#m:wonderland

[luneirika]

disney princess storybook tea party playset

Reason and Faith band together to put on this month’s special seminar: the history of tasseomancy! You will be learning the “magic” behind divination and how the old masters used the remains of tea leaves and coffee grounds to predict future events. Just in time for the moon of love, you will all be divining your romantic futures from a delicious cup of white rose tea. [Grants Reason or Faith +1]

The classroom is abuzz with quiet but excited chatter before the seminar starts. Gossip seems to be in the air today, Eirika notes quietly to herself, pulling out the tasseomancy guidebook from the reading list. Divination was a tricky topic, not in it's academic complexity but rather that Eirika knew full well the dangers of knowing the future too well. Knowing too much and being powerless to halt the coming ruin. Falling into the abyss oneself in a vainglorious attempt to control destiny and fate.

The lengths good, kind men could be driven to by prophecy.

Flicking through the handbook though, it seems to dwell on lighter topics. Predictions about dating and romance mostly, and all of them rather vague. Likely nothing of concern but it's impossible for her to deny the fact she'd rather study almost anything else.

The delicate sent of white roses floods her senses, as she pours water from the tea pot over the leaves in her own cup. She supposes that, whilst things could be better they could also be much worse. Chair legs scrape across the floor and another young woman takes the seat across from her. Hair as blue as the night sky obscures her face for a moment before being swept away, revealing a gentle face with sparkling eyes. For a moment, Eirika is left speechless. It would however, be rude to stare.

"Good afternoon. I take it you're here for the seminar as well? I'm pleased to share your company," her hands grasp the porcelain handle of the teapot, feeling the warmth bleed through into her fingers. It's not so hot as to be unpleasant, thankfully. With careful attention she pours water into the other woman's cup before settling it down to one side, out of the way and so as to not create a barrier between the two of them. "I'm Princess Eirika of Renais and the pleasure truly is all mine."

@arcaeda

[luneirika]

as my life is done in watermelon sugar

In spite of getting dragged from your Academy beds and made to solve problems in the middle of nowhere, these weeks spent in the village have given you all the best sleep of your lives. Tonight, you and your friends are whisked off to shared a dream of the past, what is now an idyllic world that adapts easily to your desires and expectations. Your mistakes, the pain others have inflicted on you, the things you’ve lost… everything you wish you could have changed or have control over, this dream gives you the chance to correct the course and make things right again. But as you feel your mind and body getting weaker with every minute you remain asleep, you realize that tearing yourself away from a world where everything is perfect takes a lot more will than simply kicking yourself awake. [Grants Faith +1]

Eirika arrives at Grado Keep late in the evening. The household staff waiting outside for her is to be expected; to settle her into bed after a brief audience with Emperor Vigarde to announce her arrival. She was not expecting him. Her heart soars in her chest when she sees him. Eirika scrambles to get out of the carriage as fast as she can. All thoughts of propriety fly from her mind as she dashes towards Lyon, teal hair blowing behind her in the wind. Wrapping her arms around his neck she laughs, joyful and warm. Oh, she had truly missed him!

“Lyon! What are you doing out here in the cold?” Eirika scolds, though her tone belies her real feelings. It feels like it’s been so very long - an eternity almost. Holding on to him like this feel so much like relief, a balm for a wound she didn’t know marred her heart. “It’s so good to see you again! It’s been--”

How long had it been? Eirika finds the words disappear, right on the tip of her tongue. She can’t bring herself to finish the sentence; something about this feels off but she just can’t place her finger on it. Wonders why it makes her heart ache so. After all, there’s no reason for her to feel like this moment is a miracle. One she hasn’t earned. Eirika shakes her head, stepping back to take a good look at her dearest friend.

“Well it’s been a while. I’ve missed you greatly,” she tries to ignore the strange feeling in her chest. Focusses instead on the present moment. “I can’t believe you managed to prevent such a terrible quake! You really are a hero, Lyon.”

@sacretic​

[luneirika]

the wisdom of birds

Exploring the dense, forested land surrounding the town leads you to the yawning mouth of a cave, one that you don’t recognize from the villagers’ explanations of their territory. Carved stone steps invite you into a manmade bunker, an underground web of hallways and rooms that are too well-maintained to be abandoned. Eventually your group manages to stumble their way into a treasure trove of information, a library stocked with books on a variety of magical topics from taming spirits to exorcising them. You read a book on barriers intended to block out wayward spirits from corrupting the mind, learning how the writer’s people would build labyrinthine strongholds underground to trap them in for the rest of their days. An underground maze… hallways that twist and turn… “no way home”? This may be time to trace your steps before this place becomes your grave. [Grants Any Skill +1]

It’s a long, tiresome hike through the forest and up towards the cave. Made even more wearisome by the grumbling and groaning of her companion. Eirika sets her jaw, swallowing down anything unkind she might be tempted to say. She does not know Linhardt well enough to pass judgement about him and any irritation really stems from her own exhaustion too. As they get closer, stone steps are carved into the gaping mouth of the cave. Eirika stands at the bottom in awe as Linhardt catches up, face red from exhaustion.

She takes pity on him, offering a soft smile.

“I’ll head up and look inside. Take a break to catch your breath,” one foot on the steps, she looks back at Linhardt. “I’ll call for you if I need back up, okay?”

The sun beats down on her relentlessly as she makes her way up. It’s brutal, especially with the stitch already forming at her side. But she’s been through far worse before. Trekked through Jehanna’s deserts, so empty of  the sparks of life. Of birdsong and verdure, to offer shade and respite. With that in mind she endures, walks faster and taller until she reaches the apex of her journey. 

Eirika’s jaw drops. What she expected to find, she is unsure. It is certainly not this. Grand hallways, carved into stone as if by the hands of giants. Each wall lined with heavy tomes stretching as far as she could see. Some of them were clearly ancient, their spines written in spindly, flowing letters that were completely unrecognisable. Others appeared newer - not recent but written in legible text at least. Magical tomes, compendiums, records perhaps of civilisations long since passed. A treasure trove of arcane knowledge.

She is no expert in magic. Knows the basics, thanks to her dear friend. Can feel it prickling in the air as she steps forward. Knows enough to honestly say she’s out of her depth. Eirika returns to the cave’s maw.

“Linhardt! Sorry to cut your break short but... you might be interested in this. I think we’ve stumbled on some ancient library,” should be enough to stoke his interest. Still, there’s more to it and more to entice her companion with. “It feels enchanted too. I’m certain there’s plenty of interest to uncover here but I won’t get far alone I’m afraid.”

@pridelessdaydreamer​

[luneirika]

dungeon dice monsters

There’s a new game taking the school population by storm. It involves collecting small art prints of various monsters controlled by powerful summoners with spells and traps. They can be combined to form decks to be pitted against other players in head-on battles. Are you interested in playing and collecting? Or are you perhaps more interested in grabbing the rarest, powerful cards and selling them for a profit? [Grants Authority +1]

A new craze had seized Garreg Mach, one that had managed to pique Eirika’s interest. At first it had been the art on the cards that had attracted her, drawn her here to the marketplace in order to buy her own set. Sat inside a small cafe, the swordswoman sips on a cup of coffee whilst carefully reading over the descriptions of each card and it’s effects. A cursory glance told her that using them in battle required both luck and strategy. If only she had someone to play with. As if on cue, a familiar face sits down at the table next from her. Lifting her head, Eirika smiles gently and waves.

“Pelleas, is that you? It’s been quite a while,” she says softly, not wishing to disrupt the quiet atmosphere of the place. Still, it was quite exciting to see a familiar face. “I hope you’ve been well. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Would you like to sit together? I can move these out of the way if you like.” Eirika offers, already gathering her cards back together. She pauses, hands mid sweep, when she spots the deck of cards in his own hands. It seems she wasn’t the only one bitten by the Dungeon Dice Monsters bug.

“Ah, unless you’d like to play a little while? I’m a complete novice but it would be nice to learn the ropes with a friendly face. Assuming you aren’t otherwise preoccupied of course! If you have better things to do, please don’t let me keep you.”

“I’m just glad to see you again!”

@pirrhyc

[luneirika]

surf's up 2: wave mania

Rusalka is an idyllic territory by the coast. It’s easy to see why anyone would be captivated by the sun, the sea breeze, and the high, rocky cliffs overlooking the shimmering ocean. The people in the port city seem friendly enough, but few seem to recall seeing any knights around lately. This is the biggest city in the area though, so someone is bound to come through at some point. With the shopping and the weather as good as it is, no time like the present to have a little vacation while you wait for leads then, right? Beach day! Maybe even try your hand at what the locals call “surfing.” [Grants Riding +1]

Sunlight sparkles upon the waves, which lap against the pure white sands so reminiscent of Jehanna's dunes. Eirika stretches her back, a feline grin on her face as she basks in the warmth of Rusalka's sunshine. It's a beautiful day, the picturesque shoreline and aquamarine sea and sky are almost enough to make one forget all their troubles. To believe, for just a little while, that life really could be so gentle and kind.

That they aren't supposed to be investigating a disappearance.

Still, the midsummer heat is relentless. Eirika takes careful, measured sips of water as she approaches the wave, taking in the bloom of fleur de sel that came with each sea spray. Such an idyllic scene leaves behind a dull ache of loneliness. It would be a shame, to enjoy a day like this alone. To keep such wonderful treasure to herself. Thankfully, Eirika spots a familiar face, not too far away, framed by thick copper curls.

"Artur! It's wonderful to see you!" Eirika calls out, skipping across the soft, warm sand. Skidding to stop, she grins brightly. "It's a lovely day. I do hope you're keeping well in this heat though." Looking around the beach, she's struck with an idea.

"Care to try out 'surfing' with me? It looks like the locals find it great fun."

@shadesofpurity

[nagargent]

sunlit tides

Rusalka is an idyllic territory by the coast. It’s easy to see why anyone would be captivated by the sun, the sea breeze, and the high, rocky cliffs overlooking the shimmering ocean. The people in the port city seem friendly enough, but few seem to recall seeing any knights around lately. This is the biggest city in the area though, so someone is bound to come through at some point. With the shopping and the weather as good as it is, no time like the present to have a little vacation while you wait for leads then, right? Beach day! Maybe even try your hand at what the locals call “surfing.” [Grants Riding +1]

Fleur de sel blossoms in the rock pools as Julia steps upon the Rusalkan beach. The sunlight showering down upon her is almost enough to make her forget the pair of them are on a mission. Almost. They were sent here to investigate the disappearance of a contingency of the Knights of Seiros, but their search seemed to have hit a wall.

“Sorry, haven’t seen any knightly types around here. Except that lad over there,” the young, blond gentleman she’s speaking to points behind her. As she turns around, he adds. “The redhead. Though I guess he’s a little younger than your looking for, right?”

Julia’s shoulders drop immediately. He’s pointing towards Roy, who is at a stall on the otherside of the beach, getting them both a drink. She shakes her head slightly with a sigh, the burning heat really starting to bear down upon her. They’d had no luck so far, their best guess being that perhaps some of the knights had fallen in love with the the idyllic scenery and relaxed, easy-going lifestyle the locals seemed to enjoy here. Not the greatest lead in the world but...

“Ah, he’s with me. Sorry for wasting your time--”

“Hey now, no need to frown! Why don’t you and your friend join us? We’re going to go surfing to cool off,” the blond tilts his head to a group of teenagers, frolicking by the water’s edge with wooden boards and inflatables. It’s... tempting given the heat. Very tempting, even though Julia isn’t quite sure what ‘surfing’ is. The group look friendly and welcoming, though she isn’t sure she has it in her to abandon their duty. “Here, let’s go ask him. I’m Viggo, by the way!”

He’s off in an instant, leaving Julia sprinting to catch up. By the time they reach Roy, she’s clutching her side and struggling to catch her breath. 

“I’m Julia. Roy--” her face burns crimson from running but she attempts an easy smile. It’s probably a little strained at the corners, not because of company but goodness, she really needs to work out more. “This is Viggo. He and his friends would like us to go surfing with them. What d you think?”

@lionsword​

[amitieos]

leaf me alone

Reason and Faith band together to put on this month’s special seminar: the history of tasseomancy! You will be learning the “magic” behind divination and how the old masters used the remains of tea leaves and coffee grounds to predict future events. Just in time for the moon of love, you will all be divining your romantic futures from a delicious cup of white rose tea. [Grants Reason or Faith +1]

It’s hardly a quiet class but Elincia doesn’t mind. If anything all the chatter and excitement suggests her students are engaging with the lesson actively. Enjoying themselves too, by the sounds of laughter ringing through the classroom. Lifting her own teacup, she inhales the warm, citrus scent of Bergamot tea whilst walking between the desks, pulled together in pairs with a hot kettle upon each.

The books are out, each pair scanning through the contents, trying to identify shapes left behind in the cup. A few are held the wrong way around.

“Remember class, the handle should mark the top of the cup. If it’s pointing towards you, you’re reading upside down.”

Which was critical, both to identifying shapes and to interpreting their meanings. Positive fortune fell to disaster, whilst negative omens at the bottom were far less potent.  Giggles erupt ito her right, one girl teasing her friend with kissy faces. It seemed that love was on the cards for someone.

Or well, in the teacup. 

One of her students sits alone though, in a darkened corner. Golden hair caught the light, the figure bent over the guidebook provided. Elincia slips into the seat across from him without a sound. He does not look up.

“Tea or coffee? Would you mind if I read for you?”

@lionscion