#landslioness

[frigidsurge]

🎨!!

"You look radiant as always Professort Lachesis I thought i could try and comemorate it"

[rozyrne]

Caught up in her own miniature battle, even if it lacked the weapons everyone else wielded, Lachesis unfortunately lacked the time to properly spectate anyone else’s conflicts. The only evidence that her grown daughter has left the battlegrounds relatively unscathed is the way she marches back to the Golden Deer’s side proudly - and alongside other allies that appear to lack a need for a trip to the medical tents.

One of them, she faintly recognizes as an important figure: their “house leader,” she believes? But it is the second unknown figure that truly catches Lachesis’ eye is the one that lingers ever so slightly closer to her light.

“You there,” Lachesis makes her move shortly after most of the fighting parties had settled, successful or otherwise. She did not want to alarm the lightly-haired man, just simply talk. “You must have assisted Nanna in the previous battle, yes? Or rather…the blonde with the feathered hairpin.”

To make her intention clear, the princess already reaches out a hand in comradery. “I must thank you for helping someone so dear to me. May I ask: are you a student of the Deers? I am Lachesis of Nordion; a newfound professor to this house, which is why I fail to know many here outside those…close to me.”

She ends up speaking much longer than intended, so Lachesis decides to conclude on a final statement. “If I may continue to be greedy, might I ask you to continue overseeing my Nanna in the upcoming battles? If not, and we are instead paired together, I look forward to fighting alongside you as well.”

AT FIRST, HE HADN'T REALIZED THE CALL WAS FOR HIM.⠀✩⠀not until he'd caught someone else's eye looking over his shoulder, then at him——enough for him to pivot around cheerfully, wondering whose attention he'd caught with his adorableness this time.

oh, his teammate again?

wait, no. . . she looked kind of different? he blinks a couple times, until it starts to clear up from what she says. sort of.⠀(⠀he can't believe this whole time he hadn't even gotten the blonde's name! nanna, okay ; he'd remember that.⠀)⠀this lady though looks just like her ; the resemblance really is uncanny. he's not exactly sure what ' someone dear to me ' means, but if he has to guess: sister, maybe? or cousin? super, super lookalike cousin.

hands plant perkily on his hips, and a confident swish of roseate curls suggests ' leave it to me! ' "sure! no problem. i'll try to keep an eye out for her if i can. usually i'm actually on wyvern-back during battles, which would make that kind of thing a lot easier, but i'll still do my best."

er, newfound-professor. . . ? he'd missed the name a bit in all that, and it'd sounded pretty unique ; chase-something?

"sorry, can you say your name again? i just want to make sure i get it completely right."

"mine's rosado, by the way. golden deer cuteness extraordinaire!" if he was supposed to say something else to make a better impression on a professor, he didn't know it. or really, what more standout thing was there to say? she really didn't want to be looking at his grades, that's for sure. "actually, a few of us might be going out later to get matching hairpins. want to come with?"

"or. hrmm. . . " old habits died hard sometimes and it'd been a while since elusia's academy. was that one of those things people outside the village were picky about? "is that something i'm not supposed to ask a professor?"

[cursedbluebird]

[ RELAX ]

The need to rest up does not arise from the roaring lioness just yet, but Lachesis decides to overlook the cabana in advance. It does indeed look to be the ideal place for a break, be it by herself or alongside the presence of a friend. But what catches her eye the most is no brand of wine or hammock, rather one person nearby.

What the princess sees is someone she faintly remembers as a student of her own house of the Golden Deer. And yet it takes her a moment to recognize Marianne, as traditional academy attire has transformed into a beautiful blue gown that manages to match her hair perfectly. It leaves even Lachesis slightly speechless before she swallows her doubts and collects two glasses of beverage.

“Are you holding up alright?” Lachesis approaches the young lady, concern and intrigue laced in her tone.” She shuffles the drinks in hand before holding out a tall glass of water out for her. “That dress is lovely, but make sure it doesn’t trip you over. It’s happened to me on occasion during my youth, in similar clothes. Not that I don’t trust your judgment, of course.”

Marianne is spending sometime outside, away from the people. It's crowded and noisy inside, but outside is calmer and more peaceful. The stars twinkle above the ocean, with the thin clouds it makes Marianne think the ocean is being reflected in the heavens.

Professor Lachesis's voice pulls Marianne from her thoughts. Lachesis hands her a water, which Marianne accepts with a shy smile and a soft "Thank you."

"I'm managing." Marianne keeps her voice soft. The professor towers nearly a foot over her. Shades of pinks and reds wrap around the professor beautifully. Marianne feels very plain in the light layers of blue chiffon next to the heavy silks that Lachesis moves so gracefully in.

Lachesis mentions tripping on the hems of her dress and Marianne freezes. She hadn't thought about that... Margrave Edmund had sent the dress to her and it had seemed fine enough at the time. It wasn't her first time wearing a dress this long... and she normally did have plenty of room to walk... but was she certain?

"Um... Ok...I'll um... I'll keep that in mind." She chewed on the inside of her cheek in thought, wondering if maybe she should just find a quiet place to sit all night to minimize the chances of tripping...

[livingrief]

“Finn!”

Lachesis calls to the monastery’s knight with much more fervor than she’s done so in a long while. For seeing his face wandering around the grounds fills her with more joy than dread. And why shouldn’t it, when the one she loves most has finally opened up and is willing to give her the attention she desires and he deserves?

She rushes toward him once she’s gotten his attention - perhaps a bit too quickly, as she holds herself back from tumbling forward. After making sure her shoes are indeed perpendicular to the floor, she huffs and continues speaking. “The Ethereal Ball, it draws near. I… As you have requested, I have found many a friend within the monastery, and yet…I cannot picture being there without you.”

Unable to hide her hand any longer, she leans low to pull a dark pink flower from her pocket, presenting it flat in her gloved hand.

“Most galas require receiving an invitation to arrive proper, though clearly everyone from the academy appears to be invited. Still…I thought I could play the act out, for nostalgia’s sake.”

She holds out the flower closer.

“I think…it’d look great on you. Fastened on a fancy suit,” Lachesis muses aloud, smile growing as she pictures the scene.

Even with everything laid out, perfectly no less, the princess does not feel comfortable leaving until given direct confirmation.

“You will attend the ball with me at your side…yes?”

Finn was minding his business in the stables after a hard day's work. It was one of the few places in the monastery that he could come to for a sense of calm. Horses were simple creatures; tending to them appeased something in him. The day's stresses would turn to a dimmer shade while he changed hay and placed food and water in containers. 

That is, until he hears that familiar timbre call out his name. Finn had to double and triple check that it is the woman he is thinking of. They've only just parted on amicable terms, but it seems surreal in his mind, a potential hallucination that he's dreamed up. 

Yet she rushes towards him with the same passion that he knows her for. Finn knows this expression. There's something she's bursting to say. Well, he'll hear her out.

The Ethereal ball?

Finn pauses, a startled animal caught grazing by the waterhole. Did she really want to take him with her? It was one thing to accept him back, it was another to publicly take him hand in hand to such a venue. He wants to say something-anything, really - and yet the words don't find themselves on his lips.  But Lachesis is excited with pure glee, procuring a flower that shows her dedication. The knight has to feel bad for the sad pile of bones that he is. Surely Lachesis deserves a proper man to escort her to the ball? And she wants him? Why? But the Nordion is polished and prepared as ever with a speech and a blossom in hand. It would only go poorly to reject her now, even if he had no plans to attend such an event.  Finn takes her hand in his, studying her as if it will elucidate some answers. It was still difficult to understand why she wanted to be with him. Perhaps she was still clinging to the past. "You would truly like to go with me?" he asks. "Truly? He could not think of a worse companion for such a gleeful and romantic event.  Finn brings her gloved hands to his lips, kissing her fingertips. "But how could I deny you such a joy? If it is by my side that you wish.....It shall be done." "You've outdone yourself, Lachesis," he murmurs against her fingers. "I only hope I can live up to your dreams as company." That I will not bring you down with me.

[livingrief]

[ ∗ 95﹕ sender  cradles  receiver’s  face . ] (either AU or mainverse, up to you? c:)

Was this a dream?

It had to be a dream. He'd dreamed of her for days, months, years, decades. Her image lived forever in the echoes of his mind, resurrecting itself whenever he needed her again. She was his sun and stars, his goddess,  and he never expected to see her again.

That was, until she came to Fodlan. Finn still cursed himself for what he did. Just because he believed he was doing the right thing didn't mean it felt good. Knowing he hurt her was more than he could take. Sleep didn't come that night or for many nights to come.

But now she was here. Her hand, firmly holding his cheek, her eyes, crystal clear and golden. Her scent washed him away to a time when living had a purpose. Life danced like butterflies on her eyelashes, and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her on lips that he thirsted for more than water.

But he couldn't.

"Lachesis," because he could at least say her name. He could always say her name, even beyond the dead.

"I'm sorry."  You must wish you hadn't married me, right?  Please don't forsake the children, at least. 

[livingrief]

She had not been there to assist his return to the medical tents. Not that she had decided to finally leave him behind, as Finn so seemingly wanted her to do. No, she just saw him being assisted by other comrades and friends. She decided that getting involved now will only complicate his relations.

For a broken man who has broken off from the world, the world sure seems to remain on his back.

Though nothing could be said regarding how broken he is while resting upon the tent’s cot. Just like where she had laid there mere hours before, but instead of mental scars, all of his injuries were visible.

Lachesis confirmed with the healers: he is certainly in a stable state and they had made sure of that. They encouraged her to go on with a borrowed heal staff and look after him herself if she so cared. And perhaps that is the right course of action, just as her lovely daughter attempted to do for her beforehand.

But on the inside, the princess could not get herself to do it. If Finn found out that she of all people assisted in his recovery…who’s to say how upset he would be, her still trying to stay by his side?

Maybe then he would finally break ties, like he threatened her for the past two moments.

Still…she looks at his resting face, and thinks back to her restless dream only a short while earlier. Lachesis shouldn’t, but…she wants to remain her for a while.

“Finn…” Lachesis breaks her own silence, searching with one of her hands around the bedsheets. She finds her target, his hand, and rests both of her hands upon it. A soft squeeze, not hard enough to strain or wake him.

“You fought well. Better than I have. I am…proud of you.”

It is not difficult to speak positive remarks, but she still feels a choking in her mouth as she does so. Why…can’t the two of them just speak highly of one another, like the past days? Days that were not that far gone for her, but certainly for him.

“...” Lachesis peeks some glances to see if the other medics are watching. She then dips her head in toward Finn’s face, avoiding the parts still splotched with blood.

Her lips make the lightest impact upon his forehead, a spot she usually cannot reach unless given express permission…or instances such as now.

Before retreating, she whispers by his ear. “Rest well, my…love.”

With the claim made, she rises up and leaves the tent from whence she came. She’s beginning to get used to not looking back from where she leaves him. Don't think twice.

Colors whisper of the world to him, but Finn rejects them. Only five more.....only ten more.....

Oh, let him rest.

He'd be defeated, absolutely demolished by that man. Whatever strength he wished to call his own was nothing before the enemy. Just like back then. All along, he was under an illusion. The illusion that he could protect someone. Lord Leif, Nanna, all their companions....

But that illusion was wrong, wasn't it? He'd let her down again. He failed to do his duty. There was no point in rising as no future awaited for him. And Lachsesis as well - he probably failed her the most. 

If only he didn't have to hurt her to save her, in some weird, twisted play of an act. He only hoped she'd find the happiness she deserved.

Time lingered on, but Finn's consciousness was not ready to wake up. He'd been broken into pieces, and the medics couldn't figure them out. Couldn't put them back together again.

And so the knight slumbers. Every warrior needs to nurse their wounds.

A familiar voice helps melt the ice. Hears his name being called in a way that he's missed for years. Decades, even. He can't understand what she means, but he wants to hear more. He knows that voice.

Rolling over, Finn reaches towards the sound. "Lachesis..." he nearly blubbers. "Lachesis."

Why was she speaking to him like she was so far away? Couldn't she come closer? Doesn't she know how badly he needs her?

He waits. He waits, a desperate and dying man waiting for his water. But she does not speak. This must be a dream. He dreams of her all the time, after all. Almost every night since she left for Issach and he cursed himself that he couldn't stop her. And after the cursing and regret stopped, then the mourning began.

"Lachesis, why won't you come over here?" he asks. "I missed you so much."

And when she does come forward, it is to place a single chaste kiss on his forehead. Oh, his dreams weren't normally like this. He reaches for her wrist. "Lachesis, why are you being so strange? It's just me." He's all busted up but the knight can still manage a smile.

"You know I love you," he adds. "So if you have something on your mind, you must tell me, or I will not understand."

But this lioness is all cold and resolve. He doesn't understand. Nothing makes sense in this convoluted nightmare.  "Don't leave....." he manages, before sleep comes for him again, to tear him away from his beloved. 

[vallitevoice]

“A pity. I don’t believe any of us chosen for a skip managed to make it past our first real round.”

It is not difficult to pick Azura out from a crowd by the infirmary tents. What is difficult, perhaps even more challenging than when it comes to conversing with Mitama, is finding the right words to say. As the first to leave their little impromptu tea party, it was clear Azura had the least enjoyment out of it.

So requesting a follow-up should be out of the question. What else could the princess offer that would not make the mysterious maiden march off in disgust?

“You seem new to this world, Azura. Or if you aren’t, you’ve certainly haven’t seen much of it, same as I. In my former life, I was only able to see the world while it was being torn to ruin by those willing to abuse it. It was beautiful…but sad.

“My point is,” Lachesis stares into Azura’s eyes. Her yellows shine even brighter than Lachesis’s occasional golds, yet it is hard to properly read them. “Someday, I would like to explore this Fódlan and what it offers, outside of my work schedule. I speak of this to you, because I believe you are deserving of the same opportunities, no matter what others say or think.”

Is she being too strong, still…? Lachesis takes a step back, as if to prepare herself for the inevitable disappointment. “It does not need to be us together, if you’d prefer to do it alone. But together…would be nice.”

Finally. A breath of silence amidst the chaos of the battlefield. Azura hadn't expected to last long in the fight but her defeat still bit down painfully. And to make matters worse, a certain pink-haired girl had to approach her while she was recovering....

The songstress sighed. The day raged on, pandemonium swirling amidst the battlefield, and Azura knew not when she could finally meet the end. She'd like nothing more to retreat to her solitary Abyss at this point. Watching the sky grows old and so golden eyes turn to the ground - of shadows, of old stories, of forgotten ones.

That's when she hears words, presumably addressed towards her. Not again? Their plan was to leave without further debacles. The songstress raises their head to see Lady Lachesis. Oh. They didn't have anything against her, it was just....

The words are not harsh - far from it. Perhaps they could even be considered kind. Azura's hands weave together as she considers her options of reply. It was true; she had not been long in this world. Why not take the hand Lady Lachesis was offering?

"Your words are sweet," she finally settles for, eyes meeting the princess' pointed gaze. "Maybe I can.....understand where you come from." In her own way, at least. Her previous life knew nothing but being tormented of her fate.

Exploring Fodlan, though, enjoying what life had to offer. That was an entirely different option than Azura had in mind. She deigned to stay in the Abyss and suffer for her crimes. Lady Lachesis' hand looked easy to grab, but it was still so far away.

The songstress reached out, even by a hair's breadth. "I should like to," she began. "I....I am curious what you have in mind by that....that is." Oh, maybe she'd overstepped? But Azura would seize this chance. Lady Lachesis appeared sincere enough. Second chances had their own merit.  [ I believe you are deserving of the same opportunities, no matter what others say or think.] Oh. When had anyone ever said something like that to her? Azura's heart pounded in her ears. Maybe she had yearned to hear those words all along.  "Let us try again, shall we?" they tell the Nordion, hand tapping their chest. "It would be my pleasure to explore this world by your side. Let us learn together." Gaining a friend isn't what they bargained for. But this woman....she radiated light.  Azura extended a hand. "I'm Azura. It's good to meet you, Lady Lachesis."

[tossup-tempest]

[ daffodil : is your muse one to be loyal in relationships , or are they likely to quickly move from one bond to another ? ! ]

Oh boy. Joshua wants so desperately to have a long-term partner. But with that comes a whole slew of issues.

At some point, he'll have to reveal that he's an heir of Jehanna (even if his potential partner is a Magvel muse, he essentially hid this fact and lied to everyone for like half the game). That's a lot of freaking pressure to put on someone! Not to mention...can they trust Joshua again, or continue to love the person he is, knowing that he covered up something so dire?

(We'll barely touch upon the fact that, if this other person is able to bear a child, they'll be expected to produce an heir etc etc etc.)

Thus, Joshua pursues a lot of short-lived, intense relationships. He breaks them off when his feelings get too big, or if the other person starts prying too much about his past. I genuinely hope there wil be muses that Joshua can one day trust with the weight of his secrets, and not run in disgust like he expects them to. But it's a big ask.