A Quiet Atonement

"Don't judge a book by its cover, and a lady by her stature." A Closed RP blog Affiliated with The Officers Academy.

[dolusol]

— PULVIS ET UMBRA SUMUS .

we are dust and shadow

[dolusol]

"I could ask you the same thing." Is Yuni's quick response. 

She crosses her arms. Her voice mirrors the stranger's demeanor of calm, even if the words they exchange have an aura of aggression. Emotions are exposure, and feigning neutrality is the only way they can shore up their defenses. Besides, to be called a child doesn't faze her—many have made the mistake of undermining her, as this one seems to be doing—even if it is still terribly ironic coming from the girl who looks even younger than she does.

Yuni takes another step forward. The dead leaves crunch beneath her sandals, slightly wet. She does not get close; too close, at least. She is at the right distance to survey this girl, but far enough away that it does not look like a confrontation. Not yet. Moving too quickly could cost her the investigation. Similarly, however, moving too slowly could lead to even more chaos and destruction. She will not so quickly forget what happened in Joachim's village, and all the other villages like it.

"It's dangerous staying awake at this hour, you know. There have been rumors…" Yuni lets the information linger in the air before continuing, "surely you've heard of them?"

[nyxanthemums]

Deflecting the question? Intriguing...

The girl's demeanor tells stories of practiced wariness, not one born of youthful haste. Her gaze is practiced, something only gained after much experience, and even more doubt.

Perhaps my initial assessment was poor.

Whether it be the cold damp air weighing on her or the surprise of an unexpected meeting, something about this interaction felt off. This girl had an agenda. One that may be connected to recent uproar with the Alliance.

"I don't entertain idle chatter, so rumors often elude me." True, in this case. Nyx often wasn't privy to rumors since most of her time was spent in the library. But she knew those kind of rumors weren't what the girl was asking. The mage's eyes trail upward, observing the moon severed sky.

"Could you be on a midnight stroll? Or..." Nyx approaches slightly closer now, exchanging the neutral distance for a confrontational one. Her look more testing than before.

"Does your plan benefit from the veil of night?"

[nyxanthemums]

99 NIGHTS IN THE INFINITE IKEA?!?! 🤯 (GONE WRONG 😱) (OLD MAN YAOI WARNING ⚠️)

Non-Mission Task Board || Matthias

[nyxanthemums]

Rumors often are equipped with petty matters and embellished details, even further defiled by hungry ears and loose mouths. Oftentimes when one of these rumors fall upon Nyx's ears, they are met with a slight scoff and a turned cheek at its ridiculousness.

However, at the mention of a peculiar large shop with an even larger selection of tomes and items, Nyx just has to verify. Even if what a minuscule fraction of what they speak holds truth, then it must be pursued.

After all, a remedy to her curse might be present. A siphoning ailment that pollutes her every waking moment. The heavy years cannot weigh her devotion to a search. Every little lead must be followed, despite how taxing or true it is. 

How cruel a thing hope is.

Though, something that the rumors conveniently forgot to detail was the need for a ridiculous card. To guard at the store front, Nyx crosses her arms and furrows her brow, "You mean to tell me that in order to be a patron, I must possess a card or be spoken for? How obsessed. To reject one's coin simply because it doesn't have that 'romantic gleam'."

She turns her back to the store front, her pride ready to move her feet, but her desperation forces them to stay. A torrent of frustration builds, soon to be met with an exhale, venting all her pent up thoughts.

She must get in. A store truly that big must have hints on how to reveal her true self, or perhaps how to revert her form. This possibility absolutely cannot be passed up.

So now she turns to the crowd, and to the first free person she spots, one donning fiery red hair, she approaches, "Pardon me. May I please have a moment of your time?"

Now that he is in front of her she truly realizes what a character she has picked out. Looming over her, his stare is met with her unwavering gaze.

I really did choose quite the character.

"Young man, I require your aid. Could you please pretend to be my lover?"

 @cielenruine

[cielenruine]

No.

Moments earlier... Matthias had found himself waiting. A store this large begets a line just as long and he has no qualms about such a thing. Rushing to the front will do little for him and it's not as though it's stood still. Though the pace is a crawl, to move is to move.

These are his thoughts before the most baffling of questions is asked by, frankly, most baffling a person.

She comes from the front, yet her arms are devoid of wares or any such trinket from the shop. Dismissed at the entrance then. For what reason he cannot fathom aside from looking to her question.

He looks about them at the others in the line. Were they all just waiting to be turned away if they weren't holding hands or here with their lover? What of those with 'lovers' far away? He doubts they would turn a profit, even with the monastery's population, if their criteria for entry were so restrictive.

And did she just call him a young man?

Matthias finally sighs, the beginning of his response. His glove is pulled off as the second part of it and he holds his hand out such that his ring finger is visible. Around it are two ring like marks, one mostly covered by an actual silver ring. "I'm not keen on a third marriage," -to say nothing of the fact that before him is most certainly a student.

"-But you aren't asking. What did they tell you when they sent you away?"

[nyxanthemums]

"A good man. Please disregard then." A slight frown grows on her lips as her brow furrows in thought.

"Ah, but a word of caution. They only accept patronage from those with a special card and in order to obtain said card, one must be in a relationship." Her tone flat, undercut by a tinge of annoyance, not directed towards the stranger, but towards the shop as a whole.

"Should I ask another? I cannot let this opportunity pass." Words for herself, but not spoken so quietly that the stranger couldn't hear.

Even a chance at finding a hint of a way to fix her would be more than enough. The absence of progress isn't proof of a lack of effort, but rather a testament to how momentous this goal she seeks truly is.

"I thank you for your time, but I apologize. You may need to return with your spouse if you wish to enter. I bid you luck in your endeavor." Her words linger in the air as she begins to turn away.

[nyxanthemums]

Aftergloom

Non-Mission Board || Zasha

[nyxanthemums]

The scraping born from bristles replace what once was taping shoes. The tired groans of labor substitute the laughter that once filled the halls. The lavash suits and dresses are nowhere to be seen, only rolled up sleeves and dirtied shirts. But the most criminal surrogate was the champagne that once felt cold in between Nyx's fingertips was tragically swapped with the hard splintered handle of a mop.

If I knew faculty were forced to help out with the cleaning of the hall, I would have cursed myself ahead of time. That's the last time I let the Monastery get the jump on me.

Thankfully, there were fellow victims cleaning with her. Grief shared is divided and what not. What the sharing does at least means others must suffer the fate with her for once. Though cruel and slightly sinister, the feeling does bring a sense of comfort.

Turning to a nearby casualty, she speaks, not out of curiosity, but out of a fleeting sense of camaraderie, "So winged one, what failed excuse brought you here?"

@deflere

[nyxanthemums]

This is why we shouldn't let our kids play with Mr. Potato Head

Mission Board (Decrypted Letter) || Miriel

[nyxanthemums]

"Replace each part of a body, and what do you get?" That's all the message reads. A joke? A threat? A moral quandary? To discern the nature of the message is an arduous task. Perhaps that is why Nyx was summoned to investigate. Nyx and this professor that exudes intelligence; perhaps due to the large hat.

A cough escapes as she clears her throat and turns to face professor, "For better or for worse, it seems that we are partners in this investigation. You may refer to me as Nyx."

Soon after her introduction, Nyx's attention turns back to the letter. The message was encoded. An obvious sign that the content of the message was to be hidden. Meaning that the puzzle is merely a second layer of defense for whatever information is to be concealed.

"What do you think of the message?" A simple question yes, but a very useful one. Questions like such are often used to gauge one's capabilities, just as Nyx is now, primed to scrutinize whatever thoughts leave the big hat's mouth. After all an incompetent ally is more dangerous than a competent enemy.

@bibliophiliacs

[nyxanthemums]

What has four sides, a top, a bottom, and is called a box?

Plotted || M!Corrin

[nyxanthemums]

Boxes and boxes line the side of the halls, carefully placed so as to not bother anyone using the hall, but enough to make them stop and question who in Fódlan would possess so many items for such a small dorm room. Some more curious bystanders would see a small child haul a box at a time, struggling with each step, and wonder if they were helping their parents move in. 

When met with the child's eyes, they would greet her with a slight smile, one born from the soft happiness of seeing such a devoted daughter helping her parent move in. In turn, they were met with curt words and annoyed glares, motivating them to carry on with whatever tasks they had.

All morning these bystanders would observe, and the attention and lack of aid was starting to get on Nyx’s nerve, so much so that the next person to appear was her last straw. “That’s it! I am not some exhibit for your viewing pleasure. Make haste lest you yearn to be cursed.“ 

Yet when she faces the bystander, her heart stops and eyes widen. “Corin? This is where the years have landed you?“ Her cheeks rose slightly before she assumes a more neutral stance, arms crossed. “Well I apologize for raising my voice. The physical exhaustion from moving must have taken its toll on my patience." 

There is an awkward silence between the two for a moment as words ball up in her throat. Though her heart regrets requesting aid and burdening a comrade, in her long years, she knows when she is truly beat. “If time is your ally, could you spare a few moments? I haven’t gotten my credentials and permissions squared away with the office so I am not authorized to use magic to help me sort through all my items. I could use the assistance. I will compensate you generously if you choose to accept."

@duskofendflame

[nyxanthemums]

Ethereal Ball Cont. with Takumi

[nyxanthemums]

⚠️ Fire emblem Conquest spoilers! ⚠️

She wasn't expecting a warm reception to her comment, but to be met with desperation, almost as if he had forgotten he had died twice, was completely beyond her expectations.

But before she can think further, some pressing matters must be addressed first. Using both of her hands, she pries off one of Takumi's hands, "Unhand me you brute."

In the space created, she retreats a step, eye's more conscious of the distance between them. Searching his face for more justification for his actions, all that is found is a lost child.

"You..." There is hesitation in her voice, not out of anger, but brief disbelief. "Do you jest? Or are you truly that ignorant."

Or could it be something else entirely? Perhaps, whatever spell, or curse, manifests him here cost him his memories as well.

She takes a hand and brushes her shoulders.

Well that rules out illusion magic or a caffeinated delusion. He must be genuine.

Whatever hostility and wariness possessed her washes away, leaving behind only pity. Pity at lost progress.

"During the war, on orders from King Garon, we were to march upon Hoshido. In turn, you and your siblings were stationed to stop us." Nyx corrects her posture, more comfortable now but still maintaining her distance from him.

"Your foolhardy youth and hatred towards Corrin caused you to succumb to your own negative emotions, allowing a cursed dragon to possess you."

Her tone is akin to someone recounting a story, one that they heard from a friend. She had no emotional attachment to this Hoshidan in the slightest, perhaps maybe even a slight aversion, but recounting this story is a kindness she can grant as his elder.

"In your final moments, your spirit and the magic of one of our own granted you clarity. You saw the folly in your actions, and granted Corrin the means to strike you down. Yet..."

She moves slightly closer, now inspecting Takumi with a researcher's gaze, "You live and breathe. Take it as a gift, and do not follow in your own footsteps."

@fujins-favored

[nyxanthemums]

C.A.T stands for Cataholics Anonymous's... Tiramisu?

Non-Mission Task || Sue

[nyxanthemums]

Precious precious weekends were never truly cherished by Nyx until her recent position at the library. Time off is joyous when it is limited. So, instead of holing herself up in the library as she would usually do, a change of scenery is what she seeks.

Instead of seeking out popular shops with different chains and locations, Nyx prefers to be a patron to smaller stores, ones whose aesthetic are more personal and cozy. And the next cafe on her list happened to have quite a unique gimmick.

The chime on the door rings clear as the sound of claws and cat toys fill the air. Her movements freeze, brows furrowing at the site of the furry creatures who occupy the cafe.

So this is why the cafe is so popular.

Cats were one of the more tolerable animals, but the concept of random cat hair damaging the books had always dissuaded her from getting one. That and the constant presence of a battle field and enemy fire.

Yet the popularity of cats seemed to surpass Nyx's expectation, as the lack of seating began to alarm her. Though, like a gentle river to a weary traveler, a familiar head of green hair is a welcome site.

Ah, she is the one from the ball. Quite the calm one for a student. Maybe if it is her...

"Pardon me," she says, approaching the table, "I believe we met once before at the ball." She stops a few steps from the table, carefully studying her expression. "I hate to suggest this, but would you mind if I impose upon you once more?"

 @doeofsacae

[nyxanthemums]

99 NIGHTS IN THE INFINITE IKEA?!?! 🤯 (GONE WRONG 😱) (OLD MAN YAOI WARNING ⚠️)

Non-Mission Task Board || Matthias

[nyxanthemums]

Rumors often are equipped with petty matters and embellished details, even further defiled by hungry ears and loose mouths. Oftentimes when one of these rumors fall upon Nyx's ears, they are met with a slight scoff and a turned cheek at its ridiculousness.

However, at the mention of a peculiar large shop with an even larger selection of tomes and items, Nyx just has to verify. Even if what a minuscule fraction of what they speak holds truth, then it must be pursued.

After all, a remedy to her curse might be present. A siphoning ailment that pollutes her every waking moment. The heavy years cannot weigh her devotion to a search. Every little lead must be followed, despite how taxing or true it is. 

How cruel a thing hope is.

Though, something that the rumors conveniently forgot to detail was the need for a ridiculous card. To guard at the store front, Nyx crosses her arms and furrows her brow, "You mean to tell me that in order to be a patron, I must possess a card or be spoken for? How obsessed. To reject one's coin simply because it doesn't have that 'romantic gleam'."

She turns her back to the store front, her pride ready to move her feet, but her desperation forces them to stay. A torrent of frustration builds, soon to be met with an exhale, venting all her pent up thoughts.

She must get in. A store truly that big must have hints on how to reveal her true self, or perhaps how to revert her form. This possibility absolutely cannot be passed up.

So now she turns to the crowd, and to the first free person she spots, one donning fiery red hair, she approaches, "Pardon me. May I please have a moment of your time?"

Now that he is in front of her she truly realizes what a character she has picked out. Looming over her, his stare is met with her unwavering gaze.

I really did choose quite the character.

"Young man, I require your aid. Could you please pretend to be my lover?"

 @cielenruine

[nyxanthemums]

June Plot Call!

Hello! I'm looking to take as many threads as I can get my grubby hands on so don't hold back. If I take longer than a month to reply, please poke me! If you wish to talk further, you can reach out to me here or in discord dms!

Nyx is an Unaffiliated staff!

Affiliated Mission board

Poisoned: Weather you have been poisoned and need some aid, or you find Nyx collapsed by the side of the road, or the poison is really just one day blinding stew, I'm down for anything!

Tunnel: I have nothing too in depth planned for this one, but it just seemed really fun!

Any other thread if you need a staff to help with a + 1 stat thread!

Non Mission board

Owl After The Ball: I am down for anything here! I was thinking maybe they have a video of her dancing and she does NOT want that to spread or we can come up with something with your muse and Nyx so they can be hunt down this guy together!

Special Shop: Nyx REALLLLLY wants to get in by ANY means necessary. She thinks this shop has something that will help her with her curse so she is willing to grab and pay even a random stranger off the street to help fake her way in there, or maybe instead of a random one it could be your stranger 👀. Taken by Matthias

Strange Orb [Any Skill +1]: Again, Nyx REALLLLLLLLY wants to see what she would look like in the future. So she is dedicated to find out. But she is also curious about the nature of it so she would ask your muse many questions to study why you see what you see in the orb. Taken

Cat Cafe: I just really want to do this one, you will probably find Nyx trying to read in this cafe and struggling immensely! Taken by Sue

Aaaaaand of course if you want to grab Nyx for anything else your heart desires, please feel free to reach out to me in dms!

[nyxanthemums]

"Were you serious about the shoes?" It's a little after the competition comes to a close. By then, Hugh had been able to collect his thoughts about the dance, but more importantly, that he hadn't thanked Nyx properly for the time, regardless of the outcome.

So, he puts a grin on his face. "Kidding, kidding! Really though, don't worry too much about the results. It would have been awesome for us to win, but I mainly joined to have fun."

There's only a few that he has left, but he finds a flower among his belongings and presents it to Nyx. "I'm sure you saw it when they were announcing the teams, but the name's Hugh. I'm usually out and about, but if there's ever a time you want to chat, I'll put aside the time."

"Nyx," she says as she stretches out her hand to receive the flower, "and I often don't jest. If you find that your shoes have been sufficiently damaged, I ought to repay what I owe."

Though her expression seems stoic, she brings the flower closer, carefully cherishing the petals. "I don't often entertain idle chatter either, but if you seek soothsaying or advice, I work at the library. You can find me there."

Nyx thinks for a moment, deliberating on whether she should say what is on her mind or not. Her answer is met with a sigh. "But thank you for the offer. If I ever need tutorage for sub-par dancing skills, I will seek you out." A slight smile creeps on her lips.

"Now that one was a jest."

[nyxanthemums]

[ SEQUESTER ] - Some rooms remain unused, and while by the padlocks on their doors you suspect they are meant to remain that way, some poor sap seems to have forgotten to make sure they were locked properly. They make for an excellent space away from the chaos of the rest of the ball—though you may not be the first one there.

Sitting quietly in a room, the roar of the party beyond thick walls, Nyx rests, savoring the night sky through the window. The dim room provides a sense of comfort, a peaceful hide away.

Until a dreadful hinge creeks.

Nyx turns to face whoever entered, straightening her back and tightening her expression. Though, upon realizing the intruder is Niles, her expression lightens, before letting out a small sigh.

"Oh, it is you Niles. Come to find a quiet moment?"

Nyx gestures towards the empty couch across from her.

"It has been quite some time since I have last seen you. I hope the years have matured you enough to cure that mouth of yours? Though if it hasn't," Nyx then gestures towards the orchid on the table.

"Plants often tend to have cleaning properties due to their water content. Perhaps eating one may help," her tone is strict as usual, though, there a certain softness due to the years apart.

[delicatevalentine]

start your engines

white heron cup | round 1 | match 2

[mercenarymage]

For Hugh, it comes to no surprise that the two had taken the win for this round. The performance was cute enough, and they did a fairly decent job with keeping one another's feet safe from being stepped on too. Those two had definitely won the judge's favor, and he'll have to see how they do once the next round's participants have been chosen.

When Elise offers kind words, Hugh hands some back. "Of course! Good luck with the contest!" He gives them both a wave, and once they've headed off, he lowers his hand.

...he's not actually upset about losing. Maybe if it was with someone else, and depending on the circumstances, Hugh might be petty about the loss. But for this particular match?

He looks to Nyx, trying to discern what enotion might be crossing her mind. Was she upset? Sad? Did she wish she had swapped him with one of the girls, so she wouldn't have had to deal with his clumsiness?

Whatever the case might be, Hugh gets the impression that she's not the type who'd want to wallow in their loss for long. So instead, he thinks back to the dance itself.

"Where did you learn this dance from?" He asks, finding a place to rest his legs. "I've seen all sorts of dances during my travels, but that one's new for me."

New, yet held emotion that Hugh felt far more familiar with than he would have thought.

[nyxanthemums]

The other two truly deserved the win, and Nyx was more than happy to fall to that duo. Even if they don't make it all the way, a sense of fulfilment rises in her, seeing the youth so joyful makes her feel like she has done her part. Though she could do without the comforting words and looks of pity.

She stands silent for a moment longer, taking in the applause and smiling faces of their former opponents, before following her partner backstage, finding a chair herself.

For once, I am thankful for this curse. If I truly had old bones, I don't think I could ever rise from this chair.

Once her body settles, she musters up the energy to give Hugh a response, "As I told you, I am well read. I grasped the essence of what dance is meant to embody but..." it confused her too. Nyx never practiced dance despite seeing it copious times in romance novels.

Yet, when it came to it, her mind emptied and her body moved itself, puppeted by the music. "Let us chalk that one up to improv."

Her eyes fall upon her partner, attempting to gauge his disappointment in the performance. "I wanted no part in this performance, but I still feel the need to apologize. Send me your residence and I will ensure you are compensating for your ruined shoes."

~Fin

[dolusol]

— PULVIS ET UMBRA SUMUS .

we are dust and shadow

[dolusol]

All was silent that night. With nary a hoot or howl from the surrounding wildlife, the air was heavy—as if six feet of dirt had been piled atop her. Yuni should have been used to the darkness. Yet something within her trembled, something that was so primordial and core to her being that she might have called it her soul.

She stood in the manor's back garden. The shorn grass and fresh-fallen leaves granted her feet a soft surface to stand on, which was good, for she had been doing just that for a good two hours now. Watching, waiting, perhaps even hoping for the arrival of shadow.

For she was convinced it was exactly that: shadow, Fenris' influence. The rumors described the exact movements of someone who succumbed to the darkness. A heinous act committed in secret, a loss of self and memory, followed by a distinct lack of answers.

She could not stand for it.

Yuni knew that a different Goddess held sway over this land, but that did not mean that the forces of light and dark were missing. In fact, working with the Alliance nobles, Yuni could see clearly the marks of good and evil. It was not impossible for someone from Fodlan to fall prey to shadow, just as it was not impossible for a disciple of Naga to fall into shadow.

And that was an idea that kept floating below the surface of her mind, always there yet never quite breaching the waves: that perhaps she was the sleepwalker they all feared, and she just did not know it. She had to consider this. In situations like this, it was difficult to trust even oneself.

Bushes rustled. Yuni perked up. The crescent moon that hung above her provided little light, but she could sense that the approaching presence belonged to a person—a person who was in active pursuit.

Yuni took a decisive step forward. "I can see you," she called out, "there's no use hiding."

@nyxanthemums

[nyxanthemums]

The peace the veil of night offers is like no other. The halls quiet, the gentle lamp light flickers, the annoyances of daily life all seem to cease once the moon dons its mantle.

Another successful night passes. The books are sorted, the chairs are straightened, and finally, click, the library is locked. Nyx swiftly pockets the key before raising her arms above her head, a soft crack echoes off the walls.

Once the war against the Hoshidans ended, the troops dispersed, leaving Nyx alone once more.

Nothing new.

Yet the years spent in various villages, traveling, giving aid to those in need, were all well and good. All satisfying work and still, something wasn't quite complete. There was a void in her rare smiles, a missing pillar that couldn't truly lift the corner of her lips.

And perhaps, maybe that missing piece is among these halls,

"I can see you. There is no use in hiding."

And perhaps not.

The shock of seeing another awake at this hour was just enough to pause her steps. Nyx's eyes casually scan around to see if there was anyone else this small child could be referring to. Seeing no one, she turns back to the small bundle of light and slowly approaches.

"What stirs you at this hour? Children need their rest if they wish to grow. You'll have no one to blame but yourself if you are caught sleeping in class." Her demeanor isn't strict, but adopts a tone of calm rote response blended with faint hesitation.

[nyxanthemums]

Is this really what they mean by hazing?

Mission board | Reason +1 | Shez

[nyxanthemums]

"You should show some good faith!"

"Since you are new and young, this is your chance to prove yourself."

Mindless chatter from even more mindless superiors. Nothing would be more enjoyable than to shut oneself away in the library, accompanied solely by the wind and one's own breath.

Yet, fate is cruel and the whims of upper management crueler.

Nyx steps ever closer to the site of the mission, clueless of the aid that is expected of her. All she was informed of was the location and the employer. That is it.

Nearing the edge of the forest, where the leaf filtered light of the forest ceases, stands a man with a similar mission slip to Nyx's own. Yet, beyond him the sky darkens, lit with horridly familiar black-shifted red. The air began to suck the moisture from her own mouth.

The image of a burning battlefield once more fills her gaze, yet this one is void of the shouts of dying men and the clashing of steel. All that remains is voiceless cackling of sundered wood and bone.

Now beside the man on the forest edge, she speaks, eyes remained on the spectacle, "Surely the term ‘hazing’ wasn't meant to be taken literally."

@bladeunbound

[mikehoney]

My beloved Christmas tree

[delicatevalentine]

start your engines

white heron cup | round 1 | match 2

[delicatevalentine]

Ballroom dancing, Hilda could do quite comfortably. The type of dancing required for the White Heron Cup, however, wasn't her strong suit. That wouldn't stop her from giving it her all, though!

Her partner was a blonde student she recognised from around the Academy, but wasn't someone she'd spoken to at length. She gave her a bright smile of encouragement.

"We've got this. Let's go!"

They were up first, and it fell to Hilda to start them off.

She didn't really know what she was expected to do, so she just gave a little strut in time with the music, spun around, and blew a kiss to the judges.

Style: 10 | Choreography: 2 | Technique: 1 Total: 13

She pointed to Elise to cue her up.

@nohrslittleflower

[nohrslittleflower]

It’s a shame she has to compete without Leo. Especially after all the time and effort they put into preparing for it… But it’s her own fault, really. He never has had that same overflowing excitement for events like these that she uses to keep her up and running throughout the night. 

Oh well. Nothing to be done about it for tonight, anyway — there’s always next year, and bonus practice is always a good thing! Even if it took her dance partner out last minute! She doesn’t know her new partner all too well (she thinks she vaguely remembers seeing her in another group during the whole monastery disaster? They never really spoke, though) but she does know she looks super pretty and fancy, so she’s gotta know what she’s doing, right?

…Huh. Not the kinda opener she expected, but you know what, she likes it! It might not be traditional, but it’s definitely got the style she’d expect from someone like her. And she’s got more than enough tradition practice down for the both of them!

“Great job! Now follow me,” It’s a tad bit of an awkward transition as Elise pulls Hilda along with a hushed whisper, but she thankfully manages to pull the both of them along without too much stumbling. There’s not enough time left in their section for the whole dance, but there is just enough time for… 

Style: 10 | Choreography: 7 | Technique: 8 Total: 25

“Spin left!” The Nohrian princess gives her pink partner a gentle shove to the left as she pivots right in a practiced twirl — right into the part of the dance floor she’d scouted beforehand as the spot with the best lighting to catch upon her dresses sequins as she curtsies. A perfectly executed ‘big finish’, if she does say so herself.

She only hopes the familiar face in the crowd she waves to with both hands on the tips of her tippy toes agrees with the sentiment.

@mercenarymage or @nyxanthemums

[nyxanthemums]

"We have to follow that?" Nyx says plainly, softly clapping with the roar of applause for her fellow Norhian. "With that kind of performance, I hope the princess hasn't forgone her studies in lieu of dancing."

The lights dim, notes of elegance and rhythm fill the air. She grabs Hugh by his hand, pulling him along onto the stage. She didn't want to be here, but she wasn't going to let her aversion taint this man's night.

Her gaze trails upwards from his chest to meet his eyes, assessing him,"Calm your nerves. Though I haven't practiced in many years, I am very well read on the subject of dance." Romance books yes, but literature none the less.

Style: 10 | Choreography: 3 | Technique: 2 Total: 15

The music is that of a well known tale, one depicting tragedy and despair; a doomed duet. Embodying the story, Nyx pushes off from her partner, isolating the two. Though her movements are elementary and stale, the subtle emotion in which she sways, hands reaching out towards the crowd, stirs something within the audience.

All the time spent alone. The years on the search, the dark nights, the cloaked market visits, the lone steps on the road, all of it floods her mind. The gaze of the crowd discarded far from her mind as her past weighs on her once more.

Yet,

in her labored breath exhales a small hope. A quiet one. One that, in the rising of the music, leads her back to her fellow contestant. The dance continues with the two closely in step with each other.

At least, that is how it was supposed to go if it were not for Nyx constantly tripping on Hugh's shoes, taking her out of own mind and back onto the dance floor.

"In the future, you should consider shrinking. It would make this a lot easier on your partner."

@mercenarymage

[nyxanthemums]

[ TEA ] - Just what it says on the tin! The only teas offered are Mint, Bergamot, Sweet-Apple Blend, Albinean Berry Blend, and Southern Fruit Blend, wrapped in small tea bags. Some students, having anticipated a small selection, bought their own tea.

"Hm." It would be hard to find a voice more deflated than the one that escaped Nyx's.

The gaul. To make us wait so long for the main event, and yet, not even provide the proper refreshments? This academy definitely needs to have someone look at their budget.

Her eyes wander, looking longingly at others at the table as they fish out various teas that they brought. Regrettably, it is either ask someone to share, or fall asleep somewhere in a corner.

What a cruel gathering; making a pariah choose between humiliation or risk falling asleep just for a good cup of tea.

With reluctance pooled in her throat, she approaches a near by ball-goer, one close to her height. This attendee looked quite gentle, so surely nothing disastrous would happen.

"Pardon me. I was wondering if you happened to bring your own assortment and were willing to share. I don't have much to offer in place of it," she says, thumbing the stem of an orchid.

"But I can offer this, and I would be grateful. The selection here is quite pitiful. I can't believe such a spread was all they had."