TO PREVAIL.

Yunaka watches Edelgard a beat longer than she would’ve liked to. It’s innocent enough on the surface, but Yunaka has made herself clear — she’s not for sale anymore. Whatever work Edelgard has in mind, whatever thoughts are brewing in that head, she wants no part in them.

But there’s no obvious, outward reason to refuse either.

So Yunaka puts that bright smile back on and laughs. “Sure! One sword fighting lesson. We’ll schedule it in later so it doesn’t mess with your other classes.”

And it gives her time to prepare.

The bell rings somewhere far off, signifying evening’s approach. More importantly, it calls classes to an end, meaning this little swap experiment is over. Yunaka nods at the axe and gestures for Edelgard to hand it over. “I’ll take care of cleaning. Go get dinner.”

It’s hard to say how much this little game might actually help someone like her. It’s obvious after all that a life of being a professor is not a real option for Edelgard. Soon enough, the weight of a whole Empire will be on her shoulders, as well as the choice to go through with whatever she’s planning or not.

Then again, Yunaka thinks, watching her student’s back as she walks away, maybe that weight is already there.

After a moment of silence, Yunaka sighs and reenters her classroom. Now…will the monastery notice if a few axes go missing?

"So you would rate people? Like some sort of battle exam" It sounded ridiculous when spoken about in academic terms but he understood what she was saying. "However, I do agree with you on those who we are closest too. But am I to understand you would keep a potential betrayer close to outsmart them?"

It was a devious concept but also genius. Personally DImitri would more likely confront a problematic person and oust them should they be untrustworthy. But the Felix did say he always charged into matters head first like a wild Boar.

Her next comment hit him like a slap in the face. To think that she'd treat him the same despite their history. Then again, he believed that she was unaware of their past connection though he couldn't forget the regal (somewhat bossy) young empress.

The prince paused and leaned back in his chair as he pondered whether he would trust her. Ask younger him and it would have been yes in a heartbeat, but the years had jaded him.

"I would trust you until you gave me reason not to" He said honestly, his heart winning out over his head. "But know that should you chose to betray me, I would haunt you to the ends of the earth"

It wasn't an empty threat and Dimitri looked Edelgard directly in the eyes as he said it, tone neutral.

When Dimitri's gaze and words met her own, she regarded it with silence. To know that one day, this simple conversation would be burnt alongside the flame that crackled in the monastery's deepest core. To know that one day, glass only she saw would be broken, was a burden she held for the sake of it all. Perhaps, under that sun, Edelgard would see that sentence in a different light.

Either way, it wouldn't change her path. There existed, too, a bridge she knew would never be crossed.

Her eyelids raised into a semblance of astonishment before falling. A moment passed. Finally, she broke the eye contact. "The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is a rare opportunity," she settled on. "It's the perfect way to judge how the Empire might fight the Kingdom." She ended her words with a lighter tone; a way to illustrate jest.

Ah, how he tended to speak with an earnest tone that she could never quite grasp for herself. What she heard just now wasn't that. "No matter. It is as you said." Her foot tapped the floor a single time again. "You must realize that at times, keeping a betrayer close is the only option."

Like a fellow hunter staring down their prey.

Yunaka smiles wide. “Hmm… My honest thoughts, huh?” Kinda like asking a starving animal for a bite of their food. The last time the two had been honest with each other had led to an interesting conversation…and then that had led only to distrust and sharp words when their world had crumbled months later.

She won’t say this lesson was totally invaluable though. “Think I’ll still stick with what’s most comfortable to me when push comes to shove, but it’s nice to have the option.” In the fight to survive, you can never be too picky. If Edelgard’s future is one of war, then that fact is all the more true.

“It was a good lesson, Teach. Though you won’t exactly have the time for all this one on one stuff with a full house of students, so you’ll have to change your lesson plan a little.” How will this little experiment help Edelgard, she wonders? Well, that too is something only time will tell.

"That should be all. If I've learned anything from my professors, it's that there is a limit to how much a person can retain from a single sitting. Showing you more as we stand now lowers our chances of success." By placing high expectations on herself and her classmates, it widens the chances of their advancements for the future. Her lips curl upwards in a calculated motion. "Your words just now reminded me."

Professor Yunaka truly is suited for the position. When she heralds this land into the freedom it deserves, she'll recall every word— Every declaration of troops divided between what they do best and where they must grow. "I won't pretend I don't have much to improve on. That's why I'm here. But I'm more than content if you were able to learn something."

Eir is no stranger to the look in her eyes. It is one she has seen in Edelgard before— perhaps the only thing she has ever found in her— a shared trait amongst the many versions of her summoned to the Order of Heroes. A fierce flame that refused to be put out. A soul that had clawed and scratched and crawled to survival, and then even further. The light of life shone well within her.

Eir had always found it admirable.

“…I see.” Her voice is small. That would explain it. Her time in Askr had made Eir vaguely aware of Edelgard’s feelings towards the church— but who was to say the Edelgard of this world was no different? She avoids asking. “Thank you for telling me.”

The awkwardness is deathly. The priests who had cast the spell have long since left, and the room they were in had started to feel suffocating minutes ago. Death glances towards a window— the sun had already begun to set. If she left for the Abyss now, perhaps…

Eir takes a step forward, only to feel a weight keeping her in place by the arm. Ah. Her eyes fall to her occupied hand. With a slow turn, she raises her head to meet Edelgard’s gaze. She realises, belatedly, that she hasn’t told the other girl her name.

“I am Eir,” she half-says, half-mumbles. Well, she is grateful to have to be stuck with Edelgard, if anything. She does not doubt there are worse options. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The princess mimics the stride— Single, precise, to remove the small strain that had been created between their pacing.

Naturally, it leaves the matter of where to go. With this declaration being given by the church, it leads her to believe that they will be watching (as they always do; as they will continue to do). Why else would they cast this?

"Are you affiliated with one of the other houses?" She knows every face within the Black Eagles well enough to recognize that Eir is not one of them. "I lead the Black Eagles. Fortunately, this time of day lends to emptier classrooms and people lingering about." With the moon creeping towards its fullness, she rolls her shoulders back and keeps her head lifted.

Another small step, bringing her hand to reach the door's handle.

It could only be worth it to one who wanted to change reality with such ardor that they did not care about the cost. Perhaps this is what Edelgard meant by the ability to handle it... and Sanaki finds, to more muted surprise, that she herself does not possess such certainty of vision for the proposal to carry appeal.

She does not wish to lie. Even if her lies could become truth, the truth would still be imperfect. She only wishes that it were easier to see through the falsehoods of others.

"I don't trust him." It's said quietly, but still in earshot of the vendor. Sanaki watches him for any reaction, finding none. She thinks of Micaiah's prescience, of spirit charmers withering away under possession, of Sephiran's, well... and grimaces. "Such supernatural powers never come without a price."

Still, she reaches a curious hand out for the golden mask, setting the red one down on the table. "But I am willing to give it a try. If this one works as advertised, I will be able to pry all the vendor's secrets out of him. If it does not..."

The corners of her eyes upturn in a slight, calculated manner.

In truth, she remains uneager to try on the red one that danced fire in her lilac eyes. Propelling fictional speeches that lack any sort of genuine conviction is no different than this wretched world they now stand in. Why should she, a proprietor of truth, pave way through misguided claims? The notion is ignorant to the knowing eye. Besides, there is much to be learned from this perspective.

"Only if you are certain of this decision," she replies evenly. "I won't hesitate," Edelgard speaks as a promise. The Imperial heir's hands remain empty, opting to cross her arms over her chest. Should the situation call, she will pry the red mask and string it across her features like an emperor hiding their truths. "Your bravery does not go unnoticed. Therefore, allow me to extend the same." A beat. "I swear to you that if anything goes awry, I will personally put a stop to it. That is why I will remain as is. You have my word."

There had been talk of the Church’s new measures to rein in unruly characters, the constant subject of stray chit-chat as of late that she had never paid much heed to. She is no troublemaker, after all— Eir excelled at staying quiet and keeping her head down. Her presence had the tendency to fade into the background, swallowed by the shadows lurking in corners.

It is the natural product of years spent trying to play the part of the perfect daughter that decrees as much, habits etched into blood and bone. Eir does not stick out. She is reserved, taciturn, at times severe— but nothing close to trouble.

So why does she find herself stuck to none other than the leader of the Black Eagles house, Edelgard von Hresvelg? Surely she is not what the church supposes is the poor model student on the other end…?

“…” Her hand feels cold in Edelgard’s. Death has found herself in a situation she has never once thought to anticipate. Various emotions war within, but none show on her face. “……”

It is an irritating thought— How manufactured their greetings were, pretending that nothing is amiss until they confront her later with honeyed words. The church does not yet stare at her with conventional means of disappointment. She oft wonders how long this will last.

It is through warm smiles and knowing eyes that Edelgard understands. They have heard her. Again and again, they speak lessons of stillness. She will never listen. It is best, for now, to greet back with the same pretend smile and agree to what they ask.

With her free hand, the princess rubs the side of her head and wanders her gaze to the ground. Were she not currently labeled as someone with 'unfavorable' behavior, she'd find the act of hand-holding more embarrassing than anything. She doesn't understand the purpose, feeling her own palm warmer in comparison.

It would be dangerous in the wrong hands. She, herself, was proof enough of that.

"Yes, I did come searching for it," she hummed. "I had hoped to destroy it before anyone else found it. Some objects from my world have an inherent... way of cutting through the fabrics of different worlds. Not every world is kind to the people in it either."

She gestured to the orb in question, the red of her faux-skin glowing in the sunset as well, emphasising the colour of blood.

Edelgard's hand strolled to her chin, tapping it on its edge: "I'm led to question why this was brought here. I can't speak about those other.. worlds.. But it doesn't matter. I am almost positive that keeping this would only lead to unrest."

The only Edelgard that mattered was the one here; with Thrasir, and with palms ready to destroy.

Though, it’s not like a worthwhile leader would rarely find themselves in the position to be carried this way. 

A question dances and he’s a moment too late to stop it. “Is that such a bad thing?” He pauses to hold a hand up in defense of himself. “I simply can’t help but think… had they been forgotten and left to their own, would the church have ever made such a decree?”

The mindless villagers and a world collapsing at the seams - those with power unable to be reconciled because they knew. No matter what any of them promised in that moment, the force behind their visit would not so easily see them freed from that place. More than that however, his smile turns wry. “I doubt everyone present reached the same conclusion. There were those of us, after all, who found it in themselves to follow through with the order. Whether that decision was made out of loyalty to the church or their own concerns we can only ever guess at.” 

The implication of those words brings her eyes to narrow. "The church's directive does not change no matter how you look at it," she retorts. "By considering an outcome of forgetting, you rid yourself of both them and the truth. Is it better to live in a place of ignorance? I don't believe so."

But that was the point, he was no regular individual. The crest in his blood ensured he could sustain what no human could- or should. Lambert was never meant to operate under the same standards as a regular person if his body could sustain what should’ve brought most to the brink of death.

As he carefully adjusted his weight, testing his own balance above the board, a hum escaped his lips. “If it surprises me? Perhaps…but only slightly, if I am to be fully honest.” One foot stepped forwards, checking to see how much the water or the board would give in. Not much, for the time being. “Noble or not, you are but a human in the end. Sometimes we cannot do some things, and that is fine.” He smiled softly. “I for example, am admittedly incompetent in regards to magic. Even the most simple Torch would completely lose control in my hands.”

Winds of nostalgia earned a warm laugh from the blond. “As a result, one of my retainers volunteered to study magic in my stead. Because I was just that bad. So it is fine for you to not know how to swim. If you happen to fall, I will catch you.”

At last, he held the oar like one would a mighty lance- aiming the blunt paddle at Edelgard. 

“Indeed, but there is only so much I can gauge from observation alone. A true warrior,” He adjusted his stance slightly, ensuring his balance remains solid. “-pays attention to the amount of pressure and strength you put in your blows, the exact amount of friction the opponents' boots have against the ground, even the most minuscule differences in timing due to breathing rhythm that you can only tell from practice alone. If you wish for strength, you must be willing to meet it on its own turf and speak its own language.” Lambert smiled- confident, smug, and a little mischievous.

“Meaning, come forth Princess of Adrestia.”

With the many expectations placed upon those of rule, it was simple for others to hear their shortcomings and regard it as flaws to their character. She had never expected the once powerful king to be so open with his storytelling. It was odd; she couldn't describe it. He told her these tales as if they were nothing. Is this really the kind of person he is?

"Indeed I shall," she confirmed. "Just so you are aware, I'd have never guessed your lack of affinity for magic. Still, you should take your own advice." It was unfortunate Hubert wasn't here to watch, though she suspected he would stop her from participating at all. She wouldn't fall. She wouldn't need saving. The thought was absurd.

At last, the princess stepped into her canoe and lowered herself onto the rocky seat. It swayed back and forth as she settled into place, bringing to light startled features. Her grasp remained tight on the oar as she struck it into the water with a giant thud. Whirlpools of water swirled around her until she began to paddle out straight into the center.

Edelgard did not look behind. No, she awaited the challenge head-on. The words he strung were illustrated in the way she held the oar. She wouldn't know the extent of his skill in this miniscule activity until their false weapons clashed.

The sound of the fireplace moving completely erases the idea into a new one altogether. For how hard she maintains a stoic demeanor, even she cannot hide the surprise upon her face. If she thought the deeper dungeons in the palace were well-hidden, this one isn't comparable. Widened pupils sit still, brief, until they fall back in place.

"I'd say so. You have a skill for discovering the undiscoverable," she commends. It's unnerving to know their path continues down these dark, cold stairs. She can't see where the staircase ends no matter how hard she stares at it. The torches can only offer so much light. "We should assume it was hidden with the intent of nobody finding it. I can't think of any other reason why this would exist."

Without another word, the princess enters the stairwell following a single measured breath. The torches illuminates shadows against her face; the hand she scrapes against the wall for support feels like it's been there for many moons. She tosses a glance to Alear and her sword, watching the uneasy light dance. The sound of her heels patters against the stone.

Down, down, down..

"This is farther than I expected.." Her voice echoes in the closed chambers. At last, when she least expects it, she nearly trips onto the ground from the repetitive motion. Her foot catches on a broken piece of stone.

Besides, when Edelgard asks the question, it turns out to be well worth the wait. Oh, she will have to meander herself to answer it, but she knew that already. It shouldn’t take too much effort, because the girl has unknowingly steered their exchange in just the direction Ayra wanted.

“When I was your age,” she begins evenly, meaning before my kingdom fell, “I would have answered strength and freedom, yes. Tradition, too. Now, though...”

She trails off not to steel her resolve, her course having been already decided by the time she approached Edelgard, but to let those words sink in. Her eyes do not leave the future Emperor’s.

“Now, I think of all that has been lost,” she says, more quietly. “My people lived freely and proudly on the plains, learning to use our fists and shoot a bow from horseback as well as pursuing the sword. We tamed falcons too, and the dance I shall request honors their role in sustaining us.

Yet if I were to ask an Isaachian youth to dance with me, they would know the steps no more than you do. They might not even have heard of this dance at all.”

She keeps the bitterness from her voice to the end, though it costs her something.

She listens to each word and takes them to heart, understanding the implications of what her own title as Emperor (and a leader) will carry.

"I'm sorry to hear," she first says solemnly. "You must think of it often.. Your people sound remarkably well-driven." Her thumbs brush against their respective palms, digging in until she lets them loose. "Seventeen years, no less. What of it now, I wonder.."

For Professor Ayra to offer this dance to her shows that the eagle will still soar— That it hadn't fallen, nor will it, so long as there are others who continue to guide and nurture its existence. ".. I've always noticed a difference between expansion and control in every piece of history I've read. I hope that one day, you can associate the eagle with a kinder future."

"They probably want the more experienced medics and clerics in the way back," Maria hums lightly. It would be stranger if it bothered her; though she's worked at the fringes of too many battlefields, her years might count to hardly even a fraction of those hard at work now. And besides: just because the work is less intense, that does not mean it is less worthy.

"--that sounds good to me! Then let's go, Edelgard!"

Though the ship is still somewhat crowded, most who see them (and more specifically the supplies they carry) tend to move aside for them; it takes only a few minutes to make their way there, and as the door shuts behind them, Maria's eyes flit across the room.

Very few attendants, she notes, though at least some of that she can attribute to the tired volunteers coming and going to check supplies and fetch them.

"Hello!" Maria chirps her greeting in a bright but soft voice, waving at those patients with no one to attend to them. Among them a young man snaps his head up, his face pale and his expression plaintive. Subtly, the little cleric tugs on Edelgard's sleeve, pivoting in his direction.

".. The seas were extra rocky this time," he admits. His right hand rolls up his left sleeve to reveal shallow scrapes. "I made the mistake of standing right where we speak. And, well.." The colorless expression looks away from them and onto the wooden floor below. "Yeah. I slammed into the railing here. You can figure out the rest. I'm not usually like this."

From the way he speaks, it's prominent to her that his pride feels pushed at his mistakes. He fails to make contact with either of the two and aims to rest a hand on the ship's edge behind him. "I need to sit down."

Edelgard brings herself to his side and guides her hands to help lower him onto the ground. The towel falls to the floor as she bend. When she finishes, she reaches for the item and stands back proper.

The two pigeons circle each other for a moment and then start back toward the rookery above them.

Ephraim stares in mild disbelief. "That worked."

It's quieter. If she were anyone else, she may have even found it uncomfortable. She isn't one of those people.

Thankfully she didn't expect that display to impress, so she's not too crushed emotionally when Edelgard steps forward well telling her there's room to improve. She's not wrong, either. Yunaka watches the display, watches the stretches of particular muscles and how it differs from the ones she might normally use.

(With her back to her like that, it would take one quick throw and then she'd be down in the bushes and-)

"Thanks, Teach." Yunaka grins and waits for the axe to be returned. She doesn't have any plans to swap up her usual tools of the trade any time soon, but it is useful to learn these kinds of things. They don't have the ease of the way they picked up other weapons with the Emblems anymore, there's nothing left to rely on but their own strength now.

The axe hits the column and falls to the ground with a clatter, bringing Yunaka blinking out of her thoughts. She looks down to it, then back to Edelgard, then back to the weapon again before laughing loudly. "You should save those kinds of displays for students you're trying to scare! You'll get a horrible reputation by throwing axes near students all willy nilly."

Yunaka picks up the axe again, but this time her grip is much more casual. She gives it a light toss to adjust, then turns and launches it without warning. This time, the axe flies straight and exactly where she wants. It sinks into the ground between Edelgard's feet with such force that the handle vibrates for a moment after.

For as well as she thinks she reads people, there is bound to be hidden truths. Yunaka is someone she'd best continue learning from with every rising moon. When she meets the attention of her professor, Edelgard sculpts a stare of assessment. It is not one of a professor trying to read a student, but a person estimating another.

Foolish she would be to give any further reaction. Thus, she does not. She is a professor in this moment. That is all. The longer pause she envelopes sticks into the air. "Any higher and someone could have been injured." Edelgard takes a step back and plucks it from the ground.

Regardless of the environment, she should get used to this— Weaponry falling near her person, striking close but not enough. Specks of dirt crumbling beneath her feet. Agility against that of her own. Answers she does not have. The only difference here is that these thoughts have yet to cascade in full bloom. With the axe in her hands, she hoists it over her shoulder as if she is ready to toss it again.