#mergrid

Post-Timeskip when they reunite they embrace tightly.

Mercedes, being Mercedes, compliments how lovely Ingrid looks, which brings a blush to her face.

Ingrid teaches Mercedes how to ride her pegasus in case something terrible happens to the knight and the healer needs to evacuate.

Even when Mercedes insists nothing bad will happen she learns. She also mentions: “You make me feel safe, Ingrid.”

Lots of lingering touches from the two. They stare a lot as well into each other’s eyes for relief and sanctuary.

Lots of resting foreheads against one another’s out of comfort.

After a gruelling day the two fall asleep under a tree or near the campfire.

Sometimes Mercedes has nightmares about the war so Ingrid agrees to sleep by her to comfort her.

Annette picks up something going between the two. She starts with Mercedes: “Mercie, are you in love with Ingrid?” and then to Ingrid. “You’re in love with Mercie, right?”

Annette gives Ingrid her blessing so all is well.

Ingrid confesses her feelings for Mercedes, expecting to be rejected because this is Ingrid...

But Mercedes is crying tear of joy and she can’t help but embrace Ingrid and say ‘I love you too! Oh how I love you, Ingrid!’

Their first kiss is tender, and it makes Mercedes giggle with how flustered Ingrid looks.

After the war Ingrid joins Mercedes on her mission to help those in affected areas. It is said the two became indispensable. 

“But you came and rescued me,” Mercedes said innocently with her blue eyes glistening. “You’re always looking out for me!”

“Someone has to,” Ingrid uttered as she applied the wraps around the blond’s side. She felt Mercedes try to sit up and heal her shoulder. “Oh no you don’t; I’m taking you out of here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to burden you,” Mercedes apologised with a sullen frown. 

“You’re never a burden, Merc-just stop thinking about me for a second and focus on yourself!” Ingrid spoke as she picked up Mercedes and rushed to her pegasus.

Blood seeped onto Ingrid’s gauntlets. Her heart hammered as she continued to eye Mercedes’ weakening breaths and sweating face. The knight straddled atop her pegasus, turned to the side, and placed Mercedes behind her. She gently brought the healer’s arms around her waist and instructed her to hold on. With a whistle the pegasus took flight. Ingrid looked around the area to find Manuela, while also keeping in mind of other archers. She felt Mercedes head fall against her back, which sent shockwaves of petrified terror to Ingrid. She had to keep Mercedes awake.

“Mercedes, stay with me! Tell me about... about what you cooked last night!” Ingrid pleaded loudly over the screeching winds. 

“I cooked... a sweet bun...! It was... actually meant for you...!” Mercedes managed to breathe out.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come by to eat it,” Ingrid mentioned honestly with a light smile. “It would have been delicious.”

“You’re always working too hard, Ingrid,” Mercedes ridiculed. Ingrid felt the older girl straighten up at an idea. “I guess I’ll be the one to make sure you get plenty of rest!”

A blush of embarrassment found itself on Ingrid’s face. “I can take care of myself, really.”

“Maybe, but I like you Ingrid!”

A stammer escaped the usually composed Ingrid’s mouth. In her flabbergast she nearly fell off her pegasus. Her ears rang and her blush intensified to a crimson colour. Mercedes’ giggles only added to the awkwardness. She has lovely giggles-wait, what was she thinking? Her friend is bleeding and she’s thinking about how cute Mercedes is-her laughs! Not her as a person! Not that she isn’t beautiful and-oh what is she thinking?

The sight of Manuela instantly shattered her peculiar thoughts. Ingrid warned Mercedes to hold tighter, and then the pegasus dived. After calling out multiple times Manuela noticed the two and instantly dashed up to Ingrid. The knight unsaddled the pegasus and tenderly took Mercedes to offer her to Manuela. The physician took Mercedes and Ingrid followed after to protect the two. After dealing with some bandits they found a clearing where the former star started healing Mercedes. Throughout Ingrid would glance at the fallen healer while serving as a watchman. Ingrid never really was religious, but she prayed to the Goddess that Mercedes will be alive. 

When Manuela confirmed that she was done Ingrid turned and regarded Mercedes. Green eyes shot up in astonishment. Mercedes stood tall with that warm smile of hers as if she never was hurt. A massive exhale echoed from the blond. Ingrid ignored Manuela healing her shoulder and cheek as she continued to stare fondly at the healer. 

“Thank you for saving me Ingrid,” Mercedes expressed with a bow. “You’re my knight in shining armour!”