clawstorm

Knight of Seiros at The Officer's Academy, affiliated and closed. "Not long ago, I met the first foreigner my people had seen in 800 years. Now, it seems I'm the traveler."

[hatariqueen]

[ dance ] for your muse to dance with mine 

“Fighting and dancing aren’t so dissimilar when you’re as graceful as we are.” Nailah wouldn’t have minded a spar, but sneaking in a dance after the ball was over to relish in the memories of that night for just a little longer was pleasant.

“Well done— few beorc can keep up with me.”

[hatariqueen]

xbl00dyw0lftearzx​:

hatariqueen​:

Top Dog [Felix & Nailah]

Even during the winter months, the temperatures at Garreg Mach Monastery could be balmy for people of the Kingdom. The sharp bite of cold and familiar scenery of southern Faerghus was a welcome change for Felix. His instincts felt keener and his mind much more tranquil.

It was even nice to see the Faerghan mushing dogs enjoy the snow, he thought as he toyed with the thick scruff of a younger pup. The dog was still in training, but she was mild mannered and intelligent for her age. Tongue hanging free and leaning heavily against Felix’s stroking, he smiled softly to himself before the girl sat at attention.

He turned, expecting a handler to be the cause, but saw Nailah instead. He had heard tell of foreign students and faculty with animal-like traits and shifting abilities, but this was the first he had witnessed one up close. He would have been skeptical if not for the twitching of her ears and the swishing of her tail; nor the immediate respect commanded from the kennel dogs.

His eyes sparkled in quiet awe as Nailah changed form and challenged him to a race.

She would have an advantage free running on her own, but he would have the advantage in knowledge and terrain. The pounding of the dog’s tail drew his attention back, as she wriggled in excitement and understanding.

Felix stood with a puff of pride, scratching behind the girl’s ears. “Don’t be so sure of yourself just yet. I’m not one to be underestimated.”

The look of awe on beorc’s faces when she transformed would never get old. It was easy to take laguz forms for granted, commonplace and natural as walking or running. However, she had best prove that awe was well placed. She took her starting place next to him at the edge of the sledding slope, eye on the path ahead. The pure white gave little definition away, but the direction was clear: down.

Once Felix was ready with his sled and dog, she crouched, haunches raced as she looked at the racetrack. She growled, eager for the challenge, about to spring ahead.

Nailah Roll: Nat 1!

She bounded forward.

Her paws didn’t take to the snow like they did to the sand. She slipped with an undignified yip, the likes of which she hadn’t made since she was a puppy. Nailah rolled, lavender fur coated with snow as if she was a pastry being rolled in sugar. She barked, paws letting snow powder fly as she attempted to right herself.

Well... that wasn’t a great start.

[hatariqueen]

Priam & Nailah— C Support

Nailah: How odd. He reminds me of…

Priam: Ah! I wouldn’t try to sneak up on me while I’m training.

Nailah: Ha, this is just the first time I’ve been caught.

Priam: Really?

Nailah: Yes, I’ve watched you a few times. I know that sword. You don’t smell right, but the way you fight is similar to him.

Priam: What do you mean I don’t smell right? I suppose I might not be a direct descendent, but Ragnell is legitimate.

Nailah: Your sword’s roots have more weight that your own bloodline. You beorc are interesting.

Priam: I don’t aim to be Ike. I aim to be the strongest, even better than he is.

Nailah: Is that so? Ambitious.

Nailah: So why do you train alone? Surely others would help you grow.

Priam: Don’t mind the phrase, but I’m more of a lone wolf.

Nailah: It is an odd phrase. Not even wolves want to be alone. We work in packs, in teams. You could learn a lesson from that.

Priam: Hm.

Priam: Then would you do me the honor of a spar? Or would you like to get some back up first?

Nailah: Cocky, huh? Ha. We’ll see how long that lasts!

[hatariqueen]

Top Dog [Felix & Nailah]

Starter for @xbl00dyw0lftearzx

There is a very popular seminar going on, where nearby mushers living in the Faerghus end of the Oghma Mountains give insight to how sled dog kennels are maintained and how they can be used to transport goods during cold weather. To cap off the lesson, each of you are given your own dog, who is tethered to a heavy belt you wear, and you all must race through the snow with your dog pulling you along. The first five to get to the finish line can name one of the new puppies!

Even untransformed, the dogs respected her.

Nailah watched as the rowdy bunch of sledding dogs quieted, eyes on her. Their barking quelled and a few sat, heads bowed. A couple whined and nosed at her, seeking to be pat. She smiled, swishing her tail.

Dogs were endearing. Not quite her people, but they understood each other.

Rather, they understood their place.

She idly scratched behind a dog’s ears, marveling at the winter fluff under her hands. Hatari wolves had thick pelts that served as natural armor, but the dogs were softer. As she pet the dog, she sensed a presence. She raised her head, ears perking up. Was this boy a challenger?

“Do you wish to race? If so, I have no need of a companion.”

She transformed into a wolf, tail still swishing. She was unused to the snow, but she bet that she could beat any dog pulling along a beorc there.

[leneemusing]

nonverbal memes

add + to reverse who does the action

[ attention ] for your muse to touch mine as a way of getting their attention  [ sleep ] for your muse to wake mine  [ cover ]  for your muse to cover mine with a blanket or a jacket  [ lift ] for your muse to give mine a hand stepping up or over something etc.  [ kiss ]  for your muse to come up to mine and kiss them without warning  [ run ] for your muse to run their fingers through mine’s hair  [ braid ] for your muse to braid mine’s hair  [ embrace ]  for your muse to hold mine  [ smile ] for your muse to smile at mine from across the room  [ wave ] for your muse to gesture to mine to come closer  [ panic ] for your muse to grab mine’s arm or get behind them in a moment of danger  [ touch ] for your muse to rest their forehead against mine’s [ weep ]  for your muse to catch mine crying  [ eat ]  for your muse to offer mine food [ hit ] for your muse to attack mine  [ love ] for your muse to touch mine as a show of affection or reassurance  [ nap ] for your muse to fall asleep against mine  [ rest ] for your muse to rest their head in mine’s lap  [ look ] for your muse to catch mine staring  [ seduce ] for your muse to touch mine sexually  [ help ] for your muse to lean on mine for support  [ give ] for your muse to offer mine their arm  [ entwine ] for your muse to hold mine’s hand  [ laugh ] for your muse to laugh at something mine did  [ dance ] for your muse to dance with mine  [ sit ] for your muse to pull mine into their lap  [ yell ] for your muse to calm mine down  [ cry ] for your muse to wipe mine’s tears away  [ dream ] for your muse to wake mine from a nightmare  [ surprise ] for your muse to show up at mine’s house without explanation  [ fix ] for your muse to treat mine’s injury  [ sacrifice ] for your muse to get hurt protecting mine  [ guard ] for your muse to step between my muse and danger  [ taste ] for your muse to cook for mine  [ sing ] for your muse to sing to mine 

[hatariqueen]

goldoandragonprince​:

hatariqueen​:

Break the Mask of Lies Revealing the Truth [Kurthnaga & Nailah]

Kurth nibbled against the inside of his cheek nervously, unsure of what he was supposed to do. He certainly did not want to fight this dragon, but Nailah seemed determined to. He felt dizzy, remembering the last time he had been forced to fight like this. The tower… his father… 

“Nailah please! There has to be another way than fighting it! I…!” He was Goldoa’s king, and yet he found himself weak in the force of any fight. His words and breath caught in his throat. This wasn’t real, it was just a story, but he could not bring himself to fight. There… he couldn’t. He would never be able to. Monsters and people were one thing, but he would never be able to bring himself to fight a dragon again, not after the tower. His heart pounded in his chest, beating in terror. Breathing was hard, he found himself frozen as he stared at the dragon. There was something more to this beast… he could see it in its eye. There had to be a reason that this knight was defending it. An odd situation indeed.

“There’s something more going on here…”

Kurthnaga reminded her of someone who had been paralyzed by her evil eye, he was so emotionally paralyzed. If this were real, she would order hi to retreat. However, there wasn’t another realm to flee to.

It did give her an idea, though.

“Alright. I may be able to lure it away and briefly subdue it.” Already, the dragon set a building ablaze as townsfolk ran screaming from their cover.

The knight waved his hands frantically. “You mustn’t touch it!”

“Why?”

“Trust me!”

She didn’t have time for that. She’d alrwady wasted time by trying to talk to the knight. Kurthnaga could try and deal with the knight if he wanted.

Nailah transformed into a huge lilac tinted wolf, but she was still tiny compared to the dragon soaring above. She ran to a corner of town where no one else was and howled, hoping to catch the dragon’s attention.

She did.

It struck so fast she had no time to even try and use her eye to stun it so they could attempt to talk sense into it.

The dragon was upon her faster than seemed possible, and a swipe of its tail caught her for a full bodied smash into a wall. She grunted, back on her feet as soon as she landed, hackles raised, hoping one of them could think of something. The dragon roared, claws poised to scratch at her. She dodged, rolling nimbly out of the way. She leapt onto the dragon’s back, wondering if the safest place to be was on the source of danger itself.

Breathing hurt, and she figured she had at least one broken rib, but she didn’t back down so easily. She dug her claws into the dragon’s scales, holding on as it roared and tried to fling her off. She stayed, eyes on Kurthnaga.

Now what?

[syoyoh-deactivated20230801]

[hatariqueen]

earthbound-chorister​:

“I cannot, because there are none,” he murmured with a breathless laugh, “and I am ever grateful for that fact.” Taking her arm in his, Rafiel started to slowly walk towards where he was told the device would be. Gently, he leaned his head to rest against her shoulder - Rafiel knew that Nailah would be able to easily support him, but even then, he would not give this kind of closeness and trust to anyone else.

“Oh, before I forget,” Or you push the thought far from my mind with another kiss, “Would you like to exchange stamps? I want you to be my first - I know there are prizes to be won for getting a certain amount, but any token from you, temporary or forever, I will always cherish. The memory of being here together, of course, is a blessing in and of itself.” Not to mention - with him having taken her name as well, the thought of their insignias matching in such a way brought a soft, warm smile to his face. “Would you do me the honour, my love?”

Nailah knew what they had was special. She liked to think that Rafiel had grown comfortable with being around wolves over the past years, but she noticed the subtle things he only ever did with her, the final exhale of tension when they were alone. She has happy to let him lean against her, and she pressed a kiss to the top of his head automatically, smiling as they walked.

Old love only grew stale if it was taken for granted. That was what she thought.

“Stamps, right.” It was a quaint game for the ball, but as he pointed out, the momento was a keepsake if they so desired. Their matching rings weren’t the calibre of wedding rings, but she still liked them for that night. She gave Rafiel a stamp and stood close to him. “There. I suppose Fodlan does have an eye for aesthetic.”

To complete the keepsake part of it though, they should try the photo-artifex together, though.

“Let’s see how that device works. We’re dressed up together, after all.”

[hatariqueen]

velouriavonwolfchild​:

hatariqueen​:

Those Wolves Find a Chicken

CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICK- Velouria cleared her throat, attempting to get a reign on her more animalistic urges. If this older wolf could do, like her daddy had been able to keep himself under control in front of prey, then she could do it too! She stayed on the outer edge of the training hall, prepared to grab the wild chicken if it ran out of the sandy ring. Good thing that she didn’t mind authority figures in a situation like this. Espeically if it was another wolf.

“If you can sort of… herd it this way, I might be able to catch it!” She knew that it wasn’t going to go that well, but it didn’t hurt to make the suggestion. Heheh… this chicken would be dinner before it knew what was coming.

Nailah could smell the excitement coming off of the other wolf. Such energy was only ever found in younger pups. She didn’t seem exactly like the laguz back home, but it was still some amount of comfort.

Somewhere else, people like them existed too. More than one nation.

That was interesting indeed.

Alright, time to see how well this stranger worked with others.

Nailah charged the chicken, fur bristling. Normally, it would have felt like ridiculous overkill to need to intimidate a chicken, but it was what it took to get this once running. She growled and snapped her jaws at the chicken’s legs, urging it towards Velouria. Finally, when she let out something between a bark and a howl while scraping a fang against the chicken did it run in earnest.

She made eye contact with Velouria, as if to say, your turn.

[stelleffigia]

We Are The Other [Limstella & Nailah]

You watch as the storybook characters play out their scripted lives, day in and day out.  As though fettered, they stick to their routines; they fulfill their roles - or lack thereof. They do what must be done to keep the main beats of their storybook life going. But what happens if something new and different were to be introduced by an outside force? Will they continue on as if nothing happened? Or will they instead break? Perhaps you might be inclined to find out. [Grants Reason +1]

starter for @hatariqueen

There was nothing in this world that interested them. Not the three-legged reptiles hanging from wires in the market, nor the glittering gemstones in glass cases that were every color and none at the same time, nor whiskered face or hoofed hand of a villager that, otherwise, looked human. Not the meandering streets, nor the top of the highest spire, nor the flat roofs that had been placed like stepping stools from one side of the city to the other, from which Limstella now observed the husk people below as if surveying the vast emptiness of an endless desert. They did not trouble themselves with the how or why they had arrived here either. If this was the afterlife granted to the dolls that had been sustained by their master’s hand, then the time from their death and to their arrival at Garreg Mach monastery was but a fleeting dream - one far more mundane than even Limstella had imagined their end to be.

A shame. That was the only word that came to mind, but it came as if from the outside - a detached narrator for their existence. A shame indeed.

The wind changed directions and tugged strands of ebony across their face. They turned toward it by instinct more than it was to tame their hair, and scanned the distance for the source of the static that had reached them on the breeze. If the lifeforce was not weak, then it was far, so they pursued it along the rooftops, away from the crowded market street.

It grew stronger with each step, electrifying but dry and airy like desert sand, radiating heat all on its own. Limstella could feel it with their skin, as if drawn close to a fire on a winter’s night, and it was just as alluring. They dropped down onto a wrought-iron balcony to search the alleyway between the buildings and spied a figure retreating toward the other end. She looked so much like the animal-humans that roamed the rest of the streets, with tufted ears and a tail of thick fur, that Limstella hesitated. They glanced back out at the main street, but there was no one else it could be. The heat abated with each passing moment, so, decisively, Limstella descended with the help of staggered balconies and awnings along the building’s side.

“You.” They landed and called to the wolf woman at the other end of the alley. “Either you are not native to this place, or you are its conjurer. Who are you?”

[hatariqueen]

No one around her was a laguz.

In fairness, the author of this world had probably never even heard of laguz. Still, the back of her neck tingled with the sense that something was just off about all of the characters around her. The full fledged animal heads were closest to what the ancestors of the laguz might look like, but they had none of the scent of any laguz she’d ever met. Nailah received almost no recognition from any of the creatures she passed.

Perhaps a thriving village where her people didn’t get stares would be a place she could see someday in the far future. Some kind of home, settled in with others.

But in this souless stage, it was meaningless.

She wandered around, hoping to find anyone who was from the monastery. Nailah was certain she hadn’t been the only one pulled in.

The impact against the ground of a medium drop, and clothes rustling in the wind.

She turned before the other... person, even spoke. Nailah blinked. They looked like a beorc, but none of them spoke like that. If she wasn’t looking right at them, she’d think they were a rough draft of a person from someone’s mind, yet they had to not be from there, right?

“I am not from this place, no,” she confirmed. “I am Nailah, from Hatari, far away from Garreg Mach.” She approached them, curiouser by the moment. They didn’t seem to be an immediate threat, but she still tread lightly, on the platforms of her feet. “You look as though you’re not from here either but...” she hesitated.

“Did something happen to you when you were pulled in?” Even as they brought up the idea that she had conjured the place they were standing in, she pressed the question right back. “Ha, no, I admit I don’t know the first thing about how this place is even possible. Maybe you’re the architect.”

[goldoanheart]

Break the Mask of Lies Revealing the Truth [Kurthnaga & Nailah]

Hic Sunt Dracones - or, in layman’s terms: Here Be Dragons. But where the warning inscribed on the monument at the center of town typically indicates dangerous or unexplored territories, it would appear in this case to prove literal. The creature swoops into town, spewing foul breath and roaring defiance. The Knight steps forth ere weapons can be brought to bear, pleading for the townspeople not to hurt it. But will you listen, or stand your ground? Either way, whether you defeat it, drive it out, or something else entirely, you find yourself at the beginning of the story all over again… [Grants Any Weapon +1]

starter for @hatariqueen

Kurth’s breath caught in his throat as the dragon swept down into the town, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t fight a dragon, he just couldn’t. He was a dragon, there was no way that he would ever be able to. He nearly felt his knees give out under him before the town’s knight stepped forward and begged for the dragon to be sparred. He wondered why the knight would defend this dragon, but he was somewhat relieved that this knight was on his side. It would be more useful to agree with the knight that to put up his own protests without any proof or support. Of course, the townspeople didn’t seem to like this approach. He just… he couldn’t fight, let alone fight a dragon. His head hurt, he didn’t know what he was supposed to. He glanced at Nailah beside him, as she had also gotten trapped in this storybook around the same time as him.

“Nailah… what should we do? I find myself unwilling to fight this dragon, but if we agree with that knight, there’s a high possibility the townspeople will turn on us too.”

[hatariqueen]

Only a fool would slip up on the chance to get first strike against an enemy, especially an enemy as powerful as a dragon. Nailah braced herself as the dragon roared, hairs on end and knees bent, as though ready to bolt. She tracked it with her eye, focused and teeth grit.

As to how anyone from the ground could attempt to defend themselves against a dragon, she wasn’t sure. Perhaps if she climbed onto a rooftop and leapt⁠—

Kurthnaga was under duress. Anyone would be when under attack, but... “Does a threat against you not motivate yourself to fight? It may be like one of your people, but I have unfortunately had to shed the blood of wolves myself once in awhile.” She took in his expression, frowning. “I see, you seem unmovable on this matter.” It must be something beneath the surface, something she didn’t have the time to know.

She strode up to the knight, forceful in her words and posture. “Give me a reason to not take both you and the dragon down. What do you know?”

[frauleindermorgen]

O'er the fields we go

@hatariqueen

Living in Daein all her life Micaiah had become quite adept at anticipating cold fronts, but her first snowfall at Garreg Mach took her by surprise.

(She had spent two springs there – two of the same springs – after all).

It was a lovely surprise made only better by the fact her dear friend Nailah of Hatari had recently joined the Academy. Micaiah owed the Wolf Queen much for as ardently as she believed in her Brigade she knew their struggle against Begnion would have dragged on further were it not for Nailah and her people’s support; Micaiah admired her greatly and she and her husband Rafiel were some of the first laguz friends Micaiah had made and surely played a great role in accepting that part of herself.

She was the type of queen Micaiah aspired to be, but for now they were both merely visitors to Fodlan and so she saw no reason why they might not enjoy themselves without responsibility for once.

“Milday! Nailah!” Micaiah called, gloved hands cupping her mouth so the other would hear her across the court yard. “It’s over here! The sled I mentioned.”

She gestured to it proudly once Nailah had made her way over. Micaiah had asked for it to be crafted in town and though it had been a rush job she was quite pleased with it. She cannot help but remember being so terribly jealous of the children in Nevassa who played with them during the harsh winters she spent foraging and of all things the nostalgia now brings a smile to her face.

“You probably have similar vehicles for getting over the sand,” Micaiah mused, “but this is more for recreation! If we take it up to the hill over there we should be able slide quite a way across the courtyard.”                                

[hatariqueen]

So this was snow.

She observed it from underneath a walkway, sheltered as the watched a few flakes drift to the ground. It was like pearlescent sand at a glance, yet it compacted and crunched under her foot. Nailah held her palm out, watching as the minuscule snowflakes landed on her and then melted away into droplets.

Another thing about snow was that it was freezing cold. Nailah rubbed her arms, cold even with a coat on. She found the winter coat she’d been given as part of her provisions stuffy.

At Micaiah’s voice she smiled, always pleased at be in her presence. Some familiarity in a strange place meant more than she wanted to let on.

“Yes. Sand may be scorching hot midday, so we sometimes make use of more than just sandals if we must travel in the heat of the day.” Nailah was shivering, even with the coat. She knew Micaiah well enough that she might as well be herself. “I see, the snow compacts and then the surface is wet and slippery. That could be interesting.” With that, she transformed into her wolf self, lavender tinted fur almost blending in with the snow.

Snowflakes fell on her coat and sat in an outward layer. She looked behind herself and watched the snow settle. She shook herself, watching the flakes fly off. She then turned to Micaiah and made an apologetic whine for poentially hitting her with snow, tail whipping with excitement all the while. She leapt through the snow in the direction of the hill, surefooted but no longer cold. If anything, she was playfully bounding around in it, trotting around Micaiah and the sled.

They were queens, but Micaiah had the right idea about needing a day off.

[hatariqueen]

[ MUSCLE ] - For the photo, the sender and receiver pull back their sleeves to show off their rippling biceps.

(There's a clear disparity between them, but it's the spirit that really counts)

Nailah grinned as she flexed, proud of her strength. Reyson, she'd heard, had a temperament that was far different from her beloved's, and she knew he would attain what strength he could, even if he had to fight nature's predisposition for his kind himself.

"Strength is not merely in muscle," she commented. After the photos snapped she gave him a nod, mouth upturned with an approving half smirk. "That steeled gaze of yours could give my eye a run for its money. Be proud of who you are."

She felt around in her pocket for her card. "Oh, and stamp this for the quaint game the beorcs have us playing."

[cadenzardea]

The compliment seemed to take him aback, his eyes widening slightly before he broke into a grin. "I appreciate your words, but I think we're better off if my eyes don't have the power that yours has. Believe it or not, I've calmed down a bit in the past few years. If I had the power of petrification…" He shook his head, "Well. We might not have needed Ashera herself to step in for Tellius to have become a rock garden." He brushed a strand of hair from his face, eyes cast to the floor. Perhaps 'previous murderous intentions' is not a very proper conversation topic for a ball, actually. "Of course, that's all in the past." He offered with an awkward chuckle. "There are more productive ways to honor my people, like learning to lead a nation." He fished out his own card, trading with Nailah. "…And learning to play odd little party games." He added, pressing his signet ring to one of the spaces. [The photo certainly highlighted the differences in their physiques, but Reyson didn't feel shame when he looked at it. To see himself beside such a confident ruler stoked the fire in his own soul. He must be good enough to stand with her.]

[hatariqueen]

Reyson certainly had spirit. While he seemed to retreat from the heavier topic he’d brought up, she huffed with a laugh.

“Believe me, the temptation is there more often than I admit. However, it is not the presence of a desire to lash out or take revenge that is any issue, but acting upon those ideas that woukd make you regret such choices later. I see you no differently, Reyson.”

She raised her signet ring as well, as though seconding his sentiment.

“Let us both lead with our heads, and not just our impressive glares.”

[earthbound-chorister-deactivate]

White Heron Cup Semi-Finals

The flutter of pride in his chest for getting so far is matched in turn by a bout of fear - the semi-finals! How had they actually, well and truly, managed to make it this far? It fills him with joy, to have him and his beloved’s talents be recognized, and Rafiel could only hope that it continued to go well. Facing the judgement of others was difficult on a good day, and now… “Are you ready?”

The dance starts, and it begins well enough. Rafiel soon found himself lost in Nailah’s embrace, and, ah, he’d jinxed it - with a small chirp of alarm, Rafiel found himself stumbling back into Nailah after too fast a turn, caught in the moment and losing focus in keeping his footing. He did his best to continue on after he regained his stance, but he was certain Nailah could see it in his face, the guilt, the resignation. Losing balance was not an easy thing to recover from, especially when so nervous in the first place - he’d well and truly lost it for them both. When the dance concluded, Rafiel covered his eyes with a hand in disbelief, waiting for the announced scores in fear.

3, 3, 4 - 10

Ah. Rafiel could feel his face begin to warm in embarrassment, and he stared down at his feet. “I’m sorry, my love…”

next: @hatariqueen followed by @obragi @sylphade

[hatariqueen]

They’d made it quite far. Nailah was proud of them both, and she didn’t want her competitive nature to stress Rafiel out. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and nodded. “I’m ready.”

Maybe… they weren’t ready.

They were fluid and in sync until they weren’t. Rafiel stumbled mid spin and Nailah stepped on her own dress in the process. She managed to not say anything, although her heart swelled at Rafiel’s chirp. Although it had been out of alarm, it was cute. She caught him with a smile, keeping herself from letting out a chuckle. If she laughed, he might misunderstand and that pained expression could get worse, so she didn’t. She worked to keep them both afloat, determined to have a good dance in spite of their trip up.

The judges announced their scores and Rafiel was crestfallen.

“Sorry? Whatever for?” She kissed his cheek briefly, aware that they were still onstage, but wanting to provide a cover reason for his beginnings of a blush. “I had a nice time, and we made it quite far. We have a ball to enjoy.”

[hatariqueen]

[ JUMP ] "Have you tried using this device before, Lady Nailah? It's quite amazing! Alright, this may take a few tries, so one... two..."

“Three!” Micaiah’s presence in Fodlan was another pleasant surprise. At one time in Nailah’s life, every face she saw was familiar. Now, so few were. She treasured the people from home even moreso.

They jumped in unison as the photo artifex clicked. Nailah curiously took the printed strip of little pictures, showing them to Micaiah. “How lifelike! And with such detail. Beorc really do have some remarkable gifts beyond their combat magic and weapons.”

Nailah looked down at her stamp ring. “We know each other already of course, but I don’t mind exchanging seals.”

[earthbound-chorister-deactivate]

continued from here @hatariqueen

The kiss is slow, sweet and tender, and Rafiel savors the feeling of warmth that bubbles in his chest. So far away from everything he’d ever known, and yet, his home was here with him; chose to be with him, time and again. To be blessed with one so kind, so loving, was something he once never thought he could have… A hope cast adrift in those many years he spent a captive, a prize to be won. 

With Nailah, he was none of these things - he could be himself, without fear or judgement, not forced to adapt and struggling to thrive. Although it was barely a moment, as they parted, Rafiel couldn’t help but close his eyes once more - right here, right now, he was falling in love all over again. He didn’t want it to end.

“I think,” Rafiel said after a moment, “neither of us will be struggling to stay warm tonight, as I have no plans to leave your arms, now that we are here together… I was told, earlier, that there is a new device available here - a ‘photo-artifex’, an invention that preserves an image, a moment in time. Would you… Would you like to go take one, together?”

[hatariqueen]

Rafiel couldn’t say something like that and not expect to get a reaction. His kiss was soft and sweet, drawn out like the last echo of a note in a melody. Nailah leaned in close for a kiss of her own once he was done talking, gently sliding a hand up to cup his cheek while she kissed him lovingly but firmly, a spark of insistence behind it as her fingers grazed his hair.

She pulled back only after a few seconds, knowing full well it was a bit of a tease. “Name a night I failed to keep you warm.”

Her nose bumped against his and she laughed, low and amused. Bliss fell short of describing time spent with Rafiel. “Yes, we should see about this device. Perhaps it is not as refined as a painting that takes a true artist to create, but I am most curious about it.”

[hatariqueen]

Poise and Power- White Heron Cup Round 2

Dancing with @earthbound-chorister

Style: 10

Choreography: 5

Technique: 4

Total: 19

“With one victory under our belts, this should be less nerve wracking, right?” It wasn’t about winning, of course. It was about a night of dancing, joy, and beautiful amidst meeting new people.

It was also a little bit about winning. They had their home to represent, after all.

Nailah held Rafiel carefully as they danced in fluid motion with each other. They’d been married for longer than many students at the academy had even been alive, yet she still found herself appreciative of moments spent together like this.

She hoped it never changed.

They gradually spun to a stop, eyes on the judges. Nailah breathed a sigh of  relief, hand still on Rafiel’s shoulder. “We are stylish. As for the rest... I felt in sync with you, so don’t fret.” The true judge of a dance was one’s partner after all. “What did you think? Your opinion is really what I care about.”

@grimalealkin