#grimatruth

[encantresse]

dear dorothea: do NOT come to the bake off. i've baked an absolute dog shit cake. just completely fucked it up. i'm so sorry-

- morgan

dear morgan,

that's quite alright! what matters is that you're having fun. however, federal law (seteth) prohibits obscene, indecent and profane language from being broadcast on the radio, and so we must ask you to utilize self-censorship in order to ensure our program can still air. thank you!

-dorothea

[magisolsmiles]

"Heya, Ewan!" Morgan greeted the boy earnestly, a smile, albeit a tired one, on his face. "Sucks about the weather quite literally raining on the parade, but I hope you're still enjoying yourself."

While it was certainly a shame, it had reminded Morgan of the boy and their experiments together. If only he’d remembered to use that magic earlier to keep himself dry and warm... Hindsight is twenty-twenty, or so they say.

"Say, this might be a bit forward, but I was hoping to collect some charms from my friends. If it isn't too much trouble, would you like to trade with me?" Morgan held out his charm hopefully towards his friend.

“Heyyy, Morg!” Ewan greeted his fellow mage in turn with his usual cheer. Despite being soaking wet, hair drooping and skirt heavy from rain, it didn’t put a damper on his spirits at all. “Honestly? I’m not bothered at all! There’s plenty of ways to have fun in the rain too, and it’s not like we were staying dry anyway.”

Rainy days on the mountains were some of his favorites. Sure it got messy and he’d have to take a hot bath afterwards, but playing in puddles with the other village kids and even sliding down muddy slopes were all happy memories of his.

More importantly for now though was the boy standing in front of him. In fake-thought he pressed a finger against his cheek. “Hmmm, well I guess I don’t mind trading with you! Though first..”

Suddenly he poked Morgan on his shoulder. “Tag, you’re it! Catch me and I’ll give you my charm!” And with that he ran away, smiling and laughing happily.

[anruraiocht]

"It's you," the lad exclaimed, coming to a halt after spotting her. "You're Miranda, right?" He remembered her well from last year and the kindness she had shown him in the closing hours. Morgan had always meant to follow up with her, to ask more questions—maybe even make a friend. Miranda was a hard woman to find, however, and he'd since given up. Maybe they were fated to only cross paths at this time of year.

"I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm Morgan. You offered me your brooch last year." The tactician pointed to himself, a smile on his face before getting back to business. "Thank you again for that, I really appreciated it."

Rummaging through his pockets for what felt like the thousandth time tonight, he pulled out the special charm he'd been given. "I was hoping to return the favor this time... Would you accept my charm?"

There aren't many that address Miranda by name, so she turns her head at the sound of her name being called. Although now that the person calling her name is standing rather than sitting, she has to crane her neck to look up at his face.

That had been a whole year ago at this point, hadn't it? A full year really is a long amount of time in a young person's life. She of all people knows that well.

"Oh? I see you have chosen to join in on the festivities this time," she notes. "Are you not reading this year?"

Not that she has much room to speak when she had fled the ball early, which hardly counted as 'participating'.

To continue with the theme of upsets from last year, she is not the one extending out her hand first. She stares blankly for a few moments at the charm, trying to gauge how she should react before her expression softens and she pulls a charm of her own off of her bracelet.

"Morgan, was it? Thank you. It isn't nearly as impressive as a brooch this time... but here."

A seashell for a starfish. It feels a bit more like children trading toys than trading charms.

[hresvelged]

🎲

32.) A kiss while someone watches

'Explain why you are in Fódlan,' she says. 'What of your interests? Prowess? Tell me of your homeland.' She prattles questions in between servings of dinner, paying no mind to the array of people flanking the party's scope. There is much to be said about another who takes her words to heart; who, too, looks ahead towards the future and yearns to fight for it.

She doesn't care to gander how much time in particular has passed, but Edelgard finds the minutes with Morgan worthwhile. She sits properly in her seat with crossed legs and perfect posture until the bell tolls its conclusion. Pushing the empty plate to the side of the table, Adrestia's heir stands up and spares some moments to shift her attention to the sound of shuffling at their right and whispering to the left. As expected. All this time, they never have been alone. Such is commonplace whether or not she welcomes it. Still, the wish to know who sleuths upon their conversation reigns true. She has her guesses, for certain. The shadows of the emperor are never empty. There is only one way to find out with absolute positivity.

"I've enjoyed getting to know you," she says defiantly and purposefully. "I hope the same can be said from your viewpoint." She glares to one side; then the other. Lavender hues squint. Then, she steps closer to him.

"As I've stated before, the Empire will welcome you with open arms." A beat. Another step. "As will I. Thank you for the dinner." Dusty rose sprinkles sporadically as she leans slight to press a quick, unwieldy kiss atop the temple. It is as purposeful as it is scarce. As embarrassing as it is clumsy.

"Our evening may conclude here, but I know for certain we will speak like this again soon."

[nobilisseoblige]

[ 21 QUESTIONS ] The effort to learn about others goes a long way! Just don’t overdo it.  

there were a lot of gallant gentleman, and many spirited ladies all throughout the party grounds. each had their own charm, and many of them seemed confident in every piece of themselves. once such man stuck out to morgan, upon which the tactician began to note small details about him. his orange hair was slicked back, his shoulder back, and a polite smile for those who looked for him.

before the lad knew it, he was making his way to where the student stood in a rare moment of isolation from peers. "excuse me, there. you're the black eagles student ferdinand. i mean- i know because i've seen you in a few of my classes is all... anyway-" morgan paused for a minute, gathering himself and preparing a few questions in his mind.

"do you have any insecurities? how do you get to stand so confidently? is there some kinda ritual for that? i mean, i'm not really asking for myself, but you seem quite put together so and i thought i'd like to know how-" boy, he sure had been talking for quite a while. were these too many questions, was he breaking some kind of conversational taboo? it sorta felt like it when he looked at ferdinand's expression. right, just one more! "oh, hey, since it's valentine's day, what kind of traits are you seeking in a suitor?"

Morgan was it?

"Morgan." there was no need for an introduction, he already knew who this young man was. in fact, he had always exuded a sort of aptitude for studying the likes of which impressed Ferdinand deeply. it was rare to ever see him without a book in hand, spinning ink into intellect like his mind and heart were one. now, however, there was a different tint to the light that he emitted—particularly now that Morgan stood alongside edelgard as a match and partner for the night. "very pleased to speak to you at last! you and I both seem to have floated the same circles, but our boats have passed in the horizon."

his eyebrow piqued, noting that Morgan's penchant for the truth still rang clearly, as he began to probe Ferdinand with question after question.

"may I ask, are you interested in me and mine?" perched on his lips was a haughty grin, and sparks of pride for more reasons than one. "should we take a walk about the gardens?"

Ferdinand Von Aegir had no intention of chicanery. but after guiding Morgan under the stars, he began to wonder if, for better or for worse, this match would have been better than the one Morgan was set up with.

"to the first. no. I don't." not necessarily a lie. frankly, he tired of laying low in a grave, with broken bones and broken pride. he was not the kind of man to wallow in limbo.

"to the second, because I know my greatness will exceed me." Ferdinand raked his bangs, locks flipping triumphantly.

"to the third, you must say as you mean, and do as you say. a ritual I dedicate myself to is announcing my name and my intentions with enough transparency to use it as a looking glass. I am Ferdinand Von Aegir. and I certainly know my worth."

and to the last, he laughed. a full-bodied, effervescent laugh. "I need to be candid with you, before this proposition that I am about to make. edelgard is my eternal rival. but I do not find it untruthful to inquire."

"if I said you and yours, would you take me on a date instead of edelgard?"

[cutestrival]

[ CHOCOLATE ] A delicious luxury and a classic gift. Choose from white, milk, or dark, all heart-shaped and ready for your enjoyment.

"there you are!" the tactician paced slowly towards the redhead, giving her a wide smile. remembering silently as he began to open his mouth, to remember her new name. "i hope you're enjoying the party so far, selena." he wasn't exactly sure what you were supposed to be enjoying, but maybe it was just the company? the tactician pondered if he was the kind of company she wanted these days, but ignored the thought.

"you were always making us things, so i thought today i could repay part of the favor." from behind the lad's back, he revealed a heart shaped box which hid assorted chocolates. "i know i didn't exactly make these, but- well, i'm probably sparing your taste buds getting the ones here. i hear there's all kinds of flavors in here, so you're bound to like at least one."

of course in his moment of still, he feels a poke at his side, a foreign object caught on his cloak perhaps. when he turns, behind him is one of the party hosts, and a flashy cage that he beckons morgan towards. "ah, right... well, i hope we'll be seeing more of each other from now on, selena. see ya later!"

"They certainly went all out for the celebration," she smiles, accepting his outstretched gift. This sort of party does remind her of festivals of Ylisse long past; but well, a party's a party, isn't it? Or, maybe her present company just makes her feel more at home.

She can't help but laugh when Morgan brings up his cooking. True enough, there's relief in receiving something purchased rather than handcrafted. For once, Selena's not so prude to bring it up, but an ironic smile can't help but tug at her lips. "Easy enough. I love all sorts ofchocolates, you know."

Though Morgan is quickly led away, she rubs her thumb over the gift. Always nice to still feel wanted, heh heh. Especiallly from an airhead like that boy.

[hresvelged]

[ FLOWERS ] It isn’t easy to find roses during times of strife—which makes the bouquets on the table all the more special to give!

"so, you're like our class president, huh?" giving the girl a thinly veiled once over, morgan couldn't see it. her position had been explained to him as something like the exalt, and the class her shepherds. at a glance, though, morgan could not spot a brand, nor did she have blue hair... was he taking this too literally?

"well, nice to meet you!" an enthusiastic greeting is given, a wide smile on the lad's face. on instinct, morgan reached his hand out, but quickly he retracted it back to the bouquet of flowers in his position. "right, uh... you should take these flowers! as... appreciation for your hard work." now, instead of a gloved hand, a bright arrangement of flowers were thrust out in front of the tactician.

"they're quite something, ya'know! i heard from the woman handing them out that each flower has a meaning. i'm not versed myself, but i intend to do some research while i'm here." what could these mean? hopefully something tame...

Edelgard takes pride in her status as the Black Eagles house leader. Duty follows her no matter where she goes. She is a commander; one who speaks clear and with purpose. She nods contemplatively, drawing a hand to her chin.

"That would be me. You may seek my presence out whenever you so need," she says with a breath. "But, yes. I use this position of mine to ensure our classmates are giving their work utmost effort. Once classes resume, the same continues to apply to you." Blunt as her words may seep, she speaks them with no ill-intent. No, the frosty sentences seek fiery warmth.

She never asks for anything in return— Only demands those within her purview to simply give everything their all. She requires it. They need it; their hands must craft it on their own. Still, it's not often she's acknowledged for these efforts directly. Bringing the flowers closer to her chest, her lips teeter upright.

"Are you certain? To hand me this many flowers speaks plenty of your character. I may not be able to provide you with extensive knowledge of their deeper meanings, but I am satisfied." Taking a singular flower out of the bundle, she hands it back to her classmate: "If you intend on researching them, start with this one. Report back to me what you find."

[jasperblion]

[ TOUCH UP ] Why not help another with last-minute makeup or outfit touches? Who knows? You just might be able to spark something! 

"woah-" a familiar looking student passes the tactician's gaze, striking a rather dashing appearance as he passed.

as morgan watched on, he noticed a spec of lint on his fabrics. as he beamed fire at the intrusion, morgan silently accepted a new quest. self imposed, but still of the upmost importance!

springing from his seat, morgan rushed after the figure as he cut through the crowd. "hey there!" morgan greeted the student from behind, taking this time to silently snatch the offender off the cloth. "you had a little, uh... something," flicking the lint away into the air, morgan began to feel the pressure of this newfound attention. "now you can enjoy the party in full confidence!"

cupido bash icebreakers

He overhears the passing gasp while trailing between tables occupied and empty alike, though he doesn’t feel this is the time to stop and see. This party-festival-test hybrid has ended up even larger than Alm expected, and if he was to find this “match” of his, a greater coverage of his company was a requirement.

But little time passes before he hears the screeching of a nearby chair alongside the dissatisfied grunts of some he just bypassed. Couldn’t hurt to turn back now, before he is potentially pushed past as well.

“Hey, uh-” Alm tries to turn around for proper face retention, though he now feels a hand by his shoulders, presumably from the voice that calls to him. It should be fine…right? If he hears any tearing, that could be his sign to retaliate.

That sound is never heard though, as he turns when the touch is gone to face a taller boy and piece of white atop his fingers. Two and two are quickly added together as the lint is flung into the unknowns of the party floor.

“Really? Guess that second wash I gave this cloth could have gone for a third,” Alm provides a small shrug with a more jovial voice. “Thanks! I’m sure that muck would’ve stood out with the pure blue I’m going with tonight.”

However, now I cannot help but wonder if it’s popped up anywhere else… the Valentian keeps doubts to himself, not meaning to concern who had simply come to help. His deep purple of a hair color drives swirls in Alm’s brain…until he finally makes the connection.

“I think I’ve seen you about in the Black Eagle dorms a couple of times, or back when they could be called dorms. Are you a fellow classmate? I’m Alm, in case we haven’t met,” he pulls out the obligatory but firm hand offering for a shake. “I see no lint in your own garb, so I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you to enjoy this party to the fullest!”