Camilla of Nohr

The Sweetest Sanguine Lullaby

[ NOHR ] - A quick-paced dance that focuses heavily on precise footwork and bold movements, evoking the image of two soldiers in battle.

She melts into his touch as he brushes his thumb over the ring on her finger. Any and all tension or worries she may have had leave her as she sinks against him. His calloused hands are warm and grounding. They always manage to keep her from flying too high.

She knows he's right, she needs to do better about keeping her work separate. Normally she'd bite back, point out all the ways he did the same thing. But she just hums in agreement, too content to want to bite.

Her bliss is broken when he mentions looking at homes. Here. In Fodlan.

Away from Nohr.

She sits up and stares at him, a million questions on her mind all warring to be the first asked. "You... He..."

"Really?" Relief washes over her. "I'd... I'd like that. But..." She swallows hard, one question pushing forward over all others. "I... What about Nohr? I..."

can't just abandon my home. My siblings. My title. All goes unvoiced.

If she were in Nohr, she would be aching to leave the castle and have a home of her own. Away from court, away from politics, away from everything. And here was quickly becoming home too. The beautiful stone walls and green rolling hills. The bustling, friendly, market place.

Her siblings were here too. Mostly. But they were more than capable of visiting, and letters were enough to keep her connected to Xander and the others whenever they did return to Nohr.

Her title... It weighed on her like a stoneborn on her shoulders. It had always been the thorns that cut her hand, the poison on the surface of her drink.

She has no doubt that Leo and Xander would do anything to give Niles a title, to make him her equal.

But what if she didn't want that? What if instead of dragging him to her tower, she climbed down to him?

What if she gave up her title?

"Yes." She sighs, the answer lifting her spirits. Her shoulders drop, she relaxes again, the feeling of a callous thumb brushing over her hair. Warm, rough fingers tucking hair behind her ear and cupping her cheek. "Yes I'd like that very much." She nods, closing her eyes for a moment and smiling. "Please... I trust you. Find us a good ho-..." Her voice catches on the word, almost like she can't believe she's truly saying it. She cups his face with her free hand and looks him in that endless blue eye that shined like the skies.

"A good home."

nohrianoutlaw

He doesn't want her to feel pressured or rushed. In the time she takes to process while forming half sentences, he thinks about rescinding the thought entirely. He doesn't want to force her to choose between their home in Nohr and the life they both began to build here. He knew how important her family was to her, how much they meant, and how she liked having them close by. The last thing Niles wanted to do was take her away from that but they were capable of visiting, just as they were both capable of heading back to Nohr for the same reason. Two of her siblings were here already anyways, and it wasn't like they would stay away from Nohr forever.

He hoped they wouldn't. The reform work he proposed to Xander felt very hands off, especially now that he was here, but every now and then he still wanted updates on the progress.

There had been a been a part of Niles that always thought Leo would be the one he followed so closely. It was a role he had been content in, one he would continue to be comfortable in. He and Camilla had come a long way from the start of their relationship, and somewhere along the way he'd grown just as comfortable and trusting around her as he was with Leo.

If she hadn't wanted anymore from him, she could have tossed him aside. He was glad she hadn't. He was grateful she accepted his many apologies for the way he acted. Niles doesn't think this moment would be happening if she hadn't. She doesn't need to treat him so gently and yet, he cannot bring himself to protest even a little bit. Camilla still gave him the affection he craved and it was one of the many ways he was reminded that he was loved.

All he wanted was to do right by her. So far, he feels like he has. A place for both of them to make their own was a big step, and it made him a little nervous but it's overshadowed by the feeling of warmth that washes over him when she cups his cheek. His eye closes just for a moment and he leans his head into her hand. "I'll do my best. I'm gonna need some help though." There's a pause, and a warm smile similar to hers washes over his face. "We need to make sure we pick the right one but we have time though. I don't want to rush."

#the sweetest sanguine lullaby #time to play!#nohrianoutlaw #ok unfortunately I think Camilla would absolutely be one of those 'live laugh love' decorators :crylaugh:#she would love tj maxx

"Of course not." Camilla agrees. "This is a very serious decision we have to make." A home, a home to share and fill with warmth and love.

She pulls away and rests her head on his shoulder, sighing with contentment. "I'm glad I get to make it with you."

They watch the ball for the rest of the night, chatting pleasantly with those that approached and watching other couples steal away to secluded alcoves for their own hidden trysts.

Niles helps her back to their room and helps her get ready for bed. She falls against the pillows, holding him closely with a smile on her face, her dreams filled with possibilities for their new home.

-end thread

Sydenham's Chorea

Just as the disease outbreak in Bergliez territory seems to be coming under control, reports start flooding in from a village in Conand territory about illness rapidly sweeping through its population. The symptoms start off mild: itchy palms, lethargy, sneezing, and strange bruises appearing on the body. But within days it progresses to a general loss of control of one’s limbs, sometimes forcing the individual to move in ways they would never. It doesn’t sound like the disease you were just dealing with in Bergliez territory, so you’re sent to investigate the cause. What happens when you start sneezing shortly after your arrival in the village? Can you convince your partner that those bruises on your arms are just from training?

"Then I'll get right to it." Camilla pulled the paper from Bruno's hands and put one hand on the stack of paper in front of him. She set her jaw, eyes sharp as she searched for anything that could give her a clue to his intentions.

"Much can happen in the chaos of battle. It is easy to strike someone accidentally, easy for a spell to misfire. Spells can also cause fighters to loose control, to see friends as their enemies. Sometimes our allies are overly zealous and annoying in the middle of battle. I don't care what your reasons were for attacking your allies. All I care is if you are a threat to the students."

Camilla hoped that he would say he wasn't. That he misspoke, that she misunderstood.

She wasn't sure what she would be able to do if he did claim to be a threat. She could raise her concerns with other staff members, fight to assign someone to watch him on missions. She could potentially even kill him herself, but that would make quite a mess for everyone. Xander did not need her causing an international incident so early in his reign.

Still, she needed to know. Once she knew, then she could decide how to act.

"Well? Are you?"

stormofembla

Bruno hummed — this song and dance, again. Many had witnessed him attack those around him, students and faculty alike; but they wanted him to confirm that he was a threat?

It was laughable, so laugh he did: soft, like the gentle lilt of bells; but stifled, with the undeniable weight of bitter ridicule. "If you ask a child whether they have stolen candy," he mused, "do you think they would tell the truth or try to lie?"

A pause, as if allowing Camilla to ponder her answer seriously, before he continued — "It is human nature to avoid conflict and claim good graces. Upon hearing me in the tent, would it not have triggered a formal investigation of my behavior? Instead, you opt for," he set a stack of papers aside, waving his hand, "this?

"Who are you trying to protect, Lady Camilla — myself, or the students you claim to hold dear?"

#Sydenham's Chorea #time to play!#stormofembla #bruno man just pick an answer #do you even KNOW the answer yourself :crylaugh:

"The students. Always." She said firmly before continuing. "Quite bold of you to assume that I didn't immediately ask for a formal investigation into you as soon as I had the chance. However the investigation is slow, and killing you without sufficient reason would cause problems for my brother. So unfortunately I have no choice but this." She said coolly.

"I have seen a good man brought down by an evil corruption that controlled him before. He believed he was in control, that he spoke directly to a god. Looking back, he made it quite clear to us that if we did not act as he wished our lives were his to take. He didn't care that we were his children, he cared only that we obeyed." Camilla fought to keep the bitterness from her voice.

"Does that describe you? Are the lives of the students yours to take if they displease you?" A sneezing fit interrupted her. She lost track of how many times she had to sneeze, growing more frustrated that he questioning was being halted by something so trivial as a sneeze. (Well... Many sneezes)

She felt light headed after her fit, collapsing in her chair with a groan as she rubbed her forehead. She had lost her train of thought.

sigfrithu

Don't Lose Yourself to Find Who You Are || Xander & Camilla

Past AU: Pre-War || @malignantknight || Mission Season: Herald

sigfrithu

The halls of Castle Krakenburg became even quieter than usual after Friedrich was killed, Xander thought to himself as he slowly made his way back to his quarters after training.

... Of course, as he immediately reminded himself in his thoughts, was killed was not a phrase to be used out loud. Passed away tragically due to sudden illness, was the current official version. Anyone who pointed out just how obvious it was that it was poisoned, with some medics able to name the specific substance, was silenced with equal speed; sworn to it if they could be trusted (or intimidated) to hold their tongue, and forever otherwise.

The young prince frowned to himself. Things weren't like this before, when his mother was still in good health - before all those... women appeared, eager to fill the void she was inevitably about to leave behind. They flocked, clamoring for father's love and attention, all while using their own children as weapons and almost begging for Queen Katerina to die already. Lives were ruined and lost almost every week.

It made him sick. But in that moment, there was little that a ten-year-old could do about it, crown prince or no. Aside, of course, from watching out for his own neck. He was the legitimate son, the rightful heir - one of the key obstacles, after all.

... He was going to miss hearing Friedrich's laughter, though.

Amidst the silence, he walked quietly, as though trying to avoid disturbing the souls sleeping in those empty halls, trying to draw as little attention as possible to himself.

Evidently, he was not able to escape it completely, however.

Xander frowned, slowing his steps to a halt. His right hand hung for a moment in the air, above the hilt of the training sword by his side, before he eventually refrained and lowered it.

"Come out," he said slowly, in a steady voice. "I know you're there."

> @malignantknight

#Don't Lose Yourself to Find Who You Are #time to play!#sigfrithu #pre war with hoshido

Daddy was kind, but he never seemed to have enough time for any of them. Mother was... Mother loved her very much. And she was only sad and mad all of the time because daddy never had enough time to spend with her. Mother told her that daddy would spend more time with them if he had less things, less people, to take his time away.

Camilla had started by trying to do what she could to help daddy, but there wasn't much an eight year old could do it would seem... She tried to focus on her lessons, if she did really good daddy would have to notice! But... Leo was already so much better at reading than she was. Camilla was struggling with learning her multiplications, with the rate that Leo was learning his arithmetic he'd be passing her in no time. She tried still, she really did try. But mother got mad anytime her tutor suggested Camilla needed more time to learn, especially when she found out how Leo was doing.

She hadn't intended to follow after Xander. Not at first. She was just walking through the halls. Sneaking to the library to try to do more studying. But when she saw Xander...

Xander was her mother's third least favorite person in the castle. The only people she hated more was Xander's mother and Leo's mother. She hated Xander because he looked so much like his mother, and because he stole so much of daddy's time. But if he were to have an accident... Get sick like Friedrich...

Camilla was well aware that Friedrich did not get sick. But when she tried to ask her Mother what really happened to him, all she had gotten was a quick slap and a sharp scolding not to talk about it.

When Xander stopped walking, she hid behind a curtain. Maybe he'd be really mad that she was following her. He was bigger than her, and he had a sword. A dull training sword, but it would still hurt if he used it on her. She really didn't want him to use it on her.

His steady voice, always sounding so serious and big, made her want to jump from behind the curtain. Reluctantly, she stepped out from behind the curtain, hands folded behind her back and looking down. Maybe if she looked pathetic enough, he wouldn't get mad at her.

"I... I'm sorry." She said softly. "Um... Were you coming from the training hall?" The question made her wince. Of course that's where he had to be coming from, that's where he always was it seemed like.

By Land Or Sky

Just as your group sets to return from Leicester, you notice your supplies for the journey back have been looted and tampered with and some of the mounts in your unit are agitated. There's no saying who did this, but whispers that the rivalry between horseback riders, wyvern riders, and pegasus knights at the monastery has been getting worse these days… Could this be the result of that petty conflict? And do you even have the time to investigate it as the lumenthus flowers begin to lose their glow? [Grants Riding/Flying +1]

sigfrithu

How could it happen that their caravan was so easy for someone to mess with? Xander's mind was already in overdrive, conjuring up a list of security procedures that he would want to check and revise, but as much as he would like to do it right away, they would have to wait until the current situation was dealt with.

Oh perhaps it was an inside job, some kind of sabotage? Treason? The group of knights they were traveling with seemed to have several internal disputes going on... No, no, he really needs to leave these thoughts for later...

The lumenthus flowers were already a shade dimmer than yesterday, so he knew that unless the mission was to be a total failure, they had to regain control quickly. He'd spent a few minutes already organizing an express escort that was to go ahead with a reserve and barking orders in a voice that made it clear he would suffer no pushback. Once the worst had been dealt with, a familiar lilac hair thrown back in what seemed like pain and frustration caught his attention, and he made his way to his sister's side.

"It's alright, I understand," he assured. To her question, however, he could only wince and gesture faintly with his head towards his faithful mare, who stood nearby, occasionally throwing her head back and forth and digging into the ground with her hoof.

"Supplies are fine, but something arguably worse seems to have happened," he explained, his expression grim. "It would seem that someone fed Sigrid something while I was gone. I found remnants of an unfamiliar substance stuck on her teeth. Some other horses are behaving like this, as well."

If someone is abusing their mounts, not even the Dusk Dragon itself will protect them from him. On that note, though...

"Has Barbie been acting normally?"

#by land or sky #time to play!#sigfrithu

Camilla's heart sank. Who would hurt their mounts? "Has anyone figured out what she was given? Is she going to be okay?" The idea that any of them could lose their mounts to this cruelty was too much to bear.

At the sound of her name, Barbie nudged Camilla's shoulder again. "She's anxious, but she doesn't seem to be hurt. Her equipment was destroyed. I was trying to fix her saddle, but I don't have a leather needle or anything to poke holes in the material to try an fix it. It sounds like the other fliers are in the same situation, anxious mounts and destroyed equipment." Camilla sighed as she patted Barbie's head.

"It's odd though... I keep a repair kit for fixing Barbie's equipment with everything I need for a quick fix, but I can't even find that." Barbie moved to rest her head in Camilla's lap, purring softly. "Not that it would have fixed everything, but it's odd that it's missing, like someone knew to take it."

Camilla glanced over at Xander's mount, grimacing at her odd behavior. "The students like to pretend there's a rivalry between the fliers and the riders. It's usually a friendly thing, pushing each other to better themselves. But I wonder if someone took things too far..."

The sound of pounding hooves made her raise an eyebrow. "Is it safe for them to still try to deliver the flowers?" The question of if they would even make it in time went unspoken.

By Land Or Sky

#time to play!#By Land Or Sky #sigfrithu

Camilla was in a foul mood to say the least. When she found who ever looted their packs... Oh would they know her wrath.

Until then she was left picking up the pieces of her saddle. Who ever looted their supplies had decided to ruin their equipment as well.

At least Barbie was alright. No injuries that Camilla could find, but she was agitated. She paced around nervously, occasionally butting her rider's shoulder.

"Barbie." Camilla groaned. "I'm trying to fix your saddle." There was a growing dent in her thumb from trying to push the needle though the thick leather. She hissed as the back of the needle pierced her thumb. "Argh!" She threw the saddle aside in frustration, sucking on the wound on her thumb. Barbie nudged Camilla's shoulder, purring softly. With a defeated sigh, Camilla reached around and patted Barbie's head.

She spied familiar black armor out of the corner of her eye. "I know I'm being childish." She sighed. "Did anyone mess with your supplies as well?"

@sigfrithu

Preparation due Soiree

“Uh…” The sound leaves Deimne’s mouth, hanging limp in the air. Was he really that youthful-looking, enough to be a student? Or that mature, to be a teacher? Or were the teachers and students barely distinct in age from one another? Another part of this school he wouldn't likely be privy to...

He blinked, jolted back from his thoughts to reality, the pause growing in awkwardness by the second. “Oh, no. No, I’m not… either. I’m actually from the town, here to keep people safe. Serve the people here. And if that includes decoration-” Deimne shrugs “-then that’s what I’m here to do.”

He offers the lady a hand to shake, giving her a half-smile not quite matching her own. “Deimne.”

#time to play!#preparation due soiree #secularch

The news that he's from town makes Camilla raise an eyebrow. "Camilla, I'm one of the school counselors here." She took his offered hand with a firm handshake. "A mercenary turned decorator are you?" She gave him an amused smile. "Are you frightened of heights? It's no problem if you are, I'd just rather not have the students hanging things from the ceiling. They do so love the chance at a little mischief."

Camilla began pulling out the heavy curtains from the box, unfolding them and laying them out on the tables.

An Open Hand || Camilla & Hinoka

post ball | a lesson on etiquette ... or confidence

The invitation in is one thing, one which Hinoka takes with a quiet resolve. The invitation to sit down is one that she accepts with a stiff sort of grace. It is the question that makes her breathe in. She had set the precedent for the use of titles by addressing this woman as Princess. It was a simple question.

"I was wondering if I might ask for advice on etiquette," she hummed, doing her best to hide her hand grasping at the edge of her dress, twisting fabric as she admitted a weakness to Camilla. "I abandoned my lessons as a child, but now, I find I am ill equipped for situations that require such skill."

As had been seen at the ball. She was a fish far flung out of water and it had shown. Asking Camilla seemed like a better option than asking Ryoma as well. Still, asking for help... it felt like she would be judged for not knowing.

Or perhaps she was judging herself and projecting that self judgement on Camilla.

#time to play!#an open hand #scarletfireblossom #ping pong ping pong

"Is it etiquette you require?" Camilla asked, raising an amused eyebrow. "Or confidence?" She gave a crooked smile. "Perhaps both?"

Camilla looked like a cat that had just caught got the cream as she rested her hands on her desk. "I cannot teach you how to act like a Hoshidan royal. Ask your brother or one of your advisors for that. I can help you be more comfortable in social situations though."

The Broad Manor Pump

The best treatment is prevention, and in accordance, a group of the monastery’s finest mages has been assigned to research the cause of the plague so as to cut it off at the root. Some postulate that it is passed via miasmata, and that quarantine will successfully stymie the disease. Others point out that it is unlikely to be so simple, as there seem to be cases of it passing from one home to the next even without contact. One thing is made clear: there is not enough data, nor are there enough people to study it efficiently. Budding epidemiologists, bleeding hearts, students with nothing better to do—are all welcome to be more feet on the ground and hands in the lab. [Grants Reason +1]

areadboar

Dimitri let Camilla take the lead once the door opened. Despite his many lessons in decorum, he had still yet to master how to talk with the general population. It didn't help that once recognised as royalty, many would become overly polite and distant with him. Hardly natural.

The wyvern knight also had royal blood but the smile she gave the tired mother spoke of understanding and concern. When the woman looked past her to meet his eye, Dimitri quickly hoiked an awkward smile onto his face. Thankfully she was too tired to say anything and returned her focus to Camilla and her questions.

Taking the writing implements, he started to write down her answers. It seemed the assumption about the well was gaining some evidence. He paused when she gave her husband's name as he recognised it as one of the patients on the ward. While Camilla might not know anything, Dimitri was aware of Mr Attwood's situation. There had been no change in his condition and not wanting to offer empty words, he kept his mouth shut.

"I've got it all written down, the children we should move to the manor where the healers can keep a closer eye on them" he answered "From the information gathered I think the pump might be the problem."

The pair wandered further up the street till they reached the brewery. It was a hive of activity with brewers pushing barrels to the cellars and to carts for delivery. Looking round for a foreman or someone in charge, Dimitri spotted the person who appeared to be directing it all.

"Excuse me Sir" The prince said politely approaching the man "Me and Lady Camilla here have some questions to ask you regarding the recent illness in the area"

The man grunted in response, not need to explain further for all knew about the sickness plaguing the streets. "Whadd'ya wanna know?" He said keeping his eyes on those working.

"How has business been?" Dimitri asks "I'm sure it's been hard with workers falling sick"

"nah, no-one's been sick 'ere" is the reply. "Still working at full capacity, it's more the buyers which have been affected. Not many wanna buy from a brewery in the 'cursed' area"

Eyebrows raised at the answer, he looks towards Camilla before noting it down.

"Is that so?"

#time to play!#The Broad Manor Pump #areadboar #a million words long post again sorry!

"If we think it's the pump, we'll have to remove the handle which would force all of these people to find a new water source." Camilla frowned. "I'd like to collect a bit more evidence before doing something so drastic."

The brewery bustled with activity as the brewers worked. Dimitri quickly found someone who seemed to be in charge, and she gave him an encouraging smile as he took the lead in the investigation. The idea that the area was cursed was a popular rumor, it didn't surprise Camilla that it was affecting local businesses. Dimitri gives her a look before jotting down the answer.

"Where do your workers live?" She asked.

""ere in the brewery. 's a family business. We got a few extra hands from the work house." The man said. "Us'ly when times are hard, people buy more." He shook his head in disappointment. "Guess we're jus' too close to the problem this time."

Camilla nodded. "You said no one's gotten sick, have you been continuing to make regular deliveries?"

The man nodded. "Tryin' ta. Some places are rejectin' their orders."

"Where do you get your water from?"

"There's a pump at the work house." The man jerked his thumb in the direction of the work house. "'s closer than the manor pump. Us an' the work house are the only ones that use it."

Camilla nodded. All evidence did seem to point to the manor pump... but still, it could just as easily be in the air... She was hesitant to cut off the water supply for the neighborhood... "Would the work house be willing to let the neighborhood use their pump as well?"

The man shook his head no. "'s in the back of the work house. Not easily accessible to the public." Camilla nodded again, disappointed.

"Could those being treated at the manor use it? So long as we fetch it ourselves?"

The man nodded. "I don't see why not."

"Thank you. That answers our questions." She gave a polite smile. "Let's go back to the manor Dimitri."

Despite the information they gathered, the next few days were spent arguing with the others about what to do. It was another day of listening to them argue, to remove the well handle or not. The brewery and work house could have been unaffected because they haven't been exposed to the bad air. It was only a matter of time before the infection spread. Camilla blocked it out, staring at the map. A mark well outside of the affected area caught her eye. "Someone explain this to me?" She pointed to the mark, and paused the arguing. "What's this mark for?"

"Another reported illness." One of them said grimly. "It would seem that the disease is spreading."

"Reported? So you've yet to confirm it?" Camilla furrowed her brows. "Who lives there? Why haven't they been moved to the manor for care?"

"The illness hasn't been confirmed." One of the doctors said. "And the manor is filled as it is."

Camilla puzzled over the mark. "I'll go confirm it then. If whoever is there drank from the pump here-"

"Why would someone from that neighborhood drink water here?" One of the doctors wrinkled his nose. "What reason would they have to be here?"

"That's what I intend to find out." Camilla gave a crooked smile, her eyes shining. She hurried to grab Dimitri. She found him delivering water to Ms. Florence.

"Ms Florence, I'm afraid I need to steal Dimitri again today." She smiled warmly. "There's another patient to interview."

Camilla shared her idea with him as they made their way to the house. "Would you like to take the lead for this interview? This could provide the evidence we need that it's the pump that's the problem."

nohrianoutlaw

KEEP ON DANCING AT THE PEGAPONY CLUB!

Mission Board: Pearlescent -- Charity gala!

nohrianoutlaw

Niles returns to the bar after dealing with a couple of troubling guests. It wasn't difficult to make quick work of them, despite their loud and annoying protests as he guided them towards the door and tossed them out. He scans the room for Camilla again, and for a moment, he remains still.

His gaze narrows in the man's direction, taking in the other's appearance. Every look is a subtle one, trying to memorize the smaller, more distinguishing features on the chance that the man becomes important later. What reason would he have to be here, besides to discard his wealth and attempt to climb the disgusting social ladder.

Niles seen enough from his time on the streets to know what kind of person that guy was, and he curses to himself as Camilla leaves to approach him anyways. He wanted to grab her hand, to steer her to another part of the room but he knows when she makes up her mind, there is little he can do to change it. With what he can only assume was the intention of gathering more information, the outlaw returns to his work of patrolling the room and listening for any useful information.

What happens next is a blur. The man puts his hands on Camilla, and instinctively, Niles moves to help her. Without so much as a word, he approaches the man, brings his fist back and lets it loose to connect with his face. The pop of his jaw is loud and the force sends him backwards against the wall before the rest of them run off. That didn't take much. Cowards.

His arms wrap protectively around her for support as he helps her to her feet. Slowly, as not to cause her anymore dizziness, and he braces himself for her to lean on him. A few moments later, Niles takes off his cloak to wrap around her shoulders before allowing his arms to settle back around her again. "We can tell someone in a bit. Let's just take a minute. I want to make sure you're okay first."

#keep on dancing at the pink pega club #time to play!#nohrianoutlaw #tw intoxication

Her head is spinning, it's hard to think. She leans on Niles for support, and nearly crumbles when he takes a moment to wrap his cloak around her shoulders.

His cloak is nice, warm. It smells like him, it's soft. The hem is just thick enough from her attempts to fight off the fraying that it tickles on the back of her legs. It's heavy enough on her shoulders to keep her from floating too much.

Camilla pulls the cloak tighter around her shoulders, like a child retreating into the comfort of a blanket.

"'m okay." She slurs, wobbling with every step as she tries to pull Niles along. "There's a mirror... At the auction... need to... wanna..." Colors swirl together and she's not sure her words make sense. "Lay down."

In that moment, Camilla doesn't care that they're outside in an alleyway. She sits back down on the filthy ground, leaning her head against the wall with her legs stretched out in front of her. She grimaces, feeling nauseous and sore.

In a different situation, Camilla would be giggling and calling Niles handsome and complimenting every girl she saw on their outfit and dancing the night away.

But right now all she wanted to do was go to sleep in her nice warm bed. Maybe have a glass of water and food. Definitely needed someone to take care of her.

The Yellow House

#The Yellow House #time to play!#pre war with Hoshido #nohrslittleflower #tomatotactician #sigfrithu #yay lets explore a haunted house!!

Camilla smiled as she landed in front of the abandoned mansion. "Isn't it so neat?" She beamed.

The paint was cracked and peeling, the wood was rotten in places, and there were cracks in some of the windows. Vines creeped over the walls and stones and thistles and weeds choked the land around the mansion.

"So much better than sitting through another lecture from out tutors." She smiled as she climbed the crumbling steps to the front door. "There's so much neat stuff here! There's a library with lots of old books, and in one of the rooms there were lots of fancy old old clothes." She held the door open excitedly for her siblings. "I wanted to show all of you as soon as I could!"

The door closed behind them with a click.

The room smelled musty and dust floated in the air. There were cobwebs in the corners and debris on the floor. It was dark inside, dark enough that shadows could start playing tricks on them. Camilla kicked a piece of wood aside before turning back to her siblings.

"Well where shall we start?"

Camilla 12/12HP rolls 2d6: 6, 1. Movement numbers: 6, 1. The party moves to space 1. Supply Event activated! Roll d20: 18. Gain +1 wood

@nohrslittleflower @tomatotactician @sigfrithu

Respite in Twilight

Ethereal Ball: Week 2 　⧸⧸ 　Leo & Camilla

Camilla takes the drink with a warm smile. "Thank you Leo, how thoughtful." She passes him a tulip in exchange.

"Please don't tell Elise about this." She sighs. "It's not that big of a deal, I don't want to ruin her fun." She takes a long sip from her glass of champagne. "And Niles has been taking such good care of me, he went to grab me a drink. I'll have to tease him about being slow." She lifted her glass to Leo with a mischievous smile. "Have you been enjoying yourself so far Leo?"

"It's nothing. I'm just glad you're safe. Ah... As you wish — but I think Elise will find out one way or another, just as I did." With one hand freed, Leo accepts the tulip with a brief smile, exchanging it for one of his own. The flowers are hardly as important as Camilla, however; the prince sets his bouquet aside to sit next to her, humming a little as he considers everything that has happened so far. "It's... different." He finally settles on the right words. “Attending an event by myself... it feels strange without you all nearby. Of course we had different roles to play back in Nohr, too, but that's just it — I don't have a role here at all. I don't have to guard or entertain anyone. I'm just another attendee.”

Leo takes a sip of his champagne, sighing a little. It truly is fine alcohol, worth the effort it took to acquire. "...Perhaps I've forgotten how to enjoy myself," he admits to Camilla, a wry smile at the corners of his lips. "I don't have Elise's boundless energy, nor your social charm... and certainly not Corrin's universal goodwill. I fear I'm too accustomed to playing the host now, and never the guest."

#toaball2026 #Respite in Twilight #tomatotactician #time to play!#Feel free to wrap it up on your end!

"Oh I'm certain she'll find out eventually." Camilla chuckles.

Leo takes a seat next to her and she listens as he tries to explain how he was feeling. She smiles in agreement when he admits that he's forgotten how to enjoy himself.

"Not like social events before the war were as lighthearted as this." Camilla takes another sip of her champagne. "No worrying about anyone poisoning your glass if you leave it unattended, or telling father about how you rudely turned down their "polite" conversations. It certainly is a strange feeling." She agrees.

"Personally, I'm enjoying watching everyone else at the ball this year. If you've already given a flower to Elise, you're welcome to stay with me and watch their antics from afar as well." She gives him a warm smile, matching her warm voice. "If you're not enjoying yourself, you're free to leave too. There's no need to further your discomfort to meet the expectations of others here."

"What ever you choose, I'm here to support you."

An Open Hand || Camilla & Hinoka

post ball | a lesson on etiquette ... or confidence

starter for @malignantknight

Once upon a time she didn't care about things like etiquette. Like fancy parties and making connections. That was a world she had rejected. Her focus had been single minded towards one goal. Driven by hate, anger, grief and revenge. The world of nobles, of making appearances... Hinoka wasn't comfortable there. It wasn't her place. It didn't feel like her place. She didn't know what she was doing. She left her siblings to do that while she trained for war.

Well. She'd lost. And now she was Queen. Now it was her world, and Hinoka had not felt more out of place than she had when she attended the Ethereal Ball. A feeling which had haunted her the whole night. Encountering Camilla had amplified it. Hinoka didn't belong there. Princess Camilla did.

And that was no longer acceptable. She had to stop... stop being... whoever she was before and start being the Queen. She just didn't know how. So Hinoka had chosen to shove aside her pride, set aside harsh feelings, and ask for help from the one person who might possibly be able to help her and understand. Which was why she was here, at the door to Camilla's office.

She knocked to announce her presence.

"Pardon me, Princess Camilla," she said, her tone keeping it as a simple polite request. "Might you have a moment to talk?"

... or more. Depending on how she was received.

#time to play!#An Open Hand #scarletfireblossom #the giiiirrrrlllllssssssss are fiiii-talking #we're just talking. for now.

Camilla's office was small, cozy. It was probably more appropriate to call it a glorified closet... But Camilla liked that it was small. It made those who visited her relax easier, open up faster. She always had tea and snacks for anyone who asked for it. She wanted her office to be a welcoming oasis from the rest of the school, calm and quiet where expectations of duty didn't have to exist.

The knock on her door wasn't unexpected. Students and staff were always welcomed to visit.

"Come in!" She called, adjusting the papers on her table.

The door opened and the figure in the doorway gave her pause. And here she thought the older Hoshidans would do their best to never be in her office.

She gestures to one of the open chairs around her table, inviting Hinoka to take a seat. She shuffled the papers and placed them on the counter behind her, getting them out of the way. Camilla rested her elbows on the table, fingers laced together, and kept her expression neutral and voice casual. "What is it you'd like to talk about your majesty?"

Part of her hopes the title cuts, another reminder of Hoshido's failures that led Hinoka to being one to lead.

Respite in Twilight

Ethereal Ball: Week 2 　⧸⧸ 　Leo & Camilla

A drink request from @malignantknight .

[ CHAMPAGNE ] - And from one of the finest bottles Adrestia has to offer. No student is allowed more than a single glass, and it looks classier to swirl it before it's empty.

⸻

Camilla is injured. As soon as Leo hears it, all other thoughts exit his mind: What? Who? How? And where is the culprit?! It takes a few moments for the rest of the information to settle: an accident, while dancing with Niles; a twisted ankle that made it her first and last dance of the night. Leo huffs, his shoulders losing their tension. If it were anyone else, he would hunt the man down and strike him, but knowing Niles, he must already be glued to her side with profuse apologies.

The ballroom has transformed, the golden glow fading into twilight as ethereal blue butterflies flutter round the dancers' feet. Fortunately, Leo is no stranger to darkness, easily weaving through the crowd. Bouquet balanced in the crook of one arm, the blonde prince now bears two crystal glasses filled with golden liquor: one for his sister, and one for himself, to keep her company. He had to argue with the servers for a bit, but the urgent — and fierce — look in the prince's eyes compelled them to acquiesce. He finds Camilla in a quieter corner of the great hall, covered by shadows, her injured foot propped up on a spare chair. "Are you alright?" The words spill out before he's even arrived. He thought maybe he'd offer a small joke or some light teasing, but as soon as he sees Camilla, it's all he can think. Leo extends one glass to his sister. "Here... They're serving champagne. I thought you might want a sip."

#time to play!#toaball2026 #respite in twilight #tomatotactician

Camilla takes the drink with a warm smile. "Thank you Leo, how thoughtful." She passes him a tulip in exchange.

Sydenham's Chorea

@stormofembla

This new disease sounded more like a curse from an annoyed god. Camilla listened as one of the doctors explained the symptoms, using the child resting in the bed before them as an example. "Here you can see the rash, we've likened it to chicken wire due to the circular shape and clear borders. Each rash is symmetrical where it appears, primarily on the limbs and torso, and is about the size of an outstretched hand." The doctor pointed to the rash on the child's outstretched arm. The arm twitched violently, with the child's hand suddenly flying back and overextending the wrist painfully. Camilla grimaced at the sight as the child groaned. "There is also that." The doctor said grimly. "It's as if they have no control over their limbs. Typically it's been all four, but there have been a few cases where the dancing is limited to one side of the body." The child's hand settled into a grip, pulsating as if milking a cow.

"The fingers look stiff." Camilla noted. "Like that of an elderly woman who spent her whole life working with her hands."

The doctor nodded in agreement. "That seems to be common among the patients as well. We've noticed that the tongue seems to slide in and out like a snake's, as is that irregular grip you see. Sometimes the fingers move as if playing an instrument."

"Have there been anything common among the patients?" Camilla soothed back the child's hair.

"It seems to affect children the most. Otherwise there have been none." The doctor shook his head. "Cases have appeared all over the village, not affecting every person in a household as one would assume. Some have reported having a sore throat before hand, but that report has been inconsistent."

Camilla frowned in thought. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

The doctor grimaced. "Only time will tell."

She nodded. "I'd like all of your notes about the patients and their history. Perhaps another set of eyes could find something."

And that was how Camilla ended up in a room with Bruno, surrounded by patient notes that the doctor had meticulously taken. She frowned as she noted another location on the map of the illness, once again a single child from a large family. "Well I think it's safe to rule out a water born illness." She sighed, setting another file to the side. "Otherwise more of the families would be affected." She sneezed. Damn dust.

"So, care to elaborate on your words from last time?" She raised an eyebrow as she looked over another file. "About purposefully attacking your allies several times?"

stormofembla

Organize, and Bruno nodded. With a stack of notes, it was difficult to parse the documentation for the information that physicians desperately needed — thus, he would try to compile them into something more comprehensive. The same doctor that had put in the request had mentioned another set of hands to help, and at initial glance of the parchment stack, he had accepted it without hesitation.

But it was difficult to hide the fleeting surprise at the sight of Lady Camilla. Find me after, and despite his best attempts to avoid her, Bruno had ended up crossing paths anyway. He stifled a sigh as he marked his notes down and set the next sheet aside.

Theory-crafting aside — he didn't consider himself an expert at analyzing the data that emerged, so why bother? — he hummed. "I have little interest in elaborating." The rustling of papers echoed in the small room as he thumbed through another sheet. "You're welcome to continue speaking about this disease for the rest of the time here, but I would not expect another word from me."

Subtly, underlying: you will not get anything out of me.

#sydenham's chorea #stormofembla #time to play!#thank you for being patient

Camilla hoped that he would say he wasn't. That he misspoke, that she misunderstood.

Still, she needed to know. Once she knew, then she could decide how to act.

"Well? Are you?"

Preparation due Soiree

A grand ball? Wow, this school was fancy…

Having arrived for mercenary work, Deimne initially took little interest in the goings on of the classrooms. He already had the skills he needed for a good life, he thought, riding and archery. Maybe he could pick up a few skills here and there, but nothing that would require him sitting in a stuffy classroom surrounded by noblefolk who'd just walk past him.

Not that he minded, their lives were just in different trajectories. He was seeking employment here, no shame in that.

Garreg Mach, meanwhile, had other ideas. A request to help decorate the halls for the ball, open to everyone. And a part of Deimne couldn't help but yearn to know what was going on behind the doors.

Following the request's instructions, he found himself standing a few feet away from one of the staff members. He offered her a hand. "You need help with decorating, right? I can offer my services, if you'd like."

@malignantknight