Echoes Renewed

Closed RP Blog Affiliated With The Ofiicer's Academy Black Eagles Student Penned by viapi

[regnumaves]

Bad Ending || Tibarn & Celica

Mission: Any Skill +1 || @rigainrokkr || Mission Season: Herald

[rigainrokkr]

She tilts her head, regarding his red eyes with her own. "You as well?"

"Hmph."

She lowers her blade, lowering it to her side but not sheathing it just yet. "You squander your potential."

She walks slowly, circling the laguz, each step measured in a way that belied the frightening strength behind her sword hand. The dark flames around her surge, and eyes glow deeper red as a cruel smile stretches across her face.

"Why abide by these humans, these murderers, when you have the strength to slaughter them? Your strength is wasted on protecting, pretending you cannot do anything about it. The only way to use power is to hold it in your own hands, and use it to tear greater power from the flesh of your enemies. Do not deny your base desires."

She completes her circle, driving the tip of her blade into the ground before crossing her arms, posture squared towards the hawk king.

"Go on, satiate your rage."

[regnumaves]

The pulsating pain in his head subsides partially, but his vision remains blurry, and the voices speaking to him seems to come from beyond a thick veil of fog that filters out all reason. There is one last attempt to break through it, but it comes in the form of a pathetic whisper that dies as soon as it appears, stomped into the ground like an insect beneath his feet.

Why abide by these humans?

Eyes, now glaring crimson, follow her as she circles him until she's behind him. His body still refuses to move, weighed down as though by a whole boulder, as it tries to process the corruption that feeds it with power, all while sapping all reason.

Hold your power in your hands...

Something seems to snap at the back of his head, and his body transforms into the Hawk form outside of his control. His wings raise slowly, stiffly, as though they have not moved for an age.

Go on, satiate your rage.

A furious cry tears itself out of his throat; with a single beat, his wings shoot him upwards before he swoops at her, Hawk's screech slashing through air in his wake like a knife.

[rigainrokkr]

She curses, stumbling back, but the reaction is far too slow. The hawk king's talons graze her head, and in his wake flutter strands of orange hair, falling like leaves to the ground. Celica screams in pain, and this time her voice is her own, not tinged by the dark undertones. The dark aura around her sputters weakly, and her expression softens to one of confusion and pain, but it lasts only a moment. The flames wrap around her again, and pupils once again contract.

"Unable to even control yourself. Idiotic."

Blood is flowing from her scalp, running red and hot down her forehead, but Celica ignores the sensation. eyes glowing redder as her face pinches into a snarl.

"A pity. Such a strong body and soul, wasted. A shame I'll have to put it down like a common beast." The purple fire around her flares up, and magic springs to her fingertips. Casting with an speed and ferocity unimaginable for a normal human mage, she sends volley after volley of spells at his retreating form. In the same motion, her other hand finds her sword, blade still buried in the earth. Wrenching it from the ground, she takes off, Assorted fire, wind, and thunder spells trace screaming paths through the air. followed by the witch.

Her proselytism had failed. Her only goal now was to force him to recognize her own strength, to drive that untamed power into the dirt by the edge of a blade and to claim it as her own.

[rigainrokkr]

I'm Putting My Name Last On The Assignment, By The Way

No Skill Points

with rigelprinceofdespair

[rigelprinceofdespair]

If there is any amount of respect her must give, it is at the very least she stands firm in her stance. Foolish as it may be, at least she appears to have a spine. From what he heard from Desaix, that's more than what could be said of her father.

"Looking weak simply invites invasion. A country could have as many alliances and connections as they want. It is easy to forge such things in times of peace and plenty. Yet when war comes to their doorstep, it is just as likely that those allies may abandon them. Or simply not even be able to react in time, if the weak country can't even fend off it's conquerors." For a moment the thinks about it, looking through one of the text books. "A recent example of that, we could just look to one of the most recent conflicts. By all means, Brigid had a strong ally in Dagda. Yet as soon as the war turned, what happened? Dagda was forced out, and abandoned the island to be turned into a vassal state to the Empire. What good was that alliance?" A smirk crosses his face, though he gives slight sigh as he continues to look through the books.

"As for the event I would choose... I think the Almyran Invasion of 961. Fodlan's Throat is a natural barrier, yet the prevalence of wyvern riders and using flying beasts let them naturally cross it. It creates for some very interesting tactics throughout the war. Not to mention it is one of the first documented examples of the countries working together. It is thanks to the assistance of the Imperial Army itself that the Alliance manages to fend off the invasion. It also led to the founding of this very Academy. A conflict against an outside force that led to a strengthening of bonds between these countries." As he finished, Berkut looked towards her, curious as to how she would interpret such events. Honestly, he wanted to see how the new Queen of the One Kingdom would act, how she responded to being challenged and talked to like this. Just how worthy of ruling over his former country was she? Not that he would ever say such things out loud.

[rigainrokkr]

His smug smile remains, although his words seem to hold less of their previous edge. "Even the most peaceful of nations should still hold some standing military force, even if just to ward off pirates and brigands. In ideal circumstances, it would not be necessary, but such is the reality of this world."

Celica stops to consider, fighting the urge to rebuke his point on reflex. Choosing her words slowly, she continues, finding her best response.

"And if a nation is truly so militant as to hold a conquer without resistance and unpredictable as to launch a full-scale invasion without warning or provocation, then it can only serve as a sign to other nations to respond, be they allies or not."

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before continuing. "The alliance between Brigid and Dagda was not completely fruitless, either. The conquest of Brigid was famously due to the previous king's refusal to surrender, but while he led the war, Brigid managed to topple the noble houses of Ochs and Nuvelle, a feat they would be unable to do without Dagdan supplies and mercenaries. Even after the war was officially ended, Dagda's protest at Brigid's vassalage still heavily affects Adrestia today. No port in Adrestia receives Dagdan spices or steel, and merchants are forced to buy from Alliance merchants at massively inflated prices."

Still, Celica can sense a turning point in the conversation, and she listens attentively to his suggestion.

"961..." Celica thinks back. "A relatively recent event. A rare example of cooperation between the nations, as well. A signal to Fodlan that, despite their differences, their combined strength is still necessary to protect the entirety of the continent. The victories in battle were achieved through outstanding military tactics, but the war was only won through shrewd diplomacy and mutual understanding. Yes, that could work..."

Flipping open her notebook, Celica begins to draft an outline, writing down the circumstances of the event as well as the political factions. Glancing at him, she bites her lip in thought for a moment before sliding the notebook across the desk. "You seem to be more knowledgeable than me about the military details of the war. Would you like to work on that part of the project?"

[regnumaves]

Bad Ending || Tibarn & Celica

Mission: Any Skill +1 || @rigainrokkr || Mission Season: Herald

[regnumaves]

Even Tibarn's fast reflexes have their limits; as the student standing next to him is struck from the back, he hardly has enough time to stretch out his arm towards her before pulling it backwards, able only to watch as everything around her suddenly begins to warp.

In that moment, the hawk's shriek pierces the air again, and a sudden strike of headache prompts Tibarn to drop to his knees with a loud groan. Pain worse than a sledgehammer to the head, than a crossbow to the chest - pain that makes him realize, somewhere at the back of his mind, that that furious cry for blood came from within him.

"What... is—"

From the skies, something swoops at him like a hawk at its prey, and the previously fought back groan forces itself out of his chest as a full blown scream of pain as dark purple energy envelops its body and begins to burn away at him in what feels like a thousand bites.

The feathers of his outstretched wings grow longer and worn at the edges. As he clutches his head, trying anything to stop that pulsating headache threatening to tear through his temples, he leaves himself with a new long scratch across his face once his fingers morph halfway into talons, equally sharp and deadly as the full spectacle.

Kill.

No, don't—

Kill.

Inhale. Exhale.

Kill Kill Kill

Among the throbbing pain, he feels as though he's drowning.

KILL KILL KILL

He can't hear anything.

KILL

Every thought, every memory, everything he was, is and wants to be, warps itself into the flames of Serenes, the screams of his brethren, the twisted smiles of his enemies, and this one, singular word.

With a singular beat, his wings pull him off the ground. As Celica's voice calls to him, there he is - floating just above the dry grass, a dull red glow in his eyes as they finally force themselves open.

"Who... are you?... Where... is... he?" Comes a voice both familiar and not.

[rigainrokkr]

She tilts her head, regarding his red eyes with her own. "You as well?"

"Hmph."

She lowers her blade, lowering it to her side but not sheathing it just yet. "You squander your potential."

She walks slowly, circling the laguz, each step measured in a way that belied the frightening strength behind her sword hand. The dark flames around her surge, and eyes glow deeper red as a cruel smile stretches across her face.

"Why abide by these humans, these murderers, when you have the strength to slaughter them? Your strength is wasted on protecting, pretending you cannot do anything about it. The only way to use power is to hold it in your own hands, and use it to tear greater power from the flesh of your enemies. Do not deny your base desires."

She completes her circle, driving the tip of her blade into the ground before crossing her arms, posture squared towards the hawk king.

"Go on, satiate your rage."

[rigainrokkr]

of feather and flame

Mission Board: Infamous; Reason +1

with lovelyflight

[lovelyflight]

A team from the monastery… oh! Someone to investigate? Perfect, having someone else working with her always helped things. The crackle was sure to come from the grass and though the other considered it to be ‘ominous’, Rose was reminded of the crackle of a campfire gone wrong. Fond more than anything else. 

She listened carefully to Celica’s words. Unlike Rose, she seemed to have a rather… hm, what was the word? Structured? Reliable? Well, Rose was rather reliable in healing! But not any of this. She flew up a bit higher rather than look above Celica’s shoulder. From above, it was easy to see the relief team. Hmmm, she could stick there but—

What if someone was left? They’d need healing. Immediate healing. And… and… Rose nodded. “I did see it from…” she turned around to point some ways away from herself, “that direction but I’m not quite sure about anywhere else. I’ve not scouted ahead before, but, I’d love to help! Will you be joining me in searching? Or is this more of a solo venture?”

Though she really would prefer it not to be, Rose did not allow her eyes to betray any expectation. It would be horrible—downright cruel to force someone to join her when they wished otherwise, no matter how vague of an impression she gave. Her smile remained gentle, enough to reassure another if they were concerned. Celica didn’t seem concerned but… it never hurt to be sure. 

[rigainrokkr]

The girl seems eager, and far be it from Celica to stifle her enthusiasm. "Yes, I'll follow behind on foot, I'll just be slightly slower."

Thinking for a second, she points to the distant horizon Rose had indicated, smudged with a grey haze. "We can start from that direction, since the edge of the burn is that way. If you could find any parts that are spreading and relay them to me, it would be a huge help. Once we find an area that is still burning, we can work on extinguishing them together. And if we come across any civilians in that area we must evacuate them or heal them if they need it."

She gives a slight smile. "Truly, thank you for your assistance. There's just so much area burned, and it's difficult to traverse. Our team is spread thin, and your help is invaluable."

She gestures towards the blackened earth.

"Well, shall we?"

[lovelyflight]

A team effort, then. That, Rose could work with. With a smile, she nodded, following the other’s direction. The greys of smoke ever present on the horizon. Observe, inform, extinguish and evacuate. Some simple steps, yes, I can do this. 

“Got it. I’ll be sure to heal any I see.” Her words held her usual softness but stood firmer in her gaze. With others in mind, healing could be as easy as breathing to Rose. A fact she would have to use well here lest the fog of fire cloud her mind entirely. She curtsied as quick as she could at the gratitude, just before Celica moved forward. 

“Yes. Do let me know if the smoke or flames bring you any harm, Celica. I have more than enough energy to heal you and any others in need of evacuation.”

With a soft smile, she began flying. Only a bit ahead of Celica, her shoes reaching just above the other’s head. 

“Are you familiar with this sort of thing, Celica? You’re very composed.”

It was admirable, if a bit sad for such a thing to become familiar to another. Comforting as well. Guidance and decisiveness at times like these were paramount and she did both well. Her smile only grew the longer she thought on it, yes, she was in good hands.

[rigainrokkr]

Celica looks up to her newfound companion. "I'll be sure to. Likewise to you. I may not be as adept at healing, but I know some basic healing spells as well."

At Rose's compliment, however, she takes pause. "Familiar? In truth, although I fight with fire magic, rarely am I left to consider the consequence if control slips away." She pauses, gaze wistful. "But composure is easier found off the battlefield, where scenes like this are far less frequently seen."

She begins picking her way through the scorched field, occasionally stopping to inspect the smoldering ground. When she finds an ember, still smoldering away furiously, she channels her own fire to smother it of air. It is slow, exhausting work, but it is what must be done to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Celica peers over the horizon, back the way she had came. "To think it had spread this far... We're nearly to the edge, now. Make sure not to overexert yourself. If the smoke or the sun becomes too much to bear, let me know."

[regnumaves]

Bad Ending || Tibarn & Celica

Mission: Any Skill +1 || @rigainrokkr || Mission Season: Herald

[regnumaves]

Tibarn stopped trying to understand Fodlan and its goings-on long ago. The monastery, quite frankly, has plenty of questions that they should answer, only to cover their ears "lalala I'm not listening" style, but the Hawk also knows that it faces just as many internal struggles as it does external, and the latter are born from it not - or, as he's heard, no longer - suppressing contact with its neighbors. It's a hub where cultures and ways of life collide, and it's one of the things that draws him to this place. It's certainly more interesting than Tellius and its literal lack of neighbors, in any case.

All that's to say, he doesn't mind a little chaos born from attempts to be open and welcoming, every once in a while. So when news breaks about some Zenith-born "orb" or whatever, his first thought is simple. Just don't touch and play with things you don't know. Easy as that.

Right?

Well, as it turns out, the rumor left out one crucial detail: that the orb can actually absorb you if you get a bit too close.

So it is, that on one calm day, while Tibarn is busy patrolling the monastery grounds and greeting a student from the Black Eagles he happened to pass by - a red-haired girl with a regal aura somewhat reminiscent of Micaiah - the thing just so happens to materialize right in front of him, blinding him with a flash of white that forces him to shield his face with his arm. It takes a moment before his eyes can open and adjust again, but once they do, he quickly realizes he is no longer at Garreg Mach.

And also that the student is also here.

"Oh, now what," he begins before abruptly pausing, interrupted by a hawk cry echoing through the air. A furious one.

And one he feels like he recognizes.

[rigainrokkr]

She barely has time to get her bearings when a shriek rends the air, a primal sound of fury that fills her with an overwhelming need to duck, to scurry and hide. Resisting the shiver in her bones telling her that she is prey, Celica stands up, wary of her new surroundings.

She squints up at the sky, looking for the source of the cry, when a sense of sudden malice surges behind her. She doesn't even have a chance to turn before the rogue orb slips into her back, and she falls to her knees.

Celica's eyes widen and her pupils constrict, the soft orange fading to a harsh red, skin draining in color. Wordlessly, her right hand finds her sword, jerkily pulling it from its sheath. With inhuman strength, she plunges her blade deep into the solid rock beneath her, burying the blade deep into the cracked earth to push herself up. Despite the strength which had pierced the ground, she rises slowly, unnaturally, as if pulled from above. As she stands, her head lolls forward, only to snap backwards abruptly, and gouts of purple flame sputter to life, softly wrapping around their new host.

"Hee hee. Hee hee hee hee. Lord Duma's power has returned to its fated vessel. In time, all will be his — mine."

The creature wearing Celica's face frowns. Puppeted hands move the sword in a loose but stiff grip, pointing her blade at the skies, voice layered with a deeper, harsh undertone. "You. Hawk King. Show yourself."

[rigainrokkr]

O distant star, to the bright future you shine

Mission Board: Herald — Any +1

with milafaithful

[milafaithful]

"Celica?" Asked far too quietly to catch her attention. "Celica, what are you doing?"

The clang of the sword rings out like the crack of a whip, and the cleric is powerless to watch as some foreign power takes hold of her friend. But, oh, Silque had had her reservations, isn't that right? Celica, who always dreamed bigger than any of them, whose shoulders were constantly weighed down with countless what-ifs. Of course she would jump at the opportunity to —

Silque blinks, and the person that stands before her now sports a different posture. Steadier, straighter, like that of a girl — a woman — who had grown stronger under the strain.

"Celica, is that you?" Still you, the mild uncertainty in Silque's voice seems to ask. "Wow, I like your new outfit! You look like..."

Eventually, she finds a teasing smile, tilting her head in appraisal. "Like a princess who swash-buckled a dozen pirates." It suits her, even if Silque hadn't been there to see it.

"Still, you hail from the future, it seems." Smiling warmly back, Silque reaches out a hand, thinking of leading the woman to a table so they can sit and talk in earnest. "Tell me, how fares Zofia? How fares Rigel?"

[rigainrokkr]

She gives a smile. "It is. The Celica you know is still here, she's just agreed to take a backseat for now while we talk."

The compliment, however, catches her off guard, and Celica smiles sheepishly. "It's Queen now, actually. This battle armor was modeled after Zofia's. The Zofia, I mean. Zofia the First."

She adjusts the skirt of the dress, taking Silque's hand. "In truth, it's a lot to live up to. Zofia, Rigel — it's the first time ever that the continent has been unified like this. Since the before days of the Earth Mother and War Father, even."

The stone walls of the monastery open to verdant courtyards as Celica follows Silque to an open table. She finds an open seat across from Silque, giving the area an appreciative scan before turning her attention back to the sister's question.

"Well, to start... there are no pirates anymore." She gives a cheerful smile. "The people of the coast, and of Novis, can rest easily. The Brotherhood has done more than the old knights ever could."

"As for the Kingdom..." She tilts her head pensively. "I can't deny it's been rough at points. I'm not sure anyone was really ready for the unification. Many Zofians held me in the same regard as my father, and I can't blame them. The Rigelians saw only a Zofian and a witch."

She spreads her hands. "But that was in the past. None of what we have now would be possible without Alm. He's been working tirelessly right alongside the common folk to rebuild the land. You play no small part too." She nods. "At times I can tell his heart still yearns for the battlefield, but he has a way of rallying people, a gift for leadership that shines so brightly. I don't know what the Kingdom could do without him." She gives a wistful smile.

"Oh! We also figured out how to farm the land again." Celica leans in. "The soil and water were restored only a few short years ago. Sage Halcyon said that the fighting, the madness, was the cause of Zofia's drought. But the clerics at the Temple of Mila working with Halcyon as the new head of the Duma Faithful found a way to cleanse the land, and each year our harvests only grow. It seems to have been the Earth Mother's last gift to her children. Alongside some knowledge from Archanea."

The older Celica pauses, reflecting on the future past she had just described. "In truth, I don't know if the future I've come from — the future that I've described — is what is in store for this time, this Celica and this Silque. But your One Kingdom is just beginning, and the future is oh-so bright."

[bxldrsdraumar]

and since we've no place to go

(x)

[thelightofcreation]

Forward indeed- and forward she goes, the student- third of their party- who charges forward without hesitation. Far unlike Sephiran, who stumbles backward from her eager assault, a two-fold crack of eager lightning breaking through the dark.

In return, a scream, a howl- the beast nearly down from the student’s assault alone. In its wake, Sephiran finds himself hesitating. It is not as though he were concerned that he may fail to finish it off- no, even if it missed, it was already on its last legs, swaying as if caught in a particularly powerful wind- the two hunters, leisurely preparing themselves behind him, would easily make up for what he lacks.

But rather, it felt as though something were incomplete- that the story he had been told had not been said in its entirety- or worse, that it had not been true at all. Large eyes shine as if coated in tears, though he knew it were only a trick of the light. Yet, he could not quite ignore the low wail that seemed to be building in its throat.

Marked by hesitation, he first reaches for his tome- but he was soft, as he has always been soft, and one could hardly mistake the wail as anything but distress. His staff glows lightly- providing almost nothing at all- as if still unsure if he had made the correct choice, or if he had even made one in the end.

[rigainrokkr]

Celica needs no urging, spurred into action by the rush of adrenaline that accompanied the command. It was a strong, simple one, backed up by the reassurance of comrades behind her, and that her opponent was a Terror, and nothing more. Terrors were simple, and unlike people, she had no reservations in putting their wayward souls to rest.

Her footsteps are surprisingly muted in the blanket of snow, masking her rush forward as she squares her stance and begins casting.

The glow at her fingertips is all the warning the beast would get before a bolt of thunder magic lances through the air, leaving a crackling white afterimage that hissed when it met the beast's black coat. It yowls, a disturbing, human like scream of pain. Closing the distance alarmingly fast, it bounds at her, paws outstretched.

The beast was bigger than she imagined, and with a speed that belied its massive size. Without time to properly dodge, she lowers her shoulder to meet the incoming paw. On instinct, she lets the paw take her shoulder, converting the momentum into a forward roll under the beast before slamming her palms upward, into the creature's chest.

The undiluted thunder spell strikes true, and she watches as the oversized feline flies bodily overhead, screaming again with pain as it slams into a tree. Keeping one eye on the creature, Celica stands, unable to shake the sense that something is fundamentally wrong about the situation, but unable to place it.

It is only once the expected healing spell from her allies has been cast — its glow not at her unmarred shoulder but at the beast's side — does she realize.

Its claws had been sheathed. The attack that had hit her had been pulled, its blow meant to be a mere warning, a distraction.

She looks back at the beast's eyes, wide with oh-so-human emotion. Fear. Hopelessness. Betrayal.

She glances back at the hunting party, so many things running through her mind as fiery hair whips up, back fully turned to the animal as she waves her arms in the air, body between them and its prone form.

"Wait! I think—"

The old hunter's voice cuts through her epiphany, voice bitter and cold. "It would have all been so much easier if you had just finished it off, and not thought about things too hard."

He stops in front of her, raising his own hands, glowing with magic. "It will be so very tragic when we tell the Church how we were too late to save the poor young girl from the beast."

The hot cocoa in her stomach turns to ice. Eyes wide with sudden fear, Celica stumbles back, ready to defend herself from the new monster in front of her.

Her guard is down, there is no escape from the scalding light as it burns the skin from her exposed hands. But in the mix of swirling emotions, the raw fear of survival seizes her, one not-so-unlike what she had seen shining in the creature's eyes just seconds before. In an almost exact imitation of her previous actions, she drives both palms into her attacker's soft paunch, magic fueled more by instinct than rational thought.

Panting and flushed despite the frigid air, Celica stumbles away from him, desperate to rejoin the others.

[rigainrokkr]

of feather and flame

Mission Board: Infamous; Reason +1

with lovelyflight

[lovelyflight]

A team from the monastery… oh! Someone to investigate? Perfect, having someone else working with her always helped things. The crackle was sure to come from the grass and though the other considered it to be ‘ominous’, Rose was reminded of the crackle of a campfire gone wrong. Fond more than anything else. 

She listened carefully to Celica’s words. Unlike Rose, she seemed to have a rather… hm, what was the word? Structured? Reliable? Well, Rose was rather reliable in healing! But not any of this. She flew up a bit higher rather than look above Celica’s shoulder. From above, it was easy to see the relief team. Hmmm, she could stick there but—

What if someone was left? They’d need healing. Immediate healing. And… and… Rose nodded. “I did see it from…” she turned around to point some ways away from herself, “that direction but I’m not quite sure about anywhere else. I’ve not scouted ahead before, but, I’d love to help! Will you be joining me in searching? Or is this more of a solo venture?”

Though she really would prefer it not to be, Rose did not allow her eyes to betray any expectation. It would be horrible—downright cruel to force someone to join her when they wished otherwise, no matter how vague of an impression she gave. Her smile remained gentle, enough to reassure another if they were concerned. Celica didn’t seem concerned but… it never hurt to be sure. 

[rigainrokkr]

The girl seems eager, and far be it from Celica to stifle her enthusiasm. "Yes, I'll follow behind on foot, I'll just be slightly slower."

Thinking for a second, she points to the distant horizon Rose had indicated, smudged with a grey haze. "We can start from that direction, since the edge of the burn is that way. If you could find any parts that are spreading and relay them to me, it would be a huge help. Once we find an area that is still burning, we can work on extinguishing them together. And if we come across any civilians in that area we must evacuate them or heal them if they need it."

She gives a slight smile. "Truly, thank you for your assistance. There's just so much area burned, and it's difficult to traverse. Our team is spread thin, and your help is invaluable."

She gestures towards the blackened earth.

"Well, shall we?"

[rigainrokkr]

O distant star, to the bright future you shine

Mission Board: Herald — Any +1

with milafaithful

[rigainrokkr]

"It's towards the back of the library, where they keep the texts on faith magi—"

The telltale crackle of magic echoes off the stone walls of the monastery, accompanied by a burst of prismatic light.

Immediately Celica is on guard, one hand reaching back for Silque while the other finds her sword, but as the source of the disturbance reveals itself, her eyes widen. Almost immediately, all sense of wariness evaporates as her grip slackens on the sword, standing up straighter.

Step.

Slowly, as if pulled along, Celica steps closer and closer to the orb, seemingly entranced by a vision only she could see.

Step.

"It's... beautiful... Is such a future really...?"

Step.

Her sword clatters to the ground, dropped from limp fingers.

Step.

She pauses reverently just in front of the orb, hands clasped in front of her in prayer. As if responding to her call, the orb floats towards her, sinking into her chest. There is a brief moment where the world hangs frozen in white.

As the light fades, there is a swish of fabric and light clink of metal as a different, slightly older-looking Celica comes into view, clad in red and gold.

She laughs warmly. "Hello, Silque."

[rigainrokkr]

"Ah! Leif?!"

The familiar (if unexpected) partner for the unfamiliar dance immediately sets her on the back foot, stumbling slightly as the music settles into a rousing gallop.

The sharp, stuttering steps of the dance were as chaotic as the fiercest battles she had experienced, and yet the wild, insistent rhythm behind it all could not be ignored. It pounded like a heartbeat as the intensity of the dance stepped up, and any words she could muster had to be forgotten to keep up.

The tempo increases again, and she is hard-pressed to keep up with his footwork, winding through each position over and around his arms, trusting in him to lead. Quickly she is forced to discard any thought of composure, relying on instinct to guide her own steps as she spins apart, then whirls back towards him just as quickly, almost crashing against his chest before stopping. Each required movement seemed to be more difficult than the last, contracting and elongating in ways that felt unnaturally freeing, as if her being was coming apart.

The number ends with her in a low dip, and Celica hangs for a moment in the silence, hair askew and breathing heavily.

"Goodness...", she pants. "That was... exhausting... But also strangely... thrilling. I could barely keep up."

Straightening herself, she makes to smooth out her dress. "What an addition...", she muses. "Thank you for leading the dance. Doubtless it would have been much harder to follow without a capable partner."

[diadic]

    “If you think so. But you kept up rather well, too, Celica,” he pays the compliment back. Partly because he knows with any less competent a partner, they might've spilled themselves over the floor. Whilst it is not the act of trust that the Dance of Light might be, the Dance of Shadow still has many parts where, in its pursuit of competition, it still does require cooperation and in that way, some level of faith.

Faith backed up by competence, backed up by a willingness to go along with Leif's calls and not to go against him.

“If you want to train your stamina, you might find the dance even more fun with the next person you do it with.” Somewhat indelicate but earnest all the same, this is what Leif tells her as he pulls one of his lilies to offer to her as is customary for these dances once they've concluded. “My flower for yours. Are you still good to walk, or do you want some help getting out of here?”

He's exhausted others before, and if she herself says she's fatigued, he supposes he ought to take responsibility.

“Here, there's glasses of water they're offering over there,” he suggests, ushering her to take a breather.

[rigainrokkr]

"It is quite interesting the degree to which this dance relies on the mutual trust in one's partner," she muses. "To put your passion, your energy into an effort, only to be rewarded if the other reciprocates that effort... It's somewhat applicable to the wider world, isn't it? The foundations on which relationships between people — between countries — are built."

Celica gives a small smile, accepting his flower. In return, she finds her own bouquet, offering one of her own lilies in return.

"Thank you for your concern, but I think I've already mostly recovered."

Still, she accepts his offer, following him to receive a glass of water from a nearby waiter.

Before departing, Celica gives him an amicable nod. "My gratitude again for the dance. If you would like to partner for this dance in the future, or any other, I would be happy to accompany you again."

[rigainrokkr]

⚜May Activity Check ⚜

⚜ ›› Status: Passed!

⚜ ›› Skill Points Earned: 1 May Activity Check: +1

Allocated to Authority; (B+ -> B+.5) Total: 23 -> 24

⚜ ›› Event Rewards:

Fairy Dust (Pending) Pressed Flowers

⚜ ›› Rank Rewards:

N/A

⚜ ›› Accessed Classes:

N/A

⚜ ›› Mastered Classes:

N/A

⚜ Thread Tracker ⚜

If you don't see your thread here or the status is incorrect, let me know so I can correct it!

[rigainrokkr]

[ MOVIE - COMEDY ] - A techno-magical reproduction of a fantastical comedy about four young lovers who find themselves in a forest that calls itself home to curious spirits.

As the ball winds down, the showings of small performances draw not just Celica to the edges of the venue. As the lights come on at the end of the show, Celica stretches contentedly, a smile on her face.

The production was clearly amateur, but the passion that the actors had shown in playing their parts and the comedic writing were remarkable by themselves.

As she reflects on the mishaps that had occurred on the stage, Celica turns to her nearest neighbour, a student wearing... were those fox ears?

"It was a fun watch, don't you think? I especially liked the part where the flower spirits trapped them all inside the lilies until they returned the sacred stick."

Kneeling to collect her belongings, Celica's hand hovers over her bouquet. "Come to think of it, the flowers looked somewhat like these here."

Plucking one of the remaining blooms, she extends it to her neighbour. "Here, one of my last ones. I hope you have a lovely rest of your ball."

[diadic]

@rigainrokkr sent: [ SHADOW ] - An intense tango that celebrates the diversity of desire. Incorporates sharp, rhythmic movements that shift effortlessly from dependence and independence on one's partner, intimate closeness and playful distance. The result is a dance that looks almost as much a competition as it is a collaboration. ( ethereal ball — first half. )

    With new continents of students comes new culture, and the Ethereal Ball provides a stage for those who might not know. Though dancing might not be one of Leif's loves, it enters his repertoire like any weapon— a tool, like any other, to bring him to the future he believes he must walk.

All over again, when he thinks he knows so much, he is humbled, taught there shall be something new to learn. To learn the steps, to falter and renew one's focus—

How many times has Leif gone through this song and dance?

“Celica! You caught me at a weird time...”

Not yet a master, the hand he takes in the trade of random partners on the dance floor is one who he recognizes, causing him to be sheepish as his feet strike the tile beneath them. It creates a sharp noise, developing the rhythm to something more on time as the song progresses; the off-beats that once had Leif making odd faces are instead performed cleanly.

“I've been here a few years, but this song is new to this year, I'm pretty sure. It's a bit tough,” he confesses as his heel makes that same resonant, sharp sound— the cue before he pulls Celica close into a swift dip and just as dizzyingly fast raises her upright again, breaking apart like a receding wave. Close and distant one beat after another, indeed. “The first time it played earlier tonight, I didn't really get it.”

[rigainrokkr]

"Ah! Leif?!"

The familiar (if unexpected) partner for the unfamiliar dance immediately sets her on the back foot, stumbling slightly as the music settles into a rousing gallop.

The sharp, stuttering steps of the dance were as chaotic as the fiercest battles she had experienced, and yet the wild, insistent rhythm behind it all could not be ignored. It pounded like a heartbeat as the intensity of the dance stepped up, and any words she could muster had to be forgotten to keep up.

The tempo increases again, and she is hard-pressed to keep up with his footwork, winding through each position over and around his arms, trusting in him to lead. Quickly she is forced to discard any thought of composure, relying on instinct to guide her own steps as she spins apart, then whirls back towards him just as quickly, almost crashing against his chest before stopping. Each required movement seemed to be more difficult than the last, contracting and elongating in ways that felt unnaturally freeing, as if her being was coming apart.

The number ends with her in a low dip, and Celica hangs for a moment in the silence, hair askew and breathing heavily.

"Goodness...", she pants. "That was... exhausting... But also strangely... thrilling. I could barely keep up."

Straightening herself, she makes to smooth out her dress. "What an addition...", she muses. "Thank you for leading the dance. Doubtless it would have been much harder to follow without a capable partner."

[milafaithful]

[ SPILL ] - Whoops! Maybe you trip over something unseen underfoot, or maybe something fantastic catches your eye and has you looking anywhere but where you're going. Either way, your drink is now half in your glass and half where it ought not be.

"Silque! Is that you?!" So focused is Celica on the sudden appearance of a familiar face that she missteps, and the goblet in her hand goes flying.

"Oh no!"

"Ah! Sister Celica, I---"

And that's as far as Silque gets, eyes wide with joy, before that joy is suddenly dampened by a splash of some unidentifiable liquid down her front.

"… Celica," she sighs, exasperation and fondness all in one. "Look, it spilled all over my flowers! What am I meant to do with these," she sniffs at her bouquet, "champagne-soaked tulips?"

Laughing despite the blunder, Silque presses the flowers into Celica's hands, smiling at the priestess. It has been so long since they both left the priory, and both of them, Silque knows, have grown kind and strong.

"Let's find a towel for me, and new glasses of wine for both of us, hmm? In celebration of Mila's blessing that would have us meet in this place."

[rigainrokkr]

"I'm so sorry, Silque, I—!" She pauses, stopping to pick up the now-empty flute before continuing to see her friend. She takes the flowers, giving them the cursory sniff to confirm that, yes, they did smell like champagne, before looking back up to face Silque.

Despite the situation, Celica can't help but stifle a smile at Silque's miffed expression. Stepping forward more carefully this time, she ignores the liquid dripping down the cleric and wraps her in a deep hug.

"Even after the war, we never really had the time to catch up with each other, did we? It was the castle for me, and back to the road again for you."

Pulling away, she shares a laugh with Silque over the wet splotches that now adorned both of their dresses. Taking Silque's hand, she clasps it in between her own.

"We can look for that towel together, and that wine too. We truly are blessed by the Mother to be able to meet again here."

[rigainrokkr]

[ ZOFIA ] - Modeled after an Archanean court dance, but with an energetic twist. The entire body is engaged with the dance, creating a spectacle that is enjoyable to watch.

Oh—he recognizes her, if only because he'd made sure to study the royals who were sure to be in attendance. There is a land far, far removed from his own—now called the One Kingdom, a testament to how it was not always so—ruled by a king and queen so accomplished and so beloved that word of them has spread well beyond their shores. It would be absolutely inexcusable if he didn't take the opportunity to introduce himself.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," he greets, dipping into a respectful bow. Queen Celica is said to be incomparably kind, but he can't help but feel a little nervous. "I am Siegbert, a prince of Nohr. I hope you'll forgive my forwardness, but..."

Here, were they anywhere else, is where he would offer his hand. But the rules are a little different at this ball, where many of its attendees seem to start or otherwise end their interactions with the exchange of a flower. And so Siegbert offers his, a single rose plucked of all its thorns, and tries for a smile.

"...but, I would be honored, if you'd be willing, to share a dance with you. At your convenience, of course, and only if it pleases you."

Right. Okay. That was fine, he thinks, which is all to say that he will likely be replaying this moment later and chastising himself for it.

"Ah. A prince of Nohr, is it? You must be Camilla's brother, then? It's a pleasure to meet you. And just Celica is fine. At the Academy, we are all equals."

She returns his bow with a small curtsy of her own, then takes the offered flower, as well as his hand, leading him to the center of the floor.

The familiar tunes of her homeland float overhead from the orchestra as her feet find the steps of the dance like well-worn shoes, slipping effortlessly from position to position. Smiling as she twirls, she does her best to guide Siegbert through the steps of the waltz.

With a touch of amusement, she notes the stiffness in his manner. "Relax a little", she giggles. "Tonight, we're both just students here, dancing at the ball. Loosen your shoulders and follow my lead."

[rigainrokkr]

[ CORN ] "Oh, Celica..." Katarina blinks for a moment, having turned a bit too quickly. Her startlement ebbs soon enough, ushering a quiet smile to her face as she lifts a hand from her bag of snacks.

"I was just about to try this new type of corn. Would you... like to share some with me?"

"Corn, you say?" The grain had been one unfamiliar to Celica when she had first arrived at the Academy, although she had quickly learned to enjoy both the sweetness of the whole boiled cobs and the many dishes that could be made from its flour. But this seemed to be yet another form of corn, one unfamiliar to her.

Curiosity piqued, she walks over, waving a small hello to Katarina. "Yes, that sounds lovely."

She plucks a kernel from the bag, inspecting it carefully. "To turn the entire kernel... inside out? I wonder how they did it... Thunder magic, perhaps?"

She pops a piece in her mouth. "How strange, it's almost like a cracker. What do you think, Katarina?"

[rigainrokkr]

[ LYTHOS ] - A complicated dance performed by Lythian clerics, incorporating the choreography relayed to the former Divine Dragon Monarch by tales and demonstrations from pilgrims of the main four nations on Elyos as well as those from the Emblems. It requires mastery and control of tempo changes and willingness to move one’s body in many different ways.

The time spent dancing at the ball seems to flow by ephemerally, and soon she is swept up in the beginnings of a solemn, almost hymn-like piece. Turning to face her partner, it is startling to meet Edelgard's piercing eyes.

No matter her own status, a dance with the house leader of her class — that was a rare opportunity, and one to take seriously. She does her best to match her partner's steps.

The music slows, and as she draws closer again to the Imperial Princess, Celica takes the moment to whisper.

"Thank you for your guidance of our House, and continued support."

The peals of bells signal the step back, and Celica is reminded very much of Novis as the orchestra swells.

As the music ends, Celica finishes with a flourish, facing Edelgard with one of her white lilies cradled in her palm. The other girl had doubtless received many other flowers, gifts, and other offerings in attempts to curry favor tonight, but Celica hopes this flower could instead serve as a token of gratitude.

"For the dance, and to the years ahead."