#dulcefraudator

starter for @dulcefraudator

Maribelle had waited for Gaius to leave safely before she finally prepared to leave herself. She’d brushed herself off and tried to fix her hair, though she wasn’t sure if it really mattered at the moment. It was late, and she’d essentially be heading in to prepare for bed, anyways.

She quietly slipped out of the barn, glancing to check for the manor guards before making her way back up to one of the side entrances. The noblewoman, despite her heels, moved silently through the halls back to her room, a bit relieved when she found Theodore had not returned yet.

She moved toward the mirror, wrinkling her nose at her reflection before reaching for a brush to run through her hair. Her mind wandered after a bit, and she fixed her gaze on a corner of the boudoir.

She hadn’t noticed when Theodore came in, and jumped when she suddenly saw his reflection with hers. She glanced at his face through the mirror, pulling the brush away from her hair. He was standing so close to her that she could already feel a sense of unease along with the hairs on her neck rising.

The silence was agonizing, and she reluctantly spoke after a moment. “Your meeting went well, I suppose?”

☼--

“I understand, Gaius. At first, I wasn’t sure either. I know a piece of me still adores Mar-Mar--er, Marth--but he is no longer with us, and I have grown to accept that. As we have began to talk and become friends, I stopped worrying and thinking so much about him. Instead, my attention turned more to those in the camp, and more specifically you.”

Folding her hands in front of her shyly, Tiki's eyes slid down to her boots. She still missed Marth from time to time, but it wasn’t nearly as bad now that time had healed those wounds. 

Her embarrassment showed on her face, and part of her wanted to hide it. She had it worded much better in her head, but now words were failing her. Taking a few steps back, a gloved hand covered her shame.

     ❀ ˟ ˟ 。 。 。

         It had been a while since someone new had joined them as her friends huddled whispering of a new recruit, however, their words didn’t raise any worry to her. The flower fortune told her that everything was going to go smoothly today, and so it will, Sumia was determined to make it go well. It wasn’t until the captain and the tactician started introducing the male called Gaius. Hands behind her back Sumia smiled a little even after being told he was against them during that last battle.

          The rider watched as her friends purposely distanced themselves from him, sure he red headed male could be a spy but wasn’t that his job? So long as Chrom accepted him and Robin agreed with his decision then everything seemed normal to this girl. Her hand appeared from behind her back to raise and nervously scratch at her cheek, how was she going to break the ice with a newcomer that she knew nothing about? Well after giving him a second look maybe candy was a good topic?

           Sumia smiled as she walked over to the red head and extended a friendly hand to the male.

It was no often Kamui snuck into the kitchens. A few months back, it was proven that, she too could not handle making food for the camp. However, she convinced them all to at least allow her to bake them treats. To prove that she wasn’t all a catastrophe, she made them small Russian cakes. It seemed to get their approval, for the most part. Robin instilled a rule that she had to be in the hall with someone, however.  “Just in case.” Pheh.

Small steps were crossing the grounds when she picked up on the sound of rustling from said mess hall. Peaking her head in, it was both a surprise -- and not -- that she noticed the scent of sugar in the air. That could only mean... Wait, who baked with a mass amount of sugar?! Cautious, quiet steps continued further, trying to not disturb the cook. Pushing back the curtain to the back, crimson eyes widened at the sight she saw. 

“Ah, Gaius. Apologies, I can’t go out today with you. There is an URGENT meeting that might take all day long.”

“Ah, it’s just you. I take it you couldn’t sleep as well?”

She didn’t say it, but she would appreciate the other’s company, and simply waited for him to join her. Tharja would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the other’s company. After all, having a kindred spirit felt good, and it was nice to have someone who didn’t see her as creepy.

starter for @dulcefraudator

Maribelle had awoke early in the morning. It felt too early, but she was forced into consciousness from a sudden wave of nausea. Despite her prior weariness, the noblewoman had bolted up, rushing from the room.

She’d found her way to the lavatory, just managing to avoid disaster as she got there. Thankfully, there was no one else to witness what had happened. 

For a few moments, she simply sat on the cold floor. Her mind sprung into gear as an anxiety settled in her stomach. She’d surely awoken Gaius in her sudden deptarture-- and of course it was due to morning sickness. She groaned internally, covering her face with her hands. He’d been so adamant before-- how could she say she’d risked so much by keeping their bastard child?

Eventually, she got herself back to her feet and walked slowly back to their room. She’d have to tell him eventually. But she couldn’t help worrying that he might be upset with her for her decision. Then again, it wasn’t as if she could hide it from him much longer. She was clammy from vomiting, and likely looked ill and pale so soon after. If she didn’t tell the truth, he’d surely think it were something worse.

She reached the door and quietly pushed it open. As she expected, a sleepy Gaius was sitting up in the bed.