#livingrief

[berglietz]

"Young man!" He'd said the words in a forgetful daze. That's right, the boy's name was Caspar. He hardly expected to see him here at the ball, but then again this was for the monastery.

"How fares you?" Finn asks. The student looked dressed and ready for the ball. Perhaps youth were more inclined for this sort of thing than he suspected.

"Would you like to get a drink with me? Perhaps we could discuss battle strategies or...."

Anything other than this dreadful ball. But the ocean itself was not a bad thing. Finn's gaze turned to the lapping waves and then back to Caspar. "Do you fancy the sea, lad?"

"Oh, hey! It's good to see you up and at 'em!" Caspar's smile is genuine, brightened by the adjacency to the sea and to good food and lively music as he waves to the knight. "Yeah, I like the sea. Swimming is great for training, and there's something about the air here that's just really…alive, you know? But I mean-" He tilts his head at the combination of questions all together, humming quietly as he processes them all. "Drinking and talking strategy while enjoying the ocean? Sounds like a way to get a lot of seawater in my mouth if I'm not careful. But hey! I'm up for a challenge!"

[deathsdue]

[ JOUST ] - Impress someone by sparring with them by the shoreline or fighting for their honor while they watch from the seating area. The Adrestians know how to put on a good show, so why not take advantage of the beautifully decorated space by the sea? Use stage weapons that are both impressive and humorous to create an entertaining experience!

"Gerome!" Finn calls. He'd been looking for the boy in his downtime. Finding a masked man was not that dificult per se, but the beach was rather crowded.

Ah, there he was. 

"Gerome," Finn calls. "now is as good as a time as ever to spar. Come with me. Let us put our skills to the test while the others drink and dance." He'd had enough of that already. It was time to take a break. 

"We should take advantage of the terrain, at the very least. It offers definite advantages. This may be a mock battle, but your spirit should be ever ready." Finn pulls out the obtuse mock spear as he waits for Gerome. This was the most entertainment he could hope for in a social event.

Gerome is surprised to find Finn approaching him, but once he realizes his intentions it all becomes clear. For a second he considers, but he knows Cynthia won't mind. In fact, she might be along before long to cheer him on.

He shrugs off his cloak so as to keep it out of his way and takes the training spear Finn offers.

"I'll take you up on that." He doesn't imagine this is the kind of dance most have in mind, but the steps are far more familiar to him and the appeal is too strong to pass up.

Gerome takes a position opposite Finn along the beach. "Come at me!"

[amatsuken]

[ JOUST ] - Impress someone by sparring with them by the shoreline or fighting for their honor while they watch from the seating area. The Adrestians know how to put on a good show, so why not take advantage of the beautifully decorated space by the sea? Use stage weapons that are both impressive and humorous to create an entertaining experience!

They were merely stage weapons. That was it. Finn took no pleasure in a toy blade. As he examined the specimens, he was reminded of the new professor he had spent time with repairing weapons. Such was a comfortable quiet that he rarely found in the academy. 

Finn scans the crowd to see if she might be here. He recalls how she stated she was foreign nobility; many of students and faculty alike were as well. The ball appeared to be a prime destination for such folk. It is finally that he sees her towards the edge of the ballroom and approaches.

"Princess Say'ri," he calls. "Good evening to you. I hope you are enjoying the festivities." A pause. A double-take. "If you are so inclined, perhaps you might inspect the fake sparring weapons with me. I enjoyed your knowledge of warcraft." "Of course, if you are already occupied, do not feel obliged."

"Sir Finn!" A familiar face amongst the sea of strangers is pleasant always, and Say'ri quickly offers a slight bow as a means of providing him with a proper greeting. Despite her status, the fall of Chon'sin meant that she spent little time in situations such as these, this Ball being one of the first and only events she's attended-- it's ... strange, a bit unnerving, but to have a chance to unwind is sorely appreciated. " 'Tis different from what I am accustomed to," She begins, sounding a bit sheepish. "Yet I do not mean this in a negative manner. I... like it." I like the peace. The ability to see everyone happy. Her head tilts quizzically upon his mention of fake weapons, though, her eyes flitting to look at the props provided. They look decent enough, but it's obvious that they're made of flimsy material upon closer inspection-- and an idea strikes. "You and I are warriors more than socialites. Let us try these out- and let us indulge in what we are best at. I challenge you, Sir Finn! To the winner goes the spoils... the charm at my neck. What say you?"

[wingboundwarrior]

[ RELAX ] - For those looking to take a breather, the cabana located a short ways from the ball’s epicenter might be the answer. Take a seat in the chairs lined up side-by-side on the porch and pour yourself a drink from the chilled wine bottle as you have a fine view of the ocean. A white hammock lies inside for those who want to recharge before jumping back into the fray.

It's that time of night when Finn knows he needs a break from the festivities. A cabana on the ballroom's side lets him know he can step off. Without much pause, he moves to the seated area. The roar of the ocean met his ears along with the salty brine in the air. It was quite a choice for a venue, clearly meant to be a bold touch. 

But much of the beauty and majesty of the ocean was lost on FInn. He looked to the duller blues and grays of the waves for some sort of solace and found none, though a semblance did echo in his mind of simpler days when a town called FIana was his home.

He settled on the side of the cabane with beverage in hand when a blue-haired woman caught his eye. It was she, the pegasus knight who challenged him in the twilight.  "So you're here," he says, without much nuance, standing beside her. She didn't strike him as the ball-going type, but perhaps he could find solace that another like-minded soul was in the ballroom tonight. "Enjoying the ocean views?" "

“So I am.” She doesn’t turn to him, eyes over the sea front, roiling waves and white caps, before a dart of eyes checks her directions again — making sure she has not missed anything vital in the few moments she’d allowed herself solace in the sea. “I am here to guard the party. But I can’t lie and say the view is not reminding me of where I grew up.”

It’s much warmer here, of course. The breeze sighs hot breaths over her skin, salt-slick and humid. It’s nothing like the icy razor of Ilia’s shoreline. It’s almost hard to remember, here, in the heat-soaked sand.

“I’m surprised that you are here.” What does a man that longs for death such as he have to do with a party? He’d even dressed up nicely... “Did you come with someone?”

[hosannan]

Finn's heart warms like melting ice at the sight of Nanna, one of the only people he looked forward to seeing besides his wife.

She does not have to do anything but be herself, and it is enough. As he approaches, the salt in the air and the crashing waves take him back to a younger age, when they lived in Fiana and the world was a less complicated place.

But life is not so simple. His heart is still hardened to reality. He is still the fallen knight who can only do his duty. Yet by Nanna's sight, all the darkness fades away and he feels a glimmer of peace. A semblance of normalcy. The most gentle push that life can be kind, that life can be forgiveness.

"Nanna," he greets. "I'm glad to see you." An almost smile. He knows she would not miss such an occasion, of course. That she is here to be by Lord Leif's side is not spoken of. 

"You look nice," he admits, features softening for a moment. "Shall we sit together for a bit?"

There was only the need to be by her side. He asked nothing else of her. 

“Father.”

His voice had always steadied her. Not because it was commanding, or particularly loud, but because it was his—quiet, consistent, like the pull of tide against stone. She turned to him fully then, taking in the sight of him, how the flower at his lapel softened the years at his shoulders. How, in all the ways that mattered, he had never changed.

“...Oh,” she breathed, small and sure, as if her heart had remembered the shape of his before her lips could catch up. “You look handsome tonight. That flower must be mother's. Haha!”

Her hands folded neatly at her front. The way she held herself was still—calm not from lack of emotion, but from learning how to carry it. That had always been her way. And even now, under the glitter of lights and the hush of waves, she could feel her shoulders want to lower, just a little, in his presence.

“I would like that very much,” she said, nodding once before stepping gently to his side. “To rest with you for a bit.”

They weren’t words for ceremony or grandeur. They were words to mean: I missed you. I’m glad you’re here. I remember when all I needed was this—just this. A place beside him.

“I used to think the ocean was too large for memories to follow,” she said quietly, as they walked. “But now it's the opposite. No matter where we go, the memories keep rushing back to me. It's... nice."

Her smile was a private one, something tucked away just for him. She didn’t need to ask anything of him. It was enough that he had stayed. Enough that he still came back. She quietly unclasped one of her seashell charms, linking it to his bracelet quietly before resting her head on his shoulder. She traded her seashell for his anchor, feeling the depth of his love in full bloom. And she hummed to herself a small melody of Fiana, however far away it was.

[landslioness]

By the time Finn arrives, the ballroom is already a thickly populated function, and he must wade his way through to find the only one he is searching for tonight. Attendees in costumes of all colors and types adorn the multicolored beach. Finn stops for a moment to see the majesty of the ocean—the push and pull of its great waves and tides—but then he is lost again on the big sandy expanse. 

Lachesis, only her,was the prime reason he attended tonight. It wasn't easy to admit, but he, too, could feel a smidge of excitement waiting to see her, to lay his eyes on his wife and see how she had dressed up for the evening. Of course, anything she wore would make her beautiful. He was merely content to stand by her side. To be allowed that alone.

The orchestra changed songs, and the knight finally caught sight of his love exiting a dance. Lachesis was fully dressed up, adorned head to toe in a dark pink ensemble that flared at the waist with lace and ruffles. Finn waited for his moment and approached.

Clearing his throat, he approached her stiffly. This was still far from his place of choice. "Lachesis, you look....." What did she look like? How could he put it into words? "Very attractive. Beautiful. I think I am what you call bewitched." Was that right? Did he say it well? Finn scratched his head awkwardly.  "If you would do the honor of having a dance with me...." he extended his arm in a bow. "It would mean the world to me." Yet he has to remind himself that he is merely grateful to be allowed next to her. 

“Thank you for the dance. Do feel free to- Ah! On second thought, perhaps another time. Farewell.”

She’s lost count of which one of her first several dances this must have been, but Lachesis says goodbye to the one she shared the experience with with genuine joy all the same. She would offer to meet again tonight, perhaps even another dance, but a blue-haired guest and his equipped hibiscus easily catches her eyes. Yes, all of the new sights have been exciting…but she mustn't forget those who she’s come to share the experiences with.

Upon disengagement, the princess glides by the other dances to meet Finn in a more open space. Enough to socialize in…but not long before the dancing crowd would sweep them up. Not that Lachesis minds being caught by the performance.

“All three of those shall suffice,” Lachesis responds with a soft giggle as he scratches his head. His hesitance in spite of his devotion to her…it nearly takes her back to the first days they’ve met during the unrest in Agustria.

Except this time around, Lachesis is more than open to share feelings all the same. “You appear stunning in your own look, Finn. My flower truly brings it all together.”

Before she can make the offer, Lachesis gasps at the arm he extends in offering. She nearly thought she would have to force any dance on him tonight. But she’s glad to find that will not be necessary.

“It would be my own honor, my love,” Lachesis smiles and lays one hand upon his arm. “However, considering the other dances I’ve had already, and the unfamiliarity of this tune…

“...you take the lead, please.”

[deathsdue]

"Ah, there you are,"

Finn had been meaning to have a word with Gerome postbattle. There were a few things worth clarifying. All in all, the boy had exceeded his expectations with the strength of his axe. Finn nodded. He'd certainly go far with proper training. 

"Excellent work with the battle," Finn's tone spoke only cordially.

He still did not understand the relationship between the wyvern rider and the redhead, but Finn preferred to stay out of people's personal lives. "Remember to stay calm and collected in a battle." A hand reached his chin as he pondered his next words.

"Some prefer to go in the heat of the moment, but I believe thinking through each step clearly will bring victory."

"At any rate, excellent job," Finn gave one more nod and turned to leave. 

There's something in Finn that Gerome recognizes but he's yet to put a name to it. It's just a feeling whenever he's near the man, as if he would understand if Gerome ever told him about the horrors of his past. He wouldn't, that is a covenant between childhood friends, but he somehow has the sense that Finn might understand.

Perhaps that is why his chest swells with pride when he hears Finn's words of praise. Or perhaps he is just not used to hearing praise.

But the words that follow ring true. In the last round, the older man had been made to intervene more than once to save him. He'd let himself get carried away by Severa's presence. The two had always been like that and the joy at seeing her had been fanned by the excitement of battle.

He should have been more measured in his approach. Mock battle or not, this was a prelude to the battles that mattered. The ones where they risked their lives. Just as they had when the monastery fell. Being reprimanded mid-battle had made him take pause but now...

...his hackles raise ever so slightly.

"That won't happen in a real battle. Severa and I, we're friends." A statement that says so little but so much simply because the words fall from his lips. He bestows very few that title.

Having said his piece, he relaxes. "But I see your point. I will take your words to heart. And...thank you."

[landslioness]

The remainder of their previous conversation still stirred in his mind after the battle's end. He was not privy to joy after the victory, no, all he felt was a dull ache knowing that there was more work to be done.

But his thoughts turned to the lioness. She always, always overworked herself too hard. For her sake, for others' sakes, for his sake...When would she learn to stop? The possibility remained that such actions could translate to the battlefield. His blood stirred thinking merely at the possibility of her getting injured.

No, he didn't deserve to stand by her side. But he could try to protect her from the sidelines. He was still a knight of Leonster, yes? Even if he had discarded his title of husband, any man worth his salt would lend a hand to a lady in trouble.

He'd found himself looking for her before thinking of it. Medics pointed him to the tent with faces drowning in pity. Was it that bad? Rushing in, he lifted a flap of the tent to see her lying down.

The wounds were severe. She was clearly resting and he meant not to disturb her. Finn entered only to observe. If he could have prevented this. But she too was a warrior and wished to battle. He must respect that. His head reached for her forehead to check temperature. She was warm. Fingers reached out to brush her golden locks away. Maybe he could just stay like this for a moment.

"I know you're a force to be reckoned with," he starts, "but seeing you like this, sometimes I wish you wouldn't give it your all...." No, that wasn't right....  His hand moved to feel the warmth of her cheek. "No, I don't mean that. I only wish there was something I could do for you, Lachesis."

“Sleep.” They told her. “You need rest.”

It was the immediate command of the nurses after the people who have come to check in on her have left. While they seemed scattered during their presence, they were insistent for the patient to get some further shuteye, perhaps while she was in more control of her body. Without thinking of anyone that she’d want to see her in this state, Lachesis simply obeyed.

Her dreams still are not peaceful. They mirror whatever limbo she’s found herself in while unconscious post-battle. Well, not entirely. She can visualize some lush forests in the distance, and standing on a wide field, some hills to her side. Lachesis would love to describe and explore more, but she is still wedged in one position. A terrible premonition, especially when more figures morph into her sights.

This is no simple field. It is a battleground.

One by one, cavalry units toss themselves from the right into allied forces on the left. Just like counting sheep, but way more frequent…and harmful. As strong as she knows her allied force to be, the opposing mounted force is mightier. She knows from experience. This is her experience.

Their clashes get closer to her. Then closer. She anticipates facing the fabled Black Knight any second now, his demonic sword of dark gleaming for its next victim. But instead, to her surprise, another knight charges right for her, aiming straight for her heart. The young princess closes her eyes. It’ll be over soon.

Clash!

Lachesis slowly opens her eyes, looking up to find a knight on her side. No, that’s…Finn? He…saved her. His mouth opens.

"I know you're a force to be reckoned with, but seeing you like this, sometimes I wish you wouldn't give it your all...."

…What? That’s not right. That isn’t what he told her here.

"No, I don't mean that. I only wish there was something I could do for you, Lachesis."

He corrects himself atop his horse, and this is still all…wrong. So wrong.

“Finn…”

–

“Finn…”

She faintly feels a palm on her cheek, tempting her to open her eyes. But her golden eyes are of fool’s gold, glassy and fake. Her mumbles make it clear that she is only speaking in her dreams.

“You’re supposed to…be there for me. No, of course. That’s not…what you told me then…”

The princess unconsciously lifts her hand to join Finn’s. A smile much too wide finds itself on her face.

“You told me…to keep going. That is all you need to do for me. Finn.”

And with that singular sentence, Lachesis drops her hand back to the bed and head rolls back to the center of the pillow. The smile has barely dimmed.