Dire Damsel

❝ I am Maribelle, of the Shepherds. I will lend you my aid if you so desire. ❞ ˗ˏˋ Associated with ToAˎˊ˗

[dearmissmaribelle]

» spice it up

（ tethys ）​:

open starter

Mission Task Board: With so many people from different countries in one place, the kitchen is looking to expand their recipes with more dishes from Fódlan and beyond! The Head Chef is holding a cooking festival, inviting any muse with a flair for cooking to put forth their new dish for a taste test! Cooking for the tryouts or trying out the cooking, what do you bring to the table? [ Authority +1 ]

Oh, this was going to be so good.

Pepper and ice cream sandwiches might seem odd to those that never gave them a try, but for the lover of spice and flavor over all, the extra kick makes the sweet treat even better. Tethys prepared a plate full of peppery ginger cookies stuffed with an even more peppered vanilla ice cream. The plain sweetness from the vanilla is perfect with the pepper, and all in all, Tethys simply loved the combination.

She can’t wait for others to try them out. She made sure to save one for the Head Chef and had no qualms with giving out the rest to the others. Be it a fellow competitor, a judge, or simply a curious soul that knew good food when they see one, Tethys calls them over with the brightest smile she can offer. 

“Don’t be shy. I have plenty to go around. Here, I pick one just for you.” She’s not lying, she did take her time in picking among the plate of sandwiches, only because they all looked the same. No sandwich is bigger or smaller than the other, but that does not make them any less special, hehehe. “Eat up before the ice cream melts. I guarantee you’ll love it~”

     Maribelle considers herself impartial (majority of the time) and made for an excellent critic. She’s spent enough time in the kitchen and the markets to get a general grasp on the Fódlan’s cuisines. In fact, when the Head Chef decided to hold a contest, Maribelle was on-board, one hundred percent. She has given her word she’ll set out to hunt the more promising entries and recommend it to him personally. Trying out every dish was too tedious and can muddle the senses. 

     The Ylissean noble began scouting not so long ago. There were a few interesting ones yet once she gave them a taste, it fell flat. A shame, she thought. Some aspiring chefs focused too much on presentation and as much as she liked food that was pleasing to the eyes, it’s the taste that matters in the end.

     As she roamed and hunted for food of interest, it’s the competitor behind the dish that catches her attention first, her bright smile and cheery disposition making it hard to ignore her invitation. She finds herself approaching, the desert sandwich handed over to her instantly. ❝ How confident of you to bring in a dish that could ruin itself if not eaten immediately. Well then, let’s give this a taste. ❞

     Maribelle didn’t like big deserts she had to hold by hand. It made a mess when eaten. Alas, she gave her word and had to try out what catches her inte--  ❝ Oh! ❞ The first bite takes her by surprise. It was incredibly sweet but then the pepper kicks in immediately after. There were others that gathered to try it out, and all around her, Maribelle could hear similar surprised yet delighted reactions. ❝ This tastes divine-- the spice took me by surprise.  What do you call these? ❞   

[dearmissmaribelle]

» ye of little faith

（ thief ）​:

starter for @dearmissmaribelle

Mission Task Board: A number of students and faculty seem very desperate to learn faith magic after the previous month, so a large Faith seminar has been put together. But how does one explain how having faith in the Goddess gives one access to white magic to foreigners who don’t believe in her? Or how does one explain how having faith in a cause or person can do the same if you’re in a pinch? How are you meant to explain this or parse it out if you’re there to learn? [ Faith +1 ]

A seminar was the last thing he wanted to do after that whacked up trip to prison, the dreamlike beach that came after, and suddenly coming back to the beginning of the year. He wasn’t even in Fodlan last Spring, and yet here he was, along with many others. It was strange and gave nothing but headaches at his attempts to rationalize it. So he chooses not to. Distractions were welcome but boredom sure wasn’t.

“I think you missed the memo, Twinkles. I’m already an expert in Fodlan faith. Totally up to date with the Saints and the Goddess.” He knew one Saint’s name, and the Goddess is the Goddess, it’s not that complicated! Every now and then he prays too. As far as he’s concerned, he’s met his faith quota.

Twinkles over here doesn’t share the same sentiments, however. And despite the amount of swords, lances, axes, and bows he’s taken over the span of a few years, that parasol of hers is a different kind of scary. He needed to get out of this safely…

“Tell ya what. Throw me ONE question. If I get it right, I’m not stepping foot in that lousy seminar.”

      ❝ Gaius, don’t be so stubborn. You and I both know this will benefit you. I’ve seen you do one type of Faith magic and even that you use so haphazardly! ❞ Maribelle has her arms crossed, foot tapped impatiently. The thief has the audacity to keep casting Torch in the most unprecedented way, she’s sure he doesn’t even know the purpose of it. For his sake and her own sanity, putting some proper knowledge in his brain was a necessity.

     ❝ Very well then. If you’re indeed the expert you claim you are, this should be a walk in the park for you. ❞ She’s not hiding her disbelief, a small huff let out before she asks her question, ❝ Which of the Four Saints was the pioneer figure and master of the magical arts? ❞

     On the chance he knew the names, he had a 25% chance to guess the name. Regardless, Maribelle was highly doubtful the former thief took the time to learn more about them.

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝓈𝓅𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝒶（ 𝕥𝕖𝕒 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 ）

（ sumia ）​:

          As it happened, Sumia was in the know about Gaius’ knight status, but she said nothing, instead making small noises of agreement when Maribelle mentioned cooking in her own kitchen. Oh… It’s been so long since Sumia had a kitchen of her own. Well, it felt long, at least.  Sumia might’ve had a house but she didn’t consider it her home yet, given how little chance she had to spend in it. Before that, they were marching, traveling… hm. It was her mother’s kitchen she missed, Sumia realized. The windows with the bird feeders, the pots hanging from the hearth, the abundance of fruits and fresh breads… 

          She wondered what kind of kitchen Maribelle had. No doubt as pretty and pristine as she was. But what did she miss? A hand-painted tea pot, maybe? Lace curtains? The thought of Maribelle using her parasol to roll out dough in a ridiculously frilly apron crossed Sumia’s mind, and she had to bite the inside of her mouth to stifle a giggle. 

          “The Blue Lions?” Sumia repeated, doing her best to shake off the image. “Oh, don’t be so harsh on him, Maribelle. I’m sure… he didn’t do it on purpose.” It was difficult not to believe her, Maribelle always spoke with such conviction, but as someone who has broken her fair share of pans in her time, Sumia couldn’t allow herself to think of him with malice. He probably just needed a guiding hand and some practice to get it right. Heavens, Sumia nearly burned down a whole oven while making pies, what were a few pans in the grand scheme of things? As long as no one got injured, of course. 

          Sumia picked up her cup and took a long sip. Ah… Maribelle was so smart and knew what was happening all the time. Meanwhile here /she/ was, oblivions. Sumia wished she had something to add to the conversation, but truth be told, she had no idea what anyone was up to beyond her interactions with them: students, faculty, or staff. How could she be useful? 

          “Oh! Maribelle, I have an idea! We’re drinking tea, so… What if I read the leaves in the bottom of your cup?” Sumia didn’t know what was going on in the present, but perhaps she could predict the future?

     ❝ Oh, that makes it all the more dangerous. Such brute strength needs to be controlled. How would he hold his future spouse without crushing their bones? ❞ Maribelle continued to look aghast as the thought branches out in her head. Now she felt concerned over the young man’s future should this continue. Perhaps after all of this is done, she’ll look into it some more.

     As she ponders, Sumia’s sudden exclamation catches her off-guard, but she maintains her poise. ❝ Oh? A reading, you say? ❞ She gives her a glance, perfectly trimmed brows raised. It was no secret Sumia adored her fortunes, be it through simple petal picking or other means. I suppose there’s no harm done if I indulge her...

     She takes one last sip of her tea, finishing it up for the other to read, the taste savored one last time.  ❝ I must say, I never had them read before. I’ll bite, Sumia. Here, ❞ She hands over the cup, her lips dabbed lightly with a handkerchief right after. There are no studies that support this, however, it did provide for some entertainment, ❝ Although I insist you read your own as well. ❞   

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒻𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

（ gerome ）​:

“No amount of resistance would counteract the need to hydrate.” He’s patient, but not completely patient to wait for tea just to quench his thirst. He reaches for some water and quickly drinks to refresh himself and fetches even more for Minerva. He’d need more for her, but he can carry the amount just fine himself.

He would happily left Maribelle to her own devices, but she mentions the drink she wanted to make once more, and even offers it for Minerva. A refreshing alternative, hmmm. It was tempting, and he would have agreed if he actually knew how to acquire some. “You might need more than just a jar if you’re to offer it to a wyvern.” He trails off, pondering, “I’m not quite sure where to find drinking ice, however, we have some mages with us. Will water chilled by ice magic suffice?”

     ❝ Brilliant thinking, dear. That would work splendidly. ❞ Maribelle clasps her hand together gleefully. If they simply chilled water, they’ll have the chance to make more. What better way to boost morale in the middle of this heat than a refreshing drink? 

     She carries with her a big container of her tea blend. She’ll have to restock once they go back, but she’s no selfish cheapskate, she’ll share. All the others need to do is take care of the heavy lifting. ❝ Alright, that settles it. Gerome, you’ll be my assistant. ❞ She starts walking towards the barrels of water and inspecting their size. ❝ I should be able to conjure up a barrel of iced tea with what I have, although mixing it would be a tad tedious for my arms. ❞ She turns towards him with a smile, the container handed over   ❝ I’m well aware you hate socializing. So, my dear, stay here and start mixing this in the water. I’ll fetch one of our mages to cool it up. ❞

[dearmissmaribelle]

» buckle up

（ gerome ）​:

Starter for: @dearmissmaribelle

Mission Task Board: If you’ve ridden one land-bound quadruped, you’ve basically ridden them all, right? A number of less conventional occupants have been boarded in the Academy stables; they look like they’d be more suited for a farm… or perhaps a petting zoo? Nevertheless, there is fitted tack hung up by their stalls, so they must be good to ride! Show off your riding prowess with a friend in a low-stakes race! [ Riding + 1 ]

“…this is too unconventional.” And yet somehow, he was roped into agreeing to… this. He was on the wrong stable today.  Right in front of him were two elks, both with equipment for riding already on. It was hard to say no to someone like Maribelle. Even if you do, she overpowers the conversation to the point you’re simply left agreeing with her to get it over with. She’s around his age given the oddity of the shift in their timelines… but he still has some respect over her. She’s still the mother of his friend…

He sighs as he helps her up the elk, hesitant with proceeding, but already determined to see this through. “One lap and I’ll go. ” 

     ❝ Oh, come now, Gerome. Don’t be such a spoil sport. ❞ Maribelle clicks her tongue and shakes her head. He’s a gentleman, at least. Raised right by the beautiful Cherche when it comes to respect, yet falls behind when it comes to conversations. The blonde is always so tempted to give him lessons in socializing if only he’d let her. That, and the wyvern rider would make for an interesting competition if only he’d try. Her proposition was sound and was not a complete waste of his time. He spent so much time in the skies he completely missed out on the joys of riding on land. ❝ At the very least make it two out of three rounds. I’m a much more experienced rider than you however, if I see you slacking off and refusing to try, I will pester you some other way. ❞

      ❝ I’ll make this worth your while. ❞ She positions herself properly on the elk, a strange mount, surely, yet a mount all the same. ❝ If you win, ❞ Oh, she doubts. ❝ I’ll clear you from the next mandatory social engagement in the monastery. You won’t have to go and I’ll make sure no one forces you to, be it student or faculty. ❞

[dearmissmaribelle]

⊱ oh ho ho it’s magic

（ beruka ）​:

@dearmissmaribelle Mission board:  A recent theory from the scholars at Fhirdiad’s School of Sorcery suggests that a person’s innate elemental affinity influences what spells they learn, should they follow the path of Reason magic. Faculty and students intrigued by the idea have gathered together to host an extracurricular period for the purpose of putting said theory to the test—even the less magically inclined are welcome to attend if curiosity permits. Fire, thunder, wind, ice, light, dark… Which one dwells within? [Grants Reason +1]

When Beruka entered the classroom she was met with a large group of individuals, some squirming with eager energy while others seemed apathetic to the situation, all gathered near the center of the room. Beruka herself stood in one of the corners, uninterested in engaging in small talk before the session started. 

After a while of mindlessly standing around, an academy professor, accompanied by another Beruka could only assume was a representative of the School of Sorcery, entered in. The buzz quickly died down as everyone gathered close to hear what they had to say.

According to the professor everyone would be paired up with another member of the room. The individual was to be one’s partner for the duration of the session as they completed a variety of tasks assigned by the School’s representative. Supposedly by the end of the session participants should have a firm grasp on which element they were most inclined to.

While most of the other students were assigned to students of similar level, Beruka found herself partnering up with a member of faculty. Of course, the session was not exclusive to just students of the academy. In fact, it was encouraged during the information session prior to today that individuals of all backgrounds should participate. However Beruka thought they would at least be separated. 

Regardless, she approached the elaborately decorated woman to introduce herself.

“My name is Beruka. I look forward to being your partner for this session.”

     Magic is not new to the Ylissean noble. She studied her fair share ever since her life and those around her has been threatened. What she lacked in physical prowess, she makes up for with wit and cunning. Every now and then a wind spell to shoo troglodytes away helped quite a bit, too.

     In Fodlan she’s learned to channel magic even without the use of books or tomes. It was fascination and concerning at the same time. To do magic at will... it provide too much freedom for the average man. Maribelle had confidence she can learn it in full one day even though it wasn’t her priority to do so here in these foreign lands. She meant to learn politics, not magic, yet every chance she gets to gain additional knowledge, she takes. What kind of lady misses out on perfectly laid out opportunities, after all?

     Which is why when an opportunity has risen to know her innate elemental affinity, the blonde had no hesitations in being in the forefront, eager to dive into the possible core of her magic. Was it wind, she wondered? Oh, she loved wind magic the moment it saved her life. Bias could be different from the truth, however. And if her affinity was something else, she might consider leaning more on that in her future studies.

      ❝ Pleasure, Beruka. Miss Maribelle would do just fine, although you’re free to call me Professor if you wish. ❞ Her partner for the activity seemed like the quiet type. Oh, she’s always mixed up with the quiet type... no matter, they were the efficient type from what she experienced so far, and if that was the case, it would work splendidly with her case. 

     ❝ Beruka, dear, have you practiced magic prior to this, or are you simply curious what lies within? ❞ She made small talk as people sought out their partners and did introductions. Should they dive into practicums, she hoped her partner was at least experience or well-learned.

[usebuff]

C4 and Maribelle from Awakening pleeease?

I want her to slap me and tell me to get my shit together…

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝓅𝑒𝑒𝓀-𝒶-𝒷𝑜𝑜, 𝒾 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊

（ @exaltbound ）

     The sight that greets Maribelle is what she imagined what would happen if you imprison a winged beast and left it alone in a small space without any ways out. It would have trashed around the room, wrecking each and every object it would have found until a way out presents itself. Instead of an imprison bird, however, Maribelle finds the currently-less-than-admirable form of her Exalt Chrom, and a room flipped in its entirety. The mattress of his bed has already been turned, now on the ground. The wooden base itself flipped over as if to find the loot beneath it. Every furniture is either on top of another piece of furniture, or simply down on the floor. Concern comes first, the scolding can come a quick second later.

     ❝ Milord! What have you done to this room?! ❞ It goes without saying, the young Ylissean noblewoman attempts to garner some insight on the situation. A frantic Chrom, an upturned room, and what’s this? Something is missing. Or, rather, some one. When the young princess is not being cared by her, she’s sure she would be safe in the arms of her father. A place full of uncertainty qualifies for such places and yet she sees no signs of the blue haired menace.

     For all of Maribelle’s learned etiquette and practiced demeanor when it comes to facing other nobles, all of it is thrown when met with extreme emergencies. A missing one year old is most certainly an emergency. ❝ Have you lost all your wit? You’re well-aware Lucina is not of age yet for hide and seek! She can easily walk out of this room and hurt herself! ❞

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒻𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

（ gerome ）​:

Gerome doesn’t recall how long it’s been since he took out Minerva beyond the confines of the monastery. He fears if a fight breaks out, both himself and Minerva would be too out of practice when it comes to combat together. If it’s just to fly together, that much he has confidence in. 

 "It’s not too hot, is it, Minerva?“ Gerome remarks in a hushed tone. The winter can be unforgiving but at the moment, that was not their concern. This part of Fodlan is much warmer, the volcanoes combating the otherwise cold climate. He wasn’t clad in heavy armor to lessen the burden on Minerva but he still had a breastplate on, at the very least. In this heat and with this get up, it was hard not to work up a sweat. 

 Minerva shrieks out a response, more accustomed to this compared to her human rider. Gerome can only smile in relief. His own discomfort he can ignore but if it was Minerva, that was a different story. 

        WOOOOOSH

                                  BOOM

 A flash of red appears up ahead– a fire spell sent to the empty skies not too far from Gerome and his fellow riders. It was a signal. 

 Gerome looks down and spots their small squadron seemingly coming to a halt, one knight in particular waving their arms around as if the signal wasn’t enough. It has only been a few hours but he understood the need to rest. Unlike wyverns, horses would be struggling more. Minerva has some supplies strapped on her, but the horses were also pulling wagons full of food and were most likely growing tired by now. 

 "So it seems it’s time to rest. Let’s go, Minerva.” And with that, the black wyvern lets out an excited cry before turning around and swooping down to where their squadron gathered. Everyone seemed to have their own agenda, tending to themselves in different ways. Some opted for food. Some opted to drink. Some just chatted among each other. 

 Gerome immediately looked for some water for himself and Minerva, only to stumble upon Maribelle preparing… tea? In this heat? “…pardon, Professor. Where’s the water?”

     When Gerome finds, she already has a canister of her tea collection on hand, two tea bags placed in a mason jar. Now all she needs is ice...

     ❝ Oh, Gerome, dear. Has the heat gotten to you too? ❞ She can never truly tell with this young man. Even in this heat, he’s still wearing that mask of his. A shame. She’s sure beneath the mask is handsome young lad. ❝ They’re over here-- but, if you’re patient enough I can offer a much more refreshing alternative. I know the perfect bled for this heat. ❞

     She’s well-equipped for their journey, having done her research beforehand. The heat is expected, and so she came with a blend perfect for what she has planned: a sweet, fruity, and refreshing blend of tea when iced. What more can anyone ask for?

      ❝ Could you be a dear and find me some ice? I only need enough for this jar here, say, this much? ❞ It would cover half of the jar, and the rest can simply be water. ❝ Oh, make it double, rather. I’m sure your lovely wyvern is in need of a drink too. I’ll have the second jar be ready! ❞

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝓈𝓅𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝒶（ 𝕥𝕖𝕒 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 ）

（ sumia ）​:

          When you were apart from your family (and make no mistake, that’s who the Shepherds were to Sumia) it was the small things you missed. Little routines that helped string together the days and the comforting familiarities. Tea time with Maribelle was one of those routines. It was a privileged few who got an invite to her table; Sumia wasn’t sure what qualified her as a candidate for the Dire Damsel’s esteemed company, but she wasn’t going to turn it down. The tea and snacks were delicious, and… she couldn’t help but be interested in the gossip Maribelle procured while here. It’s a good thing to be in the loop, right? 

          “O-Of course! I would follow Capt– I mean, Chrom anywhere that he would ask.” Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. She knew her friend was just teasing, but bringing it up like that made her feel so girlish and silly. While it was obvious that she came here for multiple people and reasons… there was no denying she had always been, um, one of his more enthusiastic knights. Sigh. Would the day ever come where she didn’t make a fool of herself? Thank goodness Maribelle always served the tea at perfect temperature. At least Sumia wouldn’t burn her mouth when she brought up the cup to take a loooong sip. An excuse not to comment on the topic any further. 

          The delicious flavors of sweet almond and black tea bloomed over her tongue. Ah… Was this Maribelle’s special magic? Knowing exactly the ratio of milk and sugar that Sumia preferred? She continued sipping on, listening to Maribelle’s talk about one of the other instructors. Minding her table manners extra carefully, Sumia waited patiently for a chance to speak. 

          “It IS a little unorthodox…” she agreed. “But this school is supposed to train future leaders. In that sense, it’s important to surround yourself with people who think differently from you and have different perspectives.” Sumia swirled the tea in her cup, watching the liquid. “I think Chrom grew and learned a lot from having people like Donnel, Panne, and Gaius around. He’s special because he’s someone who can see the merit in anyone, no matter who they are.” After all, he saw the merit in even someone like her. 

          Sumia set the cup down and reached for a cookie, taking a polite nibble. 

          “Oh! These are delicious! Did you make them yourself?” She examined  its heart shape. Even with a bite, it was still adorable! “I’ve been trying my hand and baking more sweets these days!”

     Ah, to be so easily flustered. It complimented Sumia’s personality perfectly, and if wasn’t for her dear treasure, she would have thought Sumia as the beacon of life and cheer among the Shepherds. Instead, she's a reminder of how human they are. Faulty, yet determined. True hardships, they can still be silly and carefree while never forgetting the responsibilities they’re forced to wear. A flower in the battlefield.

      ❝ Hm. You make an excellent point. Even the thief, questionable as he is, I cannot deny was quite the dedicated soldier among our ranks. In fact, he’s a Knight now, don’t you know? ❞ Absurd, really. If he’s an example of influence of those with questionable occupations to nobles, she only her Lord Chrom and the Thief having ridiculous, pointless excursions! Fun, they could argue. But what value could it possibly bring? Hmp, she’d rather not dwell on it. Instead, she takes a sip of her tea and let Sumia speak.   

      It’s the compliments that brings her back, disapproval gone. ❝ You’re not simply pulling on my leg, are you dear? Do go on, regardless. ❞ There’s a proud smile on Maribelle’s face, and after a while, she takes a small bite out of a heart shaped biscuit herself, nothing but content painted on her features as she does. ❝ If our schedule allows more than just an afternoon with tea, you’re more than welcome to join me when I bake. I sorely miss my own kitchen... but the one in the monastery would have to do. ❞

      ❝ Oh, speaking of the kitchen, if you are to use it for your own, please stir away from this young man in particular. I have never seen someone abuse a pan before. ❞ She looks aghast, completely horrified and the color from her face drained as she recalls, ❝ The leader of the Blue Lions is a brute in sheep’s clothing. He broke not one, but three pans! That young man cannot control his strength, I’m telling you. I fear for his Kingdom, but alas, it’s up to us to guide the young. ❞

[dearmissmaribelle]

𝒶 𝒹𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓇𝑜𝓎𝒶𝓁𝓉𝑒𝒶（ 𝕥𝕖𝕒 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 ）

（ lady camilla ）​:

‘Appreciate good tea.’ 

Left to her own devices, would Camilla have done this for herself? Selected each component to build a taste profile, balanced the flavours and depth of the tea, steeped each to perfection… Just for herself? She doubted it; there was appreciation and understanding there, true, but before, it had always served a purpose. Connection. Respite. A display of wealth and good breeding and standing. Tea for the sake of tea was still something unusual and foreign… but not unpleasant.

“The libraries of Nohr are hardly comprehensive either, but Leo would be able to attest to that better than I,” Camilla deflected easily. There had been no nation not beset with some crisis or another, and history of other continents was unsurprisingly not a priority when active war was being waged. “But to describe my homeland…. Well.”

“The difference is night and day, Lady Maribelle.” She had to smile at the casual quip, though Camilla realized it was only her that found it amusing then. “The sun is a rare sight there, with dense storms and dust that blot out the sky… There is such light here–even with the winter chill, it is so bright.” 

     The wit goes over the Ylissean noble, but the clarification brings her back to the conversation, initial reaction hidden as she takes a moderate sip. Now this is new information. One does not need a green thumb to know plants thrived with sunlight. ❝ That’s quite unfortunate. I assume there are some difficulties with agriculture that comes with such a plight? ❞ 

     She’s rather fond of gardens, simply because they’re beautiful. In a place where the sun is a rarity, she wonders if they had gardens of their own? Or were they all frozen in time, much like the gardens of Garreg Mach right now. ❝ Unless plant life that have learned to thrive without much sunlight have adapted to your rather... unique circumstance. I can only imagine a garden similar to the one around us right now. Frozen life, yet beautiful all the same. ❞

[kingoftempests]

She's sure Blaiddyd trained Macha to be a fine horse - not just for combat. She's strong, faithful, and disciplined - yet in the presence of blonde hues and a familiar cerulean, the obsidian mare makes a run for it. Across the sand, the mare gallops as fast as it could until it reaches... the Blaiddyd of this time. ❝ I'm terribly sorry, young Blaiddyd, I don't mean to impose but my dearie here is much too eager to meet you. ❞ She catches up, a smile worn. ❝ Her name is Macha. ❞

The event’s of Dimitri’s life felt compacted into the span of one second: his childhood spent in Fhirdiad, the Tragedy—their faces—his first battle, entry into the Academy, all the classes—the familiar faces—the clearing, the war, the husk—

Azure eyes opened at an excruciatingly slow pace, as if in direct rebellion of the accelerating tempo of his thoughts. His life had been but a flicker in the unlimited expanse of time, perhaps there had been no need to rush before.

The prince was overcome with the feeling of being quite small. 

As the brine of the air filled his lungs, Dimitri became aware of the rise and fall of his chest mirroring the rhythmic crash of waves. He hadn’t been to the beach since he was a boy. Sitting up, he winced, a hand immediately covering his side. The sensation of being crushed by the hand of a blonde beast with a glowing sapphire eye flashed vividly before him, overtaking his senses. But just as quickly as it had descended, the dark pall of war lifted to the sound of feet galloping in the waterlogged sand left behind by an ebbing tide.

As he stood, Dimitri was met with the soft muzzle of a horse the color of obsidian. A hand instinctively found its place in the mare’s mane, stroking it with almost a sense of innate familiarity. Despite his best efforts, animals had never taken to the prince at first instance—his father’s handling skills had skipped a generation, it seemed. But the quiet confidence of the mare’s deep grey eyes suggested otherwise, loosening a bit of the tension in Dimitri’s chest that he had long ago learned to ignore. 

Another set of footsteps approached the intimate scene. Over the years, the prince had been addressed by a number of different names and titles, but he couldn’t remember the last time he had been called by his family’s name. Perhaps it was a foreign custom.

“Macha,” Dimitri said almost reverently, his gaze softening on the horse as the corners of his lips found themselves in a small smile. His attention shifted to the mare’s handler. “Are you fond of horses as well? You have a keen eye.”

[dearmissmaribelle]

     Her memory of Blaiddyd is bittersweet. She feels a sense of shame and sadness as she tries to recall what happened only to be met by flashes of short instances of their interactions. The last image is of him striking her with a blurred lance, however, his expression as she ushers Macha to answer to her keeps her from fully believing he’s the traitor in the history books.

     Unreliable as her memory may be when it comes to recounting those seemingly meant to be forgotten, what remains crystal clear in her head is the sheer recognition of the young Blaiddyd’s words. The resemblance is undeniable, and for all his mystery, she knows the Blaiddyd of that time was loyal to those he cared for. A woman comes to mind, but Macha of course stands out. It’s frightening, really. She can almost see a blurred reflection of the Blaiddyd she encountered right beside this young man. 

     ❝ You’ll have to forgive me twice. I should have introduced myself first– I am Maribelle. ❞ Maribelle’s smile only grew. So it seems she’s fond of a traitor of Seiros. Maybe the Church never find out. ❝ I do. I take pride in caring for mares such as Macha over here. In fact, I’ve only recently acquired of her. I hope to care for her just as much as her previous caretaker did. He set a high standard, but I’m confident I will meet her standards, if not more. ❞

     She had every intention of giving Macha the time she needed to bond with the Blaiddyd of this time. It would do good for the mare, and Maribelle herself. She’ll trust the warmth she feels in her heart, dismissing the worry over her scattered thoughts. For now, this is enough.

[metropol-journal]

Grace

[arrozsparrow]

I made a sticker based off my dragon killing adventures with maribelle

When in doubt send out the queen

[dearmissmaribelle]

Bring Back the Harmony [vs Apotheosis Husk]

（ leonardo ）​:

And so, he thinks, it ends.

Like any other battle, like any other war.

What begins as a promise of glory, of victory, of a fight worth fighting for, ends as nothing more than a mess of blood, tears and corpses, lives lost, families broken, and a reflection that in the end, maybe it actually was not worth it at all.

Pointless, he thinks.

At first, he does not find it in himself to follow Xander. His exhausted, injured, aching body refuses to move anywhere, and his legs finally give out, forcing him to sit down and take a few deeper breaths.

He does not want to do anything anymore. He is tired, fed up, done with it all, he wants no part of this, he wants to go home, and sleep, then wake up the next day and find out this was all a dream and they are not dead–

He really wants to, for once in his life, allow himself to throw a childlike tantrum.

… But that would be really disrespectful towards them.

So he just sits there, and breathes, and still fights back tears - why? he does not know - until finally, when Merric approaches and offers him his hand, he gives up and accepts, stands back up, and the two of them join the others in silence.

If this is what Harmony is about,

then screw it.

Maybe the world really would have been better had we stayed as statues.

– FIN

[dearmissmaribelle]

Bring Back the Harmony [vs Apotheosis Husk]:

（ merric ）​:

No anger

No hatred

No bloodlust

No vengeance

You may not use this magic I granted you as a tool of war

… . .

Merric repeats the mantra to himself over and over again, desperately calling out to Gotoh’s voice to silence, force back the turmoil of emotion that threatens to engulf him when he sees what happens to Clarine.

He’s allowed to think it was tragic. He’s allowed to be sad.

He is allowed to vanquish the monster in front of him to save other lives.

But he is not allowed to commit that act in revenge.

No anger

No hatred

No bloodlust

No vengeance

Just die before you take even more lives–

Fiendish Blow activates; Mage’s Bond activates

Merric hits Apotheosis Husk for 10 damage; Apotheosis Husk HP: 22 => 12

Though the twisted monstrosity managed to heal some of its wounds as a last ditch attempt to outlast them, Excalibur’s blade is quick to apply new ones.

And then, 

Apotheosis Husk hits Merric for 4 damage; Merric HP: 9 => 5

– it retaliates, the sword connecting with his chest and knocking him back. He lands on his side once again, the freshly mended fracture threatening to burst again. But, thankfully, it doesn’t.

And although his body hurts, aches, bleeds, screams for him to stay down, he does not this time - practically the moment he lands on the ground, he is already getting back up. Not now.

They’re almost there.

A life too late.

But they’re almost there.

> @dearmissmaribelle​

    There’s nothing beautiful nor honorable about death. When it comes, the world reaches a standstill only for those left alive to bare witness to the last moments of the fallen. Clarine kept calling out to her. Even when she struggled to man her horse, she still called out to her, charging in like a reckless child despite the threat before them. Her eyes showed fear as she charged in -- was it for her, or for herself, or for all of them? -- and it must have been the panic that got to her since she never changed course even as Nemesis’ blade strikes at her, the blade extending once more like a vicious whip.

    Clarine’s voice eventually fades out. There was no more shouting of Maribelle’s name. No more desperate cries of reassurance. No more promises of healing. Clarine never did reach her. From where she lies, body unable to move from the large gash wound on her chest, all Maribelle sees is the monster relentlessly attacking and a horse falling over. Even in her state, as the reds and purples on her chest only worsen, she knows what that entails. She thinks of Macha at that moment. She took the steed from Blaiddyd knowing fully well if he chooses to fight on, Macha will fall if he falls. Anger follows as Maribelle fills in the in betweens. She shuts her eyes closed, hand slammed on the dirt beside her, frustration swelling up.

                                                    Stay focused. I told you to stay focused.

                 Why were you coming to my aid?

                                                 Foolish girl, I can handle myself!

                                . . .

    Her body refused to listen. Maribelle forced it to get up yet it doesn’t respond and chooses to whine instead about the pain. It’s not the loss of blood and her ripped torso that hurts the most, but the weight of a child falling right before her when she could have prevented it. No one listens to her anymore. Not Blaiddyd. Not Clarine. Not her own bloody body. Her mouth barely opens, the practiced words of enchantment muttered as restorative light once more touches her. The sensation felt different. It was hardly rejuvenating at all. Some of her wounds close, and her body thanks her for the consideration, but a bitter taste is left behind. If Clarine had healed herself earlier, she would have lived...

  Maribelle is healed by 7! Maribelle’s HP: 9/20

      Now able to move, her body responds to her wishes. Maribelle pushes herself up, blonde locks now dyed a nasty red as it sticks to her face. ❝ You. ❞ The monster unleashing its blades upon them continues to howl in pain. Pathetic. It knows nothing of pain. Sharpened blades of pure wind answer Maribelle’s call once again, her magic far simpler compared to the esteemed Wind Mage, but her fury compensates. ❝ I will RUIN you! ❞

  Maribelle deals 6 damage to Apotheosis Husk ! Apotheosis Husk HP: 6/20

    The wind blades surround its face -- its hideous, hideous face -- cutting and slashing every inch of it’s vile existence. It will never be enough. Even as it howls in protest and grows further desperate, it was not enough.

          BEGONE!

                    BEGONE!

    It turns its attention to her, slashed face looking more hideous than it already was. It snarls at her direction and flies -- no, crashes -- toward her, its teared wings barely able to keep it afloat. Before the might of the gargantuan monstrosity, Maribelle does not cower. She’s not stupid. She can’t run from it. It’s not the sword that ends her, but the sharp claws that once clutched and crushed her. Unlike the last time, there was no escape.

  Apotheosis Husk deals 9 damage to Maribelle! Maribelle’s HP: 0/20 

    Macha is safe and away from the battlefield. She swore to keep her out of harm’s way and save her from the bloodshed, and she did. One promise she’s able to keep.

    Hector is a brute of a man but surely he would know better and make sure to check up on her, take her home to someone who deserves her. IF not him, then Lord Takumi -- sweet and passionate Lord Takumi. Being a horse enthusiast himself, perhaps the Prince (?) of Nohr would take her instead. She’d make a fine companion for the noble.

     A hint of gold once more flashes before her eyes, a familiar giggle heard. Loud crying interrupts her angelic giggles and soon after, Maribelle follows. She promised to go home and yet...

                                                           CRUNCH.

                 → @toconquerfate​

[dearmissmaribelle]

Bring Back the Harmony [vs Apotheosis Husk]

（ merric ）​:

“… Merric! Up with you now!”

His eyes are still closed, but even through his eyelids, he can make out the light, and he soon feels the warmth of healing magic on his body. It doesn’t close all his wounds, but his left arm stops hurting as the fracture is mended - allowing him to fight through the exhaustion and doubt, and more easily get back on his feet.

Right on time, too - although his attack may have failed, the others have not, and the beast is greatly weakened now; enough to, in desperation, launch another powerful strike at them all to try an take some of them with it.

Apotheosis Husk’s Sublime Heaven AoE attack

Apotheosis Husk misses; Merric HP: 9 => 9

He grits his teeth. No more doubting himself unnecessarily. It’s just going to get him or, worse, someone else killed. Whether Prince Marth and Princess Elice are here or not, he has obligations to fulfil and people to protect.

Merric doesn’t even get a chance to thank Maribelle for restoring him. He is forced to focus on reading the attack and he throws himself to the side, rolling on the ground to get out of the way. And it works. Mage mobility comes in clutch this time around.

He gets back up quickly, his jade eyes cold as steel. No more turning back.

> @dearmissmaribelle​

     The healer is healed in return, a wave of rejuvenation washing over her and closing some of her wounds. The bleeding stops, although if she moves too carelessly, her chest might start hurting again. She turns to her back-up, a darling young lady braving the fronts. ❝ My -- nghh... my gratitude, darling. ❞

      Maribelle is healed by 3! Maribelle’s HP: 8/20

     At her doubts, Maribelle finds resolve to stand and stand strong. ❝ Nonsense, Clarine! Chin up! The moment you doubt yourself is the moment you fall. ❞ She declares this even as her legs begged for her to sit down and the young lady she’s lecturing is already charging with her lance. Moving was difficult, and her fingers refused to listen to her as she brings them up to conjure her spell. A scream breaks her concentration, and she sees Clarine riding away, arm severely injured. ❝ Clarine! Stay focused! I’ll be right there-- ❞

     The bladed monster lets out a defeaning roar, it’s blade letting out red sparks of energy. The bones change form, growing longer as the monster swings it at them, extending into long tendrils of black and red energy. 

      Apotheosis Husk deals 9 damage to Maribelle! Maribelle’s HP: 2/20

     Maribelle’s shouting is interrupted as she gets swept and shocked by the extending blade. It cuts deep into her torso, blood sipping out as she’s once more thrown like a ragdoll. She tumbles on the ground, grace nowhere to be found as immense strength topples her. Even as the blade retracts and swings at someone else’s, she can still feel the dark energy feeding at her, taking what little life she has left. ❝ You... brute... ❞

                  → @toconquerfate​