#combatarts

@combatarts​​ said: ❝ yeah, well, can’t escape the past. right? ❞  yuri @ ashe

The concept of attempting to outrun your past was one that Ashe found he was quite familiar with, despite all the reasoning he had to do what he did when he was younger - he wouldn’t change a single thing he did. He did what needed to be done to ensure, not only his own survival, but the health and wellbeing of his little siblings, too young to understand what was going on or how to properly fend for themselves. 

Despite remaining unwavering on his stance due to his own reasonings, that didn’t mean it was anything Ashe was proud of. 

“I suppose that’s true,” Ashe nodded, and while he did agree there was something about the entire concept that’s always bothered him. Something he’d spoken to Lord Lonato many times during his stay in Gaspard, “But don’t our actions now prove that we’ve grown beyond who we were?”

“I’d like to think that there’s more to people than their past,” Suppose it was a selfish sentiment, sure, but he wanted to believe it, and wanted other to in turn. “Just look at you! Look at everything you’ve done for the people in the Abyss! You know and care for each and every single person down there and do whatever you can to help them. No matter what you did before, what you’re doing for them is admirable!”

          It has been oddly comforting getting to see everyone again. Of course he’s seen them in passing in the span of five years, but some were more often a presence than others. That included their former professor. Seeing him again with the rest of his former classmates almost felt like a giant, dysfunctional family meeting. Their joy becoming a momentary balm from the ongoing war.

          “Professor!” He has to pause in his words to clear his throat, a hand goes to scratch the back of his neck. “Or Byleth, I suppose.”

          His smile comes back full force as he stands before him. Just like the others, Ferdinand was glad to see Byleth safe. He doesn’t seem to have changed one bit. It’s almost reassuring.

dialogue prompts.

“I know that,” Ashe mutters, and he can only imagine how petulant he must sound to someone as collected as Byleth. But their erstwhile teacher isn't saying anything that Ashe hasn't already felt a thousand times. It mostly prickles at the base of his throat, an acidic taste like bile that he nonetheless swallows down.

And yet—like most things—when it comes from Byleth it sounds less like a half-formed grievance and more like a holy doctrine. He speaks, and whatever he says becomes just as gospel as the writings of Seiros that Ashe has never properly taken the time to read. Familiar anger revisits him; he rubs idly at his wrist to keep his hands from balling into fists.

dialogue prompts.

You mean you're a wonder at collecting them, Ashe thinks. He's never met someone who invites confession as naturally as Claude; it feels like Ashe really could tell him anything, and none of it would faze him. But that doesn't necessarily mean Claude's a safe pair of hands, either.

Despite how sceptical Ashe feels—or maybe because of it—he doesn’t recoil from the offer. He suspects Claude's already figured out what's on Ashe's mind anyway. Enough people have told him he's an open book.

"If you really want to know," he says, setting his gaze squarely to his boots as he tugs the laces. “People keep asking me if I'm sure about this. That I’m going to have to fight people I knew for a country I don’t belong to. They doubt my intentions, I guess. But the truth is...”

random misc. dialogue starters | @combatarts

          “PROFESSOR...” Dimitri’s voice trails into nothing as he stares at the young teacher, mouth parted slightly in surprise. It seems like every day, he finds out something new about Byleth, and with each new piece of information, it only gets more interesting.

          “You were LEGALLY DEAD? That means... your heart stopped, and then started up again? Professor, are you SURE that you are okay to partake in the upcoming battle? I know that you are more than capable of besting MANY people in battle, and I ADMIRE you for that, but...” His brows furrow slightly, a frown spreading on his features.