#elegiacboar

[mockiatto]

[ squid ] - the sender pulls up a rather disturbing looking squid

Fishing was boring, but as long as it took, it had to be done for the freshest ingredients. He heard a splash and some noise of concern behind him and he turned towards Dimitri, observing him staring at the end of his hook at a squid tangled up around the bait.

It wasn't morning, but his tone was cross enough for it to pass as got-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed hours.

"Well? Are you going to put it in with the rest of our catch or keep ogling it? You can cuddle with it on your own time."

[alfvangr]

@elegiac-boar continued from here

          “ I’ll be holding you to that to make sure you actually rest, ” Alfonse replies, the corners of his mouth lifting into a wry smile. “ It won’t do to have you overexert yourself, regardless of reason. ” Pot, meet kettle. 

          Dimitri’s expression softens then, now absent of its princely veneer. A rare sight to behold such that it takes the Askran prince by surprise, staring in mystified wonder for a second longer than could be considered inconspicuous before quickly regaining his composure and continuing to speak. “ But you mustn’t act as if it’s an inconvenience for others to worry about your wellbeing. It isn’t souring my evening to make certain that you’re all right, Dimitri. I simply couldn’t stand by and do nothing when I am familiar with what it’s like to be in your position. ”

          It is the closest thing to an open admission that he’s been keeping secrets. “ So please, allow me to worry even if only a little. You need not bear it in silence, friend. ”

[radiantpriamos]

[ Ylisse ] - The successor of the Archanean minuet, this waltz suits modern Ylissean tastes with easy-to-learn steps, a faster pace, and a closeness to your partner that continues to scandalize the older generations in Ylisse.

(hes happy his frienb is back..)

“Oh, now for my home’s dance?” Priam had never gone to these sort of events back home. Whenever there might have been a ball going on within towns, he was probably off in the woods somewhere. But, since he was here now,

Their country’s dances seemed to have a sense of humor regarding personal space. He held Dimitri close as they waltzed, a spark in his eyes. “You know, you’d think this would be awkward, but it’s not with you.” Everyone once and awhile he wondered when his casual attitude would eventually rub the royals around the monastery the wrong way, but it hadn’t happened yet with Dimitri.

They could match each other step for step, lively and energetic to the music echoing around them. There was so much emphasis on networking and nobility this and that, but what about just enjoying themselves?

“Hey, there’s a dip here, but I won’t drop you.” Priam carefully but fluidly lowered Dimitri close to the ground and then swept him back up again, wind sweeping their hair.

“Having fun?”

[alfvangr]

acrocatics

A young girl from town runs up to you, tears streaming down her face. Her beloved cat has escaped and found its way into Garreg Mach! She offers you her favorite marble and a piece of candy as a reward for finding him… You can’t bring yourself to say no, and it seems like an easy enough task, anyway. Until you discover that the cat is some sort of acrobat. Pursue the renegade feline, but try not to slip off the rooftops in the process!

          It is something of a grueling affair, attempting to push, pull, and lift some of the various crates and barrels scattered about the grounds into a suitable arrangement for gaining access to the rooftops. While not dissimilar to the often-shared task of rearranging the Order’s ever-growing inventory of weapons and armor, lending its laboriousness an air of familiarity at the least, Alfonse finds himself regretting that he had neglected to seek an extra pair of hands for assistance with the heavier obstacles. A bit late for that now, when he has already shouldered most of the work on his lonesome.

          All because he had agreed — as if he would even consider refusing a plea for help — to find a girl’s missing cat.

          A heavy sigh leaves him as the Askran sets down another crate and pauses in his efforts to allow the ache in his arms a brief rest. It had only come to this in the first place because his initial attempt at apprehending the feline had led to the discovery that it was, to put it kindly, a very slippery fellow. Rather than be caught and brought back to its owner, it had bolted for the highest place it could escape to — in other words, the rooftops of the monastery buildings, leaving him no choice but to find a way up in pursuit. He couldn’t very well return to the poor girl empty-handed, after all, not when he had very much promised to do otherwise. Even if it’s earned him a handful of odd stares in the process.

          But heavens above, if “Peaches” wasn’t intent on making it as difficult as could possibly be. His reprieve having sufficiently passed, Alfonse means to resume where he had left off when he is suddenly met with the curious gaze of his house leader. “Ah. Prince Dimitri... Don’t read into it too much, please. In fact, I could actually use your assistance at this moment...”

@elegiac-boar 

[dameofcrimea]

Ahh. Life-Giving Water. Nectar of the Gods ⁎ Titania & Dimitri

@elegiac-boar ; Flying +1

“So, um, that’s what happened, and now we’ve got a problem,” the researcher explains, visibly embarrassed about the whole affair. Titania won’t deny that, as far as she’s concerned, he has reasons to be. She sighs.

“Well, lesson for the future - even if there’s a river nearby, don’t rely just on that and bring some water reserves regardless. Now we’re in a pickle.”

And they truly are - everyone brought only small personal reserves for the road, by now mostly depleted. Not only are they set to be here for another week, but also their stay might end up getting forcibly extended - what with more than half of the expedition team now bedridden after mistakenly drinking contaminated water. Even if they find a solution, there are not many left standing to put whatever plans they make into motion...

She lets out another sigh. Much as she wants to blame herself - if only she’d bothered to ask if they were bringing water reserves, she could have prevented this, but she honest to Yune thought that was obvious - there must be a better way for her to spend her energy than beating herself up.

Her gaze wanders upwards, to the thunderclouds gathering above them. Then, to the young prince of Faerghus standing nearby. And finally, to a pegasus waiting behind him, which as far as she knows is his...

“Prince Dimitri, was it?” She inquires. Having witnessed more than one training session by now, she has seen his strength and prowess firsthand, but still - the idea of a man riding a pegasus, unrealistic in Tellius, makes her curious. “Nothing more to do about it - I believe our hope now is in rainwater. It would be good to gather it before it gets close to the ground and disappears or gets contaminated. Do you think this would be possible? I can accompany you and assist, if your mount would have me.”

[radiantpriamos]

"Hey, Priam." He had almost missed it- his vision going turvy as he stared at the calendar knowing there was something that day but not quite able to make out why until the realization finally hit him- Priam's birthday.

The prince didn't know how Priam was faring. Everyone seemed greatly affected by the mission regardless of the territory they went to, and so Dimitri had no idea on what could be plaguing Priam's mind.

It does no good to think that way, the thought raced through his mind as he smiled at his friend. "I should have searched for you earlier, my apologies. No amount of documents and work should eclipse the birthday of a dear friend."

Dimitri lifted what was clearly a weapon, with a giant royal blue ribbon wrapped around its scabbard. "This most surely pales in comparison to your Ragnell, but it is still a formidable sword you can rely on." Sliding the blade out of its sheath, the prince presented it to Priam. It was a zweihänder, the blade an ominous yet resolute dark grey with sharp, claw-like parrying hooks. The hilt had a pattern of deep blues and reds. "This is a replica of the Freagarthach, a legendary sword in Faerghus' culture- although this one is much smaller. The original is...obnoxiously big." He looked at the sword with a fond gaze before offering it to Priam. "In its legend, the Freagarthach could only be wielded by the greatest warrior. And well...I do not need a legend to spot a true warrior when I see one. Replica or not, I believe this should be by your side."

Along the sword, another gift- wrapped in cloth, was a pair of sturdy leather gloves. "And those are multipurpose, but in the Kingdom they are mostly used to avoid blisters from weapons and to keep your hands warm and safe in case you find yourself lost in the forest. It is popular among seasoned mercenaries as well, the leather is quite good."

"You probably have much more experience in those things than I do, but I still care for your safety and wellbeing regardless. I would be devastated if anything happened to you, my friend." He patted Priam's shoulder, smiling. "Happy Birthday, Priam. I wish you a long, healthy and fulfilling life ahead."

Priam was sill used to a solitary life, when the passing of his birthday wasn't much of a big deal. It's true, when he'd let his birthday slip to his old village of friends that they'd had a rowdy party, but he wasn't accustomed to receiving gifts.

"Dimitri? Oh, the word got out huh- what's this?" A sword, obviously, but he took it in his hands with appreciation, hanging on Dimitri's every word.

Replica or no, it was a fine sword. He admired the handiwork and craft of it, taking in its embellishments patterned from legend. The royal blue ribbon reminded him of Dimitri's own cape, and he gave it a couple of swings, watching the wicked blade and flowing cloth course through the air. Whenever he laid his hands or eyes on it, he would think of Dimitri. "It's wonderful, even if not an original. You really can't have too many swords." Priam accepted another exception to the 'only swords forged by my own hands' rule gladly. A gift from a friend was welcomed with open heart.

As he turned to fully express his gratitude, Dimitri surprised him again. "O-oh?" Priam, at a loss for words, what a sight. "Two gifts, you're spoiling me."

Priam usually only blushed in front of girls, but... his cheeks went pink as he slipped a glove on, testing the fit and feel of lined leather. It was a perfect fit. "They're practically made for me." Warm, warmer than his face, even. A handsomely made sword and the finest gloves he'd ever worn were wondrous gifts indeed, but also so was Dimitri's company, and his complexion went from pink to horrifying red.

When had he last looked like this in front of Dimitri? It had been the ball, when Dimitri had carried him after an ankle injury with a laugh and glowing smile.

He had lived away from others too long, to be so touched by kindness like this. He'd managed to forget how warm people were. It had taken these months to really let it sink in how much he'd missed.

"H-hey." Priam pulled Dimitri into a broad hug, sure Dimitri could withstand one from him. He squeezed a little, grinning. "Thank you. Feels like we've known each other forever, doesn't it?" He pulled back to clap Dimitri on the shoulder. "I'm not used to a lot of to do around my birthday... means a lot, Dimitri."

Ha. He managed to not flee when getting flustered.

"Don't worry. I never accept defeat. With our diligence, let us never need to say a goodbye on a sorrowful note." He squeezed Dimitri's shoulder with the hand that wasn't yet in a glove. "I wish the same longevity and happiness to you as well, my friend."

[prhyst]

The horse continued on in his quest to find people he knows- while occasionally stopping to take some more grass from the ground and look around to make sure his owner is still on the spot he last saw him at. He's still there, so Duke can continue his walk.

Next...was a man with hair that was colored like carrots. Carrots were yummy. Duke remembers seeing this man talking to his owner before. Rhys!

The horse huffs near Rhys' hair, sniffing it, then giving him a gentle nudge.

Rhys didn't know how to feel after all of that. Relief, that it was over, and though Ferdinand had taken an especially hard hit, they were okay. Sasha had suffered great loss, but she still had some family.

It was bittersweet.

He stared into space, physical fatigue drawing all of his energy, as though gravity itself was heavy. He leaned on his staff with most of his weight, eyes sliding closed with a tired sigh.

Rhys muttered a soft prayer for those who had died in relation to this whole mess. Not just on that day...

Motion by his head drew his attention, as well as a sniff with it. Rhys raised his head and his spirits lifted as well, a smile sparking across his lips as he laughed for the first time in days. "Haha, it's good to see you too." Rhys pet Duke's nose and then scratched behind his ears. The softness of his coat and curiously affectionate manner made some of the unease and aches simmer down.

"Thank you."

[songstriked]

🎄 (he pauses, realizes the position he's in, then takes a step back. maybe two. or three.)

Mistletoes sure worked in mysterious ways. She finds herself standing a few feet away from Dimitri, only for him to back up moments later. She knows all too well that she leads a very different life than him-- Instinctively, it reminds her of others who have done the same.

"Oh? You're going to leave, just like that?" It's clear the meaning of the mistletoe doesn't pass either of them. Dorothea thinks that, perhaps, it's because she's a commoner. It just wouldn't do for someone of her position to be seen with a person as noble and important as Dimitri, right?

Or, was it just embarrassment? If that's the case, she'll find herself just a little bit more enticed. She won't know unless she tries-- Until she says or does something, at the very least.

"Are you just going to let me stand here all by myself? I see. I wonder what you're thinking right now." Dorothea parallels his movements, taking her own steps forward to meet his pace-- That is, until she stops. Dorothea uses one hand to reach for Dimitri's as she stops him, kissing her other hand and lightly tapping it against his palm.

"I'll leave it here, then. Make of that what you will. Goodbye for now." She waves as she leaves, turning her heel with stride.