LAD FROM AFAR

The gloom on the edges of everyone's peripheral had finally set in, crashing their party with rain and thunder abound. Instead of partying on the waves, taking long walks on the beach, or exploring ‘caverns of love,’ they were stuck inside. In that sense, it was almost like they were all back to a normal ball setting, just with significantly more water. Either way, Morgan held little stake in what they did, and being inside did give him the opportunity to dry off.

Having first fallen into the cavern waters, and then later jumping into the ocean of his own volition, he was soaked. The water caked his skin and sunk into his bones, giving him a permanent chill. He'd catch a cold at this rate, so he sped around the building in search of warmth. Whether it be a warm shower, a towel, or even the magical warm jacuzzi he'd heard whispers of, anything would do.

As he hustled, Morgan found himself walking along a line of windows that framed the wall of the estate. The outside looked rather grim, with almost no sign of the fun that had been had just moments prior. Nature seemed to have other plans for them this time. In the process of everything, the mood felt all but killed. Oh well. He’d just have to get warm, find a place to rest, and sleep off this gnarly storm.

POP! BOOM!

A frenzy of pops and loud noises assaulted him from where he stood, in a room full of people. Whatever it was had been so sudden, had startled him so thoroughly, he couldn't help but shriek. Only after his fright had settled did Morgan realize what he had done. A flush crept across his features, reaching all the way to his ears.

Quickly, his eyes darted around the room, watching faces turn to him in shock before quickly hiding their stares. Familiar faces, not-so-familiar faces... Great heavens, how embarrassing! “Haha, sorry everyone. I don't know what came over me.”

CRACKLE! POP!

Yet again it sounded off, but this time Morgan was silent. Instead, he turned to the source of the noise. Outside was still a wet mess, but now there was a flash of color in the sky. Bright shapes appeared in bursts, filling the backdrop completely. Instead of the gloom he had noted earlier, there was a spark of whimsy after each deafening sound.

“Oh wow, how pretty…”

Morgan wanted to declare this event a one-time occasion, his attendance hinging solely on the fact that it was an interesting concept to explore. If only he could, his attendance had already been accounted for last year, and even his appearance at that Valentine's bash counted against him. Like it or not, these events, which seemed to be for everyone except him, had become a staple of his Garreg Mach experience. Though not every experience was within his comfort zone, the lad couldn’t deny it had brought him closer to his peers than he’d ever imagined.

An ardent wish for himself was coming true before his very eyes: one of his own, and the one Edelgard had left him with at the end of their last meeting. He hadn’t seen much of her since the mock battle, but he was certain she would be attending the ball this year, just as she always did. He would catch her, break all his rules, and ask for her hand in a dance… even if it would be more apt to describe it as an assault on the lady’s toes. The thought made him wince, but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if she were to lead.

Spotting her was easy enough, even despite the crowded venue prepared for them, some people just seemed to shine brighter than the rest. Gathering the courage to go through with his plan, however, was a different matter entirely. The tactician idled out of reach for several moments, thinking on how exactly to make his approach. Surely it wasn’t as simple as ‘doing as you say and saying as you mean.’ If only Ferdinand could have parted ways with some of that confidence...

Lacking the confidence he so desperately needed, the lad slinked over once the crowd around her had dispersed, a smile on his features. “Hello there, Lady Edelgard! I take it the festivities are to your liking?” He spoke diligently, careful not to trip over his own words as was his wont. “I myself am enjoying the change from last year, even if I’m not too used to the waters.”

“Say, I’ve seen a lot of our classmates doing some pretty exotic dances… Usually I wouldn’t bat an eye. I’m not too good at stuff like that. I was wondering, though—what kind of dances do the people of Adrestia perform? Would you be willing to… show me?”

As he makes his way through the designated square, Kagetsu's gait is leisurely, his eyes bright with childlike wonder. As a frog may jump from place to place without sticking, so too does his attention dart from stand to stand while never languishing in one location. The definitive appearance of one not only enjoying his views, but searching for something in particular. Iron and steel and everything in between.

'—hoho, boy, if you want a sword of this quality, you'll have to pay at least eight hundred fifty gold!' As if arrived straightaway in his lap, the catch of an ongoing conversation brings to Kagetsu a valuable clue. A sword is indeed what he seeks today, but the rest is troubling; it is a purchase due for someone else, a student of the monastery, and one who is in dire straits. Any swordsman worth his salt will know his way around a blade and that one is not worth eight hundred fifty gold.

Two clacking sandals do not stop but change direction.

"That will not do!" Kagetsu walks up to occupy the space beside the boy with booming voice, a shake of his head to signal that his hand and wallet must stay. His words, however, are aimed toward the merchant himself. "Eight hundred and fifty gold is a steep sum, my friend. Let us talk to reach a lovely bond with each other! A sword of steel material is not worth that price, much less iron!"

There wasn't time for much more than a gasp when the gallant figure came striding in, placing himself before the merchant without hesitation. Morgan tried his best to hide the shock spreading across his features, closing his coin purse as quickly as he had taken it out. While the lad was entirely unfamiliar, he recognized this as something he had seen Severa do several times on her shopping expeditions. This was haggling. Coming here with the intention to help, Morgan had never considered going that route with the merchants, but it would certainly spare the royal fund. Sorry, Chrom.

"Uh— that's right. He's helping me conduct some business for the church today." The tactician stood straight this time, putting on his most convincing stern tone. He wasn't lying, per se. The man had shown up out of the blue, but he was certainly helping. His words only confirmed Morgan's suspicions. This sword was not nearly worth the price it was being sold at. Hard times were upon Fódlan, but that was no excuse for trying to swindle others.

"You heard him, good sir. We should... ‘reach a lovely bond’ and discuss how we might work out a deal for your merchandise." Morgan spoke in a lofty tone, one quite unlike his usual. It even sounded odd to his own ears, but it was fun, almost like playing a different character. He took cues from the new friend at his side to make the performance more convincing.

"Friends buy in bulk, no?" This time, the lad turned to his new partner, looking to see if that was in fact the right thing to say. He had heard Severa use that phrase for dresses, but were swords different?

The man at the counter stilled for a moment, the color draining from his face at the eccentric performance being put on before him. A grizzled sigh escaped his chapped lips as he mourned the loss of his easy sale. Nothing was easy here. “Fine, kid. What kinda deal ‘re we talkin’ about here? 500 gold is as low as I can go for this beaut, understood? No matter what your friend there says… This is fine craftsmanship, even if it is iron…”

Crimson eyes widened as the spell was cast and the paper absorbed the magic flawlessly. In awe, the mage watched as where it would previously go soggy and dissolve, now it was perfectly resistant against the elements. “Whoaaaaaa……! That’s amazing!”

Picking up the paper himself, he couldn’t help but let out a small giggle as he tilted it left and right, watching the drops skate across the surface. “Look at that…! Like dewdrops on a leaf!” It was admittedly very fun to play with. Watching the droplets move around scratched an itch in his brain that made him want to play with it even more.

“Do you think this spell could work on more than just paper? What if we used it on sand to prevent mud! Or steel to keep blades from rusting? Or.. or what about people?!” Ewan excitedly suggested, the idea of walking on water sounding like the coolest thing ever. Though, just as quickly as the idea came to him, something else popped up. “…Then again, we’re mostly water too, so if we turned our bodies hydrophobic…” ….Yeah. That would be rather… nasty, probably.

Morgan studied his handiwork proudly, a smirk tugging at his features as Ewan played with the paper. It wasn’t every day you got your hands on experimental magic and got to test it out. The redhead had the right idea, and the lad was right behind him. One should ask every question and explore every avenue, even if not every idea was a good one."Right you are, Ewan! We're going to need to put this under a stress test of sorts."

"Just... probably not on ourselves."The tactician did not want to find out what happened if you couldn't absorb water in any way.

Where they were now was in desperate need of supplies and objects to experiment with. Morgan had brought some, but not nearly enough for how far he wanted to take this. "The good news is, I have us covered when it comes to smaller items. I brought swords, tomes, some spare clothes... ah, right, water for hydrating too!" Morgan idly pulled items from what seemed like an endless satchel, settling finally to hand Ewan a canteen of water.

"We're thinking along the same lines, Ewan. I think we should test how long the magic lasts before needing a refresher. After that, we go wild and see just how much water it can repel at once." He spoke with excitement, the bounce in his step and the joy in his voice as strong as ever.

"Then we ask a kind volunteer to lend us their home for further testing. This is for the people, after all." If everything went according to plan, and if this spell really was the solution they believed it to be, it could change everything! "Of course, let's start small for now. What do you want to try first?"

"…pardon?"

he blinked. "there is another you?" if Ferdinand Von Aegir sounded bewildered, he certainly was not trying to be. at least, not outwardly. but by default, it sounded as though Morgan had began to spout a page right out of fiction. "…that is a baby? that has a different future than you?"

the more Ferdinand parsed the words out loud, the more jarring it sounded. still, on his honor, he attempted to bridge the gap before even he fell into confused silence.

“why do I ask?” he repeated, voice lighter than expected. “because questions like these are windows, Morgan. they show me how a person sees the world, how they see themselves. and you—”

he gestured, not grandly but purposefully, “—are someone who measures himself by those around him. your mother, your friends… even the version of yourself that exists elsewhere. you define yourself not by what you are, but by who you stand beside.”

his arms crossed, his fingers tapping absently at his sleeve as he considered his next words. it is... almost hard for him to take in at once. amnesia? futures that were not his? if he simply parroted every other sentence that Morgan said, would the questions ever end?

“there is nothing wrong with that. in fact, I find it rather noble. but it makes me wonder—when you are alone, truly alone, who do you see yourself as?”

he let the question linger, though he did not press for an answer. instead, his lips quirked into something wry, something fond.

“but, ah, let me not be mistaken. I did not ask to unearth some hidden truth from you, nor to pry where i am unwelcome. I asked because I wish to know you better. and, perhaps, because i wished for you to hear your own answers aloud.”

his grin returned, steady.

“though, if I have overstepped, I shall gladly offer myself for questioning in turn. it is only fair, after all.”

it was almost uncanny—the way ferdinand's mirthful eyes seemed to pierce directly into his heart. morgan had never truly thought to analyze himself, not the way he dissected answers to other questions. he was happy when he was busy, and most typically not when his questions centered around himself. perhaps, in the excitement of making a new friend, he had forgotten just how powerful words could be—depending on the beholder. no one had ever read so deeply into his words before. certainly not enough to make such a cutting analysis.

"windows, eh?" morgan asked, brow raised. "i hadn’t expected you to take such an interest in me already." even if it was a tad frightening, it meant the eagle had taken the time to digest every word. if that wasn’t a sign of friendship—or interest, at the very least—morgan didn’t know what was. "you’ve got a lot of compassion in that heart of yours, ferdinand."

though the answer had surprised him—and for a split moment, even sent chills down his spine—morgan was pleased. he wasn’t sure how dangerous that keen eye would turn out to be, but it would be fun to find out. this was the leap of faith he'd heard about: the kind you take when making real friends. well… friends not bound by a series of inescapable traumas, at least. maybe ferdinand wouldn’t like what he saw. but something told morgan he'd at least hide his disgust, for his sake.

“worry not. as a curious man, i always encourage digging into what you’re curious about. if that subject happens to be me, well—i’ll just have to try not to let it go to my head.” he chuckled, the kind of full-bellied laugh that made his entire body move with it. “besides, it’s fun to be the one answering the questions for once.”

it was a tempting offer. as much as morgan loved answering questions, he loved asking them even more. left unbothered, he figured he could keep ferdinand occupied for the rest of this event. that wouldn’t be fair, though… and besides, there was opportunity here—to continue this little excursion of mutual curiosity. morgan didn’t know what ferdinand might gain from him, but he wagered there was much he could learn from the noble.

“if i keep you here any longer, you’re gonna miss your date! even if i’d like to bend your ear some more, i’ll have to decline—for now. let’s meet again after we’ve both met our match, and we can trade stories then.”

“ah,” morgan paused, with a knowing grin, “maybe you’ll look forward to it more if i promise to reveal the secret of my mysterious younger self instead?”

"What are you doing?" He turned the question back around on him. "I was told to assist but you already started. And," he looked at the incomprehensible formulas, "what is this?"

Something tugged on his pants and Gerome looked down to see a little girl staring up at him with wonder. "I want a mask!"

straight to business as always, but it's not as if Morgan disliked that kind of approach. in fact, it almost stirred a bit of pride in his chest thinking gerome might have thrown up an eyebrow behind that mask. "i'll have you know, i'm being the best teacher there is around these parts!" morgan stated cheekily, emphasizing this fact by bringing attention to the board behind him. it might only have been the basics, but they were just kids... surely gerome wasn't expecting him to get into the complicated stuff already?

"i'm glad you're here, though. i might be a pretty great teacher, but i think these kids are getting bored of me! ME!" the lad was appalled by the realization... how could they find him boring? he was the funny go lucky airhead from ylisse, did that mean absolutely nothing here? "digging pitfalls is sure to bring them back to my side, but it'll require some supervision. maybe a map too," marking down traps would likely be a good idea for this practice, lest someone fall in one.

"I want a mask!"

ah... it was obvious now, even he was no match for the coolness that his friend gerome exuded. even these young ones were entranced by his stylish mask and stone-like features. a devious smile found itself upon morgan's features, concocting a new way to have fun with the bunch. "on second thought, the woods are so deep, you guys could get lost! how about we have our new teacher show us how to make masks as cool as his."

"please, oh please! we'll behave if you show us how to be like you!"

"you heard the crowd, old friend. maybe we can dig a hole for you once you're done, though."

time was a fickle thing to her as of late, ever-changing as it's arms does it's twenty-four measure march. it never stopped. not for her; not for anyone. yet, for what felt like a minute it was... frozen upon the glimpse of an old plegian robe out of the corner of her eye.

it's age old rhythm went off-key to her. she stood frozen, her breath hitching as she took in the sight of him. morgan—alive, standing right in front of her, grinning as if he hadn't been missing for years. of course, he looked different, a little older... taller even, a little sharper around the edges, but the way his eyes sparkled with mischief was the same. his smile was always bright, without a worry in the world.

fists clenched at her sides as a rush of emotions clawed at her throat—anger / relief / frustration. she quickly makes her way to him, as if she didn't catch him he'd be lost to time once more. grabbing a fistful of his robe between her fingers and pulling him to her. " morgan. it's really you. " she whispers it so softly it just sounds like a hiss between her teeth before she lashes out, " agh ... you idiot! " a quick insult. half-hushed, half- angry pulling back fighting any spillage of emotions she didn't wish to share just yet.

" do you have any idea how— " she cut herself off, scowling for a moment before letting go of his robe; slowly & gently fixing it's fabrics. " forget it. is this where you have been all this time? i wasn't worried or anything like that... but... you didn't even say a word before you left " words cut short as her tongue was caught in loss for words that didn't drip with a sweetness that didn't suit her palette. " if you disappear on me again, i won't forgive you. got that? " she turns away from him and places a hand over her lips , hiding a slight smile.

starter for @grimatruth !

time had been a fickle thing to morgan in the past, ever-changing for those standing at his side, but never him. everyone had to march forward, and yet the lad had always been too scared to try. when their victory was secured, they had all gone their own way, a distant future in mind. when morgan left a boy, weighed down by a guilt far too big for him, he had done so alone. he emerged in the halls of the officer's academy, now a man, flashing the same smile that hid the darkness in his heart.

one that assured others that he was happy, and that there wasn't a gaping hole in his heart. the kind that bellowed and ached, practically screamed out into his chest for his friends. those he had purposefully left behind without so much of a word, those he had left so much unsaid with. even if they found their way here, would they feel the same as he did? like him, did they think about him during cold listless nights plagued with insomnia?

for each one that found their way here, his heart quieted to a whisper, if only for a moment. yet the yearning always remained, the questions persisted, leaving morgan anything but satisfied. one learns to grow used to the emptiness after a while, never inviting it, but unable to push it away. like many, morgan danced the same delicate steps of loneliness. waiting for that moment, that one single moment, when time stopped again and his heart became quiet.

" morgan. it's really you. "

there it is, all at once, time freezes like it had back on the plains of ylisse, where they all stepped together. even a practiced smile like morgan's could falter in this moment, taking in a familiar face. the same sharp gaze, the same chip on her shoulder, the same severa that he'd left behind. she starts quiet, like usual, yet morgan detects the bittersweet tones in his quieted words. should he say it... should he apologize, should he hug her tight? or...

a equally familiar smile finds itself back on his lips, so close to reaching his eyes, not not quite. "severa! you just got here and you're already mad at me. seems like nothing has changed after all this time." morgan laughed out, scratching the back of his neck with fidgeting fingers. this too would be real, eventually. "i'm sorry, i'm sorry! when adventure calls, i can't just turn away. besides, it seems like you had fun all on your own without me."

even though his target is painted on the archer's back, morgan can appreciate that she leaves them to their own devices. it's nothing person in that regard, just that pointing his magic at cynthia was something that felt too weird. like when you raised your hand to a sibling, full of childlike anger, but you can't bring your fist down. it feels weird, it feels wrong, and had morgan not been blinded, he wouldn't have done it.

at the very least, the archer takes the healer role and makes up for his damage with swift haste. now it's just them once again, and the lad can see that he has really done it now. "hey, wait- listen. i couldn't see, that's not fair! i didn't mean to hit you, i was trying to hit her!" pointing at the green haired woman accusatorily, showing just as much as he was telling. "see look, i'll show you!"

blinking to clear his sparkle addled vision, the tactician pulls from his tome and aims right at the healer... yet again... sorry.

Morgan 3/5HP hits L’Arachel 4.5/6HP with Vacuum Slice! [Roll: 14, -2.5HP, L’Arachel 2/6HP]

"i'm sure you can take this much. i know it feels unfair, but i hope you'll give us this moment." looking back to cynthia, lance readied in her hands, morgan feels as though he might remember something. like maybe, in the past, they had been in this exact situation before. he could almost reach out to the memory, but as quickly as the sensation comes, it goes all too fast... dammit.

"just you and me, cyn... give it your all."

She grits her teeth and takes a deep breath. It is completely fine! She is still standing. Even if her legs are starting to get a little bit wobbly, that wobble only serves to add beauty and grace to her, having been through so much and yet standing tall despite it all! Especially when punctuated with her opponent’s words.

“You would be correct! L’Arachel of Rausten does not fall so easily!” Was the flowery introduction necessary? No. But they do know her name now! “I am quite happy to give you this moment, otherwise I would have aimed at you earlier. However, you do have to understand that it would not do for me to take your strike without any sort of retaliation.” She aims her bow towards her attacker. “I shall shoot my bow, but do not worry, for it is only a mere jest! I shall be aiming to the side of you. Technically retaliating, but leaving you alone so you may have your duel! Quite ingenious, no?”

She prepares to fire her bow. “Let this arrow signify the start of your duel!” A quick turn to Cynthia. “I know you shall make us proud. Now prepare!”

Gaze back towards Morgan, she readies herself. The bow is drawn, and the arrow is just about to be let go of.

And then the wind picks up, and L’Arachel feels her eyes sting.

“My goodness! A surprise glitter onslaught?!”

Her hand moves involuntarily right as she fires the bow. It soars through the air majestically, accompanied by pained noises of annoyance from L’Arachel.

Gliding through the air, the arrow flies closer and closer towards Morgan.

L’Arachel 2/6HP critically hits Morgan 3/5HP with Imitation Dakka! [Roll: 20, -4HP, Morgan 0/5HP] Morgan has been defeated!

Thankfully the amount was not too plentiful, and L’Arachel quickly manages to blink all the glitter out. Truly, she shall have to study how chaotic of a tool it is on the battlefield. But for now… “That was a most unfortunate delay. Let us move past it and have my arrow start out-”

L’Arachel’s boisterous words and attitude take pause as she spots her opponent with an arrow now deep in his leg. Confusion quickly gives way to realization. Damn that glitter! This was not how this was supposed to go! L’Arachel runs up to her “enemy”, concern on her face. Right now, the Battle of the Eagle and Lions is far from her mind, the only worry being the ruined sparring match between friends. 

“I am terribly sorry! Are you still able to duel? I did not mean to interrupt your fight, I simply wanted to make it more dramatic! Do you require any healing?”

it's fair enough, really, and morgan thinks a dramatic start to their one sided duel does sound rather fun. l'arachel, it was, would be taking the place of owain in this instance, with her eccentric wording and excitable demeanor. it was almost like being back home, practicing and having fun in between the claws of war. of course, there were more arrows in him than what would be normal, and he's very tired... but he wouldn't leave cynthia hanging.

"alright, that sounds reasonable- Augh!" ow ow ow, man that one might have gone straight through his leg! falling to his knees involuntarily, clutching his leg, morgan can see that is the case. turning to the culprit, he spots l'arachel rubbing her eyes, and then be hit with the same realization he had. that darn glitter... man it had been about as helpful as it was harmful.

anti-climactic as it all was, morgan was at least somewhat thankful he could take a breath. on the ground, he could finally release, his muscles aching and in pain, but not wound up any longer. on top of that, he's coddled by the enemy almost instantly, and he does enjoy the worry and concern. it was just one arrow, or two... no big deal for the second greatest tactician of ylisse. "i'm too winded to continue on... maybe we can delay our duel until after i get medical attention." he smiles wide, eyes closed letting the cool wind rush across his skin and cool the sweat caked to him.

yes, even defeat could be gentle too... "maybe you can make it up to me by helping me to the med tents?"