Happy to Meetcha!

whole house mad

closed starter for the all stars team @grxstnnefealltoir @liaytolisia @surebow @magisolsmiles @sanakialtina | ethereal ball 2026 - "sequester" i guess

sanakialtina

"Pleased to meet you, Rowan's sister and Innes's… friend," the empress offers dryly. "Everyone, kindly step back for a moment."

Making sure that those who can spare the attention to listen to her are not a toe out of line, Sanaki casts a quiet Fire, as precisely as she can manage. With a sizzle and a burst of light, the five onlookers and the refreshments table are enclosed in a ring of ash.

"This is the neutral zone," she declares. All proper conflicts should have one, after all. "Step out if you wish to involve yourself directly. And I hope the combatants understand that if they violate the zone's sanctity, retrubution will be brutal," her eyes glow gold for a moment, "and swift."

…That's one order of business taken care of. Onto another---Sanaki picks up the bowl of corn snacks, extending it to the other girl. "I don't know if I agree," she replies lightly, popping a kernel into her mouth. "Rowan will have the advantage of initiation. I've seen the first punch throw Innes's game far off enough, and he's an archer, to boot..."

stormofembla

The smell of soot greets Bruno when he looks down at his own shoes, the edges of his clothing singed by flame — but he doesn't look bothered as he lingers still against the walls of the room. His mask is unyielding as it stares with a hollowness, even if what lies underneath are questions that will only remain unanswered in his gaze.

'Understood' is conveyed through compliance.

Most of these faces he recognizes. There is familiarity when he looks at both Rowan and Innes, an itch in the back of his skull that only deepens with Sanaki's commentary. First punch, and Bruno pulls his lips into a thin line, but he tries to soften it at the murmurs from the beverage table.

Perhaps there is enough judgement already floating around; perhaps, too, it is improper for Bruno to add onto such judgement when he is merely a distant observer. A glance back to the beverages, then to the corn snacks, then to the fight — and Bruno crosses his arms and finds his own corner in the flames to watch. ( Eventually, realizes: most of these faces are recognizable, even if he may not know the people who don them. )

Although part of him knew that people wouldn’t be quite on his side, it still felt a little disappointing to see Lianna and Darios just remove themselves from the situation altogether. It was his fight, his problem, but…he was just used to having his sister and best friend backing him up even in his stupidest endeavors. At the same time, he didn’t exactly blame them terribly either.

In the end? It only took a glance at Innes’ snotty face and condescending tone for all that worry and low morale to evaporate into thin air. All those eyes watching them like it was some spar session at the training grounds didn’t matter, whatever sliver of embarrassment he might have felt at some point no longer mattered either.

The young king grit his teeth. “Nobles like you are pathetic because you do nothing but dress up like a doll and talk like you’re better than everyone!" Reaching the limit of his patience- or rather feeling like whatever threads of logic that had been holding him back had crumbled to dust, Rowan advanced towards Innes with the strongest right hook he could muster- straight to the archer’s jaw.

“If you don’t want your clothes dirty then go sit in a shelf and gather dust! You're just decoration!”

The other punch was ready and set.

Innes isn't of a violent sort. That's what he told himself when he used to challenge him back when he was a child. It's what he told himself before walloping an ally. It's what he tells himself now as a fist collides with his jaw, and anger surges through his veins.

Innes holds his jaw for a few moments, stung. He works the muscles until the pain begins to fade. He can collect himself. He can patch up his ego and scrape his dignity off the floor. He can laugh and say look, look at how low the boy stoops.

He can do that.

Or he can grab Rowan by his shoulders and slam him against a wall.

"Listen here, you miserable little whelp," Innes busses. "It is about time someone taught you some manners." Before Rowan can react, Innes punches him square in the stomach.

#toaball2026 #(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#//why is this the nicest thing Ewan’s said about Innes LMAO #//anyway inspired by his ridiculous bases and good growths in Eirika route #//a lot of people say his class is the one thing holding him back from being broken lmao

“I dunno about that.” Without asking, Ewan reaches out and grabs a handful of corn snacks, munching on em one by one. “He might be an archer, but he’s crazy strong! One time, he managed to hold down an entire tower fort with only two other people! Honestly, I kinda think he’d be even tougher if he just ditched the bow.”

He sounded a little too pleased with himself explaining this. Was this a genuine compliment? Or one of those “having strong friends makes me look better” things?

Nevertheless, this was probably the nicest thing he’s said about Innes in a while. But the boy doubted he would overhear him. Since, you know, he’s too busy having a friendly conversation with blondie over there.

And the telltale sound of fist meeting stomach made him point towards them. “See? See? What did I say?”

…he really was having too much fun with this.

whole house mad

closed starter for the all stars team @grxstnnefealltoir @liaytolisia @surebow @magisolsmiles @sanakialtina | ethereal ball 2026 - "sequester" i guess

grxstnnefealltoir

Sanaki's rundown of events paints a much clearer portrait of what's happening now. In the back of his throat, Darios hums and considers Bruno's question. Is there a cause for concern? Were this any place other than the monastery, likely. But of course it is not and within these halls, this little scuffle would likely stay.

He can't pull Rowan away from this, in the end he will have to make his own choice and Darios can't so easily interfere. As he stands and quietly guides Lianna to the beverage table, he hopes she understands his reasonings as to why.

"As the empress says," he speaks with a heavy tone for the other onlookers to hear. "We just happen to be here."

If someone else stepped in, he'd scruff them. There's no telling how much worse the issue would become if left to fester.

Another flute of champagne finds his gloves. "That said, any guess as to how this ends?"

"Wh- Ewan?"

Innes could ignore all other voices; the chatter of the court is normal for a man like Innes. Ewan, however, has a certain voice that Innes cannot ignore. He looks over, only to find Ewan, Darios, Sanaki, Bruno, and that boy's sister. None of it is important.

"Only pigs and the despondent resort to fistfighting," Innes says, "and I am neither. Go on, lay your hands on me, and prove me right. You are more angered by me than I could ever be by you."

Would he react differently if eyes weren't on him? No, he very much doubts it.

"You started it by dirtying my clothes in the first place. Please, do escalate it and show the good people that you weren't raised right, and were in fact dragged up like the pig you are."

#(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#toaball2026 #thread: whole house mad

Bad idea to take a sip of juice at that moment as he almost snorted his drink out of his nose from Innes’ remark. But while the worst (and grossest) could be avoided it still made a loud snorting sound. Almost like a pig huh

“Boy he’s definitely getting punched.” Ewan said through a wheezing laugh. Innes had such a way with words. If “a way with words” meant an uncanny talent to spike people’s cortisol levels. He was really funny about it too.

Looking around, he assumed nobody else was quite as familiar with the man as he was, so he decided to give a little info. “But Innes’ buttcheeks are permanently glued on that high horse, I don’t think even a punch would knock him off.”

He says all this affectionately, of course. Should Innes overhear him and look his way, Ewan will just give one of his friendly “love you buddy” wink and peace combos.

whole house mad

closed starter for the all stars team @grxstnnefealltoir @liaytolisia @surebow @magisolsmiles @sanakialtina | ethereal ball 2026 - "sequester" i guess

liaytolisia

"I'm sorry, what did Rowan do at the Battle of Eagle and Lion?"

She was coming over because she had spotten Darios after Rowan had walked away from her. Lianna's frustration at her brother hadn't faded yet, and was apparently to grow more. Her brother was being petty, that was what she was hearing. Still, she could only sigh in defeat at this point, Rowan had stopped listening to her the moment he got it into his head that Innes had told her.

Completely disregarding that maybe she had SEEN what he did.

"I am so sorry my brother is causing a scene..." she sighed. "I swear he knows better."

Now she had to prepare herself to step in the middle of something. Arrgggh...

stormofembla

... causing a scene ... knows better ...

There are voices coming from the hallway around the staff room. Specifically, the spare one — inconvenient enough such that most faculty inherently avoid it in their day-to-day. But given the sudden disappearance of all the padlocks, Bruno is already pulling a face: it must be attendees, most likely students, who are trying to find their way in—

He turns the corner, and it is not. He blinks as his frown dissipates, the question in his eyes obscured as his gaze finds Darios first, Sanaki second, and an unfamiliar face third.

"Greetings." A little clipped and awkward. It sounds like more of a question than it is a statement.

Bruno takes a few steps closer to the huddle, eventually growing close enough that he notices the empty flute in Darios' hand ( it was nearly full just moments before, wasn't it? ). He clears his throat, furrowing his brows again, as his head turns to meet all three of them. "Is... there a cause for concern here?"

Innes has since removed the glob of snort from his shirt - ignoring what someone has decided to do with it - but it still feels gross.

He isn't surprised when he ends up in a room with that boy again. He would cross his arms, but the dampness on his chest is already too disgusting. Instead, his arms are at his side, hands balled into fists.

"I'm not afraid but, as you say, actions have consequences. It seems the consequences are quite dire if you're so angry with me." A wry smile touched Innes' face. "I don't need to fight you; it seems I have already won."

#toaball2025 #(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#thread: whole house mad #// this is the greatest thread ever lmfao

Watching the spectacle go down with an amused grin, Ewan decided to tail after Innes to further see how things would go down. And listening to the purple girl recount previous events, it seemed this blond Sir Snot-a-lot had previous beef with his good buddy Innes.

That’s funny.

“Hehe, I knew sticking around him was going to be entertaining.” It was only a matter of time before Innes would inevitably upset someone, after all. That was his true ultimate talent and for it to lead to someone kersplooshing their nose over his clothes? Even funnier.

“Boo, was that the best comeback you could think of? You can do better than that!” He shouted at the irritated Prince. Was it necessary for him to do this? Not really, but adding fuel to a fire was kind of his specialty.

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

"I have the sneaking suspicion you may be eating far too many sweets." Naturally, Innes the busy-body appeared behind Ewan like a threat. Instead of doing much else, he grabbed the boy's palm and dropped a mint into it.

"Please do make sure to brush your teeth."

“And I have a sneaking suspicion that stick is so far up your butt it’s messed up your olfactory receptors! Humph!” Ewan was quick to snap back, cheeks puffing slightly. He’s heard the rumors about these candies! Year after year now they’ve been subtle ways of telling someone their breath stank like a Zombie’s. And for Innes to hand him one so brazenly might as well be a declaration of war.

“Phoo! Phooey! See?! Sweet as a blossom!” Indignantly he blew several breaths at Innes to prove his point. Sure, his breath might smell sweet enough to make a grandpa’s heart explode, but no funky business! At all!

And to think he wanted to give Innes one of his roses at first. Now the guy has no choice but make do with a crumpled looking flower shoved in his pocket. That’ll show him.

#(ask: i’ll help out!)#(Innes)#surebow #toaball2026 #//Oh Innes your asks never fail to be funny LMFAO #// Innes: you need to care for your teeth. Ewan: is that a fucking threat

[ MORFISIAN ] - A sophisticated dance that celebrates the wondrous beauty of fire magic. In lieu of the Elementals gifting you the ability to perform this dance as intended, the club BOOMS has stepped in offering to help out. Fire magic dances upon your fingers and gives your face an ethereal glow.

🔥?

A dance that uses FIRE MAGIC? Oh he was BORN for this. And unlike some people he didn’t need help either. Fire danced at his fingertips as easily as breathing was for him, trails of white hot heat following along with each movement.

And when a pretty lady with red hair only a few tints lighter than his offers to dance alongside him? You’d be stupid to think if he wasn’t gonna take the opportunity to show off.

“Hey, Miss! Check this out!” He says confidently before the fire in his palms grows brighter. With the final swell of the music, Ewan throws his hands up, the flames rising above and swirling in a brilliant color, earning a few oohs from those watching.

….and a scream from a man who stood too close and got his toupee burnt off.

With a flick of his wrist and a snap of his fingers, the fire dissipates and there’s a rose in his hand when it was previously empty. “Ta-dah! Here, take it!”

#toaball2026 #(ask: i’ll help out!)#(Celica)#rigainrokkr #//ty so much for the ask!!! sorry for the shenanigans Miss Celica

Another year, another ballin’ ball.

With a hop and a step, Ewan pranced about in his new clothes, delighted at the way they fluttered. So delighted was the boy in fact, that he could almost forget he was single for the third year in a row. Almost.

Not that it mattered! He was here for friends, for fun and for an ungodly amount of sugar. He didn’t need a date- if he wanted one he could’ve found a nice boy easily! That’s right, this was a choice. A very informed, very mature choice. He was nothing like those dorks who kept bothering girls clearly out of their league.

…uh, what was he thinking about again?

Ewan has roses!

Tracker

Roses:

Orchids:

Lilies:

Hyacinths:

Tulips:

Outfit under cut:

#toaball2026

“Gee it sure is boring around here…”

“…..”

“….what? What is it, ASHE?”

“Golly, I don’t know, EWAN, I just feel like someone should’ve said something just now!”

“I think I know what you mean. Anyway, do you feel weird too or is it just me?”

“Oh boy, I know what you mean! These cool costumes sure are something, huh?”

“GOOD. So I’m not the only one that feels that.”

#toaaprilfools #//I haven’t drawn in a while yet THIS made me pick up a pencil again lmfao

“That mean old KING is no match for the wand of Magvelon!”

#toaaprilfools

“Gee it sure is boring around here…”

“…..”

“….what? What is it, ASHE?”

“Golly, I don’t know, EWAN, I just feel like someone should’ve said something just now!”

“I think I know what you mean. Anyway, do you feel weird too or is it just me?”

“Oh boy, I know what you mean! These cool costumes sure are something, huh?”

“GOOD. So I’m not the only one that feels that.”

[ TXT ] : I'm out of town right now. [ TXT ] : But if you do end up needing help, call me and I'll see what I can do.

[ TXT ] : Not to worry Buttermilk is safe with me for the weekend!! ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

[ TXT ] : I bought all the treats you allowed picked up his food from ur place and we got our Jammies on!! (ﾉ^ヮ^)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧

[ IMAGE ] : (It’s a selfie of Ewan with a bright smile and a peace sign, Buttermilk next to him in a pajama shirt that’s a little too stretched out, making the SpongeBob print a little scary)

[ TXT ] : We’re gonna watch Bluey so he can feel represented. Good luck with your conference thingie!! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

#(prompt: text messages)#(modern Au)#(Andrei)#//they’re gonna have a bonding episode together! ty for sending!!!

[ TXT ] : have you eaten today? [ TXT ] : just found a vegetarian-friendly food stall i think you'll love! they've set up shop right outside the library. smells incredible!

[ TXT ] : Forrealsies? (ˊᵒ̴̶̷̤ ꇴ ᵒ̴̶̷̤ˋ)

[ TXT ] : Taht’s awesome!!! Most veg stuffs from the grocery stores are str8 up bootycheeks .·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·.

[ TXT ] : Wanna head over dis afternoon? I’ll treat u!!!

*5 minutes pass*

[ TXT ] : ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!

[ TXT ] : NAUR I FORGOT I ALREADY SOENT MY ALLOWANCE THIS MONTH (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )

#(prompt: reasons to carry someone)#(prompt: text messages)#(modern AU)#(Dorothea)#//I just know his texting is so messyyy lmfao ty for sending!!

ohisms

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝑻𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑷𝑯𝑶𝑵𝑬 . ( a collection of texting prompts. feel free to change phrasing. potentially mature content within. )

[ TXT ] : why are you still awake?

[ TXT ] : hey, where did you go?

[ TXT ] : it's getting bad again.

[ TXT ] : guess i'll just sit in bed. alone. by myself.

[ TXT ] : you can't ignore me forever.

[ TXT ] : i can't stop thinking about you.

[ TXT ] : just saw i called you last night. how'd that go?

[ TXT ] : i really need someone right now.

[ TXT ] : we need to make plans asap.

[ TXT ] : have you seen the news?

[ TXT ] : you were blackout drunk.

[ TXT ] : testing to see if you blocked my number...

[ TXT ] : do you know anything about doing stitches?

[ TXT ] : just please let me know you're okay.

[ TXT ] : did you forget we had plans?

[ TXT ] : i know you see my messages, your read receipts are on.

[ TXT ] : meet me at [ location ], it's important.

[ TXT ] : do you need comfort, to vent, or a solution?

[ TXT ] : is there anything i should bring?

[ TXT ] : call me. please, it's important.

[ TXT ] : i can't sleep.

[ TXT ] : have you eaten today?

[ TXT ] : you are always going to be my priority.

[ TXT ] : i haven't seen you around in awhile.

[ TXT ] : i had a dream about you last night.

[ TXT ] : the names are gonna get mean if you don't text me back.

[ TXT ] : at the risk of sounding cliche, what are you wearing?

[ TXT ] : just say the word and i'll drop everything.

[ TXT ] : do you seriously not remember?

[ TXT ] : come to the front door.

[ TXT ] : have you been drinking?

[ TXT ] : how do you feel after last night?

[ TXT ] : are you up? please be up.

[ TXT ] : you looked beautiful today.

[ TXT ] : i have so much to tell you.

[ TXT ] : no one's heard from you. are you okay?

[ TXT ] : who is this?

[ TXT ] : are you taking care of yourself?

[ TXT ] : thought i'd reach out and see how you're doing.

[ TXT ] : i miss the taste of your lips.

[ TXT ] : that kiss was really nice.

[ TXT ] : stop acting so high and mighty.

[ TXT ] : i left my [ item ] at your place.

[ TXT ] : are we still fighting?

[ TXT ] : i need help and i can't go to the hospital.

[ TXT ] : are you thinking about me too?

[ TXT ] : call me, i wanna hear your voice.

[ TXT ] : i don't want to talk to you.

[ TXT ] : what do you have to lose?

[ TXT ] : you don't have to ask, i'm already on my way.

[ TXT ] : i want to take a nap on you.

[ TXT ] : even if you called 6 months later at 3am, i'd answer.

[ TXT ] : what's my name in your phone?

[ TXT ] : how's trying to forget about me going?

[ TXT ] : i have nobody else to ask.

[ TXT ] : what do you mean you're at the hospital??

[ TXT ] : sorry, i think you have the wrong number.

[ TXT ] : good morning! you up yet?

[ TXT ] : do i sense sarcasm in your tone?

[ TXT ] : you start your day at 2pm?

[ TXT ] : you need MY help?

[ TXT ] : stop texting me.

[ TXT ] : i'll leave that up to your imagination.

[ TXT ] : are you asking me to sneak out?

[ TXT ] : when will i see you again?

[ TXT ] : if you come over, i'll order us a pizza.

[ TXT ] : are we ever going to talk about it?

[ TXT ] : can you come get me out of here?

[ TXT ] : you mean like ... a BODY - body?

[ TXT ] : it's just been one thing after another lately.

[ TXT ] : forgiving and forgetting is harder than it sounds.

[ TXT ] : i want your legs wrapped around my head.

[ TXT ] : call me when you wake up.

[ TXT ] : what are you doing that's more important than me?

[ TXT ] : i'm out of town right now.

#(ooc: let's take it easy!)#(prompts: let’s play a game!)#//I’ll reblog on Ashe and Nils too but I wanna play silly texting games with beepo :)

Boy these residents sure are evil

(Raven & Ewan, Faith+)

#(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#(Raven)#peerlessscowl #toa mission board #thread: boy these residents sure are evil #//no need to match the length haha this is primarily setup!!#//anyway looking forward to this teehee

“Ughhh, this fog is so annoying! I can barely see my hand in front of my own face.” Ewan pouted as the pair continued their trek up the mountain. There had been reports of people going missing in a mountain village, but every team that had been sent to investigate mysteriously ended up spirited away as well. Add to that the unnatural pink fog that began surrounding the village, worsening the further up the mountain you climbed, and authorities began to suspect foul play. Specifically of the magical variety.

Ewan was far from a first choice, despite his magic ability and familiarity with the terrain. But when the intended team disappeared, as well as the backup team and the backup of the backup team.. there were precious few options left than letting this overeager moppet give it a go. At the very least they didn’t let him go at it alone, hiring someone to protect him.

…he wished they picked a better conversation partner though.

“Oh! There it is! Look!” Irritation was quickly forgotten as finally they found what they were looking for. A short distance away, close enough to be seen in the mist, was a large gate surrounded my stone walls. “That has to be the place, right? How many other villages would they build at this altitude?”

Walking closer, the boy’s face scrunched slightly as an odd scent assaulted his nostrils. “Yeesh, you’d expect the wind to carry away the smells here…” It wasn’t bad enough to be downright foul but… it wasn’t exactly pleasant either. “Huh?”

The size and sturdiness of the walls implied a closed community of some sort. At the very least, they probably wanted to keep outsiders away. But if that were the case why would the gate be open like this? It didn’t help that the structure was covered in dark stains, some black and some a reddish shade of brown….

Despite walking ahead for most of the journey, this time the boy found himself taking several steps back until he was standing firmly beside his companion. “Uh… just so you know, I’m not scared. This is just.. caution. Better not to rush ahead too far, you know? Ahaha….” Ignoring the fact that “rushing” was most of what he’d been doing this entire trip.

@peerlessscowl

Plotting Call: Epidemic

Beepo is surprisingly low on threads rn, so I’m open to just a teensy few more~! (He is a blue lion, so we’re all good there :D )

Reason+: I’d like to tackle this from the angle of cure development! Specifically making a magic potion capable of fighting the illness. Whether your muse is the ill one or helping with development, the potion Ewan’s been working on sure smells kind of funny and who knows what kind of side effects they could have…. Bottoms up?

Faith+: I was thinking of a survival horror angle on this one. The village they were supposed to be investigating is enveloped in a wispy, dream-like fog and the only sounds heard through it are the growls of some kind of monster… with the village gate collapsing behind them they should find a way to escape without alerting whatever’s out there… spooky.

Any+: A bunch of dudes are practicing with their hand axes in the training hall. Ewan is so dreadfully bored he decides to fuck with them and secretly use wind magic to throw them off course lmfao. Would your muse like to join him? Will they disapprove? Or.. is your muse one of the people throwing axes?

These are all just my takes on the prompts, if you got anything else in mind let me know! :)

#toa plotting #(ooc: let's take it easy!)

heliacalrisings

unconventional methods

↳ anniversary 2025 | authority +1

“We’ll start studying the tome fully once you’re ready. For now I just want you to get a feel for sharing energy.” He explained, carefully grabbing hold of the king’s wrists. Then he guided them so that both arms were fully stretched out. “Keep your hands open, okay?”

Next he placed both candles a little closer to Ephraim’s hands and took a step back. “Immediately trying to use a tome when you’ve never used magic before can be a little tricky. They amplify the energy channeled between yourself and the elements, so if you don’t control it right there can be a big boom!” Dramatically he spread out both arms, as if to exemplify his point. “Starting without a tome is safer, at most the fire might nick you a bit.”

Judging from Ephraim’s puzzled expression it seemed to have not fully clicked yet. Ewan crossed his arms, thinking. “How to explain it…” What would make sense to a guy who’s never used magic before, a guy who’s really great at physical combat?

…oh!

“Imagine if you’re swinging a sword, or thrusting a spear. That movement, where you pull back your arm and thrust forward- that’s your brain sending a signal to your muscles!” He said, demonstrating the motion as he did. “Instead of muscle, try doing that with energy. Build it up… and release it!” A second demonstration followed and this time the flame on the candle flickered, affected by Ewan’s movements.

heliacalrisings

He gratefully sets the tome aside for now, not eager to be looking at that many indecipherable symbols in the first place. Ewan stretches his arms out and he steadies himself near the candles.

"Will there even be anything to amplify if I have no talent for it." Partly a question and partly a statement of fact. He is not convinced that this isn't a fully futile lesson.

The moment of the thrust. He can visualize the lance in his hands and the power he puts behind his swings. It is what he keeps in mind as he attempts to focus, though on what he cannot say.

Whether it's muscle memory or vain hope that performing the same action will help him, he doesn't know, but he pulls back his arms and thrusts them forward as he might if he were holding a lance.

The lit candle flickers, it seems to move in some manner anyway, but the other candle remains unlit.

Ephraim is starting to just feel very foolish.

"...Your efforts would be better spent with a more apt student."

#thread: unconventional methods #(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#(Ephraim)#heliacalrisings #toa mission board

“Every living creature, from the birds in the sky to the horses running along the plains have energy in them. Some are more attuned to it than others, but I’m a firm believer that everyone can learn some kind of magic.” Ewan explained, wholly unbothered by Ephraim’s failure. “It’s a skill you need to learn, just like any other! The only difference is this one’s more mental than physical. And it starts with a positive mental attitude!”

He took his fingertips and used them to raise the corners of his lips into a smile befitting of his relentless optimism. “As soon as you think you can’t do it, you’ve already lost. It’s the same principle as it is with fighting. You can’t fight to win if you don’t believe you have a chance, right?” Another jockish example that would hopefully resonate with Ephraim a little better…

“So have a little faith in yourself.“ Next he moved onto his tippy toes to force a smile onto Ephraim with his fingertips as well. “You don’t pick fights- or challenges- that you can’t win.”

Retreading distant roads

“Great! Leave it to me!” The boy delightedly clapped his hands together before preparing to cast his spell. “Now then, don’t move a muscle! If I misfire it might be your skin that’ll turn red, and, uh. I’d rather not have to explain how you miraculously managed to get a full body sunburn indoors.”

He closed his eyes, concentrating on casting the color changing magic just right. Were Ephraim to look at the carpet, he’d find it miraculously shifting colors before him, turning into a shade of teal that’s all too familiar to the people of Renais. Finally, the changes stopped and the mage opened his eyes again. “All done!”

Then he got a good look at Ephraim and fell silent for a few heartbeats. “….oh boy. I, pffw… didn’t expect it to turn out that bright….” He tried his best to suppress his chuckles, to questionable success. “It looks good! It’s good, really! It’s just.. a little surprising! Here, look!” He grabbed a hand mirror from the cabinet and held it up for Ephraim to see himself.

Compared to Ewan’s fiery locks of scarlet, Ephraim’s seemed a little closer to uh. A shade of red that draws to mind a certain tomato-based condiment.

“Ahem! Anyway..” He cleared his throat, and the giggles with it. “Now all we need is an outfit, and a name! Then let’s hit the town!”

heliacalrisings

He regrets his words almost immediately when Ewan tells him not to move, that the spell may backfire, but it's too late for regrets. The young mage cannot be stopped.

The carpet immediately draws his attention as it shifts across a kaleidoscope of colors before settling into an all too familiar shade of teal. A knot settles into the pit of his stomach. And Ewan's initial reaction does not help matters.

Without a word, he takes the hand mirror and holds it up.

And stares.

Mouth agape, he holds up his hand to his hair as if to touch it but hesitates. The once teal locks, reminiscent of his father's, and his father's father, is now a bright red. Finally, his hand runs through it. Red hairs split and part around his fingers.

Yes, it's his.

He groans and sets the mirror down while casting the now teal carpet a longing gaze.

"There's an extra tunic. Wait here." And he steps away to change into a more simple tunic, a graying white that lacks any embroidery or embellishments. Just a tunic for just some guy...with red hair.

"As for a name..." he begins to roll his sleeves as he thinks of one. "...Erik." Ephraim shrugs. "I doubt it'll be used much anyway."

His once dour expression suddenly turns mischievous, with a sly grin and gleaming teal eyes. "More important than that, have you considered how we would leave with my knights just outside the door? Because I have." He steps toward a wall and gestures toward a candelabra mounted against the wall. "Pull that."

It would reveal a secret passage that ran from the arena's suite to the kitchens. Created in case of an emergency, such as an attack on royalty, but Ephraim and Eirika had learned about it when they were young. He knew Ewan would be the type to appreciate a secret passage.

#(support: i think we’re gonna be friends!)#(Ephraim)#heliacalrisings #thread: retreading distant roads #//OUUHGHHFHJB this took so long apologies!!!!#//but I’m glad to say that after a bit of a slump it is back ON

Excitedly Ewan pulled on the candelabra, and out popped an exit! “Ooh, a real secret passage! So they aren’t just an overused literature trope.” The boy grinned mischievously before skipping down the tunnel without a care in the world. Seems Ephraim- or rather, Erik was right on the money. The boy was positively delighted by the trick.

As the king mentioned, they ended up in the kitchen, thankfully empty as dinner was still a while away. Red eyes scanned the surroundings for a way out. Waltzing out of the door when there could be people around sounded like a bad idea, so taking an alternate exit would be preferable…

That’s when he spotted a window, lips curling into a catlike smile. “Bingo.” Stepping closer, he discovered it to not even be locked. “Geez, seriously? You’d think with a king visiting they’d lock up their windows…. Ah well, only makes our job easier.”

He then turned around to face the now redhead king. “Now then, are you ready to cut loose and have fun for a day?”

Cursed by Asclepius

(Innes & Ewan, Faith+)

“If you’re good and you’ll keep taking your medicine I might be able to sneak you a treat. But only if you actually take it! I’ll know with my magic if you didn’t.”With a cheerful smile Ewan talked to the young boy occupying one of the sick beds. The poor thing was the son of one of the sailors. Nearly the entire crew, children included, had fallen severely ill due to some kind of seaborne illness. With not enough healers to attend to everyone they had to turn to some of the more healing inclined students for assistance as well- assistance that Ewan, one of the students in question, was happy to provide.

He didn’t expect the sick bay to be quite so full however, nor did he expect them to be spread so thin. When he arrived the sun hadn’t yet risen, and now it’s already high up in the sky. Considering everyone seemed to be relatively stable for now, he excused himself to the hallway outside where he sat down in one of the chairs with a sigh, his smile falling. He enjoyed helping people, but only having the ability to alleviate their ills and not completely cure it was frustrating. It was especially bad when some of the patients were even younger than him. They should be out running and playing, not fighting for their life in a dingy bed. The boy’s expression darkened as he thought of the ones who had coughed up blood, that was always a terrible sign…

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallways and, though perhaps a little slower than he’d have liked, like a switch the mage’s expression lit up once more. It took on a slightly more genuine tone as he realized who it was.

“If it isn’t Prince Innes.” He waved at the man. “You must have a lot of time on your hands if you’re here visiting a sick bay. Or did you come here for lil old me?” While teasing Innes was always fun, Ewan wasn’t stupid. He might’ve been called in for extra hands, but he was pretty sure the care for the sailors had initially been an Eagle assignment. “I was already getting kinda bored, so it’s good that you’re here!”

It was also a distraction from the more unpleasant thought ruminating in his head, though of course he’d never say that out loud.

@princeofmachinations

Innes wasn't a doctor.

Maybe after the arena, he'd become a little more keen in learning what healing entails. It's strange having a power, then losing it in the next moment. He wasn't seeking that power again, only knowledge, though he knew he was certainly seeking it in a strange place.

At least he could help, even if it was as ‘simple’ as bringing water or the like. He didn't know where to go, but once he found a familiar face, he knew he was in the right place.

“I hadn't expected to see you here, Ewan,” Innes said. He probably shouldn't have been surprised: the boy had turned to healing since leaving Magvel, had he not?

(The perks of sponsorship: Innes could know what Ewan was studying and his grades, even if it had been knowledge he hadn't requested.)

“I'm afraid I'm not much of a healer, but surely I can help in some way.” Even if they weren't in the room, Innes could smell that scent of disease, with an attempt of being masked with disinfectant. It didn't work: the disease was winning. Innes couldn't help but pull his uniform’s shirt over his nose.

“I’m at your disposal,” he said beneath his uniform.