#s:lachesis

[delicatevalentine]

[ CHOCOLATE ] - Stefanelli's has partnered with the monastery to make the most of the supplies left in excess of their workshops earlier in the year by offering packages of sweet chocolates for attendees. The offerings appear generous... that is, until you open your box to find it only half full.

It was a little disappointing, at first, to open the box of chocolates and find it half full. Or was it half empty? Whatever it was, an idea soon sparked, chasing away the ill feelings. Hilda got to work.

Once her ambitions had been realised, she only had to choose a target. She spotted a face she recalled from the strange starlit cave some moons ago, which was as good of a reason as any to approach.

"Hey! Lachesis, right?" she greeted. She presented the box with a flourish. "I got you something."

Inside, Hilda had arranged the sparse chocolates in the shape of a flower around a singular yellow lily, donated from her own supply.

"Happy Ethereal Ball!"

[amitieos]

frolic in the lights

The Ethereal Ball was just around the corner and a feverish delight had struck students and staff alike. Preparations were well underway for the monastery’s biggest and brightest social event of the year. Whilst she had yet to go shopping and find the perfect outfit, Elincia had enthusiastically volunteered to help prepare the ballroom, decorations and all.

The dancefloor had arrived and been installed that very morning. Hardwood tiles form complex patterns across the room. Tentatively, she steps forth and hears the clack of her heels against wood and feels the spring back from the tiles. It’s a splendid sensation, one that takes her back to her childhood. Days spent twirling around Castle Crimea’s ballrooms, gently perched atop her father’s feet as golden sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and sweet as a mother’s touch on her cheeks. Elincia takes another step, relishing in the moment before skipping out a fondly familiar beat her mother used to play and twirling in circles across the dancefloor.

Even without music, it felt so natural to simply dance away all her cares. She carried on, waltzing across the ballroom floor with flourish until she collapsed, giddy and light onto the floor. Breathless, laughter still tried to bubble forth as Elincia rested her head upon her knees. Heavy doors scrape across the floor, announcing another’s arrival. To save herself the embarrassment, she scrambles quickly to her feet but her cheeks are still strained crimson from all that dancing.

But her gaze softens and her smile brightens as she regards the other with great affection.

“Oh, have you come to check out the dancefloor too, my lady?”

@lionheartedsunflower​

[amitieos]

charlatans and saints

Saint Seiros has come to town! Yep, you heard right. While Garreg Mach’s seen its fair share of impostors in the past, none so far have had the gall to impersonate the church’s founder herself. Whoever this lady is, she at the very least looks and sounds the part - she bears a striking beauty beyond words, and a commanding presence to go along with it. Is she here to stage a coup? Or maybe she’s just after the church-sanctioned taxes… Whatever the case, you need to land this broad and her impressively large following in jail like right this second. [Grants Faith +1]

Another month, another mission. Elincia was often eager to assist the Church, both to assimilate better to life in Fodlan and further her studies. If she were to become the leader Crimea deserves it would take blood, sweat and tears. As well as an expansion of her rather small and limited world.

Today’s task was to accost a charismatic woman whose beauty and radiance was beyond mere words.

Naturally, Elincia makes her way to Lady Lachesis of Nordion. A woman who ticks every box on her little check list. Except the one where she was impersonating the long dead Saint Seiros.

“Lady Lachesis? I do hope I’m not being a bother,” she makes sure to curtsy before the lioness. Elincia herself is naturally laid-back and unbothered by formalities - she thinks of herself as a woman of and for the people. After all, what is a Queen’s purpose other than to serve her citizens. People who felt and fought and dreamed just as vividly as the nobility did. Manners however cost nothing at all and should be extended to everyone, not least a lady of Lachesis’ skill and talent. Elincia respects her not simply as the Princess of House Nordion but as a fierce and passionate warrior, protector and a woman who would never be silenced. There was a lot she could learn from her. “I’ve been tasked with a mission from the church. There is a woman claiming to be Saint Seiros in the area.”

Why would a woman feel the need to take on the guise of a woman long lost to history? Elincia had to give her credit for such a bold manoeuvre. If only it’s effects were confined to the ruling class, who could probably do with a little shake up. No, her true concern lay with the followers the woman had amassed. It was impossible that she really was Saint Seiros of course but... to prey on the vulnerable who looked to her for guidance and respite was a step too far.

She stops and wonders if the church is not guilty of the same? A question she does not have answers to. If they ever are within her grasp, Elincia will have to listen to her heart. That said, she would rather not lock the woman in a dungeon anyway. Her own rule in Crimea was defined by compassion and understanding. If they could talk things out, surely that would be the best outcome for all involved.

“I dearly hope this can be resolved with firm but understanding words. I understand however that is not always possible,” The frown on her face is impossible to hide. By nature Elincia is artless and lacking in guile, yet ever determined to learn. Already she has made stride, knows better how to use her enthusiasm and friendliness to flatter when necessary. Yet there is still much to learn if she wishes to protect her people. Rules to be bent in the name of the greater good. The path of least resistance, least pain for all involved holds the most value in her heart. “Have you seen anyone matching this description though? Apparently she has a presence as enthralling as your own to boot.”

@lionheartedsunflower

[demarianis]

Capable comrades…‎ ‎ The library's collection…‎ ‎ Cooking mishaps…‎ ‎

Her fingers tighten around the handle of her teacup as Marianne all but withers under the woman's gaze. The blonde haired pilgrim carries herself with a grace she could never even hope to achieve. Suddenly, the milky white swirls of her lavender tea become the most interesting thing in the world.

"Ah... I'm not much use, sorry. I guess I can manage a bit of healing in a pinch but, um, there's other people much better at that," Marianne catches herself rambling and immediately quiets. Her left hand picks at the hem of her jacket and she takes a moment to catch herself. Her conversation partner can't possibly have been asking about Marianne herself, surely. Timid, dull Marianne whose greatest talent was being a wallflower. "Oh, but... Claude and Hilda might be able to help you. They're both far more accomplished and brave than I am."

"I- um, I could try to ask them for you? If... if that's something you'd like, that is."

[luxaltare]

[ Cue the Music ] - there’s certainly music, but it’s unlike any you’ve ever heard before. Maybe it’s because it’s played by crickets with tiny instruments. Dance, request a song, or just stare at your new insect colleagues until they grow annoyed with you, you have so much freedom!

" 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒆~ "

A lady of talented dance, a lady soon to be of Nordion ~~~~ Lachesis smiled, thoughtful of her little nephew's fiancee; a smile blossomed atop pink lips, and she bowed in a curtsy. Perhaps she could witness her nephew dance and sway once more, perhaps as he had with her when he was little ~~~~ or perhaps it was no affinity of Lene's at all, and this Lachesis could fathom, for those who watched a dancer were of the leering sort.

"I am Lachesis, Ares's aunt," She spoke, offering her gloved hand forward. "It's lovely to finally meet you."

"You needn't accept of course ~~~~ I can understand that your profession might taint how you view a dance." So, she withdrew her hand, offering kindness so that Lene might know it was always extended, if not physically than metaphorically. "But I'd gladly spear the heart of whomever might bother you, dear."

( 𝓛𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝑾𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑹 ! )

"Lady Lachesis?" Lene whispers almost reverently. The woman before her is golden, glowing gloriously under the chandeliers. She's awe-struck, left fighting the urge to shy away lest she prove herself lacking in manners and decorum. "Oh my. It's an honour - I've heard many a tale about you. Ares speaks most highly of you."

Lene bends into a curtsy and almost misses the hand extended her way. Her cheeks colour softly. The hand is withdrawn, as Lachesis continues to speak so kindly to her. She can't help but chuckle at the threat towards anyone who would dare to bother her.

"Forgive me, my lady! I do not mean to laugh, it's just that..." the joy on her face cannot be hidden. Green eyes dance with mirth as she covers her mouth with her hand. "You sound so very like Ares! It warms my heart. Thank you, for welcoming me so kindly."

"I would love to dance with you, actually. I can't think of anything more joyful than sharing a dance with those I hold dear!" Lene holds out her own hand this time, mark of fire shining in the lights. As Lachesis takes it in her own, another flower blooms against her necklace. "Would you care to lead, or shall I? I've been told you're an excellent dancer, my lady."

[stahllions]

Charcuterie Board: Every flavor of cheese you can imagine, all lined up by color and size for the Aesthetique.

A student of hers ~~~~ calm and mellow, a perceived standard of talent ~~~~ does she pass by, and reaches at his shoulder to halt him ; she hadn't a need for any more grub, so charity was the only course of action.

" Please, do take some of these, " She nods to the tray in her hands. " I had wanted only a few snacks, but the staff here impressed upon me the entire tray. Share them with friends ~~~~ I haven't a care. I simply need them out of my hands. "

( 𝓛𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝑾𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑹 ! )

"Professor!" Stahl greeted jovially. His gaze was immediately drawn to the impressive spread of cheeses, laid out oh-so-temptingly. He could hardly believe his luck as the entire tray was offered to him. "Oh! Yes, of course... Sharing with friends... I'd be happy to take them off your hands-- oh!"

In his eagerness, his extended hand almost knocked the whole delectable assortment off-balance. Fortunately, he was able to stabilise the platter in the nick of time, one hand steadying the edge and the other underneath the board atop the blonde's. The skin contacted ignited an azure flower from the vine around his neck, mirroring the one of green across from him. Stahl scarcely noticed in the panic of the moment.

"Good heavens! That was almost a disaster," he said with a chuckle.

[delicatevalentine]

[ Rat-Tat Tooey ] - a rat in a little hat is cooking up tiny dishes fit for a five-star restaurant. Partake in the refreshments table and try not to think about what it’s like to be a rat with a human consciousness.

" Lady Goneril ! "

Two fingers scurry up the girl's shoulder in playful jest, and a blossom of emerald ignites ; lofty winds displace and spray about a mystical essence of azure water.

" Aren't the rats simply a gorgeous sight ? " It was all in jest ~~~~ Lachesis could hardly favor the creatures any more than the next person.

( 𝓛𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝑾𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑹 ! )

Hilda, having just started to feel peckish, wandered over to the buffet table only to be stopped dead in her tracks, horror painting her expression. Was that...? It couldn't be. Surely, the spirits were not so cruel as to have vermin cooking their dinner?

She jumped slightly at the fluttering on her shoulder, imagining for a moment that it was one of the rodents, before remembering that, as they were now the same size, such an action would likely floor her.

Hilda patted the other girl's hand in a friendly gesture. As her palm made contact, a blue flower sprouted from the otherwise bare vine that she had failed to remove from around her neck. Weird...

"I cannot agree with you there," she said with a dark look at their furry chef. "If, after all that has happened, I also come down with food poisoning, I will not be happy."

[luxaltare]

( protect )  -  for the sender’s muse to step between the receiver’s muse and a threat to protect them .

Hands twirl through pearlescent silk as Lene ends her dance, rallying their soldiers to continue the good fight. She's in her element, doing what she loves and helping those she cares for. Yet as she turns through her next steps, to find someone else who needs her cheer, a bright and blinding flash of steel catches her attention. Lene leaps back, scrambling for the hilt of a sword but finds nothing. No iron or steel with which to defend herself.

Golden hair, a shade heartachingly familiar floods her vision. A colour that means home.

It isn't Ares who comes to her rescue this time though, instead a shorter, lithe figure. A woman, crowned and gallant. As much a lion as her nephew.

"Lady Lachesis, I--" relief floods her veins instantly. Lene knows now she's in safe hands. But the danger isn't clear just yet. "Thank you. Please, let me aid you however I can."