Eldest Daughter Syndrome

Flora || Part of TOA || PFP by @こよりん on pixiv

[icedflora]

"A very happy holiday!" Camilla handed the icy maid a blue cashmere scarf. "I realize you may not need one but I thought you would enjoy it regardless. Even if you don't wear it you could use it as a table runner or something."

"Lady Camilla!" Flora takes the gift with a stunned expression, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. The material is so soft and delicate in her hands, and the fact that one of her former charges is even giving her a gift, to begin with, has Flora's throat tightening and grey eyes stinging with the threat of tears. She quickly swallows it all back and smiles brightly at Camilla. "I will treasure it, Lady Camilla. I couldn't possibly imagine using it for anything besides its intended purpose, and it will keep me nice and warm, especially if I am to go visit home again. The ice tribe is... well, you know how it is." She chuckles and immediately wraps the scarf around her neck, then curtsies politely. "I apologize for not having anything in return for you, but please, let us get tea together soon. We ought to catch up, and it would delight me to have your company."

[icedflora]

(Catching Up)

October Activity Check: On Hiatus, but met post req. beforehand November Activity Check: Partially On Hiatus, but met post req. afterward December Activity Check: Passed!

Skill Point Allocations:

October: +1 Reason [D -> D+]

November: +1 Reason [D+ -> C]

December: +1 Reason [C (1/2) -> C (2/2)]

Rank Reward: Bolganone (Message ML)

Threads Housekeeping Below:

If you would like to drop a thread OR you don't see your thread listed here, please dm me on discord!

Current Threads:

Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous (Modern AU) || Leo & Flora

Come On, Let’s Run! || Flora and Ike [+1 Heavy Armor]

VeggieTales Got Murdered and God Wants Justice || Jakob & Flora

Mourning Glory || Flora & MCorrin [+1 Faith]

What Makes Us Strong || Flora & Lianne [+1 Sword]

Recipe for Better Rations || Ingrid & Flora

[icedflora]

Mourning Glory || Corrin & Flora

[icedflora]

While she does not want to outright admit that she is glad to not have to wake up and care for her charges any longer, she still feels compelled to do so given that it is all she has ever truly known. It is a constant internal battle between living for others and living for herself, and she is still trying to decide which side of the war she is on. Flora nods her head with a chuckle, though she does not answer honestly aloud. 

Flora turns her attention back to the unblooming flower with a sigh and shakes her head. “I will admit I don’t know much about gardening either. Nohr was never very conducive to plant growth, I’m afraid, so it seems we are both at a disadvantage here…” She blinks, an idea coming to her, and she turns to her former charge with an excited smile. “Perhaps the library will hold some answers for us? Or, at the very least, we can find out more about either the story or the plant care needed to get this flower blooming. Would you like to join me in heading there?”

[duskofendflame]

Corrin sighs softly, she was right. Any Nohrian was probably ill suited to this task. There was no sun, and the land was not as rich as it was in Hoshido, or even the Valla that used to be within the gorge. Being at a disadvantage was putting it lightly.

"The library... oh! Yes! Why didn't I think of that sooner?" For how much he had read in his childhood, it had not been the first thought that had jumped to his mind when he tried to figure out how to solve the riddle of why this flower wasn't growing. He smiles back at Flora - glad to see her smile at all - and stands, grabbing her hand to help pull her up as well.

"That's a wonderful idea! I'm sure there will be at least some answers there! Come on, let's go!" He darts out of the greenhouse, in the direction of the library up the hill, pulling Flora along with him.

If the library didn't have answers, then there wasn't anywhere that would.

[icedflora]

Flora, like many years ago, let Corrin drag her along on whatever adventure he’s set his mind on. She gave up ages ago on fighting against it. It is always better for her to tag along anyway should her former charge end up in any trouble of his creation. The two make their way across campus and up the stairs to the library. They have to pass through some professor’s rooms and Flora fights the urge to peer inside the rooms. She also has to fight off the urge to look behind her towards the room where the Archbishop does her meetings. Flora has yet to catch sight of the woman, but she also likes the sense of mystery surrounding her. 

Once they’re in the library, Flora breaks from Corrin to begin perusing the shelves of books. “Why don’t you start on that side, and I’ll start over here?” She speaks quietly, almost in a whisper, so as not to disturb the other occupants of the library. However, she mentally notes it is mostly old men in stuffy robes, likely members of the Church of Sieros. “We’re looking for anything about gardening and rare plants, but if you see anything that might be about that story about the flower, maybe grab that too, just in case.”

[knightofgalatea]

Recipe For Better Rations

[knightofgalatea]

The official announcement that most of the food resources were being shifted to making rations rather than put towards meals in the dining hall was met poorly. For her part, Ingrid had already begun to suspect it when the food started tasting bland, lacking all the usual spices and flavour so much of the food was normally steeped in. And then the dining hall had stopped serving desserts; no more sweet treats, no more pastries with chunks of fruit and nuts, no more buns with flavoured paste in the centres.

Ingrid would be lying if she said it hadn’t put her in a foul mood. But she had to keep herself in check, could not complain at length the way she wanted to. Knights did not complain about such things, even if what culinary delights the dining hall had in store for her was the highlight of each of her days.

She would just have to visit some of the bakeries and shops in the nearby town to indulge in a delicious meal.

Until those shops closed down temporarily, too, funneling their resources to the monastery to help.

She could not even steal away into the kitchens to try and make any snacks for herself, not with hobbyist cooking banned for the foreseeable future.

She supposed she could find ingredients in her own time, but she had no idea where to start, or what to look for. She loved to eat, but she was still learning to cook.

Ingrid sighed, staring down at the murky broth of the soup the dining hall had served that evening. What she wouldn’t have given for a hearty stew, with potatoes and vegetables and fish and beef. Perhaps some cheese sprinkled along the top, slowly melting into the broth.

She surveyed the dining hall, eyes falling on her fellow students. Their expressions spoke volumes, mirroring her own discontent. Some seemed bored, but others were wrinkled in annoyance, and others spoke of hunger pains making their bellies ache.

Her eyes fell on another student then, hair the soft blue of a blizzard.

“Flora!” Ingrid called, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. “Come sit with me! I need your opinion on the food they’ve been serving!”

@icedflora

[icedflora]

The dining hall—once bustling with students happily chatting and eating delicious meals together—is now a dismal place to be. Everyone sits at the long wooden tables with heads hung low as they look at their skimpy meals provided by the minimal rations allowed in the kitchen. The food issue seems to bleed into the other aspects of the academy, too. Everyone was falling asleep in class, low in energy. Training sessions were lackluster, and people toppled over or lost concentration far more easily than before. Even the staff were crabbier than usual, likely due to their hunger. All around Flora, the campus was growing gloomier, and the epicenter of the problem was right there in the dining hall. 

Flora hears her name called by a classmate and she wracks her brain for half a second to figure out the name of the one calling her. She smiles back and approaches Ingrid, taking an open seat across from her. She leans on the table on her arms to peer into the blonde’s bowl. It’s a soup, but a sorry excuse for one. 

“Goodness, it’s getting worse each day, isn’t it?” Flora sighs and sits back. “I know that the food is being rationed, but would it really kill them to try and use some innovation instead of just boiling scraps and calling it soup?” It feels like an insult to cooking, even despite the circumstances… Surely there is more at their disposal if they just look in the right places…

[liaytolisia]

What Makes Us Strong || Flora & Lianna

[icedflora]

At the professor’s introduction—particularly as foreign royalty—Flora is about to curtsy before the other woman downplays her status. Flora nods and smiles politely, though every fibre of her being is willing her to grab the skirt of her uniform and dip into that proper curtsy. An upbringing as a maid to Nohrian royalty sure did condition her. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Queen Lianna. I will be sure to attend one of your lectures someday soon! I’m sure I will learn valuable skills from you.” Flora makes a mental note to keep the name in mind so that she can adjust her schedule when she has a free class session available. So far, she has used it to have tea and get used to the campus, but perhaps it is time for her to apply herself more as a student. It is, after all, what she came to the school to do: learn. She also makes a note to look up where Aytolis is at the library. 

“Hm?” Flora looks over to the line of students and those already making (and failing) their attempts to pull the sword from the stone, all for naught as they walk away disappointed. She shrugs her shoulders and smiles sheepishly at the professor as she turns back to her. “Oh, well…” She bites the inside of her cheek as she thinks of a proper answer. “I suppose I’m not too inclined to wait in such a long line, and so far no one has had any success. If so many others who are far more capable than me cannot do it, then I don’t feel I would do any better.” She chuckles, trying to remain lighthearted. “If I’m being honest, I can’t imagine that I would be the successful one when so many others here are so strong! I’m starting to learn why Garreg Mach is an incredible place.”

[liaytolisia]

There is a sense that almost seems like Flora is restraining herself from proper greetings, but Lianna is glad that the young woman doesn't do anything that might draw the attention of the crowd. With the sword she had the perfect excuse to snoop around a little bit. Heh... it almost reminded her of when Rowan and her would go around the castle solving little "cases"....

"I look forward to teaching you," she replied with a smile. Introductions complete and the promise of a new student in her lessons, Lianna let her attention turn back to the sword. So, Flora didn't feel like she could pull out the sword if stronger students were unable to do so? Proof of a scam or was the rumour about this sword in a way true? ........

"According to what I've heard about the sword, it's not a question of capability or strength," she hummed, bringing her hand to her chin. "The tale I've heard around is that this "sword of selection" is looking for a worthy wielder to pull it from the stone and will accept no other. That would make it a magic sword then; if it is the truth that is."

Which, truth be told, she was rather sceptical still. This seemed far too ... simple. If it is some great sword then why is it here where some showman can display it and get everyone to attempt to pull it out. No one here was really proving they were worthy of a supposed great sword... but again, her own sword was a dragon's tooth, why COULDN'T a showman's sword stabbed into a stone also be a magic sword?

[icedflora]

Flora perks up a bit at Lianne’s words. “A sword of selection?” She turns back to the sword, looking upon it in a new light. If the sword is charmed to only yield to the one it chooses, then strength has nothing to do with it, which means that Flora has a chance, if even a slim one! Had it been based on strength, Flora would have likely found her sister and had Felicia make an attempt, as her twin was always much better when it came to being strong in every regard. At least, Flora always thought so. “Goodness… Then I suppose anyone could pull the sword from the stone if they are the one the sword chooses.” 

She turns to her new acquaintance (though she hesitates to refer to a professor as such, given that Lianne is in a position of higher authority, never mind her being royalty too) and smiles politely. “If that is the case, then I don’t mind standing in line and waiting. It might be exciting to try at least once, no?” She gestures to the long line of students and staff alike all waiting for their turn. “Would you like to join me in line? I would feel less embarrassed if you accompanied me, professor.”

[icedflora]

VeggieTales Got Murdered and God Wants Justice || Jakob & Flora

@indevouement

One of the largest farms in the Adrestian countryside has recently been ravaged, ruining an entire season’s potential yields. Signs of crops being trampled and rows of plants being burnt to no more than lines of ash suggest sabotage, and so the farmers are pointing fingers at anyone and everyone that could potentially fit the bill of saboteur. If you can’t fix the problem, the farmhands are demanding you at least find the culprit or they’ll find them themselves, but with their pitchforks at the ready. Can their sense of ‘justice’ truly be relied upon right now?

It surprises Flora when she receives a letter of notice that she is being sent on a mission on behalf of Garreg Mach and the Church of Sieros. The signature from the Archbishop at the bottom makes the request feel less like an ask and more like a demand, a sense of duty to fulfill. It leaves a somewhat bitter taste on her tongue reminiscent of times spent being ordered to do things by another person in power. Regardless, Flora packs her bag and heads for the horse stalls to meet with her partner for the mission. 

It should not surprise her to see Jakob arrive with his own bag, ready to take on the mission assigned to them. Flora grabs the reigns of the horse she’ll be using for the trip and leads it out of the stall just in time to spot Jakob approaching. She smiles politely and nods her head in greeting. “Good morning, Jakob. It seems we have quite the task set out for us, and out in the farming regions, no less. How do you feel about it?” She is making light conversation, though she feels that it will only be met with the same Jakob she’s known for so long. He is a no-nonsense sort of man, after all. No time to dilly-dally with chatter when there is a task at hand.

[fadedpagesandworldstages]

╰┈➤ STARTER PROMPTS : Chaste Kisses a set of generic kiss prompts, tailored for fluff & softness ! all sfw ! ** these prompts were written to be a sfw version of the typical kiss prompt ! please keep them that way & do not use them for n.sfw !

please specify if sender or receiver is doing the action, when sending in the prompt !

* a kiss on the cheek, in passing * a tender kiss to each cheek, then to their nose * a kiss on the forehead * a kiss on the top of the head, cupping their face gently * a kiss on the top of the head, after leaning against them * a kiss on the back of their hand, formal yet intimate * a kiss to the back of their hand, before beginning to formally dance ( ex. waltzing ) * a kiss on their palm, then holding their hand against their own face * a kiss on top of a band-aid, to make it feel better * a kiss on top of a bandage, to comfort and apologize * a sweet little kiss to the back of their neck, after doing their hair or fastening a necklace, before letting the hair fall properly into place * a kiss on the corner of their lips * a kiss to their lips, smiling * a kiss to their lips, then breaking away, then returning into the kiss with a happy laugh * throwing themself into an embrace, kissing them with a smile * spinning them around, then kissing them as they set them down * a kiss in the rain after a heartfelt conversation, happy tears that blend with the light sprinkles of rain * a kiss to comfort, kissing each cheek after tenderly wiping tears away * a kiss to the back of their head, as they cuddle * peppering their face with butterfly kisses as they laugh * a kiss to say goodbye, before they leave on a trip * a kiss to their cheek, laughing after leaving a lipstick mark * a quick kiss to their lips, then commenting on their choice of lipgloss/chapstick/etc * a kiss to the forehead, to say goodnight

[icedflora]

Mourning Glory || Corrin & Flora

[icedflora]

“Perhaps I should resume my duties of waking you in the morning? I hope that you don’t sleep in too often, Lord Corrin.” Flora chuckles quietly to herself behind a polite hand covering her mouth as she listens to him chatter away. Perhaps some things never change, and for that Flora is grateful. Should her former charge—one of two twins—have lost his usual spark and cheerful demeanor, Flora would mourn such a loss. Ah, but with the topic of mourning… 

“Oh, the Lady in Mourning…” Flora’s expression falls slightly as she recalls the tale she had just heard. “Well, I have only really overheard, but the story of this flower—” She gestures to the unbloomed flower in question. “Is a tragic tale. It is named after a woman who turned into a beast after her lover killed her, and then she killed him as a beast in her grief.” Flora sighs dejectedly as she recounts the origin story to Corrin. “So, the flower got its name from the story. The plant is supposed to bloom every two hundred years, but for some reason…” She approaches the potted plant that is on the fringes of wilting, and she aches to reach out and touch the delicate petals, as though to offer some kind of encouragement or support for the plant. Maybe it is her namesake—Flora—that calls for her to feel for the flower. 

“For some reason,” she begins again. “It isn’t blooming this time. Instead, it’s beginning to wilt. No one can seem to figure out why.” She frowns and turns to Corrin. “Any ideas? Perhaps we can try to help, somehow…”

[duskofendflame]

"Oh you don't have to get up early for me, dear Flora. I'm sure you've had enough of having to watch over me like that anyway!" Even if he would wish for it, it was time that he took the time to learn how to wake up on time on his own. Though, it made him late to his own classes more often than not, getting it such a habit was a good thing for him!

He follows his former maid's eyes towards the flower, pointed ears listening intently as she recounts the tale behind it. He's not ashamed that tears prick at the corners of his eyes, upon hearing of a woman turned beast. If he had not been stopped then... would he too have killed those that he held dear and ended up like the woman in this story? A lord-in-waiting for someone who would never return?

It moves his heart, but he has always been someone easily swayed by emotions, brought to tears by even the simplest of stories. There was no shame behind it, behind all of the emotions that constantly bubbled in his chest. Surely, there could not be a bad one, so long as he was feeling something.

"I... I would love to help...! But... I... I don't know too much about gardening, though I suppose I didn't have to tell you of all people that, I'm sorry."

[icedflora]

While she does not want to outright admit that she is glad to not have to wake up and care for her charges any longer, she still feels compelled to do so given that it is all she has ever truly known. It is a constant internal battle between living for others and living for herself, and she is still trying to decide which side of the war she is on. Flora nods her head with a chuckle, though she does not answer honestly aloud. 

Flora turns her attention back to the unblooming flower with a sigh and shakes her head. “I will admit I don’t know much about gardening either. Nohr was never very conducive to plant growth, I’m afraid, so it seems we are both at a disadvantage here…” She blinks, an idea coming to her, and she turns to her former charge with an excited smile. “Perhaps the library will hold some answers for us? Or, at the very least, we can find out more about either the story or the plant care needed to get this flower blooming. Would you like to join me in heading there?”

[ofradiances]

Come on, let's run!

[icedflora]

As soon as Flora gives in to her fate of being roped into the little race, she cannot help the spark of competitiveness that flows through her veins, thrumming under her skin in a way that she has not felt in some time. After so many years of working to be the best at what she does (only to always be overshadowed by Jakob, as he was, of course, a far better and more dedicated caretaker of their shared Lords), Flora finds herself aiming for the win. Thankfully, the partner she has been assigned seems rather capable, albeit far taller than herself. While the height difference may prove to be a clumsy obstacle, surely they can adjust and overcome it to win! 

At his friendly question, Flora offers her own smile and nods her head. “I believe so, yes! Ah, I apologize! I have yet to introduce myself. How impolite.” She holds out her free hand to him, although they are already tied to one another by their arm and leg. She cannot help but chuckle a bit at the awkward maneuvering required just to introduce herself. If she were not tied to him physically, she would curtsy as is proper. “I am Flora from Nohr, specifically the Ice Tribe. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope that we can achieve victory together! I will do my best not to slow you down.”

[ofradiances]

She definitely looks competitive. That gets Ike in a good mood. He wants to win this, likes to prove himself. If they don't win it won't be the end of the world or anything. But he likes winning. He assumes most people do.

He's feeling good about this. Of course he might trip and fall on his face. Anything could happen. But he's feeling good.

She also seems friendly. He's kind of a reserved guy and she seems a little awkward too but he doesn't mind that at all. Never one to judge someone based on superficial stuff like that. Actions are more important anyway.

He shakes her free hand with his own. It's a funny angle to be at. "Flora. It's nice to meet you."

He's never heard of Nohr. He's never heard of a lot of places though.

"I'm Ike. Leader of the Greil Mercenaries." Affiliation over homeland. He owes himself to people not places. "I'm sure you won't slow me down. I bet you're tougher than you look, aren't you? We can handle this easily."

[icedflora]

Flora’s eyes widen slightly when the man tied to her by the leg reveals himself to be a mercenary, but she does her best to compose her expression and keep from showing the surprise on her face. Instead, she nods and shakes his hand with a trained polite smile. “It is nice to meet you, Ike.” From the rough feel of his hand, there is no wonder he is a mercenary. Though she’s spent her life working as a maid, she still did her best to take care of her hands—the tools of her craft for so long. Without proper hands, how could she possibly properly care for her charges? 

She feels a bit reassured by his encouragement and nods her head again. “Yes, I suppose I am stronger than I look.” She chuckles, but before she can add any more to the conversation, the person in charge of the race calls for everyone’s attention. Then, there is a preparatory whistle, and Flora links her arm through Ike’s to give them better stability, poising herself to be ready to take off at the next whistle. “Let’s win this!”

[princepsumbra]

Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous (Modern AU)

[icedflora]

The sweltering heat of summer pervades over Cyrkensia and Flora cannot be more thankful that she gets to spend her daylight hours inside the sanctuary of the air-conditioned Ministralis Country Club. She aches for the year-round chill winds of her small home village in the snowy mountains, but alas, money must be made and debts must be paid. This job at the country club is only a brief respite from her normal duties as a personal assistant for one of the Kolstad family’s adult children: Leon (or, as he insists on being called, Leo). 

Flora greatly prefers the professional dress code she adheres to while working for Leo to the uncomfortable uniform the country club forces their employees into. Instead of a simple blouse and skirt or slacks she normally dons, she is forced to wear an uncomfortable, white polo shirt with the country club’s logo on it and white slacks. She prefers to wear darker colors, oftentimes simply opting for a monochromatic wardrobe of greys and black with the occasional accent of white. To be wearing all white… well, she feels a bit ridiculous. It’s a fashion faux pas, in her eyes. 

A drawn-out sigh escapes her as she enters the lobby of the country club from outside, awaiting the next rich vacationer to demand her assistance. The automatic doors slide open and Flora looks over, grey-irised eyes widening at the sight of her normal charge family entering the building. Her gaze immediately moves past Garon—a ruthless businessman, that one—and follows Leo as he makes a beeline for one of the couches in the lobby area. She chuckles softly at his antisocial nature, but clears her throat and moves to stand in front of the desk where the rest of the family lingers. 

“Lovely as always to see you, sir. I will arrange for your suites to be arranged accordingly. They should be ready in an hour, if not sooner,” she greets from amongst the other team of employees, her tone polite and quiet. Flora immediately gets to work behind the desk, already used to not receiving any kind of acknowledgment from Garon. She is but a buzzing, annoying fly left over from a business deal to him, after all. She types away at the computer, making sure that everything is as it needs to be for the family to check into their rooms. She, of course, makes sure to place Leo in a corner room so he has one less neighbor to deal with during his stay. She can at least do that for him, with her limited authority here. She glances up from the computer to Leo, wondering what book he’s decided to bring along with him this time.

[princepsumbra]

Green eyes flick up at the movement behind the front desk. Relief fills him as Flora strides in, out of place wearing the all-white uniform required of the club. Perhaps he'll make a well-placed suggestion to club management this year about updating staff uniforms.

Placing his thumb between the pages, he lets his book fall closed, standing when she speaks. Leo re-shoulders his backpack and gives her a nod. "Thank you, Flora. Always a pleasure to see you as well." He lets her type away without interruption, confident he's in good hands.

Only when she looks up does he speak again. "What do you think of the new decor? Quite the upgrade." He shifts his weight, book falling back into her line of sight. A black fabric cover obscures any identifying marks. His family assumes he uses such covers as a way to preserve the integrity of his hardcovers; while true, it also allows him to read his botany books in peace.

"Another one for school," he answers her silent question, removing his thumb and moving it behind his back. It's technically not a lie--his family also doesn't know he enrolled in one plant science class for the upcoming semester. Father merely signs the checks, for what reason would he have to believe that Leo wasn't following his degree path to the letter?

He glances at the other staff members. "New employees for the season?" They stiffen under his scrutiny, one girl immediately hovering her hands over her keyboard in an attempt to look busy. "I trust you'll whip them into shape soon enough." His voices lowers at this last, a hint of amusement threading through the words. Part of the reason he hired Flora as his assistant was her impeccable worth ethic.

"Do let me know if you have any issues."

[icedflora]

Flora looks around the lobby at the decor at Leo’s prompting, and she nods her head with a small smile. “The decor is certainly a nice upgrade. It’s more… modern, I would say.” The previous interior decoration style was rather old-school, dated, and dusty. With the renovations came a new sense of modernity that made the country club feel brand new. Had she been subjected to working the summer in some place that would make her sneeze every few minutes, she is sure she would have quit after only a couple of weeks. Call her weak-willed, but she has to have standards. 

When Leo mentions that the book is for school, answering the question she did not give voice to, she smiles knowingly. If he is enraptured by the content within those pages, surely it is a book that has to do with his secretive passion for flora and fauna and the science behind both. She feels a bit privileged to be in on the secret, and she always makes sure to value the trust Leo has put in her. 

At the mention of the new employees, Flora chuckles and nods her head. “I have already given them the proper training in anticipation of your family’s arrival.” She leans forward a bit, lowering her voice to a more private volume and bringing her hand to the side of her mouth to hide her lips should anyone try to read them from the side. “Especially concerning your father.” She offers a reassuring smile as best she can without cracking into a grin. Keeping her voice low, she continues. “By the way, there's been some new landscaping around the entire property. In particular, there's a new indoor garden I will be happy to point you to. A nice place to enjoy a cup of tea while you study hard, of course.”

She looks to the left and right, then adds in a whisper. “If I recall correctly, there is a beautiful desert rose in bloom there that I think you’d like to see. I made sure to keep an eye out while they built the garden for anything that I thought you might find interesting for your studies. Though, I couldn't very well steal them to put in your room, now could I?” Call it her own form of rebellion against her employer, but she did find joy in helping Leo pursue his true passions.

[icedflora]

Return from Hiatus on 11/25

[princepsumbra]

Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous (Modern AU)

[princepsumbra]

starter for: @icedflora

Summer remains his least favorite season.

Everything is too bright, too warm, too intense. The muted tones of winter and fall suit him far better--even the early days of spring are quite pleasant. Until heat begins dogging spring's heels, the scent of freshly bloomed flowers slowly becoming replaced with that of newly cut grass and citrus.

The changing scents also herald a time honored tradition in his family: summering in Cyrkensia.

Leo doesn't flinch against the blast of cold air as he walks through the automatic doors. It sends his bangs ruffling, but he ignores the sensation, opting to instead take in the front lobby from behind his sunglasses.

Ministralis Country Club has remodeled in the last year, replacing old worn out couches with new, sleek leather designs. The art on the walls has changed as well. Professional photographs of the nearby beach, he thinks, squinting at the nearest one. A much needed upgrade, in his opinion. Their decor has changed little over the many years, most of the now-departed items dating back to his childhood.

Perhaps the polo grounds received an upgrade this year as well. Leo almost turns over his shoulder, a reminder on the tip of his tongue, before remembering his personal assistant has agreed to work at this very club for the summer. Yet another reason to resent it, he thinks bitterly.

Leo trails behind his family, nodding at the new reception desk team when he passes, noting their faces for future reference. He checks his watch. Another hour until they can settle into their suites--check-in times don't budge for any man, no matter their tax bracket.

Uninterested in keeping up a conversation, Leo claims one of the couches and slips his backpack off his shoulders. He unzips it, fishing out his sunglasses case and placing his black frames inside. Once put back in their place, he finds the book he'd brought for such an occasion as this and flips it open.

[icedflora]

The sweltering heat of summer pervades over Cyrkensia and Flora cannot be more thankful that she gets to spend her daylight hours inside the sanctuary of the air-conditioned Ministralis Country Club. She aches for the year-round chill winds of her small home village in the snowy mountains, but alas, money must be made and debts must be paid. This job at the country club is only a brief respite from her normal duties as a personal assistant for one of the Kolstad family’s adult children: Leon (or, as he insists on being called, Leo). 

Flora greatly prefers the professional dress code she adheres to while working for Leo to the uncomfortable uniform the country club forces their employees into. Instead of a simple blouse and skirt or slacks she normally dons, she is forced to wear an uncomfortable, white polo shirt with the country club’s logo on it and white slacks. She prefers to wear darker colors, oftentimes simply opting for a monochromatic wardrobe of greys and black with the occasional accent of white. To be wearing all white… well, she feels a bit ridiculous. It’s a fashion faux pas, in her eyes. 

A drawn-out sigh escapes her as she enters the lobby of the country club from outside, awaiting the next rich vacationer to demand her assistance. The automatic doors slide open and Flora looks over, grey-irised eyes widening at the sight of her normal charge family entering the building. Her gaze immediately moves past Garon—a ruthless businessman, that one—and follows Leo as he makes a beeline for one of the couches in the lobby area. She chuckles softly at his antisocial nature, but clears her throat and moves to stand in front of the desk where the rest of the family lingers. 

“Lovely as always to see you, sir. I will arrange for your suites to be arranged accordingly. They should be ready in an hour, if not sooner,” she greets from amongst the other team of employees, her tone polite and quiet. Flora immediately gets to work behind the desk, already used to not receiving any kind of acknowledgment from Garon. She is but a buzzing, annoying fly left over from a business deal to him, after all. She types away at the computer, making sure that everything is as it needs to be for the family to check into their rooms. She, of course, makes sure to place Leo in a corner room so he has one less neighbor to deal with during his stay. She can at least do that for him, with her limited authority here. She glances up from the computer to Leo, wondering what book he’s decided to bring along with him this time.

[ofradiances]

Come on, let's run!

[ofradiances]

The winter had students and faculty alike feeling restless, and now that spring is in the air the church has organized a few activities for everyone to join in on. One of these activities is an obstacle course… with a twist, of course. (...) Will you join in the fun? Or perhaps you will judge and make sure no one is cheating? [Grants Heavy Armor +1]

Now this honestly seemed like a fun activity. Ike had never done anything like this before but he could certainly grasp not just the concept but why it would be so challenging. Having to coordinate with someone on such a level would make it interesting. More interesting still, they seemed to be assigning partners at random.

Good for endurance training, he assumed. And making it unconventional could make it more appealing to students who would otherwise shirk endurance training.

The woman Ike was paired up with seemed capable enough. Focused. This would be fun. The hardest part of this would likely be the disparity in their heights but even that probably wouldn't be too bad. He was good at sizing people up and she definitely seemed a competent, if a little uncertain in her bearing.

He offered her a friendly smile to try and maybe lessen that feeling. "So, do you think we can win this?"

What would matter more was fun he figured but to try to win was in his nature.

@icedflora

[icedflora]

As soon as Flora gives in to her fate of being roped into the little race, she cannot help the spark of competitiveness that flows through her veins, thrumming under her skin in a way that she has not felt in some time. After so many years of working to be the best at what she does (only to always be overshadowed by Jakob, as he was, of course, a far better and more dedicated caretaker of their shared Lords), Flora finds herself aiming for the win. Thankfully, the partner she has been assigned seems rather capable, albeit far taller than herself. While the height difference may prove to be a clumsy obstacle, surely they can adjust and overcome it to win! 

At his friendly question, Flora offers her own smile and nods her head. “I believe so, yes! Ah, I apologize! I have yet to introduce myself. How impolite.” She holds out her free hand to him, although they are already tied to one another by their arm and leg. She cannot help but chuckle a bit at the awkward maneuvering required just to introduce herself. If she were not tied to him physically, she would curtsy as is proper. “I am Flora from Nohr, specifically the Ice Tribe. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope that we can achieve victory together! I will do my best not to slow you down.”

[icedflora]

Mourning Glory || Corrin & Flora

[icedflora]

@duskofendflame [+1 Faith Prompt]

As luck would have it, Flora arrives at Garreg Mach and immediately finds something to occupy herself: keeping a dying plant from perishing. Upon hearing that there is a greenhouse on campus, Flora decides to take a look inside. Back home in the Ice Tribe—and Nohr in general—plant life is rather hard to come by. The greenhouse is bustling with students more familiar with the chores required and Flora keeps to the side out of the way of their paths. Instead, she eavesdrops as she gazes upon the existing plant life blooming from the soil-filled planters.

The plant that demands everyone’s attention—the Lady-in-Mourning—is supposed to be in bloom. The plant is named after a tragic folk tale of a woman-turned-beast fueled by grief and heartbreak and her lover who slain her, and she to him in return, the pair tied together by their mutual deaths. Every two hundred years, the flower blooms in their memory, but this year the flower’s delicate petals are falling frail and wilting before they can achieve true beauty in bloom. The entirety of the tale has Flora bringing a handkerchief to her eye and wiping away the tears that threaten to fall as she hears the story from the frantic greenhouse occupants.

Flora turns to make her exit but stops when she sees her former charge. Out of habit, she bows her head and curtsies to Corrin with a polite smile on her face, sniffling a bit. “Good morning, Lord Corrin. What brings you here today? Seeing the Lady in Mourning, too?”

[duskofendflame]

Waking up late was one thing, but waking up late on a day where you were supposed to be doing a certain duty at a certain time was another entirely. Bare feet skid to a halt against cold stone, just in front of the greenhouse, calloused from the desperate run from his quarters all the way over here.

It wasn't often that Kamui wished that he was still able to be woken up by his twin maids, but it certainly was needed sometimes.

And speak of the ice queen and she should perhaps appear. Or something like that. Because he certainly finds himself staring down the ocean haired one of the duo, flashing her a bright smile.

"What's the Lady in Mourning? I'm only here to assist in the greenhouse for the day, haha. Have to earn my keep, don't I? Though... it probably would have helped if I hadn't woken up so late. I'm sure they don't even expect I would show up at this point. But I am a man of my word! I would never abandon someone after I promised to help! Even if... I don't really know anything about plants at all."

[icedflora]

“Perhaps I should resume my duties of waking you in the morning? I hope that you don’t sleep in too often, Lord Corrin.” Flora chuckles quietly to herself behind a polite hand covering her mouth as she listens to him chatter away. Perhaps some things never change, and for that Flora is grateful. Should her former charge—one of two twins—have lost his usual spark and cheerful demeanor, Flora would mourn such a loss. Ah, but with the topic of mourning… 

“Oh, the Lady in Mourning…” Flora’s expression falls slightly as she recalls the tale she had just heard. “Well, I have only really overheard, but the story of this flower—” She gestures to the unbloomed flower in question. “Is a tragic tale. It is named after a woman who turned into a beast after her lover killed her, and then she killed him as a beast in her grief.” Flora sighs dejectedly as she recounts the origin story to Corrin. “So, the flower got its name from the story. The plant is supposed to bloom every two hundred years, but for some reason…” She approaches the potted plant that is on the fringes of wilting, and she aches to reach out and touch the delicate petals, as though to offer some kind of encouragement or support for the plant. Maybe it is her namesake—Flora—that calls for her to feel for the flower. 

“For some reason,” she begins again. “It isn’t blooming this time. Instead, it’s beginning to wilt. No one can seem to figure out why.” She frowns and turns to Corrin. “Any ideas? Perhaps we can try to help, somehow…”

[liaytolisia]

What Makes Us Strong || Flora & Lianna

[icedflora]

The growing crowd of onlookers and line of those willing to test their strength catches Flora's eye as she makes her way across the massive campus to the marketplace. She has been at Garreg Mach for several days now and still she cannot comprehend the size of this place. She thinks of the Nohrian Castle, a place she knows like the back of her own hand, and how its size seems similar to this enormous school.

Flora startles slightly when someone speaks to her, and she quickly whips her head to look at the woman who approaches her. Her cheeks tint pink with embarrassment at the very thought of making her own attempt at pulling the sword out of its home in stone.

"Oh, goodness no, I couldn't possibly try that," she replies, waving her hand dismissively as though to swat away the notion entirely. With a sheepish smile, Flora curtsies slightly, a form of greeting purely habitual for the former maid. "And yes, I am Flora. I apologize, but I must ask for your name although you know mine. I am embarrassed to admit I do not know it."

[liaytolisia]

Smiling gently, Lianna hummed apologetically when she realises she startled the other. She raised her hand and rested it over her chest. Yes, she supposed she was at the advantage here since she knew Flora's name. Slipping into a short but still polite curtsey in return, Lianna introduced herself.

"My name is Lianna, Queen of Aytolis," she hummed. "Though here in Fodlán, I am simply a visiting instructor. Perhaps you might come to one of my lessons some time."

She glanced back at the sword in the stone with a tiny frown. Even if Flora wasn't here to try pulling the sword, there were still plenty of others who were trying, clearly finding some truth, or at least, belief, in the story that had spread around. She wanted to get to the bottom of it.

"Why don't you think you could try it?" she asked Flora curiously. Did Flora not believe it, or did she not believe in herself?

[icedflora]

At the professor’s introduction—particularly as foreign royalty—Flora is about to curtsy before the other woman downplays her status. Flora nods and smiles politely, though every fibre of her being is willing her to grab the skirt of her uniform and dip into that proper curtsy. An upbringing as a maid to Nohrian royalty sure did condition her. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Queen Lianna. I will be sure to attend one of your lectures someday soon! I’m sure I will learn valuable skills from you.” Flora makes a mental note to keep the name in mind so that she can adjust her schedule when she has a free class session available. So far, she has used it to have tea and get used to the campus, but perhaps it is time for her to apply herself more as a student. It is, after all, what she came to the school to do: learn. She also makes a note to look up where Aytolis is at the library. 

“Hm?” Flora looks over to the line of students and those already making (and failing) their attempts to pull the sword from the stone, all for naught as they walk away disappointed. She shrugs her shoulders and smiles sheepishly at the professor as she turns back to her. “Oh, well…” She bites the inside of her cheek as she thinks of a proper answer. “I suppose I’m not too inclined to wait in such a long line, and so far no one has had any success. If so many others who are far more capable than me cannot do it, then I don’t feel I would do any better.” She chuckles, trying to remain lighthearted. “If I’m being honest, I can’t imagine that I would be the successful one when so many others here are so strong! I’m starting to learn why Garreg Mach is an incredible place.”

[icedflora]

September Activity Check: Passed

Point Allocation: Sword +1

New Rank: D+ (3 points total)

[icedflora]

Spilling Midnight Tea || Líf & Flora

[icedflora]

Despite being of age and the next in line to inherit the chiefdom of the Ice Tribe, Flora is still a student, and as such she knows fully well when she is lacking. She often spends countless star-lit hours of late-night thinking of how she is lacking—of the ways in which she could be compared to others and how much more successful they are than she is. After all, here she is at Garregh Mach as a mere student studying how to become better when her very own twin sister is a professor leading classes. Jakob, too, excels and soars beyond her. When Flora decided to stay in the Ice Tribe and not fight beside the others she grew up alongside, did she brand herself a coward, then? A weakling? Indeed, that much is true.

In the lonesome hours of the night, Flora takes walks. She much prefers the quiet when everyone else has gone to bed to rest their weary heads for the coming day of study and work. When the clock chimes the midnight hour, that is when Flora is comfortable enough to be out and about, as there are fewer around to ask her for something. As a maid, she lived to serve her lieges. Now as the next Chief, she finds herself at a loss of how to ask others for anything, let alone help.

In her short stay thus far at the Academy, Flora at least has the diligence to know who the professors are. She tucks the reminder that her sister and Jakob are both professors into the back of her mind to wallow about later. For now, she wracks her brain and recalls the name of this particular professor she spots in the courtyard where she often likes to sit and drink tea. With a tea tray in hand, she approaches the looming, larger man.

"Professor Líf," she greets politely in a quiet voice so as not to disturb the peace of the night. "You're up late. Care for some tea?" She waits, hesitates, and does not sit down yet. She will not without invitation to do so, too trained to stay on her feet and dote on others before allowing herself the chance to do something for herself, for once.

@sokkvaria