Knight in Training

Ashe Ubert || FE:3H Written by Remus TOA rp || CLOSED muse

[knightlyvaliance]

atypicalsenerio​:

New Tradition [Open]

Toa open starter!

It’s been a couple of weeks in the making, but a lull in schoolwork has finally made this possible. Some of the students choose to tackle last year’s events with light-hearted humor, resulting in Garreg Mach’s first ever “Glad-To-Be-Alive” party! When you arrive in the classroom it’s hosted in, you see a cozy little get-together with handmade decorations and the smell of dinner in the air. After saying what you are thankful for, everyone is to feast on a whole (small) roasted chicken, something that the students claim is their new Officers Academy tradition.

He just wanted a place to study.

Soren didn’t pay much attention to social events around campus. He still felt tired from the dance some days, and preferred to keep to himself and throw himself into his studies with most of his spare time. It was how he’d always been, and would probably keep being.

He didn’t register that anything was amiss until he opened the classroom door to the smell of roast chicken. The classroom that he thought was going to be empty. Of course, they would use the Golden Deer classroom for this sort of thing.

By then, it was too late to flee. Soren turned to leave but another student stepped in front of him- perhaps not meaning to get in his way, but to be welcoming. “Hey, this is for everyone, you don’t have to go!”

Soren grimaced. “I have work to do-”

Another student came up on his other side. “We made food for just about everyone and we don’t want it to go to waste- we’d be happy to have you!”

He doubted that, but Soren turned to look at the table of food. The classroom was bustling with activity and plenty of students milling around or sitting down, chatting and laughing over the banquet. He would have more peace in the dining hall, but he was hungry, and it was right there… He found himself torn between his lack of social energy and the sheer convenience of being able to eat dinner without making another side trip. “Fine.”

Soren sat in an empty seat, bookbag at his feet. He wasn’t allowed to eat quite yet- no, they were all saying what they were thankful for. He drew a blank at first, and he was quiet the first few seconds as everyone stared at him.

‘Nothing’ would fit his mood, but he supposed he could come up with something. “Ike.”

With that, he could get to work on the entire chicken in front of him. He stabbed into the breast meat of it with a thrust of spiteful vengeance, still hearing Gofannon’s echoing screeches in his mind. He took a bite and had to admit it was good, and he relaxed just a fraction, looking at it again and sizing it up.

“I can’t possibly finish it, though…”

Winter was in full swing at Garreg Mach, to the point that even with a large coat on, he couldn’t help but feel the cold at the very core of him. Ashe’s cheeks were flushed pink, and his nose red, but he was determined to get his errands taken care of every day all the same.  With the break in classes, he’s able to spend more time hovering about the kitchens, and he’s sure the chef’s had just about enough of him. He had gotten under foot just one too many times today, and with an exasperated plea, he was asked to please go and enjoy the break with the other students. 

So he leaves, sheepishly as he grabs a warm roll, nibbling on it as he wanders the monastery. Not necessarily aimless, but in search of something to do. He knows many of his classmates are gone to spend the holiday with their family, and Ashe considered doing much the same. However, the journey back home to Gaspard is long and arduous, and renting a carriage or a horse still costs a pretty penny, so he promises his siblings in a letter that they’d celebrate together when the academy lets out.

The merriment almost calls to him through the slightly ajar doors to the Golden Deer classroom. He was passing through the hall just next to it’s doors, and sees the lights on, and he’s... intrigued. He doesn’t know much about the Golden Deer, or it’s members, but from a distance they all seem just lovely. Were they throwing a party? He creeps closer, and pokes his head in, and is instantly greeted and all but dragged inside. The warmth urges him to stay, and he happily obliges. The food is in abundance, and as he’s ushered off to the table he’s sat next to a boy with brown, long hair who seems almost angry at the chicken in front of him. 

A quick glance his way, as Ashe loads up his own plate. “The monastery?” he offers himself, after a moment. “After all, I’ve been learning a lot at my time here at the Academy. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be here and study, and I know I’ve grown so much in the last six months.” He looks back to the other, as he stares down at the chicken, and laughs. There’s no malice behind it, and the archer can’t help but smile. “I can take some, if you need? Probably one of the biggest hens I’ve seen in awhile -- I have no clue how they convinced the kitchens to help make all of this together.”

He offers a hand out, a little cramped in the table space. “I’m Ashe. Ah, Ubert. From the Blue Lions. This is your house, right?”

[knightlyvaliance]

Headcanons, pt 1

Family & Extensions  

*Mentions of racially motivated murder

Ashe was the first born child of Johanna and Augustus Ubert, followed shorly by the twins -- Sophia and Alexander (Sasha).

While it was widely known they had little money and could hardly support their small family, the Uberts were known to be a generous, warm-hearted, and kind family. They were known to never turn away a hungry face when there were no coins to spare, and extended their help to their neighbors when times were tough. They, with many of the community, would help build barns, restore burned roofs, and spare an extra silver coin or two when it was in need. 

The children were all expected to help in the bakery and in the domestic life at home. As a result, Ashe has several skills including baking, cooking, and other small cleaning tasks like laundry and ironing, mopping, etc. He never minded it much, as his mother would come up with elaborate stories to tell while they worked, and it made the time go by faster.

They were particularly close with their next door neighbors; a small restaurant to compliment their even smaller bakery. It was an elderly Duscurian couple, and Ashe never knew why their shop stayed mostly empty when the smell that came from their windows was heavenly. 

Their friendship started out small; the elderly man came by one day with an offer of some spiced chicken in exchange for bread, which slowly became a regular thing. They would trade end of the day sweet rolls and baguettes and sandwich loaves for a steaming hot meal, and some days would even dine together in their restaurant, sharing and swapping  in their own little potluck. 

Ashe never knew their names formerly, the names they called them was a form of “Grandmother” and “Grandfather” in the duscur langauge. The elderly woman would watch them when his parents went to farmers markets and other, smaller festivals nearby in an attempt to earn some extra money. She always had the best tea, small sweets to munch on, and they would sit on their living room floor and play some game on a checkered board while moving tile pieces across the spaces. 

The plague spread rampant through their town, and by the grace of the Goddess, Ashe and his siblings did not fall ill. However, the same could not be said for his parents. They were felled by the sickness, and as a result were taken in by the elderly couple next door while their home life was sorted out. 

Shortly after, the Tragedy of Duscur occurred, and his  favorite people quickly turned into the most hated in their village, and he didn’t understand why. The details weren’t explained until he was much older, but he still did not agree with it. 

When it happened, Ashe was gone at the market trying to haggle the fishmonger into a lower price. He’s upset and grateful at the same time, because he doesn’t think he could’ve stomached it, but some man he recalls from church tells him they made a spectacle of those foreigners in the square.

He’s lucky enough for a third chance at a family, under house Gaspard. Breaking in to steal some silver, he finds the most elaborate library and is caught redhanded. Instead of arresting him, he and his siblings are taken under his wing. It doesn’t take long before he starts to look up to Lonato and Christophe as role models; they have money but are generous with it, and do what they can to help the territory around them. But he knows many are still going hungry just on the other side of the walls. He’s given a real education, and for once they never have to fall asleep with only crusts of bread in their stomach, and there’s a big part of him that thinks.. This is too good to be true. That they’ll be turned out at any day, so he tries to make himself as useful as possible. 

[knightlyvaliance]

bloomstride​:​

She can’t argue with that– Ashe’s words instill further motivation into the aspiring mage: “You’re right! If I know one thing, it’s that people like to hear honesty.” Annette, too, felt that way. The truthfulness of the present and the acknowledgement of the past cross her mind as she speaks. She hopes for it in more ways than one, but now isn’t the time to reminisce on what she has lost and what she yearns to recover. She feels she’ll be able to accomplish this task more than easily with her fellow Blue Lion. In fact, she’s hoping it will all go rather smoothly! But first.. She has to see what they’re up against.

It’s time for them to act! Leaving the front of the gate, she steps down towards where the crowd has amassed. It doesn’t take long for Annette to see that they’ve flocked around two people who seem to be orchestrating the whole ordeal. She isn’t sure where exactly to begin, but she doesn’t want to waste any more time wandering around when there’s work to be done. After all, she does pride herself in her studies and aiding others.

Yet, even before they can intervene, the two leaders quickly notice Ashe and Annette: “You’re both students here, aren’t you?” One of them says as they gesture towards the two. She bobs her head, hands laying loosely at her sides: “.. Yes! Yes, we sure are! Is there something we can help with? Maaaybe.. To ease your minds?” First and foremost, they need to learn the root of their dilemma. It’s apparent enough they’re unhappy with something, but what exactly?

The person next to them chimes in gesturing behind the two and towards the monastery: “If you want to ‘ease our minds’ so badly, go in there and get the Archbishop! The church promised peace to my land family many years ago, and you know what we’ve got? None of that! If you’re students, you must know what’s going on.”

@knightlyvaliance

It’s hard to feel seen in front of a crowd, especially with both of their shorter statures. But they go to the front of the near-mob with a mission in their minds while the church officials gather into something more..appropriate. People were scared, and he could understand that. They wanted answers. He puffs out a long breath and steels himself, trying to look something more important than he really was. 

Annette starts the talk, but it’s clear almost immediately the crowd would not be coddled. They wouldn’t accept just the two of them-- nobodies. He casts a worried look to Annette, and the crowd grows louder as their murmurs of agreement and worry rise on top of each other.

“Please, everyone!” he says loudly, and internally winces at the slightest crack in his voice. “The archbishop will be here to address you all soon, I’m sure--” he glances briefly back towards the tower of the monastery where she typically resided. “I know the situation out in the villages have grown more dire. The bandits and thieves are coming more frequently, and you don’t feel safe. The Church has been dispatching us as soon as the alert is given, so we try to mitigate the problem. I know it’s not a solution to what’s causing it but---” 

A slight frown. “Archbishop Rhea and her aid Seteth are at work around the clock to try and bring as much peace to Fodlan as they reasonably can.” He has to be careful not to bring up the increased attacks inside the monastery as well. He casts yet another worried glance to Annette, and clasps his hands behind his back to keep from fidgeting too much. 

“There’s something they aren’t telling us,” one of the townspeople cried from the middle of the crowd. “That’s why no one’s addressed this issue, they don’t want to face us! Is the Archbishop even still alive, or are they just pretending to be her!”

Ashe blinks in shock. “The Archbishop -- she’s very much ALIVE, I promise--” they were starting to panic, and Ashe could feel the small bit of control slipping through their fingers.

[knightlyvaliance]

thyrosus​:

“I AM AWARE OF SUCH A TALE, although it has been a good many years since I’ve read it.” Lorenz wracks his brain, peering down at the boy as he fixates on one in a sea of several scattered between them. It was likely well before he’d visited Faerghus proper for the first time, and while it is by no means a light tome, it is still closer to a fable than anything that has piqued his interest in years. Still: it is a classic for a reason. “My time has been spent on theory books, as of late—specifically, on more advanced methods of spellcasting. But your hunger for anything on the written page is admirable. Poetry, too, is a grand love of mine; should you ever find yourself wanting for recommendations of older classics.”

The matter of efficiency wins out in the end. Lorenz finds himself bending down to begin to set the fallen books at his feet to rights, smoothing creases where they’ve formed, inspecting spines to make sure no damages were done in the fall. (It is hard to discern such damages from typical wear-and-tear of time and decades of students before them, but nothing looks fresh and telling.) There, bent down to a more personable level, Lorenz studies the other boy, flushed cheeks and unfamiliar except for a singular name. “Lonato? Lord Lonato of Gaspard?” Not that Lorenz is familiar, personally. His house does not have business with Western Faerghus, at least not within his father’s lifetime. No more knowledge than merely keeping his ear to the ground  and making sure nothing catches him unawares, as he is now.

Everything Lorenz can conjure in his memory related is not—pleasant, so he chooses his words carefully, offering a stack of three books saved from their fall:

“I was not aware you were under his patronage. I am not properly acquainted, but I know of him; word on the winds espouse his generosity.”

Eyebrows arch upwards in surprise at his comment. “You’ve heard of them?” He supposes he can’t be too surprised, but he always assumed the countries stayed fairly...segregated, all things considered. Or perhaps that was just due to his lack of means growing up. They never had the money to travel to another country, and so what he knew of Leicester and the Empire are limited only to the travel journals he’s read. “They’re a good bit of fun, aren’t they? I know they’re not necessarily true, or may just be exaggerated but.. They always seem so...HEROIC. Daring swordfights, moonlight kisses, a grand spell to break...” he sighs, almost a little dreamily. “I can get lost in them.”

He’s never been much of a spell caster, but the theory books spark his interest nonetheless. “Oh? One of my classmates, Annette?” he glances up at the other, “she’s a pretty great spellcaster. Went to the school in Faerghus and everything, but she’s always reading those kinds of books. If there’s a certain spell you’re looking for-- I think.. She’s mainly wind, but.. she may be able to help you out as well.” The gray haired boy never got into much poetry, the flowery language seemed to drag it out longer than it needed, but he never liked to turn down someone else’s favorites. 

“If you have any titles on hand, I’d certainly never say no, but I haven’t done much reading of poetry -- If you have anything like.. the poetry epics? Those always seem neat.” 

The purple haired noble crouches down to assist him, and his pile of books is starting to return to its former glory, statuesque in nature. His adoptive father’s name and title’s spoken, and he looks a bit startled, green eyes jumping up. “Ah, yes. Lord Lonato.” He stands with a heft of books under his arm, and he gives an almost shy smile. “He is very generous, I can certainly confirm...” he trails off. “I’m..” It’s one of those moments, that he realizes he needs to start presenting himself more formerly as the heir, if he’s ever to govern the territory when his adoptive father has past. 

“He was most gracious, and took my siblings and I under his roof and adopted us as our own.” His shoulders square a little bit. “His son, Christophe, just met an untimely death, this past summer, so I’ve been named the next heir. It’s why he’s sent me to this academy.”

[knightlyvaliance]

elegiac-boar​:

Spring was one of Dimitri’s favourite seasons- but only outside of Faerghus, or at the very least outside of Fhirdiad. Books talking about the lovely blooms in Adrestia’s warmer lands, green fields with pollen in the air and the sun peeking through as a warm breeze starts to settle in. Animals just coming out of their hiding places, butterflies out of their coccoons, it all seemed very beautiful, almost dreamlike. But of course, his homeland was a little different.

Flowers bloomed, but slowly as they pushed snow out of their leaves. Grass was left to reborn from the permafrost, animals took a little longer to reveal themselves and even then they spent most of their newfound freedom eating to replenish winter’s hibernation. The sky alternated between a bright yet neutral light gray and a cold but open blue. The ground was forever wet and a bit gross, with leftover snow and mud.

Of course, given enough time even Faerghus could be beautiful in spring, but it took a while. That being said however, the sight of flowers alone were enough to please the prince.

An old legend about weaving a garland for the one you love as a token of affection and a promise for the future…or something along those lines. Again, on paper,it sounded beautiful- romantic, loving, unlike Faerghus’ tradition of gifting a loved one with blades. But each to their own, and Dimitri was fond of both.

Although he had never been able to weave a garland by himself. Blessed with strength but cursed with brute hands, he could do nothing but crush daisies with his gentlest hold.

“Oh, Ashe!” The prince couldn’t help but smile at the fellow lion’s rush to correct himself and actually discard the royal title. Ashe still slipped here and there, but at this point Dimitri was pleased enough- he was doing his best, and that’s what mattered the most. Slowly but surely, they’d be able to one day forge a proper friendship that’s not based on titles and hierarchy. “Haha, it is okay. It makes me happy enough that you called me by my name at least once, truly.”

Dimitri blinked. A gift? But today was not a particularly special date, was it? 

“A present for me? I am curious as to what I may have done to earn such kindness.” He couldn’t help but feel a little giddy inside. It felt weird, because as a royal he was given everything he wanted at the moment he wanted- therefore gifts should be a no brainer to the prince.

Yet…receiving gifts from friends always felt a bit extra special, even more if out of the blue.

@knightlyvaliance​

Ashe’s face was flushed, but only due to the own embarrassment he was causing himself. Dimitri always seemed so GENUINE whenever they spoke, and it was something he appreciated about him. It certainly depended on the noble, but there’s been so many he’s met that are just... so full of themselves, it’s almost laughable! And oh, how they looked down upon him, the noble without the blood for it. But Dimitri... even from their first introduction when Ashe started at the Officer’s Academy, has been nothing but courteous and kind, and has only warmed from there. 

He’s always held the Prince and the ROYAL FAMILY of Faerghus in high esteem, of course, and he had hoped the Prince wouldn’t be nasty, but.. At the same time, he never expected to have such a casual relationship with the elder boy!

“It’s nothing much!” he promises quickly, and looks a little sheepish. “I heard around the castle that it’s some sort of.. special day today,” he waves a hand. “People are supposed to cut the last of the white roses from the bush and form them into a garland for their beloved. I have no such person in my life, but Margaret the Greenhouse Keeper said it’s not only for romance and that one can give their friends one out of kindness!” he chirps. 

“So.. I gathered up the smaller roses that no one picked. I was... Worried that if I did not weave them into the garlands, then no one would and they would be left on the bushes until the weather smothered them out,” The silver haired boy admits, and looks down to his bundle fulls of garlands. “I tried to make one for each of the BLUE LIONS.. It’s only fitting you should get the first one, as our great leader!” He manages to untangle one of them from the rest, and stands up on his tip toes with the garland bunched firmly in his hands. But, even with the boost in his height it was a struggle to get the damned thing over the other’s head. “Ah--If you.. Wouldn’t mind giving me some assistance?” his face is going red again. 

[knightlyvaliance]

bloomstride​:

There’s a certain pride she feels when she studies to help protect those she cares about, but she can’t learn the ins and outs of every situation through books. Annette finds herself reminded of this in the here and now. She stands at the gate, observing the rather troubling scene below. Within the markets, Annette spots a rather large crowd of people gathering around in a rather surprising manner. She won’t allow herself to be a mere bystander!

When she spots Ashe, she walks up to him and points towards the markets: “Hey, Ashe! Look at that huge group down there! I’ve been standing here for a few minutes now and it looks like more people are gathering by the second.” She pauses in her speech, taking a few steps away from her classmate in order to get a better look at the scene.

One of the clergy’s stands amidst the numbers, but she can’t hear their words over the ones from strangers. “Why won’t you tell us?” She hears in an aggravated voice. “I traveled all the way from Enbarr, you know!” Another says. The angry and loud crowds continue amidst the voices of confusion and agitation— Annette has her own reasons for attending school here, but what she does know is that she can’t just stand around and watch the single clergy get overwhelmed!

Turning back around to face Ashe, she says, “What do you think? We should do something, right? I mean.. We’re students here, after all!” She pumps a hand upwards out of excitement, readying herself for what might lie ahead. Here, Annette thinks it’s best not to act alone. Who knows what might happen? She doesn’t want to make the situation worse! There’s a pause amidst her eagerness, quickly lowering her hand and letting out a nervous laugh: “Oh, but.. Do we need to come up with a plan? Or.. Well, in this kind of situation, that might just get us nowhere. How about we wing it?”

@knightlyvaliance

Somedays, Ashe likes to go to the EDGES;; of the Garreg Mach Monastery and watch the towns below. He feels so high up here, so distant from the humble beginnings he came from just a few short years ago. He can feel the unrest all the same, in speaking with merchants who travel by. Attacks have become more common, bandits taking bolder moves by looting towns in the middle of broad daylight.. He’s had to be dispatched to a couple of these with his class to help stomp them out. It makes him wary, and he’s sure the townsfolk can’t feel any better. Ashe has watched the crowds starting to gather in the center of the town. Though there were no pitchfork and torches yet, he knew what anger and fear could do to a large group of people. They fed on it and it only would fuel their panic. Slowly but surely the crowd starts to move up the hill to Garreg Mach, and he doesn’t know how this will go.  Annette points it out, and he looks back at her briefly, a serious expression on his face. A quick nod, and he takes a shaky breath. He can hear their voices, demanding answers, and Ashe pulls himself up all the way to his full (short) height, and grabs the old wooden bow he had at his side. “We should MEET them,” he agrees, and turns his head towards the approaching crowd. 

“We may not be KNIGHTS OF SEIROS, but we are students of the Officer’s Academy! This is what we prepare for, talking to and helping out the people! If they have concerns.. Well.. it’s our duty and responsible to address them!” He grows more righteous with each word. 

“I don’t know what has upset them so much, but we must do our best to help calm the crowd. I’m sure the Knights have seen them coming too, so someone will be alerting Rhea. But.. Lets see what we can do.” he smiles, and as always it’s completely genuine. “We won’t need to wing it, we’ll just.. Tell the truth of what we know!”

@bloomstride​

[knightlyvaliance]

dameofcrimea​:

Viola Odorata ⁎ Titania & Ashe

@knightlyvaliance

Sometimes, the simplest joys turn out to be the greatest, especially when you happen to indulge them not for your own sake, but while thinking of those you cherish the most.

As one whose life has been sworn, both formally and otherwise, to protecting the others, Titania has been there, plenty of times.

Usually, however, it was with an axe or a spear in hand, charging on her faithful horse into the fray. Or if not that, at the very least she would be performing other tasks that assured and secured the group’s well-being and survival. It was not often that she got a chance to simply do something nice for the others.

If anything, she would be on the receiving end, returning to their retreat after a job well done to a hug and a warm meal. It was not common for her to have the time and the opportunity to be the one providing such things.

Perhaps this, too, can be one of the new experiences she gains here. Might just turn out to be one of the most precious.

And so Titania gets to work in quite the cheerful mood; it has been some time since she last weaved garlands, or did anything with flowers in general for that matter, but her fingers turn out to remember the lessons of old, and the practice in quick movements from other activities such as sewing also comes in handy. Soon, the fresh garland begins to gain in length - and even sooner, it turns out she is going to need more flowers. A trip to the greenhouse is in order, then.

It is there that, among the plants, Titania spots a head of silver; a student, one she recalls from a training session. Trained together with the blond prince of Faerghus, so likely from the Blue Lions, if her memory does not fail her… ah.

“Ashe, was it? Good afternoon,” she greets as she approaches. Her curiosity is piqued as she takes note of the flora he seems to have been drawn to - the same as the kind she has come to gather.

“Are you here to pick some flowers, too?” Interesting.

The greenhouse, much like the kitchens, has become one of Ashe’s few REFUGES in the Monastery. Sometimes, he gets overwhelmed -- the new heir to Gaspard meant he had a lot of catching up to do. There’s no real class offered about how to run a territory, so he’s forced to study in his spare time. Learning about the tax systems, governing the people effectively, deploying an army to the capital... This isn’t his forte. All the boy has ever wanted was to fulfill his fantasy of being a    K N I G H T   , and he’s gotten so much more. When things feel like too much, and he needs time to process information and to settle himself down, get away from all the stimulants, more often than not he goes to the greenhouse. 

He’s pruning flowers to make garlands for his friends, going about his merry way while the greenhouse keeper fusses with a morfis plant that’s been particularly stubborn. Flowers fall into the basket at his feet, and he’s humming some sort of soft tune, when he hears his name. The boy perks up, head popping up a little more fully over the rose bushes, green eyes blinking in surprise. “Oh! Hello!” It’s one of the professors at the academy, he’s seen her roaming through the halls quite frequently. He thinks he may have attended some of her sessions for the axe as well. It’s a new weapon to him still ,but he’s seen how useful it can be and a close range weapon is always a good idea... Her words have a sort of weight to them, here to pick some flowers?. Of course, this is a lover’s holiday, it’d be easy to assume. “I am, professor!” He chirps, and then the tips of his ears go a bright PINK. “Not -- For anyone in particular! Just.. For some friends,” he backtracks quickly, and offers a shy smile. “There’s a lot of smaller roses in here that no one’s taking, so.. I wanted to do something nice with them.”

Was the professor also planning on picking some roses? He knows there are plenty of other knights and professors here who were unattached. He supposes he doesn’t know much about his instructors outside of class hours. “Were... you trying to gather some for someone special?” He pries. 

[knightlyvaliance]

thyrosus​:

LET IT BE KNOWN: Lorenz Hellman Gloucester possessed full awareness of his surroundings, even as he’d walked, leafing through the pages of a book with a frown on his face. Older libraries had a tendency to fall to the wayside, in terms of sensible organization, but that is hardly a deterrent when a question remains at the forefront of his mind with no discernible answer.

It is of no great importance to anyone but himself, but by virtue of aptitude and hunger to turn learned subjects into tangible results, it remains worth pursuing. A formula, to be exact. Observations from afar and polite exchange has left him curious as to other types of casting—conducting reason magic through a book, or cards, or other such conduits. Nothing that is done in Fódlan traditionally, but it seemed right to exhaust the monastery’s library for answers before he sought them elsewhere.

He is paying attention, yes, but his brow is also furrowed, going through lines of Morfis’s written word to which he, admittedly, finds unusually difficult to translate, some two years out from having last used this knowledge. Under these circumstances, he at least knows his surroundings. He is at a place where the shelves open back up to the center, and he needs to turn—

—And there is not usually a wall of books awaiting him.

Before he knows it, he is on the ground, peering up at a boy with which he has only passing familiarity, and there are books scattered between the both of them.

At least he looks rightfully apologetic.

“No need to cause a scene,” is Lorenz’s cool response, doing the part to stand on his own, assuredly the only thing sore his chest, for the moment, upon sudden impact. While he’s straightening his uniform, eyes scan the titles in the bookish carnage. Impressive, if… “Although I would suggest, next time, taking proper care to not obstruct your sight. To prevent accidents like this, you see.”

But, alas. No harm ultimately done, and he bends down when he finally picks out the title belonging to him—and scans the rest, for good measure. “What an… interesting array of books. Are you looking for anything in particular?”

Ashe’s face is bright RED, and he looks down at the sea of books that are littered at their feet. Their covers are splayed open, and he’s sure a few of the pages are bent at awkward angles. Most of the books are so beaten already, a little extra wouldn’t make much different. He does, however, lament silently over a pretty green covered book he had been looking forward to, with gold painted on the edges. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have taken so many books, but I couldn’t narrow down my choices,” he sighs softly, and crouches down to start trying to reassemble his stack. “I’m not far from my dorm room, so I thought I could make it without too much ISSUE,” he gives a sheepish look, as he tilts his head up to look at the purple haired man.  He’s struggling to pick the other’s name out from a sea of nobles he’s had to meet, but he vaguely recalls that he has a penchant for tea, and frequently asks some of the ladies for a cup. Is this the same tactic that works for Sylvain? Maybe the two of them should talk. 

The noble comments on his titles, and Ashe lets out a real laugh at his own expense, and picks up one in particular. “Oh, yes, I tend to hop from genres,” he admits. “I read a lot after everything’s finished around the monastery. It will probably only take me a week to get through all these.” He brushes off a cover, and hums. “I’ve gotten a few about the sciences and maths, um. A fantasy book or two. Then there’s this old book I’ve read so much but I love it anyways, one of the old tales about Loog and Kyphon--” he rubs the back of his neck and offers said book out to the other to let him see. “They’re Faerghan folktales. Loog was this great king, and Kyphon was his best friend and protector. The sword and the shield, both together,” he explains.  “But I’ll read just about anything I can get my hands on. There’s a lot of interesting things out there, and I don’t want to miss out the chance of learning something new. I didn’t have the most...formal of educations.” No, not formal at all. Lessons from his father in the kitchen, and then the tudors that Lonato had hired from him while he still lived full time at the castles. 

[knightlyvaliance]

[  HUG  ]  for  your  muse  to  hug  my  muse

Fall time was particularly rough for the young archer. The turning of the seasons, as the leaves turned their colors and fell from their branches, he always found himself a little wistful. The seasons seem to last longer here at Garreg Mach than they did in Faerghus. He was more fortunate still, in Gaspard, than many of those who lived further north. So close to the Adrestian boarder, their seasons stayed a few weeks longer still. The changing of the leaves, however, coincided with the devastating memory of his parents deaths. It was with that first brush of cold that they had fallen ill with the plague, and he remembers the piles of leaves on their front steps when the doctors came wearing their masks to take their bodies away, because no one had been able to sweep them in some time.

And then to make matters w o r s e, it was just as the first snow was about to fall that the Duscurian family next door who had taken he and his siblings in were also persecuted and murdered.  He tries to be as UPBEAT as he can; always tries to look at the glass half full and keep that positive smile on his face, but in the autumn... he struggled. The anniversary of his parent’s death in particular, he couldn’t seem to keep the facade up for more that a few minutes at a time. It caused him to be unusually quiet during their morning lessons, and unfocused during their training. He’s never missed the target more. 

After helping with the weeding in the foyer, the little knight-in-training made himself sparse and disappeared up into the chapel. He’s not the most religious or even spiritual of his friends here, but maybe praying to the goddess will help. He’s seated on the edge of a pew, leg   b o u n c i n  g;;   and he can’t focus much to really pray for anything. He’s just about to get up, when from behind he feels soft arms wrap around his shoulders and upper torso. Ashe’s immediate reaction is to tense, but as his head turns, just enough to catch the glimpse of long blonde hair, and he immediately relaxes, and sinks backwards into the other. “Oh. Hi, Mercedes,” his voice is soft, not wanting to interrupt anyone else in the middle of an important communion. “Should’a known you’d been in here,” there’s half of a laugh somewhere in there, but mostly falls flat. 

Still not facing her, he stares at a spot on the tile he apparently finds extraordinarily fascinating, and chews on his lip with great thought. “Do you believe in a heaven?” Boot scuffs against said tile, and he knows he’ll have to spend some time cleaning the leather later. “Or just.. anything after we pass? How do you know where you land?” 

[fenori]

daydreamer

[rheasknight]

It’s Pocky Day! Send a  🍪 for my muse to react to yours offering to play the Pocky Game!

[abuckygirlarchive]

𝗥𝗣  𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗘  𝗙𝗢𝗥  𝗧𝗛𝗘  𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗗

(  +  reverse  )  to  reverse  roles

for  when  they’re  feeling  violent  

[  BELT  ]  for  your  muse  to  use  their  belt  as  a  weapon

[  BETRAY  ]  for  your  muse  to  reveal  to  my  muse  they’re  not  who  they  think  they  are

[  BLEED  ]  for  your  muse  to  make  mine  bleed

[  BOOT  ]  for  your  muse  to  press  their  boot  against  my  muse’s  mouth  

[  BRUISE  ]  for  your  muse  to  purposely  hold  my  muse  hard  enough  to  bruise

[  CHOKE  ]  for  your  muse  to  hold  mine  by  the  throat,  either  with  the  hand  or  forearm

[  DENIAL  ]  for  your  muse  to  angrily  deny  something  my  muse  is  calling  them  out  on  

[  FIRE  ]  for  your  muse  to  threaten  my  muse  with  fire

[  GRAPPLE  ]  for  your  muse  to  wrestle  mine  down  to  the  floor  or  against  the  wall

[  HAIR  ]  for  your  muse  to  pull  my  muse’s  hair  

[  KICK  ]  for  your  muse  to  kick  my  muse  (  can  specify  where  )

[  KNEE  ]  for  your  muse  to  knee  mine  in  the  stomach  or  groin  

[  KNIFE  ]  for  your  muse  to  hold  a  knife  to  my  muse’s  throat

[  LAUGH  ]  for  your  muse  to  laugh  at  my  muse  for  being  pathetic  

[  LIAR  ]  for  your  muse  to  call  mine  a  liar

[  MOUTH  ]  for  your  muse  to  put  their  hand  over  my  muse’s  mouth  

[  PANIC  ]  for  your  muse  to  find  my  muse  panicking  after  they’ve  done  impulsive  or  dangerous

[  REGRET  ]  for  your  muse  to  immediately  regret  hurting  my  muse

[  SLAP  ]  for  your  muse  to  slap  my  muse  in  the  face

[  SLEEP  ]  for  your  muse  to  approach  my  muse  while  they’re  sleeping  

[  SPIT  ]  for  your  muse  to  spit  at  my  muse

[  STAB  ]  for  your  muse  to  stab  my  muse  (  specify  where  )

[  STEP  ]  for  your  muse  to  step  on  my  muse  while  they’re  down  

[  SHOOT  ]  for  your  muse  to  shoot  at  my  muse  (  specify  where  )

[  STRONGARM  ]  for  your  muse  to  use  force  to  make  my  muse  do  something  

[  TANTRUM  ]  for  your  muse  to  throw  a  temper  tantrum  that  my  muse  gets  caught  /  hurt  in

[  TEAR  ]  for  your  muse  to  tear  clothing  off  of  my  muse

[  TEETH  ]  for  your  muse  to  bite  my  muse  (  specify  where  )

[  THREAT  ]  for  your  muse  to  threaten  my  muse  /  specify  threat    

for  when  they’re  feeling  soft  

[  BOOP  ]  for  your  muse  to  bump  their  nose  against  my  muse’s  nose  

[  BREAK  ]  for  your  muse  to  know  that  my  muse  is  about  to  break  up  with  them  

[  CALM  ]  for  your  muse  to  calm  my  muse  down  from  a  moment  of  anger

[  COUCH  ]  for  our  muses  to  cuddle  on  the  couch  

[  DANCE  ]  for  your  muse  to  take  my  muse’s  hand  and  start  dancing  with  them  

[  EYES  ]  for  your  muse  to  send  bedroom  eyes  at  my  muse  

[  FEED  ]  for  your  muse  to  feed  my  muse  something  (  can  specify  what  )

[  HAND  ]  for  your  muse  to  slip  their  hand  into  my  muse’s  hand

[  HICKEY  ]  for  you  muse  to  give  my  muse  a  hickey  (  specify  where  )

[  HUG  ]  for  your  muse  to  hug  my  muse

[  INTERRUPT  ]  for  your  muse  to  interrupt  my  muse  talking  by  kissing  them  

[  KISS  ]  for  your  muse  to  kiss  my  muse  

[  LICK  ]  for  you  muse  to  lick  my  muse  

[  PATTER  ]  for  our  muses  to  have  a  conversation  in  the  car  while  the  rain  patters  down  around  them  

[  PLAY  ]  for  your  muse  to  play  a  musical  instrument  for  my  muse

[  PICNIC  ]  for  our  muses  to  go  on  a  picnic

[  RAIN  ]  for  our  muses  to  dance  in  the  rain  /  kiss  in  the  rain

[  RIVER  ]  for  our  muses  to  jump  in  the  river  together  /  or  for  one  to  push  the  other  in  

[  SING  ]  for  your  muse  to  sing  to  my  muse  /  song  or  lullaby  

[  SNEAK  ]  for  your  muse  to  sneak  a  touch  under  my  muse’s  clothing  

[  SPOON  ]  for  your  muse  to  big  spoon  my  muse  

[  STARE  ]  for  your  muse  to  be  caught  staring  affectionately  at  mine

[  STROKE  ]  for  your  muse  to  play  with  my  muse’s  hair

[  SWEATER  ]  for  your  muse  to  be  found  in  my  muse’s  sweater  or  hoodie

[  TOUCH  ]  for  your  muse  to  softly  touch  my  muse  (  specify  where  )

[  WARM  ]  for  your  muse  to  put  their  jacket  around  my  muse’s  shoulders

[  WATCH  ]  for  your  muse  to  watch  my  muse  sleep  

[knightlyvaliance]

November Board : Plotting Calls

BEAGLES MISSION BOARD;;

You make arrangements with the village for part of the delivery to be sent ahead early, hoping that it will reach its destination safely with a less conspicuous party. In the early hours of the morning these villagers arrive at your camp, and after a few words and easy smiles you watch them pack their wagon with your gifts and go on ahead of you. An hour later, another set of villagers arrive at your camp, insisting that they are here to pick up part of their shipment, as arranged. They even show you the letter that you sent to them confirming the exchange, something those first villagers definitely didn’t have. A fast rider should be able to catch up to the thieves! [Grants Riding or Flying +1]

The Garland Moon is supposed to be the start of the rainy season, but these recent hot days and rainless nights could have fooled you. A new well would let the villagers tap into a new reservoir of groundwater (not to mention you’re in dire need of their goodwill). In a few days, you all manage to get pretty far down. Your massive accomplishment turns into your worst nightmare, however, when your rope tethering you to the surface manages to untie itself. You’re left trapped in a well with no one, not even Lassie, to hear your cries for help. Are you strong enough to climb your way out of here? [Grants Heavy Armor +1]

NON-MIISSION BOARD;; 

A ritzy butler arrives with a job offer for trustworthy individuals that can handle a bit of responsibility. Their masters will be traveling with their son on his Grand Tour of Fódlan, leaving their luxurious coastal villa in Derdriu unattended. If you could protect their property from opportunistic thieves, you’ll find this family… well, actually, the pay isn’t all that great, but beachside accommodations are practically impossible to find in Derdriu, never mind at the start of their tourist season. This is a chance to let your hair down and have fun… just make sure to put everything back where you found it!

Do you believe in love? The last of the white roses are woven into garlands this time of year, sometimes given to close friends but more often given to someone you fancy. Weave your affections into a garland intended for your beloved… or fight the others for those last snowy blooms, letting your passionate love give you the strength to win out against those stupid fools. (already got one thread but i want more of ashe giving his friends garlands,,) 

[knightlyvaliance]

Once you get used to the Monastery, things start to settle in to a very typical pace. Knowing what to expect is a comfort that Ashe plans to bask in for as long as he can, because consistency he never realized is something he loves and desperately clings for. Breakfast, classes, training, work, dinner, bed. It was a nice routine that rocked with the same flow almost every day. They’d have their class missions like anyone else, but even getting sent out to the field was beginning to feel... Normal.  Ashe finds he has a strange lull in between work and dinner today; tending to the horses went quicker than anticipated with half of the stables empty, and he takes the time to head up to the library. He pens a new letter to his siblings, and stock piles a new set of books to keep in his bedroom as he works through. Tomas is kind enough to overlook the fact he technically checks out more than he’s supposed to, and Ashe is appreciative. The books are piled high in his arms, that barely his eyes are visible over the last cover, and he hobbles carefully down the steps so he can go place them down on his shelves. He turns a corner and--  He walks right into someone else, and goes stumbling, dropping the stack of books he had been holding precariously. “Oh, heck!” he gasps, and he lets the last book fall from his cradled arms to go and make sure the person he crashed into is okay. He’s met with the taller and more purple form of one of the GOLDEN DEER. “I’m so sorry, are you alright?” He doesn’t know many of the students from the other classes, but by the way he’s dressed, it’s clear the other boy is from a noble house. Green eyes scan over quickly, trying to assess any other damage. What if he has to carry him to Manuela’s? What if he’s permanently injured the other? He promised Lonato he was going to study hard and not get into any trouble, and yet here he is, doing that exact opposite.  “Can I help you up? Or get you anything? Do you need to see the healers?” 

@thyrosus

[knightlyvaliance]

MISSION BOARD ; NOVEMBER  Do you believe in love? The last of the white roses are woven into garlands this time of year, sometimes given to close friends but more often given to someone you fancy. Weave your affections into a garland intended for your beloved... or fight the others for those last snowy blooms, letting your passionate love give you the strength to win out against those stupid fools.

Perhaps it was a little bit silly, but he had been spending some extra time with the green house’s keeper while tending to the plants, and she always had plenty of stories to share. She tells Ashe about garlands she had received over the years, from various BACHELORS who tried to win her over, but with a wink told him she was always waiting for the perfect roses. And then of course, she talked about students coming, shyly asking for clips of the flowers so they can weave and she shows them how to do it themselves, carefully to not destroy the full bush and keep it alive. She’s even shown some how to weave them into something acceptable to present. It’s a SWEET idea, and Ashe considers himself something of a romantic, but he hasn’t anyone to give his garland to should he help make one.

She tells him not to worry! The garlands are also for friends, to help bring their bond closer together, and that’s where Ashe gets his idea. There aren’t many roses left; the biggest ones are being claimed for big declarations, but that’s alright with him. After classes, he goes to the green house with clippers in hand. And with a gentle hand and great care, he starts to take the smaller flowers from the bush. Flowers that had been looked over for their size, or because they were slightly malformed, or have petals half ripped. He takes the rejects, because he doesn’t want to think about any of them being left to wilt without going to someone with love.

Between all the roses, he has a larger haul than he anticipated. But that’s okay; he seats himself down by the lake, and starts to make his garlands, as many as he can with what he’s got. He plans on giving them to his friends, people within his class who haven’t received their own. He’s carefully weaving the roses into the strands of garland, braiding vine delicately until it resembles a necklace, and smiles down at his work. He’s grateful for all of his friends and classmates here; he has much to catch up on and learn, but everyone’s been so patiently and mostly kind while he fumbles his way to confidence, he wants to give something small back. Sometimes it’s baked goods, extras from the kitchen he can smuggle into his pocket and produce to Annette on their way to the library, or sometimes it’s another book to Dedue he’s found that he’d think he’d like.

Knights are about BIG, grand gestures, he knows. But he’s not a knight yet, and he’s always found pleasure and beauty in smaller things. Not everything needs to be a big affair. Sometimes, it’s nice to take happiness in the everyday mundane. He’s got garlands wrapped around his shoulders, and he goes searching through the monastery for his friends. It’s too soon for dinner, so he knows they’ll be scattered. And then he comes across the Prince! He scurries forth, to make himself known, and clears his throat. “Prince Dimitri!” He chimes, and then mentally scolds himself, “—I mean, Dimitri! I’m sorry, your High—“ lips force themselves shut, and he looks sheepish. “I have a present.” @elegiac-boar

[allowmetodemonstrate]

Ashe Ubert

“Hahaha, you're making me blush”

[lennonslittlegarden]

There is something ridiculously beautiful about abandoned and overgrown greenhouses