Swansong

Rafiel (FE10) | member of the Church | TOA Affiliated

[sereneshymn]

Activity Check: March 2026

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Faith: C+ ½ → B)

Total: 1; 13 → 14

Obtained: - Berserk (Faith B)

[sereneshymn]

The Mysterious Art of Throwing These Hands || Rafiel & Elrean

Mission: Any Skill +1 || @elrean || Mission Season: Epidemic

[sereneshymn]

Fingers run gently across the covers of the magic tomes meant for combat training, shelved in the corner. The green-colored ones prompt a moment of apprehension from him, though in the end, he does not withdraw his hand as he passes by them. Upon finding a red one, however, something tugs unpleasantly at the edge of his mind, and his palm jerks away as though the book were hot to the touch even before it was used. It takes a moment before he realizes how he reacted, and he lets out a quiet sigh. Perhaps some wounds have not yet healed, unlike what he'd foolishly hoped.

He eventually picks one with a yellow cover and slowly, carefully, opens it. He browses the first couple pages, lost in thought.

If asked, Rafiel would admit, plainly, that he isn't sure what drew him to them. He has never longed for battle, nor bemoaned his lack of ability in the field too much. His allies have always reassured him that his assets were invaluable, and he accepted said reassurance with the utmost gratitude. He knew that there were no other expectations had of him.

And yet, he can't help but feel something in the tomes speak to him. Perhaps he could master some arcane arts and offer even more?... He runs his fingers over the paper, tracing the lines written in ancient scripts. His eyes widen and he almost drops the book as a small spark of electricity follows his fingertips.

... Perhaps this would be best done under the eye of an instructor.

It's only as he gets distracted from the book by this sudden development that he suddenly realizes he's being watched. Raising his head, he meets the eyes of a young, blonde man standing nearby. Cold, sharp, focused.

"Hello..." Rafiel greets, unsure but smiling nevertheless, as he closes the tome and holds it to his chest not unlike a student. "Apologies, I got a little absorbed and didn't notice you..."

[sereneshymn]

News of Home || Rafiel & Sanaki

Continued from here || @sanakialtina || Mission Season: Epidemic

[sereneshymn]

There is something warm and familiar about Sanaki continuing to refer to him as a prince, and Rafiel smiles warmly as he accepts her unspoken invitation to join her by her side for a walk.

Of course, he would not have been disappointed were she to refer to him by his new title of Hatari's King Consort - heavens no, for why would he ever be upset about his relation with his beloved queen! - but the continued association with his beloved forest home and the family he had there (and still has, as he reminds himself with joy in his heart) brings upon him a comforting sensation.

One that almost, just almost, lets him pretend, even if briefly, that nothing bad ever happened to his kin, that he was still the same person he had ever been, and that there was no such evil in this world.

He shakes it off, however, not allowing himself to wallow in such feelings, and focuses instead on the here and now.

"Haha, indeed." Sanaki's observation is met with a light chuckle. "Hatari is well, as always. Though we may have endured war and hardship, the strife never reached across the desert - they know it only as a legend of bravery and a struggle for peace, one that their queen assisted with her fangs. And what of Begnion?" He asks, looking at her more attentively. "I trust things are stable, if you were able to leave?"

[sereneshymn]

A Thousand Smiles Among a Thousand Pains || Rafiel & Sai

Daycare || @liightborne || Mission Season: Epidemic

[sereneshymn]

Most of the time, the courtyard would be filled with the chatter of ever busy students wandering about between lectures and exchanging stories big and small; on occasion, one could also hear a few clashes of steel from an impromptu sparring match before a Professor would show up and shoo the overeager young people to the training grounds.

Today, however, one won't hear any of that when approaching; the monastery is rather quiet, many students assigned with missions and tasks that keep them away from the monastery, and most Knights also away, accompanying them for instruction and safety. What one will hear instead is the calm voice reading a fairytale to a small group of children, occasionally interrupted only by the giggling of a little girl as she crawls beneath his white wings.

Of course, Rafiel doesn't mind. He sits on the grass surrounded by the group, and has allowed his wings to simply rest by his sides. And though most Bird laguz are not fond of others touching their feathers without permission, his boundary has grown rather broad over the years, and besides, why would he say no to an innocent child? She has it rough enough as is, he thinks to himself. Those souls are truly angelic, so patiently tolerating the painful separation from their ailing parents.

"Will you read us one more, mister?" A little boy asks, once the story is over. Rafiel smiles gently at him.

"All in due time. Another will be joining us soon, and soon, we'll be going to play... Ah." The promise of playtime is met with great enthusiasm by the children, and the arrival of a fellow caretaker - with joy by the Heron, as he looks up to meet the face of the man approaching.

... He almost wants to chuckle at the resemblance between them - he was not expecting a fellow blonde man with white clothes and pointy ears. He stops himself, however, especially when he catches a glimpse of a dragon tail peeking from beneath the robes, and amusement gives way to curiosity. Ah, but there will be a more appropriate time for questions.

"Sai, was it?" He greets, recalling the name that had been given to him prior when he accepted the assignment. "Good day. I hope we are ready to go soon, then?"

[sereneshymn]

Shadows Outside the Window || Rafiel & M!Shez

Heron Guard || @bladeunbound || Mission Season: Epidemic

[sereneshymn]

Pale hands carefully sort and place vials of medicine one by one into correct shelves. He doesn't necessarily have to do this - it was meant as a task for the nurses coming in later - but at least that way he has something to focus on, and with his hands occupied, he can at least try to ignore the tremble he feels in them. It only buys him a few minutes... but it's better than nothing.

With the first batch of medicine sorted, Rafiel lets out a deeper exhale to try and relieve some pressure from his chest before turning, forcing a weak smile as he looks at the magenta-haired young man standing near the door.

"Shez, was it?" He checks to be sure. It would be most rude to forget the name of someone who'd volunteered to protect him. "You have my sincere thanks for agreeing to guard me for the time being." Pausing for a moment, he sighs. "And apologies, too, really... It's possible the comment that man made was only meant as a joke, and it's nothing to worry about or waste your time for, but I..."

He stops again, then winces, feeling himself hesitant to continue. His hands, desperate for something to busy themselves with, find a new vial of medicine.

"... Never mind... Sorry about that."

[sereneshymn]

ooc; Rafiel wanted plots (Epidemic)

Some plots from both in and out of mission board that I'd be interested in taking up with my boy! As usual, ping me in Discord's plotting channel or DM me if you're interested in interacting.

Requires Blue Lion:

Reason +1: Rafiel would definitely want to help research ways to stop the epidemic. He'd also be interested in trying to see if his galdrar can be used to heal the sick, though here he might have to be gently (or not so gently) coaxed out of risking his own health for them.

Faith +1: I'm not gonna lie, I don't have a very strong idea for this, I just want the skill point and also I want to traumatize him. ahem what

Available for everyone (board):

Any Skill +1: I'm kind of interested in getting Rafiel to pick up magic, so that would be what he attempts to train with. Although I do think it would be Very funny for him to try to pick up a sword. He'd probably snap his wrists first try. Buuut it'll probably be magic.

Miracle-granting plant: I like me some moral debates. Rafiel will probably try to befriend the animal and see if they can find some other food for it; I'm down to do this with someone who will either agree or disagree with his approach.

Personal prompts:

A few children are now under the Church's protection after the illness caught their parents but spared them; it was decided that they should be temporarily separated from their family to avoid getting sick. Rafiel has volunteered to take care of them for a day. Why not accompany him?

Someone was overheard making a comment about Rafiel's worth in gold, or something of that nature. Whether it was serious or meant in jest is unknown, but either way, Rafiel is left feeling unsafe, and as such, your muse is tasked with guarding him and, if possible, finding the person who made that comment and politely asking them to Not Do That Again. This thread will most likely touch on the topic of laguz slavery, so please let me know if you'd like to pick this idea up with me but aren't comfortable exploring this matter.

While Rafiel is not participating in the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, he can be found assisting in the med tents, bandaging wounds and humming cheerful or calming melodies. He's more than open to being approached for a hello, a chat, a shared juice box, anything you may want or need.

[sereneshymn]

ooc; muse re-introduction

Sure has been a long time since Neffi last had a bird! I decided I missed him too much, and his first run was actually really enjoyable, he and I just hit a rough spot at one point. So, I decided we'd try again.

During his first run, Rafiel became acquainted with some muses who are still in the group, such as Yuri, Fiora, Seliph and others. I would like to continue writing him with the assumption that he still knows the people he'd interacted with, even if the interaction was cut off by my drop, but if any mun would rather start off fresh, please let me know!

Now as for the guy himself. A lot of information on him, my portrayal of him and my disclaimers regarding him can be found on my muse page, mun page and an analysis I once did on him, but for some quick tl;dr, here are some basics:

Rafiel is a Heron laguz, the eldest prince of the destroyed kingdom of Serenes and one of its last survivors. He was thought dead during the events of Path of Radiance until appearing in Radiant Dawn. As it turned out, he'd crossed the Desert of Death and was saved by the queen of the Wolf kingdom of Hatari, Nailah, with whom he is now in a lifelong relationship.

Rafiel can transform to take on the form of a large, pure white heron. However, regardless of his appearance, he is unable to fly due to a severe illness he survived years ago. A flying professional may recognize right away that his wings are too weak to carry him, he's also simply open about this.

He has a history with slavery, having been once captured by slave traders and purchased by a Begnion Senator, Hetzel. The man was kind to him, nursing him back to health after he'd taken ill and promising to release him once he recovered. However he was also complicit in the Serenes Massacre, and as such Rafiel's feelings towards him are extremely turbulent. All in all, he doesn't vilify the man, but he's also pretty much incapable of actual hatred.

As a heron, he's a "dancer" unit in Radiant Dawn; he's incapable of combat, but uses his songs known as galdrar to support his allies, granting them extra turns, buffing them and debuffing enemies.

He currently works at the infirmary as an assistant and consultant, using his powers to heal both physical and emotional wounds. Anyone's welcome to pay him a visit. He's happy to hear anyone out, offer counsel if wanted and needed, and to quote something I've said before, he's also great if someone just needs to hold something soft while they scream.

Important to note that Rafiel can read the hearts, emotions and to a smaller extent the thoughts of others. He generally refrains from doing so, as it's seen by Herons as rude, but some things reach him regardless. However, he keeps it to himself unless asked or unless he gets worried enough to speak out about it. I do NOT intend to use this to godmod in any way, and you're welcome and encouraged to let me know if you want to plot/arrange just how much Rafiel can see and know about your muse.

I think that'll do it for the time being. I'll get some plotting calls out soon. Excited to write him again in TOA!

[sereneshymn]

ooc; separator post

[sereneshymn]

Pubby......... || Rafiel & Lambert

[sereneshymn]

@egittae ; Riding +1

Rafiel, of course, has ample experience being around wolves. More than he ever expected to get in his younger years - after all, the mere existence of Wolf Laguz was a fact known to none. More, too, than an average person would have, he imagines. Not your regular wolves, either - exceptionally large ones, powerful beyond compare, big enough to ride on comfortably, smart, crafty and highly intelligent. In his case, capable of speech, sometimes in multiple languages.

All in all, the kind of wolves that most people would likely approach with a high dose of fear; to them, they've been friends, or almost more like a surrogate family. They took him in when he had nothing and no one else, after all. For that reason, he has fondness for them, too - even though he is fully aware the Academy's wolves are not quite the same. They are no laguz, of course, and he knows that.

But he still loves and appreciates them all the same, for they remind him of the only light he had in his life for twenty long years. And perhaps these pups are able to sense his positive feelings towards them, surrounding him while he sits on the floor, pushing themselves onto his lap as he carefully brushes their soft fur one after another, or playing off to the side, nibbling on his feathers, eliciting soft chuckling from him.

That is how someone would find him, were they to enter the kennel in this very moment. Rafiel stirs at the sound of the noise before looking up to see a tall, blonde man coming in. A few pups, curious, roll towards the entrance to examine the newcomer.

The Heron smiles and nods in greeting.

"Oh, hello. Here to look after the pups as well? I'm Rafiel, please come in... Helping hands would be appreciated, it's almost feeding time."

[egittae]

There was something in him that always seemed drawn to wolves and other large hounds one way or another. Perhaps it was the obvious nature of his supposed surname- meant to stand as a lord of wolves, or maybe it was just a symptom of having been born in the northern territories of Faerghus where wolves dwelled through thick forests and blankets of snow at the foot of mountains. Even if his memory of his early life was still too foggy, the feelings remained true and very much present- with certain names, things and people tugging at the deepest parts of his mind as if to suggest a path to follow.

When the announcement was made public that Garreg Mach’s first batch of wolf pups needed to be cared for and trained, it was a matter of time until Lambert had gone out of his way to volunteer for the task. These pups were of a different wolf species, slightly bigger than the ones he knew and better fit to accommodate a rider once fully matured. The idea of commanding a wolf like one would a horse, pegasus or wyvern was…intriguing, to say the least.

Lambert truly had never imagined that sort of thing, and yet when he stopped to think about it, it did make sense. Dogs were already efficient guards, with some breeds able to be trained into fierce fighters for small encounters. A well trained wolf under a knight’s command would make for quite the challenge against enemy frontlines. The only issue was…well, to train the canine so it behaves with the same discipline as a horse or pegasus would display- but that had been exactly why staff requested general aid.

He was looking too much into it before things even started, though. After all, those were still pups. Far too young to properly train, still in need of affection and playtime that should’ve been provided by a mother or the other members of their pack. Instead, it was up to Lambert to deliver said experience-

And a winged man, who had been assigned as his partner for the job. “Oh! Good day, my fellow. I suppose we are together for the time being. Nice to meet you, Rafiel.” A kind smile bloomed in his features as Lambert carefully entered the kennel, trying to not let any of the young pups escape through his legs. “My name is Lambert.” He finished his greeting after a pause, reaching down to hold one of the pups in his arms.

That wasn’t the oddest thing you’ve ever seen so far, the professor reminded himself- it was admittedly hard to not stare in mild wonder however. The wings weren’t any elaborate prop, they were very much real.

“I assume they are able to eat solid food rather than exclusively bottles of milk, yes?” With one careful finger, he pried the little wolf's mouth open to check for teeth. There were, though too small to deliver a painful bite. The pup eventually began to fuss, and Lambert placed it down so it could join its littermates. "This one already has quite the fangs...what a feisty boy."

@sereneshymn

[sereneshymn]

The smile on Rafiel's face blooms warmer as he nods to the other man's introduction. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Please, come in." He then claps his hands, and the wolf pups all turn their heads and flock back to him; unlikely, really, that they understood it as any sort of command. He merely succeeded in drawing their attention.

As the puppies towards him, he chuckles softly, stroking their soft heads and bellies. Partially to reward them for good behavior; but mostly, to distract himself a little and not allow his smile to waver. Herons avoid peeking into the minds of others - it is not particularly polite, after all. But some parts still reach Rafiel no matter what he does, and...

It bothers him, the shape of Lambert's heart. It's... distorted, somehow, in a way he has never seen. As though a part of him had been torn apart and then hastily put back together with little regard for sense and completion. Indeed, some parts seem to be missing.

What is that?

What could it be that this man had gone through? And after it all, how is he still able to be so kind and gentle?

It is a relief, of course, but it also sends a painful shiver through him. He does his best to conceal it, however, and smile through it, to avoid causing worry for someone he just met. He focuses on the pups, and the question posed.

"Yes, they are now old enough to eat solid food," he confirms. "I believe there should be a shelf outside the kennel, right next to the entrance... There is some minced meat and other food that was prepared earlier today for the pups." He smiles lightly, with a small sheepish hint. Though he may have spent many years among Wolf Laguz, and as such witnessed their kills many times, he still feels... not fully comfortable about interacting with the remains of a dead animal meant for consumption. "Could you bring it in, please?..."

[sereneshymn]

Activity Check: October 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Faith: C+ → C+ ½)

Total: 1; 12 → 13

[sereneshymn]

A Little Violence. As a Treat || Rafiel & Sephiran

[thelightofcreation]

The spirit of the forest… A pang at the thought, that he may now only chase after its shadow. The heron’s soft smile stirs memories, and he glances up at the leaves above as if they would yield answers to unasked questions. They remain ever silent to him, and so he turns back to Rafiel before he speaks up again.

It takes a moment.

“That’s… likely.” Few come to the forest, and fewer gather in groups. Given how recently he had been robbed… Yes, it would be best to check. However…

“It will be a little difficult to retrieve my tome without anything on me.” He muses. There is little question to him on whether to ask the heron to join him when he does- the answer was no, for he would not want to recruit a creature of Order to retrieve an instrument of war. “I suppose I must wait for them to sleep, or lower their guard...”

“Ah... but I apologize,” Here he smiles, despite knowing how easily it would be seen as false, “I don’t mean to occupy you with my troubles.”

[sereneshymn]

Rafiel shakes his head, Sephiran's smile answered with one of his own, the feelings behind it genuine. "It is no problem at all. This is a most troublesome situation you're in - if I can help, I would be more than happy too..."

He pauses. "... though my lack of combat ability can be neither hidden nor denied," he admits, the briefest of chuckles escaping him in slight embarrassment as he does. The serene expression fades a hint as he considers the situation. "What to do... The safest option would be to go back and get the Knights, but we might lose track of them by the time we return..."

Hmm. "Wait for them to sleep... I could perhaps soothe them into sleep. The Galdr of Sorrow could also make them more sluggish, enough perhaps for you to find your tome and make a run for it..."

He closes his eyes for a moment again, to get a new feel for the aura he had previously caught. "The group I am sensing is not big. Four... Or maybe only three. It is never not dangerous to deal with bandits, but I believe we stand a chance here. However, they are moving - we are too likely to fail to find them if we try to go get backup..."

Opening his eyes again, he looks at Sephiran and gives him a nod, decisiveness in his gaze unlike what one would usually expect from a Heron, and especially from him. "The final choice is yours, of course. But if you wish to go for it, you have my support. That tome is very important to you, I know."

[sereneshymn]

In Which We Thank the Goddess This Item Died in PoR's Code

[warpaway]

the light crowd of knights and priests surrounding one of the relic rooms is not enough to deter linhardt, but it is enough to get them wracking their brain for a more valuable excuse to examine the recent shipment than 'it sounds interesting'. they normally would keep their mouth shut and allow everyone else to conjure a reason for them, but almost instantly is their way barred by someone with the appearance of an actual angel.

just as quickly, linhardt's mind weighs the consequences of crossing some one like that against the goddess, but he's speaking before they can decide they don't particularly care.

"yes," linhardt answers smoothly, instantly smiling. if he was to help him, surely any research into such an interesting item would go better. if he's standing out here, he probably has more information than linhardt does in this moment anyway. "i came to study the odd staves."

and they leave their explanation there. better not to pull out professor hanneman's name if they don't need to. with as little information they have on these strange objects, they'll take whatever they're given in the reply and work it in their favor. they aren't exactly sure how much their smile works in their favor, but they try to muster as charming of a smile as possible just in case.

[sereneshymn]

Oh dear.

"The staves..." Rafiel echoes, the defeated-sounding sigh already resonating through the words he speaks before releasing from his body full force afterwards.

Look, he gets it, many weapons are hazardous to both the opponent and the wielder, and anything can be so when used without kill and care. But this is... a bit far for his liking.

Although he supposes he would, realistically, say this about any fighting at all, so he really cannot speak here. And when his mind reminds him of this simple and brutal fact, he gives up.

"These are the Berserk staves," he explains, carefully picking one up and holding it for the young man to see clearly. "I've only ever glimpsed them briefly, and have never used them, but that's still more experience than anyone else present here." He sighs. "The energy it releases stirs chaos in the victim's mind, causing them to forget allies and enemies. Most soldiers will be sent into a rampage as a result."

If the student wishes to take the staff from his hands, Rafiel will not object, the way in which he holds the item making it clear. He prefers not to have more contact with it than necessary, anyway, even if he cannot use it himself.

"I take it this is your first encounter with these?" He asks, before adding after a pause. "Oh, and - may I ask your name?"

[blaiddllodi]

retreating in covers, closing the curtains

[blaiddllodi]

It happened out of the blue one morning: a huge gaggle of young children toddling all over the Monastery! It doesn't take long for someone to fill you in on the nitty gritty: that these are indeed the same students and staff everyone knows, and no they don't know how this happened to make them like this. All that matters for now is that there are way too many children to watch over until this wears off and not enough hands left. Are you one of the lone adults left battling exhaustion and tantrums, or are you one of the children wondering why the grown-up looks about ready to cry? [Grants Any Skill +1] (starter for @sereneshymn)

The nightmare had awoken him slowly, and he felt the prickling of heat against his palms as the long groan became the singular sharp scream let out into the night, stifled and swallowed once his eyes opens, drowned by the forceful panting of ragged breath.

His eyes grasped about the space, a bed too big for him by far, gripping at his legs until he extricated himself and swung his legs over, struggling to reach the floor from the top of the mattress. Eventually, though, he managed to clamber down from the dense featherbed, bare feet padding against the cold of the wood floor, instinctively drawing him out into the long dark hall.

The stairs, taken two at a time, fingers groping for the hand rail above his head, seemed to spiral down forever until he finally reached the yawning emptiness of the courtyard beyond him. The journey to yet another staircase must have taken hours in that long night, the perpetual dark before him only dotted by the distant light of stars.

Eventually, his feet stilled, and Dimitri forced himself to stand just a little straighter, just a little taller, and lifted his hand to knock, getting out the last remaining sniffles while he on the other side of the door roused and brought himself to answer.

The sense of calm prickled against him, bringing a line of fresh warm tears to his eyes once he laid eyes on that serene face.

"Excuse me," he said in his most grown-up voice, "I've had a nightmare."

[sereneshymn]

The night was quiet and yet somewhat restless, the sky adorned only with a few stars peeking through the endless dark to keep company for the lost souls. Though he rarely fell into really deep slumber, on nights like these, Rafiel's sleep was usually lighter than usual still, as though to look out for voices of souls calling through the murk.

Tonight, however, that calling turned out to be more literal than usual.

Eyes blinked open at the sound of knocking to his door that he could be certain he did not merely dream, and he rose to go and check it out. At this hour, whatever it was, it was likely to be urgent.

When he opened the door, a small moment passed before he realized that, to see the guest, he had to look down. As his eyes landed on the small, teary-eyed figure before him, he felt a sting in his heart, and his hand wandered upwards towards his chest in response.

"Oh, sweet little one... A nightmare, you say? Please, come in."

He asked not about the boy's identity, nor the reason why he had found himself at the Officers Academy at this hour of night. Gently placing his hand on his shoulder, he urged the guest inside his room, quietly locking the door behind him. He turned on some lights to chase away the darkness, the glow reflecting off of his white wings to brighten the place further still.

"Please, sit wherever you like," Rafiel encouraged. "You can wrap yourself up in the blanket, too. That often helps. Would you like to talk about it, or would you prefer if I sing a little to you, to try and help you move on from it?"

[fecipherfullart]

Artist: Rika Suzuki

Source: Twitter

[sereneshymn]

In Which We Thank the Goddess This Item Died in PoR's Code

[sereneshymn]

@warpaway ; Faith +1

Oh dear.

"Are you alright? Please do not push yourself," Rafiel says in concern, his hand resting on the arm of one of the priests he had just managed to bring back to his senses with a soothing galdr. The others, as well, sit in a circle on the floor around him, breathing heavily.

Watching the scene around him, the Heron cannot help but let out a deep sigh. "Perhaps it would be better for the Church to simply dispose of these staves. They are evidently too dangerous to use..."

"N-No, it's alright... really," one of the clergy interrupts him quickly, waving his hand - even though a small gesture like that is enough to cost him a lot of energy. "I'm sure we can... master this power... and once we do, it will be of great use..." He coughs, prompting Rafiel to stretch out his arm in an attempt to stop him, but he continues still. "Besides, if these staves... ever fall into the wrong hands... it's important that we know how to use them..."

With a look of deep concern, Rafiel shakes his head. "I see your point, I really do. And yet, what is happening here... It feels too much. In any case, I will not allow you to continue today - on that I will not budge. Please head to the infirmary for rest."

The young men have no strength to resist, and with the help of some assistants, they are escorted away, leaving the Heron with a few remaining priests and Knights who have not yet been subjected to any disastrous effects. He winces. He would really prefer they not continue, but he cannot seem to convince anyone that the risk outweighs the danger...

Just then, he notes someone else approaching. A student, if the outfit suggests. Oh no, please don't tell him they're getting students in on this, too...

"Hello, young one," Rafiel speaks, unfamiliar yet with the youth's name. "May we help you, somehow?"

[sereneshymn]

Activity Check: September 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Authority: C ½ → C+)

Total: 1; 11 → 12

Class mastery progress: - Priest class mastered! Obtained: White Magic Heal+ & Miracle - Class change! → Monk

[sereneshymn]

"Sir Rafiel!" Geoffrey called to the heron, catching up to him with a polite smile and fresh flowers in hands. "I didn't really know what coud be considerated appropriate to offer you, as a gift, but I heard the Academy's flowers were a traditional gift to give here? So..."

He handed him a bouquet of various yellow and white flowers, they reminded the knight of the heron, of his kindness and gentleness.

"I never had the opportunity to thank you for everything you did for Her Highness, I want you to know I will forever be grateful to you and Queen Nailah. I hope you can accept this simple gesture and my best wishes for you on this day."

A deep bow, as a show of respect.

At the sound of someone calling his name, Rafiel turns, and his smile grows bright at the sight of a familiar figure. "Sir Geoffrey! How wonderful to see you. I didn't know you were in Fódlan!"

He pauses there, his words replaced by cheerful laughter as he carefully accepts the flowers - the bouquet matching his own colors just about perfectly. "It's a beautiful tradition, isn't it? I think so, at least. Thank you so much, I appreciate that you remembered."

He lets the knight speak his mind openly afterwards, his expression warm and gentle, waiting until he finishes before replying.

"There is nothing you need thank us for, really. We did only what we could, and what we believed was right. If anything, I should be the one thanking you and your queen. I must confess that in the beginning, I did not so easily believe in the possibility that beorc and laguz could live in peace and harmony... not after everything else I had seen and been through. Only when I heard of Crimea's deeds from my siblings did I allow my heart to open."

He nods, smiling. "So in reality, I should thank you as well. I hope our friendship can continue to flourish."