[crested-flames]

[ YLISSE ] - The successor of the Archanean minuet, this waltz suits modern Ylissean tastes with easy-to-learn steps, a faster pace, and a closeness to your partner that continues to scandalize the older generations in Ylisse.

It's not every day that Selena gets to reminisce about her past- her true past. So, now that she's in an entirely new world, one that doesn't host consequences ( she hopes ) for the truth being revealed, she will take every chance she can get.. even if she goes about it in as vague a method as possible.

By that, one means to not provide the full details ( you know.. just in case ) about things. Such as where this dance originated- and who she learned it from. Aside from the fact that it is a touchy subject-- Hey, it's okay! She had given Byleth a tulip instead of an answer. Totally the same thing-

Her posture is a little awkward, shoulder blades a tad tight with the occasional skid in her step. Tripping is just about the absolute worst when trying to share or teach someone else.. embarrassing and unhelpful. Thankfully, she doesn't, but the faint tint to her cheeks betrays the underlying flustered state the redhead is in.

Doesn't help that the waltz requires the pair to leave barely enough space for air to pass between them as they move- lest they trip over each other, being best case scenario. Seriously, who came up with such a dance method--!! She outta punch the loser in the gut.. gawds. Whatever, just as long as the sweat under her gloves doesn't get noticed... Selena hates sweating.

Despite her own internal battle, a melancholic undertone hides just beneath her self-conscious apologetic yet appreciative grin.

❛ .... I know this is probably the worst time, but uh- ❜

Selena pauses- in both her steps and her breathing- for just a moment before continuing.

❛ You got any tips for teaching- like, in general? .......Not that I can't teach! I'm an excellent teacher! I'm just.. curious, is all.. yup. ❜

It's an interesting dance. Being this close to another person is putting a lot of trust. If he missteps, she falls and vice versa.

When he accepted the tulip and returned a lily of his own, he didn't expect such a tight hold to be the standard. It's an adjustment for them both he thinks. When he steps nearly skid, he pauses to allow her some stability. When a blush tints her cheeks, he doesn't hesitate to speak quietly such that no one else might hear them. "It's alright."

Slowly but surely, it becomes easier, their steps are more in time and if she falters, he knows how to right her. So this is the power of a dance...

They pause, the music still playing as they take a breath and he thinks about what she's asked.

"Trust what you know." That's not really good advice so he hums and thinks of a better way to put it. "Look at the future of your students and guide them to the one that suits them. Sometimes talking to them makes hidden strengths show up and other times you have to stop them from straying because it is what their peers are doing."

He looks around and then down where normally he'd find his feet, but instead he just finds Selena's eyes. "Is that a good answer?"

[radiantpaths]

someone who understands

ethereal ball — 2026

[radiantpaths]

"It stinks," Ike says. "I don't know how they can stand it." It smells of rotting flowers, of sweat, and yes, of expensive fragrances. Cloying, suffocating, all the trappings of nobility that Ike will never miss.

"Out here is better. You can breathe, you don't have to perform." Ike rubs the back of his neck. "Sorry. I shouldn't complain." He wants to, considering it's not like it had been his choice to be here in the first place.

[crested-flames]

Byleth can't help but to pull a lily free and bring it up to his nose. On its lonesome, it is soft and inoffensive. He holds it out over to the other man. "It's not a strong scent, but if you hold it to your nose while you're in there it could help it smell less overwhelming."

"There's nothing wrong with it. If you don't then your performance slips." Such notions only apply when there are airs to keep he thinks. If lending an ear helps it be easier to return to the festivities, then where is the harm in it.

"Many of them seem used to it. No other reason they'd wear such heavy smelling stuff."

[crested-flames]

@ephemeralove [ CORN ] "Ah... S, sorry." She withdraws her hand from the bag of corn they'd both reached for, bowing her head slightly. "Go ahead..." Only as she turns does she glimpse his face, a glimmer of recognition in her eyes. "You're... a Blue Lions professor, aren't you?" The question slips out without meaning to, and, flustered, she feels the need to justify it somehow. "I-I was a Blue Lions student before I graduated... I still work as a knight, though, so I, um... saw you around..."

It's an interesting snack. A surprising amount of nobles had picked it up which made him a little unsure if it'd actually suit his tastes but there is nothing for it except to try.

Byleth's hand pull back when it nearly brushes into someone else's whilst reaching for a bag. "I insist." And rather than waiting, he nudges the bag closer to her hand.

The recognition in her voice freezes him for a moment but when the word professor escapes, he wonders how many people will be more familiar with him for his feats in a classroom rather than on the battlefield. Is that such a bad thing?

"I am." He pauses as slate blue eyes stay on the corn snack bag while his free hand pulls a lily from his bouquet and slides it up next to it. "Are you enjoying it, your time as a knight? I've wondered what it is I could work on to help my students..."

[crested-flames]

to blossom in tempo

ethereal ball - white heron cup match 3 || lene & byleth v. alcryst & lapis

[starrook]

Ah... that green-haired girl is so assured of her victory that she beams a consoling smile to them. It's rather understandable, to be honest... But Alcryst can't let himself dwell on it. As she spins, pink dress swirling in the air, the prince of Brodia stays focused on his partner.

Alcryst loves that intense expression on Lapis' face. It flickers only for a moment when she apologizes for her dancing. "You're doing great," he whispers, and he means it. Lapis talks about her dancing like she has two left feet, but it's clear to Alcryst that she's much better than she claims. Has she been practicing? If she has, then Alcryst wants to match her dedication.

"Stay with me." Alcryst shifts his focus to how he is dancing, taking greater care to move the way he is supposed to. He loves the chaotic freestyle way of dancing that Pandreo introduced to him, but he still has formal dance training to lean on. Where Lapis missteps, Alcryst is quick to move in a way that makes it look intentional. They've fought alongside each other on the battlefield long enough that he can anticipate her movements.

The song is almost over. Alcryst flashes his own smile to Lapis, encouraging her to do the same. Regardless of the outcome, he's glad to be here with her.

[lazulienne]

    The moment Alcryst plays off of their battlefield experience together, everything goes much more smoothly. Lapis's nimble movements get to shine, the strength to her style of combat effortlessly blending in with her execution of each step, feeling more in her comfort zone. It's no longer about fitting herself into a routine that doesn't match her but instead letting their bond and trust blossom on full display for all eyes around them to see— the kind of thing forged and unable to be robbed from them both.

“These dancers...! It's like a complete transformation!” the judging panel remarks in awe at both duos, but their voices feel so far away from Lapis in the current moment.

Alcryst tells her to stay with him, to which the answer is as natural as can be: “Always!” At last, she cracks a smile in return for his.

And just in time, for the last note of the song plays, and the violinists set their instruments down. Lapis turns around, face to face with the judges finalizing their verdicts.

“Huh? Am I reading that right?” Lapis gasps, eyes going wide. “Did we really—?”

ALCRYST & LAPIS SCORE: 20.5 NEXT: @crested-flames or @dancersnewme !!

[crested-flames]

The song makes its grand exit and the judges seem to contemplate for a moment. That they even need to do that much is somewhat reassuring. Could he go another round if need be?

Once more, a gloved hand raises to wipe sweat away from his chin. Even in this kind of weather, such an intense dance isn't for a weary heart.

With the deliberation ended, the winning pair is donned in a brilliant blue spotlight that's reminiscent of the heavens shining down upon someone. "Lapis and Alcryst will move on to the next round!"

Ah- so those are their names. The spectators erupt into cheers and whoops and it is no wonder. From the beginning the two of them held the kind of trust that extended far past just the steps they were making on this dance floor. Byleth bows his head to Lene. "I hadn't trained as much as I could, I apologize. Thank you for the wonderful dance."

And to the winning pair he turns with a soft smile. "Congratulations, I don't think I've had such a good time dancing before."

[crested-flames]

to blossom in tempo

ethereal ball - white heron cup match 3 || lene & byleth v. alcryst & lapis

[starrook]

Alcryst dips his head down to whisper something to Lapis. Those witnessing the scene might see this as loving words privately exchanged by the couple, however...

"Lapis..." They haven't even started and he's already feeling queasy. "That's Emblem Byleth..." The one Emblem known to be a dance master!!! That must make that girl he's with a dance master too! To think they'd face such strong opposition in the first round... Will they make it?

"It'll be fine," Alcryst says, as if to reassure Lapis (though it's him that needs the reassurance). He takes a deep breath to calm his nerves and squeezes Lapis' hand. It's just you and me, Alcryst tells himself. He turns away from the other couple's dancing to focus on his partner. Just you and me and no one else.

Alcryst takes the lead. The nerves are beginning to get the better of him, and he's all too aware of every little misstep that he makes, but he does his best not to dwell on it. He tries to forget the competition. He tries to ignore their talented opponents. Instead, he looks at Lapis as though she is the only other person here, dancing alone in this grand ballroom. Step by step, his confidence starts to return.

9/4/2 = 15 points, @lazulienne help

[lazulienne]

    That's Emblem Byleth... Alcryst's observation sounds and resounds in Lapis's mind from the second he points it out. “What?”

Her face pales, body going rigid. What confidence she'd tried to build up starts to flag up against the likes of knowing she dances on the same stage as a man with a routine called the Goddess Dance, and the way Byleth's partner smiled and laughed? Lapis can't help but think how easy she made the mood look; if Byleth was technique lined in divinity, then his partner made it all look so... approachable!

They're two halves to make a better whole. Lapis doesn't even see the judges' thoughts though, not quite the discerning (or critical) eye they are in these matters; instead, her attention is pulled towards the one who squeezes her hand now.

“R-right. We're in this together,” she tries to respond to his encouragement, squeezing back. The moment he takes the lead, she drills the steps she'd studied and practiced earlier, earnest in her attempt.

It's almost all the right steps, but they look wrong on her. A beat too late here, a bit too stiff to look effortless there— there's no one who looks more out of place even if everything in the choreography is ostensibly as it should be order and basic movement-wise.

But Lapis doesn't cringe or die inside for it. She, too, focuses on the dance, on being in his arms, and her expression is the same as the intense look she takes in battle for it. If she's going to sign up, if she's going to keep up, she'd do it as best as she can.

“Sorry, I'll keep better pace,” she whispers. “So let's keep going. I'm still with you!”

That, at least, is what she tells herself. The music, as if responding to her determination, crescendos then.

“The two pairs are pretty close in skill level, aren't they?” one judge whispers to their peer.

SCORE: 5, 7, 1 NEXT: @crested-flames or @dancersnewme !!

[dancersnewme]

Wait. Theyre still in? Oh thank goodness. That wasnt the worst thing ever. Well, at least now she can redeem herself. She turned her attention to the competition. "I think you have them riled up" Lene commented, she thought it was a little funny "do you know those people?"

Maybe they saw them as intimidating, but she wanted to lighten the mood a bit. So she turns to the couple and flashes a smile! Bright , full of hope, before she focused on her steps. Each movement was done perfectly, properly, but with her own flairs and twists. Sudden small jumps, a wink to the judges, easy things to keep everyone on their toes.

Expect... She almost forgot she had a dance partner! She slows down "sorry, again. Haha!"

@crested-flames

[crested-flames]

"Hm?" As their first heat comes to a close, he swears he heard his name. The score board was pretty even all things considered. The other pairs trust and chemistry is entirely unattainable. Just from their hold, if this competition was between who was enjoying it the most, he doubts anyone would stand a chance against them.

"I don't," he answers simply as he catches his breath and loosens up his hands. They must've heard of the Ashen Demon if anything. Byleth can't help the slight frown at that idea. Was that why they were intimidated?

The smile his partner flashes over is beaming, bright. He can't really muster the same so he gives a gentle nod instead.

Now, the heat started anew. The rhythm this time seems far more her style. His lead is a bit weaker but so long as they were making good enough steps, it was fine. Keeping up, providing a good back drop, allowing her to shine. It's best this way.

When it all comes to a close again he shakes his head. "No, I've been enjoying it." Dancing like this isn't so bad.

lene & byleth score: 18 @starrook , @lazulienne

[crested-flames]

to blossom in tempo

ethereal ball - white heron cup match 3 || lene & byleth v. alcryst & lapis

[crested-flames]

"Just enjoy yourself." The assigned partner he has for this dance isn't someone he knows, but throughout the night he'd heard that the appeal of these events was getting to know others through such things.

When he thinks about it in such a way, it's as if their meeting is being judged. Byleth's hold is rigid, already he sees a scribble from one of the judges. A sigh slips from the back of his throat as he sets a cautious pace. His steps are intentional(so much so his eyes dip to make sure they're correct) and his lips curve lightly upward.

There's a small spin to turn them to face more towards the judges as they move clockwise about the dance floor.

@dancersnewme , @starrook , @lazulienne

[radiantpaths]

someone who understands

ethereal ball — 2026

[radiantpaths]

Ike startles at the sound of the man speaking. He doesn't know why he didn't expect it, only that he didn't. His eyes trail up at the sky, though there's no focus in his gaze.

"Inside is too familiar." It's as close to a confession as Ike can get; the drop of blue in his blood that he can't seem to wash away. It's in events like this that he feels that shade now: not quite the blue-blood of nobility, but strangely, he no longer feels like a commoner. If he looks down at his veins, he expects streaks of purple instead of blue.

"Out here isn't so damn hot." Ike already burns like a furnace, he doesn't need the combined body heat of Garreg Mach sticking to his skin. "What about you?"

[crested-flames]

Does that mean that he read him wrong? To the side his head cants and he looks him over once again. No, people aren't that simple. It must just be another facet of him. "Outside is familiar and refreshing."

"All of those flower scents mingle with perfumes and colognes." Byleth's shoulders shrug. "I dont think unscented air exists in there anymore."

That does remind him of his own bouquet in front of him. Lilies. They almost remind him of Lady Rhea's.

[radiantpaths]

someone who understands

ethereal ball — 2026

[radiantpaths]

Outside. The outside is wonderful.

Ike breathes in the cold air, crystalising his lungs. When he exhales, his breath swirls out before him, free. This is the last time he'll allow Darios to talk him into anything.

There are students running past him; in groups, alone, or in cheeky couples trying to escape faculty's prying gazes. Ike can't say anything: how many times had he escaped from Titania, from Oscar, from Greil, for his fun. He says nothing, he sees nothing, he is enjoying the fresh air.

There's someone else out here, too, who doesn't seem to be heading back in. Ike can't tell if the man is faculty, a knight, or just some guy like Ike is. He nods in greeting, but says nothing else.

The light filters out of the ballroom, casting a warm light on the stranger. He seemed otherworldly, almost. Ike decides he's been staring too long, and looks off into the distance.

@crested-flames

[crested-flames]

On those jobs, he had always been relegated to the post outside. There was no need to guard the inside if the enemy could never breach the doors in the first place.

The cool air is familiar against his face and the evening sky a welcome friend. People walk and scurry past, most so wary of a presence on this path that they trip and skitter to try and hide from his gaze.

Well, what is the fun in sneaking off if there's no associated danger? So long as they think he'll give chase, it should make a fun story for them.

It's a little strange then to have someone come up and acknowledge him, nod even. He nods in return before turning back to look up at the sky. Maybe this was a diversion for someone else to sneak by. A small smile crosses his lips at the thought of the students evolving over the night.

After a while of focus(maybe he was making sure Byleth didn't see the others) the man turns away. It is only then that he speaks. "Is this a more familiar place than inside?"

[crested-flames]

your honor his head just kind of did that || midori & byleth

infamous - sword +1

[verdelixir]

"Oh! All kinds!" Surprised by the professor's interest, Midori's exclamation comes a little too enthusiastic, a little too loud, before she quickly glances around at the others with a burst of self-consciousness.

She leans in a little closer to speak next.

"I'm not from Fódlan, so there are a lot of herbs here that are brand new to me. See?"

Withdrawing a notebook from her pocket, she shows the professor the pages she had filled in last night, simple drawings with all her observations written alongside, to be researched upon her return. It had seemed rude to go pick herbs that belong to the manor, despite how much she wanted to, so this had been the next best thing. She closes the book, looking back up at the other again.

"Midori wasn't anywhere near the viscount or the kitchen at all, honest... Do you really think it was one of us who killed him?"

[crested-flames]

A spark of joy in a room of grave silence is hard for the ones who truly fear for their lives to appreciate, but Byleth finds himself standing to shade the young girl from the glares coming from their allies and the staff alike.

The notebook in itself is likely not enough. He can already hear the claims of "she could have done that at any time" flying from the mouths of nobles who are just looking for an easy scapegoat. The answer to her question is a little more complicated considering that.

"No. The students chosen for this mission were all chosen for their prowess in guarding and defense." That's why it's Byleth leading them and why the Lions were chosen for the protection detail in the first place. Glancing over at them now, both look horrified, the weight of the accusation likely heavy on their minds.

"Do you know the other students well? I know that the Viscount was adamant as well about treatment to calm his nerves and the like, but considering no one heard the commotion, he may have been drugged and then stabbed." Something like that would would require another look at the body however.

[aquaatics]

get baited

byleth & azura | infamous: lance +1 | board

[aquaatics]

A glance behind her shoulder, at the mercenary who has their weapon raised and pointed right at the small of Byle— sorry, Lord Nilsson's back; another turn of the head, and another one has the blade of their axe brandished in front of the two. Everywhere Azura looks is another glint of silver that remind them of the consequences of disobedience as they trudge down the dim hallway — all toward the doors at the end.

Funny that they are so serious about getting them behind those locked doors (Azura lingers for a moment to fix the loose ribbon on her shoe, and is prodded by the blunt end of an axe), when they have no intent of even considering escape. No, not until they've confirmed the villagers are still alive, and to do that, they must move forward.

Regardless, Azura can recognize absurdness when she sees it. "This many weapons are unnecessary. There are more of you, armed, than there are the two of us, unarmed." Or, less armed is perhaps more accurate — the small blade under her shirt stays constant in its presence. She glances over at the tip of the axe, positioned so close toward Byleth that her small smile falters. "Please, the blade is much too close. You would not hurt milord, would you?"

Someone snickers in response to the false naiveté.

@crested-flames

[crested-flames]

Rushing down from the mountains has already cost them two days, their adversaries don't seem the type to give a grace period to account for such travels nor all the preparations that come with these exchanges. It's easy to think of the choice as amateurish — one made in haste as they simply must see whatever justice this is done, but it's a standard affair to throw off even the most level headed and experienced lords and leaders.

When they set off there was no question; they could not bring back all twenty-four as regrettable as it is to admit.

There is something to be said about this any blades pointed at him though. The life on the line right now is not his.

"Don't worry," he deadpans as he glances over at Azura. His expression is grave. He's not very good at acting but it's none too difficult to channel his intent to dismantle these kidnappers into the rage a noble kid might feel having been abandoned to die for the sake of a "mere" twenty-four people. "Mother does not expect me back... but a scar would make me look brave."

The axe at his throat falters and the man holding it scoffs. "Is there anything you brats won't turn into a trophy?" His voice is much too gentle considering their circumstances.

"Before I go, take me to them," Byleth calls out to the one leading their group.

Her high set ponytails flips to the side as she turns to look at him. "That's a job for little miss maid there. You're not livin' to sunrise so why would you care?"

[crested-flames]

this is kind of the opposite of let it go

infamous - reason +1

[radiantlodestar]

A slight smile came from the still nervous prince upon the possible realization as to why the mock battle may have been so intense. People going a bit far for that reason is to be expected however, no matter how intense the aftermath is, he still hoped that everyone was alright.

As for how he intended to help those who were still out there, it took him a moment to think of a response. Blue eyes looked up at the professor as Marth slowly began to speak.

“I was hoping to help them evacuate and make sure nobody was injured. I cannot use healing magic myself but it would still be important to get them to safety despite one’s capabilities of healing injuries.” He answered. Of course, he also seemed to be rather relieved when Byleth reassured him that the monastery staff would make sure that the other participants were safe.

That was one of his biggest concerns making the burning cape literally a nonexistent issue. It was like he hasn’t even noticed the damn thing at all as the occasional ember fell from the burning fabric.

He also didn’t seem to notice that Byleth had taken off his gloves or the “Need not concern” question at first. Whether this was due to being more concerned about the other students rather than himself was unclear however, as a result, that statement was left unaddressed.

[crested-flames]

A wise answer. When you consider the smoke and how it could aversely affect any attempts to heal those out there and those coming in to heal them, moving the injured is more important than any particular spell at the moment.

Still, there are other things to worry about. Byleth gives little regard to station unless it's one of those nobles who are particularly fussy about it. In this situation... he doesn't much have a choice though.

He steps closer to his student and kneels down. One hand grabs the edge of the cape that is smoldering and attempting to burn freely while the other prepares to smother it. "You have to be careful of yourself too. If this caught on the tent, there would be no safe space left to transport people."

"You can only take care of others if you take care of yourself."

[crested-flames]

your honor his head just kind of did that || midori & byleth

infamous - sword +1

[verdelixir]

If the viscount is dead, that means they failed their mission, right?

Resisting the urge to fidget out of nervousness, Midori sets her quill on the paper, her usual, neat script a little shaky as she writes.

After dinner, Midori spent some time in the garden to observe the herbs grown in this area,

She pauses. Is 'some time' too vague? If they're at the point of asking for alibis, she needs to give more. Crossing the offending words out, she replaces them with a smaller 'two hours' hovering over the stricken text, and continues.

before returning to her room, where she stayed until morning.

It's not much; a single-sentenced claim with nothing to prove it, but it's all she has. Midori looks up at the professor at her side, violet eyes wide and anxious.

" Is— is this ok?" she whispers, pushing the paper towards his direction.

[crested-flames]

I do not recall where I was after dinner. - Byleth

It would be nice to write something else, but the truth is, the last thing he can remember is standing from the table with the intention to head to his room. The travel here, the job, none of it is out of his ordinary. It couldn't have been something wrong with the-

Timid whisper draws him from his thoughts. He reads over her alibi carefully before the cogs begin to spin. The garden is near the south end of the manor and the man was murdered in the master's quarters to the east. Their assigned rooms were not this for guests of the house, rather those guest's servants so they had been bundled with the other servants whose rooms were southward as well.

"What kind of herbs did you find?" Will a question like that break the tension a little bit? While they wait on the others, it's better to keep nerves in check.

[crested-flames]

this is kind of the opposite of let it go

infamous - reason +1

[radiantlodestar]

“Yes, I was trying to pit them out. I can use fire magic myself so I thought to choke out the flames with more of them… It… did not go the way I planned.” Marth replied. He pulled the still burning cape closer to his body as he spoke, still rather unnerved about the situation.

It was either that or he did not wish to show the professor the burn mark on his arm. Gods, it stung badly but moving it only made the pain worse. He was used to magic related injuries by this point but having the flames actually spread onto him when he was trying to put them out was indeed a new level of magic induced pain.

He thought for a moment before quickly deciding to answer the second question. Still gripping tightly to his cape, he tried his best to answer things despite still being unnerved.

“As for myself, you do not need to concern yourself with the slight burn I may have received when trying to put out the flames. What matters more is that the other people who were in the vicinity are okay. I know not of what fire spell could have caused this level of destruction but…”

Before he could say much else, the burn on his arm flared up from him moving said arm, causing him to slowly unwrap it from the cape. Just the mere thought of how much worse it could have been for the people in that area alone seemingly frightened him but he tried his best to remain calm and composed.

“I do not know who else was caught up this Incident but I pray that they are safe.”

[crested-flames]

Byleth stares, slack jawed. "That was partially our intention in learning."

Not really adding more flames to the fire as it were, but choking out those that were present by understanding the method by which they worked. The professor hums softly and looks around the tent. "Need not concern? How else will we ensure they're safe quickly?"

A small chest in the corner is labeled with ointments. A not so subtle point to it sends the other student at his side off to get it whilst he steps closer to the well intentioned one.

Before he can ask to see it, pain or guilt or discomfort reveal it for him. Byleth is quick to take off his gloves. He doesn't think this holds true for other people, but he remembers when he was younger that cold hands always made any cuts or bruises he got feel better before they were able to be healed up.

"They will be safe, we'll make sure of it. The mock battle isn't really meant to be so intense, but people want to show that they're capable of protecting others. This aftermath too is a part of it." Probably.

"The battle isn't over until everyone's cleared the field. So... how is it you intend to help those who are still out there?"

[crested-flames]

a poison a day keeps the - wait no || claude & byleth

infamous - sword +1

[crested-flames]

The dining halls wooden floors are marked with the outline of the man's body - the source of which that's been transported to the cellar already. Maid and butler alike do what they can to collect clues from the surrounding cabinetry and tables without disturbing the scene too much.

"The stab wounds suffered were both extremely shallow and far too deep from what I gathered." For the man's dignity, he'd been properly wrapped up but the blood that seeped through the sheet painted a clear enough picture.

Byleth maintains his neutral tone in spite of his status among those suspected of the crime. There's a bit much to speculate here if he's trying to use past experiences. For now, they need to establish alibis, find the weapon that killed the man, and present a clean story to the nobles who will be arriving as judge, jury, and potential executioner. A task far outside of his expertise.

He gently tugs Claude to the side, allowing one of the room's larger cabinets to obscure them from the view of others. "I can only tell you if the weapon presented matches up with the wounds on the guy. If someone's acting shifty I can point you towards them."

This is supposed to be some kind of lesson after all. "I'll follow your lead." It is his domain after all.

@failnaughted

[crested-flames]

this is kind of the opposite of let it go

infamous - reason +1

[radiantlodestar]

Sitting on the cot, a rather nervous Marth had wrapped himself up in the still somewhat ablaze remains of his cape… He never expected for something like what happened in the mock battle to happen nor did he expect for there to be leftover embers.

He just got to the academy for all he knew and now, the field was on fire. What was worse was that he actually did try to put it out only to end up slightly charred and embarrassed from his attempts. Due to this, he was lost in thought for the time being until he heard footsteps entering the tent.

Turning his attention to the source of the footsteps, he noticed someone enter the tent and decided to greet them.

“G-greetings. If you are here to ask about what happened, I am afraid I do not know anything about what had happened. All I was trying to do was put out the fire…” The prince replied in a somewhat shaky tone of voice.

[crested-flames]

"...you were putting them out?" Well that complicates things a little. "Do you happen to know what spell was cast or how to cast it?"

At Byleth's side, the student bristles. "Well how were you trying to put them out? It's not like theyre normal considering they're still spreading like everywhere."

There were boundless people hurt in the initial skirmishes and probably even more in the aftermath. Assuming the latter, Byleth steps closer and tilts his head. "Are you hurt? That smoke is nothing to be inhaling."

[crested-flames]

this is kind of the opposite of let it go

infamous - reason +1

[crested-flames]

Along the chilly winds thick black smoke crawls across the sky. Byleth tugs the scarf over his nose and hides the way it scrunches up. Using this kind of flame during a mock battle implies a preparation and experience he isn't sure what to feel about. "Don't be worried. We're here to learn not interrogate or fight again."

He says that but he's not sure who it even is that they're handling.

Entering the tent, a student sits on one of the cots...

tagging 🫵(you)

[crested-flames]

your honor his head just kind of did that || midori & byleth

infamous - sword +1

[crested-flames]

One, where is he? They were assigned as a protection detail. He for the physical, she for the medical. Four others joined, two beneath him and two beneath her. It's both a job and a lesson. Why in their detail of six is their charge dead?

"We will not be pointing fingers," Byleth says first and foremost as they gather in the dining hall. A sheet of paper and quill is given to each student as well as his fellow professor. "Write me where you were directly after dinner."

He takes a seat himself next to one of the students and begins to think. He'd had dinner and then...

@verdelixir