restoration lady

Her touch was soft and gentle, as it always was, and his eyes fall shut for only a moment as her fingers work at the tension knots in his back. "I know you are." As Eirika puts a little more pressure on his muscles, he can't help the small smile forming. "It will be a lot of work but I'm glad we get to do it together."

Seth did not doubt her. Not even once. There was no room for it in all the years that he's known her. Though a part of him did worry about his shoulder giving out in the middle of it all, and how that pain might affect his ability to teach but. He pushes the thought aside with a silent promise to himself that he'd tell her if the pain were to become too much for him.

"We should go before I forget myself entirely."

Much later, when they've been knee-deep in boxes and discussing arrangements, their home is starting to look a little nicer. A little more like some people live here.

"I say we should put the couch here." She gestures to a space that sits beside the fireplace. "Then we can curl by the fire, or our guests can also warm themselves here. And then we have enough room," she walks around the imaginary couch, "for walking and whatever else."

She hopes that she can at least reassure her of this much. Whatever L'Arachel may decide about her.

...Siblings. The only person she has ever thought of as one is her brother, her twin, and thinking of someone else on the same level as him...it feels impossible to her. Yet, that does not make L'Arachel's confession anymore poignant to her. In fact, it makes her heart ache in a rather unexpected way. To be thought of so dearly...

She wants to tell her about how she and Ephraim grew up without their mother and the strict rules their father held them to, and how his loss had affected them both. How it still does. In that light, she can absolutely understand L'Arachel's reaction. They are truly not so different. But the words stick in her throat and then the moment passes.

"I agree. We should have told you. It was you who told us that Lyon's soul could not be saved and yet here he is. If you are still willing, it would put our hearts at ease to have your word on the matter. And I am sure that Lyon would answer anything you ask to the best of his capability."

Thinking of it now, she knows the desire to keep him to themselves, to not mention him at all, was a means of protecting him and a vain hope to hold together this careful peace. It was truly only a matter of time before things turned out this way.

"Oh, L'Arachel, of course we still wish to be your friends. That has never changed." Eirika leans in and wraps her arms around her for a long, overdue embrace. This is something she needs too.

When they part, Eirika reaches for her hands and holds them. "What you said a moment ago, about seeing us as siblings... it means so much to hear you say that. You mean so much to me, L'Arachel." She squeezes her hands.

That she is happy L’Arachel thinks of them that way, it makes her heart swell. That she is glad she thinks of her that way and that she means so much to her in kind. Mayhaps Eirika might not feel exactly the same but… does it matter? She is happy simply knowing that Eirika cares about her.

Eventually, she lets go; she does not want to, but she cannot keep Eirika here in perpetuity. “Thank you for everything, my dear friend. I… while I cannot say I am feeling fully like my magnificent self still, I am feeling better than I had when I ran off.” She gives her a gentle smile, small and shaky but genuine all the same.

“After the ball is over, I shall try and request Uncle to send over copies of Rausten’s lore. Mayhaps there is something in there that has been overlooked. For now, however, having spoken to Lyon, I am… content enough about his stability.” She nods confidently, determination on her face.

“I promise you, I shall do my best so that nothing shall have to wrest the three of you apart again.”

The determination fades as quickly as it appeared however, and L’Arachel finds another swarm of thoughts starting to form in her mind.

“If it is quite alright, would you be willing to head back without me? I think I still need some fresh air.” She gives Eirika an apologetic look, before moving to make herself more comfortable sitting down on the ground; she does not plan on coming back inside anytime soon.

Pointedly, L’Arachel had not said a word about Selena; what good would it make? Eirika, Ephraim, Myrrh, all of them vouching for her. And yet, L’Arachel just… cannot accept it so easily. Not yet. At least with Lyon she had an… excuse, but here?

She tries to let the thoughts dissipate, focusing on the cool air hitting her body, the quiet buzz of the Ball still audible from outside, the beautiful night sky. On simple things that are happening right now. The past is too sad, and the future too weird, so taking solace in the present is all she can do.

His pace quickens as he trails behind her, taking in the sight of the lush forest. It's quiet save for the gentle flow of water, birds, and occasional rustling of the tree branches in the wind. "The location is perfect. It's a shame we don't have any hot springs in Renais. It would have made for a good escape after training or between trips to help with restoration efforts." There's a small smile that forms when she offers her hand to him, and he takes it.

Seth leads them to a small clearing and they begin to make camp. The two work in flawless tandem and in no time at all their little camp is set up.

"There we go. Now we've all this way, let's try the hot spring." It is what they came here for after all.

When a priest from the Church pulled him aside with a request, Seliph found it simple enough. He was assured that it wouldn't affect his daily schedule too much, especially since it was only for a week. However, he didn't ask for more details or read the fine print.

The priest failed to mention that magically enforced hand-holding was involved. So, here he is, with a hand clasped around a Golden Deer student's.

"I was told you got into a fight at the ball." Seliph's tone is conversational as he casts a curious look Eirika's way. It might be just him, but she doesn't seem like the type who would start one — or really, someone who would fall in the Church's bad graces.

But who knows, she might prove him wrong at any minute now.

"How did that happen if you don't mind me asking?"

Understanding the root of the issue should be helpful, he thinks.

Well, she supposes that it is not the first time that has happened, but Ephraim had always been quick to correct. People always listened to him.

And so here she is, magically tethered to another student for 'bad behavior' for the crime of 'dueling at the ball.'

She will have several stern words for Ephraim.

When Seliph turns his kind gaze upon her and asks for her side of the story, Eirika sighs in relief.

        He genuinely considers fleeing the establishment. It would be less than honorable, but at least Leo would not have to suffer the impending humiliation. But... no. He has already made a fool of himself in front of Renais' queen once, and somehow, she doesn't seem to shun the uniform herself (why is she working here, anyhow?). To flee now would be to tarnish his image before Eirika a second time, and with that, surely she would think Nohr's princes are craven cowards. He cannot. For Xander's sake... ...No, he can't even think of Xander right now without feeling ill.         Leo changes into the uniform. It's respectable for the most part, crisp and formal, although he's certain Jakob would get a good chuckle out of seeing him in a butler's attire. The only thing is——the ears. He sets his jaw, places his own headband atop his neatly folded clothes, and dons the ears.

Outfit inspired by this lovely Picrew!

"I didn't think we'd have two members of royalty here today." The girl, now red in the face, looks as if she's starting to panic but Eirika shakes her head.

"It is our choice to be here and to give back to this community. Please, only think of us as your co-workers today."

Leo returns looking very respectable in his butler's outfit. He would have quite the stern image too were it not for the cat ears atop his head. No amount of composure can hide the flush across his features.

"Oh, Your Highness, you look so a—" the young lady stutters, pivoting from her chosen word of 'adorable', "so handsome!"

Beside her, Eirika is smiling in absolute delight. "You wear the outfit very well, Prince Leo. Since we're both serving, I'll show you what we'll be doing."

The girl departs and Eirika takes Leo aside to show him which section of tables he'll be waiting on and a rundown of his duties. Introduce himself, take their drink order, and possibly their food order, and if they're not ready then give them a bit of time. The refills, the specials, how to put in a food order, she makes sure to explain it all thoroughly to him.

It truly, truly should not have bothered him; but he thinks of the peeling of his own skin, and Bruno's gaze extends far out into the distance, back in search of the small silhouettes weaving amidst the trees. Something to distract him, he searches for, as eyes peer for a twinning shade of teal that must be visible in the dark green foliage.

No, not visible. Mouth dry, he tilts his head over and down toward the grass, as hands behind his back clasp onto each other with even greater force.

She smiles more brightly now. "And that is also why it is all the more important that we be a force for good. Someone needs to put self-proclaimed gods in their place."

The Demon King had thought to make himself all powerful, to rule dominion over this world, but now he is dead and gone. A mere afterthought in their people's minds and hearts. His terror would hold no sway over them.

The explanation Valter gives them has to suffice for now. If there were something more, he supposes the other may have a reason to hide it. And if magic had been involved, it likely would have been more powerful than Orson was promised for Monica. In the grand scheme of things, logistics hardly seemed to matter. His priority was and always would be keeping Eirika safe.

"Because you are. You're twisted and cruel, and whatever code you follow is the same." There were plenty of other words he wanted to use to describe Valter, all of them were within the same realm, but Seth is trying not to let his control slip. "We've seen it first hand and I don't have any cause to believe you'd act otherwise." His voice is sharp though one of his hands reaches back towards Eirika's to intertwine their fingers. If he could pull her any closer, he would have.

He doesn't let his gaze falter as the other mentions their retreat after their first encounter. Escaping to Frelia had been more important than proving the superiority that Valter spoke of. They both made it out alive. Eirika had her bracelet, and Seth... Well.. The pain from the wound he received that night still lingered now, and his stomach twists as the Grado general so calmly reaches out to touch it. He wants to grab his hand and shove him backwards but just as quickly as Valter's arm was raised, it was back at his side. Seth's shoulders go tense, it's visible in the way his posture grows rigid though he does not move.

"I understand I wouldn't have been able to do my duty if I had fallen to you." He would have run himself ragged or bled to death if he continued fighting that day. "We had far more important things to worry about at the time than me trying to prove myself."

Seth's arm lowers to take her hand, to which she responds in kind and interlaces their fingers. His presence is, as always, her support, her anchor. And so, she takes advantage of the free space to step beside Seth, one step closer to Valter. Her booted heel snaps against the concrete.

"You are nothing more to me than an annoying gnat who believes himself superior, when in reality he has amounted to nothing and never will."

She stands tall, resolute, the Queen of Renais, and levels her gaze steadfast to Valter's. Where he is snapping teeth and gleaming eyes, she is the mountain that will not bow, will not bend. Least of all to him.

"I have nothing more to say and I tire of seeing you."

"...I see. Congratulations are in order then," the prince of Grado offers, soft-spoken as ever, when they come upon the stairs. The timing couldn't be better because it forces Lyon to look down. To watch his step, of course. "I think we've heard about 'the Silver Knight' in Grado as well... Now, since he is here, I suppose I have a good reason to meet him someday."

Lyon should continue with 'I am happy for you' or 'I'm glad you found someone', but he cannot bring himself to do so. It is unfair to Eirika; yet, it would be even more unfair to say something without meaning it from the bottom of his heart. He despises himself for it.

Once they emerge on the first floor, Lyon takes a left turn and heads towards the open doors.

The two step outside and the cool air graces her skin and scatters rivulets of blue hair into the wind. She tucks the wayward strands behind her ear in a vain attempt to keep it in place. There are very few people here and so it is an ideal location to ask about what she wishes to, but first there is one more thing.

"I am sorry, Lyon. I did not think before I spoke of Seth. You might have been here when we were wed, and though I wish you had been with us...being alone for that long could not have been easy. Away from Grado and from us. I feel as if I've thrown our happiness in your face. That you might think we were happy without you at all. But I do truly wish that you could have been with us. There is nothing that me and my brother would have wanted more."

For a moment, Eirika looks around as if she's expecting she might see someone (namely, her brother), but when she confirms that it still only the two of them, she continues.

A nod and Clair turned to where she believed the fruit stall to be. She had come here quite often since finding its discovery. Often enough for the familiarity of the steps to blend in with her daydreams and thoughts. Of course! No lady would allow another lady to fall behind. Against her mind’s wishes, she focused completely on ensuring Eirika would not be sent away by the whims of the crowds.

And so, of course, when Eirika spoke once more, she was not at all surprised. No, no, she did not jolt even slightly. Ahem, she only… recalled the necessity of good posture and stood him straighter for that. Yes! No other reason at all. Ahem…

Warm brown eyes glance behind her as she nodded. The expression upon Eirika’s face… not that Clair was all that attuned to embarrassment—a lady was only the picture of grace!—however, she could recognise the similarities of the feeling upon her gaze. 

"I believe you're right. Regardless, I am glad to have met you today. Next time, perhaps we can sit together." She smiles at the thought. It had been difficult for her to make friends at home but perhaps it might be a little easier here.

As they walk, Eirika makes sure to stick close to her so that they are not parted by the crowd. If they were closer, she might take her arm, but they have only just met and she does not wish to put her off.

Her reassurances feel comforting, yet in a way they make her want to bury her head in her hands further. Feeling doubt over whether the twins care about her feels quite silly now, and it leaves her feeling awful over yelling at someone who is such a good friend.

This wave of guilt initially has her retreating inwards, ashamed of her actions. But quickly enough she steels her resolve; L’Arachel of Rausten is not a coward! Nor is she a bad friend. And trying to just hide behind her hands would be both!

Hands folded in front of her, she lifts her head to gaze properly at Eirika. And then she briefly closes her eyes and holds one of her hands to her temple, as the headache from crying fully hits her.

“I… I apologize for my callous words. Today has been… Latona above it has been overwhelming, Eirika. Even someone as magnificent as me has a limit. One I would have gotten close to even having just seen Selena of Grado, let alone Lyon.” She sighs, voice quieter than usual and slightly hoarse from all the yelling and crying.

“I know you and Ephraim would never hurt me on purpose. It is just…” She takes a deep breath; if there was ever a time to go all out with how well she can speak, it is now.

“I love my uncle. But growing up without my parents, and with an upbringing that was less sociable than one might expect, looking at how charming I am… I do not like to share my weakness so earnestly, Eirika, but it had hurt.” She sighs once more, trying to keep herself talking.

“Getting to befriend… not just fellow royals, but such magnificent people, ones that equal my splendor with ease. It has meant a lot, Eirika. If I may be so brash with saying, sometimes I see you two as the siblings I have never had.” She goes silent for just a moment, a part of her mortified about having shared that, even if she had wanted to make her fond feelings for her friends known more.

“I suppose that is why I had felt so hurt upon finding out you had not told me about Lyon. I still… I still think you should have told me. I trust that you have done diligent research into how stable he is, I truly do. But… I would have been willing to help. I… probably would have reacted with apprehension at first, but I would have dedicated as much time as possible into assisting you all.” Therein lies the main issue, she supposes. What use is being as magnificent as she is if she cannot help the ones she cares about the most?

“Still… I should not have reacted the way I have. Knowing everything you three have gone through… I can understand the apprehension in sharing his existence.” Most of L’Arachel’s anger has long since turned into naught but a mix of guilt and embarrassment and annoyance at how unfortunately everything has played out. Eirika truly is too kind of a person; if she had not faced L’Arachel immediately after the dance, perhaps their conversation could have been calmer.

Still, what is done is done. She cannot undo her mistakes, but she can amend them, best she can.

She hopes that she can at least reassure her of this much. Whatever L'Arachel may decide about her.

...Siblings. The only person she has ever thought of as one is her brother, her twin, and thinking of someone else on the same level as him...it feels impossible to her. Yet, that does not make L'Arachel's confession anymore poignant to her. In fact, it makes her heart ache in a rather unexpected way. To be thought of so dearly...

She wants to tell her about how she and Ephraim grew up without their mother and the strict rules their father held them to, and how his loss had affected them both. How it still does. In that light, she can absolutely understand L'Arachel's reaction. They are truly not so different. But the words stick in her throat and then the moment passes.

"I agree. We should have told you. It was you who told us that Lyon's soul could not be saved and yet here he is. If you are still willing, it would put our hearts at ease to have your word on the matter. And I am sure that Lyon would answer anything you ask to the best of his capability."

Thinking of it now, she knows the desire to keep him to themselves, to not mention him at all, was a means of protecting him and a vain hope to hold together this careful peace. It was truly only a matter of time before things turned out this way.

"Oh, L'Arachel, of course we still wish to be your friends. That has never changed." Eirika leans in and wraps her arms around her for a long, overdue embrace. This is something she needs too.

When they part, Eirika reaches for her hands and holds them. "What you said a moment ago, about seeing us as siblings... it means so much to hear you say that. You mean so much to me, L'Arachel." She squeezes her hands.

"Yes, that was the last time we saw him and he was very much still alive when we left his room," she replied. "I told Eirika as we were leaving to double check the areas we hadn't been able to check as much. We found signs of someone having forced their way through one of the doors while we weren't there. Which was when we alerted the servants."

That at least gave them a few witnesses too. So thankfully there would be people who could speak up. The question was, would they? Given the scared looks on their faces though.... Lianna frowned.

The viscount's brother fizzles where he stands, clearly wanting to object, to accuse, or to otherwise place the blame at their feet. After all, they are the easy target here. Easy to pin this on them rather than be left in the dark once more as his brother lies dead.

Eirika's expression softens. "I understand what it is like to lose someone dear to you. I lost my father several years ago. Lianna and I wish to help you catch his killer, but the longer we spend here quarreling over this, the more time the real killer has to get away. Please," she places her hand over her chest, "I implore you, let us search together. The killer could not have gotten far."

The man is still for a moment but then his shoulders sag and he nods. "I was against my brother seeking the academy's aid, but so long as the two of you are here we will make use of your help. That does not mean your names are cleared." He points to both of them. "You are to remain within our sights. I will go with you both as we search for the killer."

It is not quite the outcome Eirika hoped for but it is better than nothing. She nods and looks to Lianna.

"We have no time to waste. The manor is secured and so the killer will not be able to leave without alerting someone. We will catch this killer and clear our names."

"It's quite interesting to find out what sort of food people in different lands come up with, depending on their cultures and what they have access to, isn't it?" An amused remark, but the hint of curiosity contained within is true and genuine, as is a dash of pure happiness that he doesn't let slip through all that often in front of others.

Fódlan's closed, ignorant ways troubled his thoughts for many years; it was a relief, really, to see them open up and accept that outsiders had something to offer beyond just "unholy and beastly ways".

"Thanks for making those with me," he says, turning to Eirika with a smile and a light wink. "Joy and honor. I hope to do more fun things like that with you in the future - and learn about your homeland in the process as well."

Still, he does offer her a smile.

"Sure thing. I think an exchange of experiences can be beneficial to both of us."

And with that out of the way, that's enough being serious House Leader and Alliance Heir for one day. His focus shifts back to the mallet, the dough before them and watching Eirika's hands.

---

"It doesn't look too bad, huh?"

Curiously, Claude picks up one of the ready treats and squeezes it a little between his fingers. "Heard these are best if you can avoid breaks during the whacking entirely, but even though we didn't manage that, it looks and smells like I believe it should."

"They're so cute!" Eirika squishes one of the treats between her forefinger and thumb. "I can hardly believe we made these."

She has made simple foods like sandwiches, but most often such things are taken care of for her. It is only since she's come here that she's been able to try cooking herself. But these, they feel on a different level entirely.

Eirika lifts her gaze in search of Claude's and nods as if they have agreed on something. "Let's taste it together."

The mochi is soft with a mild flavor. Really, it's the delightfully chewy texture she enjoys. Though she wonders how much better it could be if they hadn't lapsed in their work. Surely this aspect of them is due to the way they're formed. It's very interesting!

He leaned forward, expression soft, and when she raised her gaze and her stance once more, Sigurd shifted in time with her, the creep of a smile dawning slowly on his face. 

Now that was more like it - ! 

"So she says!" he called, giving the board holding his weight a delighted slap – the tremor of it bobbed, but it held fast beneath him. "If nothing else, this one has persistence!" 

A bright laugh. It was not the least of qualities that he could imagine, for any martial prowess to develop, but when he thought back fondly on the finest of bowmen he knew, they all had the focus of a hunter, and the determination to see a hunt through to the end. 

Eirika draws her bow and the world around her fades away in slow motion. The chattering of the crowd, the attendant's fettering gaze, she does not even see the way the knight shields himself from the sun's hot rays.

FWIP!

Her arrow flies free from her fingertips and—

THUD!

Hits the target where—

SPLASH!

Eirika smiles wide. A rush of applause greets her ears as the world slowly fills in around her once more. She hurries over to the tank to see him.

(His fingers wrap loosely around his throat, a wheezing cough rattling coneflowers from his lungs. Would it?)

Matters of the heart -- that thing that keeps beating, keeps bleeding in his chest? The core of the life he was given, and the weapon he turned against the man who gave it to him? Fingers turn to claws, scoring into his skin.

And how can he expect her to understand? To not look at Coyote with unrighteous condemnation as so many others had?! If he speaks of what became of Nyna, then what of what became of Coyote? She should not blame him -- he should not have blamed her -- --but, Naga, he had been able to breathe just a bit longer when he did.

To him, it might seem easier, preferable, even, to let the matter rest, to even let these flowers close his throat over before he accepts whatever is in his heart. Eirika knows better than to accept the easy path.

She presses a gentle hand to the forearm that cradles his head; a show of silent support.