#bladebrecher

[ashenprofessor]

“Don’t tell me you forgot about your old man already,” he frowns in an attempt to make it convincing, but a smirk arises just as quick as his act. “Just kidding. Happy birthday, kid.”

They haven’t spoken much with each other since the Ethereal Ball. Byleth had their own life now, and it certainly isn’t easy for Jeralt to squeeze out any leisure time for the both of them with how their duties and schedules are. But, he’d surely regret it if he didn’t at least try to make an effort, especially when it was their special day. 

Celebrating their birthday in Garreg Mach of all places… The Jeralt from their mercenary life wouldn’t think it to be possible. He isn’t a believer of ghosts and spirits, although he wonders if their mother would be happy, being able to watch over them and see them grow into the person they are today.

“Why don’t you tell me all about your time as a professor while we fish? I’m sure you’ve got plenty of stories to tell. We can even cook our catch together, if all goes well.”

It was little surprise when Jeralt knocked on their door early this morning. Byleth was already up and ready to go, fishing gear at the ready. They desired little more than to go fishing with their old man to celebrate such a day.

Byleth resists the urge to roll their eyes at his statement and gives him an unimpressed stare until he cracks. "Thanks dad" they say. It's not often they refer to Jeralt in such manner but today warranted the occasion. Holding up their gear they asked "Ready to go?"

It wasn't often they got to spend time with him between the Church sending him on missions all the time and their own duties teaching. Compared to their previous lives where they were consistently round one another, it made Byleth momentarily regret coming to the monastery but the benefits did outweigh the cons. No matter where they were, Jeralt always made time to spend the day with Byleth on their birthday.

Byleth wondered if they could go visit their mother's grave later. Their first birthday as a 'complete family'

"Sure, and you can tell me about your recent adventures" They tell Jeralt "Bet I catch a bigger fish than you"

[ashenprofessor]

[ H-TRUE-O WATER ] - Originating from an artesian aquifer from the frigid lands of Albinea, this bottled water is boasted to be the finest in the world. With all that marketing thrown at you, you can really taste the difference!

He’d spent a while gathering his bearings after facing the brunt of the storm. His outfit had been properly soaked all over, so when the Knight finally makes it back onto estate land, he must wear whatever clothes the Viscount is willing to spare. 

… A basic tunic and pants. Jeralt is a bit surprised that a noble would store something this simple, but he’s not complaining.

What he could use now is some water. He hadn’t gotten much to drink since arriving here–not counting the seawater that previously threatened his mouth and nose when he was stranded at sea. When he heads over to the drinks table, he spots a familiar face. How could he not approach them after all that’s happened tonight?

“Hey, kid. Enjoying the ball?” Jeralt greets them with a slight smile, as he always does when bumping into them. “I admit, I was worried about whether you and your mother would be safe in all the rain.”

He looks down at their bracelets. Right. The charms. He did a trade with Sitri, so he might as well do the same for the kid. “A starfish from me. If we get to keep these afterwards, it’ll be a nice memento, don't you think?”

It had been a mixed-bag of a night and by now Byleth was feeling quite hot and thirsty. Even without all the dancing. Leaving the general hubbub, they headed towards the buffet tables. Seeing the drinks table they made their way straight there and grabbed a glass of water to chug.

As they were drinking a familiar voice sounded next to their ear. It was their dad. Holding up a finger as they polished off their drink, Byleth placed the now empty glass back on the table.

"Hey dad. Managed to find some time off from mercenary work?" they ask "Or did Lady Rhea order you to be here..." A little tease at the end, knowing how dedicated he was to his work.

"You taught me well. I'm capable of looking after myself" They tell him, giving him a little nudge with their shoulder both touched by his care and indignant at his unnecessary worry. Byleth took the offered charm and added it to the bracelet to complete the set, fitting it was their dad who was the missing piece.

"Thank you. Here, take mine in return" They handed over their seashell charm. "Have you had a dance with Sitri yet?" they ask "Want to make sure I'm out the way when you two want a private moment"

[gentleaureole]

[ 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.

Jeralt could use a drink to soothe his nerves. You would think the purpose of getting into a hot tub would be to ease said nerves, and while it did relieve the physical toll on his body as intended, he came out of that experience with more losses than gains.

His taste in teas had always been quite basic. Never one for the sweet, fruity flavors nor one to normally put sugar in a tea that would be undrinkable without. Unlike alcohol, there’s no burning sensation, no heady effect of booze that distracts the body and mind. Tea is meant to be savored gradually, and he has plenty of time to do so now.

He picks out a blend at a leisurely pace, as there doesn’t appear to be anyone else at this section. When he’s about to walk towards where the mugs and stirrers are kept, a young man beats him to it and offers one of each to him. Jeralt perks a small smile at the little gesture of kindness. Normally, he wouldn’t think much of it, but after everything that’s happened tonight, he can’t help it.

Since the charms are part of this ball’s gimmick, why not offer him a starfish charm? “For you. A token of thanks.”

The world is full of grizzled war veterans, men who have seen more time on the battlefield than in a home. Rhys cannot count himself among them despite being a mercenary himself, but the man he spies now reminds him so much of Greil that he's struck for a moment. When his thoughts begin to function once more, he offers him a mug and stirrer for his tea. Having guessed right, the man smiles at his offer.

"Oh, thank you," Rhys replies, noting that it's just like the many he has. He offers one of his own starfish in return.

He continues, unable to help himself, "You remind me of an old friend. I couldn't help but see him when you came over, but you're definitely not him, you don't even look alike. You just have...something similar about you." A sheepish chuckle escapes him. "Excuse me, I'm rambling now."

There's not a year that goes by that he doesn't miss Greil. Memories fade, but his feelings linger, and Greil's teachings were never forgotten.

"Thank you for the reminder."

[siraverage]

[ SPLASH ] - For the daring, the ocean on its own can provide a stage for those who wish to swim! What better way to train the body than in these conditions? Or perhaps you’re thinking more along the lines of pranking another party-goer…

There aren’t many opportunities for Jeralt to enjoy the atmosphere of the coastline. The times he’s gone out fishing are normally by rivers and lakes–places that are more surrounded by forest than the wide expanse of sand and sea. Which is why hanging out by the beach makes him curious whether it’s actually possible for him to snag a crab or two with his bare hands.

If he’s a sensible person, he would’ve refrained from risking the possibility of getting his suit wet, especially at such a large formal event like the Ethereal Ball. Yet the slight buzz of alcohol lingering in his system tells him to try it anyway.

And so, here is the Captain of the Knights of Seiros, one leg over a rock and very adamantly eyeing the shallow waters flowing between the stony shores for any sign of aquatic creatures to capture.

As he’s in the middle of his venture, he hears soft footsteps approaching. Jeralt doesn’t even turn his head to see who it is. “Hey. Help me out, will you? I’m looking for something to catch. I’ll give you my charm for it.”

It's the sight of the captain precariously balanced on and around the rocks that makes Stahl come closer, a bit concerned about what's going on - or what could happen. It isn't really safe to be around such wet and slippery rocks, but Stahl isn't sure if the captain wants to hear it.

"Sir," he starts, but is interrupted by Jeralt asking for help. Not to get off the rocks, but for something to catch? Well, being from the countryside, it isn't like Stahl hasn't done similar things. Usually in clothes a lot less nice than these, but hell, how often will they be able to come back here?

Removing his jacket and rolling up his pant legs, he carefully steps onto the rocks as well, grateful that his shoes have good treads that catch on the grooves in the rocks.

It's getting too dark to really see what's moving in the waters below, but with his eyes adjusting, he's able to catch glimpses of movement. "I haven't done this since I was a kid," he says, rolling up his sleeves as well. "My brother and I would have competitions to see who could catch the biggest fish with our hands." Dad liked that because it meant they usually ate well.

After several minutes of standing prone, half crouched, his suit getting wet from the spray regardless of his precautions, he sees something flit into his line of sight and then stop. Swiftly, he snatches his hand into the water and grabs it up, gripping tightly against its flopping in his hand.

Except it's...a piece of fabric, something decorative that might belong to a party goer who lost it somehow. "Aw, damn." He tosses it behind him, determined to remember to take it to shore again and leave it for someone to find. "Alright, here we go again."

[contempenitent]

♡

(A man like Captain Jeralt is respectable indeed, not only for his physical strength, but his down-to-earth demeanor which keeps those around him at ease. Perhaps there are things I could learn from him, but it might be best for me to keep my distance and perform the tasks I am given.

I fear a man with his prowess and wisdom can sense the sins on my back. He need not trouble himself with such things.)

| ATTRACTION ●●○○○ | AFFECTION ●○○○○ | INTEREST ●●●●○ | LOYALTY ●●●●○ | TRUST ●●●○○

[tossup-tempest]

♡

(No, no. Avert your eyes. he's much too famous. A renowned mercenary, Captain of the Knight of Seiros, father of a beloved professor...there's too many eyes on him. Would I be wasting his time, asking to chat? I'd love to see how he gambles...

No. I should keep my distance.)

| ATTRACTION ●●●●● | AFFECTION ●○○○○ | INTEREST ●●●○○ | LOYALTY ●○○○○ | TRUST ●○○○○

[frigidsurge]

♡

○○○○○ | ATTRACTION

●●○○○ | AFFECTION

●●●●○ | INTEREST

●●○○○ | LOYALTY

●●○○○ | TRUST

[they haven't actually interacted but she looks up to him somewhat.the 2 in trust is more of a 1,5 hes quite mysterious]