbluod #delicatevalentine #oflowersandlight #⚔️ ic #⚔️ threads #⚔️ thread end #star cave ~ 99% of gorgeous women stop gambling before they make it big #toastarlight2026

“Ah- Aye! No need to ask is necessary, my lady!” Yuzu fidgets through her belongings rapidly until lightly tossing out the fruit for Lachesis to gift to the creature. It is only fair, seeing as they’ve treated every morsel collected until now as belonging to their entire group. Furthermore, the energetic and downright adorable wiggles of the cave dweller is perhaps even more of a reward than the solid gems in return.

Perhaps being the keyword. If this inflow of star crystals is what finally allows them to cross the foreboding gate, then Yuzu cannot simply neglect that feasible achievement. She smiles back in response to Lachesis. “A few more steps seems to be the gate, yes. Hold out all the gems we’ve collected so far…just in case?”

Failing to sound so confident at the final hurdle, there’s a flow of relief emphasized by Yuzu’s sigh when her star-filled hand touches at the gate’s side without triggering another light show. The light aura around the large gate softens, signifying safety for the rest of her party as well.

It is tempting to dash ahead to see whatever lies next in how far they’ve come, but a blinding flash frightens off that instinct initially, the girl assuming another warp was headed their way. But this didn’t appear to be a warp, merely an increasingly warm light coming from just up ahead. The warmth is startling, considering how deep they must be in this cavern at this point.

“Slowly now, my friends,” Yuzu turns her head to confidently meet her comrades. She holds an arm close to her body as if to absorb some of the sudden heat. “But I believe we must take only a few steps now…”

the end

99% of gorgeous women stop gambling before they make it big

#toastarlight2026 - finale- expedition to star cave (x) (x)

"Hm. I suspect there are no right or wrong answers, except for those that are true within our hearts." It came out airily, not dismissive but quietly firm, and Lachesis dipped her chin in acknowledgement of the girl handing her the shards, placing them with the others in the pouch.

"If there were answers that it wanted to hear, it would have asked more questions." But the voice had been surprisingly quiet, asking Yuzu her trio, Poe one, and Lachesis her own. If there had been things it wanted to hear, or things it wanted them to prove, then it was not as though they hadn't had enough opportunity - they'd seen that, being transported back to the beginning, over and over, until they'd accumulated the things they needed.

These little shards. For all that they had collected all night, and sent to collect more of, they still knew so little about them, and there seemed less information as they ventured deeper.

A glint of light caught her eye, familiar in the trickling of a stream - was it the same one that had snaked down the entire way, following their path beat for beat? If they followed the stream, how far into the earth would it take them?

And what lay at the end?

Kneeling, Lachesis dug her fingers into the scree at the bottom of the water, sighing and shaking the water from her fingers. "It seems there are normal stones here. Hilda, isn't it?"

She held the stone aloft, not a star crystal, but a very pretty and smooth rose quartz nonetheless. "If you would like it, then it is yours. A memento, of the time spent in here. And a dream to escape," she added with a soft laugh.

Next! @delicatevalentine @craneswings @oflowersandlight