adagio

maybe one day i’ll meet you again in a different way - enrolled in the officer's academy

[laflorenata]

        If she were not any wiser, she would think this place was kin to Zofia. Or the tales she had heard of the neighboring country. Balls, events, missions, all lined up one after the other. Growing up, it was enticing to hear, but actually experiencing it was a rather different matter entirely. In truth, she was a bit… exhausted. 

        Still, she was present and could not miss out on such a grand event as this. The noise would not let her sleep or focus, likely. Rinea is first settled near the wall closest to the door in the event she needed to escape for air. Cornflower blue flickers down to the card, then to the ring residing on her fourth finger. It weighed very differently from—

        Well, anyhow, Rinea looks back up to watch the crowd first before engaging herself. She ought to fill the card out, no matter how pedantic it may have seemed. For once, she could allow herself to have a little… indulgent fun.

List of engagements:

Yuri [stamp]

Dorothea [stamp]

Maria [stamp]

Soren [stamp]

Marth [stamp]

( Honorable mentions to Celica, Marianne, Elincia, Gray, Pelleas, and Salem! These are either ongoing or one-offs, but thank you for the interaction anyway! ) 

[laflorenata]

        And so, the night came to a close with her card filled up. Most of which she had only met tonight. 

        The midnight winter chill settled in shades of pink on the tip of her nose, cheeks, and knuckles. Despite it all, she kept herself cozy with her arms crossed and tucked beneath her cloak and the engagements she did manage to make tonight. 

        It was said a dancer dies twice when the death of their passion was lost, but what of resurrection? Tonight, however, a breath of life was put back in her soul.

[winterlandtracy]

From last fall :’> Rinea does the Chickadee Dance Rinea danced to help me summon Berkut home in FEH XD it worked ♥

[laflorenata]

pirrhyc​:

   Pelleas’s face falls.  “ No, it didn't— I mean, you don’t have to worry about that really. If anything, I should be the one sorry for prying… ”

A part of him hadn’t thought he would be correct. It must have been some kind of misinterpretation on his part, or maybe he had misheard her at first. To hear her confirm precisely what he had been asking inspires him to feel as if he has overstepped his boundaries.

He at least has made her uncomfortable, it appears, if her body language and face are anything to judge. There is no pride brimming or light peeking out behind a smile.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have said anything at all.

He considers apologizing again when she speaks up again first.  “ I-If you think I’ve earned it, though I can’t help but think I should have thought to give you mine first as recompense… ”  He adjusts the signet ring on his pinky, still not used to the feel of it there. If it’s to be the matter of stamps, then simply dancing with someone could hardly count as truly  ‘ meeting ’  with each other to have earned it, right? The shaman sneaks in a breath before introducing himself a bit more properly,  “ My name is Pelleas. I’m a courtier for the Queen of Daein. ”

        Silence weighs heavier in the air by the second. She waits for him to speak again before considering her choice of words more carefully.

        “And mine is Rinea.” No fancy title to her name, no proper standing, just Rinea. She looks back up to him, observing his expressions, the way he carried himself, the way he talked. Some part of it reminds her of herself—self-conscious, quiet, awkward. Maybe she could rectify this, at least enough to not end in sour nights for the two of them.

        Her gaze returns to the crowd. “Really, there is no need for apologizing. You had no prior knowledge, so there is nothing I can fault you for,” she pauses before continuing, careful of where her words tread, “You... have a good heart with good intentions, so this may sound a bit strange, but, thank you, Pelleas.” 

[arcstral]

laflorenata​:

@arcstral sent -

(💫) From a bird’s eye view, the ballroom floor ripples like a grand and variegated sea of color—amongst them two heads of varying blue. The dance had called for an energetic switch of partners that in turn brings them together; Archanean lord and Valentian lady. He has occasionally seen this noblewoman in the company of a queen he knows, and he presumes there is between them some friendship. Even beyond that, there is no reason not to treat her well.

“You dance with a decade’s air of experience, my good lady,” he compliments freely as the music tapers off to a sweet close. The Hero-King is able to keep up with many, but few might test his endurance like this one. He bows to her then proposes a gift. “Would you care for a stamp? For your skill, I would hand it to you with great pleasure.”

        Whirled into another dance, carried by the string of violins and chords of the piano, Rinea’s next partner is of much greater elegance and poise, even when dancing such a demanding song. 

        She hadn’t expected to receive such kind compliments about her dancing tonight, however, she takes each word to heart, and not head. She holds each bit of praise close to her like glittering gems her love once gifted her—almost undeserving, but valuable all the same. Rinea pulls out her own card after bowing in return. Slowly, but surely, she had been filling up the card, a small victory on her end. 

        “Only if I may reward you in equal measure. I know not of your own skill prior to this, but you have a good sense of musicality, Sir…?” She trails off, unsure of the gentleman’s name. She had seen him around the campus, but hadn’t crossed paths significant enough to strike conversation.

               The equality of her offer does not escape the king’s notice, particularly in that by its grace a mannerly young woman of the nobility is thus conveyed—one as kind as she was lovely. He has noticed that very aptitude when they were still entwined in a dance, that she is attractive, and ordinarily this observation would not be remarkable. Beauty, and even a lack thereof, is no different to the Hero-King than any color of the eyes or hair. But where he has seen many fair faces of the kind across Archanea, he has noticed few as hers who might hold a candle up to his comely betrothed. An achievement; also, a notable detail for which to remember an individual by.

              She will be a memorable one to him for the fact.

               “  We shall make it a trade, then. You have my sincere thanks as your compliments mean much, but oh yes.  .  .I have not yet introduced myself: I am called Marth,  “   he responds with a wry smile as he exchanges his card in turn—an ironic minimalist—saying no more and no less of his name than is required. Not that being a king bears too much importance, surely. A tidy press of his signet ring stamps her sheet and still he offers more.   “  Well, it was a pleasure to have you for a dance, milady! I would know of your name, but after I shall leave you to your peace and business. To brighten the nights of many more as you did mine.  “

[laflorenata]

[ May Activity Check ]

Status: Pass / Fail / Hiatus

Skill Points:

Earned: 1

Previous: 8

Current: 9

Skill point(s) allocated to sword: D+ → C

Completed threads:

None

[laflorenata]

princessmacedon​:

A fairy! It is little surprise that such a kind compliment brings a gentle flush to the young girl’s cheeks, a sweet giggle the manifestation of a moment’s shyness. It rings similarly to her ears as Marth’s do, in a way: well-articulated, sincere, and very, very ticklish. To see the smile in return only widens her own, her fingers threading together in delight. 

“It’s nice to re-meet you, Rinea!” Palms press together, clasped hands held close to her chest. What a gentle name, she thinks, and beams again. “My name is Maria!” 

She turns the name over again in her mind, taking care to remember the name of the lovely woman (and hopeful future friend!) who taught her how to play piano. Except… of course! Why didn’t she think of that? With the jubilant expression of someone who’s had a most wondrous idea, the little princess holds up her card for Rinea to see. 

“Now that we’ve officially met,” she says, “Would you like to trade stamps with me?”

        Maria. She rarely involved herself with pious matters, but she was sure that this girl shared the name of one of those saints. True to the history of the name, Maria is as kind as one. The childlike wonder puts Rinea at ease—she could remember when she too had the same demeanor. 

        “Oh, yes. I would love to, Maria.” She repeats the name in her head, reciting it a couple of times so she wouldn’t forget. Rinea exchanges cards and leaves a stamp in one of the empty slots. Once the cards are back to their rightful owner, a smile reaches her eyes. “Thank you. I hope we may meet once more after this ball, then we can play more piano together.”

[laflorenata]

15shadesofgray​:

     Tough crowd, this one. He was spoiled by the many freely smiling and blissful ladies from the ball that he forgets for a moment some tend to simply dismiss his usual flattery. Not that it ever stopped him before, heh. “Honestly,” Ladies love an honest man. “I don’t have a destination. Haven’t mastered the monastery’s little nooks and crannies yet but what better way to learn than to hear it from someone firsthand.”

     “Something tells me the greenhouse is fully booked.” Considering how enclosed it is, if the Goddess Tower is off-limits, if not already bombarded by students trying to get some alone time, he can bet locations like the greenhouse is an easy plan B. “Might be a little chilly by the pond, but it sounds perfect for some quiet time! Mind if I join you?”

     He takes another step backwards– thank heavens he hasn’t hit something yet– before committing to a full on bow. When he lifts his head up, he brandishes the beautiful signet ring given to them, with nothing but a singular, plain initial on it. “To ease any hesitations of wandering around with a stranger, lets get that out of the way, shall we? Name’s Gray.”

        “That is much more satisfying, I think, to explore the monastery than having a set destination.” There was something enticing about wandering aimlessly, even in a place she may have walked around a thousand times. Underappreciated beauty existed in the concaves of footprints and worn walls with vines creeping between the cracks. 

        Rinea hums in response, pensively thinking. She couldn’t be naive enough to think no one would have the same idea as the pair. The greenhouse was quite pretty at nighttime, a nice place for lovers to recluse. There might be a few other people by the pond as well, the moon would reflect upon the water like shards of glass, but it was worth a shot. 

        “Well, Gray. Despite your initial boldness, you have some decent redeeming qualities. My name is Rinea and I would appreciate the company.” She holds her card out to be stamped and following that motion, she has her ring up to stamp in return.

[laflorenata]

extenebris​:

The conversation makes its way at a broken, shambling pace, and Salem can’t help but wonder if it’s a mutual desire to be polite that’s shackling them both to it. Still, he doesn’t excuse himself (and he’s not quite sure why, other than that he doesn’t want her efforts to be wasted when she sets aside her plate to begin preparing their tea), and instead comes to hover over her shoulder as he peers at the selection of teas.

“Bergamot… I suppose.” He’s not too certain about the decision, but it’s at least a flavor he knows. “Unless you would suggest another.”

Another pause.

“… Are you certain that I cannot help with anything? Carrying your plate, for example.”

        She shakes her head. “I prefer teas with a creamier base myself, but bergamot is nice. Refreshing and citrusy, if that is to your taste. Though it is a bit strong, a slice of lemon and dash of sugar makes it very delicious. Oh! Cornflowers sound a bit odd, but they accent this tea nicely as well.”

        Now that she has prattled on about tea, she finally begins preparing two cups—mint and bergamot—humming as she completes her task at hand. 

        Rinea’s ears perk up once he begins speaking once more. At first, she does not answer, unsure of what to task him with. It is a bit awkward to stand and watch (or be watched in her case), so maybe her partner is making an attempt to fill in gaps where they lacked conversation topic. She slides her plate over within his reach, now a bit embarrassed by how much she piled onto it. If it were made of a flimsier material, surely it would collapse under its weight. It was too much for one person, she realizes. 

        “If you wish,” she answers finally. “I’m afraid I selected using my sight rather than my stomach, so you are free to lighten the load a little.”

[laflorenata]

@arcstral sent -

(💫) From a bird's eye view, the ballroom floor ripples like a grand and variegated sea of color—amongst them two heads of varying blue. The dance had called for an energetic switch of partners that in turn brings them together; Archanean lord and Valentian lady. He has occasionally seen this noblewoman in the company of a queen he knows, and he presumes there is between them some friendship. Even beyond that, there is no reason not to treat her well.

"You dance with a decade's air of experience, my good lady,” he compliments freely as the music tapers off to a sweet close. The Hero-King is able to keep up with many, but few might test his endurance like this one. He bows to her then proposes a gift. "Would you care for a stamp? For your skill, I would hand it to you with great pleasure."

        Whirled into another dance, carried by the string of violins and chords of the piano, Rinea’s next partner is of much greater elegance and poise, even when dancing such a demanding song. 

        She hadn’t expected to receive such kind compliments about her dancing tonight, however, she takes each word to heart, and not head. She holds each bit of praise close to her like glittering gems her love once gifted her—almost undeserving, but valuable all the same. Rinea pulls out her own card after bowing in return. Slowly, but surely, she had been filling up the card, a small victory on her end. 

        “Only if I may reward you in equal measure. I know not of your own skill prior to this, but you have a good sense of musicality, Sir...?” She trails off, unsure of the gentleman’s name. She had seen him around the campus, but hadn’t crossed paths significant enough to strike conversation.

[laflorenata]

@atypicalsenerio sent -

💃 Soren was getting the hang of dancing with more than just his closest partners, and he approached Rinea, trying to ignore how the whole atmosphere of the room had him tensed under his gremory drapery of feathers and floor length dress robes. "Lady Rinea, I would offer you a dance and an engagement card stamp, if you wish." They had, after all, braved a winter storm together, and he owed her that much for her expertise in the matter.

       “Sir Soren,” she greets in exchange, attaching the honorary as she felt appropriate. Of all people to approach her tonight, nothing in her bones would have guessed it would be Soren at her side. They had only one exchange, but he proved resourceful and wise for the situation they had found themselves in. A true tactician at work.

       Rinea holds out her stamp card in exchange for his own. “I would be open to a dance, do you have a preference for what dance we do?”

[laflorenata]

𝙏𝙔𝙋𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙋𝙀𝙊𝙋𝙇𝙀    :     𝙁𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙎.

𝙍𝙊𝙎𝙀𝙎    -     true romantic, loving the classics, pricked fingers, perfect makeup done to impress, bruises easily, beloved but unknown, soul as old as time, overused and under-appreciated.

𝘿𝘼𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙀𝙎    -    clean linens, youthful naivety, family, wide open spaces, running barefoot, moving towards instead of away, trying to forget about death, sun blindness.

𝙎𝙐𝙉𝙁𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙎    -    standing tall, strong roots, a home to always return to, warm summer air, holding onto lost hope, belief in growth, painted overalls, split ends.

𝘽𝙇𝙐𝙀𝘽𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙎    -    the end of spring, determination for the truth, cold and cautious, moonlight on windowsills, the taste of ice, unnecessary shyness, quiet belief in the extraordinary, complicated morals.

𝘿𝘼𝙁𝙁𝙊𝘿𝙄𝙇𝙎    -    mom dad friend, sweets, the smell of baking, riverbanks, leaving behind a toxic situation, being happy with your reflection, believing in luck, moving in a pack.

𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙀𝙎    -    sour candies, unappreciated elegance, valor, crystals projecting rainbows on white walls, unintended organization, old royalty, refusal to bow, learning a new language for the fun of it.

𝙇𝙄𝙇𝙄𝙀𝙎    -    secret poison, perfect handwriting, crisp consonants, pressed and ironed sheets, open windows, infinite persistence, thick skin, colder hands.

𝙇𝙄𝙇𝘼𝘾    -    fleeting and fair, strong but delicate, radiating good vibes, the beauty of falling apart, the joy in being scattered, soft fabrics, whirlwind romance, keeping the door open.

TAGGED    BY    :    rai & dash

TAGGING    :      youuuu (soulja boy tell ‘em)

[laflorenata]

pirrhyc​:

   Even for a wallflower as Pelleas, the night seemed intent upon pulling him into the center of people. He is grateful for the lessons he had taken on dancing in the days he had been but a prince, or else he might have tripped over his own feet with the gusto in which the event’s dancers had thrust him into their lot.

The partner with which he is passed onto next seems to be of a similar disposition to him if her words are anything to judge by. After all, it is notable that she describes dancing here as surviving. It is a task to endure. She is also a follower, she admits, and not one of the people who has swept up others into this mass of dancing.

“ So we must! ”  he says, though he worries he cannot be heard at all. Even if she is right in front of him, the crowd is particularly raucous now that they are getting as many people involved as possible, and the orchestra seems to swell into an especially loud crescendo just as he replies. For a naturally quiet speaker as him, it is a rough trial for certain.

And so he continues the dance, unsure if it was worth trying to speak again as the fates test him until the song has ended. When she goes to part from him and they return to their quieter spaces, he stops her on the side, saying,  “ For someone who describes what we have done as merely surviving through it all, you dance remarkably well… Um, if it isn’t me overstepping my bounds, does dancing mean something sad to you and that’s why you see it that way…? ”

        Despite them being right in front of each other, it is difficult to even hear her partner’s confirmation. Rinea takes position to dance along, careful not to disrupt the flow of the jovial dancers surrounding them. There were more than a few times she could count where she narrowly avoids collision with other dancers. Instead, she attempted to keep her focus on her partner as they moved like tempest, cutting through the crowd as swift as the orchestra would allow.

        Once the song finally concludes, they are back off to the side, thankfully a much slower song is in its place with less rowdy volunteers. An awkward way to meet someone, but grateful to have the opportunity all the same. She is ready to part and thank him for his compliment, but the latter of his message leaves her at a loss for words. It was none of his fault, but he happened to strike a particularly sensitive nerve ( though, it could be written as her own for attending in the first place ). 

        Was it written on her face? She had never been quite the expert at hiding emotions and evidently, it must have bled through the form of dance.

        “Pray, forgive me. I meant to leave my personal grief at the door where it ought to be, but I suppose despite my efforts, it followed me in my dancing. I hope it didn’t bring down you too much.” Pensively, she looks aside, letting silence wash over, though it offered little in the way of comfort. Fidgety, she toys with the ring, running over the engravement of her initials with the tip of her finger.

        “I know it’s not much, but,” she begins, looking back to him, “I could at least offer a stamp for your trouble.”

[laflorenata]

cruelsfate​:

The relief she feels when the stranger—Rinea—offers her name first is insurmountable. Though she had started the conversation herself, she finds her tongue tied at the elegance with which Rinea carries herself. “My name is Marianne. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

In her attempt to direct her gaze elsewhere, she instead finds it catching on the stamp card in her companion’s hand. “Ah, do you need another stamp?” she manages to ask, though her voice shrinks in on itself at the question. “Um, I think I’m still in need of a few myself…”

        “Oh, yes,” she replies, attempting to not sound too eager. She supposed there were no concrete rules as to how one gained a stamp, so long as there is physical proof of one. Rinea holds her own card out with one hand and the other held out for exchange.

        “I’d be glad to help, Marianne.” Though it was a small feat, it was one less she’d have to worry about and one more closer to filling it completely out. It was almost as satisfying as the buns offered at the dance. Would it be wrong to take another? Her eyes flicker to the plate, briefly.

[laflorenata]

ladybcrd​:

     “What can I say? I’m a natural,” She continues along with the silly dance, unable to hold back her smile as she follows along with the other dancers. “I absolutely love music and dancing, so I tend to take to these sorts of things rather quickly.”

     It isn’t long before the music ends, and once it does, Dorothea’s already pulling out her card for the other girl to take. “No, thank you! I had a lot of fun.” A chuckle, “And yes, I’d say that was definitely worth a stamp. Here you are… oh, and the name’s Dorothea, by the way.”

        “Rinea,” she returns. She stamps her card in exchange. “Fun, yes. I did too, surprisingly.” The Zofians knew how to host a party, that was for sure, even in a rather silly dance such as this one, the sense of unity and carefreeness was ever present. 

        “You said you like music and dancing? I do as well, um,” she takes a long pause, gaze falling to the floor. "But, I suppose that was a little silly to admit, being here in the first place.”

[laflorenata]

(continued from here | @aubins)

        Rinea takes his card and stamps it onto the first blank space. One down, four more to collect. Though, for what, she has been questioning this since receiving the strange ring and card. Perhaps it was the staff’s quirky way of forcing their students to mingle. And somehow it was working. 

        She tucks the card away once their exchange is complete. Rinea takes his hand and nods, following his lead to the floor. Though not of the same status as some of the other nobility in the room, she feels a need to follow by their etiquette. No one cared enough to look her direction and she had no responsibility to uphold, her status lackluster bordering shameful if others found out, but she still curtsies moments before the song begins. If anything, respect to her partner, she could show.

        One hand was tucked behind her whilst the other in the air to press against his own. And in a circle they spin, as she begins to size up his character. 

        “Do you like dancing? Yuri, I take it?” She remembers that much from the card she stamped. “You seemed indifferent at best when I asked.”

[laflorenata]

(continued from here | @extenebris)

        She nods in acknowledgement, having nothing worthy to add to the conversation—what attempts to be one at least. Her free hand reaches up to twirl a piece of hair as her gaze is cast aside. Neither made an effort to leave, but a sigh of relief is passed through her when it is he whom breaks the silence.

        “Yes, that would be lovely.” Now there was some substance of topic between them, the silence felt less uncomfortable. Rinea could at least fill it by busying her hands.

        She had already grabbed one of the cups, setting it right side up. How often did the staff check the kettle or continually put out dishes as students and faculty made their rounds? She takes one of the spoons and reaches to scoop the leaves from the tin, before retracting and looking back up to him. “...Was there a flavor you preferred?”

[laflorenata]

(continued from here) | @15shadesofgray

        Her eyes fixate on him for a minute. Perplexing, she could have sworn she’s seen him before. He didn’t seem very Rigellian, especially with that wagging tongue of his, but she had the feeling he was from somewhere in Valentia all the same. 

        “How... flattering,” she responds flatly. Not entirely born out of disinterest, but disbelief. The only heart she had to break was her own. Still, Rinea continues the conversation. "But, yes. I was hoping to escape for a minute, so it looks like we had the same idea. The pond and greenhouse were my first choices, they offer a serenity, especially during the nighttime. I don’t suppose that was where you were headed as well?”