#iyusiia

[rafent]

(o・・o)/

Dropping the stylized Nil letter format just for muses he hasn't properly met in TOA yet (emphasis on yet) so I can speak more objectively and succinctly without overstepping. Also because his opinion of Ivy is interesting to analyze :')

Out of all the alternate Elyos royals Rafal has a particular redemptive interest in Ivy. He specifically cites her to be the first lord he turned into Corrupted and after that action no doubt the rest of the dominoes fell into place.

In many ways I see her being his 'first sin' and the gateway leading into bigger ambitions during his heyday as Nil. That special distinction made her a prime target for his guilt when they reconvened as Rafal and present Elyos Ivy. I imagine that being a surviving case for him and TOA Ivy as well.

The guilt still exists in any scenario, but assuming their support chain has happened, Rafal's opinion of Ivy is more positive. Much friendlier. He sees her to be a pleasant and levelheaded acquaintance. Their rapport not only humanized his original Ivy but gives him another place to stand in for the present one, which is as a playfully dubbed 'schoolmate'. That fact is cutely ironic for their TOA verses because regarding their positions as fellow Black Eagle faculty members, schoolmates or peers is what they've formally become.

Rafal has also succeeded the pretend-instructor role from their support chain to become a proper one in Fódlan. Manifest destiny in a literal sense and all that.

In terms of alternate Ivy, Rafal's opinion of her when detached from his guilt was likely very structured and businesslike, lacking human warmth, and at times even somewhat exasperated. He seemed surprised that our Ivy didn't share her overemotional nature or her interruptions. That tells me Rafal wasn't perfectly in control of their interactions and that he fielded many of her personality quirks with some level of difficulty or annoyance. Possibly both. The bottom line is that he saw her as a regrettable tool.

[sacaeblade]

Ivy clears her throat as she approaches the swordswoman. Her heart is racing. Her father... her family used Emblem Lyndis for their own gains, and the Emblem forgave her family so easily. Granted, her blasphemous act of impersonation was not as sinful as trying to kill the Divine One and regicide, but...

Dragons, it's still embarrassing to think of all she did while borrowing her name. She could never live up to her image, yet she still paraded it around. Wrangled chickens; harvested vegetables; served alcohol; and even seduced a criminal as "Lyndis".

She's prayed for forgiveness, but perhaps it's time to confess.

If only she had found the courage and time to do so sooner before they embarked.

With a neutral expression that never betrays her true emotions, she speaks when she approaches her. "Em—" Ivy clears her throat. "Lady Lyn. You do not know me, but I heard of your... deeds. I grew up listening to them." She pauses. Calm down.

"While investigating rumors of a conman impersonating you in Faerghus some months back, I was mistaken as you. I was unable to convince the village otherwise, so my only course of action was to... impersonate you."

Hand over her heart, Ivy bows her head slightly. "I apologize for my actions and any trouble they might have caused you. And for impersonating you. It was unbecoming of me."

Lyn had once wondered how Eliwood might feel were he to run into little Roy. After spending enough time at the Officer's Academy, she no longer has to wonder what it feels like to have no memories of someone, but for them to have intimate knowledge about you.

The information gap is more awkward to traverse than one might expect.

One such person stands in front of her: a woman who can't be much older than Lyn herself telling her that she "grew up listening to her deeds". These 'deeds' of hers, of which Lyn could probably guess what they may be referring to, had only happened a precious few years ago. Yet to someone else, these had been childhood stories.

The woman, who in another life Lyn would have simply and affectionately referred to as Ivy, approaches her like a sinner to confession. Lyn is no priest, but she listens to the confession all the same.

So this women is one of the many people who had taken on her name. Lyn had been troubled at the time that people had been running around under her name, but that all feels so far away now. She, too, had been accused of being a fake, but it's a touch more personal when you truly are the person in question; even more so when that same language had been used to disparage you for your heritage. That had been several years ago, though, and Lord Hausen had quelled any rumors that she was not of Caelin's blood.

...No, more importantly, why is she telling Lyn this?

"I appreciate your candor, but it's alright. You had no other choice, right? If you have to use my name, I'm glad it was for the sake of dealing with a swindler." Lyn smiles and offers her hand; a recourse for her guilt. "You're right that I don't know you, but that can always change. Would you mind telling me who you are?"

[asperants]

from shying me to blooming you

With the Battle of the Eagle and the Lion over and done with everyone in the academy seemed to have moved on to the next big event: the Ethereal Ball. Hortensia had done her fair share of digging when it came to the fête long before Ivy came to the academy - after all, balancing social time with academics was all part of being a top student!

She was glad now to be able to show her sister all she'd learned, and even happier to be invited into town for dress shipping. It was a first for them, together, and Hortensia was doing her best to not get too excited.

"It's pretty neat the Fódlan goddess cares so much about her people throwing a party for the monastery's founding, huh? I read up on a lot of legends about the Goddess Tower if you're interested, Ivy."

She had always been the more scholarly one, after all. Not that Hortensia would ever say she was lesser in magical talent, er, necessarily –  but she was certainly more hands on when it came to practice, so definitely for the best she tended to be on the support side.

(Huh. That reminded her... how was the old man Lindon doing?)

"We can talk and shop, of course! Hmm... oh, wow look at that one, don't you think with a darker color it might look nice on you?"

She'd pulled on her older sister's upper sleeve in excitement some, squeezing in a bit to point it out in the crowded street; this closeness it tugged at her heart a little. She tried not to show it just as she backpedaled, hoping not too overdo.

"Or, sorry, maybe you just wanna stick with what you're used to haha? Me, I want to try and find the poofiest thing around personally!"

@iyusiia

[starrook]

There is a divide between them. It's always been there, as tangible as the tension between them in every interaction, and it is neither of their fault for its presence. It is their father's and their forefather's.

Ivy tried — and successfully — to breech that divide. It would take a lifetime to fully tear it down.

Yet, it's probably for the best that it stay there. Being romantically involved with his brother risks driving a wedge between them. It would hurt her, Elusia, Brodia, Diamant. She will not risk all she loves, nor will she hurt him, either of the brothers.

Alcryst's birthday is an optimal chance for her to begin to earn his favor. After asking Diamant if Alcryst was allergic to anything, she settled on the perfect gift... and though it required several ingredients not found in the monastery marketplace, Zelkov welcomed the request she gave him to acquire some.

Now, she catches him when he has a moment to himself. Cradled in her hands is a small, red velvet box. A breath, and she says, "Prince Alcryst, happy birthday," before handing him the gift. Inside is a small container of white lotion with a faint hint of earth and maplewood — she guessed he would appreciate a subtle earthy scent rather than something with citrus.

"...At first, I wasn't sure what to gift you. For your brother's birthday, I made a charm for his weapon. While I doubt having something dangling from your bow would impact your aiming or skills, I thought lotion would be better suited. An archer's hands are precious. I hope you find use for it."

And she smiles. She wants him to treasure himself the way he treasures his loved ones.

A birthday gift from the queen of Elusia was the last thing that Alcryst expected from today, and yet that's exactly what he gets.

Didn't you have something to say about princes and queens exchanging gifts? He wants so badly to tease her, to show that he can keep up with her sharp wit and tongue, but the fear of alienating her wins out.

"Ah, thank you! I'm touched that you'd even mark the occasion, Queen Ivy... you have a gracious heart." He's had enough experience with Citrinne's collection of perfume and skincare products to recognize a pot of lotion when he sees it. The scent is unlike any of hers, though: it smells of fall, freshly-cut maple trees bleeding sweet syrup. It's a wonderfully masculine scent—perfect for Alcryst, who's supposed to be coming of age. He opens his mouth to compliment it, only to allow Ivy to speak first.

...

.........

"...I think I've seen that charm, actually! I had no idea you made it." Because that's the sort of thing lovers give each other...!

Alcryst did not question that ruby pendant on his brother's sword the first time he saw it. A king's duty is to bring prosperity to his kingdom and ensure a bright future for his people. And, when a king has a duty to beget children, is it any surprise to see that Diamant is courting someone?

Their father never missed a chance to convey how dearly he loved their mother. A king needs a queen, Alcryst recalls his father saying. He doesn't remember King Morion saying anything about another country's queen!

"Your instincts were right. That pendant is one of a kind... to make another would cheapen the first, I think." Surely Ivy knows. Ivy is careful and clever, always two steps ahead of Alcryst. Sometimes even three! So surely Ivy knows. Right?? Oh... not even two Divine Ones can help him now. "And you're correct. An archer must take care of his hands... I tend to neglect them, but I'll be sure to use your gift every day!"

[elusivia]

With legs crossed and hands in her lap, Ivy is there waiting in the infirmary when Zelkov returns. Her leg shakes a bit when she shifts in her seat. There is no need to hide her emotions here. She is disappointed and upset.

"Tell me, Zelkov, what made you think it was a good idea to kiss and threaten two individuals that attempted to flirt with me? Will you do that when I search for a spouse? Or have you already taken it upon yourself to scare or seduce anyone who's shown me interest?"

A breath. The stress is still there, but most of it is off her chest. "...I appreciate your concern, Zelkov, but..." Pink dusts her cheeks when she says it aloud. "Kissing Sain and threatening Laslow is... well, you shouldn't have."

Zelkov would normally be delighted to see Ivy in his workplace uninjured, but her expression and body language made his relief dissipate instantly. Disappointment. A failure as a retainer. Thinking back over the recent weeks, he couldn't imagine what she'd have complaint about.

Oh.

He thought about her query, honestly.

"They have *not* bothered you since, have they Your Majesty?" he asked. His methods had been effective, if not unconventional. At least, he hoped so. At her further questioning, he legitimately pondered that as well. "The sort of *boys* who gave you attention were far *beneath* your caliber. I thought it *akin* to chasing off seagulls."

Now, as far as seducing went, he coughed, averting his eyes. "The Sain incident... became a bit of a *pursuit* for... *personal* reasons. As for Laslow, didn't actually stab him," he pointed out. "I did *inform* him that I could treat whatever *burns* other women give him, in fact." He tapped his chin. "Very well, I *cannot* disobey a *direct* order. I shall... let *you* deal with your own *suitors.* Apologies, for my *unconventional* actions."

Ivy had only mentioned Sain and Laslow, but he pressed on. Had he stood too close to anyone else lately?

"I don't know what *else* you heard, but I neither kissed nor *stabbed* Griss during that party, nor did he seem *interested* in you. And, after *consideration*, I *approve* of King Diamant. It is *unlikely* I should ever need to stab him."

Another pause. "Kagetsu isn't *into* you, that I know of, so I believe that *event* is fine, yes? So, that should be all *settled.*"

His clarification likely presented more questions than it answered, and he bowed slightly, holding out a little dish from a nearby table.

"Would you care for a *mint*?"

[hresvelged]

tea with the stars

cont. from here

@iyusiia

For as terrifying as the darkness was, the greenhouse at Garreg Mach is always peaceful, regardless of the time of day. Granted, she would much prefer light or brilliant company. Being around flowers and herbs — digits faintly trace the dip in a red flower's petal before she leans in to smell the flower.

Sweet but not overwhelming. The chocolate mint herb growing like a weed beside it threatened to overwhelm her senses, but she would rather have that then stale air.

"AAAH!" The voice of a girl surprises her, and she practically jumps out of her skin. Heart pounding and hand grasping her heart, she whips around to face her imminent doom, only to realize all too late that it was a student. Her student.

Her other hand slaps over her mouth to keep another cry of embarrassment (and fear) from coming out. What pride she had left as the monarch of Elusia has fled her being.

"E-... E-Edelgard," she manages to stammer out as she stands up straight, hands still trembling when she holds them in front of her. Keep it together. No ghosts. Just a real person. Who saw her. Like that.

Help her, Divine One.

"You... you startled me." Ivy clears her throat. "Um. Uh... It's..." Edelgard said something else, but she can't remember; she wasn't paying attention.

"Yes. What you said. I agree." She prays she didn't just agree to something incredibly offensive or something she would bring up later.

"I'm sorry. The lack of light here is absolutely horrid. Would, would you care for some tea instead? In someplace lit. We could chat there, since... since neither of us can sleep."

And here she had wanted to keep this fear a secret from her students at the very least.

The silent atmosphere halted at Ivy's startle— It had never been her intent to cause a stir or unintentionally scare her, but the princess can see that she had spoken rather suddenly amidst a place and time others may not frequent. The tremble in her professor's voice is enough of an indicator that this is not the place for idle chatter. She notes it for later, tucking it behind a concerned raise of the eyebrow.

For now, she will leave the flowers. Unless they wither, their blooms will light another day.

A hand rests atop her hips, surprise evident on her face (not that it can be seen): "..Understood. I'd enjoy your company and the tea."

She nods, knowing it best to remedy the situation by leaving the darkened shadows of the greenhouse and going somewhere brighter. "I know a place that might fit your description. At this hour, I doubt we'll see anyone else." Edelgard leaves the plants and stands back under the star-filled sky. That alone brought about a small source of light, but it is not enough. Not yet.

She walks past the fishing pond— far away —as heeled boots move upstairs towards the usual hub students and faculty alike enjoyed their teas. Teacups and utensils lay still, waiting for use. Chairs sit empty next to finely decorated tables. An unlit candle adorns its center.

"Will this suffice? I can light the candle."

[hosannan]

No Courage to War { Ivy & Nanna

Are you stuck with glass bones and paper skin? Sick of just having pedestrian magic to your name? The professors are holding a special class for the squishiest of mages, clerics, and archers, where they may learn close-quarters self-defense if they’re ambushed by an enemy. [Grants Gauntlets +1]

"Professor?" Now, Nanna had never been known to prescribe anyone as an ascetic, but it was a pleasant surprise to see that Professor Ivy—whose sharp eyes downturned and cordial smile had suggested disavowal of her invitation— would be among the ranks for today's lesson. With a skip to her step, she swung over to the woman's side, respectfully blanching out her skirt to curtsey. Crossing her toes, just as Father had taught her, with pearls off her lips to match. "I'm so glad to see that you found the time to stop by. Shall we be partners?"

The edges of her eyes crinkled in fondness, though she had only talked to the woman for a fortnight. Thrill painted Nanna's very countenance, when a respectable figure, elusive and beautiful as Professor Ivy was, hailed among them. "The lesson is about to begin...!"

An instructor stepped forward, with a standard crease to his brow, exclaiming that the Utmost Importance in survival was that of variety. If a mage could not survive a close encounter, nor a warrior a distanced one, then they were just half way towards a dance with the dead. Nanna's memories went back far enough to know what he meant, since she had once been unable to hold a candle to dark knights and cultists who had her kidnapped for blackmail.

"I must say. A dance with the dead is quite right," She commented, with a distant look to her eyes, very unlike herself. The normal soft petals and flourish to her voice gave way to something grave, something deeply seeded in her growth. Still, the light of her emerald gaze never faltered once— as she exhaled the smoke from her lungs. "It would be an honor to show you what I've picked up in my time of war. Maybe it will serve you as well as I."

@iyusiia

[elusivia]

A kiss after one muse has killed another :)

SETTING: Several Years Pre-game

Zelkov kept his hood up and his face down around the eldest princess. Around everyone, really. His job was to serve her, to defend her, to stain his hands so she would not need to. He was efficient, above all else.

He landed beside her, dropping down from a rooftop, barely visible but for the glint of blades that dripped red. If he hadn't wanted her to notice his return, he wouldn't have been seen or heard at all. However, he allowed her to with a singular nod.

She thanked him, there was a brief sensation of lips on his cheek, perhaps the thanks was even warm, but he did not feel it. He was no longer a creature who deserved such things, and he needed no trivial, empty words as payment for doing his duty. His most prized currency was time, the time to do what he wanted, to run himself so ragged that his inner shadows did not stir.

He turned his head from her, stowing away his knives.

"You owe me *nothing.*"

There was no doubt in his mind that she had heard you are nothing. But a duty. A job. He did not care to clarify. He did not care for Elusia as he once had as a home, and he no longer fell with reverence before the Fell Dragon, his spirit as empty as the tundras, his only hope to pursue lifetimes of work within his singular one.

He escorted her as her shadow, as a pursuit that came with orders which he craved.

Anything but idleness.