To forget is to die.

- closed rp account for Lambert Egitte Blaiddyd, from Fire Emblem Three Houses  || penned by dewa || Ashen Wolves teacher in The Officer's Academy.

[egittae]

Lambert Egitte Blaiddyd from Fire Emblem Three Houses || Teacher for the Ashen Wolves || written by dewa (23, she/her)

muse ◆ mun ◆ stats ◆ affiliation ◆ supports ◆ thread tracker ◆ application ◆ guidelines

Following the Masterlist's suggestion, I've made a new pinned! For the general rules, I've created a guidelines page that's linked above as well as a mun page.

Notes on portrayal under the cut

This portrayal follows a Lambert that was revived by TWSITD to become one of their minions, but the process failed and he was discarded instead.

As a result Lambert is now amnesiac and doesn't remember much from his life. He doesn't remember who he was, his family, who he was friends with, not even his own family name.

His appearance has also changed slightly, and it'll sometimes vary.

Lambert is, by default, not immediately recognizable as the late king of Faerghus. No muse should be able to identify him on spot unless discussed on DMs beforehand.

Muses from Fódlan might see a slight resemblance but not much else. Muses from Faerghus or who were close to Lambert/his family however may have a much stronger suspicion. Some muses that have a keen eye (ex. Claude or Yuri) may also hold stronger suspicion.

In the end though, Lambert will always deny that he's the late king of Faerghus until he reaches a significant breaking point regarding his memories, which will happen naturally through his interactions.

[inserviceto]

Here in the Court of Miracles, Where it's a Miracle if You Get Out Alive

[inserviceto]

"So she is here..."

Why she had been the only one to join him at the end in the mirror, he might understand a little better now. If this place was so secret, if the people that lived here could not -- for whatever reason -- extend those lives to the monastery above, did that not reflect the way she had failed or refused to meld into either side?

"Yes...Yes, her gifts with magic were most impressive. Had she not been there with me...events would have transpired quite differently," Harken agreed, stopping himself short of looking back toward the pathway down into the depths they'd just come from.

That being said, if she was down there right now, it was safe to say she wasn't looking to speak at the moment. If she desired it, she had but to find him. He would not intrude on whatever time she needed.

He tries to return some of the warmth Lambert was putting out, but his expression falls short of anything but wavering.

"I've no intentions of disrupting the lives of any in the...abyss? Is that what they really call it?" Apt a name as it was, it...didn't feel like the best one to live with. "But, should I return here in the future, I will ensure that I am careful about my coming and going, my lord."

“You look like a good, but startled man to me. I see not a drop of evil within you. So what is it?”

How was it that so many could meet his misery with such kindness, time and again? That could always change. All he had to do was open his chest and let it all spill out his mouth, and surely he would be met with cruelty again at some point. And yet.

And yet...

"The sword and shield are the tools of a knight," Harken began, knowing that a man like Lambert would know, would understand, "And, similarly, knights can be the tools of their lords. Tools are neither good nor evil, until they are in the hands of someone who is one or the other."

The blade was righteous in the hand of a king. Cruel in the grasp of a raider.

Was it not covered in blood regardless?

"What should be used to keep the peace of the people you serve can just as easily be turned against them. Who do they turn to, then, when those swords and shields brutalize them for coin that their lord knows they do not have? When those swords and shields turn inward on each other like a pack of starving dogs? When those swords draw blood more for entertainment than any sort of nobility. When those shields fail--"

He cuts off abruptly, gaze faraway and expression slack. A breath, two. Three. Brown eyes blink back into the here and now.

"A true knight would not have allowed himself to be pointed at innocents as nothing else but a tool. A true knight would not be alive where his lord no longer was." Harken shakes his head, hands curled tight into fists by his sides. Fighting to maintain the lie of being what he claimed every time he donned his armor. "I have served three masters in my time as a knight, my lord, and none of them live where I endure. Is that not the highest sin for someone such as us, thrice committed?"

[egittae]

All things Lambert had heard before, either from peers or directed to himself in different circumstances. Knights are a lord’s weapons and should be wielded as such, with responsibility and conviction- for the good of the people. Even as he was born a royal, Lambert was still knighted in his youth and operated under the same logic- back then as the willful sword of his late father. He had to so that the day he finally inherited the throne, the boy would understand what it means to be a knight and what it means to be wielded- to represent a lord’s will in war and peace. Yet the entire time, the aspect of one’s humanity never left the young price and then king’s mind.

A knight was a lord’s weapon, and yet…

“No.”

Knights are people, have always been. Behind each steel armor and helmet, impeccable uniforms and cavalry, synchronized marches and harmonized chanting, was a man or woman with a past, present and future. All people who were there for one reason or the other, with their own opinions and moral standards. People who in the end, even behind all the absolute order, had their own choices made in their heart. Choices that oftentimes didn’t walk the same path as the order they had to follow by duty.

Lambert’s tone was absolute- but not harsh. If anything despite the directness, it was surprisingly quiet. “I have seen the likes of you before. Individuals who behind blade and armor are frightened and betrayed, yet still forced to act under the weight of duty.” His brows furrowed slightly, melancholic. 

“I will not pretend that it is not horrifying for a knight to perform heinous acts in the name of their lord- that regardless of order and duty, one’s sense of morals should still be sound enough to force them to question why they do what they do. However, I am also able to acknowledge that many times…individuals who feel like they do not have an option can be made to do horrible things.”

Icy pools seized Harken carefully- not with scrutiny but as if looking for a wound somewhere in his body. “The fact you stand before me and explain your doings with such pain is telling enough- that somewhere along your path, the line between man and knight became blurred somehow. A true knight is but a man. Like any other. And a sin only remains a sin if you refuse to acknowledge it as such or grow from it in any shape or form.” A beat spent in silence as Lambert pondered over an idea briefly- and finally a hand was placed on Harken’s shoulder. Gently.

“Besides, in my humble opinion, I do not think a lord’s orders and actions should forever define a knight. I have always refused the idea that knights are mindless extensions of a lord- they are all individuals bound by loyalty and duty to a shared cause and faith. I care little for what you did, because in the grand scheme of things what matters to me more is what you are telling me now. That you regret what you have done. Hence why I think of you as a good man.”

@inserviceto

[egittae]

who up pondering they orb | lambert & eir

closed starter for @dueth | any skill +1

[dueth]

She had initially followed him to investigate recent rumours concerning an orb from Zenith, an object that she finds hard to believe could ever belong in a place such as the Abyss. Had a summoner been clumsy with their supply? Eir cannot envision the mere notion of the Kiran of her world ever losing an orb. Regardless of to whom it belongs to or how it had arrived, it was in her best interest to confirm the rumours for herself. If an orb could find its way here, who was to say of anything else…?

Be as pressing of a matter as it may, however, she finds herself slightly distracted.

The man before her should not be alive; his soul is mangled beyond belief. When Eir looks at him, she sees a dead man walking— yet he smiles, pale skin diffused with warmth. It is unusual. She is accustomed to it, at least, in the Order of Heroes, but this is her first encounter with someone of such nature who was not bound by the summoner’s contract. In Askr, she had accepted that the summoner was capable of defying divine law; of raising the dead, of indenturing even gods to their service. But what she sees now demands explanations that nothing seems capable of offering.

Eir snaps back to attention when he turns to face her. Though she intends merely to nod and keep silent, he pins her with a question. “…Yes, I suppose I am.”

Even if it might show them something less than pleasant. If the rumours were truly all they say, what would Eir see? What was there left to be afraid of? The question tastes of blood. Lambert cracks a joke, but Eir does not laugh. She only watches him, observing the form of his soul.

What happened to you?

“My name is Eir.” The answer is practiced. She nods as he introduces himself in turn. “Thank you for your time today, professor.”

The name sounds strangely familiar, though Eir cannot quite place where she has heard it. Whatever the case, she is certain that Lambert is dead. Or has died, at least. There is something sinister about the whole ordeal— but she is not here to look into that today.

Eir gestures towards the door, wasting no time. “Shall we…?”

[egittae]

His smile didn’t waver, nodding along her words with a pleased hum. “It is good to meet you, Eir. I am a man who prefers exploring unique approaches, so let this be our first lesson. Or something like that.” A ‘kind of’ justification for their bizarre meeting, but it wasn’t that ridiculous considering the circumstances. One way or another he’d come out of his with better knowledge about Eir, and for the girl…perhaps she’d leave knowing more about herself as well. Lambert didn’t consider the possibility of her learning more than what he perceived as essential about his identity.

“Indeed, let us not waste time. I believe the room may be empty at this time of the day…but let us be careful nonetheless.” The massive doors gave in surprisingly easily- and quietly. Whatever expectation of a long and piercing creak completely faded in the Abyss’ stale air as the way towards emptiness containing the orb was completely silent- so much so that Lambert couldn’t help but pause for a moment and wonder. 

At least in Palace Fhirdiad, some doors were fitted with hidden Silence sigils. Doors that usually led to areas meant to not be accessed. If there are any traps in there, they’d find out soon enough.

Step after step, the blond made his way into the room before waving for Eir to come along. The chamber was dark enough for him to be unable to tell exactly where each wall was, air chilling and humid, but it didn’t smell stale- incense, rather. Distant, as if he had been lit a couple of days before and left to linger. “Good day, is anyone here…?” Seemed unlikely, but it didn’t hurt to ask. The last thing he wanted was for them to be mistaken by thieves or troublemakers for coming in without announcing their presence, as if hiding something.

But alas, the orb. Sitting on a marble pillar at the far end of the room, barely visible as it sat cloaked in darkness. It was…

“...I did not expect it to be the size of an apple, if I am to be honest. Then again, I am not sure what I expected to begin with.” Small. Within it was a faint multicolored glow, flowing within like a hazy marble. Even with his abysmal aptitude for magic, Lambert could sense a shift of energy surrounding it- as if he had stepped onto an active sigil about to be casted. Looking around however, he saw nothing of the sort. “I do not see anything that could be configured as a trap nearby, but even so I would say it is best to remain alert.” Sparing the odd orb one last glance, he turned to Eir.

“There it is, at last. Would you like to go first?”

@dueth

[egittae]

who up pondering they orb | lambert & eir

closed starter for @dueth | any skill +1

[egittae]

If rumors roam the monastery, then in truth they’ve been word of the Abyss for a while now. As detached as they may be from the surface, only a fool would state inhabitants of Garreg Mach’s bowels to be ignorant of what happens out there- they had hundreds, if not thousands of eyes and ears scattered around the mountain housing the monastery and its Academy, and once information was caught it became a matter of time until it spread like wildfire among the underground town. Hushes of gossip, rumors, some fake, others unclear or embellished, but most held at least a bit of truth somewhere in there.

And so when Lambert caught wind of a supposed orb able to reveal another version of whoever handles it, he didn’t think it too odd. The very fact he stood alive and well was enough to suspend his disbelief in regards to most things out there, some ball from a distant land wouldn’t shock him so much. Well, the idea of it existing didn’t bother him.

Now, what it could possibly show him on the other hand…he’d be lying to say he wasn’t curious, even though such curiosity was lined with a mild sense of dread. But the professor wasn’t one to back down so easily, and so even as some uncertainty gnawed at his heart, he stood before a pair of heavy wooden doors- at one of the many corridors in the Abyss that led into Garreg Mach’s basements. “The leads I got all mentioned the area beyond this door. Something about that orb being kept hidden from the public for further analysis…or something like that.” The professor spoke out loud, looking over his shoulder to meet the eyes of a young woman.

“I suppose you too are interested in whatever that orb has to offer, are you not? Even though it could very well show us something less than pleasant…” Lambert smiled, despite that relatively ominous idea. "As a man of my age, I have my doubts whether this orb will be able to surprise me with what it will ultimately show. Unless in another universe I am set to become a jester of sorts, somehow." All he knew about the girl was that she was meant to be part of the Ashen Wolves- and so what better way to get to know your newest student than to…take them to see the weird orb?

Well, better than a boring lecture. “What is your name, by the way? I am Lambert, professor of the Ashen Wolves- Lambert by itself is more than enough.”

[egittae]

blond guy to blond guy knowledge exchange

closed starter for @ulircursed | +1 authority

[ulircursed]

"I was, as was every person on the team," Andrei says, barely resisting the urge to turn his gaze away from the concern in Lambert's tone. It was a terrifying experience, the words nearly leap to his throat, but he quells it. Not only is it inappropriate for the task at hand, where he is meant to act as an instructor, but also…

(Father!! Don't go—!)

To burden the older man with more of his own cowardice would only be inviting more tragedy.

"…Let us focus on the lesson at hand," he says instead, and takes advantage of his proposed topic to head out of the classroom, down the hall to where his weapons are kept, quickened breaths explained away by the haste of his steps.

The metal feels as cool and heavy in his hands as ever when he grips it, and Andrei pushes any residual feelings of unease from his mind as he reenters the classroom, turning it for Lambert to see.

"It is wielded like so," he says with more confidence in his tone than he truly feels. This is a wholly unfamiliar weapon to most in the monastery, and thus he had few resources in his endeavor to learn it. This had simply been the most natural way he could find to hold it, elbow tucked against his hip to steady himself from the intense recoil he now knows the weapon to be capable of.

"And… as for why I had referred to it as destructive…" Andrei's tone trails off grimly, pointing its tip towards the oldest, most battered of their ranged targets, ready to be replaced. A steadied finger finds the movable metal of the release mechanism before he takes aim.

He squeezes the trigger.

Bang!

The target instantly shatters under a power that exceeds any arrow, the metal ball moving too quickly to even be seen by the untrained eye. Andrei turns, keeping the tip of the weapon well away from either of them as he sets it carefully on the desk between them.

"Your strength will be well-suited to this weapon's power, Professor," he says, a little faintly.

[egittae]

Andrei’s demonstration of the weapon filled the man with a mixture of feelings.

At the forefront of it all was amazement and intrigue- its power was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Not even the mightiest archers nor most dedicated mages had displayed something of the same caliber before his eyes, and Lambert couldn’t help but wonder about its construction. The compressed energy into such a small vessel resulting in that piercing explosion- how? How was it made? Was its energy built off magic sigils or perhaps an item similar to a crest stone? Could it be made bigger, or even smaller? The questions were endless, and the blond couldn’t help but look at the weapons with the same wonder a child would reserve for a new shining toy.

But there was also a mild sense of dread within. Something so destructive and yet so small, and apparently so easy to wield, seemed like disaster waiting to happen were it to fall in the hands of someone unprepared or ill intentioned. 

Lambert blinked for a moment, glancing at Andrei.

“You said that you and your teammates were shot with that weapon?” He could imagine what it was able to do to the human body, and to think about Andrei suffering that much damage made his blood freeze. “...considering how you stand before me whole and healthy, I assume whatever damage this weapon causes can be healed away, thankfully. However…what did it do, exactly? To you.”

Finally daring to hold the object, its weight surprised him. For the Crest of Blaiddyd it was the same as a small pebble, but Lambert could acknowledge how it was definitely heavier than he initially expected- and for a moment he wondered what could be done to make its impact even more devastating. “I ask because…personally, I have never had issues with arrows.” The professor adjusts his grip on the weapon, keeping his finger away from the firing mechanism- he wanted to test his grip initially. “Of course, if an archer is lucky enough to score a perfect shot on me, I will fall dead. But in most situations I will still be able to move and fight, even after having an arrow pierce my body. It is not as serious as having an ax digging at your side.”

Satisfied with his grip, Lambert pointed it at the same target Andrei had fired at before. “However, if someone were to aim this at me, I would be admittedly concerned.” He pulled the trigger, and then…

Bang!

He pursed his lips, eyebrow raising slightly while processing the object’s recoil. It functioned just like a small cannon, even smelling like it. At last, Lambert smiled- carefree and bold, looking at Andrei. “This would be perfect to hunt for game in the fields of Itha! And I do wonder if the loud noise that it emits would be successful in getting a reaction out of the Srengi and force them to back off without bloodshed…if I were to fire it at the sky, I mean. And it could also serve as an effective means to convince rebellious nobles to stand down if they refuse to get the memo! Does it work underwater by any chance?” He was...starting to like that thing a bit too much.

@ulircursed

[hresvelged]

— the tide rises, the tide falls

anniversary 2025 mission board / lance +1

[hresvelged]

It was hardly the first time someone had told her that she oft wore a longing face— As if the horizon she stood under was never enough. Edelgard did savor her memories as a student, but the sound of lapping waves was much the same as the rocky shores of the future.

She glared down at her canoe with sharpened words: "Your mentor sounds fairly rash. I could imagine no advisor of mine guiding me that way." It shifted left and right, bringing her to toss her cape behind her shoulders. There was naught a world where she'd the allotment to entertain dipping her toes into frigid waters as a child.

Her tongue clicked. She glared up to the former King with the same stoicism they all but stated: "If you must know, I can't swim. Are you surprised? I'd be willing to guess that is true. Even if I do give off a certain impression, I'm not without fears of my own." Stepping foot into the canoe, she sat down and leveled the oar parallel to her body. "You won't notice, though. I intend on winning."

Confidence swelled in her heart; in her mind, chained in the guise of a key she cannot release its hold of. Simple as the questions sounded, the Imperial Princess hesitated to answer. Edelgard rolled her shoulders back— Assumptions bubbled. If not one, then it was the thought of lurking for secrets that held onto the other end.

"You'll be able to discover any training I've had through watching me fight, don't you think?"

[egittae]

“That is the way of Blaiddyd! Harsh, perhaps indeed…but I am thankful for it. It shaped me into the man I am now.” For better or worse. Lambert was well aware that most would be mildly horrified at the ways in which he had been trained in his youth- from being made to hike mountains with boulders on his back to having to fend for himself in the middle of the woods with a mere dagger as his only weapon, to being thrown down waterfalls and told to swim his way out. Most if not all of these situations would’ve resulted in premature death for a regular individual.

But that was the point, he was no regular individual. The crest in his blood ensured he could sustain what no human could- or should. Lambert was never meant to operate under the same standards as a regular person if his body could sustain what should’ve brought most to the brink of death.

As he carefully adjusted his weight, testing his own balance above the board, a hum escaped his lips. “If it surprises me? Perhaps…but only slightly, if I am to be fully honest.” One foot stepped forwards, checking to see how much the water or the board would give in. Not much, for the time being. “Noble or not, you are but a human in the end. Sometimes we cannot do some things, and that is fine.” He smiled softly. “I for example, am admittedly incompetent in regards to magic. Even the most simple Torch would completely lose control in my hands.”

Winds of nostalgia earned a warm laugh from the blond. “As a result, one of my retainers volunteered to study magic in my stead. Because I was just that bad. So it is fine for you to not know how to swim. If you happen to fall, I will catch you.”

At last, he held the oar like one would a mighty lance- aiming the blunt paddle at Edelgard. 

“Indeed, but there is only so much I can gauge from observation alone. A true warrior,” He adjusted his stance slightly, ensuring his balance remains solid. “-pays attention to the amount of pressure and strength you put in your blows, the exact amount of friction the opponents' boots have against the ground, even the most minuscule differences in timing due to breathing rhythm that you can only tell from practice alone. If you wish for strength, you must be willing to meet it on its own turf and speak its own language.” Lambert smiled- confident, smug, and a little mischievous.

“Meaning, come forth Princess of Adrestia.”

@hresvelged

[egittae]

some serious deja vu going on here

closed starter for @failnaughted | lance +1

[failnaughted]

Well, wasn't that a fantastic start to the month.

Deep down, Claude sometimes couldn't help but wonder just what it was about people and power that made the idea of not engaging in intrigues and killing each other such a rare and intricate art. He was aptly aware that some, should they be asked about their prime suspects for interest in such, would point to him. To an extent that was perfectly fine by him, actually, for in the delicate game of politics, misconceptions could be quite useful at times. It wasn't true - it couldn't be further from the truth, really - but it was better for everyone involved if they didn't know that.

Ultimately, as sad and tragic as it was - and it truly was, as far as he was concerned - to be known as peaceful and loving was to be known as weak. A convenient target, even. And it was something he could absolutely not afford. Been there, done that, not again.

So, he continued to concoct his schemes, mention his continued interest in potions and poisons here and there, and display his tactical prowess, all for the sake of maintaining this image of someone considerably more dangerous than he actually was and actually wanted to be, all for the sake of keeping himself and his people as safe as possible. Because someone had to.

Evidently, however, even that didn't work on everyone, and now some innocent people were paying for it. Addressed by his companion for this mission, a knight in the Church's service that was Totally Not the Tragically Departed King of Faerghus, No Siree, Claude sighed.

"What I think? I think it's a damned mess, diplomatically speaking." He winced. "On a more serious note, though... both of your ideas sound plausible. To me, both this situation and everything else that has followed since suggests that they're testing the Alliance's limits." He paused, then shook his head, a frown on his face.

"They're quickly approaching mine. Much as I'd like to eliminate them, though, some kind of frontal assault is for sure not the way to go, when they have hostages." He sighed again. He liked puzzles and mysteries, but not so much when the price of mistake was lives, especially not those of children.

He thought for a moment, before looking up at Lambert. If he's gonna play with lives, may as well lay his own on the table.

"If this really is the continuation of a murder case from 20 years ago, then the murderer wants to collect the blood of all houses. This should include House Riegan, for which the only existing targets are my grandfather and myself. Gramps is far too well protected in Derdriu, however. I am usually under strict protection of the Church... except now, I'm here with just a handful of knights. If they can ever get me, it would be now."

He had a feeling that Lambert didn't like what he was saying, but still, he was going to finish anyway.

"Maybe there's a way we can use me as bait. Of course, I'd like my head to stay where it is if possible, but still, perhaps I can somehow lure the perpetrators out..."

[egittae]

It was hard to not wince at the proposed plan, even though it was sound. “That seems unfortunately quite likely, now that you mention it. Regardless of whether they are doing this for the sake of chaos or to truly kneecap each noble house within the Alliance, being as realistic as possible, I could see this being the ideal plot to severely weaken House Riegan if not completely dismantle it.”

The way his brows furrowed into a frown was enough of a sign that the topic wasn’t the most comfortable for reasons beyond the obvious. A house held together by only two individuals is often the most tantalizing of targets. “And considering how the Alliance’s government is organized…”

“This could very well be a plot to eliminate rivals and secure a leadership role. It is a mere assumption, but the idea of one house hiring bandits to install chaos and use it as a means to get rid of the current leading house is quite likely.” Lambert paused for a moment, gaze escaping into nowhere. “Before I comment on your plan, this may seem like an obvious question, but…do you or your grandfather have enemies, Claude? As in, individuals or noble groups you know may have what to gain from your demise?”

He crossed his arms, icy pools still focused somewhere around the archer’s feet. Then he suddenly looked up, and smiled. “If you offered yourself to be bait, then most surely you have an idea on how to remain alive, yes? Otherwise it would be quite the display of a dulled mind.” He laughed as if they had been discussing something trivial. “I asked about your rivals because…that could be something to use if you were to be bait. As it was for my case, for example.”

A gloved finger curled under his beard then, his smile giving way to a thoughtful pout. “I am still gathering information as to why I was felled. And how. However I do remember many nobles within Faerghus did not approve my rule in the slightest. And I turned my back to them because their demands were nothing short of ridiculous! Therefore it would not surprise me if they had a playing hand in my death.”

And the smile returned, wide and confident, as if he just had the best and most brilliant idea ever.

“We may falsify a solo excursion for you, certain to draw the attention of a group seeking a bloody ambush. But before things truly devolve, I may stay close with my pegasus to ensure you have a swift exit route.” A pause. “But we may need to figure out a way to secure them in some way. If we gather more people it may disencourage them from acting- or worse, they could retaliate in cowardice. Either we lay down traps…or utilize binding magic of sorts. But do not count on me for that, Reason has never been in my list of masteries.”

@failnaughted

[egittae]

back in the fucking basement again baybeee | lambert & matthias

continued from here

[egittae]

Lambert was left unimpressed by the response, the right corner of his lips tugging into a half smirk, half thin line. Had it been a year before Matthias’ statement would’ve caused his heart to stir uncomfortably at the idea of yet not being himself enough to be fully acknowledged by the man. Something that even now he still wasn’t fully realized, still looking for and picking up broken pieces left and right.

But now? All he could imagine was,

That sure is a Matthias response.

And that filled him with amusement and a tinge of comfort rather than hurt or anxiety. “Is my current appearance not enough of a sign? And here I thought I had managed to finally distance myself from that horrid lesser presence.” Just thinking back to it sent a shiver down his spine out of pure discomfort. It wasn’t quite disgust for the man that he had been- if Lambert were to look at himself divorced from his own body, he’d understand the attitude. Pathetic and a tad unbecoming to witness sure, but considering everything, he could understand.

The issue was, he couldn’t divorce himself from it. That was him. And for him that was unacceptable. “I have been faring quite well if I do say so myself.” Weight shifted slightly from one hip to the other, Gradivus standing tall and proud by his side. “At last my services as a knight have been acknowledged properly, so now I do not look like an out of place, last minute hire whenever I happen to tag along the Academy’s expeditions.” A soft sigh. “Though I suppose my current role would give you some…dissonance. The Academy seems quite keen on deploying me as a commander for the skies, rather than the land. I am not one to complain however, one more mastery under my belt will surely not hurt.”

“And what about you, my friend? All these moons…how have you fared, truly? How is the North holding up?”

@cielenruine

[egittae]

[ PHOTO-ARTIFEX ] - The ever-popular photo-artifex makes its annual return, allowing users to capture pictures in as little as a flash of light and a moment. Take home something to remember the event by!

“If we took any of those pictures before, then it was during a moment where I looked and acted like a mess. I would like to fix that if you allow me.”

Lambert almost beelined for the archer the moment he spotted that blond head in the crowd. A whole year before he wasn’t even half of the man he was now- his mind mostly lost in a haze, trying to make up for it with a style and clothing that didn’t make sense with who he was and stuck in a beach to top it all off. 

It felt embarrassing to remember the way he acted back then, even though he couldn’t exactly blame himself for it. But instead of allowing that to eat at his heart, he chose to just focus on making new memories with the new sense of self that settled at his core.

“Because this is more in line with what I used to wear…back then.” He said with a wink, posing next to Andrei almost as if readying himself for a royal painting. "You may also have one of these." He then gave Andrei one of the lillies in his bouquet.

Just before the flash went off, he placed a hand on the archer’s shoulder- the same way he remembers seeing in a painting of himself and a very young Dimitri.

[ulircursed]

Maintain a neutral expression and posture. Walk through the crowd as though nothing had happened. Do not look in the directions he had left both of his earlier conversations.

So focused was he on these commands that Andrei startles when Professor Lambert’s voice sounds right next to him, and he allows the older man to pull him over to the photo-artifex booth without any protest.

He takes the flower in hand — a lily like his, and not a tulip, not the so-called cherished bond that would never truly exist — and maintains the same neutral expression as the photo machine turns towards them, feeling the weight and warmth of the hand upon him.

Flash.

His expression splinters, even though he had expected the shock of the bright light beforehand, and the moment they are left alone, the glossy paper where a faded image is slowly coming into form still clutched in his hand, Andrei looks up at Lambert with a pained desperation in his eyes.

“Fa—” His jaw aches with the force that he slams down upon the misspoken word. What is he thinking?? “Professor.”

Eyes squeeze shut for a second, the burn so easily attributed to the flash from earlier, giving a slow exhale before his next words.

He doesn’t think he’d managed to convey it to Caeldori. Had certainly not been able to convey it to Edain. He cannot keep failing and failing until there is no one left.

(He thinks of the dagger, still now at his side, coated with poison and used to take a life that was all but innocent. What if he already is too late?)

Head bowed, Andrei’s next words are strangled, whisper-quiet against the backdrop of noise from the surrounding crowd.

“…I love you.”

[egittae]

It wasn’t something he ever expected to hear from Andrei. Not because he didn’t believe those feelings existed, but rather because by now he expected the archer to be more of the reserved type in regards to his feelings. Those were tough words to say to almost anyone regardless- to bare your heart and allow it to possibly be received with blades and acid, to offer one huge weakness that can be exploited by someone with a mind wicked enough to consider it. In his youth, it was pure carefree boldness and confidence that allowed him to convey his feelings to those he loved- romantic and platonic alike, and it was that same confidence and trust that resulted in his death.

He didn’t think twice before enveloping Andrei in a warm and cozy embrace, one gloved hand cradling the back of his head as if he were a small child- Lambert’s own mind thinking back to decades before when Dimitri was but a small boy.

But it wasn’t fair, was it? To overlay his blood son onto Andrei like that. He’d take the archer under his wing and love him as he is, as if he just happened to get a second child. “I love you too, my boy.” He could tell that something was off, but chose to focus on the moment instead. As a young man he always hated the poking and prodding whenever he found himself barely keeping it together, doing just enough to maintain the composure needed for the public.

“Whatever happens, know that I will always be by your side. I promise you.” The professor began to gently caress Andrei’s head, the motion slow and soothing. “And whenever you need respite from anything that ails you, you may come to me and I shall give you shelter.” Normally such things were a given between parent and child- or at least they should be, but he felt the need to reinforce them regardless.

For a young man with so much weight and grief in his heart, Lambert thought it was important for him to hear it.

[egittae]

[ TEA ] - Just what it says on the tin! The only teas offered are Mint, Bergamot, Sweet-Apple Blend, Albinean Berry Blend, and Southern Fruit Blend, wrapped in small tea bags. Some students, having anticipated a small selection, bought their own tea.

There were the tea selections, yes. Lambert wasn’t familiar with most of them- his favorite blend not even present on the table, but he had never been against trying something new. But what was curious about it all was in reality a different tub (yes, tub) a bit to the side, within it an odd liquid whose only label was:

“Kupala Jungle Juice”

Color? Hard to describe outside of ‘earthy’. Smell? Strong and spicy, but also bizarrely sweet. Components? Only the Goddess knew at this point. But he did see some people eyeing it with curiosity and giving it a try, and the concoction seemed at least more interesting than all the fancy blends offered.

But the cup Lambert was offered was far too big considering the mysterious beverage that he wasn’t exactly confident on, so…

“You! My good sir.” The first person he spotted, this man. Lambert made quick work to transfer half of the liquid to another cup, and offered it to his newest companion with a smile and a flower. “Whatever it is that they gave me, it is far too much for myself- so why not we both give it a try? It is not alcoholic. I think. Cheers.”

Was it clear that ‘no’ wasn’t an answer? He thought so.

[egittae]

[ REVIEW AND REVISE ] "Professor!" he chirps, dragging Lambert by his sleeve. "Mind if I get your opinion on something for the cup? It'll be super, super fast!"

A bit of a walk later, there's a summoning circle on the ground — and Henry points at it with a wide grin. "Juuuuust stand right there — promise it won't kill ya, but it'll make you a really good dancer!" Pause. "Probably!"

Oh noooo.

Oh no it's the guy.

Lambert’s reaction was a clear and suspicious side eye. “Henry…” Last time they met and magic was involved…it included a massive gargoyle-thing (of course it had to be a gargoyle) and a relatively questionable set of spells involving the summoning of creatures that may or may not be under Henry’s control.

The blond smiled cheerfully, perhaps too much so. “We can make a deal. You do your spell, if it works safely and appropriately I shall pay you a drink of your choice. But if anything bizarre happens to me, I will knock you on the head.” Lambert barely knew this guy, chances are he was being used as a guinea pig then and there and he’d probably be sent flying or whatever.

But hey! The conditions were there.

[corvusi]

He hits his own head with the palm of his head, giggling softly. "Sounds good — you can knock me out if this goes wrong or right! Juuuust stand here for me?"

A bit of shuffling later, and Lambert is scooted into the center of the summoning circle. Henry kneels, resting his fingers on the edges, before looking back up at the other man. "If you die," he muses, "can you say 'hi' to Mister Goyle for me, please? Not that you will, but—"

He interrupts himself with his cast, as his curse settles into Lambert.

( A curse that leaves calves irrationally itchy — only alleviated by some form of movement. It may make Lambert a better dancer, Henry thinks, solely because it might be to his benefit to not stop dancing lest the itch comes back. )

Henry wanders over when the light fades and pats Lambert on the shoulder. "Think that worked, but keep your drink to yourself." Laughter, as he rustles through his bag for an orchid. "Take this as thanks, Professor — and waltz your night away, nya ha!" Maybe he can start offering this as the cup approaches, then!

[egittae]

“Haha, you are so funny Henry.” Without even a drop of humor in his voice, Lambert still chose to entertain the magician’s whimsy. If he died from this- at this point? He might as well deserve it for dying to something so stupid, he can imagine that the Goddess would receive him with crossed arms as if saying ‘seriously? I did so much for you only so you could get killed by some nutcase at a party?’. With a deep sigh the professor stood in the middle of the magical circle, closing his eyes in anticipation.

At first, nothing. No extra limbs or pain, anything of the sort. For a brief second he even wondered if perhaps Henry had flubbed something and the casting failed. But then a furious itching took over his legs. It was as if he had shoved his feet inside an anthill up to the knee and the little critters got stuck inside his boot, angrily biting so they could be freed- and as a result, urging him to fidget- lest the itching gets worse.

Lambert stared at Henry.

“Henry?”

He stood in place- visibly trembling from the urge to either itch his legs like a madman or run around in circles for the same purpose. His stare- or rather, glare, remained solid. 

“My turn.”

Lambert had always been absolute shit at Reason magic. Faith was easier to manage, to focus on- he could channel his devotion to the Goddess as well as his faith in himself as a leader without the need to memorize formula after formula. As a result, the king abandoned Reason quite early in his life, leaving it to his retainers as well as his brother to pursue. But he remembered one thing- one spell: Thunder.

In normal circumstances, it would’ve been a relatively innocent zap- a sad little fizzle in the hands of an untrained man with poor magic affinity. But that wasn’t how things rolled within the Blaiddyd bloodline.

A sad little zap, aimed at a spot somewhere behind Henry, instead was amplified beyond control, blowing off a solid amount of wall in the process and charring whoever was nearby in the process- thankfully not many people. The Church wasn’t going to be very happy about thi- but he was just gonna blame Henry. He was gonna blame Henry. 

Well, there was an extra flower in his bouquet now. He did hand over one of his own lilies to the mage in camaraderie- toasted camaraderie, while also fidgeting in place before beelining to the training grounds to run laps around it in hopes of making the spell wear off. 

Somehow, he didn’t hate Henry at all.

[egittae]

[ REVIEW AND REVISE ] "Professor!" he chirps, dragging Lambert by his sleeve. "Mind if I get your opinion on something for the cup? It'll be super, super fast!"

A bit of a walk later, there's a summoning circle on the ground — and Henry points at it with a wide grin. "Juuuuust stand right there — promise it won't kill ya, but it'll make you a really good dancer!" Pause. "Probably!"

Oh noooo.

Oh no it's the guy.

Lambert’s reaction was a clear and suspicious side eye. “Henry…” Last time they met and magic was involved…it included a massive gargoyle-thing (of course it had to be a gargoyle) and a relatively questionable set of spells involving the summoning of creatures that may or may not be under Henry’s control.

The blond smiled cheerfully, perhaps too much so. “We can make a deal. You do your spell, if it works safely and appropriately I shall pay you a drink of your choice. But if anything bizarre happens to me, I will knock you on the head.” Lambert barely knew this guy, chances are he was being used as a guinea pig then and there and he’d probably be sent flying or whatever.

But hey! The conditions were there.

[egittae]

"you dress up nicely for these kinds of events, sir lambert." her smile is tight-lipped though her compliment is of course genuine. it's not easy to be around him when he's one of the few to know the truth of her relationship with andrei— but she'd never completely avoid him because of it. (she just hopes he doesn't see the tiredness in her eyes.)

"for your bouquet." she holds out a purple tulip for him to take if he desires; a subtle acknowledgement of his past nobility. "it's lacking a little color, don't you think?" edain tilts her head playfully.

“Ah, good evening Edain. It is good to see you.” Feeling proud as well as relieved at his own appearance, he smiled brightly- jovial. “After my latest promotion, at last I am now able to actually pick a proper outfit instead of donning my usual armor. Thank you for the kind words, your gown is nothing short of lovely.” 

He still remembers their multiple exchanges back in Jugdral. Of Andrei, the arguments, the moment shared as the duo worked on fixing that farmhouse. It was impossible to forget.

Lambert could never judge Edain for any of it however. If anything he felt the opposite- almost a need to reassure her that all was fine, and that she remained the same in his eyes.

The tulip was grabbed with utmost care, as he didn’t want to accidentally crush its stem- while offering one of his white lilies in return. “I personally am a fan of blues and purples…but white flowers fill me with memories from my homeland. With your tulip, I would say this bouquet is starting to look like the type of arrangements I would have at home.” He looked at the flowers with a hint of fond nostalgia in his eyes.

“I sure hope they do not come with bees hidden inside!” He added with a loud laugh.

[egittae]

[ CORN ] "I heard that this is a special kind of corn that pops! and turns puffy when you put it over heat!" Saying that, Maria holds up a popped kernel to the light and squints at it. Further examination tells her... that it looks pretty interesting around the center! And it's somewhat fragile. Having accidentally squished it a bit, she pops it into her mouth and offers the open bag to Lambert.

"Do you think it'd make a good camping snack?" Crunch. Crunch. "And, hmm... savory or sweet?"

At least five or so of them had been crushed in his hand, filling his gloved palm with crumbs. Lambert had never laid eyes on that type of food before and didn’t know what to expect of the fluffy white form that the corn decided to take, but oh well. 

He put one in his mouth and chewed, humming as he slowly made up his opinion about it. “I think savory fits it best, no? The corn itself is already sort of there. But cooking is not exactly my thing, so I could be wrong in my judgement.” A light laugh escaped his lips.

The professor hummed again. “Though usually for camping I prefer snacks with more sustenance, such as dried meat or nuts. This is tasty but quite the light meal…it would make for a great travel snack however!”

[egittae]

[ PHOTO-ARTIFEX ] - The ever-popular photo-artifex makes its annual return, allowing users to capture pictures in as little as a flash of light and a moment. Take home something to remember the event by!

“If we took any of those pictures before, then it was during a moment where I looked and acted like a mess. I would like to fix that if you allow me.”

Lambert almost beelined for the archer the moment he spotted that blond head in the crowd. A whole year before he wasn’t even half of the man he was now- his mind mostly lost in a haze, trying to make up for it with a style and clothing that didn’t make sense with who he was and stuck in a beach to top it all off. 

It felt embarrassing to remember the way he acted back then, even though he couldn’t exactly blame himself for it. But instead of allowing that to eat at his heart, he chose to just focus on making new memories with the new sense of self that settled at his core.

“Because this is more in line with what I used to wear…back then.” He said with a wink, posing next to Andrei almost as if readying himself for a royal painting. "You may also have one of these." He then gave Andrei one of the lillies in his bouquet.

Just before the flash went off, he placed a hand on the archer’s shoulder- the same way he remembers seeing in a painting of himself and a very young Dimitri.

[egittae]

Much like pre previous Ethereal Ball, his position as knight remained. Thankfully this time was not by the sea, where sand would certainly get everywhere and stick to the fur in his outfit like a plague, but a ball was a ball and Lambert would much rather be in the training grounds or patrolling the Abyss.

Except this time, he accepted the offer to come almost out of spite. Spite from the other times where he came in dressed like a crazed man in rags, scruffy like a street dog.

"Presentable at last! Formal events are duller than an old blade but I would be lying to say that a part of me withered each time I had to come here disheveled."

With a little talk, his regular side job as a knight was given a boost- which meant extra pay.

Which meant that he could finally afford to invest in his own appearance again, complete with a dash of foundation over that ghastly scar on his cheek.

Though the bouquet of lillies in his hand felt a bit...ironic. Like a bad joke, but anyway.

Lambert has: Lillies! Rose: Orchid: Henry Lily: Hyacinth: Tulip: Edain

Outfit can be seen under the cut!

[egittae]

thread tracker!

After some housekeeping, I've organized all active threads up to date from my current muses ( @egittae aka Lambert, @sybellion aka Rowan and @itsuwaru aka Tamamo) that I'll be keeping. The tracker can be found here! Later I'll be updating their blogs' thread pages as well.

Threads that aren't on my tracker can be considered dropped.

As I'm on the final stretch of college, juggling a massive thesis monography and a solo design project, my activity has definitely taken a hit out of pure fatigue and lack of time. I'm trying to keep a relatively low number on threads on each muse to keep things easier for myself at least until I graduate.

If you'd like to drop a thread or discuss anything about it, please DM me (Tumblr or Discord) about it!

That's all. Ty!