Mother, please watch!

go go golem!

Seteth wasn’t particularly familiar with the catacombs. He did know about them, of course- as well as its defense mechanisms and he did have a map of it hidden in his office, but it had been a long, long time ever since he stepped foot into the monastery’s depths. He was unfazed on the way down, save for one strange sensation: the mark on his back.

The mark he thought was some disease even, but ended up as nothing in special- it throbbed slightly the further they went, almost in a way that felt slightly painful. He rolled his shoulders to try to ease the discomfort, but found little result. Well, it didn’t affect him too much, so he decided to ignore it for now and follow with their investigation.

The catacombs were humid and puffy, a foul smell of old and death from rotten corpses nearby- victims of its security mechanism, which was in fact the golem slowly walking before them. Seteth found himself hidden behind one of the tombs around- within his sight were Owain, Hana, Tine and Henry. The sight didn’t partcularly unsettle him, he had seen such golems before.

Their behaviour however was slightly hard to predict.

     “Do not allow its speed to fool you. They know well how to use their size as well as the room’s as an advantage.” The arms in particular, long and thinner than their bodies- one hit could mean death instantly. “The foul smell and bones around this room are not a feature but a warning. Let us proceed carefully.”

Moving carefully to not alert any of the golems, Seteth reached out to the cardinal tasked with guiding them through the catacombs. “Faolán, do you know anything about those golems’ behaviour or programming?”

“I-I don’t know, Sir Seteth!” Faolán’s voice trembles in fear. “It’s the first time I’ve ever s-seen such a thing, cross my heart!”

So she doesn’t know? Well, that’s a problem. “…I see, thank you. However we might have to adjust our plans slightly at present.” Poking his head out just a little, he spotted a golem approaching. It was hard to tell what could trigger their attack response, although he was almost sure that touch and vision were most likely the main ones. He wasn’t willing to try and find out what else could cause them to react however, for obvious reasons.

He turned to face the students nearby. “Our best chance would be to avoid engaging in combat, so please do avoid getting too close or making too much noise. Those golems are made to protect the monastery’s main defense mechanisms and fighting one is, needless to say, a most unwise decision.“

Now to figure out a way to pass through without drawing attention…

@frieges-future​

Tine stared at her left hand as she descended, at the black mark that had taken over. At first, it had just been a strange decoration, but now it ached. Not so much that she’d have to see a medic, but it was persistent enough to be stuck in her mind. That dream had told her it was the mark of tyranny… was this a sign of her future? 

She didn’t have time to dwell on it now, as the elevator reached its destination. It was dim down here, she didn’t know how deep they were, but this place had likely never seen the light of day… but that was fine, this was what was expected… 

Then she noticed the bodies. She covered her mouth on instinct. Of course she’d seen dead bodies before but… this was different somehow. The atmosphere was more tense, the air was filled with the stench, and to her knowledge, the only way out was the way they just came. The other reason it was different was the way they’d died. 

The golems were unlike anything she’d ever seen, towering over them. She could have mistaken them for statues if they weren’t moving. They were designed so intricately, metal upon metal, seemling rusted. As Hana said, they were probably old. But still functional, some of the corpses seemed… too recent for comfort. 

They had to get past that? 

Listening to the others, she tried to think of something clever. But it seemed everyone else was equally as lost, even Faolán. At least Seteth seemed to know a lot about them. If he didn’t, and the archbishop didn’t… they had no hope. But whilst his knowledge brought some comfort, his words brought fear. 

“Um…” Tine brought her voice to a whisper. “Do you think it can hear us?” They were currently hidden behind a corner, but if the golem got any inkling of their existence… it could spell disaster. “What if um, we threw a rock or something, not at it but, to make a noise elsewhere, and see if it reacted?” 

Suggestion posed, she waited for everyone’s reactions. Seteth didn’t seem to approve, and Tine trusted his judgement. He seemed to know more about these things than anyone else, so she’d be a fool to act carelessly. 

“Sorry…” She apologised. Thinking about it, Owain’s yelling would probably have attracted them by now if they could hear… it was a foolish idea from the start. Hopefully someone else would have a better idea.

✦ — AS A LADY MUST.

✦ — the sound of her name arrests her attention at once and has constance hold her tongue. "oh?“ she asks, though the query sounds itself more snobbish than she means for it to. her hard expression softens into something more amenable and the mage allows her hand to fall aloft in front of her. digits lightly curl against her mouth, hiding the wry smile that curves on her lips in spite of herself. so, she was looking for her then! oh, but of course. she’d severely underestimated the power of optimism. how foolish of her! doubt was unlike her. how could it be that not one person would show interest in her fine tutelage when she’s such a vast knowledge to draw upon?

she, the heir to house nuvelle!

HAH!

how astute she must be to know talent when she hears of it. still, constance thinks. this is only just one student of the many that she knew attended the academy and she will not allow it to go to her head as she refuses to be like that puffering and posturing ferdinand. so with a flick of her head, constance allows her hands to fall back to her sides as she rises from her seat and crosses the room to meet her new student half-way. ”no, you’re just in time.“ late, but she couldn’t really say anyone was late when the lesson had yet to begin in earnest.

( constance can’t help but peek behind tine anyway, hopeful that the girl might have brought some friends with her. she tries to let the disappointment show. )

”please, take a seat. i will be happy to instruct you in the mystical arts, now—“

constance steps away again, making her way to the front of the room. wheels squeak as she turns the blackboard, it spinning in a black and white blur before she stops it at once. articulate charts span the whole of its surface, her handwriting marking each image with notes and notes after notes. ”i realize the breadth of my knowledge is quite vast, so i will leave it to your discretion as to what it is you would like for me to begin with. where lies your aptitude in magic?“

The seminar was… just her? Oh no, now she felt even worse about being late. She quickly took a seat, placing paper and pen on the desk. As Tine looked over the blackboard, the knowledge overwhelmed her. Instantly, she started trying to write down everything, and absorb the information. Fimbulvetr - ice spell - said to have caused the “Great Winter” - a winter that-  Tine jumped as she was asked a question. 

“Um, I’m good at thunder magic…” She said, nervously. “And um, I’ve done some fire magic, I guess I’m alright at that… and I’ve tried some wind and healing magic too…” Though she still had much to learn in all said areas. Growing up knowing the best mages of the land, she’d always felt inferior. She looked over the board again for something she could ask. 

Bolting - thunder spell - very long range. She was reminded of such tomes in Jugdral, that targeted Seliph’s army from miles and miles away (or at least they seemed to). “Oh um, maybe you could tell me more about Bolting? I’ve never understood how magic can be controlled at such a long range. I’d be too afraid of hurting my allies.” 

𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒   𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 :    bold .     𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒   𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 :    italic .

ANGER  . jaw clenching , hands balling into fists , teeth grinding , yelling , going non - verbal , stuttering speech , rushed speech , slow and concise speech , rambling , quiet , arms crossing , shaking head , tearing up , animated , expressionless , projects , internalizes ,vents , withdraws , tighter movements , passive aggressive , direct , physical outbursts , verbal outbursts .

JOY  . easy smiles , fighting back grins , suppressed laughter , loud laughter , giggles , chuckling , smirks ,whole body laughs , covers mouth when laughing or giggling , throws head back when laughing , slaps leg , touches people around them when laughing , looks down when laughing , looks for eye contact when laughing , sparkling eyes , bubbly happiness , quiet subtle happiness , obnoxious happiness , wants to spread joy , quietly savors joy .

SADNESS  .crying , bottling it up , seeks distractions , wallows , meditates and processes , avoidance , seeks out comfort , withdraws , swallowing thickly , talks it out , internalizes it , sad smiles , depression naps , uses alcohol , uses drugs , seeks out sources of joy , fidgets with sentimental item , sits in silence ,broods , gets moody , wants someone to share the misery , tries to hide negative emotions , nurtures others to make themselves feel better .

EMBARRASSMENT   AND   SHAME  . blushing, looking away , rubbing at back of head , covering face , laughing nervously , laughs it off , overthinks , lets it go , self deprecating humor , deflects , gets irritated , smiles , withdraws , crossing arms over stomach , crossing arms over chest , hands in pockets , shoulders sinking , shrugs , falling into silence until comfortable again , talking a lot to compensate .

GUILT  .    avoiding eye contact , shoulders sinking low ,head hanging down, crying , chest aches , lashes out , internalizes ,apologizes , deflects , communicates , withdraws , grand gestures for forgiveness , accepts fault easily , punishes themselves , martyrdom , victim complex , over - active guilt complex , healthy conscience , internalizes even after forgiveness , seeks redemption , moves on easily , denial , lack of guilt or conscience , sorry they got caught more than caused harm , can’t handle knowing they hurt others .

to boldly flee

   To be a descendant in the main bloodline of a Crusader meant a likely experience in preparing for war. Whether peace is aimed for or not, the blood that flows through one’s veins is that meant to wield weapons, some more divine than others, and one showed their heavenly qualities through their combat prowess. It was from a young age Iuchar had learned to pick up and axe and just how to bring it down too.

However, for all that he’s been prepared to fight in war, he has never been prepared to fight that which was not human, pegasi, and not even draconic in form. Even the strange mages and possessed people in this village had been humanoid in nature regardless of the state of their mind.

These were, in the truest sense, beasts, and though the forces from Garreg Mach had been prepared to try and fend off this ambush, they all cut their losses when no weapons of any quality can seem to even scratch these tremendous foes.

Iuchar fetches his horse and is just about to make a break for it when he spots a flash of silver hair. He whips his head in that direction spotting the girl of Friege running but still looking over her shoulder, armed with a tome.

She’ll be crushed at this rate!

He pulls on his reins and changes course, heart hammering in his chest as he goes against the flow of their forces to instead gallop his steed towards the mage.

“ Hail, Tine!! ”  he calls out as he stretches his hand down to her, keeping an eye on the beast as the distance between them closes.  “ Grab my hand and make haste! I’m afraid we’ve no time to waste! ”

She’d tried to help, but now it seemed she was nothing more than a burden. She’d come to this place to try and help the people, but now everything had gotten out of anyone’s control. Her strongest thunder spell couldn’t pierce the beasts, and no one else had any luck either. 

“To the horses!” She’d heard one soldier yell in the confusion. She’d run all the way to the nearby stables before she realised: she had no idea how to ride a horse. And even if she did, none of these steeds belonged to her. If she took one, she would be stealing someone else’s chance at survival. What gave her the right?

She had felt herself freeze up in fear. She felt her body shaking as the sound of the beasts drew nearer. But she couldn’t die here. She had to take action immediately, not be consumed in her panic. So she started to run. 

Of course, a human cannot catch up to a horse (unless they were blessed by the gods), so Tine saw her allies speeding on ahead, whilst she was left in the dust. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the beasts approaching… faster than she could ever manage alone. Her only hope now was the beasts running out of stamina before she did… or someone coming to save her. 

How fortunate that Iuchar was among the riders. She saw him ride towards her, risking his own safety to save her. She stretched her hand towards, and as soon as the two met, he pulled her up onto the horse behind him. Instantly, she wrapped her arms around him for balance, breath heavy from exhaustion. 

The Pegasus Moon gets its name from the herds of wild pegasi that flock to their snowy nesting grounds. Nestled in the tall mountains, Garreg Mach sees plenty of snow-white pegasi come wintertime. This year, however, the school is abuzz with news that a flock of black pegasi have stopped close by, searching for a suitable place to nest. Their feathers are of particular interest to certain students, as they are said to amplify a mage’s power. With final exams just around the corner, many are looking for a little boost to their power. [Grants Reason +1]

Starter for @lafilledenaga

When she first saw them, she mistook them for wyverns. It was silly of her, the two species had completely different designs, yet the colour was what threw her off. In Jugdral, she hadn’t seen many pegasi, but those she had were as white as a sheet. Until these creatures arrived, she’d never seen a black one. 

At that point, she could have moved on, curiosity sated. Then the rumours began. The feathers weren’t just feathers, they said. The feathers had incredible magical power, they said. If you eat one, you’ll become a pegasus yourself… she hoped that one was false. 

The power to amplify magic was enticing. Though she came from a magical bloodline, she’d known those capable of wielding the most powerful tomes, those that she could never surpass. To even get close to such power, it was enticing. So, she found herself down where the pegasi had gathered. 

Diploma-tea

It was still a little frosty outside but the winter sun was glorious and, coupled with the tea she’d brought, warmed Eirika through. The birds were singing, the sun was shining - it was the perfect setting for a relaxed and friendly little seminar. She waited a while, sipping her tea when a silver haired young lady approached, asking if she was here for the seminar too.

Eirika found herself giggling before she stopped herself. She’d thought it was endearing but she didn’t want Tine thinking she was laughing at her.

“My name is Eirika, it’s a pleasure to meet you too,” she said, reaching out for the teapot. “Can I interest you in a cup? I brought a selection, so please take your pick!”

“Hmm, perhaps that’s lesson number one, if you’re hosting always have a broad range of options,” Eirika smiled as she spoke, waiting for Tine to pick her favoured blend. “Unless you can remember someone’s preferences, which is even better but it’s impossible to remember what everyone likes. Or to know what people you haven’t met enjoy, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.”

“Tine, would you mind telling me a little about yourself and your own goals? We can use that to find what topics to discuss and focus on.”

“Oh um…” She looked at the selection. “Please could I have some lavender tea?” The scent of lavender was soothing to her. Occasionally, her uncle would pour her a cup in the evenings, if no one else was around. Made from flowers the same colour as the hair of most Friege heirs, that was what she was told. 

She nodded along to Eirika’s words as the cup was poured, and she took a sip. Just perfect. “Thank you, it’s lovely… what is your favourite, if I may ask?” She tried to make use of her first lesson immediately, by learning the preferences of the person in front of her. 

Hmm… herself and her goals… “Well, I’m the heir of the Friege family. When I return home, I will become the new Duke… I don’t believe I’m up to the task, in my current state… I wish to, to… to gain the necessary skills to rule over my people. I don’t know exactly what’ll be required of me, so um… diplomacy…” 

✦ — AS A LADY MUST.

✦ ` constance cannot begin to fathom what brilliance it was that the church’s authorities must have struck upon to think to entrust the instruction of its students to their very same peers. she’s met her fair share of students, true, in the past year that demonstrated their competence over and over again. there was lady celica, who showed her brilliance and aptitude for both white and black magic. and of course, she also thinks to sirs marth and kris alike, whose skillful hands wielded a sword with all the grace of a trained dancer but with the strength of all those before them. and to the house leaders, for however frivolous she thinks of claude and the reverence with which she regards prince dimitri and lady edelgard—none can compare.

this year’s crop of students ( last year’s too, she thinks briefly ) brims with talent.

of course, she knows these things to be true.  but for every person who proves their mettle, there are hundreds more that leave much to be desired.

and yet, it is a fact: they too are privileged with the liberty of educating one another, but not she. it is this that constance takes insult to. the ashen wolves are not considered to be part of the church proper. they are neither students, nor are they to be treated with the respect that the knights of seiros or the officer academy’s faculty are. but, if she is to be called upon to provide the church aid when she has no reason to beside making poor aelfric’s job less taxing, then she ought be given the same privilege. after all! house nuvelle was, once, the leading scholars of magic in adrestia. they would be so again once her status and her family name was restored.

but, she ought start planting the seeds now if she is to prove her worthiness to the three nations of fódlan. so is the thought that occurs to her, at first.

so is the thought that persists, even as she is relegated to a mere shoe closet of a classroom. and so too, is the thought that remains even as the hours pass and pride turns to anxiety turns to a bitterness that coats her tongue even upon the arrival of one such passing student. “might i help you?” constance offers, raising her eyebrows. digits lightly press glasses up higher on the bridge of her nose.

“i must simply assume you are lost, but i will be happy to direct you to the proper lecture if you are looking for it.” 

Tine was in a panic as she rushed around campus. She’d asked so many people where the room on her timetable was, yet she hadn’t gotten a single answer. She’d been to each of the houses’ room’s, searched around the main hall, even upstairs, yet she couldn’t find her lecture. She was on the verge of tears when a kind faculty member directed her to where she was meant to be. 

Oh goodness, she was going to get into trouble now. Standing outside the room, she mentally prepared herself, whilst cursing herself for not finding it sooner. From this angle, she supposed it could be a classroom, though not a very big one. She tried to remember if she’d passed it earlier… maybe she had. If she hadn’t been quite so foolish, she could have been here on time, or something resembling it.

She slowly opened the door, fully expecting to see a full room cast judgemental gazes on her… only to find it empty save for one blonde woman. “I’m really sorry… I’m, I’m looking for the seminar lead by Constance von Nuvelle… if I’m in the wrong place then…” Thinking about the possibility she was at another dead end filled her with even more dread. Luckily, she soon realised she was exactly where she was meant to be. 

“I’m so sorry I’m late!” She could only assume that the seminar had already occurred, and everyone else was already gone, that was how long she’d taken to get here. “I got lost and…” She trailed off, not knowing what to say next. “I’m sorry. “She repeated.

Starter for @coeurenais

Diplomacy, that was what the seminar had advertised. With such a title, Tine wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe it would be negotiation skills, maybe proper manners and conduct. Whatever it was, it would be useful to her when she returned home. 

The seminar was being held outside, in the outdoor tea area near the gazebo. Tine had only been there once before, so she set out early. Even if she got lost, she wouldn’t be late. Luckily for her, it wasn’t hard to find, and she arrived a full ten minutes before the seminar was due to start, finding no one except a blue-haired girl enjoying some tea and biscuits. 

“Um, excuse me.” Tine approached her. “Are you here for the diplomacy seminar? It is starting here, is it not?” Truthfully, Tine had no idea if the girl was here for the seminar, or if she was just enjoying an afternoon snack. If the latter was true, it would be best if the lady found out now, so she wouldn’t get in the way. Then the lady replied… 

01. the magician : how does your muse feel about fate ? do they believe they can change their own destiny ?

It’s a strange idea, that one’s path is pre-destined from the start. Of course, there were moments that seemed fated, such as her being able to meet her brother, yet Tine doesn’t believe her path is set in stone. 

Elincia can certainly empathise - she’s never actually attended a ball herself. There had been terse committee meetings with the nobles meant to advise her and they were far worse. It had, admittedly, left her with a slight distaste for nobles in general. Of course there were exceptions but many prioritised their own gain above what was best for the populace.

Then there were men like the late Duke Ludveck - with a lust for power more insatiable than a starved wild beast.

Thankfully, no one she’d met at Garreg Mach was nearly as insufferable. A few people seemed a little too proud of the circumstance of their birth but she’d yet to meet anyone who really made her blood boil.

Anyway, balls were supposed to be fun!

“It gladdens my heart to hear your enjoying yourself, Tine. I understand - things are very lively tonight and there’s an awful lot of people here.” At Tine’s affirmation that she’d like to dance, Elincia reaches out and takes one of her hands in hers gently. “I don’t mind either way. Do you have a preference?”

She’d been drilling all the right steps into her mind for weeks now. Elincia felt fairly confident she could lead at least a simple dance at this point. Following didn’t bother her either. Dancing was enjoyable in and of itself and she was happy to do whatever made her partner feel most comfortable.

Despite her best efforts to deflect the question, the choice fell to her… and even though Tine knew how she wanted to answer, vocalising such things was still a struggle. “If you truly don’t mind, then I’d rather you lead. I am inexperienced in such things.” She only just held back the urge to apologise, even though she knew her partner would not be upset.

Taking Elincia’s hand, they started to dance. It was a simple tune, and Tine stepped with grace, smiling at her partner. “You dance well.” She said. “I assume you have much experience.” 

“I was taught to dance at a young age…” She decided to speak of her own experience now. “I was to attend a ball, and my aunt wanted to make sure I wasn’t an embarrassment to the family…” Her face betrayed none of her true feelings, keeping the same smile as before, now with only a slight mischief to it. “Not that I danced much anyway, but it was a useful experience.”

“And I must say, the present company is far more pleasant than the balls of the past.”

For this, I felt like doing an actual analysis of Tine’s actions in FE4, so at the same time I’ll kinda be answering 02, asked by @sheerelixir

11.  justice  :  does your muse find it easy to be impartial in emotional situations ?

02.  the high priestess  :  how does your muse make decisions ? do they trust their instinct or would they rather trust their heart / their logic ?

The Magic of the Air

The door opens and in enters a young woman with blonde hair and a kindly looking face. Elincia smiles at her and hopes she appears warm and encouraging.

“You’re in the right place at the right time, Lianna. It’s a pleasure to have you,” Elincia says and takes the opportunity to introduce herself. “My name is Elincia, I’ll be running this seminar today. Feel free to take a seat where you like.”

She turns her body so that she’s partially facing the board whilst still keeping an eye on the attendees. There were only a couple of attendees before Lianna’s arrival and they looked bored already. They probably turned up only because it was mandatory. Still the newcomer, Lianna seems eager to learn - a fact that raises her spirits.

Perhaps unnecessarily, she draws a pegasus on the chalkboard to illustrate her first point. Know and respect your mount - it didn’t matter whether someone wielded a sword, lance, magic or any other weapon. If they didn’t have synergy with their steed, they’d be a liability on the battlefield.

“Does anyone have any prior experience with mounts? Even horseback riding would be valuable experience,” she asked the students and continued. “If you want to cast magic in the air you must first be confident flying, otherwise you’re a glorified pincushion for enemy archers. The fundamentals of flying begin with respecting your mount. It’s your partner, you must treat them well and work together.”

“Are there any questions about the basics of flight or how to handle pegasi? I think that’s the best place to start.”

When student-lead seminars started, Tine was eager to look at the ones available and sign up to all the interesting ones. She’d chosen this one so she could refine her healing skills - ah, she should call them faith skills here. She had some knowledge of healing, but was far from an expert.

She tried not to stare as the latecomer arrived. If she was in Lianna’s shoes, she wouldn’t want all the attention on her. She briefly made eye contact with her, and managed a small nod before looking away.

The seminar started… with talks of pegasi. Tine had been aware there would be talks of flying, so this didn’t shock her. Yet listening to Elincia’s words, she realised this seminar would be focusing on the combination of flight and faith. Ah. Well, she’d still be able to learn something… right? 

With Elincia calling for questions, Tine felt a certain pressure on herself. With so few people in the room, surely she should say something… she racked her brain to think up pegasi questions… That Silessian girl had a pegasi. Was there anything she’d wanted to ask her? 

Also asked by @blarflame

If you ask Tine what she longs for, she’ll answer thus: she desires to become a great ruler. And she sees it as realistic, as long as she makes good use of her time. 

To be honest, Tine doesn't remember that much of her mother. She remembers the sensation of being comforted, by a woman who never laughed or smiled, but all her memories are of the harsh treatment Tailtiu suffered, not of what she was like as a person. She's heard stories of course, of what she was like before Bloom kidnapped them, but she has nothing else.

Outside of a woman she barely knew, there was no one there for her as a child. Her aunt was a horrible woman, and whilst her uncle never hurt Tine himself, he never stopped Hilda.