luminous saint

Knights of Seiros Ethlyn affiliated with TOA

[ladyleonster]

[ GRANNVALE ] - An old waltz from before the rise of Emperor Arvis. It was popular during its time in the 750s but has now become a relic of the past, one that may not be as appreciated by the newer generation.

"This dance is one I've grown up with, you know. Are you sure you'll be able to keep up?" A smile spreads across Ethlyn's face before becoming a cheeky grin and finally turning into a hearty laugh. The song is actually quite familiar and she has danced it many times but that hardly means she is one that needs to be kept up with.

"I joke, of course. I'm by no means an expert and you'll do fine. Here, a hyacinth for putting up with my teasing."

[ladyleonster]

[ PHOTO IN MOTION ] - And in addition, this year boasts a similar device bolstered by new advancements that allow it to capture more than just a moment; now, even motion and sound can be immortalized forever. Take a video with a friend—or catch something juicy you'll want to keep up your sleeve for later.

"Aw come on Sig, just look at you!" Ethlyn huffs as she moves just a bit closer to her big brother. He's always been like this for as long as she can remember. Of course, back when they were kids, it was acceptable. Now though?

She should not have to brush the crumbs and food remnants off of a grown man's clothes during a ball!

"I wanted a video together but we cannot possibly get one with you looking like an absolute slob. Hold still and let me finish before we decide on what we should do in it."

[ladyleonster]

[ PHOTO-ARTIFEX ] - The ever-popular photo-artifex makes its annual return, allowing users to capture pictures in as little as a flash of light and a moment. Take home something to remember the event by!

"You two, yes! You and you!" The very pushy attendant of the photo-artifex shoves Ethlyn and Raven into the booth to capture a memory. "What a sweet looking pair you make!" They clap their hands excitedly together, completely ignoring the pale look of horror that washes over Ethlyn's face.

"Oh no, no!" Ethlyn waves her hands dismissively in front of her. "We're not. We're definitely not."

But the attendant will have none of her protests. "No need to be shy now, hm? I'll keep your little secret safe, alright? Now, both of you give your best smile!"

Ethlyn looks up at Raven, pink eyes pleading with him to step in and shut this down.

[ladyleonster]

[ MINT CANDY ] - For when your breath isn’t as fresh as newly-fallen snow.

They always have a penchant for running into each other that he might as well give the first word before she ever has the chance to. In his open palm lies one tulip and a singular mint, and in his voice lies someone who has no boundaries of how petty he shall be.

"Altena had been too busy fretting over who to give these to, so I took the task on her behalf. It would only be appropriate to give one to her dear mother during an event as big as this, right? I think your beloved knight would also appreciate it, knowing one of the mints he gave to your daughter ended up with you. Wouldn't he?"

He tilts his head slowly, letting a pause punctuate his words. "... Plus, I think it would also benefit you. It won't completely cure your rancid breath, I'm afraid, but it's a start."

Altena gave him her mints? And not her own mother? No. That can't be right. There is only one actual explanation. His story is fake and the mint is poisoned.

Ah but what if it isn't! There are too many steps to the story. Why would this dastard make up that Finn gave a mint to her daughter? He could easily just say it was from Altena without adding an extra layer.

She will simply have to ask Finn.

"My breath?" Ethlyn can feel her blood boiling. It's the sort of smart mouth comment someone like Andrei would make. But she's better than that! "What do you care so much about my breath for? I should hope you never get close enough to me to truly smell how fresh and clean it is." She's mostly better than that.

[ladyleonster]

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

"That man, right over there, with the long green hair?" Ethlyn's eyes narrow and she practically snarls as she speaks. She hasn't been able to pull her eyes off him since she noticed he was here. How could she! She doesn't trust him, not for one moment. It's horrifying that someone like that would even be allowed here.

"He's terrible. Stay away from him as best you can, alright?"

To lighten the mood, to let L'arachel know that she's looking out for her, Ethlyn offers one of her hyacinths. "You look really cool, by the way."

[ladyleonster]

[ GRANNVALE ] - An old waltz from before the rise of Emperor Arvis. It was popular during its time in the 750s but has now become a relic of the past, one that may not be as appreciated by the newer generation.

Ethlyn holds out a gloved hand as her acceptance to Finn's offer of a dance. The song is familiar. He's familiar, even if his age and height are far different from what she remembers.

"I'm glad you're here, Finn." Her smile is soft and almost sad as they begin the steps.

She used to despise events like these. She would frustrate her tutors as she would beg to ride horses instead of practicing the steps to this very waltz. Even Sigurd seemed to fit in at a ball more than she did.

Then she met Quan. She can still remember the way he pulled awkwardly at his collar complaining about how stiff it was the first time they were at a ball together. His presence made it more bearable. They would laugh and talk together. Even dancing started to become fun once her partner was Quan.

She looks up at Finn and wonders if this song reminds him of her husband, too.

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn has hyacinths!

Tracker:

Rose:

Orchid:

Hyacinth:

Lilly:

Tulip:

[ladyleonster]

Viral Dubai Chocolate

[ladyleonster]

"You set all of this up?" Ethlyn had assumed it had been prepared for them. That Stefanelli or his assistants went through and preprepared everything to make the seminar simpler. She had not expected the other chocolate making students to be the ones to do it but especially not Raven.

But Stefanelli begins instructing before she's able to prod and pry for more information. Not that she would expect Raven to give any but she's always been a chatty sort. Still, she tries her best to keep her lips zipped and give the master chocolate maker the space to instruct without her whispering over him.

It's interesting watching the man work. He clearly is a master of his craft but he also seems to know what he's doing as an educator. His movements are slowed so that the observers can really see what he's doing. He verbalizes each step he makes as well even though he's also graciously provided a sheet of instructions. Ethlyn does not think it should be that difficult to replicate what he's doing thanks to all of this.

Stefanelli pauses to give the class a moment to catch up and Ethlyn uses this time to let loose some of the words she had let build up in her mouth while she held her tongue. "So, are you planning on gifting yours to anyone or are you just a fan of chocolate?"

[peerlessscowl]

He was glad for the distraction. Not for himself, not something that he needed to keep a check on his breathing and the tremor of his pulse in his throat, but for her to look away and to keep her focus on something other than him and the heavy weight of tension that still clung to them. It was not even a definable sensation, or at least not one that Raven was willing to put a name to.

He wasn’t willing to ask her if she wanted to, either.

It jarred him momentarily when the proprietor stopped speaking and rather than the smooth transition to the quiet murmur of working hands, Ethlyn instead chose to probe.

His hands twitched momentarily, splashing a dollop of chocolate onto the sleek wooden workstation from where he was dribbling it into the molds, like a stain, and he frowed at it for a heartbeat before he reached for a rag to wipe it up.

Deliberately silent for a moment, Raven himself wasn’t sure that he would even answer before his lips formed the words, “I have…some people that I think would appreciate them. Back…” he almost said the word home, but that too stuck like sandpaper in his throat - “Back where I’m from.”

He tugged the bowl closer to himself, refilled the ladle, and worked to coat another section of the mold.

A beat, heavier than a single instance of silence.

Then; “I imagine you have quite a lot of family that you can gift these too. No surprise that someone like you is here.”

The implication was clear: one of us belongs.

[ladyleonster]

She doesn't expect him to answer. Silence if she was lucky. Maybe a glare. But he does. He softens and lets her in even for just this moment.

And she's glad. Not just to share this but to know that there's someone out there that he cares about enough to make chocolates for them. As much as she would love to press just a little bit for more, she doesn't. The ties between them are still far too fragile. Instead she closes her eyes for just a second hoping he might get to see his people soon. She focuses on the piping bag she is using to transfer her own chocolate into molds.

She knows what it's like to have those she cares about too far away. She knows he's right. She does have a lot of family here. She's lucky for it, too. Both of her children. Her brother. Her friends are here too and Ethlyn knows too many of them are still missing more pieces to their families than she is. She should be grateful for what she has instead of wishing for more.

"Not enough of them." The piping bag is squeezed too tightly as her eyes narrow in her anger over her situation. Chocolate squeezes out too quickly and splatters. It isn't fair. Her husband is still dead yet his murderer walks free, taunting her.

"Oh geeze, that didn't get on you, did it?" Ethlyn frowns deeply. "Even when he's not here, that dastard finds a way to ruin things..."

[ladyleonster]

Black eyes. Like a doll's eyes.

[ladyleonster]

A waste of time? Oh no. Ethlyn doesn't think so at all. She's sure it will be entertaining but, more than that, if he's here under her watchful eye, it means he's nowhere near either of her kids. The bits and pieces Altena has shared about her life away from Leonster have been far more pleasant than Ethlyn would have expected but that doesn't mean she has to want him anywhere near her. And Leif...she knows he's entirely capable but she still worries about him.

She's proven right that watching her enemy fish will be entertaining shortly after she sits down. He's successful in catching something but it's terribly pathetic. A tiny little fish that looks like it could pass for a child's pet goldfish. A snort escapes her lips and she slowly claps for him.

"Oh bravo! I'm sure to learn all sorts of fishing tips from such an expert angler! Are you sure you didn't want to save it? You might have been able to make a decent lunch if you caught about fifteen more."

[thracianblood]

And of course, to top it all off, she’s commentating on his every move. What's next? Her stealing his hard-earned fish after he’s satisfied with his efforts?

“Settling for small fry is not my goal today. Besides, it’s certainly more than what you have to show for yourself,” he snickers, preparing the next bait. “I bet you’ve never hunted your own food. Living a life of both Chalphy and Leonster must be cushy.”

There comes the little challenge of dealing with their mental spar while finding a suitable fish at the same time. Obviously he’d dealt with problems far, far worse — this moment is trivial and petty by comparison — but that does not make this any less of a nuisance to deal with.

After a few minutes of silence the hook bobs before it’s engulfed into the waters, and Travant pulls. The opposing force is stronger than the last, and he sees the string tensed up so stiffly that it’s moments away from snapping. His prey swerves in an arc, splashing to and fro until it reaches closer and closer to the edge. Hah, and she says she wanted to watch him fail... He'll show her.

The line breaks with a loud SNAP, but not before the fish is lifted into the air, hitting the ground with a hefty thud. A large, heavy thing it is. Crouching down, he moves a hand to grab it by the tail. "Heh heh heh... My, this is quite the meal. Enough to feed a family, I reckon—"

"—Argh! You little...!" The fish wriggles relentlessly, continuously slipping from his grasp even as he tries to pin it down by the body. For prey this bulky, he didn't expect it to be so slippery...

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn tries to keep her lips from puffing into a pout by trying to focus her mind on how annoyed she is that he can get under her skin so easily. She folds her arms across her chest with a hmpf. No, she hasn't ever hunted but it certainly wasn't because of a lack of desire. Her brother, her father, her husband...she can remember each time they came back with their spoils laughing and joking about something she would only have been able to understand had she been there, too. It had never been her place as sister, daughter, wife to join them.

She holds her chin high but keeps her mouth shut. Unfortunately, he's won this round.

And then there's movement. Splashing. He's actually hooked something that seems promising. Ethlyn's face deepens into a scowl. She doesn't want to see him win this one either and, for a moment, she considers simply leaving. She isn't sure how he'd take that and would hate for her leaving to make his moment even better.

Instead, she leans forward, hands gripping the edge of her bench in anticipation. Ethlyn gasps as the fish is pulled from the depths of the pond and hates how impressed she is that he's managed to reel it in. Even if the line broke, he still caught it.

The fish is not willing to give up, flopping and thrashing and giving Travant hell. Now this is more like it! Ethlyn leaps to her feet with a cackle as she watches her murderer struggling in the most ridiculous way. "Ha! Letting yourself get bested by a fish?"

[stormofembla]

➥ if you sneeze thrice...

home sweet holy land | rings & bracelets

[ladyleonster]

"Are you sure about that?" A grin splits her face and she links her arm through Bruno's to pull him over to the next statue. The Sage Lord. "That's my boy. My son, Leif."

Where Sigurd had been born for greatness, destined in his blood to be someone special and remembered, Leif was like herself. Minor blooded, second born. Ethlyn knows better than most that Leif would always have to put in more effort to succeed. To see his likeness here, dressed in armor quite similar to her own, without the aid of a Holy Weapon like Sigurd's Tyrfing, fills her with a sense of hope and pride that she cannot quite put into words.

Her eyes shine as she gazes up at him and a hand raises over her heart. His father should be able to see their son honored like this, too.

"I'm not sure why my family is so honored like this here and so far from home, but they both deserve this. Leif brought peace and unity in a way his father could only have dreamed of. He's given hope to our home. Ah! And he's here, you know. He joined in with this little trip. I wonder what he thinks of all this?"

[stormofembla]

Bruno laughs when he is taken to the next statue. Of course, he thinks of saying, but Ethlyn is already dousing the next figure — her own son — in praise. The love is palpable, evident through the light in her expression and the adoration ripe in her speech; it is contagious, admiration translating to the shine in Bruno's face as he looks up at Leif.

"The worlds are more interconnected than we think, aren't they? Tales of his legendary feats must have found their way over — through people like you, unafraid of preserving their stories through word of mouth."

He tilts his head, turning his attention back toward Ethlyn. "I wonder as well. But if I were him," a gesture at the Sage Lord, "I believe a plaque would be nice, one containing the names of all who supported him.

"And there," he smiles, "I think your name would be first on that list."

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn looks away, hoping she can conceal the way her face fights to keep her expression in check. The picture he paints of her is lovely. A doting mother supporting her son and sharing his accomplishments with the world.

Not a corpse rotting in the sand after leaving him behind.

A plaque would be nice though, she thinks as she tries to swallow the lump forming in her throat. It would be Finn's name right at the top. An honor the knight surely deserves.

"That is...kind of you to say," she finally replies slowly and carefully trying to make sure each word does not crack as it comes out. "It would be an honor to be counted among those who have supported him." She hopes that is enough to satisfy him. How can she just open up to this stranger that she is a dead woman? That a series of her terrible decisions led to her son growing up without his family?

[ladyleonster]

Rancid Divorced Couple at the Soccer Game Vibes

Continued from here

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn's eyes narrow. "And she could have been raised to be cruel and heartless. It's a good thing she has such good genes."

She does not mention that she's met Travant's son and knows that he didn't turn out cruel or heartless either from what she can tell. She certainly does not want Travant to think that she thinks he had anything to do with that.

And she doesn't mention how well Altena and Arion fight together. It's impressive, really. They work together like, well, siblings. Ethlyn wonders if she and Leif would be in sync like that if they had teamed up. She isn't entirely sure she wants to know the answer.

"You don't think hearing your support would help? Altena's father would be right here, cheering with me."

[thracianblood]

He shudders to think of a world where Altena was raised by the very people he despises. Yet despite the backhanded retort by the pink-haired woman, she doesn't deny that he is Altena's father as much as she is her mother.

"Me? Cheer with you?" Travant asks with unconcealed disdain. It might be an odd thing to say when he's technically sided with Ethlyn's son not too long ago. Still, at least Leif had some ounce of maturity in him, and their shared ambition is enough for the Thracian to put aside his grudges momentarily. Could he really do the same in this situation? Should he?

It certainly won't be often that he has this opportunity to watch Altena and Arion fight, in the same arena and team nonetheless. Not to mention that this is a time-sensitive moment. It doesn't take long before he cracks, and he frowns due to that fact. "Ugh, whatever. If it gets you to stop nagging at me, then I'll... entertain the idea. But don't assume we're chummy just because Altena is linked to us."

[ladyleonster]

"Don't get the wrong idea." Ethlyn rolls her eyes. Cheer with her as if she wants him here! Ha! She'd much rather he crawl back into whatever pit he hides in. She can go days, weeks, without seeing so much of a glimpse of him and then he has to go and show up here. Exactly where she is. But there is more at stake than just her own feelings.

"My daughter calls you father. Start acting like you could ever deserve such a title and cheer for her. She's earned it."

Altena and Arion continue to strike against the girl that leads the Black Eagles house but, eventually, they are both forced to retreat. "I could never be chummy with a man like you but I'll remain civil. You'll excuse me now, though. My daughter is wounded and I have skill with a staff."

Ethlyn turns on her heels and takes a few steps away before looking back over her shoulder. "You'll wait a little before you seek her out to congratulate her. I have no desire to run into you again today."

End.

[ladyleonster]

Viral Dubai Chocolate

[ladyleonster]

"No it...it's fine." Glancing around, it seems most other participants have been successfully paired off. Other pairs are talking and laughing and trying to get to know one another before the lesson begins. To switch now would be a hassle and she would rather not be immediately flagged as a problem. "Unless you don't think it will work?"

Ethlyn doesn't wait for his response and charges on ahead to one of the prepared workstations. He could go ahead and switch partners if that was what he wanted. She won't stop him. Instead she focuses on the space in front of her, familiarizing herself with the provided tools and ingredients. This is supposed to be an leisurely experience but she's hoping to learn something from it, too.

She's torn on whether or not she wants to work with him. The familiarity could be kind of nice. No reason to make small talk and act like everything is fine and normal with a stranger. But things are complicated and uncomfortable between them. Ethlyn sighs. It's just a chocolate making class.

[peerlessscowl]

The shrug he gave to her back was meant to be noncommittal, but instead it came off as simply uncomfortable, something that he became hyper-aware of with her determination to ignore that discomfort. Shaking his head, and sighing, Raven pressed a knuckle briefly to the bridge of his nose before joining her at their, now-shared, workspace. 

"Fine. I've already gotten everything setup." A gesture to the chopped melting chocolate, the seed and the compound, the double boiler that was coming up to temperature on the stovetop to one side, and the neat row of spatulas and ramekins that he had separated to contain the fillings he'd wanted to include. 

Stefanelli had begun the more practical part of the seminar, hands moving slowly from bowl to bowl, stirring and grabbing motions practiced and deliberate to be caught by the mirror that had been angled above him to show the whole hall what he was doing. 

Raven watched for a moment in intense silence - seemed easy enough - before he allowed his eyes to flick down to the instructions provided on a neat sheet for them, reading them thoroughly before nodding once to himself. 

Melt it slowly, feed it seed to temper, pour into molds, set. Didn't require too much focus, just a careful hand. 

[ladyleonster]

"You set all of this up?" Ethlyn had assumed it had been prepared for them. That Stefanelli or his assistants went through and preprepared everything to make the seminar simpler. She had not expected the other chocolate making students to be the ones to do it but especially not Raven.

But Stefanelli begins instructing before she's able to prod and pry for more information. Not that she would expect Raven to give any but she's always been a chatty sort. Still, she tries her best to keep her lips zipped and give the master chocolate maker the space to instruct without her whispering over him.

It's interesting watching the man work. He clearly is a master of his craft but he also seems to know what he's doing as an educator. His movements are slowed so that the observers can really see what he's doing. He verbalizes each step he makes as well even though he's also graciously provided a sheet of instructions. Ethlyn does not think it should be that difficult to replicate what he's doing thanks to all of this.

Stefanelli pauses to give the class a moment to catch up and Ethlyn uses this time to let loose some of the words she had let build up in her mouth while she held her tongue. "So, are you planning on gifting yours to anyone or are you just a fan of chocolate?"

[ladyleonster]

Rancid Divorced Couple at the Soccer Game Vibes

Continued from here

[ladyleonster]

It stings a little to hear him talk about when her daughter first learned to fight. A part of her wants to ask when that might have been but stubborn pride keeps her lips shut tight. She hates the fact that this man knows things about her daughter's life that she doesn't.

Silently, she wonders if he'd care at all about the milestones she'd been able to witness. First steps, first words. Does any of that matter to him?

"It's in her blood." Ethlyn holds her head higher, clearly proud of her daughter's accomplishments.

Altena forces Tine to retreat and Ethlyn whoops and hollers again. "THAT'S IT, TENA!! KEEP IT UP!!!" She turns to Travant again. "That's your son fighting with her, isn't it? Aren't you going to cheer for him?"

@thracianblood

[thracianblood]

“Hah,” he scoffs at her prideful tone, “keep telling yourself that. She could’ve easily turned into a spoiled brat because of her blood, and what then? Would you still take credit for that?”

Travant watches Altena and Arion try to dance around the last girl’s shield, yet their attacks do little to pierce through. Could it be that they’ve come into a standstill? Or is this their tactic to wear their opponent down until she gives in? If so, then it is a suitable showcase of how Thracian fighters operate.

… Alright, why is Ethlyn still talking to him? How is he supposed to focus on the match when he keeps getting interrupted? These people and their need to question him…

He crosses his arms, a tad defensive in his response. "My support doesn't need to be defined by how loud I can yell. I trust that he and Altena know how to rely on each other."

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn's eyes narrow. "And she could have been raised to be cruel and heartless. It's a good thing she has such good genes."

She does not mention that she's met Travant's son and knows that he didn't turn out cruel or heartless either from what she can tell. She certainly does not want Travant to think that she thinks he had anything to do with that.

And she doesn't mention how well Altena and Arion fight together. It's impressive, really. They work together like, well, siblings. Ethlyn wonders if she and Leif would be in sync like that if they had teamed up. She isn't entirely sure she wants to know the answer.

"You don't think hearing your support would help? Altena's father would be right here, cheering with me."

[ladyleonster]

Rancid Divorced Couple at the Soccer Game Vibes

Continued from here

[ladyleonster]

It stings a little to hear him talk about when her daughter first learned to fight. A part of her wants to ask when that might have been but stubborn pride keeps her lips shut tight. She hates the fact that this man knows things about her daughter's life that she doesn't.

Silently, she wonders if he'd care at all about the milestones she'd been able to witness. First steps, first words. Does any of that matter to him?

"It's in her blood." Ethlyn holds her head higher, clearly proud of her daughter's accomplishments.

Altena forces Tine to retreat and Ethlyn whoops and hollers again. "THAT'S IT, TENA!! KEEP IT UP!!!" She turns to Travant again. "That's your son fighting with her, isn't it? Aren't you going to cheer for him?"

@thracianblood

[ladyleonster]

Rancid Divorced Couple at the Soccer Game Vibes

Continued from here

[bxldrsdraumar]

"Mom said don't touch me - " "I'm not touching you, my lance is six foot long - "

[ladyleonster]

"I suppose you would." A frown flickers across Ethlyn's face when she realizes the significance of how she tried to nag him. She understands in her own way and pink eyes flick to the lance he discarded earlier.

"I'll take this one then." She crosses over to grab it and tests its grip in her hands, not bothering to consider that she's supposed to be staying six feet away from him. He's family, after all. Such a silly rule shouldn't apply to family.

When she takes her place across from him again, she's caught off guard with an actual real attempt from her brother to cast a spell. Sand stings across her face. Wyverns screech in the distance. She shakes her head and focuses on the friendly but mischievous eyes of her brother but her grip still remains tight on the lance.

"Should we begin slowly he says and then starts immediately! I don't get a moment when you've already started!" She lunges forward, jabbing her lance toward him.

[bxldrsdraumar]

"Ah! Blackguard!"  

She accused him of being unfair, and yet she pulled a stunt such as this, snatching up the lance he'd set down to mark the distance, break the distance, and begin their skirmish without waiting for the go-ahead. Sigurd laughed, lifting a hand to block the strike, as though it were something far less concerning than a lance, training or otherwise, and hopped back to gain distance again, fumbling to get the tome to open again. 

In the end, if it was what she needed to succeed against him, then he was happy to give her the handicap. 

The magic did not warm from his hands in the same way as they had a moment ago, and while he did not miss, exactly, the gust of it was less friendly, less precise, and less powerful, merely a puff of stale air, an exhale more than a flurry. 

"Are you sure you even want that one? Are you sure it isn't too heavy for you?" Circling out from the reach of the lance, Sigurd's grin widened, and he waved a hand in what he hoped looked like a majestic and threatening gesture – but what in reality probably looked rather silly. 

"Maybe I should grab another one for you, something more your size! I am here for you, little sister!" 

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn laughs and it almost comes out as a cackle. As much as she prides herself on being the mature and put together sibling, it's too easy to slip right back into her old childish ways when they have moments to fool around like this. It's fun to tease and be teased by him.

And, really, she knows he'll win. He always wins. It's inevitable. That knowledge has never stopped her from still trying her hardest but surely it won't hurt if she resorts to some slightly underhanded tactics.

He's right, though. The lance is heavy. To him it might be like lifting a pencil but she wasn't born blessed by a Crusader. It really doesn't help that she has to keep her grip on it much further back than she should in order to keep the required distance.

"Just because I'm small doesn't mean I'm not plenty strong!" She can't let him know she's already feeling it in her arms.

"Worry about your own weapon, Sig," she adds as she gives him another healthy poke with the tip of her spear. "Your casting stance looks awfully ridiculous." She laughs and sets the lance down for just long enough to demonstrate how silly he looks waving his hands about.

[bxldrsdraumar]

"Mom said don't touch me - " "I'm not touching you, my lance is six foot long - "

[ladyleonster]

Ethlyn huffs and smacks the shaft of her brother's lance the second it reaches her cheek. He is infuriating. He's always been infuriating. He drives her absolutely mad but she can easily remember a time before he found himself here in Fódlan where she desperately missed how much he annoyed her. She'll never voice how much she wished for him to be able to give her a noogie or wrestle her into a headlock again but she also can't wipe the smile from her face as they fall right back into the roles they've always held with each other.

"You don't need to go easy on me, you know," she huffs and lets her hands settle indignantly at her hips. "I might never actually stand a real chance against you, but I'm not a coward!"

Quan had let her win. Once. The first time they had ever tried sparring against each other. Ethlyn knows he didn't mean to upset her and that he was trying to be polite but she still hated it. After that, he only ever gave her his best.

Still, she watches as Sigurd picks up a tome and rolls her eyes. Really? After all the time he'd spend around mages? After being married to a mage? This is what he thinks it's like to cast a spell?

"Sigurd, you ungraceful lout!" Ethlyn laughs through her attempt at a disgruntled huff. "It takes far more finesse than that!" She is far from what would be considered an expert with this type of magic but she is certain she knows way more than her brother.

"I would be far more concerned about you casting than you winning with a lance. Do you have any idea how destructive magic can be with an untrained hand? Have you even tried before? It isn't something you just pick up, you know." Knowing Mr. Perfect, he probably still could.

[bxldrsdraumar]

Sigurd hummed a thoughtful sound as he moved to pick up one of the tomes themselves, shockingly blank inside, although he could not tell whether this was deliberate for their nature in training, or if it was age and wear that made them this way. It was certainly true that magic was dangerous, and he had nothing but respect for those mages who he had fought alongside, those he had surrounded himself with during the long march. It was not a lack of grace or graciousness whence his ignorance stemmed, merely a lack of knowledge.

However;

"I would argue that I have every idea of how destructive magic could me, of all people." He thumbed through the pages idly for a moment, sparing a glance toward his sister for a brief moment as he paced about the edge of the circle drawn.

And that he recalled with perfect clarity, not a detail of that day or the people present absent from his mind. There was the warmth of a breeze that Sigurd could not discern, whether it was in his memory or brushing against his cheek in all truth, but in glancing down at the page of the tome in his hands he found it gently aglow. The light shone the brighter, recalling the look of fiery red eyes locked onto his face, and Sigurd lifted a hand - not in mimicry of Deirdre, or even Azelle, Tailtiu, Lachesis…

The breeze intensified and scattered a spray of sand against Ethlyn's face, and Sigurd laughed, snapping the book shut in another step.

"Well, perhaps it's you that would have trouble with this. Should we begin slowly, little sister? Will you need a moment?"

[ladyleonster]

"I suppose you would." A frown flickers across Ethlyn's face when she realizes the significance of how she tried to nag him. She understands in her own way and pink eyes flick to the lance he discarded earlier.

"I'll take this one then." She crosses over to grab it and tests its grip in her hands, not bothering to consider that she's supposed to be staying six feet away from him. He's family, after all. Such a silly rule shouldn't apply to family.

When she takes her place across from him again, she's caught off guard with an actual real attempt from her brother to cast a spell. Sand stings across her face. Wyverns screech in the distance. She shakes her head and focuses on the friendly but mischievous eyes of her brother but her grip still remains tight on the lance.

"Should we begin slowly he says and then starts immediately! I don't get a moment when you've already started!" She lunges forward, jabbing her lance toward him.