#support: sylvain

[macnaradhaigh]

[ OSTIA ] - An Ostian court dance where the leading partner wields a ceremonial sword as a part of the routine. This dance, meant to resemble a knight with his lady, is getting some attention from the students of Fódlan.

The chamber orchestra starts up again with a steady, low drumming as Petra's eyes lock in on a flash of silver. Though the music is new, the steps feel familiar as she watches the duo weave past each other. Her palms itch as she finds herself lightly pantomiming the gentleman's footwork. In this moment, she wants nothing more than to hold a sword--to move and feel like herself, really--and still have it be something that belongs in this gilded celebration that is very much theirs and not at all hers.

From her carefully chosen vantage point, it is difficult to miss the shock of red hair gliding effortlessly through throngs of people. Despite his broad stature, he appears to move with an ease that comes not just from drilling forms, but from an awareness of his physicality. Her gaze is steady as he moves from one conversation to the other, adapting to his partners as he does.

She does not know him, and perhaps that is for the best. The residents of Fódlan seem to read something into paired dances that Petra can't quite understand. She observes for several more moments to confirm her hypothesis before leaving her perch to descend into the masses. She stands at the periphery of his interactions and waits for a natural break before coming forth with her proposal.

“Hello. I am wanting to ask something that is perhaps unusual." She gestures towards the orchestra. "The sword dance, I would like to perform it this evening. " Petra turns back to the stranger, craning her neck to meet his gaze. "It requires a partner. I think you could follow the form without difficulty. You may say no."

@ruinedskys

[fellsparks]

There she was, that one beautiful professor from the Black Eagles. One of the few times Sylvain had to admit that truly, Nel was a gorgeous girl and had a different aura compared to most- something mysterious that he couldn’t identify, like a sense of authority. It wasn’t the same as any teacher, or a noble, or even a monarch, there was just something about her that was just enthralling.

Of course, aside from her eyes. Those were a separate mystery in itself, for someone to have eyes in such a deep shade of crimson.

Perhaps it was unwise, but at this point the ginger cared very little on whether it was or not- he had decided to ask the instructor out for the ball. Even though he was well aware of not only his usual rumors but the way his very image before the Black Eagles was continuously degrading as if suffering from rapid rot, he had reached a point where if fire were to lick his skin he’d allow it.

His world was one of burning and being burnt, anyway. 

“Professor Nel! Has anyone ever told you that you have the face of a Goddess? The shape, the way the sun hits it just right, it’s almost like I’m witnessing an ivory statue come to life. Just perfection.” With a saccharine smile in place and a bouquet of flowers in hand, the heir of Gautier made himself known with a praise at the very tip of his tongue as usual. “You see, professor…I have something to ask you about.”

“The Ethereal Ball’s coming, and I’d want nothing more than to be accompanied by one of Garreg Mach’s top strongest beauties.” The wink was aimed at her, a hand extending the rather large bouquet in her direction- a fairly simple but big arrangement of pink roses and delicate blue forget-me-nots, tied with a scarlet ribbon that matched her eye color. “So, what do you say? I know I'm not one of your students, but I promise I'll behave and make sure you'll get the time of your life!”

(source of the last statement: unknown)

This was a student she had not had the pleasure of meeting yet-- but his approach has already managed to catch her attention. Whether it's in a positive or negative manner, she's not sure yet; he's given her no reason to reason that he has ill-intent, and as such, Nel will gladly extend to him the benefit of the doubt. She has been aware of the Ethereal Ball's approach, and she had made no plans to attend alongside someone. As a staff member, it was a requirement that she make an appearance regardless, but she was not the type to go out of her way to secure an accomplice for the event-- sure, were it to be presented to her... maybe she would consider the invitation. The little humans were so strange in their desires, and this one seemed quite desperate to not attend alone. (She doesn't understand the implications of accompanying him as a 'date'. Nel only sees a little one alone, afraid of braving the crowds by himself. She cannot ignore a human in need, and so...) He did bring her flowers. Did he know how much she enjoyed them? The corners of her lips tugged upwards into the slightest hint of a smile as she gingerly takes them from his hands, the blue hues of forget-me-nots filling her with a sense of nostalgia. She highly doubted that Sylvain knew her reasons for the fond look she gives the bouquet... but those particular blooms reminded her of her Divine Dragon of the past. "I appreciate your words, Sylvain, but they are not necessary. I assure you that my physical traits are quite standard." She's not entirely missing the point, but... "These are beautiful. I am quite a fan of various flowers-- Either you have done quite the extensive research, or you have luck on your side." Ruby eyes are settled on the bouquet more than they are him. He's quite energetic, and seems to be the type to enjoy himself to the fullest. Nel can't stand to watch that positivity be snuffed out simply because he's alone at the Ball, and so she offers him a nod and a chance to experience this event as it should be. "Very well. I will accompany you to this ... Ball. I do not doubt that it will be entertaining, thanks to yourself." She finally raises her gaze there, studying his expression. "Do not fret. I will be by your side... little lion."

[heavy-draw]

[ ROMANTIC STROLL ]

“Oh- I’m shot! Right in the heart!” The redhead exclaims, a hand grasping at the middle of his shirt- careful to not mess up his brooch, before finishing his way towards Shamir. “You’re as dangerous as ever, Shamir! The moment I saw you, I was absolutely taken!” The archer wasn’t exactly the type he’d weaponize his charms and heart against- she seemed distant and detached enough, disinterest was more than obvious. “But hey, before I get knocked on the head, I know! I just wanted to make sure you knew you looked absolutely drop dead beautiful!” The young man was quick to raise both hands in defense.

He pointed to one of the decorated gardens with a tilt of the head, rather than offering her his arm. “My attempt was pretty good though, wasn’t it? How about we go on a nice walk, my reward being to get to see you for a while longer? Pretty please?”

Wink wink wink. Puppy eyes.

He's about to be shot, alright. And not by Cupid. Shamir crosses her arms over her chest as he goes off on his half-assed attempt at flirting, and she shakes her head as he continues prattling on. Sure, this would work on someone who didn't have a single thought in their head-- a boy's way of complimenting a woman that they held an interest in. Well, interest is said loosely here. She's already aware of his womanizing ways, and Shamir is certain there's some sort of ulterior motive here. Or desperation. Or maybe both?

"While I appreciate your words, Sylvain... Maybe they'd hold a bit more weight if you didn't say them to every woman you came across." Her tone remains even, and she doesn't show any offense to the matter- but she also doesn't pull her punches, tilting her head to the side. She judges her options before sighing, stepping forward, one hand shooting out to grab him by the brooch and forcefully tug him down to her height. "Less talking, more doing. You'll have a better chance of getting a date that way." Shamir releases him there before turning to leave, offering him a small wave and a smirk. "And Sylvain? If you're going to use pickup lines... at least get better ones."

[goldoanheart]

Yes, It is I Lady Lyndis... and Her Loyal Knight Kent?

When you break the news about the imposter lords to one of the villages, they naturally react in horror and shame for being deceived. However, something goes awry when the message is passed along to the village elders. A miscommunication down the line leads these leaders, half-blind and three-quarters-deaf, to believe that you are the “real Lyndis”. Whether you are or not, there is little you can do to convince them otherwise, and so they demand you make things right. [Grants +1 Authority]

mission board starter for @cavalry

Look, Kurth wanted the villagers to know the truth, that they were being deceived and all that, but he hadn’t expected them to instantly turn their gaze upon him as soon as they had heard the news. Sure, he was technically a king, but he had no idea how to deal with something like this! He only knew vaguely of Lady Lyn, from seeing her around the academy, but he had no idea what she was really like! How could they possibly ever expect him to be her?! And like, he was clearly too short too. Probably. To be fair, he had only ever seen her sitting down and from a distance.

Either way, he racks his brain, trying to think of anything he knew about her. Ladies had knights, right? Or at least ones who weren’t raised in sequestered castles knowing nothing about the world outside. He remembers maybe seeing her once with a ginger knight, though he can’t recall the man’s name, if he had ever known it all. Luckily for Kurth, he has one of those to make the act all that much more convincing. Even if it is Sylvain of all people.

He bows politely before the elder, who is clearly blind enough to not be able to tell that Kurth is not a woman, smiling tightly and putting on the best air of dignity he can manage. He gestures towards Sylvain, as a way of both urging him to come closer and as if he is introducing him. If he was to act as Kurth’s knight, then he couldn’t be standing so far away! A knight always seemed to be by their lord’s side. At least, that was what Kurth assumed it was like. He’d only ever had a bodyguard, Gareth, not a true knight.

“I promise you we will make this right my good sir. I am the Lady Lyndis, and this is Kent, my knight. Just tell us what you wish for us to do and we will happily aide you. I would hate to see you suffering from any harm my imposter caused you.” That had to do the trick! Hopefully...

Now he just had to keep this up for who knew how long.

[hungrymage]

Storm Witch

>starter for: @housegautier

ϟ–By the Saints, the gangs clogging Ketterdam’s streets are persistent. 

All she wants right now is a hot meal or three, and then her bed. But secrets have a way of slithering through the slimy cobblestones, which means the identity of Fifth Harbor’s newest Squaller quickly became common knowledge. 

Ilyana pulls her coat tighter around her shoulders. Stomach rumbles louder, as if angry she’d been ignoring it for so long. Had she not had to deal with the Black Tips latest failed recruitment attempt, she’d already be eating her way through an entire menu. 

Perhaps if she hadn’t so easily controlled the lightning threatening to rip through the docks two weeks ago, things would be different. One doesn’t ignore the chance to earn extra food money—The Dregs had offered her enough without so much as mentioning officially joining their gang, and that was enough for her to keep watch over the ships coming in and out of Fifth Harbor. 

None of that matters if she can’t eat. Coin purse is nestled safely inside her boot to prevent pickpockets from getting too eager. Ilyana turns the corner, lavender eyes trained on the object of her desire. She can already smell whatever daily special is on the menu. 

Black spots flicker at the corners of her vision. No…she’s so close…. Stomach gives one last pitiful gurgle. Ilyana sways on her feet, knees buckling as she falls. 

[theindigoflirt]

Knights of the Tagzig Table

>starter for: @crestbound

Again, with the glowing blue stuff. It’s everywhere. Makes Inigo’s eyes hurt just a bit. 

Or maybe that’s just his chest. He’d help set up camp, but the painkillers wore off during the walk down the tunnel. 

He’d ask Lady Julia for another heal, yet he doesn’t want to risk her bursting in to tears again. There is nothing worse than hearing a pretty girl cry. And his only handkerchief burned away, along with half his shirt. 

It’s time to go exploring. Not alone. Inigo gazes across his companions—a few he doesn’t recognize, and none he really trusts. Gaze settles on a shock of red hair just across the way. Flirts have to stick together! Inigo stands from his seat on the ground, dusting his hands off out of habit more than any real need. There was no dirt on the floor; it was so smooth. 

“Oho, Sylvain! Care to join me for a little exploration?” Dancer drops his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “We can’t let the fair Lady Sara suffer any longer, can we? There’s got to be an infirmary or something around here, eh?” He hopes Sylvain can’t see through the ruse—of course he’ll bring back medicine for Sara, but he’s desperate for some relief. 

The philanderer walks a little ways off as Sylvain considers the offer. “Look! I already found something!” He bends down, picking up the curious twist of metal and wires. A few loose pebbles clatter loose from amid the scraps as he picks it up. “See?” 

[flowerofiris]

Hang In There, Baby (Sylvain & Nino)

How did things come to this? Nino had been in a lot of embarrassing situations, but being stuck up a tree that was currently being hacked down was not a fun situation.

She remembered the mission board asking for Black Eagles members to assist villages damaged by the rain, guiding them to Garreg Mach. She figured she was perfect for the job; she knew all too well how it felt to lose her home. She took up the job and set out to help the villagers just like how the monastery helped her!

After seeing the devastation, she quickly rounded everyone up and insisted they all come with her. She told everyone about Garreg Mach and how nice of a place it was. One person told her that they knew about Garreg Mach already, but Nino figured it didn’t hurt to tell them a little more about how nice it was! On the way there, she gave a short little speech to the following villagers.

“I was lost for so long... I lived on a faraway continent, away from Fodlan! I wasn’t able to find a place to live... so I was forced to turn here in hopes of a new life. And I found it at Garreg Mach! It’s a really, really nice place, I promise! There’s so many nice people there!”

Nino occupied the villagers by talking about some of the things she enjoyed doing at the monastery; her favorite being frolicking through the flowers! It was working well, too; Garreg Mach was just on the horizon! As she was getting into just how tasty the food was, bandits came out! Suddenly, this mission was taking a dismal turn, and Nino found herself quaking in her boots. Unfortunately, she was only one, and there were a few bandits... she had to do something!

“Um, umm...! Everyone! Head to the monastery, it’s just over there! I’ll hold off the bandits!” Nino wasn’t really sure if this was the best course of action, but the villagers seemed all too keen to get out of there. As they retreated, some of the bandits tried to give chase, but Nino kept them away with a Wind spell. She was getting the hang of this tomeless magic thing, but... it wasn’t going to be enough for them!

Panicking, Nino found herself fleeing, with the bandits chasing her. She figured that the villagers would be safe, but she was... not so lucky, as she heard the voices behind her... “Get the pipsqueak! She can’t use magic forever!” “She’s from the monastery, she probably has more on her than those stupid villagers!” Why...? Why did she always have to be hunted like this? She came here to avoid being chased, and yet... Nino whimpered as she got chased, and saw a small clearing of trees nearby! Perfect! In a hurry, she used her favorite trick of blasting herself up to the tree, grabbing on the top branch and doing a little spin.

“Okay! You can’t get me from up here, so... go away! Leave the villagers alone! Don’t you know it isn’t nice to steal from people? What if someone stole from you?”

Nino’s words of sentiment worked for about five seconds, before someone yelled to chop the tree down. They grabbed their axes and started chopping, and Nino realized how foolish her plan of escape was. She started sweating, and whispered a prayer to that Goddess that she would be safe in her battle... she could only cast Wind for so long, but surely she could do something... or maybe someone would help her... maybe?

“S-someone, please help me!” Nino cried out, uncaring of the bandits’ opinions.

[aegisshielded]

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐓𝐨𝐨 || 𝐒𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐧 & 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱

@cavalry

The infirmary overflowed with students and staff. Felix was forced to bump shoulders with several people before he was able to get inside, only to have his inquiry about his friend's whereabouts waved off. The nurses and healers were preoccupied with treating the wounded, unwilling to field questions from students who lacked a single scratch on them. Frustrated, Felix pushed his way out of the infirmary with several choice words mumbled under his breath as he tried to think of just where he'd find that idiot friend of his.

After nearly an entire hour of walking around the entire academy searching for the redhead, Felix finally spots Sylvain near the stables. He quickens his pace, making a direct path right towards him. Once he's close enough, he raises a pointed, accusatory finger at Sylvain.

"You!" Of course his first words to Sylvain upon their respective returns back to the school would be scolding in manner. "What's this I hear about you dying, huh?!" He's standing right in front of Sylvain, now, and looking up at him with a glare, brows furrowed low in frustration.

"I leave for one winter. One winter! And you go off and die?" His frustration boils over and he grabs Sylvain by the front of his shirt, yanking him down closer to eye level. "What the hell happened to our promise?"