✗-calibur

He had used the public transit many times before back in Insomnia. So much that people knew exactly when to get on the subway to catch a glimpse of the royal. Although, normally once people see him once it’s enough for them. He’s not the most exciting person to see on the subway. Most times he just sleeps in his seat while the guard escorting him waits patiently for them to reach their destination. That being said… He never navigated the transit alone before.

    “Uh… Do know how to get a subway ticket…?”

Honestly, it doesn’t look like the woman understands the first thing about the public transit system. But that places her at the exact same level of knowledge as him and that gives him some amount of comfort. 

Noctis peers at the screen in front of them. It listed the different railways he could take. Is he supposed to know which one will take him where he needs to go…? He feels completely lost and he hasn’t even gone anywhere yet. Some man pushes past Noctis to get to the screen and press each button so fast that Noctis can’t even follow along to try and copy him.

    “How are people supposed to know which buttons to press…?”

   As if right on time her greatest fear came to life before her. Assistance was normally something she had no issues with giving, that is, when she was the in the know on the topic at hand. Holding no ground on this topic meant she had to do something she was not used to doing.

“I’m afraid... I am still learning the workings of these machines myself.”

Admit defeat.

At first it seems they are both to take to learning together. Their gazes held on the machine up till the point of interruption. Her temper set to flare a moment at the stranger to push the boy aside. Carefully did she remind herself this was not the time or the place. “You are not hurt are you?” His next question bringing a small smile to her lips. Truly they must look like fools.

Though she may be stubborn to a fault at times, it is all perfectly well intended. (Not that her desire to save people from harm hasn’t backfired in the most tremendously horrible ways before, but that’s beside the point).Estelle doesn’t miss the moment in which Saber clutches her arm and the way it clashes with her dismissal of the topic all together. The princess purses her lips, discontent written clear across her face.

“It isn’t right to stay indoors when I have the ability to help those in need. These things can be dangerous…as you know.” The implication of her tone alone should be enough to guess at what Estelle is hinting at, but the hand that lays on top of the knight’s gets rid of all doubts.

“Saber, let me see your wound.” Estelle looks directly into her eyes as she says this, stern and unwilling to take any sort of “no” for an answer.

    What she had to say was admirable, impossible to object against. She had thought to comment that it was unsafe here yet the girl was clearly capable of taking care of herself. “Indeed. Your resolve is quite noble.” She recognizes the hint found in her words, but ignores it. At this point in time she is rather defenseless there is no lie in that. “Yet you run like a woman who believes she is a one man army. This will only spell endangerment for you in the future.” This she knows well.

Still, this was certainly proving to be a losing fight. From the resolve of her words to the stubbornness found on her face. Had they been anywhere else then she would have held her ground, but this was not the place. A heated disagreement over a mere body part. Giving way to such distraction could not only call the enemy to them anew but warrant a surprise attack that neither is ready for. 

◈ His heart felt so dark. To watch Robin fade, just like that, tears were brought to his eyes. Everyone was so burdened by grief that no words were spoken, as they watched their most precious friend disappear right in front of their eyes. However, that overwhelming sadness was overtaken in a second as all was dark around him. His body seemed to shift, and he couldn’t feel himself any longer.

◈ Libra held his breath, and closed his eyes, expecting for something like death to pull him away, for his consciousness to slowly fade just as the Tactician had, but nothing of the sort happened to him. Instead, he felt as he was gently lowered, his lungs filled with fresh air as he could no longer hold his breath. He dared to open his eyes, and he stared up at the clear sky above him.

◈ He was in the strangest place. He slowly looked around; he was sitting on large stone it looked like, and there was no one around but someone else who looked just as perplexed as he was. Libra’s lips parted as he went to ask if she knew what was going on, but she seemed just as confused as him. He stared, her words dying on the tip of his tongue.

“I was just about to ask you the same, mi’lady.”

   As far as the gathering of information goes, this as a failure. If any of her comrades from her previous life (she can only assume it is a previous one) had been in her shoes they were sure to have held momentary collapse. Her on the other hand, felt the opposite.

Poise, posture, and confidence: all things needed to traverse both the upper circles of nobility and harrowing battlefields. Though “princess” in title Estelle trained for years under one of the most prestigious knights the Empire had to offer. Following weeks of live combat, experience quickly honed her skills and calmed her nerves. Fighting is second nature now and, of course, she is ready to put that to use.

She has spent the whole day spiriting people to and from shelters. Fatigue drags down her pace and sweat dampens her forehead but still, she does not stop. Not when there is someone else who needs her.

The glyph that appears underfoot is bright even in the day time but the skeletons aren’t distracted from their target. Good. Particles of silver and gold rise up and surround her - floating off into the air to dissipate and be replaced in a seemingly endless cycle. Eyes closed, even breathing, the subtle buzz of energy pouring out of her skin.

“Come, O silver light…”

Green gaze flashing with determination, slim sword raised high into the air. And then -

“Angel Ring!”

The arte employs the help of a wide, concentrated circle of light that drag all the skeletons together in one, neat, bone crunching heap. However such an attack is too simple to defeat them all in one go. Estelle is quick to descend upon the survivors, circulating through her martial attacks with well-timed and practiced ease. Star Stroke, Pierce Cluster, Marche Waltz. Each hit lands with its own graceful flash of gold and then - it’s over. For now.

“Are you okay?” Estelle calls. Once the distance between them has closed, her free hand takes Saber’s arm and softly tugs her even closer for a thorough inspection. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

    How exactly she was meant to handle the display before her was unknown. Instead of being met further with attacks from the skeleton enemies she was instead left to witness their demise. The one to prevent further harm to her own body being no stranger either. If she recalled correctly the girl was named Estelle. She had thought her to be a simple magician and yet, this was clearly not the case. Her eyes following every strike of her blade with yearning on what this new style before her had yet to reveal.

It is hard to speak at first. Even harder when the distance left between vanishes. On reflex does she grab tighter to the wound at her arm. “It is nothing to worry on.” She tries her best to mislead as in time, there will be nothing to show of her injury except the stains of blood left behind from the first cut. This land had altered some things in her composition but her healing still remained in tact.

    If she’s not mistaken she has gained herself an admirer of sorts. The reflection back from the shop window at least showing one holding a similar gaze as herself on the books on display. While it may be wrong of her to assume they fancy her attention more so than the novels. It does little good to remain in the unknown as well.

He’s confused when she responds with an offer of tea, something he’d just refused moments before, and apparently it’s obvious on his face. “I mean, I’m here for caffeine,” he corrects with an incredulous chuckle, unsure of how to handle the situation. “So, coffee, please?” Gladio tries again, with an imploring expression on his, back to leaning forward, across the counter. “How about this: next time I come around, you can refuse me coffee. But give it to me just this once,” he bargains, hoping this is enough to get him what he wants. 

    “Then I will put extra sugar in your tea.” Once more is emphasis placed not on the drink that he wants, but the drink he shall receive none the less. 

If she had only been as normal of a girl as she appeared then perhaps this level of intimidation would factor into her own body language. Instead did she challenge him back with her own presence across the counter. Small in stature she may be. Taller than she would ever stand was he. Yet her presence demanded an unwavering authority as her own hands were placed flat upon the counter top  within the space provided between his.  “An honest man takes that which he requested first. If I must make that of you then so be it.”

They chattered at her now with their jaws as if laughing in mockery towards her disposition. Her own face hardening in frustration as she grasped at her upper arm. Palm applying pressure to help quell the bleeding red across her white shirt. 

She was meant to be a knight. To fight, to serve, to protect. And yet--

In her hand was only fear held. The last memory of her sword more a nightmare than a blissful dream. Filthy, ruined, honorableness, and nothing she wished to see again. While she had manifested here with little remnants of the war she escaped from. She not dare risk any sign of its return.  This is why she is stuck now against this grouping of skeletons like a simple civilian. One who lived simply off the thought of dodge. Dodge so she may live.

@riothamus

“what kind of teas do you have?” he asks her immediately upon coming to the counter, hands placing themselves down and flat in front of her with a thud. “teas with caffeine. i’m trying to stop coffee, though at this point why stop, right?” gladio grins with a shrug, leaning over the counter slightly, hoping that playing nice and being friendly could get him some free drinks in the future. his grin transforms into something soft, as he takes his hands off the counter as if he’d just finished a long battle in his head. “you know, can i just have large cup of coffee?” 

    If only she could say that she’s seen these type of men before, perhaps then she would have a better grasp on the atmosphere he was trying to build between them. Instead did she take everything he had at face value. In turn did this mean she focused on the fact he claimed he was set on breaking a habit.

    So would the curtain close around her life. Her memories set to flash by in a fleeting moment. She had only existed in this time for little more than two weeks. A span of fourteen days which would change her forever. It would change the life of the boy who sat upon her now. Desperation on his face when he heard her wheeze breath back into her lungs. Her eyes yelling at him to do it. 

Sometimes the best way to save another was through death.

While it was not the outcome she had wished for, it was what was best to protect him. Already had she broken her oath enough as is. She wanted to hold on to this at least, the scattered remains. So she closed her eyes in waiting, braced herself for the kiss of steel; freedom.

Instead did sense warp. The dampness of the cavern replaced with an open breeze. The silence made way to the sounds of a bustling city ahead. It wasn’t still she realized there was no weight upon her though that she sat up quickly.

“Alive.”

Quietly did she speak the words as she looked down at her form. Her wounds were healed yet that was not was caused a mixture of emotions to run across her face. No longer was she blackened. Her armor having returned to its silver brilliance, her dress shimmering a royal blue. No longer where the red seals of contamination running across her body.

    There were many things that had challenged her in life. Ideals put to the test of wavering. Mortals who believed themselves her better. Enemies who thought twice after brushing her off as a mere little girl. Yet none of that could prepare her for the next test in life. 

She was one born to thrive in the midst of combat. Her sword in her hand as she slashed down every obstacle in her way. This was not to say the brain kept within her head was left to dust. It simply performed optimally when in this field of expertise. This was normal for anyone right?

Right. She mumbled this while staring down that which opposed her. 

@riothamus

For all her love of literature, the life of a storyteller is still not an easy one. There are days where her pen refuses to produce anything of worth and she ends up gazing out the window for hours on end. Or rather than daydreaming the light away, she’ll see to other chores and tasks in hopes of giving her muse a rest, only to find herself in the same place when she sits herself down again. This is usually when frustration sets in; she can make short tales orally in practically no time at all, so why won’t these blank pages fill themselves up? But rather than sit at home and stew over feelings of incompetence, Estelle pulls herself right up and prepares herself for an early evening out. Out where? Well, she usually figures that out as she goes.

Today she is left to wander where the universe takes her. She is conscious enough to steer clear of the larger city crowds, knowing that it will be hard to maneuver freely at this time of day. This leaves her turning towards Poinsettia Park in hopes that it will provide the breath of fresh air she needs. Eventually the quiet buzz of the city fades into the background and is replaced by the wind rustling through scattered trees and tall grass.

The lingering warmth of sunshine and the din of those enjoying their late afternoon successfully washes away all her writing woes. In fact, it might even be appropriate to say Estelle has found a bit of inspiration. She strolls with with a purposeful foot in front of the other now, two whole pages of her notebook swelling up with words as whimsical as the landscape itself. And there would’ve been more, if not for a crash and loud wailing that serve as a distraction.

It seems some kids had been carelessly playing with the standing metal dividers that, more typically, are used to bar anyone from stomping over newly planted flowers. One child is on the ground holding their arm close to their body, crying with pain that she immediately sympathizes with. Even after all this time Estelle is first and foremost concerned with the safety of those around her. It takes only a second for her to act.

“There, there. Don’t cry,” she coos with an understanding tone. Gentle hands pry the little boy’s arm away from his body and his friends huddle around, shifting anxiously on their feet. Against the grand scheme of the sun set low in the sky, the light from First Aid is not all that extravagant but those in passing stop to watch as Estelle heals the shallow wound all the same. “See? All better!” Then, while reminding the kids that playing like that is dangerous and they need to be careful, most of what little of a crowd disperses and go back to what they were doing. There’s one individual, however, that continues to watch her with what she thinks is a curious expression.

After waving goodbye to little ones, (of whom, run off in a way makes her worry) and rising back to her feet, Estelle turns her attention to the onlooker. A friendly smile overtakes her lips as she asks them, “Is there something I can help you with…?”

    Typically this day would play out like any other. She was one who rose earlier than the sun in the morning. Her body sluggish as she moved around the suite she called home. Its amenities ones she was still getting used to handling. While she held information on the present from previous endeavors her housing choices had never been this advanced. None the less she was learning. This shown most as she picks up her bag to exit the household. Her fingers closing the door behind her and double checking that it is locked before truly setting out.

From there it was simple. While she lived within the Snapdragon District her work called for her in a more calm area during brighter hours. Seeing that the weather was nice meant her travels would be a tad more crowded. Still she welcomes the company of strangers that made it impossible for her thoughts to drift. At times their own lives played for good entertainment in her own.

Now if she had not happened to pass through this particular park for a view on her way to work. Had she not stopped to see why a crowd was forming, this kind of interaction would never have happened.

More importantly Saber wouldn’t be caught staring.

i swear i’m a blast at parties

Saber: Yes, thank you, I'm fine.