ashen demon

"allow me to demonstrate!" || closed rp blog associated with fe-rp ||

[idle-maiden]

the premise of progress | hilda/byleth

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

idle-maiden‌:

@monastery-mercenary

It’s dusk now in Fodlan and, as Hilda lies in the midst of the rubble of the cathedral, the sky shines with a brilliant cacophony of colors: deep violets, rich oranges, wisps of yellow and blue and pink all blending together just over the horizon.

She’d be lying if she said that the sight wasn’t beautiful, but it’s something she finds difficult to appreciate—though, to be fair, she supposes that she’s never been one to step back and really just… appreciate things. It’s never been in her nature.

So why change that now?

Breathing a soft, tired sigh, Hilda allows her eyes to shut. She finds that she doesn’t really mind the dirty rock against the smooth of her upper back; doesn’t really mind the harsh smell of age-old smoke, or the taste of iron still sharp on her tongue, or the silent figure she can sense nearby—-perhaps someone who’s just entered the cathedral. Hilda wonders if they had even noticed her.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had to kill,” she says simply, softly, just loud enough to break the silence that had threatened to absorb her. “How long have you been gone now? … Five years or something?”

byleth had sought the silent vigil of the cathedral after hours, her mind spun with all of the reintroductions and battle plans and the history of the last half a decade.  it was all so much, and she needed space to process everything.

she startled a little when hilda’s voice echoed out to her, ❛wasn’t it your idea to remeet here on the day of the millennium festival?  i awoke from a deep sleep to keep the promise we made.❜

❛you have grown much in our absence hilda.  i never would have guessed that the day would come where you would lay upon dirty rubble.❜  there is a teasing lilt to byleth’s voice as she cautiously climbs up to hilda’s perch to lay down next to her, ❛are you pleased to be back?  ...it is good to see you.❜

the mercenary stares up at the sky, almost...afraid to close her eyes again.  five years of sleep really ought to have made her more energized, but she felt the heavy tug of fatigue on the edges of her consciousness, on her time worn muscles.  byleth did not want to sleep ever again, afraid that she would sleep for another long period.  that she would miss out, that she would disappoint people and fail others.

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

ambitionled‌:

@monastery-mercenary

Hubert would say this was a horrible idea, she knew. Crumpling the letter in her fist, she had not responded to his warning at first. She agreed with him. Edelgard had no ties to Byleth, she had been the professor of a different house who involved herself with all her students too closely. 

Yet…

“I owe the professor this much, at least.”

When she had said that, Hubert didn’t have room to argue. He could disobey her order if he deemed it necessary, which was why she had to have him occupied while she walked out of the encampment, a dagger concealed underneath her armor. It was just for self-defense in case this meeting went awry.

Emperor Edelgard was making a decision out of sentimentality. The life debt she owed Byleth, she hoped one day she could repay it. But if Byleth chose to collect on that now, she could probably not fulfill it just yet.

Entering the isolated clearing, Edelgard sighed. She remained alert, straining her ears for any signs of the former mercenary to arrive.

gronder field had been a travesty.  a bloody, bloody battle that mockingly mirrored their friendly battle five years prior.  it was the sight where the war had ended between the armies of nemesis and the empire, but now it was the sight of this new war between the empire, the church, and anyone else who stood in their way.

there had been strange mages on the battlefield, those who did not bear the crest of the imperial army.  they dressed like those who held a hand in jeralt’s death.  byleth was left seeing crimson after the battle.  the words of her allies and friends fell on empty ears as she sent word for edelgard.

byleth did not hesitate to march across the clearing to her former student.  she wrapped her previous title as the ashen demon tightly around her, hoping to look absolutely murderous as she approached.  she wanted answers, but goddess she also wanted edelgard’s blood, her head on a pike.  a shudder passed through her at the intensity of her anger.  emotions had never been her strong suit.

❛ what should i call you now?  your highness? your majesty? flame emperor?  edelgard? traitorous witch? murderer of my blood? ❜ her tone is scathing and her teeth are bared in a fearsome grimace.

looking upon the woman before her, of course byleth could see vestiges of the girl she used to teach.  but knowing what she did now, did she ever really know who edelgard was in the first place?  ❛ tell me.  your friends, the mages, and whoever that woman monica or kronya was, whoever tomas was, were they acting under your orders?  were you angry with me when rhea gifted me the sword of the creator?  you wanted so badly to obtain power that you would stoop to killing the one person in my life that i had left? ❜

❛ is this what you wanted?!  all of this?!  i should have never saved you that day!  i should have told jeralt, my father, to leave you for dead!  i wish i never met you, i wish i never taught you, i wish i never grew to care for you edelgard!  because it is all too obvious you do not care for anyone but yourself!  if you cared for anyone else you would have never done this!  you would have talked to us!  we could have solved this another way!  but you selfishly cut yourself a bloody path, leaving your friends, leaving me bleeding in your wake! ❜

[thriftyapprentice-deactivated20]

Engage the Professor || Leonie and Byleth

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

thriftyapprentice‌:

Pheasant…. Leonie had actually hunted some recently, but didn’t have enough to really give to the kitchen this time. Perhaps the church hunters had better luck. She trotted behind Byleth, still marveled as to how… rigid she seemed. Was Leonie out of her league?

As Byleth spoke Leonie got a little confused. After all, why would someones daughter call their father by their name? Wasn’t that rude? Sure some may not say dad, daddy etc. But formal terms like father existed as well. Did Byleth really not appreciate her father? Leonie thought that was ridiculous.

“Sadly I was only his apprentice for a short amount of time. Even then, he taught me so much and I routinely train as he taught me. I am his best apprentice after all.” Leonie confidently mentioned. 

Yeah, her entire young adult life Leonie worked to better herself through Jeralt’s training routines and advice. She still used the map he drew with her to navigate the forests, constantly went though the “basic” fighting routines he had her memorize, and incorporated everything he taught her into her daily life. She wanted to better herself after all and be just as good as Jeralt.

“He’s busy with the knights though. So…” Leonie paused as Byleth seemed to jolt in surprise. Then look…. exasperated? Did she step on a nerve calling herself his best apprentice? Well it was true after all. 

“I thought I should see how well I’ve kept up with it training with you.” Leonie concluded as the dining hall came into view. She sniffed in the air, enjoying the smell of the pheasant in the air.

“Goddess that smells delicious.”

@monastery-mercenary

a surge of irritation flooded through byleth at the mention of leonie being jeralt’s “best apprentice”.  in her eyes it was laughable at best.  how exactly did she think that she was the best apprentice he had when she only received a few years of teaching and byleth had received twenty years of teaching?

no matter.  she wasn’t high and mighty of herself, rather protective of her father, and she could tell that jeralt did not enjoy it here.  byleth did not need to explain herself to leonie, nor humor her by voicing her bitter thoughts.

❛ i am willing to train with you, of course.  but i am not jeralt, not a replacement for him, not a clone of him, i am my own mercenary.  i have developed my own fighting style, my own idea of battle, my own strategies.  i hope you will remember that as we train.  do not expect me to be exactly as jeralt taught you all those years ago. ❜ perhaps it was a bit harsher than she intended.  but byleth did not want to be a copy of her father.  she hardly knew anything about herself.  jeralt did not like to talk about it.

all she knew and put stock in was the name she had been given; the ashen demon.  ❛ it does smell delicious.  i am happy they were able to catch plenty. ❜

[sphinxmemesmusings]

nonsexual acts of intimacy --- select from the following for my muse to respond to:

♔ : Finding your muse wearing their clothes ♕ : Holding hands ♖ : Having their hair washed by your muse ♗ : Your muse falling asleep with their head in my muse’s lap. ♘ : Cuddling in a blanket fort ♙ : Sharing a bed ♚ : Head scratches ♛ : Sharing a dessert ♜ : Shoulder rubs ♝ : Reading a book together ♞ : Caring for each other while ill (specify which party is which) ♟ : Patching up a wound ♤ : Taking a bath together ♧ : Your muse playing with their hair ♡ : Accidentally falling asleep together ♢ : Forehead or cheek kisses ♠ : Your muse adjusting their jewelry/neck tie/ etc. ♣ : Back scratches ♥ : Your muse crying about something ♦ : Slow dancing

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

Can't We Just Talk?

🐟 @let-flayn-cook 🐟

the silence is deafening. perhaps it was an over exaggeration, as she had only known of sothis's presence for nearly a year. but in that short time sothis had become a fast friend, someone who knew byleth's thoughts as well as her own. now she was alone.

silence wasn't the only new thing about her situation. looking at her reflection, pulling lightly at navy hair turned a pastel green, byleth took in her new appearance. she shifted her hair back to take a peek at her newly pointed ears. how strange.

byleth was so absorbed in her observation of herself that she didn't hear flayn calling her or knocking on her door. though she did spot the girl in her mirror and twirled around to face her, startled.

❛ oh-- flayn. did you need something? ❜

[theoretical-tactician]

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

“I’m not jealous, I’m just practicing my pout.”

she raises a brow at him, the hand holding a polishing cloth dropping into her lap.  turning her brand new lance this way and that, byleth grins up at ferdinand.

❛ i see!  is pouting a valued skill in nobility, von aegir? ❜ she asks, returning to taking care of her weapon and feigning curiosity.

byleth was only pulling his leg, she already had plans to give him the lance in her hands and to go purchase a new one for herself.  staring at herself in the reflecting of the metal, byleth stands and spins the lance expertly in hand.  then she’s holding it out to him.

❛ you can have this. ❜

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

“Piggy back ride?”

byleth blinks almost owlishly down at flayn, a little confused by the request. of course, flayn appeared younger than most, likely within the same age bracket of lysithea, but she worked for the monastery before joining her class. the professor hesitates a moment longer before finally obliging her co-worker turned student.

she crouches down so flayn can reach easier, ❛ i am most certain your brother would give me a lashing for declining you. and i would be glad to do it. would you like a ride to the docks, my lady? ❜

❛ we can spend a moment fishing together and make a delicious stew for the rest of the class. ❜ a smile crinkles the corners of byleth's eyes as she looks back at flayn.

[ddaenghoney]

Soft Sentence Starters

bc i need inspiration

“I’ll protect you.”

“You always duck away when you smile.”

“Like I expected, you’re much comfier than my pillow.”

“I’m nervous too.”

“Do you like it?”

“Let me hug you.”

“Piggy back ride?”

“I want to kiss all of the freckles on your cute face.”

“Can you keep holding my hand, please?”

“Wait, the tears are good tears?”

“I think you look cuter with me.”

“I won’t forget this moment.”

“This is where we first met isn’t it?”

“I’ve always wanted to thank you, but was never sure how.”

“If you’re happy then okay.”

“Let’s share.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Everything ends up being about you somehow.”

“It tastes like…. You tried…. I’ll eat it. It’s a good attempt. Really.”

“Why are you hiding against me like this?”

“I heard you weren’t having that great of a day… These are your favorite candies, right?”

“Ah, the puppy dog face. Check mate, huh?”

“Quit poking my sides; you know I’m ticklish!”

“Your hair is sticking out everywhere. Cute.” 

“Wait, let me get a picture of you there.”

“If you need my shoulder, or my hand, or a hug-”

“Kiss me again.”

“I’m sorry, but it was too funny for me to intervene.”

“It doesn’t matter what they think, I just care about what you think.”

“You can ask me as much as you want, I’ll say I love you each time.”

“I’m glad you were here with me.” 

“That trip looked hilarious– but also kinda painful; you okay?”

“I called you because I can’t fall asleep.”

“I let you win.”

“You look good in it.”

“Don’t look away from me.”

“I’m not jealous, I’m just practicing my pout.”

“I just want to hug you.”

“You’ve kissed me like fifty times today.”

“You love me.”

“Can we be alone for a bit?”

“The stars wish they were as bright as you.”

“You make me cliche, but I love it I guess.”

“I’d feel better if you kissed me.”

“You’re overthinking– I’m yours. That’s all I want to be.”

“You’re my favorite.”

“You want to take another selfie?”

“I’d let you if you asked.”

“Since it’s you, I’m gonna let it go.”

“My only regret is not telling you I loved you sooner.”

send a sentence and a name!! x

[the-savior-king]

Practice Makes Perfect | Dimitri and Byleth

[the-savior-king]

her door swings open slowly, and she beckons him in as she returns to her journal at her desk.  ❛ what can i help with, your highness? ❜

❛ i have heard tales across the monastery that you exemplify great strength and talent, but i swear to assist you in any way that i can. ❜

she wondered if his visit had anything to do with the stories of his brute strength.  sure, he knew how to wield a lance with skill and grace, but he was also prone to snapping his lances as if they were nothing more than dried up branches.  he needed to learn refinement and how to channel his strength better.

❛ might you be coming to see me about your…being prone to breaking your weapons? felix gets great joy from openly mocking your brute strength when we spar. ❜

byleth sighed and set down her quill, crossing one leg over the other as she considered, ❛ you’re in luck.  i also prefer lances, and i could teach you a few things about landing fatal hits without absolutely destroying your weapon in the process. ❜

There was a slight tinge of pink creeping up Dimitri’s neck from the embarrassment. Of course, Felix had been telling everyone. Even though several years had passed, no one from  Fraldarius would let him live down that story.

“Er, yes. I’m far more used to the ones back home that were heavier and more durable. I am afraid the ones crafted here are about as good as toothpicks.” He replied. 

Upon hearing about Professor Byleth’s expertise, his eyes lit up. “Really, Professor!? I did not think it was possible with such a light weapon. I would be grateful to learn everything you know on the matter.”

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

byleth had to laugh, a little burst of amusement bubbling forth. he looked much like the pups that pranced and danced with excitement in the courtyard when they were given attention. it was hard to believe such an angelic, eager boy was so incredibly strong.

❛ had you been suffering in silence long, your highness? you might have asked me sooner. i am always willing to assist. ❜ she teased him gently, standing from her desk.

without another word, she sticks her hand out for him to shake, ❛ will you shake my hand, your highness? a firm grip, if you please. i wish to see how tightly you hold your weapons. if you are concerned with hurting me, do not be. i am far from fragile. ❜

determining his grip strength would be her first step. from there she would provide exercises that encouraged dimitri to be aware of how lightly or how tightly he was gripping his weapon. then would come battle maneuvers that amplified his strength and dampened his liability to break his lance.

[the-savior-king]

Practice Makes Perfect | Dimitri and Byleth

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

the-savior-king‌:

@monastery-mercenary

Dimitri walked through the monastery in search of the professor. It was only the middle of the week and he had gone through at least four training lances. There was something about the way they were built that was far different from the ones he trained with in Fhirdiad. The young prince figured if anyone could help him, it would be the professor. 

While he couldn’t find her in her usual spots, his last resort was to check the dorms. Dimitri didn’t really want to bother the professor in her private quarters but he was left with no other choice. If he snapped any more lances, Professor Jeritza would surely yell at him.

Dimitri knocked on the door firmly. “Professor Byleth, I have a quick question about training, if you’re not busy.”

her door swings open slowly, and she beckons him in as she returns to her journal at her desk.  ❛ what can i help with, your highness? ❜

❛ i have heard tales across the monastery that you exemplify great strength and talent, but i swear to assist you in any way that i can. ❜

she wondered if his visit had anything to do with the stories of his brute strength.  sure, he knew how to wield a lance with skill and grace, but he was also prone to snapping his lances as if they were nothing more than dried up branches.  he needed to learn refinement and how to channel his strength better.

❛ might you be coming to see me about your...being prone to breaking your weapons? felix gets great joy from openly mocking your brute strength when we spar. ❜

byleth sighed and set down her quill, crossing one leg over the other as she considered, ❛ you’re in luck.  i also prefer lances, and i could teach you a few things about landing fatal hits without absolutely destroying your weapon in the process. ❜

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

🐱 🎀

affection for teach || accepting

before claude touched her, she could hear him and sense his presence behind her. and out of the corner of her eye she had spotted his gaudy yellow attire as he approached.

so his hands in her hair was not entirely unexpected. strange, absolutely, but it felt... nice.

her hair was one of the few things she tried to take more care with. of course, she cut it herself with varying degrees of success, but she made sure to wash it and keep it clean always. it was very soft, and flowed between fingers like deep navy waves.

❛ i hear it is customary to ask before putting your hands on another's person. ❜ she comments offhandedly, the smallest of smirks crossing her face.

[memeasaurus-promptus]

Soft Affection

Send in an icon for my muse to: 

🎀 Play with your muse’s hair

✋ brush fingers/hold hands

👉 Gently poke or prod yours

💐 give a gift

🎎 sit close enough to brush knees/lean against yours

🛌 take a nap with yours

🖐 tracing fingers against your muse’ skin or over a scar/other

🍫 quietly hand over a treat/food item

☺ stroke your muse’s cheek/face

🧥 be found wearing your muse’s sweater/coat/article of clothing

✨+ add your own

🐱 to reverse

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

"Hey, Teach, we should try to convince the dining hall to throw a great feast tonight. What do you say?"

that causes her to stop, mouth half open to deny whatever lunatic idea he had.  her brow furrows and she presses her lips together.  what was he playing at?  was there something to celebrate?  was it an idea to boost morale before their mission this month?

❛ i am certain that if it were important enough, the cooks would oblige… but what are we wanting to throw a feast for, von riegan? ❜

byleth was mystified by him, as always, ❛ what are you scheming? ❜

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

"Professor, would you care to spar with me? I wish to learn from your technique."

byleth looked up from her book, startled a little by the sudden proposition.  it was a nice day outside, a cool breeze blowing her hair in her face.  she’d let the golden deer out early, since the next day was their free day, and was sitting in the courtyard with a book that marianne had given her.

❛ sparring?  has professor hanneman finished with your instruction for the day ferdinand? ❜ she asked instinctively.  as the newest instructor, byleth really did not want to step on toes with her seniors so soon.

the professor closed her book and got to her feet, brushing dirt and grass from her legs, ❛ do you have a weapon you would like us to use?  i am most proficient in wielding lances, though i have aptitude for any and all weapons. ❜

[thriftyapprentice-deactivated20]

Engage the Professor || Leonie and Byleth

[monastery-mercenary-blog]

thriftyapprentice‌:

Byleth seemed so…. formal… It was off putting for Leonie. Hanneman and Manuela always showed enough character as a professor they never seemed detached, but talking to Byleth seemed like she was talking to a soldier. That wasn’t right for a professor, was it?

“No, I wasn’t looking for him right now. I do want to pick his brain about some things later but I’d like to ask you a few questions if you have the time?” Leonie asked again. 

“Specifically I want to ask you some stuff on sword and bow technique. I think I can put my skills to use there, and want to know your opinions on it. Perhaps even learn from techniques you learned?” Leonie questioned again. 

She didn’t out right disrespect Byleth, if anything she felt competitive and jealous of her, though she’d never admit it. Jeralt was Leonie’s entire reason for leaving her town and wanting to explore Fodlan. If Jeralt had a kid, she wanted to make sure they were up to the standards Leonie put him at.

@monastery-mercenary 

❛ of course, class has only just ended.  i have plenty of time. ❜ byleth responded easily, rounding her desk to stop at leonie’s side.  ❛ let’s go eat in the dining hall, we can talk more there.  i hear they have pheasant today.  i’m starved. ❜

she didn’t pause for very long before starting for the classroom doors.  if leonie really wanted to stop her she would, or she could join her for food.  the professor cups her elbows as she thinks about what leonie had asked.

swords and bows, huh?  rhea wasn’t kidding, a lot of the golden deer students relied on bows above any other weapon.  at least leonie recognized that she would need a weapon to defend herself in close combat.  that earned her a few points in byleth’s books.

❛ i mostly use lances myself, but jeralt has taught me everything he knows.  i am proficient in every weapon i can get my hands on.  i can certainly teach you a few extra things in lessons outside of class. ❜

azure eyes glanced sideways at her student, more than a little cool in attitude, ❛ though i am sure i cannot teach you any more than jeralt did.  you were his apprentice once, no?  i am not sure what i could teach you that he couldn’t. ❜

you are not the most approachable human, are you?  came a snide remark from the other presence in her mind.

byleth did her best to smother her jolt of surprise upon hearing sothis speak up.  it was another struggle to not roll her eyes.  it is easy enough to see that she does not care for me.  so why should i care for her in return?  she likes jeralt better and that is between the two of them, it has nothing to do with me.

[gvgvdans]

- ; phrases that really hit you where it hurts

“ did you really have to be that honest? ” “ every time i see you i just feel more alone. ” “ you changed me. ” “ was this all just a joke to you? ” “ i don’t want to know. ” “ can we start over? ” “ you make me feel so insecure. ” “ i don’t know if i can love you. ” “ every time i wake up i’m reaching for you … but you’re never there. ” “ of course it meant something! ” “ stop yelling! ” “ i gave up on you a long time ago. ” “ you think i care about you? cute. ” “ did you just forget about me or something? ” “ i still need you. ” “ i wanna say that there’s still hope but sometimes things just don’t go your way. ” “ you said you would keep trying! ” “ no, you ARE strong. ” “ you promised me! ” “ fine. you’ll never see me again, okay? ” “ i gave you everything i had. ” “ your eyes can be so cruel … ” “ i can never do anything right can i !? ” “ i want my life back. ” “ stop crying. ” “ you should go. ” “ don’t come back. ” “ does hurting me make you feel good or something? ” “ just stop it. ” “ i was never in love with you now leave me alone! ”