gaucherie

The first thing to do, is enlist help from somebody who looks more familiar with this place than him (in other words, anybody whatsoever). He's already drawing a few curious glances, possibly because instead of the smart, dark uniform which seems to be common here, he's wearing a warm and fluffy snow-white outfit, matching cap, and a cape adorned with vibrant baubles. Also because the handbell he's carrying around keeps jangling, if he doesn't hold it still properly.

He never understood why he needed a bell, when the point of being a winter envoy is to silently deliver gifts in the middle of the night, while people are asleep. His stewards insisted on it though, when they helped dress him up for the occasion. He's a little sorry to have listened to them, but can't exactly throw it away, now he has it.

That young woman over there, with the red hair - might she be a good person to ask? Alear turns a friendly, hopeful smile in her direction.

"Hello there! If you're not busy right now, would you mind helping me? I have an important delivery to make, but I've lost track of…a few things, along the way."

Really, the ex-mercenary only pays attention because she had been the one approached (unsurprising, because she is just so popular with the locals after all). Though, the redhead can just barely hold back the amused and somewhat mocking grin from tugging at her mouth.

A few brief glances are taken as she inspects this new student.. or, she thinks they're a student. But the fact the lad wasn't wearing the usual black and gold uniforms of the Officer's Academy makes her think otherwise.. though her gut feelings usually are right.

With a quick cough covered by her fist to collect herself, Luna presents as gentle an appearance as she can muster in response to the seemingly lost child.

❛ Of course I can help. Frankly, I'm probably the best person around that you could ask help from. ..............Uh.. What is it you need help with? You can't find some of your belongings, is that it? ❜

Another scan over the fellow redhead and his entertaining getup and her smile cracks just for a second before forcing it back to being professional. The unusual clothing reminds her of something some of her own students might usually wear- when not actively participating in school activities, that is. The frigid lands of Faerghus often meant that multiple layers of clothing were needed, often with puffy collars or hems to help retain body heat. It definitely looks similar, but it doesn't have any sort of pattern that Luna recalls from learning about the fashion trends when she herself first arrived.

❛ ... Well, let's start with what exactly you're missing. Can't help you look for something if I obviously don't know what it is. ❜

        Her words prickle, and not just her tone — underneath it all, she's got a point. That, perhaps, is what irritates Leo the most, even though Selena softens her words with a pat on his back. The furrow in his brow doesn't let up.         He stares at his plate with the same intensity he exudes while playing chess, studying the contents like a formidable adversary.

        “...”

Even with her hands proudly at her hips, Selena can tell she should probably tone the teasing down a bit. She's not a monster! And she's seen that kind of expression far too many times to ignore it or make fun. So many children had to struggle to adjust to the world no longer being overrun with Risen- with the threat of Grima breathing down their necks at every turn.

No. Severa of all people know better than to push buttons. Perhaps that's what they have in common- being too prideful.

And she can tell that it's only weighing heavier and heavier as the prince's discomfort and annoyance is painted further and further with each passing breath.

❛ You are absolutely not allowed to skip a meal. You know what Lady Camilla would say if she knew I had let her dear little brother go hungry? ❜

The redhead shivers at just the mental image of a royally ticked off Crown Princess of Nohr. She values her life, thanks. Instead, the professor thinks of a new idea that should hopefully suit Lord Leo.

❛ If you don't want to ask for a replacement to the staff directly, how about we just go into the kitchen and make something ourselves? ❜

Amiibo Gazebo? Really? What a weird place for blackmail…

Maybe it was a threat in and of itself? To become an Amiibo yourself, trapped in the Gazebo until some nice witch or fairy or mage decided to free you? It sounded stupid but also that would be very funny. Honestly, they could accept the use of blackmail if that was the aim. 

Actually, wait, no. How’ll I talk to any of my friends?

Nevermind, maybe this was a deadly threat to be taken extremely serious—huh? Blinking, they looked up to find… a stranger. No, actually, wasn’t she kind of familiar? Ohhhh maybe this was a substitute Blue Lions professor! Did the Academy have subs? 

Oh, shoot, right, the paper. Okay, act natural Kiran. They could so pull off having the best poker face ever. Oh, nothing important, Miss! 

At first, all the redhead can do is stare in pure confusion. From what she can tell, the student heard her.. but just.. didn't reply? No.. All that hand waving isn't sporadic- it's intentional movements. A shame that the woman hadn't the slightest idea what any of the gestures meant. But they had to be able to communicate with their peers and professors somehow-

That's when the piece of parchment catches her attention, easily kneeling to snag it from the floor. Scarlet eyes quickly read over its contents, and what she finds makes her usual scowl all the more menacing.

❛ ..Kid, you do know that we staff are here to help you... with anything. What did you even do that sparked this sort of harassment? ❜

She asks, despite knowing she won't understand a single thing the little one signs at her. The professor forces her expression and posture to relax, as to hopefully appear more approachable. With a quiet sigh, she pulls out a little pocket book she keeps on her to write down little things so she doesn't forget them ( sometimes when you've seen too much, things can easily be intermingled ) before setting it on the student's desk.

❛ ..Sorry, but I'm not familiar with.. uh- how you.. "speak". If you're not able to say it, how about writing it down for me? I can't help you out if I don't know all the details. Starting with you name. ❜

She offers softly, doing her best to provide a comforting smile than an annoyed grimace.

It's the undeniable energy of Selena. A brief reminder of home and familiarity where she had believed there was none — so despite what others would see as insulting, Azura only takes endearment.

"Song is the most enjoyable... hobby." The fact that it can be alluded to mere hobby now feels foreign, clunky to admit; but through the weight in her tongue, she still smiles. "Dance is a close second. So," a tap of her chin, "perhaps you're right. Maybe I do need more interests, hm?"

The ex-mercenary huffs even as she is ( unsurprisingly ) entranced at just how graceful Azura was. Sure, Selena had seen plenty of dancers in her life- Olivia and even Laslow the top of her list- but every person has different charms to them. The princess before her was no different, a fluidity that betrayed that secretive and dangerous connection to the nation of Valla- and whatever the water powers that came from that pendant had ( She still doesn't know too much about it, but doesn't feel it is her place to ask- since.. you know, Severa also has/had to keep her home concealed. ).

❛ Why does it not shock me that you are interested in a contest of dance? ❜

Though Selena freezes for a few short seconds as the woman approaches her, hand outstretched seeking a partner. Some form of ungodly noise get shoved down her throat as she shakes her head and her hands in front of her flustered smile.

❛ Now now, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I doubt you'd get any real practice in if I were- ❜

No no, keep it cool girl. Bring it back-

❛ I mean- I can't upstage the contestants, after all. That's the whole reason I'm simply helping the event run smoothly. Honestly, how could they manage it without me. Instead, I can give you some quick tips on what you can work on. I know I know, I'm the best. ❜

He smiles as kindly as he can at Selena, though he knows she probably only cares about the gold in his coin purse. She's not dragging him around for any other reason than to use his money. He doubts she would have even bothered with him otherwise.

Oh well! He's more than happy to spend time with a friend, no matter their ulterior motives.

The redhead harps, scarlet eyes rolling in feigned disgust. She scans the clothing further, hands swiping through silk and cotton alike, easily ignoring anything that has an atrocious color scheme. The whole point is to make a good first impression, and Selena will absolutely not settle for anything less than perfection! She won't be caught dead in something ugly, aside from the fact that she has to dress to impress- who knows, she might find someone cute.

❛ You "don't know much"? Then what was the point of me asking you to come with?! Ugh- fine. You better keep you promise by telling me what looks breath-taking on me- got it?! ❜

A few more swipes through and the woman decides she won't find anything good in the section she's looking, so she moves on to the next spot. After another handful of "absolutely not"s, Selena brushes her fingers against the single sleeve of a rather gorgeous dress- a light blue, mesh sleeve with floral accents at the hems, and a darker blue matching floral belt. While Selena thinks it's downright stunning, she did bring someone for a second opinion, so might as well-

❛ In fact, I can believe it. That's no excuse to make such an ugly face, though. ❜

The redhead semi-chides even with the faintest smug expression still present.

❛ ..You know how Nohr isn't my first "home", right? I had much the same experience that you are having right now.. ❜

Everything had tasted odd- not like how it should have been- and it made the dimensional transportation all the more difficult to deal with.. and made missing home all the stronger.

❛ Unlike you, however, I'm not a baby and can handle eating new foods. You're a prince, not a baby- right? ❜

Regardless her teasing, a comforting hand finds home on the clearly uncomfortable blond.

❛ I meant what I said, you fool. Just go ask the staff and see if you can have it remade with some tweaks in hopes of it being more to your liking. I'm sure the kitchen is used to people wanting different foods due to how many cultures all attend. Gotta make sure there is something for everybody, right? As long as you ask nicely, I'm sure it won't stain your princely honor. ❜

.... Only because it's technically her job! You know... teachers or staff are supposed to look after the students- obviously. What kind of terrible mentor would she be if she doesn't lend a hand when the young ones obviously need her skills and expertise.

She hadn't taught a class herself, outside of basic physical training drills, but Selena makes it a goal to know what students are in the BEST house- The Blue Lions ( Because she is apart of it, duh ). So she must step in to make sure there are no weak links!

❛ You're never going to make friends if you keep fidgeting around like an insecure mouse. ❜

The lady states, sounding ever so casual ( trying to, at least ) as Selena approaches the brunette at their usual class seat.

❛ Not going to get anywhere in life alone, especially if you're a flop. What in the Gods' name are you even looking at? ❜

In this new place, the food is far from simple. It's much closer to how the little kitchenette was in Corrin's secret base, with a wide variety of ingredients and recipes ( likely helped by the fact that there was at least three "nations" that had wildly different habitats and cultures ) available.

Which would make one think that there would be something for just about everyone- that there would be at the very least one thing that someone would like from the large range of options. Which leads to redhead to be a little worried confused when she spots a familiar face.. well, making faces at his plate.

Light footsteps bring Selena just behind and to the side of Leo, an eyebrow raised in suspicion as she fights down a teasing smirk.

❛ If you don't like it, just say so. No one is going to chew your head off if you ask for something else, little prince. ❜

Speaking of the staff- who all are in charge of this little event anyway? Or, was it just a free-for-all in terms of who was lending a hand? Sure she knew how to organize an army and weapons stash, but a dance competition? How in the world.. even if she is technically faculty, she isn't cut out for this-----------

IS WHAT SHE'D SAY IF SHE WERE A QUITTER!! MOMMA AIN'T RAISED NO QUITTER! So it is no surprise that Selena strides down to the ballroom to get a jump start on this new assignment. She does need to work to get paid ( and buy those cute pillows she saw at the shop the other day ).

What she comes across does not come as much of a shock to her, and a soft warmth of familiarity settles in her chest. Even if they weren't intimately familiar, having fought side by side in a war bonds you in ways unimaginable- unreplicable. But, that's not important right now. Right now, she's more interested in why the woman was ( seemingly ) alone.

❛ You know, you really need to find another hobby. Surely you have other interests than only performing arts, yeah? ❜

The redhead calls out, a hand on her hip as she makes her own grand entrance before giving a brief glance around the hall.

❛ What are you even doing in here? Trying to get set up for students to audition, or something? ❜

The main thing that makes this time around at least tolerable is that a friendly face is by her side coin bag and all. She probably should be a little more freaked out that someone else is also somewhere new ( and that could possibly out her "secret" [ secret to most ] ), but she honestly can't complain. Misery loves company.. or whatever. It's not like she'd be lonely! She is perfectly capable of making new friends! It'd be super easy!

❛ Just so you know.. ❜

The redhead starts with a slight huff, lips quirked ever so slightly at the edges- softening the intent into something far more playful.

❛ If you try to get me to wear something ridiculous like you've done before in your little castle grounds, you will live to regret it by facing my wrath. ❜

Despite her "threat", she still tugs Corrin along by the wrist into the nearest shop she can see that has all kinds of clothing on display in the window before they can enter. Excitement is easily seen as the lass all but skips over to wracks of dresses and blouses, scarlet eyes scanning high and low to search for- what she hopes will be- a stunning new look.

❛ You do know what the ladies like around here, right? ❜