Shepherd Prince

verseandrhyme​:

The question catches her by surprise. Mitama pauses and looks down to her grip to see if she is doing anything that might be odd, but stops herself mid action. Of course she is doing something odd. She has no idea what she is doing. Mitama laughs sheepishly and does her best not to drop it abruptly as she lowers the sword a bit.

“Well…katana are generally not as…wide.” This sword had a strange shape, in her opinion. She did not know if there was any point to the hole in the middle of the blade, but it was certainly…there. “They can be used one handed or two…I have never really used one, as a healer, I far prefer being away from the frontlines.”

A slash…she bites her tongue on the remark that she does, at the very least, understand the concepts behind using a sword, even if she lacks the muscle to do so properly…She should be able to at least handle a slash. Mitama tightens her grip on the hilt and lifts the sword up. She cannot lift it fully above her head, nor will she try to do so, but she does raise it high enough that there is a noticeable difference as she brings it downwards. She stumbles, but manages to catch herself, and that little bit still feels like a victory to her.

She groans good-naturedly and shakes her head in response. “Yes, but they are your fists with extra weight and…nevermind, you understood, that is the point.” She huffs as as she straightens up, contemplating his question. “Well, only so much…a sword is still a sword, I do not doubt it could cut through your arm if that is the intent. The point of using gauntlets is to be light. Strike quickly, multiple times, then get out. Blocking is a last resort, ideally.”

He stands as awkwardly as she feels and Mitama laughs lightly. Very carefully, she tucks the sword under one arm so she may hold up her hands in position properly. “Your hands should be about shoulder height and your elbow tucked in. Then when you swing you just…” She demonstrated, throwing a punch forward with her free hand. “You must be sure to twist your body as you extend your arm, as that is where the force comes from, not from your arm.”

It was interesting to hear about the differences between the weapons wielded by their respective homelands. While on might assume that a sword is a sword, but he recognised the nuances between them. Chrom had no doubt that should he attempt to swing a Katana whilst he would be able to manage, it would the lack the finesse he had when using a falchion. 

“I haven’t tried one either” Chrom stated “I’m certain I would find it equally as strange to hold” Hearing Mitama say about being primarily a healer reminded the brunette of his sister, Lissa, who specialised in a similar field. Lissa did have her axe aswell which could be pretty scary he had to admit. “A sensible choice. Easier to spot those needing support if you’re out of the main fray.”

He watched closely as Mitama replicated the slash move as described. It was a valiant effort, a big improvement on her first attempt. “Very good” he praised, getting into the role of teacher. Chrom nodded as she described the differences between gauntlets and swords gaining a new understanding for the healer’s struggles with the blade. 

“Don’t block” he mused “A brave decision. Good job there are reliable healers on the battlefield” Raising his fists, Chrom tried to copy the jab shown by Mitama twisting his body into the move. It felt strange to put so much effort into the move but he could already see the difference it made to the power of the hit. It was still off target but closer than previously. 

“I could improve further I’m sure but thank you for introducing me to a new weapon” Thanking the priestess, Chrom removed the gauntlets and returned them to their rightful owner accepting his falchion in return. Just as the exchange took place, an instructor called our declaring the session over. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be” he told his partner remembering their initial reluctance to take part. “I’m not sure if I’ll keep studying these weapons but the option is there. Truthfully I’ll likely just stick with my trusted sword” He finished with a sheepish smile.

princessmacedon​:

“Of course!” She beamed as she said it, as easily as if it were a foregone conclusion; after what they’d gone through together, if she could not count him among her friends (which she very gladly would), then at the very least she counted him among those she trusted. “I’ve never been to a circus either, though… are they like carnivals too? ‘Something everyone should experience at least once?’ Hee hee!”

She certainly wouldn’t complain. They’d not yet even made it to the heart of the festivities, and already, her eyes were sparkling with the reflections of wonders innumerable. “Parades and carnival food,” the little princess murmured, half to herself. Then: “Do you think this one will have a parade too? At least we know they have food, hee hee! I can smell it already!” 

Soon enough, the stalls came into view, wide eyes lingering with awe over the array of treats at every turn. Some were familiar; most were not. All looked delicious as the pair passed them by, interspersed with booths of games and crowds of victors and villains alike. Some hardly even looked like games (what could you do with a trough full of floating toys…?), but the one Chrom stopped at was clear even to unfamiliar eyes. 

“Are you sure?” Maria asked, torn between excitement and worry. “I don’t want to waste your money… I’ve never held a bow before.” Any sort of weapon felt awkward in her hands; even tomes felt odd now that she’d grown accustomed to Fodlan’s manifested magicks, let alone physical weapons like bows. Even her training axe was more stranger than not! And true to her expectations, it felt awkward in her hands once the attendant had foisted it upon her, the loose arrow more jarring still. No matter how she fumbled with it, it felt as though she was holding it wrong. 

“Do I hold it like this…?” One hand tight around the grip, she attempted to nock one of the arrows Chrom’s coin had allowed her. It wobbled, then slipped from her grasp so pathetically that even the attendant simply plucked it from the ground and handed it back to her pityingly. “Oh! Thank you…”

Cheeks dusted with pink, the little princess held it again with all the surety she didn’t feel, the image of every archer she’d watched with starry eyes during days gone by now summoned to the forefront of her mind. Her arm pulled back in her best attempt to mimic them…

If the arrow made a sound, it was lost in the din of the crowd, lodging lamely at the bottom of the target. But she had hit it! She had hit it, and that was progress enough, eyes sparkling as she nocked the second with all of her focus. Not too tight nor too loose (she assumed; the middle always seemed to be the safest place), she pulled it back again, hoping that uncomprehendingly mimicking the greatest archers of Archanea and Aurelis could get her somewhere, at least–

Thunk. 

She blinked. Once, twice– then gasped, hands flying to her mouth in disbelief. 

“I did it?” The redhead asked, uncertain; the attendant nodded, a startled sort of half-smile tugging at their lips. “I did it!” Maria cheered again, turning to Chrom with sparkling eyes. “Chrom, I did it! I won!” Bow plied from her hands, she held them up joyously, a wordless bid for a pair of high-fives. (…However high it was for him to five someone her height, at least.) “Oh! Oh, what should I pick? Is there anything you like? It was your money, after all! Or maybe we could split something, like… friendship souvenirs! Hee hee!” Her eyes crinkled near to shut as she grinned. “What do you think, Chrom?” 

“Don't worry about it. As long as you have fun, it’s not a waste.” Chrom insisted, addressing the concern raised by his companion.

The bluenette took a few paces back, allowing the young princess to approach the target. “I have faith in you, you can do it. You’ll never know if you don’t at least try” He told her encouragingly. He moved back in closer when he saw Maria struggling with handling the bow. Considering that she mainly acted as a healer, he should have foreseen that a bow would be an unfamiliar tool for her.

“Here, like this” He said, offering some advice on how to hold it once it had been returned by the attendant. “Go on, take a shot” 

Pride swelled up as Maria took her shot. It was beautiful, the arrow flew straight and true, bang into the centre of the target. The leader of the Shepherds doubted even some of his best archers could make it look so elegant. Pumping a fist in the air, he let out a cheering whoop at Maria’s success. 

“You did it! Well done” Returning her invitation for a hi-ten?, he considered the prizes on offer. Ideally it would be best to get something they could share as he suspected the kind-hearted princess would insist he kept the prize otherwise. Aside from the traditional plushies and children’s toys, the prize pool also contained some interesting jewellery items. 

“What’s that one?” He asked the attendant, pointing at a pair of bracelets toward the back of the shelves. “Oh, that’s a pair of friendship brands. They’ve been said to represent a connection between individuals, possible offering buffs in battle but that’s just a rumour” The attendant told him. 

Exchanging a look with Maria, Chrom confirmed that they would like that prize. Having received the bracelets, he slipped one onto the princess’s wrist and the other onto his own. “You’re prize, My Lady” The slender silver bangle suited Maria, a small ruby set in its centre. 

secretforestlady​:

“Have you ever flown, Lord Chrom? I imagine it must be terrifying and exhilarating all at once!” Deirdre is sure she has never experienced it herself. It seems far too incredible to have been something she would have done, even if she could remember. Perhaps Lord Arvis will take her to Silesse one day and she might be able to see the mounts of their famous pegasus knights. She would like that, she thinks.

A few more of the creatures join their companion and stretch their wings as well. Deirdre’s eyes grow wide at the sight. Their wing feathers catch the light and almost sparkle. The two pegasi huff and flap their wings together sending snow flurries and feathers into the air, much to Deirdre’s delight.

She laughs once they settle again and reaches for Chrom’s hair. “Perhaps they heard you,” she teases him gently as she pulls a feather from his hair. Before handing it to him, she takes a moment to marvel at it, spinning it between her fingers. “Do you think the rumors about their magical properties could be true? My husband is the reason professor for our house. He would find it fascinating, I’m sure.” With a friendly smile, she hands it back to Chrom.

“I have flown before but only as a passenger” He told Dierdre, thinking off those nerve wracking rides behind one of the Royal Pegasi Knights. “It’s an interesting experience, similar to your expectation.” 

He’s mesmerised as he observes the magnificent creatures in the clearing, the sunlight dancing off the sheen of those glossy black feathers. He comes out of his trance by the tinkling laugh next to his ear and feeling of something being pulled from his hair. 

“Not sure, but any advantage imagined or not may be helpful for the upcoming exams” He said taking the offered feather. “I don’t know about yourself but I need all the luck I can get for the next tactics paper” Chuckling, Chrom tucked the feather into the pocket on his belt. He felt a tickle on the back of his neck and reaching behind pulled another feather from his hair. 

“Here” He said, holding it out towards her. “Now you can have one too. Maybe you could show your husband and get his opinion on the matter.” As they finished this exchange, there was a flurry of movement from the Pegasi as they took to the sky as a group. Chrom and Deirdre stayed low watching them go until they were small dots close to the horizon.

verseandrhyme​:

He seems to examine her for a moment after her admission and Mitama curses internally, forcing her expression into a calm neutral. How foolish, she thinks, to be slipping and so desperate for it that she finds familiarity where there is none. She shakes her head as though that will be enough to shake the lingering thoughts from her head and focuses instead on mimicking the position he describes.

The blade is no katana, and so it is a bit awkward to try and mimic the poses she can recall the swordsmen of Hoshido using during their war. On the other hand, she lacks the strength and muscle memory to wield it like she recalls the Nohrian side of their army doing. She settles for an awkward in-between, and while she will certainly not be winning any great battles in the future, it is enough to be passable, for now.

With enough satisfaction in herself, she turns to look at the other and nods. The gauntlets were worn correctly, from what a quick look over could tell. “The idea is that they add more force and impact to your hits while protecting you better as well. For example,” She reaches out and raps her knuckles against the part of the gauntlet that covers his forearms. “While it is not a guarantee that nothing will manage to disarm you, at the very least you can block or take weapon swings against the arms better than you could with your bare fists.”

There are special techniques, but Mitama herself had only learnt them with more experience. She felt a bit hypocritical imparting them on one who had only just started. Instead she settles for shaking her head and letting out a slight laugh as she watches his punches drift too widely. “It takes some time to adjust to the additional weight.” She assures him. “With practice, it is meant to become an extension of your fist, similar to how I have heard swordsmen describe the blade…so long as you do not tuck your thumb into your fist, you should be fine.”

With the young maiden’s stance corrected, Chrom takes a step back to take in the whole picture. He winced slightly at seeing how his blade dwarfed her making it a struggle to lift. Mitama was doing her best but the weight, which he barely notices, was making it difficult. There is something interesting in the way she hold it as well. As though a different shape of blade is being wielded.

“What are swords like where you come from?” He enquired, curious what Mitama was used to seeing. As he waited for an answer, the shepherd’s leader thought on what was best to teach. Instructing those new to the blade was not unusual for him, he’d often given some lessons to new soldiers back home, but there was a difference in size and build here which needed accounting for. When face with a recruit like the young lady in front of him, a lighter weapon such a spear or magic would be suggested as a training focus.

“How about we start with a simple slash” Chrom told her, mind made up. “Draw the blade downwards in front of you in a diagonal arc” He showed her the trajectory with his arm as he issued the instruction before watching her try it out. 

As he watched, he found himself fiddling with the buckles of the gauntlets. He was disappointed in his initial attempt at using the gloves. Chrom could just imagine his father berating him over his failure and did his best to quickly quash such thoughts. Shaking his head, the bluenette paid attention as his teacher explained the benefits the gauntlets provided. 

watersongson​:

As Chrom continues to relax and become more comfortable with the hymn, his singing reflects his improving state of mind. Shigure can’t help but feel grateful and delighted—convincing his senior to come was a very good idea after all! He steals a quick glance at the dark bluenette and finds a gentle smile on his face before navy eyes meet his own gold. The teen’s heart swells with joy; it seems he’s finally bonded with someone over music here, and he finds he can’t wait to start tutoring the other in music. Surely Chrom’s talents and skills will only grow and blossom from here on out, and Shigure is excited to see just how good he can get. Maybe he’ll become a famous and renowned singer someday, he thinks. With more experience, I bet he’ll light up whatever stage he graces… I wonder… does he have any talent in dance as well? I’d be curious to see how he fares in that discipline.

Before he knows it, they’ve reached the end of the hymn, and the coordinator begins giving out feedback to the choir members. Shigure turns to Chrom with a smile. “Well, what do you think? I personally enjoyed that very much, it’s so different to be in a choir rather than singing solo. I’ll probably have to memorize the hymnbook so that I don’t keep looking at it during a performance.” He chuckles at the image of a choir member effectively keeping nose to page while singing—not a good habit, he’s certain, and definitely not conducive to good vocals. “By the way, I can give you an extra copy of my own schedule in exchange for yours, it’ll probably be easier to plan that way.”

“You two! Newbies! Did you come here to talk, or to sing?” the coordinator shouts, and Shigure blushes bright red at being caught out.

“So sorry sir, my apologies. We meant no disrespect; Chrom here can’t read sheet music, so I’ve offered to help tutor him in our free time. We’ll talk outside of practice instead of during it from now on.”

The coordinator nods. “See that you do,” he admonishes. “That’s generous of you to help him. Now, I understand that the both of you are new, so for now I want you to work on memorizing the lyrics to the hymns. Mr. Mizuta, correct? I need you to pay more attention to your breath control and where you take breaths while singing. Not doing so can make your singing sound choppy and disjointed.”

Shigure nods as he processes the feedback, another perk of joining the choir it seems. “Yes sir, thank you.”

The music came to an end with a resonating note of finality which lingered in the upper echelons of the vaulted ceiling of the chapel. Chrom released the bundle of nerves which had taken up residence in his chest since joining the choir practise. He’d done it and made it to the end of the song without messing up too badly. There had been a few off-key notes here and there but hopefully no more than expected for a new starter.

Glancing across to his companion, there was a look of serenity on the face of the light bluenette. Shigure was clearly in his element in this environment, the warrior expected little else. The man had already hinted at his musical background. He wondered if it extended beyond singing to possibly instruments and dance as well. 

“I’ve never sung solo other than to myself when travelling.” He told Shigure. “But I did enjoy it just now. Singing in … harmony …? Is that what it’s called?” 

He nodded at Shigure’s plan to offer him some music lessons. “That’d work out best. I can give you a copy of mine too. There should be a time which matches up even if it’s during free time after dinner.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a stern cough from the choirmaster. A faint red coloured his cheeks in embarrassment. Chrom could feel the eyes of the rest of the choir on the pair of them. He ducked his head in contriteness as Shigure defused the situation. Once his new friend had finished speaking, Chrom offered his own apology. “My deepest apologies Sir. It wont happen again” 

“Mr. Itsuki is it? For your own feedback” The choir master said, turning his attention to the Black Eagle student. “You have a good tone and range from what I’ve heard so far. Keep it up and with some coaching from your fellow student Mr. Mizuta you have potential to do well here. See that you work hard.”

One of the traditions they had for this type of festivity back in Ylisse was carving shapes into the skin of pumpkins before placing candles in them to makes spooky lanterns. Chrom wasn't sure if they did the same here but wanted to do it himself anyway. Maybe he'd inspire others to give it a go.

Passing by the kitchens he begged one of these orange vegetables from the chefs, promising to return the flesh for cooking. Taking it back to his room, he started the messy the task of scooping out the insides.

Once this was done, Chrom pulled out his small dagger and paused wondering what he wanted to carve on the pumpkin this year. Scary faces were traditional but he wasn't feeling that inspired.

Loooking up, he caught sight of his brand in the mirror, standing out clearly on his shoulder. Picking up the blade again, the warrior begun copying the symbol into the tough skin of the vegetable. It was crude but still recognisable by the time he'd finished.

Proud of his work, he placed a couple of candles inside before leaving the finished lantern outside his room door. Wandering down the corridor back to the kitchens, Chrom kept an eye out incase anyone else had made a lantern.

Chrom was in a rush. Running down the corridors, he was stopping by various student's dorms asking desperately to borrow items of clothing and accessories.

The current problem was that he'd been invited to a phantasmagoria party tonight but hadn't read the invitation carefully enough before agreeing. Now he had but 30 minutes to source a spooky costume.

15 minutes later and quite a few favours owed the leader of the Shepherds felt he had something sort off presentable. If you squinted.

He had repurposed on of his trademark capes, paired with a shirt and bow tie borrowed from a noble student 2 doors down in exchange for washing up duty. Uniform trousers untucked from boots he was trying for a smart party look under the cape. He'd borrowed some make up and hair products from a very bubbly golden deer student who had extracted a future favour from him with a cheeky smile. Scary.

Chrom had slicked his hair back and paled his face. Thankful for having two sisters giving him some make up skills he applied some eyeliner and red lipstick for a blood trail.

Arriving at the party he looked sheepishly at the student on the door.

It hadn't been too long since the last time a festival had set itself up in the market town adjacent to the monastery. Booths and tents filling the main plaza and side streets. Not that the blue haired warrior was going to complain. He'd loved them as a child but had always been restricted from attending due to his position. At the academy however, there were no such barriers.

Passing quickly by the pie eating contest, Chrom had enough experiences with the baked good to put him off for life, he headed towards the fair games.

Paying his gold, he took a couple of shots at the bottles. If anyone asked the rings had definately landed on the bottle necks, not sliced through them. The sword on his hip had clearly had a hand in persuading the stall holder of this and Chrom walked away with a giant stuffed dragon. He wasn't sure what to do with it. Maybe sending it home to his sisters...

nagavoice​:

        “THERE’S NO NEED FOR EXCUSES, IT’S OKAY… IT’S OKAY…” Tiki murmurs, eyes unfocused as she continues to walk the hall with unsteady legs, her ankles swathed with fake cobwebs and dust, “I’m afraid we’re all quite a bit shaken by everything that has transpired.”

        She turns slightly, checking their progress. Bitterly it doesn’t seem like they’ve made much strides in this journey of theirs; she can still spy the lifeless figure of the corpse she’d socked a pace or so behind them. All this stopping and screaming and punching had slowed them down considerably, in addition to the obstructive terrain. She finds herself questioning the nature of these haunted halls; was this activity truly intended to be fun? It was troublesome at best, and completely horrifying at worst.

        “Oh?! Ough…”

        Tiki’s gasp turns into a grumble as a bat swoops down on her, flying towards her face before disappearing into some crack on the ceiling. She can hear the squeaks of more of its kind, no doubt eager to pester them some more.

        Her resolve hardens—- no, she mustn’t let this bullying continue. Terrified as she may be, she finds her quickly-thinning patience overpowering her. Would she allow this behavior to persist? Has she learned nothing from her companions of yore?

                                                                                         our bonds give us strength…

        Tiki stands up straighter. Though these corridors were dim and cold and beheld terrors she’s seen only in the nightmares that plagued her slumber, and annoyances she hasn’t encountered since she lost contact with Xane, she had to admit that Priam was correct; these were nothing more than the tricks of a few very skilled students.

        “You’re right, Priam,” she nods, “It’s important that we remain grounded in reality. Our fear mustn’t consume us if we are to leave in a timely manner, however difficult that may be.”

        “Chrom.” her arm extends out to him, palm open and ready for the taking, “Will you hold my hand? I advise you to hold Priam’s as well. If we stay together, it may make things easier.”

        She speaks with a conviction, but it veils a greater truth—- that though she chose to take the role of hero in this story, she’d still like a warm hand to hold.

@falchrom​ 

He definitely Didn’t jump at the yell from Priam or the bats which appeared to fly straight for their faces. Well ok, maybe a little. Like the warrior said, it was a really good trick.

“Lot of creative thought went into this place, huh?” He said to the others thinking of the various interactions they’d experienced thus far. And it wasn’t even over yet. Based on how far they’d come and where the exit supposedly was, Chrom reckoned they had at least two more hallways to get through. He patted Priam on the shoulder as he passed by.

“No worries. I know you’re not scared really”

Catching up the Tiki at the helm of their little adventuring party, he had heard a faint murmuring coming from the her but was unable to make out the words. Whatever she’d said had worked for he noticed her stand up straighter and a hard look of resolve enter her eyes. 

“I know we can get through this” In response to her rallying speech. At the request he grasped her open hand in his own and held out his other for Priam to take. Physically joined to one another, a feeling of reassurance settled over the blue haired leader. Holding up their joined hands. “As long as we stick together, these horrors won’t know what hit them”

Emboldened, Chrom led the way into the next corridor. As soon as they entered a distant wailing sound started almost causing him to pause in his tracks. Taking a breath, Chrom pushed through the onset of fear, drawing on the strength of his companions, he took another step. 

“It’s just another one of their tricks” Chrom muttered “Anything that comes close to us, I’ll punch it.”

Readying his fists, slipping into fight mode rather than flight, he continued to the noise. A leader can’t show his fear, not if they wanted their companions to follow them. Time to show the kind of leader he aspired to be.

nagavoice:

phantasmagoria starter for @radiantpriamos and @falchrom !

        “ARGH! OH, HOW FOUL!”

          The manakete’s exclamation is accompanied with a punch, delivered swiftly to the cleaver-wielding ghoul who thought it fine to lunge at her. Tiki wrinkles her nose as the fiend lands onto the ground with a lifeless thud, the ensuing echo from its fall fluttering between the fake cobwebs that littered the dark, dimly lit hall. Silence follows, broken only by the loud, resounding drips of (what she hopes is) fake blood. 

         She takes a deep, shaky breath. Her hands are starting to turn clammy, but the sweat that emerges is dry thanks to the chill hanging in the air. In terms of the atmosphere and aesthetics, the students who had set the attraction up had done a splendid job, but that really only meant that she would find herself faring worse than she’d care to admit. 

         “Really, I’ve not found these dreary old halls to be fun at all.” she pouts, brushing dust off of her uniform, “But I suppose there’s little to be done about it. We must press onward.”

         It’s a task easier said than done, what with the dismembered limbs and other such bodily bits that lay strewn on the floor, but if Tiki takes it step by step and ignores the concerningly realistic fingers that are scattered by her feet, she finds she can manage… somewhat well. She suppresses the urge to gag a bit better, at least.

( she cannot pretend to be any braver than she is —— but for the sake of them all, she must try… )

         “How are you two? Chrom? Priam?” she turns around to face her companions, her dread masked with a tone of calm, “I fear our journey to the end will be a difficult one, but I believe we can make it out.”

          …Assuming the ghosts didn’t get to them first, she thinks.

Chrom stood back as Tiki launched a fist at the spectral form in front of them. He pitied the fool who thought it a good idea to sneak up on the manakete. Still it was a more violent reaction than required given that they were exploring a Haunted house. Jump scares were part of the experience.

The old halls were creatively decorated with likely real cobwebs and suspiciously also real blood. (He’d rather not consider that possibility). So far they’d barely gone 5 paces before Tiki had … dispensed with the first ghost. 

“I’m ok” He assured her. “I feel safer with you around” 

They crept forwards through the gloom. Chrom felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end at the echo of their footsteps repeating a few seconds later. He tried to brush it off, an illusion created by the hallways shape but still…

“Do you hear that?” He whispered Tiki and Priam. “It sounds like something is following us. I can hear footsteps.” 

Ok now he was starting to freak out a little. ‘No, a leader must suppress their fears and appear brave before their companions’ Past teachings reminding him of his duty. He needed to remain strong.

The bluenette felt a presence behind him and with a roar turned, driving his own fist into whatever was there. There was no resistance as his hand passed through empty air. Nothing was behind them, merely an empty corridor. He moved closer to the other two.

“Aha ha ha” He laughed nervously. “The atmosphere must be getting to me. Let’s keep going.”

The sooner they exited this place, the happier Chrom would be. 

watersongson​:

The light bluenette is both pleased and relieved when Chrom accepts his offer and resolves to talk to the older teen after practice to draw up a schedule for their independent sessions. He’s not certain which specific classes the navy-haired student is taking, although he has seen him practicing with swords in the training ground, now that he thinks about it. Still, the two of them might share some free periods—perfect for slipping in music theory tutoring amidst the homework.

That Chrom didn’t have time for music for most of his life makes some sense and adds to the picture being painted in Shigure’s mind of his classmate. With the older teen’s level of fitness, he probably might have worked in manual labor, perhaps farming or blacksmithing… though the more he observes the young man he finds there is an undercurrent of grace to his actions. … Huh. Strange. In any case, he shrugs and nods, accepting the explanation and mentally setting aside the issue to ponder later.

“Yes, you should be fine if you do that,” he murmurs back, “for now that’s really the best thing you can do. I’m not familiar with this song anyway, so we’ll both muddle through it together.” He chuckles. “And don’t worry too much about learning to read music right now—we can schedule sessions for that later, after we’re finished here.”

When the conductor calls them to attention, Shigure straightens his posture and focuses on the man’s baton, which helps him pick up the tempo right away. He keeps an ear out for the other choir members and attempts to keep up with them as he sings, his voice lowered out of hesitance. The repetitive nature of the hymn, however, bolsters his confidence, and soon he’s singing at the same volume as the rest of the choir, glancing down to the book every so often for the words he doesn’t know.

This isn’t so bad… I hope Chrom’s doing okay. I think he sounds fine, at least, though he’ll probably sound even better once he actually knows the hymn.

There was a momentarily relief at Shigure’s admittance that he too was not familiar with the song they were currently singing. The light bluenette may have the advantage of being able to read the sheet music they’d been given but even sight reading could only get you so far.

“Hopefully, they’ll be more accommodating of us as we’re new” He whispered back nervously. It was the start of a new academic year so surely they couldn’t be the only new choir members, especially not by the second week of the term. The promise of supplementary music lessons from the talented singer further lessened his nerves and fulfilled a desire of his he’d held for a number of years. “I’ll give you a copy of my timetable after this and we can find a time which works.”

Their conversation is cut off as they begun to sing. Chrom listened closely to Shigure, the man’s clear voice carrying well amongst the other voices in the choir. He made his best attempt to match the pitch of his companion whilst reading the words on the sheet before him. At least those were in a language he understood. He started off quietly, feeling his way into the tune. It was more formal than any tavern/folk song he’d learnt previously.

By the repeat of the chorus, Chrom felt more at ease with what they were singing and increased the volume of his voice. There was something almost magical about hearing it rise up in harmony with everyone else. The high ceilings of the church offering a reverent acoustic enhancing their efforts. Chrom almost paused singing in awe. He was so glad Shigure had persuaded him to join him in this venture. 

verseandrhyme​:

Mitama’s head snapped up at the sound of the voice, but no. No parental figure stood before her, just the same blue haired stranger that she originally approached. For a moment, so thrown by the mistake, she stood there staring at him and trying to determine what exactly had made her make such a foolish mistake. When she recovers, it is with a forceful clearing of her throat and a quick return of her gaze to her gauntlets as she finally manages to slip the other one off.

“A-A pleasure. Pardon, I was…struck by unexpected familiarity for a moment. Please disregard it.” She holds the gauntlets out for him to take while sparing the sword a quick onceover. It certainly looked special. She was not overly familiar with swords, having held a training sword at most, but she knew enough that she could tell this was no ordinary blade.

With the gauntlets in his hands, she takes the sword. And very nearly drops it. Having not expected the weight, she took it with one hand, but very quickly the other flies up to grip the hilt as she tries not to stumble. By the Dawn, how strong did he have to be to carry this thing around? What was she expected to get out of this when she could barely even lift the sword.

Mitama carefully rests the sword against her side and makes sure not to scratch it on the floor as she huffs and looks back to him. “I assume you do not need a lesson in putting them on?” She asks. They are basically just armored gloves, after all.

Chrom’s brows furrowed slightly at the implication of familiarity in the young lady’s statement. As far as he was aware, he had never met her before. He hoped she didn’t recognise him as royalty for he was enjoying the anonymity of just being another student. He relinquished his grip on his falchion to his partner for this strange exercise.

Chrom watched carefully as Mitama took the sword from him, heart leaping to his throat as she almost drops it. Seeing such a small figure carrying such a large blade was an intimidating sight, even if she required two hands to hold it steady. 

“That’s it” He encouraged. “First lesson: the combat ready position is to hold it out in front of you blade pointing upwards towards your opponents face.” Circling her, Chrom adjusted her grip and stance the way his tutors used to till satisfied it was correct.

He accepts the armoured gloves the petite girl offers him. He worries they may be a bit small for him but find the fit adequate. Flexing his fingers he can feel the metal plates shift, the scales overlapping and rubbing with small clinking sounds. It was a pleasing effect. 

“What do I do with these then?” He enquires “Do I just punch stuff as usual or is there some special techniques”

There weren’t many gauntlet users in the royal army or his own personal Shepherds. It was a more common weapon among mercenaries or even villagers though they were less likely to have protective gloves. 

He gave a couple of experimental jabs to test them out and was surprised by the effect the weight  was having. It was like having lead weights tied to his hands, causing his punches to fall off target, swinging wildly. 

skinfcxi​:

This time, it isn’t Dagr’s fault.

      But they were making her take all the lances down anyway. Grumbling, Dagr trods over, a bundle of lances in hand, tasked with taking them down. If only the Knights had allowed her to bring along Vestri — it would have been so much easier! But they wouldn’t allow it, saying her armored hunting falcon was a “danger to the students.” 

     Heaving a great sigh, Dagr stares up at the spearpoints lodged high up on the training hall’s far wall. Dagr is of the opinion that they should be left there to commemorate the students’ great talent in throwing, but it seems to be an unpopular one.

     Idly, she turns one of the lances over in her land. The spear had never been her strong point — rather, Nótt had a natural talent for the lance. An elegant weapon, just like Jötunnheimr’s moon princess. Dagr scoffs at the thought.

     “I’ll show her…” she mutters, raising the lance and throwing it with all her might.

     It soars through the air in a wide arc — Dagr’s eyes alight with excitement as she watches its progress — before it lodges itself in the wall as well.

     “Oh, god damn it!” she shouts, kicking the wall and then promptly hobbling away, clutching her foot.

     “Hey, you!” Dagr points at an approaching student with her one hand, the other still massaging her toe where she had slammed it into the wall. “You any good with a lance? Come help me out here!”

@falchrom

Chrom wandered into the training hall, intent on doing some casual training with his Falchion. He may be learning new skills at the Academy but Frederick would kill him if he let his old ones go rusty.

There was already someone in the centre of the sandy pit when he entered, staring up at something one the wall. He noticed she had a lance in her hand. Without warning he watched surprised as she launched it upwards like a javelin at the brick wall. 

It got stuck with the collection already up there and he winced at her roar of frustration and … pain? Personally he wouldn’t have done that.

Wide eyed, he glanced round to check as there was a shout in his direction. Did this angry person mean him? To appeared that she did. Damn, too late to back out the door now. He wouldn’t say he was an expert with he lance but he’d had some training thanks to his great knight companion. Launching lances into the sky less so but he was partial to a game of darts in the tavern. Surely the principles were similar. A lance was just a big dart. 

princessmacedon​:

Returning to the monastery after their long and arduous trip to Sreng had been strange, to say the least. Though it wasn’t the strangest thing she’d ever felt or done, the unraveling of a good many months of her life was nothing to sneeze at! And even more unusual was how peaceful the time was that they had returned to; lives lost so easily returned, a gentle spring welcoming them in place of the ruthless winter they had escaped. 

And then, as if they had not just spent weeks of their lives outrunning the reaper, a carnival had come to town, all bright lights and merriment, a childhood dream brought back to her in its twilight, as welcome as it was difficult to palate. Not for her, at least-- resilience was one strength she could lay claim to-- but who knew how all the others felt? Yet in spite of her worry, there was a part of her that was undeniably fit to burst with excitement, and somewhere in her heart, the memory of a child who knew nothing of stone towers and isolation wanted nothing more than to visit it and lay claim to one or three of its wonders. 

The only questions left to her were when and with who? (Joys were so much better when shared, after all!) She lingered a while in the gardens, mind busy with the thought long after her hands had ceased the business of watering the blooms. Though there was no small number of people she would love to share the experience with, the greatest question of all remained: who was up to the adventure? 

Then suddenly, there was no need to wonder at all, light flooding into her eyes as she spotted a familiar face in the distance and growing ever nearer. 

“Chrom!” She trotted over to meet him, a smile glowing on her face, warmly waiting for the next question to be posed to her. He seemed nervous somehow, as if they hadn’t fought alongside each other through something so terrible... or perhaps because of that. Regardless, the little princess beamed at him, only ever growing brighter and brighter as he talked. 

“Really? Really truly?” Her hands clasped together, and she nodded fervently as she replied. “Of course I’d love to go! Oh, I’ve always wanted to go to one, but I never got the chance!” At that, she released her grip, hands swinging to her sides as she half walked, half danced past him and away from the greenery of the garden. She turned as she tottered, and beamed as she laughed, eyes fixed on him in a smile stitched with the threads of delight. “Hee hee, I was actually just thinking about how much I wanted to go with one of my friends!”

Again, little hands clasped together, now settled in the small of her back as she walked, careful to stay near to him. “What do you usually do at carnivals? I’ve heard there’s food! And games!” A sidelong peek at him, paired with a thoughtful purse of her lips, and suddenly she giggled again. “You seem like you’d be really good at them, hee hee!” 

He was surprised to hear that the royal princess had never been to a carnival. Even with the strict teachings he’d received growing up, there had been time for days off, well more like a few hours, to be spent frolicking with his sisters and enjoying festivities including carnivals. He’d like to see the night brave enough to keep his younger sibling away from one!

“Well I’m glad to be considered a friend who can come to your aid in this instance” He joked. “Carnivals are a thing everyone should experience at least once.” He looped arms with the excited princess and started to lead her in the direction he’d just come from. 

He listened to her lively chatter as they walked, trying his best to answer her questions as they cropped up. “There’s games to play and shows to watch with performers entertaining folk with tricks or showing off their skills. A little like a circus. Back in Ylisse, there’s a grand carnival which comes to the capitol every summer and culminates in a big parade at the end of the week. People dress up and march through the streets alongside the performers. It’s a sight to behold and of course it is a well known fact that carnival food is the best.”

Memories of jugglers and dancers making their way through the houses of his home fill his mind’s eye. He could almost feel the heat of the fire on his skin from the fire breathers. “I don’t know if this carnival will be the same as the ones back home though. It’ll be a new experience for the both of us.” 

Music reached their ears as they approached the finger of the collection of tents now occupying the market square. Leading the way still, Chrom began weaving his way through the crowd back towards the shooting gallery stand he’d been to earlier. “Hello again” He greeted the stand’s attendant “I said I’d be back”

Turning to Maria he gestured to the game. “I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily good at carnival games but I enjoy trying. I was wondering if you’d like to have a go at this archery game with me. Should be similar to training, so not too hard right?” Chrom felt his confidence drop slightly as he finished that sentence. If it was truly that simple it would be bad for business as more people would win prizes. Or maybe they just didn’t expect trained military students to be their main customers. Only one way to find out. 

Fishing out some coins from his pocket he paid the attendant. “Erm… 1 go each please” He requested,  passing the bow and 3 arrows he received in return to Maria and taking his own.

verseandrhyme​:

@falchrom | Any Skill +1

Mitama grumbles to herself as she unfastens the gauntlets around her hands. If they were going to have them exchange weapons upon arrival, why did they not warn them before hand so that she did not waste her time putting the damnable things on.

She huffs a sigh and looks around. Already, people have shuffled off to pairs and exchanged weapons, as demonstrated by a few cautious swings or clumsy fumbles.

The proposition makes sense, in theory. But Mitama cannot help but wish they had done so with a smaller group.

Stepping out of the way of someone stumbling under the weight of their newly found axe, Mitama looked around for the group to spot an unclaimed partner. Eventually, her eyes landed on an unfamiliar man with blue hair carrying a sword.

Well. She supposed that would do.

Finally getting one of her gauntlets off, she tucked it under her arm as she approached the other, working on removing her second gauntlet as she walked. “Pardon.” She calls, eyes glancing down to her arm once she is certain she is close enough that it is clear she is speaking to him. “Do you have a partner for the task yet? If not, may I claim that role?”

Chrom entered the training area, drawn by the announcement on the notice board stating an opportunity to learn new skills. He’d strapped his trusted Falchion to his side and gone over wondering who would be teaching them. Perhaps the academy had asked some famed sword masters and others to come and give a coaching session. 

That was not the case

Students were dotted taking off their various weapons and exchanging them. Was that what was expected? Confused, Chrom was approached by a pink haired student stripping of her gauntlets, an annoyed expression on her face. 

“What task?” Chrom asked the shorter student, wishing the flyer had offered a bit more information. “Is that why everyone is swapping weapons?” 

Though reluctant to hand over his precious Falchion, especially to one not well versed with such arms. The Falchion wasn’t just any sword after all. Part of him wanted to clasp it to himself tighter and he regretted not bringing a spare. But if it was required and this girl was willing to hand over her personal weapon, he guess he could do the same. 

watersongson​:

Shigure breathes a sigh of relief as the two bluenettes take their places, giving a small smile and nod to the student next to him, who slides him a spare choir book to use. He opens the book and finds unfamiliar songs (as he expected of a foreign land with a foreign goddess), quickly flipping through to look for the one the choir is practicing now. Then Chrom’s hushed admission takes him off guard.

“You’ve… not read music before?” Oh, dear, this is a huge oversight on his part. Perhaps Chrom could never afford to learn to read music in the past? While Shigure wouldn’t necessarily consider himself materially wealthy, his parents are evidently some kind of nobility, and he’s never had to really worry about making a living. This issue needs to be rectified, but for now Shigure’s going to work with what the other teen can do. Glancing at the coordinator, he opens his book back up to the song they’re doing and shows Chrom the page. “I’ll give you a more thorough walk-through on how to read music when we have time to practice on our own, but for now, can you learn it by ear? These,” he points to the notes, “have different shapes based on the length of time they’re supposed to be played or sung, and their positioning on these bars denotes which note they sound like. Each section of notes is called a ‘measure,’ which is one whole set of counts, and that varies depending on the time signature of the song. For example, this song is in four-four time, which means four whole counts each measure; if it were in, say, three-four time, there would be three whole counts each measure.”

Using the notes to learn rhythm is easy enough, he thinks, but some might struggle with connecting what each note sounds like to its letter assignment. Not everyone can look at a C and think of what a C sounds like. It sounds like, if Chrom decides he really does want to join the choir, Shigure is going to have to teach him how to read music. It’ll be an interesting challenge; he’ll have to make a lot of notes and practice often with the older student. As someone who practically grew up reading music, he feels this could be good for the both of them.

He feels sheepish at the incredulous look Shigure is shooting him at his admission. It is clear that the thought had not crossed the bluenette’s mind when he’d agreed to join the choir. It was only momentarily as his fellow student thought of a plan to help him. The man clearly had some noble background at least based on the way he carried himself alongside his hobbies indicating a certain amount of freedom growing up to study such things. 

“That would be much appreciated” He whispered back, accepting Shigure’s offer of some private lessons. Given his royal position back home, he was aware many would consider music to be a part of his standard education. However, his father’s distain for it meant only his sister’s had received some limited tuition whilst he had been expected to focus on more militaristic matters. 

“Music was not something I had much time for before I began travelling round my homeland once I reached my late teens.” Chrom gave a vague explanation for his conundrum for now, more concerned about how to get through the rest of this practice. He focussed on the explanation Shigure was giving him, looking down at the music. It was a lot. He couldn’t say it made much sense to him at the moment, but he nodded along anyway. Music was a lot more complicated than he expected. He hoped that once they started singing he’d be able to pick up enough it by ear to fake his way though the session till he could get more help later. 

“Do you think I can get away for just singing the words along the tune as best I can?” He asked hesitantly. “I want to learn music but it may take longer than the two minutes we have now” 

As he finished speaking, the conductor tapped his baton on the stand calling the choir to attention. Chrom faced forwards again watching as the man waved the stick through the air and the music started. It was slower that the folk tunes he usually sang which he hoped would make it easier to fake his way through. Glancing around and down at the music, he picked out the words he needed to sing and opened his mouth to sing.

secretforestlady​:

As the first happily munches on Chrom’s apple, the other pegasi begin to take notice of their visitors and a few of them make their way over to greet Deirdre and Chrom.  One of them sniffs at Deirdre’s pocket where she had more sugar cubes hidden.  “Not to worry!” she laughs and scratches it behind its ears before feeding it.  “I have plenty to share.”  She had not expected them to be this friendly, but she is overjoyed that they are.

“They truly are stunning.”  She tries to turn her attention back to her partner but a pegasus snorts and rubs its nose against her face, demanding she focus back on it.  “And, goodness, so friendly!”

There’s a familiar prickling of magic that causes the hair on her neck to stand up as more pegasi join them.  There must be truth in the rumors she’s heard about their feathers.  Hopefully once the winged horses calm down, she will be able to find a few good ones loose on the forest floor.  They would make such wonderful quills for her Arvis!

Emboldened by Deirdre’s success with the Pegasi, Chrom emerged from behind the bush to join her petting the flank of the horse-like creature. He withdraws more treats from his bag holding it out to the closest Pegasus who swiftly chomps down on it. He fondles it’s ears before running his hand down its muscular neck.

“Wow, look at those wings” He said quietly to Deirdre. Out the corner of his eyes he spotted some movement and turned his head to see another Pegasus spread its wings and flap them. They easily spanned a good 6m and he could feel the breeze generated by them from here. “Imagine flying on their back. I bet they’re really quick”