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@landslioness
Closed Lachesis from Genealogy of the Holy War! Golden Deer professor affiliated with The Officers Academy. Penned by Neku!
Mobile Links: Profile / Stats / Interview / Mun / Taglist
Small Notes (More can be found via profile!):
pit of god-knows-how-many trials
non-mission task: excavation (any+1)
“ We can try starting with the chest first then! Who knows how deep the dirt here is? ” Lapis tries to remain perky and optimistic, being around someone new in mostly uncharted territory. If her investigative partner suggests distaste for one method while they have other possible leads to get through first, then prioritizing her comfort was a no-brainer.
But Lapis can't deny a part of her does have her own curiosities with it, enough to make her kneel and dig her hand through it, sifting through the sample in her palm to try inspect it for what properties it might have.
It's honestly pretty good dirt; she's curious about planting something in it... But she can't get too carried away! She's here on a different job, and her companion already has been negative on this front! Lapis gets a grip of herself, turning her hand to let the dirt fall back to the earth as she rises back to stand, approaching the chest.
“ I'll test first if we can pick the lock. Allow me. ”
Taking out a hairpin from her belongings, she kneels again before the chest and starts to manipulate and twist its shape until she has a tool with which to test things. But quickly, her lockpicking adventures come to a premature end.
“ Woah! ” she cries out. “ The chest seems magic. I got a weird feeling when I was fiddling with it, and the inner components of the lock mechanism were actively changing while I was in there. ”
It was a miracle that she was able to retrieve her makeshift lockpick. If things had shifted in just the wrong way, it could've been lost or broken in there!
“ Alright, if picking won't work, I'll try breaking then. Step back, OK? ”
Preparing her blade, she rises and raises it up high before she swings it down. Doing so, when her sword makes contact with the lock, a great burst of light emerges and from it, monsters form from it, encircling the two of them and the chest. Lapis whips her head at the low, growling noises the slow monsters make.
“ Yikes, looks like we've got company. ” Lapis turns around, pushing herself back to back with the princess of Nordion. The monsters wore clothing to suggest some human-like guise, not unlike the various outfits soldiers of different classes were adorned with in battle back at the Academy, but their lack of any distinct facial features on any of them lended an eerieness to their appearance.
Lapis takes one last glance to the chest, pristine despite the earlier blow Lapis had launched against it. “ And the lock's still on. I wonder... did trying to open it summon these guys? ”
Ah, but this wasn't the time to be wondering too much, slow as they might be. It was still a battle to be had.
“ Hey, how are you in a fight? If I take out this half of guys, can I trust you with the rest? ”
She simply observes. No accusations or premature reactions. Simply observe. A bare lesson taught to nobility in favor of judging other nobility, but the same courtesy applies to those of any class. That’s the minimum she’s learned from extensively fighting alongside those back home; an army assorted of those who bore blood of higher rank to those with none at all.
This is all to conclude that the young-looking knight that takes action upon Lachesis’s prodding is…hardworking. Certainly has her own methods, considering the emphasis on the room’s dirt and pulling out a tool she presumed was only accustomed to petty thieves. And then her last resort of smashing the lock is bold, to say the least.
So even when it all comes to failures and only to be met with…whatever stands to oppose them now, Lachesis does not end up disappointed in Lapis’s endeavors. If anything, she feels some regret for not providing her own insights, even if the other knight never asked.
Though if the current conditions meant a fight must ensue, then the lioness can definitely provide something of value.
“Half and half, evenly split for us?” Lachesis contextualizes, ignoring the girl’s concerns with the lock to focus on the more pressing issue. “If that is what you see as fair. Swordplay is a strong suit of mine, so if I’ve dealt with my share early…well, let’s just keep it to halves for now.”
A smile sneaks itself onto her lips. It’s easier to slice away with a clear conscience when the opposition is simply a glob of monsters.
“If you are to trust me with the rest, then by all means. I trust you to ready us off.”
May Activity Check
Level Up! (Passed)
Status: Cleared! Points Obtained:
+1 Any (Monthly Activity) +1 Gauntlets (Finished Thread: Finn 3)
Total Points: 9 –> 10 Point Allocation:
Faith: E+ -> D Gauntlets: E -> E+
New Classes Accessed:
Monk Dancer
Classes Mastered: Myrmidon
Inventory Changes:
Heal (D Faith) Seaside Parasol Ethereal Ball 2025 Bracelet
something old / something new
⤷ ethereal ball 2025: first half.
The two trade pearls, but even as they do so, Lachesis speaks bravely in dismissal of it, not relying on it at all. She turns a hard-hitting question onto Leif, putting him in opposition to her own values.
She has already told him she doesn't need it to confirm a love. So, if he really did seek her approval, then he should match her answer too. And yet...
“ I do. ”
...when he answers, he speaks the truth.
“ I promised her already that I would deliver a pearl tiara to her one day just like my parents once did in Miletos. Even now, I gave her a reminder of it because I don't want her to forget. ”
Lachesis can live without the pearl's symbol, but Leif finds himself clinging to it desperately.
“ It's not a crown yet but the pearl earrings she's wearing tonight are there because of me. I may not have loved her for as long as she loved me but... ”
His gaze sharpens, carrying his conviction.
“ ...I can't stand the idea of letting her go!! ”
Any signs of glee from the princess’s previous giggle cannot be found within her expression as she listens to Leif’s firm belief.
“I see,” she only provides a likewise brief answer of understanding. The little prince’s desire for pearl tiaras in particular is further explained by his father’s actions. For whatever reason, Lachesis could imagine the royals of Leonster she once met uniting over such a luxurious gift.
Although her gaze remains stern, it is by no means meant to pressure. Lachesis is simply handling the situation with the proper gravity it requires, for both potential groom and potential parent in-law.
And what a situation it seems to be, by the sound of his serious execution.
“There was always something special between you two…considering our circumstance, how could there not be? Although, and pray forgive me if I am prying…”
Lachesis sneaks a surrounding look around the nearby vicinity, checking for…in all honesty, her daughter. Questions about her love life should be directed at Nanna first and foremost, shared secrets between mother and daughter, but for all the confidence the Nordion places on love, she cannot help but be curious…
…if Leif loves her so, even if delayed in comparison, then…
“...why is she not with you now, on such an enchanting evening? If you refuse to let her go, where is she now?"
blossoming ballet
toaball2025 | cont from x
Alfred isn't a complete fool. He realizes shortly thereafter that tossing the question back at her may not have been the brightest move, but he asked out of earnest curiosity—not any intent to make things awkward. Despite being a prince, it was clear that his philosophy erred on the edge of 'do first, think later'. It's his own turn for his jaw to drop when she momentarily takes the lead. It becomes something of a challenge for him, his own movements punctuated with an enthusiastic flourish before she returns to his arms. Though not entirely graceful, it was clear that he respected these steps immensely, devout as he was. "So an artist. That's amazing!" His smile is bright, sickeningly sweet and infectious. "I'm into horseback riding, myself. My father taught me to weild a lance while riding—which came in handy. Say, when this is all over we should go for a ride sometime." It takes him a moment to realize that asking random people to go on outings with him wasn't exactly the most proper, and pigment flushes like pink petals upon his cheeks. "O-only if you'd like, of course."
There is a small, not very subtle raise of her brows as the princess completes her lead of the unfamiliar dance and softly wrests control back to Alfred. Not that his request to ride on horseback has been a strange request, nor a sudden one. It is more so the downright confidence he exudes from making the request that sends Lachesis aback.
But it is the confirmation of shared awkwardness via rose-turned cheeks that lowers Lachesis’s eyebrows back as she continues her smaller smile. As an early teen, there’s been men who have been more unpleasant when asking for an outing with her post-dance. Hearing it in a much kinder manner from such a honeyed smile is enough to convince her that this is not the same.
“It would be to my liking, actually. Adam could use some new acquaintances,” Lachesis nods before realizing the introduction of a new name. “By Adam, I mean my house. We’ve never separated since meeting on…a boat, as ironic it may sound.”
She doesn’t laugh at her own accidental connection, instead saving the energy for more flourishes in her dancing. “It all depends on when I have free time. Hours have been generous enough, although I’ve only just begun to teach… Oh, that reminds me. Are you here to teach or study…? It would be rude to assume one over the other.”
[ TOWEL ] - With everyone drenched, getting dry becomes a top priority for most. Perhaps offering something to dry someone else off with is just what you need to get closer to one another… Good impressions require many things! Politeness, friendliness, mastery of the spoken word, all important of course. But another good way is by helping people out. Which has the added benefit of helping those in need, which is very much up Panette’s alley. The current problem that needs addressing is the weather, which as wonderfully charming as it may be, does literally rain on some people’s parade. Turns out folks don’t like getting drenched. Which is quite understandable, and where Panette comes in! Having scouted the house for the best towel she could find, she ends up offering it to a lady dressed in a beautiful array of pinks, her charm laid out on top. “Greetings, fair lady! My name is Panette, new student of the Black Eagles, it is a pleasure to meet you! I thought that you might appreciate a towel in order to dry yourself and your gorgeous dress off after the raging storm outside. And included is my charm for if you would like to trade.” She hands the towel and charm over with a smile. Waiting for her to finish, she speaks up again. “I am quite new to this land, and I must say, this place is quite extravagant. I took the utmost care to procure the best seeming towel in the house, and it is quite a marvel indeed, is it not? The person who created the towel even had his name embroidered onto it, and I must say, their pride is deserved. Whoever you may be, Fauntleroy, crafter of towels, your work is admirable.” She giggles to herself, before turning to address the blonde once more. “Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope I could be of some use with getting your absolutely breathtaking dress back into shape.” She gives the lady a beaming smile.
The rain drowns out any opportunity of public dance in an instant. Though she fortunately has the hindsight to be near the host’s estate as the dim clouds darkened further, it does not make for a great continuation for the ball. And after she was prepared to dance away the rest of the evening in the open air…
Lachesis’s mourning is put on hold, as a dreary face to greet a new one is far from acceptable. The new face in question being an orange-haired lady with a spacey, white towel in tow. The item is not a surprise, considering the storm on the outside. What is more of a surprise is the item being passed toward the princess with no hesitation.
The professor is still in a slight gloomy daze upon Pannette’s greeting, but she does at least accept the gift without fuss. It is then with the stretching of her arms that Lachesis finally realizes how…heavy the world feels beneath said arms. A glove ruffles her pink dress, and a second look at how deep those pinks are confirms how absolutely drenched her outfit has become. An awkward yet soft giggle from her finally confirms her understanding of the towel.
“A good evening to you, Panette. It seems I have been so preoccupied escaping the cold that I’ve missed it even catching me. You have my thanks. And a pearl for your troubles, courtesy of Lady Lachesis, professor of the Golden Deer,” Lachesis substitutes a curtsey that would only spread the mess of wetness with a lengthy, genuine greeting. She wraps the towel around her waist first, hoping to work down from all of the wetness. And as promised, the blonde soon pops a pearl charm in place of the towel and anchor previously in Panette’s hands.
Lachesis continues to serve as a good guest, listening to the stylish student’s continuation. She smiles back at the bright smile upon it being revealed, though the professor attempts to provide her own perspective of the name she now notices being drenched by her dress. “I am actually not fully accustomed to this land either, hailing from farther away. But…the name Fauntleroy does strike familiar. I believe he is…a student of the Black Eagles as well? And a noble one at that, his house holding this very gala.”
A pause. She certainly believes that Panette means well, but… “...could this towel be his private property? Surely he wouldn’t mind his guests using it…?”
Lady Lachesis seems to be quite pleased, which brings Panette quite a measure of joy! Both from the pragmatic perspective of giving a good impression to a professor at this academy, and, more true to her feelings, because it’s just nice to help out.
Really nice, in fact, seeing Lady Lachesis’ dress look a bit better and commencing the charm trade makes Panette absolutely beam with joy. She listens intently as the professor speaks. She is also from a different land! It’s good to know Panette and some of her friends ain’t the only ones. And she recognizes the great craftsman Fauntleroy! Apparently he shares a class with her? Quite young to be a master craftsman! And what a coincidence! This is his house! The house of the host. Fauntleroy’s house. Fauntleroy part of the family that is having the birthday bash. His house.
His bathroom.
His towel.
Fauntleroy’s towel. And Panette basically stole it.
Her facial expression morphs from joy to pure, utter dread. Her hands are clutching her head before she can even process it.
“I believe I have committed a grave error. I merely wished to help with making people more comfortable but it seems I have blundered. Now it seems my spirits truly are as gloomy as the weather.” Panette considers hiding the evidence, or just putting it back where she found it and hoping her crime would not be discovered, but that’d probably tank her rep with Lady Lachesis something fierce. Instead, she addresses her yet again, sounding quite dejected.
“Do you know if Fauntleroy is a merciful man, Lady Lachesis? Will he forgive such a careless transgression?” If there were any way to describe how she feels right now, it’s like a sopping wet cat.
It is a strange experience, seeing the fear she only slightly possesses in her heart reflected in full in front of a cheery face earlier. Perhaps it’s comparable to a distorted mirror, except with an entirely different person standing on the opposite end. Lachesis’s already faint smile wipes itself away to meet Panette’s concern halfway.
“I would not jump to conclusions so hastily. It is entirely possible for names to be engraved on all towels within his estate…though I cannot confirm that, considering this is the only one I’ve seen,” Lachesis mutters that last part, realizing the difficulty of calming the storm when uncertain as well.
She shakes her head, choosing a more direct approach. “If it were up to me, the taking and use of a towel that should easily be dried by tomorrow should only be seen as a trife crime,” Lachesis’s smile partially returns, but is not a full one. Up to her is quite a loaded statement, when she is, in fact, not Fauntleroy. The academy surely teaches their noble students manners…yes?
Simple suggestions of what could happen are not going anywhere. With a sigh, the princess begins folding the already-wet towel neatly in her hands. “I can accompany you to go over the misunderstanding with the man of the house. If there is anyone to blame, it is me for consuming the cloth without a second thought.”
something old / something new
⤷ ethereal ball 2025: first half.
“ Is that so?? ” Always a captive audience to hear about the parts of Jugdral he wasn't there for, he had been groomed to such behavior for as long as he can remember. Since his parents' passing, he was raised on knights' mournful starry-eyed memories of them. Since he'd left Fiana, he'd been pressed to open his eyes to the suffering of those lives he did not live around him.
To learn that which is not your own life has always felt necessary to being Leif Faris Claus then.
Though he was raised a prince, Jugdral hardly afforded balls to those not in the good graces of its crown prince. He hardly imagines Lachesis since she had left for the Deserts of Aed had had any opportunity to join a modern ball either back home.
So when she speaks, it really must be of a Nordion from over a decade ago.
The differences between their knowledge comes even more starkly when she reacts to Leif's assessment of the dress she dons now.
“ It's the cut of it, ” Leif struggles to explain, using his hand to gesture and guide his descriptions, drawing a phantom dress on his own person by the direction of his index finger. “ Wedding dresses have the part at the neck and then the skirts flow down and out like yours does. They're not big ball gowns but more... like that. ”
“ But not too long so you can still see their shoes. ” He taps the heels of his boots for good measure before he glances back up to Lachesis. “ All you're missing, besides the white color, are the flowers and the veils. Oh! And the pearl tiaras. They still have them even now... Though it's pretty difficult to get one when Miletos fell. ”
Miletos had been the commercial capitol of the continent, its marketplaces boasting the finest and drawing nobles from all over looking to secure their fancy gifts. War had done it no favors however.
“ The only pearls we have tonight are the ones on our bracelets... ”
@landslioness ( cont. from here. ) !!
Albeit the hint of clambering present within matching verbal description to physical tracing, Lachesis simply nods along to the lord’s summation of the wedding wear. With a sizable wardrobe of her own - at least back when she had little to worry about beyond the wardrobe - she can surmise the main points of what Leif was attempting to lay down.
She adds a friendly giggle at his miniature tap dance in demonstration. She would hope the fair bride could at least free their shoes, lest the fateful day would be filled with unpleasant trippings and not much else.
“Pearl tiaras? From Miletos…? Oh.”
The princess repeats both statements, only to come to the answers herself. It is still so difficult to realize how much of the world she’s missed since…whatever has happened to her. The location of Miletos is obviously not entirely foreign to her, but how much of his interpretation of it differs from her own?
Rather than enter that sore pitfall of a topic, Lachesis transitions to what Leif implies with the bracelets. Before handing off this pearl charm, she gives it a decent look-over as she spins it in two fingers. She then does the same once collecting the young man’s own pearl.
“Ironic for us to be paired with the same ball accessory,” she states in a pleasant tone. The same was clearly not true for all of those closest to her, which picks at her thoughts for a moment. “A pearl tiara…it all sounds lovely, but I do not think I’d need that to confirm the love with who I’ve carried on with. Though, if I might ask…
“...do you picture my daughter in that same crown, in due time?”
[ CROWDED ] - It looks like with the outdoor venue, some stowaways and uninvited guests have entered the ball, and the already crowded event has become even more bustling. With crowds like this, you find it all too easy to bump into other people, and before you know it, you completely knock another person over!
In the rush to arrive, despite being a bit late the entrance was still absolutely packed to the rafters. Plus there were even more people in the hall beyond. Byleth sighed in resigned annoyance to the delay.
"hey!" They shouted as someone pushed into them from behind, everyone being jostled and forced forwards. Unable to stop the momentum, Byleth felt themself bash into someone else.
"I'm so sorry" They apologised "Oh sweet sothis" They had hit a glamorous looking lady, knocking her to the floor. "Here let me help you up" Offering a hand to pull her to her feet.
Well, at least the first fall of the night came later than her earliest ball memories. And this one isn’t entirely her fault technicall. Even if it is Lachesis’s heel slipping upon her pinks that ultimately knocks her out, the physical contact of another spurred her into tripping up in the first place.
The fall does not hurt that greatly either, partially thanks to the great girth of her ballgown. It allows Lachesis to immediately flick her head around in search for the perpetrator with eyes slightly ignited deep inside. However, the fires are soon to cool when the culprit is upfront and honest for the misdeed. The princess felt like she heard the other lady’s voice earlier as well - and with the distraught shout from earlier she could piece things together.
“It’s alright. My own fault for crowding these already crowded halls,” she affirms. Before taking the sea-haired woman’s offered hand, Lachesis briefly reaches back and brushes her hair with a glove, bringing her small, blonde bangs back to the front.
Then she doesn’t leave the idle hand waiting, releasing a proper “Thank you,” as she is pulled up back on her feet. Admittedly, the other lady had a stronger grip than she expected, but it made getting back up all the more efficient.
Once standing once more, Lachesis gives a light smile while staring back at her tripper-turned savior. For someone who sounded very sorry for the trouble, her face did not show it that well…
“I do not believe I’ve seen you before. For a proposal for apology…might I ask for your name?” Lachesis negotiates. “I, for one, am Lady Lachesis. Recent professor for the Golden Deer.”
Years of looking their enemies in the eye was all which stopped Byleth recoiling from the fire in the Lady’s eyes when they first saw them. But this quickly softened.
“Indeed.” The professor agreed. “I’m constantly surprised by how much I overestimate people’s ability to run an event. There’s always something which goes wrong.”
Even so, this might be a new record for disaster at an event they’d attended. Byleth pulls the lady to her feet with ease and attempts to brush down her skirts to remove any dirt from the floor.
“Of course, my name is Byleth Eisner. I’m currently employed as a professor in the Black Eagles house though I’ve taught most houses in my time at the academy.”
Having introduced themself, they wondered how else they could show their contriteness. Reaching into the pouch they’d been handed containing their charms, they held a small seashell out in their open palm.
“Lady Lachesis. Please accept this charm as way of apology for my clumsiness. However, I’m glad that this incident has led to me making your acquaintance”
Eyes formerly glaring with hidden rage soften even more at the introduction of the seashell charm. “Of course. The purpose of these charms is to break the ice, correct? If this is customary of the ball, then I am still getting accustomed to it. Hence my ‘recent’ clarification.”
With little delay, Lachesis sets free her own charm that depicts a pearl before picking at the other charm and carefully replacing the spoils. “I shall accept this charm, though primarily out of gratitude for our meeting over need for forgiveness. As I can never be bitter toward meeting a fellow faculty…or a potential ally, in this new land.”
The sudden encounter has subtly taught the princess something new as well. It appeared that the professors weren’t locked to simply one house to teach. An interesting possibility…but there is purpose in the students that Lachesis currently instructs. Perhaps it is an option she can consider further, if she even remains employed in the academy for long enough.
“Again a pleasure, Miss Byleth,” Lachesis announces. Now with her square on her feet and most of the grime off her dress, she feels comfortable enough to provide the lady a small, friendly twirl of her dress. “I am sure we will meet again in some time. Ideally…with the two of us on the same elevation.”
how big, how blue, how beautiful
Finn is glad she obliges, leading the way through the sands to where they might find a beverage. But beyond that, he hopes they might break for a bit of privacy. As much as he loves to dance with his wife, a little bit of time alone would be greatly appreciated. Finn was no socialite. He was a private animal, one did not dazzle at balls. But he tried for Lachesis.
When the princess suggests the cabana, Finn is happy to oblige, heading out in front. "I'll be glad to lead the way," he tells Lachesis. Good. Finally, somewhere quiet where they could be afforded some downtime. It was nice to know that the entire ball did not have to be dancing. He could not hope that Lachesis would sit by his side the entire time.
The cabana was reached in a short while, only a small stretch of beach over. Finn gives room for Lachesis to sit down and order at the bar, but she lets him know she needs something else.
"We could do that as well," he returns, looking down at her. Where could they go? Finn sifts through his knowledge of the ball like clockwork and arrives at his answer.
"How about the destiny grotto? I heard it's one of the more remote places." He only hopes his suggestion is not too bold. "However, if you have another idea...do not hesitate to let me know. I will go wherever. You only need tell me."
Although she’s already requested leave of this place, Lachesis takes temporary retreat in the seat that Finn secured to not diminish his efforts. “Destiny grotto?” she repeats while idly placing one hand atop the bar’s surface. The place is not foreign to her, the mention bringing back memories of studying the ball’s offerings this year. If she recalls right, it is a cavernous area to the side of the ball…for couples.
A mischievous smirk suddenly appears on her face. She never expected the same Finn she pleaded to look at her moons earlier could be this brave. “Then it is destined for the two of us. Oh! But first…might we have…?”
—
Minutes later, and it is Lachesis holding a glass of a sweet, fruity beverage in one hand (she insisted on holding her own drink) and Finn’s hand with the other. Even though Finn was the one to bring up the resting location, she thought it wouldn’t be worth the beauty unless it was both of them uncovering it.
“It shouldn’t be cast that far aside from the premises, if the other couples spoke so highly of it,” Lachesis infers, doing her best to not allow sand to enter her heels. She can make do with walking in it, but she would most definitely be more comfortable once out of it.
Eventually, Lachesis halts her pace and stops lightly pulling Finn’s hand. “Could…that be the grotto?” she releases her beloved temporarily and lightly points at an enclosed cove, a small patch of water barely visible within.
blossoming ballet
toaball2025 | cont from x
“What do you mean?” Alfred seemed genuinely perplexed by the question. There was loads to do on a ship. He doesn’t realize that in the midst of his shock he misses a step, though he’s quick to cover up his mistake with a flourish of his cape.
“Well,” he continued, tone lightening as his thoughts turned toward a subject he clearly delighted in, “I did most of my training on deck. The open air helps. If I try doing it in the cabin—well, between the cramped space and the swaying walls—I start to feel a bit woozy.” He gave a half-laugh.
“Push-ups are easy when the sea’s calm. There’s something nice about the rhythm of it, y’know? Repetitive, dependable. Squats too—I like squats—but if the boat rocks at the wrong time, you’ve got to fight just to stay upright.”
If he could smile even more he definitely would have, but it’s clear he’s very enthusiastic about his fitness.
“Oh! But there’s more to talk about than me, for sure. What do you like to do for fun?” Did he ask that already? Probably not. He was so caught up in not causing either of them to trip, being proper, all of that.
“When you put it that way…I suppose it does sound nothing more than reasonable,” Lachesis keeps her smile even to him, giggling at her own unawareness. In her mind, she pictures the parts of the ship in lieu with her one major boating trip. It’s difficult to imagine the types of exercises, herself usually not toying in much beyond simple stretching of muscles.
The prince is so motivated about his hobbies, that when he inevitably flips the question back on her, Lachesis is unable to hold back a slightly agape mouth. “For fun? Well, there is always the time for a dance…ah, but that’s what we’re doing right now, isn’t it? Not a great answer.”
To punctuate, she takes a small lead of the dance, twirling herself in Alfred’s hands and giving time for further thought. The princess has had little time reserved “for fun” after that tragic day…but come now, that should not be the topic tainting her thoughts tonight. As the spin finishes and she returns to his arms, Lachesis musters up a proper response.
“During the days of my adolescence, I came to enjoy the occasional attempt at a sketch or drawing. There was riding on horseback too, although it took me some time before I could hold a sword and ride at the same time. It might be generic, but I took a liking to reading and studying as well.”
Once complete with her hopefully adequate list, she refocuses her eyes on Alfred. “Nothing as valorous as exercising over waters, but they are what I enjoy nonetheless.”
[ CROWDED ] - It looks like with the outdoor venue, some stowaways and uninvited guests have entered the ball, and the already crowded event has become even more bustling. With crowds like this, you find it all too easy to bump into other people, and before you know it, you completely knock another person over!
In the rush to arrive, despite being a bit late the entrance was still absolutely packed to the rafters. Plus there were even more people in the hall beyond. Byleth sighed in resigned annoyance to the delay.
"hey!" They shouted as someone pushed into them from behind, everyone being jostled and forced forwards. Unable to stop the momentum, Byleth felt themself bash into someone else.
"I'm so sorry" They apologised "Oh sweet sothis" They had hit a glamorous looking lady, knocking her to the floor. "Here let me help you up" Offering a hand to pull her to her feet.
Well, at least the first fall of the night came later than her earliest ball memories. And this one isn’t entirely her fault technicall. Even if it is Lachesis’s heel slipping upon her pinks that ultimately knocks her out, the physical contact of another spurred her into tripping up in the first place.
The fall does not hurt that greatly either, partially thanks to the great girth of her ballgown. It allows Lachesis to immediately flick her head around in search for the perpetrator with eyes slightly ignited deep inside. However, the fires are soon to cool when the culprit is upfront and honest for the misdeed. The princess felt like she heard the other lady’s voice earlier as well - and with the distraught shout from earlier she could piece things together.
“It’s alright. My own fault for crowding these already crowded halls,” she affirms. Before taking the sea-haired woman’s offered hand, Lachesis briefly reaches back and brushes her hair with a glove, bringing her small, blonde bangs back to the front.
Then she doesn’t leave the idle hand waiting, releasing a proper “Thank you,” as she is pulled up back on her feet. Admittedly, the other lady had a stronger grip than she expected, but it made getting back up all the more efficient.
Once standing once more, Lachesis gives a light smile while staring back at her tripper-turned savior. For someone who sounded very sorry for the trouble, her face did not show it that well…
“I do not believe I’ve seen you before. For a proposal for apology…might I ask for your name?” Lachesis negotiates. “I, for one, am Lady Lachesis. Recent professor for the Golden Deer.”
[ TOWEL ] - With everyone drenched, getting dry becomes a top priority for most. Perhaps offering something to dry someone else off with is just what you need to get closer to one another… Good impressions require many things! Politeness, friendliness, mastery of the spoken word, all important of course. But another good way is by helping people out. Which has the added benefit of helping those in need, which is very much up Panette’s alley. The current problem that needs addressing is the weather, which as wonderfully charming as it may be, does literally rain on some people’s parade. Turns out folks don’t like getting drenched. Which is quite understandable, and where Panette comes in! Having scouted the house for the best towel she could find, she ends up offering it to a lady dressed in a beautiful array of pinks, her charm laid out on top. “Greetings, fair lady! My name is Panette, new student of the Black Eagles, it is a pleasure to meet you! I thought that you might appreciate a towel in order to dry yourself and your gorgeous dress off after the raging storm outside. And included is my charm for if you would like to trade.” She hands the towel and charm over with a smile. Waiting for her to finish, she speaks up again. “I am quite new to this land, and I must say, this place is quite extravagant. I took the utmost care to procure the best seeming towel in the house, and it is quite a marvel indeed, is it not? The person who created the towel even had his name embroidered onto it, and I must say, their pride is deserved. Whoever you may be, Fauntleroy, crafter of towels, your work is admirable.” She giggles to herself, before turning to address the blonde once more. “Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope I could be of some use with getting your absolutely breathtaking dress back into shape.” She gives the lady a beaming smile.
The rain drowns out any opportunity of public dance in an instant. Though she fortunately has the hindsight to be near the host’s estate as the dim clouds darkened further, it does not make for a great continuation for the ball. And after she was prepared to dance away the rest of the evening in the open air…
Lachesis’s mourning is put on hold, as a dreary face to greet a new one is far from acceptable. The new face in question being an orange-haired lady with a spacey, white towel in tow. The item is not a surprise, considering the storm on the outside. What is more of a surprise is the item being passed toward the princess with no hesitation.
The professor is still in a slight gloomy daze upon Pannette’s greeting, but she does at least accept the gift without fuss. It is then with the stretching of her arms that Lachesis finally realizes how…heavy the world feels beneath said arms. A glove ruffles her pink dress, and a second look at how deep those pinks are confirms how absolutely drenched her outfit has become. An awkward yet soft giggle from her finally confirms her understanding of the towel.
“A good evening to you, Panette. It seems I have been so preoccupied escaping the cold that I’ve missed it even catching me. You have my thanks. And a pearl for your troubles, courtesy of Lady Lachesis, professor of the Golden Deer,” Lachesis substitutes a curtsey that would only spread the mess of wetness with a lengthy, genuine greeting. She wraps the towel around her waist first, hoping to work down from all of the wetness. And as promised, the blonde soon pops a pearl charm in place of the towel and anchor previously in Panette’s hands.
Lachesis continues to serve as a good guest, listening to the stylish student’s continuation. She smiles back at the bright smile upon it being revealed, though the professor attempts to provide her own perspective of the name she now notices being drenched by her dress. “I am actually not fully accustomed to this land either, hailing from farther away. But…the name Fauntleroy does strike familiar. I believe he is…a student of the Black Eagles as well? And a noble one at that, his house holding this very gala.”
A pause. She certainly believes that Panette means well, but… “...could this towel be his private property? Surely he wouldn’t mind his guests using it…?”
how big, how blue, how beautiful
"Very well."
It would be enough, more than enough. They were a couple whose time was left behind in the etches of memory, ever to be lost and forgotten. Finn had given up on himself, given up on the possibility of their love ever coming back. It was only by the will of his wife that they stood together today.
"Allow me to thank you," he starts, drawing his lips close to her ear, "for giving me a second chance. Thank you for not giving up on me."
It was still difficult to believe that someone could accept and want him, but he would choose to believe in the present for now. In every twist and swirl he and Lachesis did on the dancefloor, in the ephemeral beauty of the ballroom that enticed him to forget yesterday.
"Truly," he adds, bringing her fingers to his lips. This was the only way he knew how. Midnight blue eyes searched out her golds. How could he explain how much she meant to him? His grip tightened.
But as with all things, the dance began to fade to the background. Lachesis sounded that she was in need of something else, and Finn was happy to oblige. "Then shall we?" he asked. He would not want his princess to bore.
"How about we get something to drink first? You must be parched." They had, in fact, danced quite a lot more than he expected. His hand remains on hers as they search out liquid.
“We shall,” Lachesis plays along with the offer, lacking the will to pull her fingers away hastily. After so long, she’s forgotten how precious the feel of the lips of one she values truly is. No matter if the lips touch her own, or simply her hands.
They take their leave from the ball’s dancing area, leading back to the sands of the beach. Unfortunately, heels do little to traverse the terrain that well. But that is why she is not alone in this little stroll. As the pink lady and her white knight proceed deeper through the party’s offerings, Lachesis sets both gloves upon Finn’s arm. Just in case.
The princess is not a frequent drinker, but the gala is precisely the opportunity to set herself loose. “Now that you speak of it…I believe the cabana is providing some beverage? Perhaps a glass of white wine shall do.”
It is not long before they reach the center of relaxation of the ball gathering. Though while the section certainly lives up to its name, Lachesis stares over the premise with a twinge of disappointment. It seemed that many other people - couples included - had the idea to arrive here much earlier than them.
Before they make it to the bar and order, Lachesis lightly taps Finn by the shoulder for his attention. “Hmm…can we get our drinks to go? I’d rather enjoy them somewhere more…silent. Intimate.”
Could such a place even exist within the lively party? Likely not, but the princess has given more absurd demands in the past. And she feels that the man she admires most is the one capable of easily meeting them.
[ FASHION POLICE ]
“ So that's what they dress like in Nordion for these events? ” Leif comments aloud, approaching Lachesis. Many call her the Rose of Nordion, and seeing her now, Leif understands somewhat why. There's a sophistication to her that makes her seem right at home here, and the comparisons between her and Nanna as Nanna was growing up, meeting with those of the Leonster knights starts to feel more and more understandable.
But still, the two are not the same woman. Leif's not sure he could even fully imagine Nanna wearing the same attire in that color. It didn't quite seem to match up with the outfits she chose for herself the previous years.
“ It looks a little like wedding dresses do nowadays in Jugdral. Though the color is different. ” Obviously. Though he wouldn't be surprised if there were those who went more adventurously away from the typical white wedding gowns.
Ears are sharp, picking up on the little prince’s praise before he is even nearby. (It helps that the remark was praise as well.) Lachesis turns to the sound of Leif’s voice, smiling as she provides a silent curtsey with a coincidental twirl to show off more of the selected dress. No need for words of greeting. The two of them knew each other well enough to proceed to more fruitful pursuits.
“Well, not everyone dresses as so, Lord Leif. Though an abundance of light colors is usually the standard,” Lachesis responds to his first question. “Reds are commonly held in favor more for ball gowns, but I’ve found pink to always fit me better.”
Admittedly, the mother had been hesitant to see daughter as of yet, older Nordion having no clue how the future generation dresses. Though going off the deep blue suit of Leonster’s light, she had nothing to worry about on that front.
There is a brief pause as the princess comprehends Leif’s own analysis of her garb. “Ah…does it really?” Lachesis asks back with full curiosity. The notion of “nowadays” has always scared her to consider…but if it is for the sake of fashion, perhaps it can be mitigated.
“On second glance, I suppose I do see your point. It does mirror a potential dress of vows…though I would much rather stick to the traditional whites,” she extensively muses. “Unless…is there something else about this that calls back to weddings, Lord Leif?”
how big, how blue, how beautiful
Finn can't help but smile down at his wife. If she merely said the word, he would try to get her what she wished for. Even if it meant bringing the very heavens down to her side. Nothing is impossible when she voices it. Were that he could watch her forever. The music picks up, and Finn continues to move along with it. Dancing had never been so enjoyable with her by his side.
Had he been punishing himself all these years for the things he could not do? Finn's mind wavers a touch. No man could do it all. Yet when he is with Lachesis after their new confirmation, he feels his spirit a touch freer, a touch more inclined to happiness. All the things that he'd been denying himself all those years fade to the background like white noise. He only hears her voice and feels her touch.
He'd forgotten. What it was like to feel simple joys in life. To relish a sunrise or a glass of water or his wife's smile. All had been lost to him in his colorless world. Not that Finn was confident everything would be fixed or stay fixed....But this minute distinction was enough to change him so for the evening.
"Truly," he responded. "Even if you say so, I can't thank you enough." If they were not dancing, he might have been inclined to give her a kiss. "That's true," Finn says. He's not sure he'd ever want to be apart from her now. "I hope I can live up to your needs."
Her cheeks continue to sizzle with the faintest of burns, but she welcomes the feeling with a light laugh. It’s been much too long since she could feel this simple emotion…this simple desire for love.
“Then allow that to be your means of thanks,” Lachesis whispers and leans toward his ear, practically laying her head on his shoulder. Finn is - and always was - the dutiful type. Determined to the cause, be it a tangible person or other goal. And although that has never changed, it’s something that she finds herself now longing for when directed at herself. It truly does take her back…to a time they never had.
The tune played by the band finally descends, applause erupting from some corners of the dance floor. Lachesis only realizes that the song is over moments after, nearly tripping over her dress as she has to come to a stop.
“Hmm,” the princess lowly hums. “I could use a break from the dance, for now.” In truth, the noble has much more fuel within her heart to continue the activity and meet even more fine people. However, she did promise her husband a temporary halt - and some time was needed for the two of them alone as well.
Even though the dance has ended, one hand remains intertwined with Finn’s. “I have had little time to explore much else of the ball’s offerings,” she confesses. “Is there anywhere that could serve well as a relaxing break…together?”
blossoming ballet
toaball2025 | cont from x
Alfred leads the dance as he had promised, carefully monitoring the changes in tempo as to be respectful to the clerics who practiced it. He was careful to ensure that his partner could follow his movements, often muttering words of encouragement—You're doing great! Keep it up!—like it was a personal workout routine.
The prince doesn't take offense to her lack of speaking about her homeland, rather he allows her to answer at her leisure. He had friends who didn't like him to pry, and perhaps this was one such friend.
Then she dropped the bomb. She was a princess. Not that it intimidated him, but because he had been so... casual? But he was always casual. Should he be less so with a royal from a land that was unknown to him?
"Oh? Why didn't you say so?" He offers a bright, albeit awkward smile, before taking her hand and leading her through a slower part of the dance. This particular set of movements was reminiscent of the gentle, unwavering love and dedication to the Divine One, or so he had been told. "It wouldn't have scared me one bit."
"Well, I needed to sail to get here. I... admittedly don't have much recollection of how long it took me. I spent most of the time training." He did tend to get lost in details such as these, especially when he was taking life one day at a time.
As attentive and accustomed she is to the art of dancing, Lachesis welcomes the slower pace of the current music. This dance in particular has been quite the…how best to describe it? A gauntlet? Though that makes it sound grueling in nature, which is untrue. The song is much fun to dance to, despite its length and challenge.
It helps to have such an inspired partner such as Alfred guide her hand. With how heartfelt his steps have been, it’s almost as if he views the rhythmic dance as merely a challenge to overcome. (It is also cute to notice his brightened smile upon her introduction.)
Mouth opens in an attempt to parallel his descriptions of sailing, only for lips to quickly shut. Her arrival here is much more complicated, and not one she’d want to get into now. So she instead redirects the attention to something else that caught her interest.
“Training…on a ship?” Lachesis returns to the conversation with a gasp. From the few times she’s trekked the ocean, there didn’t seem to be room for those kinds of exploits. “What sort of training can even be done on a boat?”
There’s partial doubt within her voice, but all of it comes purely from interest at the thought.
how big, how blue, how beautiful
Is he moving the right way? Is he leading perfectly? Finn only wants to be the best and more for Lachesis. It's been far too long since he's used any of these moves in something akin to a ballroom. The sweeping sounds of the orchestra drown out what could be voice, yet Finn finds himself looking for his dazzling wife.
She always was beautiful, yes. A dazzling sun so glamorous he nearly had to look away. Not that he was drawn to her for her beauty - far from it - but it is on the ballroom floor that she finally looks the role of princess again. Her words surprise him, though. If he wasn't preocuppied with his movements, he might have shied backwards.
"I am grateful for your praise," he responds. Anything she can say is worth hearing. "Yes, the monastery does host these every year. Would you like to come again?"
There is no hidden intent in his question. What a gleeful moment it is, though, to see her so glowing and joyous. If he could only pause time.
The dance slows down and lingers. Finn has to know if Lachesis wants to continue this - if she needs another partner - if she needs, anything, really. But the words are already on her lips. It's a bit much to know that she prefers her dance with him. "I would prefer nothing more than to stay by your side," he tells her. "Whether you want one more dance or many more."
His hope is that Lachesis's request is a sign that his movements were sharp, his lead well defined. But there is no time for other thoughts. Finn pulls her close as the music transitions into a new song. How could he have given anything up for this? There is no answer.
"Thank you for the invitation," Finn murmurs in her ear. "For allowing me to accompany you."
“At risk of playing the role of a spoiled brat…yes. I would love to come every year,” Lachesis widely smiles. A smile that dreams of the many dances - even settings, perhaps - that she can gracefully dance through without worry. But also a smile that says: With you by my side, of course.
If she were to be honest, Lachesis’s mind is not judging the sharpness or professionalism of FInn’s movements. Slow or fast, the princess is very capable of following the pace of the one she entrusted this dance to. Is she simply that accustomed to dance, no matter the type? Yes, but she does not proceed to correct his mistakes. For no matter the speed or tension, the dance is fun.
The song carries on as her beloved mutters more into her ear. Gratitude should only be expected, but hearing it so direct and honest from him leaves a warm feeling across Lachesis’s cheeks. Her mind entrapped in the past, she tries to remember the last time Finn had thanked her for such…simple things.
“Think nothing of it,” Lachesis whispers back after a few more steps and turns. “For you…the invitation need not even be physical. Is that not what we vowed…way back then?”
