Wings of Despair

Closed Grima/F!Robin roleplay blog / TOA-affiliated / Black Eagles student at the Officer's Academy / icon commissioned from jirachiki on twitter

[fellincantation]

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[fellincantation]

Sea Fire Stinks

Grima + Niamh Reason +1

[fellincantation]

While the conflict has come to a close, Gronder Field still seems to be under siege. Namely, smoke has still been reported coming from the battleground, accompanied by the familiar and foul smell of one spell in particular. A summons has been issued: those well enough to do so are to help smother the flames, and those who aren’t are… encouraged to share what they know about the cause. The monastery staff just want to talk. They promise. [Grants Reason +1]

The scent that carried across the air thanks to the burning flames had Grima's nose scrunching up from distaste. They had been one of several summoned to help deal with the issue and they supposed that was fair enough. Sea fire was a spell they were rather familiar with and its difficult to put out nature was exactly what drew the fell dragon to it.

They had been assigned a partner for the work and they slowly made their way over to the other person, raising a hand in greeting as they did.

"Hello! Are you Niamh? I'm Robin. It looks like we'll be working together for this clean up."

Their words are friendly and their smile polite. Despite the stiff stance they held they seem open enough. They're dressed rather casually for the clean up. Their hair is pushed back from their face with a headband and a large coat hangs on their shoulders over their uniform.

"Have you encountered this spell before?"

Right to business as usual with Grima.

@boundlesschaos

[fellincantation]

There's something that unsettles her. A strange thrum under her skin that causes the hair on the back of her neck to rise like hackles, a sense of dread that she hasn't felt in centuries- while familiar, there's a distinct lack of contention that feels confusing. Stalking through the halls, dark brows knit, her fists remain balled as her thoughts race and the professor ducks in and out of throngs of students; greetings unheard, protests ignored in favor of her instincts. Instincts that have seen her survival until this moment, ones that will not go unheeded. What is it that draws narrowed crimson eyes to a particular student with snow-white hair? What is it that makes her want to bare her fangs, to stand between this stranger and the rest of her house- between danger and everything she holds close to heart? Doesn't she know this feeling from long, long ago? Isn't this how she felt with Nil by her side, sharks circling them in the water with the sole intention of tearing them to shreds? "I believe I have not seen your face frequenting these halls." Not accusatory, but a truth nonetheless; becoming a professor of the Eagles has enabled her to keep tabs on newcomers as they filter in and out of her classes. "You are...?"

The sound of another speaking to them draws Grima's attention immediately. They leave their thoughts as they shift their gaze to the professor's face. The feeling of the other's energy felt off. Something radiated off of the other woman that Grima found contentious. There's a split second where Grima's own aura swells with an air of aggression before suddenly pulling back as they smile over at the approaching professor.

"Oh, hello. My name is Robin. I've recently transferred back to the academy after some time off to return to my homeland. It's been some time since then..." Grima says, the pleasantry in their voice heavily off-set by the way their fell energy doesn't dissipate. "I haven't had the chance to familiarize myself with my new professors just yet so this is perfect."

This person felt like a dragon and yet Grima's senses failed them. She wasn't divine, that much was certain.

"Have you ever been to Plegia, Professor?" Where was this person from? "It's quite a ways from here. It's nice to be back though."

There was no need to play their hand early, was there?

[fellincantation]

Wyvern Rider Studies

cont. from here

[fellincantation]

Lucina's reactions only make Grima smile softly at her. She really was a strong girl even as Grima hacked at her sanity. Something about that makes a twisted sense of pride curl in their chest. Even her threats were enough to make the Fell Dragon reconsider for the moment. They take a step back and let their hand fall back at their side.

"Not keen on the idea of being Fellblood then? How unfortunate. I really would have hoped my dearest daughter would take pride in her heritage and the culture I helped cultivate so many years ago when Plegia was taking its first steps as a nation," Grima sighed softly. Their expression is one of quiet resignation before they smile over at her again. "There's always your brother, I suppose."

With that Grima offered a single lazy bow before starting to walk past Lucina.

"Stay safe in the coming months at this school, won't you?"

[futurepastlord]

Lucina had fought so hard against Grima in both this timeline and her original one, of course she doesn't want to be a Fellblood. She doesn't want that blood in her veins to take her over and allow for another vessel for Grima to use. She opens her mouth to spit out a reply, but stops when they mention her brother.

Morgan.

No, she won't allow it. She'd sooner die than let anything happen to Morgan. But she knows that if she shows her desperation to keep him safe, they'll go after him faster. Bah, as if that would stop them at all from going for Morgan. How does she play this? How does she go about this? She swallows hard and lets her hand curl tighter around Falchion's hilt.

"Watch your back," she says in reply, keeping an eye on Grima as they saunter away before running to find her friends and warn them.

[fellincantation]

Wyvern Rider Studies

cont. from here

[futurepastlord]

Robin's voice sounds a little less like Grima as they change topic, offering Lucina words that she has always loved to hear from her mother. Words of kindness and praise that makes her strive to keep making Robin proud. Well, her Robin, anyway. Her mother. Not this beast.

A sick feeling sinks in her stomach at the sight of the ring on its hand. So they manipulated Chrom into getting engaged. But why wouldn't he say yes when he doesn't know that Grima has taken refuge within her skin? This isn't how baby Lucina should be brought into the world.

"You don't deserve him," she says, her frown deepening. "You deserve to rot in the depths of hell." Exactly where Lucina and everyone should have put them in the first place. That had been such a difficult decision, but it had also been Robin's to make. Perhaps it's a failing on many of their parts that Grima had been sealed instead of killed.

"I think it best if you go to your class." She can't stop her fingers from gripping Falchion tighter, her resolve wavering with each taunt that falls from the other's mouth. She knows what her friends would say, would push to tell her that this isn't Robin. Hearing their voices in her head begins to push her in that direction. "Unless you want my hand to slip."

[fellincantation]

Lucina's reactions only make Grima smile softly at her. She really was a strong girl even as Grima hacked at her sanity. Something about that makes a twisted sense of pride curl in their chest. Even her threats were enough to make the Fell Dragon reconsider for the moment. They take a step back and let their hand fall back at their side.

"Not keen on the idea of being Fellblood then? How unfortunate. I really would have hoped my dearest daughter would take pride in her heritage and the culture I helped cultivate so many years ago when Plegia was taking its first steps as a nation," Grima sighed softly. Their expression is one of quiet resignation before they smile over at her again. "There's always your brother, I suppose."

With that Grima offered a single lazy bow before starting to walk past Lucina.

"Stay safe in the coming months at this school, won't you?"

[fellincantation]

April Fool's!

Grima rolls over and slowly walks to her bedroom mirror, groaning in exhaustion. It takes her a moment before she suddenly realizes: Her hair. It's green.

Her ears are longer, and turns her head to look at them. They wiggle and wiggle and wiggle and a mix of horror and fascination sinks in. She attempts to run back to her room before a heavy thud stops her. She looks down at it and reaches for it.

A stone. A dragonstone. Whose? Surely not theirs. The stone grows warm in her hand. The resonance was far too strong to not be hers. She stares at the stone before glancing at her right hand. The Mark of the Defile is gone. Her hand is bare and empty and...

"WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

[fellincantation]

Wyvern Rider Studies

cont. from here

[futurepastlord]

"My studies are fine," she says with a tight smile and a nod. Oh, how devastating to look once again into her mother's eyes and not see her there. It happened before, and hadn't expected it to happen again. But she has to admit that Grima is doing a halfway decent job at pretending they're innocent. Only halfway, though, because the sarcasm even in her simple sentences drips heavy. Maybe that's just reserved for Lucina, however.

And then she hits her with the deepest of strikes. Of course they only sealed Grima away. Losing Robin had felt like such a mistake, a blow to their friends and family and the world. Lucina had been ready to strike her mother down once before to simply stop the threat of Grima, and yet sentimentality had gotten to her by the end, and sacrificing one person to kill Grima, while absolutely the right choice, had felt the hardest.

They were going to keep the fire emblem safe for the next time it happened, train the family lineage to be able to undertake that task in the future. Only for it now to be ripped apart.

"Of course not," she says steadily, with an undeserved firmness to her tone. They both know the truth. It's standing right here in front of her eyes. "And if I'd failed, I'd correct that mistake." Her hand rests on the pommel of Falchion, but the balance of what's at stake still weighs heavy on her mind. Not here. Not now.

But soon.

[fellincantation]

For a moment Grima is impressed. She doesn't falter as she replies to it and it, in turn, doesn't feel the need to press any further. Instead, it switches gears. Grima's voice softens and so does their smile. They let their hand fall away from Lucina.

"Good. I'm always so proud of you. Your strength is really admirable. I don't know how you carry the lives of so many on your back with so little concern for yourself."

It's easy for Grima to fall into Robin's voice. The voice comes naturally to them as they give her daughter affection. Had Grima ever had the chance to raise Lucina? It couldn't recall. Though perhaps this time they would if they saw this life through.

"Your father arrived pretty recently too. He actually just gave me this."

Grima held up their hand. On their left hand, a ring sits on their finger, shining in the day's light.

"You might want to go congratulate him. Or me. Whoever you think deserves it the most but try not to startle him. He doesn't know about all of this yet."

Grima pauses and rubs her chin thoughtfully before glancing back over at Lucina.

"You really are my daughter. That determination in your eyes is deadly."

[fellincantation]

Basement Dweller Rearmed

Grima & Alm

[fellincantation]

While one party is sent to check on Gronder Field’s condition, another is tasked with ensuring there are enough weapons to outfit everyone for the mock battle. Given a list of all the likely participants and reports on their typical preferences as displayed in training sessions, it becomes clear there’s a deficit in the supply particularly with the large number of sword users. Funds allocated to this endeavor are tight however, so some haggling with traveling merchants is in order. Some testing might be in order to make sure you’re not getting swindled either, though convincing the merchants could be another ordeal entirely… [Grants Sword +1]

The choice to send Grima out with Alm truly felt like a kick in the teeth. Every choice made thus far at the academy served to worsen Grima's mood. Once again they played the friendly tactician role and opted to go with her classmate to help collect weaponry for the mock battle. The next few rounds were coming up and Grima wanted to see people knock each other out. That required weaponry.

"We should really start with picking out a merchant to approach."

Grima avoids standing too close to Alm. It's almost glaringly obvious that she stands several paces away from him as she speaks to him. If one more person attempted to drive a weapon through her she really might just burn the entire place to the ground while it's struggling.

"What do you think? Maybe we should split up and talk to different merchants."

Grima's discomfort rose as she waited for Alm to reply.

@jasperblion

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

“I wouldn’t want anything else.” One last kiss would seal his fate indefinitely as Chrom swore every part of his being away to Grima. ….Perhaps it may have been a couple more kisses before Chrom sat back down in front of Grima. He was giddy as any man would be when presented with such a glorious woman before him. Chrom felt soft and fuzzy internally as the adrenaline slowly pulsed away. The anticipation from waiting for what Grima’s answer would have been then melted into relief. He sighed, bringing Grima’s knuckles to his mouth to kiss sweetly. “Hmm… You know I would be willing to move mountains if it meant I could see you again. Must we really part when the time comes? I always feel at ease having you in my sight.” Gently, he let their hands fall between themselves once more. The ring glistened as he tilted Grima’s hand to look at the way it fit so perfectly around their slender fingers.

“And, really, you look amazing. Your beauty alone was enough to take my breath, your smarts had me completely smitten. I had never felt these feelings before meeting you. I don’t know how you find the time to stay so presentable. You’ve truly made me the luckiest man alive,” he fawned, his eyes softening as love overpowered his mentality.

The flush on Chrom’s cheeks deepened in saturation as he sheepishly looked at their hands in unison.

“My beloved…. My heart is in your hands,” He spoke quietly as the image of their fingers intertwining was carefully accounted for. Chrom's gaze met Grima's once more, the smile they had seen countless times was being offered to them again. Every single time he smiled at them, it was truly for their eyes only. The fondness behind his actions came from a deep internal connection he couldn't quite explain in words, but in actions he felt fulfilled. A weight had been lifted off his chest.

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

Every word of devotion and fondness twisted like a knife in Grima's spine. Its skin crawled as most parts of it shrieked to kill him now and get it all over with. However, one small part reminded it that Chrom was special indeed. They needed him, and he stroked their ego.

"You act like our classes will tear us apart forever. Come on now. The school needs people like us and it's an honor to study here. So keep your chin up! I can already smell you wanting to skip classes from here. If you do that, you'll have to sit outside mine waiting for me. Not that I would mind. That's pretty cute."

Grima kept their tone light and playful as they squeezed Chrom's hands. They were warm and thrummed with life and Grima felt like it was burning them.

"I wish I had more people to tell about this proposal. Who else am I meant to tell? I've seen some other Shepherds in the halls but really."

Grima softened their gaze.

"Maybe the next time we see each other I'll have made some friends in my classes."

Grima doubted that.

"You're the most friendly man I've ever met. With that bright charming personality of yours, you'll end up with a ton of new companions before you know it."

They dug deep for a moment.

"Come on. I'll show you around."

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

The air in his lungs was caught inside him once more as Grima accepted his proposal. He exhaled with a chuckle, his heart pounding in his chest as he slid the ring into Grima’s open hand. Their beautifully sharpened nails looked stunning with the ring beside them to bring out their luster. He took the time to look between the ring and back at Grima’s face. He couldn’t imagine what they must be feeling, hoping he hadn’t kept them waiting too long he leaned closer to them. “Oh… You’ve made me the happiest man alive! This is the best day of my life!” He exclaimed, joy filling the room with an echo of his laughter. Adrenaline was pumping through him as he still processed this engagement to be true. “If I may confess another thing, I’ve often dreamed of this moment with you. I made my mind up soon after I had met you, out there on that field. There was a greatness that came along with you and I found myself enthralled by your very presence. How could I be worthy of such a privilege? I knew my performance was underwhelming in comparison. Your tactical knowledge was like another language to me and you were impressively out of our ranks. I knew I had to get stronger. I want to become stronger, for us.”

Chrom steadied his train of thought as he took Grima’s hand and pulled it closer to his chest. The way the light was caught in his eyes made it look like they glimmered at them, blue twinkling pupils lovingly gazing into Grima’s piercingly cold red eyes.

“I offer you this ring to not only bond us through marriage, but I also want to give you something that will remind you that my heart and soul belong to you, and only you. I won’t ever let you forget that as long as I live and breathe.”

With eyes closed, Chrom leaned forward to place a kiss onto Grima’s slacked lips, their hands between the two of them as he bridged the gap. There wasn’t anything that could have prepared him for this moment, not even himself. The rush of emotions was making his head spin as he pulled himself back, only inches away from Grima's face now.

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

His words of praise for their abilities soothe their rage just a touch. Anger gives way to confusion and simmers the more he speaks. He really knew how to throw cold water on their tantrums even when he didn't seem aware of them. Surely he had to know what they were by now. There was no way he hadn't had some reservations. Frederick the Wary must have told him something.

Once again their heart betrays them. The kiss makes it leap into their throat and they tense, hands gripping Chrom's. Slowly their shoulders loosen and they return the kiss, albeit with little experience. Grima had never needed to express human affection and this was beyond their usual scope of acting.

"Do you really mean that? You'll belong to me forever?"

That level of devotion was exactly what they needed.

"And I pledge the same to you. Even after one of us stops breathing we'll always belong to the other."

He would make a wonderful Risen. They were certain of it. They had yet to make one out of someone carrying Naga's brand but that meant little. They were sure their power could outdo hers.

[deathsdue]

IT'S GEROME WITH A STEEL CHAIR

[deathsdue]

continued from xx

Gerome lies waiting in the shadow of their conversation. The plan is simple: Cynthia distracts Grima to create an opening for him. Like Cynthia, Gerome is prepared to face whatever consequences come. The route Grima warns of is one they've already considered. No matter what crime they're charged with, being branded a murderer will be better than giving Grima any opportunity to seize hold of this timeline.

He would spare the time to think of the ruined cities and desolate landscapes that frame his childhood, but the thought of them always hangs heavy in his heart. Now is the time to act. If they stop Grima here and now, Lucina won't have to fight this battle. She won't have to kill the monster who wears her mother's skin. He grips his axe tighter and finds his resolve strengthened.

There is the other future Grima describes though. Released from its vessel, will its malevolence truly spread across the skies? If that is the their fate, tjemhe would rather deal with it than postpone it to a time that Grima would find more suitable. And in the end, it could just be talk meant to scare them from their task.

Gerome hits Grima with Brave Axe [Roll: 14]

Grima suitably distracted, Gerome melts from the shadows and bears down on Grima from behind with his axe raised. "Embrace your fate, wretch!"

@fellincantation, @justicespeared !!

[fellincantation]

Dragonskin activates.

The axe sinks into Grima's shoulder and quickly slides off. The shoulder of their cloak is torn and underneath a sheet of protective scales can be seen rolling over their skin, cracked from the strength of Gerome's swing. The scales quickly return underneath its skin and left behind is a flesh wound far less grievous than it should have been.

Their attention briefly leaves Cynthia. Their hand continues to grip her weapon as they focus on Gerome. Their gaze sharpens.

"I was wondering what little worm was squirming about so closely to this exchange."

Were they bluffing? Or had they really known he was there?

"Care to try again, Gerome? Or would you prefer Cynthia try again?"

Grima waits.

"Did my dear sweet daughter put you up to this or are you doing this for yourselves? I really should behead both of you. Or just one of you. Could you live with yourself if you saw Cynthia without her head?"

Grima's threat drips with malice and a clear enjoyment of the scenario. They continue to wait as their grip tightens even further on the spear. It digs into the palm of their glove.

@justicespeared @deathsdue

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

Chrom was steady as he felt them squeeze him back. Their face was a lovely shade of rouge that complimented their tan complexion. Such a lovely person sat before him effortlessly sweeping him off his feet. He bit his lip as he squeezed Grima’s hand once more before letting go.  There was no going back now!!

“Would your answer still be yes… with this?”

He reached into his pocket to reveal a crested ring. The House of Ylisse’s brand was polished to perfection at the top of it.

“The reason I hadn’t asked before was because I understood you had bigger matters to attend to. I know how dedicated you can be to your work and I didn’t want my feelings to impose on your behalf as a part of the Plegian council. Once I had heard you had spent some time away studying…” He inhaled briefly to compose himself as he presented the ring in front of Grima’s gloved hand.

“I couldn’t get your image out of my mind. It was strange… I felt lonely. I missed you. Something was calling me here and I had to answer. I believe that was you. And seeing you here now reassured me of what I had been thinking of the most. I love you.”

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

The world seems to stop around Grima. Blood rushes in their ears and they're momentarily stunned. Their rational mind quickly comes up with their explanation for accepting. Clearly, they need to agree to this proposal to ensure they'll be close enough to him to kill him when the time comes. They'll also be able to use their future children for their own gain. That was precisely their plan all along.

However, Grima's emotional mind doesn't seem to agree.

How dare he.

How dare this

WORM

think himself good enough to take the hand of the Fell Dragon Grima. What a fool. Arrogant and selfish beyond belief. Did he really think they would ever agree to wed to a human?

They shriek and thrash in their own mind. Overcome with anger and distinct feelings of humiliation. There was no control of their thoughts at that moment. Their physical body betrayed them as their heart raced and the words left them before they could properly formulate an intelligent response. Their voice sounded entirely unlike their own.

"Oh, Chrom... Of course, I'll marry you. I've missed you so much and I love you too."

Shut up.

"You're my other half, after all."

When you die your body will be turned into a puppet. Everything you love will fall to ruin.

Grima exhales slowly before taking off their glove. They offer their left hand to Chrom slowly.

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

The air around the two of them felt thick enough to slice as Chrom looked at Grima’s hand over his own. Instinctively, the prince held their hand by their fingers, his thumb carefully tracing the back of their knuckles. He lightly squeezed them in his hold as he nodded in agreement. “I appreciate the offer. You might come to regret that,” He chuckled.

His other hand came up to cusp their gloved one, the look on Chrom’s face was one of slight anxiety, but his smile was still present. His cheeks were rosy from the contact, the closeness… “Robin… I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me and my sisters. The time that we spent together back home is unlike any other. I understand you have your matters in Plegia, but…” Chrom trailed off. He looked as if he had been preparing to ask them something. His mouth was open, the intention of saying words was on his brain, and yet the words stopped. The blustering prince could hear his own heartbeat pounding through his head as he felt his face grow hotter. He winced as he held their hand, one of his legs bouncing against the ground through his impatience.

“I have something to tell you. Something I should have done before… Gods, I can hardly think.. Forgive me for my lack of focus, Robin.”

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

"Would you like for me to come back to Ylisse with you after our studies?"

Grima beat Chrom to the punch. Even a fool would be able to figure out what he wanted and the Fell Dragon was far from one. They exhale slowly. Their blood boiled as their vessel's heartbeat picked up. It was a humiliation on their behalf but it would be easier for them once it was all over. To be so close to Ylisse's future Exalt would do them well in the future. No matter how this all played out Grima knew it would end with him bloodied and dying. The academy was just a stepping stone for that.

"I had been wondering if you would ever ask me. I thought you would ask me before we parted ways after the war ended."

Grima hated how short of breath they felt. Their chest squeezed and they felt nauseous. Humanity was a mistake and Grima loathed the emotions they felt.

Grima squeezed his hand.

"The answer is yes, by the way."

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

Almost as if his breath was caught in his own throat, Chrom nodded as he approached Grima once again. Scooting closer, he sat beside them, turning his chair to face them completely. Slowly his breathing eased once again as he focused on Grima’s words lulling him closer. It was always easy to talk to them, regardless of how they were both feeling. The tight feeling in his chest was released as he felt the warmth emanating from his friend’s body. Their aura was captivating in every sense and Chrom was smitten by the power behind it. The familiarity between them was helping his feelings melt further into his consciousness. “You’ve certainly kept busy, then.” Her kind gestures and soft words reserved for him made his palms feel clammy. This sensation was beyond his understanding, at least in this moment. Confiding in him that they’re being alienated from the other students was disheartening, sighing softly as he leaned closer to Grima. He let one of his hands rest on the table beside all of their books, clenching it before he spoke. “I can’t believe something like this is happening to you. My heart grows heavier at the thought of your time here being so lonely.” He stops for a moment, his lips thinning slightly as he gets the chance to take a closer look at their face.

“If you need anything, I never want you to feel like you’re alone, not when I’m around. I’m glad I found you when I did.” His face softens once again after his message of fealty concluded. Nothing could keep his attention quite like them, Chrom found himself in a sticky situation after he failed to express his feelings to his best friend before. He could see that Grima was tired. Despite their efforts to smile at him and perk up themselves, Chrom knew his friend better than anyone else. They didn’t do that with just anyone, even with the Shepherds he could recall there was a certain fondness that they held for him. The times he was able to sneak away and share late night conversations with them were unmatched to anything he’s experienced afterwards.

“You’re unlike any other person here. No matter how many times people will try to push you down, your intellect will best them when they least expect it. That’s the Robin I know,” he shared, his tone rich in affection.

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

"It's alright, Chrom, really. I wager it's my fault for teasing some of them too much. Some of them really thought I was some scary presence and I played into it. I didn't think so many of them would take it so seriously," Grima answers with a tense smile. They look almost guilty as they look at Chrom. They despise this casual friendly talk. "I thought to ease their minds by being silly but I guess I just solidified myself in their minds that I was exactly the thing they were afraid of."

To further her point, Grima rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. Her shoulders are tense as she does. She hates touching that spot and moves on quickly and returns her hand to a resting position. Acting like this was exhausting and speaking to Chrom made uncomfortable emotions curl through their vessel. They knew him through so many runs of their life. They had heard him a thousand times before and Grima hated it each and every time. The vulnerable emotions that they were forced to display made them sick.

"Thank you. You always knew how to make me feel better."

They rest their hand on his. The contact makes them feel violent.

"I'll always have you. We can make it through it together. I know you're not looking forward to classes but if you're ever stuck on a topic I can help you out. I'll need your help with sword training after all."

[fellincantation]

Even if no one else will do something, Cynthia will.

She has to.

When she closes her eyes, all she can see is the future they had fought to save. She sees desolation. She sees the war. She sees all that she has fought to push down. What if Grima tries again? Hadn’t she and her friends suffered enough? Can’t Cynthia finally live the dream life that she’s wanted for so long?

She can’t relax. She can’t be happy, not as long as she knows Grima is out there.

Cynthia doesn’t tell anyone of her plan; at least if she’s hurt, it’s just her, right? Gerome doesn’t need to know. Lucina doesn’t need to know. No one needs to know. She’s armoured up, lance in hand. She’s ready.

As soon as she spots Grima, she blocks their path. Cynthia is pure steel. She has to be, because she can’t let them know she’s scared. Her hands tremble as she holds the lance.

“Grima,” she says, aiming her lance. “This is as far as you’re gonna go. I- I won’t let you hurt my friends.”

"There is a reason an army needs someone to guide their hand, dear Cynthia."

Grima watches as her lance is pointed directly at them. They take a step forward toward her and reaches up for the tip of the lance. Grima's gloved hand wraps around it slowly as they pull it closer to themselves, directing it to their heart.

"Any tactician worth their salt would tell you this is a poor move. Especially one who knows their enemy well. Let's see how many ways this story could play out. You can kill my vessel, Cynthia. Let me out of the body I've trapped myself in and watch me fill the skies once more over the lands you've tried to escape me in."

It smiles at her. A look of gentle warmth on its face despite the chill in its words.

"Or perhaps that won't happen. Instead, you'll be labeled a murderer and nobody will believe you when you tell them of what I was. Your friends can vouch for you but that means little when I've done nothing to harm a single hair on a single human's head here."

Grima's grip tightens on the spear tip.

"I could also go running and cry for help from a knight. Students blatantly attempting to kill one another is surely frowned upon here. Most people at least try to keep their actions hidden. So? What will you do? What route will you take?"

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

His eyes were drawn to their strikingly red irises, his expression softening as his gaze was fixed solely on Grima. Memories of their previous endeavors were hurling through his mind. The feelings of unity he felt previously were still burning fiercely throughout his whole body. It was simply invigorating to find himself in the presence of his previous tactician. “Nice seeing you too. Truthfully, I was afraid this academy would have been more than I could chew, but seeing as you’re here I can’t say I have the slightest worry.”

Chrom leaned against a nearby bookshelf as he got more comfortable, crossing his arms before his chest as he lounged beside them. “I arrived last night, don’t worry. I’m still unfamiliar with the halls…” He trailed off as he looked at the array of books that Grima had accumulated. “Hm? Am I interrupting you?” He asked, quickly straightening up from his stance. Strangely, Chrom felt the back of his neck get sweaty as well as other uncomfortable parts of himself grew warmer. A timid flush rose to his cheeks as he briefly put his hands together before him. The panging in his chest was fluttering as it once was back in Ylisse. He swallowed the drool in his mouth as he tried to play off his blunder.

“Forgive me for getting ahead of myself. I suppose I was… happy to see you again,” he confessed, his smile a bit tense.

@fellincantation

[fellincantation]

"You'll still find that the academy can be a lot. There are some real weirdos here." Grima answers with a coy smile. Acting as Chrom's dearest friend was a simple enough task. She truly couldn't imagine that he might view her in a completely different light than she expected. So she continues.

"And no! You aren't interrupting me. If anything, I'd appreciate the company. Take a seat and relax a little." The tension in his smile doesn't go unnoticed but it's ignored for now. She gestures to the seat next to her.

"I was just brushing up on wyvern behaviors and trying to get some peace after talking to so many people since my arrival. It's been hard talking to some of them. They've been pretty hostile toward me but I'm trying to let it go."

Grima's smile softens. Her skin crawls.

"I'm happy to see you again too, Chrom. At least I have one friend who cares about me here."

[fe13chrom]

invisible ties

chrom & grima

[fe13chrom]

Nothing felt better than getting some crisp cold morning air before getting started with the rest of his day. Chrom took a deep inhale through his nose, the scent of this area’s foliage was rich in his lungs as he felt his head clear. He hadn’t had the chance to fully explore the academy in all it’s glory, so he made it a personal goal to at least remember where his classes took place. Starting at the library wouldn’t hurt..

Though he enjoyed nothing more than to get his blood pumping through his veins, Chrom felt a different aura exuding itself from a wing inside the monastery. His heart picked up the pace in his chest, curiosity furrowing his brow as he started his walk indoors. It was beckoning him, almost. Physically feeling himself being pulled to the dark wing, Chrom noticed how shadows seemed to pull around him. “Some morning, huh…” Dimly lit halls eventually led him to an equally dimly lit library. The doors creaked open with a massive echo that would draw attention to his entrance. Looking inside at first glance, Chrom didn’t even realize there had been someone quietly immersed in their studies. A hooded figure..? “Robin!” Chrom shouted before he even made sure they were the only ones here, but he couldn’t care less anymore. He rushed over to the hooded person with an astonished chuckle escaping him, the familiar Grimleal markings on the sleeves of their coat made the smile on his face grow warmer.

“Good morning, Robin. Let me guess… You’ve been here since last night?” > @fellincantation

[fellincantation]

Grima's attention had been entirely on their books. They needed to brush up on the place they had left off on from their last stay at the academy. Long nights at the library would be common for them, and they preferred the silence. Grima had been bristling from their run-in with Duma, Tiki, and the various children from their distant future. Their mood had hardly improved since and they didn't want to see another human for the next twelve hours.

Of course, all of that isolation would be short-lived.

Chrom's voice made their head shoot up. Slowly, Grima's hood came down and their gaze met his. The bright warm way he greeted them was a far cry from each and every other person that had spoken to them. Only Morgan had looked at them with excitement when they had seen him during yesterday's battle.

"Chrom?"

They had to play the fool now. Grima's tired expression formed into a warm smile as she looked at him.

"It's nice to see you. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were following me, you know. When did you arrive? Don't tell me I've been missing you completely in the halls!"