joyous royal.

I was going to bring you a blossom... but I could not bring myself to pick it. Beauty is given such precious little time to thrive already. — Céline, fire emblem engage Blue Lions Student at TOA.

[florages]

Hello! Here's some preliminary info on Céline.

Second child to Queen Ève and first princess of Firene, Céline has come to Garreg Mach to further her education as a royal, intrigued by what she's heard of the institution from her chats with Emblems Byleth and Edelgard (something canonically touched on in their Bond supports.)

Nobles and royal heirs from differing lands coming together to bond and learn from one another is a fascinating concept for her, and she's curious about such a social experiment, as well as what she and Firene could possibly gain from it.

So do come say hi. She'll have a lovely pot of tea prepared for you~

Thread Tracker / (Temp) Ball Tracker

(Mun guidelines below the cut!)

Guidelines

Tagging & Posts

The only thing I would need tagged involves mentions of heavy drug use, but other than that, I’m good with whatever! And if you’d like ME to tag anything? Please let me know.

My post formatting is minimal at best. I use both small and regular text, depending on what my partner’s preference is. My preference? Regular. But I’ll always be happy to match, for accessibility purposes.

Shipping

I will not engage in sexual NSFW content on dash.

As for shipping, it’s not exactly a priority for this character, but I’m not closed off to it. Obviously, for Celine, I would prefer any relevant muses to be 17 and older, and their muns to be 18+. Old as I am, I am uncomfortable shipping with writers who are minors. I’m also willing to potentially explore things with good IC and OOC chemistry.

However, for any ask memes that may involve shipping, I will always consider them AUs, unless stated otherwise.

Asks

Perfectly okay with unprompted asks! I only ask for your patience if it takes me a bit to respond to them. Life, and all.

[florages]

Activity Check (May) - Passed!

Total Skill Points: 6 → 7

[Monthly Point]: +1 point allocated to Faith ( Faith: D+ )

[Ethereal Ball]: Obtained Peek of Lilac and Dancer class.

[florages]

[ 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.

"If the tea bags are not to your preference, perhaps you might like to try my blend? It is a lovely marriage of black tea and jasmine."

Céline sips at her teacup, fingers delicately pinched about the handle—the scent of jasmine petals mingle with the flowers on the other girl's dress in a such a way that reminded her of a spring meadow.

"Though I must say, you are quite the vision, my lady. The pristine white, the soft fabrics, those lilies? It is almost as if you were a goddess herself." Lightly, she giggles, "I would offer a lily of my own, though I would be loathe to ruin the balance of your ensemble."

[florages]

[ SAMPLE ] - Anyone who has attended the ball in the past couple of years is familiar with the fake mint candies that seem to make their way around the facilities as a popular prank. Hope your senses are well-trained enough to tell them apart without your sight! "Careful, those are the fakes," Elffin warns, though he seems more amused than anything else. "The real ones are in a pile over there."

"Oh, dear!"

Céline's hand stills at the warning, halfway in the process of reaching for one of the dimly lit mints piled in the bowl. She hadn't even considered the possibility that there would be fake ones.

And yet—

She picks one up, holding it up to her nose. A few sniffs, and—hm. Ah. Indeed.

"You're right..." Céline sets the fake candy down, turning to the man who so helpfully warned her. "It doesn't have the usual menthol scent of mint. Certainly similar, but not quite. There's a bit of an off twang to it..."

She smiles, "Thank you, good sir. It seems you've saved me from quite the faux pas. I do hope you didn't know of this from prior experiences...?"

@moriddyn

[landsbluod]

Lachesis’ gaze hardened to follow Celine’s, and she swirled the water in her glass as the other spoke, silent and stony.

“Indeed,” she allowed, after a beat. “It does seem particularly excessive - one could merely refuse a gift, I suppose, but to make a public spectacle of attempting to pawn it off onto another is…absurd at best.”

She had other words, far less kind, roiling in her head, still steaming at the interaction with the girl, and worse with the puffed up wyvern who called himself her father. When she wanted to think of Altena, she had wanted to think of Quan, of Ethlyn, of her dear friends who had sacrificed all - or even of little Leif, who had not grown to be so callous.

A sigh, shaking her head. She knew she was being uneasonable, but there seemed no end to the blaze that kindled to think of it all - it wasn’t about the mints, it was everything added to a sum greater than any child should be forced to hold to account.

And yet.

“I would offer you a mint, princess Celine, if there were a tray nearby. We could all use some sweetness for our tongues this evening.”

[florages]

It seems Lachesis had a slightly harsher assessment of the spectacle. Céline would offer another perspective, perhaps try to defend or find a reasoning for the woman's actions, but...

It was so baffling, she had no idea what to think.

Thus, she lets it sit.

"There are always those delectable pastry buns if you're craving something sweet. And the teas... though I've seen fit to bring my own blend: black tea infused with jasmine petals. Perhaps we can indulge and chat for a bit? Trade our blooms, as well. I've a lily ripe for the picking."

[fauxgado]

"After all this time, you remember everyone's favorite foods," He remarks with an impressed shake of the head, as though he doesn't have a running list in his own head as well. He picks up the indicated pastry that she has sussed out to be his likely favorite of the trio. First Yunaka, now Céline—well, if the piece of information about himself that breaches containment ends up being as benign as his favorite foods, he can't complain. "I get what you're saying, though—it's a lot easier to get to know someone when they're showing you their true self."

Really, he can see the appeal. He can attest to it himself, even—coaxing people into being open with him was about half of his job, and he liked to think he was pretty good at it. And when the opportunity allowed for it, he preferred to be sincere, too.

(to be frank, it's not like his compliments had ever seemed to sway her, so it's not like he had much reason to say anything untrue)

"But, hey, if you're the expert, and you're being sincere when you say that flower would suit me, who would I be to say no? Will you turn me down if I say it should be a trade?" He offers in turn, gesturing to his own bouquet, each bloom a bright but soft yellow. "You can tell me if I'm wrong, but from where I'm standing, my orchids seem just your style."

[florages]

Her laugh comes as a light hum. "Well, I do care, you know. And we Firenese are ever the hospitable people."

Firene's knighthood exam, and its focus on both domestic skills and martial prowess. Fond sentiments spoken in gifts of flowers and traditional embroidery, the never-ending tea times...

It was simply a part of her culture and education to be in tune with the preferences of others, to be able to read their emotions and moods, to take note of their cues, and to know what they liked and disliked to best satisfy their needs. It was their way of caring, of nurturing the soul, to truly foster friendship and peace with those they interacted with.

(Ulterior motives were not intended, but she would not turn her nose up at what these methods could yield. Not when it served the protection of her country.)

"A trade sounds lovely, I think. Eye for an eye, bloom for a bloom?" Céline steps closer to him, the stem of her lily pinched between her fingers as she holds it up to his lapel. "It seems I was right... this yellow complements the blue wonderfully."

[virtuoustyrfing]

The waltz comes to an end, finishing with a flourish. Over the years, Seliph has noticed a visible improvement in his dancing skills. He follows the rhythm without difficulty and leads with grace.

Not to mention, it helps to have such a skilled partner, doesn't it?

Hand brought to his chest, he responds to the young woman's curtsy with a bow of his own. Not too low yet respectful, still somewhat mindful of his own station in a formal setting like this. He wonders if she is a noblewoman.

"I will gladly accept it." He offers her a tulip in return, with the corners of his mouth turning upwards. "My name is Seliph. And you are...?"

[florages]

"Céline, princess of Firene. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Seliph."

She accepts the tulip from him, exchanging it with her own lily, as she asks, "Or might there be another title you prefer I call you? And from where do you hail, again?"

Her smile is apologetic. "Do forgive my presumption, but I cannot help but feel you have a rather... noble bearing about you. I would hate to disrespect."

[aimlessarchery]

[ CHOCOLATE ] - Stefanelli's has partnered with the monastery to make the most of the supplies left in excess of their workshops earlier in the year by offering packages of sweet chocolates for attendees. The offerings appear generous... that is, until you open your box to find it only half full.

"Weird question, but are you doing anything with that box?"

Using a rose from his assigned bouquet, Python points at the treats in the girl's hands. "I'll trade you a flower for it. Don't need the chocolates inside or anything."

He ducks his head down and lowers his voice like he's sharing a secret, though he's too careless about it for it to seem truly dire. "Friend of mine has a birthday happening and I was way too lazy to find somethin' to fit his gift in."

[florages]

"The box...?"

Céline glances down at the box of chocolates in her hands, slightly open from when she first thought to sample the treats inside. Only to see that the box was only half-full, and upon checking another to find the same result, the princess is left quite perturbed.

Is this the kind of service offered by Stefanelli's? She certainly won't be paying them any visits in the future if they find this paltry display acceptable for their business.

The man's reasoning hardly even matters to her—as appallingly lazy as it was, at least the box would be going to better use for this birthday gift he was planning.

So she picks up another of the chocolate boxes, dumping one half-filled box into another, before handing him the newly emptied one.

"If nothing else, I hope your friend doesn't terribly mind the scent of chocolate on their gift." Perhaps that might be one saving grace, with a friend so lacking in effort as this one. "My lily might even help brighten up the presentation. Distract from those slight dents in the box there."

[encantresse]

@florages sent: [ GOSSIP ] - For those who don't want to be the center of attention, sitting on the sidelines and observing those who do is a time-honored tradition. Exchanging thoughts with another while doing so is a rite of passage for a student—it is a slightly worse look for the staff to take part.

sure, it's no scandal of the century, but any commotion's enough to catch her attention from where she sits, watching eagle-eyed as a man snags a dessert from another unsuspecting guest's plate.

dorothea takes a long sip of her tea and makes note of — wait, that's raven, isn't it? it looks like him from here — how his expression turns stony. she's not known the man long enough to guess whether a perceived slight will turn into more, and so she observes with mild curiosity.

"it's amazing what people will do for the last plate," she comments idly, finally turning her attention back to her lovely companion. "last year, someone was challenged to a duel over it. you'd never guess what they were exchanging blows over."

the songstress pauses for dramatic effect, then leans in conspiratorially. "shrimp on a stick! imagine that. now, i don't care much for seafood, so maybe i'm missing something, but getting a black eye over fish sounds..."

dorothea raises her brows subtly. "...like a choice. don't you think?"

[florages]

"A duel?" Céline's voice lifts with an affronted sort of shock, "I know the delectable call of sweets can sometimes drive one to madness, but violence is a bit too far, is it not?"

The princess lifts her cup for another sip of tea, only to stop herself when Dorothea clarifies that no, it was not a sweet, but shrimp. On a stick. Her lips press together, a muffled sort of hum leaving her; a sound that sat between a yelp of surprise and a laugh.

Bless the Divine she hadn't taken that sip. She likely would have choked!

"Definitely a choice," Céline allows herself a giggle once she regains her composure, setting her cup down. "Though I am curious as to who catered the event last year. I may want to look into this stick-based seafood, myself—I have a friend who would be delighted to try it."

It may have been no eel, but she's sure Chloé would be eager for the experience, regardless.

"And unlike that gentleman over there, I am much more keen on sharing. Would you care for a lily to complement that lovely bouquet of yours?" A hum, "The dress, as well. You are quite the vision tonight, Dorothea."

[florages]

[ 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. ----------- "Celine!" Alear's certain that this is nothing like what the Firenese grow on their own lands, but it did smell amazingly good- and if anyone would know the quality of it, it would certainly be someone like Celine. "It's good to see you again! And to run into you here... You know that means I have to drag you for a dance later, right?" Well, assuming she doesn't get dunked in punch again. "For now, though..." Thankfully, the staff had been nice enough to supply her with a new bouquet that wasn't... destroyed. She's going to leave those details out, extending a white lily to her friend. "Here! I don't think they're as pretty as the flowers I've seen in Firene's fields though."

"Ah, Divine One. A good evening to you, as well."

Céline wouldn't be herself if she hadn't caught at least a few of the whispers floating about the ballroom. Something about two women getting into a tussle, both with two-toned hair... but whatever her concerns, it was something Alear seemed to have no intention to delve into, and so Firene's princess leaves her questions unasked.

"Nonsense! All flowers are beautiful, especially one from you." Céline accepts the lily graciously, whilst offering a yellow one of her own. "And a dance sounds lovely—I need to move around a bit after this tea break."

@aliberation

[florages]

[ 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 (These teabags are fantastic for making a quick cup of hot tea. However, Alcryst hears mixed feelings from the true tea aficionados of the Knights of Seiros. He's curious where Céline stands on this issue.)

"These are fairly good options for those mindful of their budget."

Céline surveys the offered selection of teas thoughtfully, having already sampled each blend after arriving at the monastery. Of course, some teas tasted better than others. And some were obviously higher in quality...

But there wasn't anything necessarily wrong with simple.

(Alas, she did wish these were loose leaf rather than tea bags, though.)

"You know, I learned to make an herbal tea from Lapis once, using simple foraging ingredients." She giggles, "It had a rather unique taste, but was no less delightful than the high-end blends I've had."

Because it had been a taste of Lapis's culture, and her experience. Experiences that Céline wished to better understand, as one meant to protect the common people.

"Mm. But I would love to have some of those leaves from the Brodian highlands again. Remember? The ones you gave me to aid in my sleep."

@starrook

[florages]

ooc

A small note!

I have temporarily unbolded Diamant and Céline's names on the doc to catch up on their existing ball interactions (along with Erma's), as well as the remaining asks in their inbox. But worry not! They'll be open again in Week 2 and you are free to bother them to your heart's content. I will be sending out more asks then, as well.

[florages]

Hello! I'm more caught up now, so these two (as well as Erma) are bolded once more and open for Week 2 asks~

[florages]

There comes a time in every dragon's life, when they reach well over 2,000 years of age, that she thinks: perhaps I shouldn't do this, but I very much wish to. To accompany this, there also comes a time when they think, and so I shall. And so I shall. "Princess Céline," she greets. "How lovely it is to see you here. In fact, I was hoping to catch you before the night's end." The reason being, obviously, this: a single orchid, presented like the most gracious gift. "Last I recall, you were terribly upset about what happened in your lands... what with the fire and destruction and all." She smiles like they speak of bygone wrongs, sins that were forgiven and forgotten. They aren't. "But as we're all allies here in this academy, I thought I ought to offer an olive branch of sorts so that we might start anew. Hopefully, this won't one burn so easily."

Mercy has been shown to many of their enemies in the past. Queen Ivy and Princess Hortensia. Lady Veyle. Mauvier. Mercy is kindness. It is compassion. Mercy is peace.

When she lays her eyes on this woman, Céline feels anything but.

Where had that mercy been for the people of Florra? As they screamed and wailed, trapped in fire. As they desperately ran from their burning homes, only to be cut down by an Elusian soldier's lance, the rusted blade of a Corrupted, or Zephia and her Hounds?

Men, women, children...

None had been spared. If one did not lose their life, then they lost a relative, a friend, a loved one—they lost their spirit. She cannot count the number of pleas or complaints sent to the castle in the aftermath, either begging for help or cursing the ineptitude of the knights and royalty. The callousness of the Divine Dragon that should have protected all.

(She has never told the Divine One of this.)

Zephia speaks as if it is merely in the past, a memory left to fade and a scar long healed. It is not. For as long as Céline carried this love for her homeland, it would never be.

Firene's princess watches the Mage Dragon with a blank expression, giving her prettied (and obnoxiously emphasized) words nothing but a light scoff in response. Though she takes the orchid, she does not offer her own flower. Zephia could make her gestures, play her games. Céline had no interest in entertaining them.

"That shouldn't be an issue," she twirls the stem between her fingers, turning on her heel, "for there is nothing here to burn." Not a relationship, nor a truce. Certainly not any agreement.

And with that, Céline takes her leave.

@mxlusine

[florages]

[ lythos ] “do these hold any particular meaning?” sanaki asks, gesturing to the flowers set in the girl’s bodice, braided into her hair. what foresight to match the theme so perfectly! indeed, when the dance calls for a light flurry of chassés, the fragrance almost leaves an imprint of her figure in its wake. stepping in time, sanaki dips low, fully extending her fingers in proper form—and when she straightens once more, she is holding one of her own pale yellow tulips in offer. “they’re not as fine as the ones on your person,” she says, gaze flickering to them once more in admiration, “but at least they match your bouquet.”

Céline is left slightly breathless by the energy required by the traditional Lythian dance, only ever really seeing it performed by clerics during the rare celebrations held in the Holy Land, as well as certain Firenese festivals.

As such, she is most familiar with the steps that reflect the dance trends from her country... though the power of Brodia, the laxity of Solm, and the solemn restraint of Elusia were more difficult to grasp. The girl next to her seemed to be handling herself well enough, though—so much so that she's still able to carry on conversation, leaving the princess to offer a bit of a sheepish laugh.

Another chassé, and she lifts her arms overhead in fifth position: a gesture meant to symbolize reverence for the Divine Dragons, and the blessed sky.

"If you have time after the dance," Céline bows and extends her arms in time with the music, taking that moment to pluck a yellow lily from her own bouquet, "I would be delighted to explain each flower. For now, would you be partial to a lily?"

She straightens, offering said flower to her, "Yellow. My gratitude for your company, joy in your interest, and hopes for a new friendship."

@sanakialtina

[florages]

[ ADRESTIA ] - A court dance that has spread like wildfire through Fódlan ballrooms. This waltz is best known for a special move that calls for the partners to join hands, together forming the shape of a bird in flight.

What a beautiful person.

Like tea and honey, Adrestia's waltz made a lovely pair to the nobility this man carried himself with. He looked the part of a classic royal: the soft furs of his cape, a perfectly pressed suit of royal blue, shimmering underneath the ballroom lights. The violins swelled in full force; to twirl and sway in his hold made her feel like the quintessential princess from her childhood storybooks, a rare thought of fancy she didn't mind entertaining.

But as the music comes to an end, Céline clasping his hand and extending her opposite arm to mimic a bird's wings, the excitement of the dance fades. In its wake, the sobering weight of reality is left to set in.

Letting his hand go, Firene's princess lifts her skirts for a curtsy. "Thank you kindly for the wonderful dance—might I offer you this lily, in gratitude?"

@virtuoustyrfing

[florages]

ooc

A small note!

I have temporarily unbolded Diamant and Céline's names on the doc to catch up on their existing ball interactions (along with Erma's), as well as the remaining asks in their inbox. But worry not! They'll be open again in Week 2 and you are free to bother them to your heart's content. I will be sending out more asks then, as well.

[florages]

[ MINT CANDY ] - For when your breath isn’t as fresh as newly-fallen snow. ------------- "Excuse me, milady. I couldn't help but observe that tea you were drinking. That is a fine choice of blend!" Could it be? An admiring look in Jakob's eyes? The butler nods with utmost appreciation, overjoyed to find even a semblance of a kindred soul. "I should like to offer this mint and flower as complements. Small wonders to refresh one's senses after a delightful cup of tea."

The night had been a busy one, so Céline found it imperative to take breaks in between the conversation and dancing. (And to rest her feet, fatigued as they were walking about in these heels—of course, a Firenese lady was taught to never admit as such.)

And for her, what better way to unwind than with a cup of tea? In matching with the night's floral theme, she had requested the kitchen to brew her blend of black tea and jasmine petals. Though normally paired with the green teas of the east, combining its sweet, floral notes with the earthiness of black tea created a most bold flavor—and a strong, delectable aroma as well.

Add in a drop of honey, and she was truly in paradise.

Perhaps it was the scent that attracted this gentleman, his praise for her tea and offering of gifts bringing a smile to the princess's face. She could always appreciate a fellow tea connoisseur.

"Oh, my! Mint is the perfect palate cleanser. I take it you're no stranger to tea, then... please, have my lily as a thank you."

She sets her cup down, replacing it for the flower that she then offers him. "I procured this particular tea blend from a friend: a pairing of black tea leaves and jasmine petals. I only wish it were the night-blooming jasmine I heard of once; I would be curious to taste the differences."

Even now, she thinks to the Nohrian blend Emblem Camilla once told her of.

@butlere