#minorindech

@minorindech from here!

Oh no oh no oh no oh no-

Edelgard. The Edelgard. Future emperor and otherwise very intimidating and scary Edelgard. That Edelgard.

It had been horrifying enough to find out that the future ruler of the Empire would be attending school as Bernie's classmate. That she would see the failures of House Varley's heir right there, live and in person. That alone had been enough to make Bernie try another week in hiding after she had first poked her head out from her room to meet her classmates.

And now this. This. Bernie had no idea what was going on, only that now the two of them were ducked into a tiny crevice of the hallway. Bernadetta's back was flush against the wall. Edelgard did not even look at her, eyes off in the direction she had come from. One arm blocked her in, while with the other, Edelgard kept a finger pressed gently against Bernadetta's lips.

Huh? Wuh huh? Huh!?

She was going to die. Bernadetta was definitely, definitely going to die. Either here and now, or later when her father found out about this. How dare she stand so close to Edelgard? How dare she make her way into the other's personal space? How dare she have Edelgard's hands on her and look up at her pretty eyes and well kept hair and striking bone structure and oh her shampoo smelled kind of nice too, how dare Bernie notice that! Stupid dummy Bernie!

"U-um..." Bernadetta's voice was a high pitched whisper. Edelgard shot her a look. Bernadetta whimpered in response and quickly made her voice as soft and quiet as she could. "Uh, L-Lady Edelgard? I-I-Is something happening?"

Oh by the Goddess she wanted to die.

This monastery was filled with secrets- If she couldn’t get words from the source itself, the knights were a decent contender. As she peered forward amidst her steps, Edelgard caught a glimpse of two knights talking amongst themselves- Normally speaking, that wouldn’t be a cause for concern. Before she got within their vicinity, she heard all she needed to make her move. ‘Duties.’ ‘Treasures.’

She acted quickly, bringing her classmate alongside her. If Bernadetta or herself were to walk past them, surely they would move on in their conversation. Or worse, outright leave. With her finger atop Bernadetta’s lips, she turned and whispered, “Yes. Listen to them well, Bernadetta.” Their appearances were covered by armor, but their voices spoke volumes.

One spoke, “The Archbishop’s assigned me to keep an eye on the church’s treasure vault. There’s nothing of grave importance in there, but.. Well, I was sure someone else was already on guard duty.”

“Oh, it must be because of..--” His tone lowered, hissing as he said, “That. Should we take a walk around? You know, have a check on things.”

With the Ethereal Ball just around the corner, it’s high time that you start getting your ballroom attire in order. Naturally, wealthy students have long made it a tradition to visit nearby fabric shops with friends so that they can get a custom piece in time for the event. However, with more and more students of humble backgrounds attending, a few new shops have popped up recently selling ready-made outfits for everyone to try on.

It’s hardly a stretch for the songstress to become enthused over the Ethereal Ball- She sees it as the perfect opportunity to further secure her future and even wear a pretty dress and jewelry along the way! Dorothea had never been able to afford expensive sequined dresses, finding herself staring at them in passing when she was younger. Even now, those who flaunt such luxuries fail to realize reality.

Still, with the welcome sight of affordable wears, the songstress knows exactly how she’ll be spending her day. If she waits any longer, all the items she may want could get taken! Oh, that won’t do. A small clutch bag in her possessions swung itself over her shoulders, closing the door of her room with a gentle touch.

In her opinion, it’s much more fun if she’s with someone else. Whether it be getting a second opinion or just having someone to talk to, the thought stands. Starting to make her way towards the monastery’s entrance in the morning free from lectures, she passes the rather empty hallways and spots Bernadetta. How perfect! She thinks shopping together would be rather enjoyable.

Dorothea waves and speaks much like she always does. “Oh, Bern! Aren’t I lucky to find you! You see.. I had plans today, but I was thinking it would be much more fun if I had company. The Ethereal Ball will be here before we know it, so.. I want to be prepared.” With a smile, she wraps a hand around her tiny bag and adds, “Fun as it is shopping by myself, I think I’d have a better time if you were there with me! Besides, I’m sure you’ll look cute in anything you decide to try on! What do you say?”

The funeral should be your first concern. The memorial of Abigail and her heir Basil von Marika will be a solemn affair, a good time to get to know the players of this succession crisis–Celine, Drayden, and Eren–along with the allies they’ve managed to rally to their sides. It’s expected, at bare minimum, that people will be reasonable at a funeral. Of course, tensions don’t simply cease to exist at the door. One hopeful’s less-than-subtle insult scorns their rival, and now all three are ready to make a hell of a scene. Will you step in? [Grants Authority +1]

Hilda notices the second he walks through the door to the church. It would be impossible. Holst Goneril is large, pink, imposing. Perfect. He's the Alliance's greatest general. Defeater of the undefeated. Fódlan's most embarrassing older brother. Blah blah blah. She can't imagine anyone taking the time to actually learn the entire list of his accomplishments save for their father so she hasn't bothered either.

Shit. She really should have seen this one coming. Of course he'd be here! Things have been peaceful at the border as far as he's told in his letters to her. It would be weird to not see a representative from House Goneril. If she had thought about it at all, Hilda could have prepared better. Maybe she would have worn a hat to try and hide her pink locks that have become such a symbol of her house. Even with the crowds sitting around her and Bernadetta, she knows she sticks out like a sore thumb.

Hilda cannot let her brother find out she's here. He'll want to talk to her and, goddess forbid, insist on meeting her classmates! In a moment of panic with no quick exit in sight, she does the only thing she can think of.

"Quick, Bernadetta! Hide!" Hilda's voice is an urgent whisper as she grabs poor Bernie by the hand and ducks underneath the pew she'd been previously sitting on.

"I am so so sorry! That was completely Bernie's fault, I wasn't looking where I was going like a stupid idiot, I didn't mean to spill your drink!" He hasn't even taken the napkins yet, but she's already reaching for more to pass him.

"It was champagne, right! I-I'll get you another one! Two even! Just to make it up to you! Please don't be mad!"

Ethereal Ball Ask Meme

     Gray stands by what he told Alm: Women always gets the last word. No matter who it is, related or not, they always do. He thought it was a solid conclusion for man’s endless journey in understanding the mysterious females of the world, but through the squeaks and panic, Gray realized they had a potential to evolve. Not only do they get the last word, always, sometimes you can’t even get a word in! 

     His cape takes most of the damage from the spill but with the amount of napkins he’s receiving, he’s sure all the liquid will be absorbed on its own. The merchant in him wants to make a run for it and just sell all these-- he can barely carry all of them at this point. Just how many napkins are there on the table??? “Woah! Hey! Easy there, cutie. I’m the one who’s supposed to be bombarding you with gifts!”

Oh, was she out? Realization dawns a bit too late to Linhardt as sparks of magic fade at his fingertips, he’s left to stare with wide eyes as Bernadetta is caught in his assault. In his defense, Bernadetta is always crying. Not to mention, she’s also on Golden Deer territory; If he weren’t the one to have attacked her, then surely someone else would have.

His fellow Adrestian falls, though Linhardt keeps his ground. The Battle of Eagle and Lion is still going and he’s an unfortunate position of having to stay alert for his team. “Are you okay?” He inquires once the wind settles, his tone simple as if he hadn’t just kicked his friend while she was down. A bow is launched at him, landing some pitiful distance away. Really, Linhardt thinks as he casts the fallen weapon a glance, Bernadetta’s precision truly ought to be better than that.

“You know, Bernadetta--” He speaks in tandem with her as he watches her rise, “I believe--” There are no words further said as something foreign flickers in the other noble’s eyes. A look that Linhardt overlooks, then regrets to ignore as Bernadetta practically throws herself onto him.

“Ugh!” His back slams against the mood with a disgusting ‘schlop!’ hair a mess as he instinctively thrashes back. “Bernadetta, wait!” His hair drags through sludge as he attempts to lift one long limb, desperately attempting to push back as his uniform becomes soiled. “I didn’t mean it!”

Surely, there had to be someone better suited to attending a ball than her. Maria blinked as she looked at her sleeves, admiring the dress she’d donned for the evening. It was nothing grand, of course, but it was far more suited to high society than anything she’d worn in the past decade -- although that alone should have spoken volumes about her suitability to attend. Princess though she was, it was truly only in name; in all likelihood, her partner for this odd assignment knew more than she. 

Her partner... Though the month’s mission had been assigned to the Blue Lion house, when Maria had been told to attend the ball with someone, she had found herself presented with an unfamiliar name: Bernadetta von Varley. Perhaps it was someone from her house she simply hadn’t met yet, or perhaps it really was someone from another house entirely. Whatever the case, Maria strongly hoped that Bernadetta’s knowledge extended beyond what little she herself had learned before her stay in the tower, otherwise... otherwise someone had made a very unlucky decision.

Sucking in a nervous breath, the little princess lightly smoothed out her dress and set off down the halls. Somewhere, in one of these rooms, was Bernadetta... if only she could find her. At the very least, the room she was in had to be nearby, and there weren’t all too many students attending the ball itself. Flashing a brief smile at a passing student, she discounted another door, and pensively turned her gaze to those that remained. 

After a brief moment of careful consideration, Maria settled on one of the choices left to her and simply hoped she’d alighted upon the right door. At worst, the room was simply empty; at best, if she didn’t catch Bernadetta herself, then perhaps the room’s occupant could point her in the right direction. Freed of worry, she rapped her knuckles against the wood. 

Starter for @minorindech

A recent snowstorm at the base of the Oghma Mountains has blown a group of lumberjacks into Garreg Mach’s castle town. The Society of Axe Personnel (proudly referring themselves as “SAP”) are grateful for the assistance that the Church has offered, and in return they decided to put together a lumberjack skill competition! Practice climbing trees, logrolling in the fishing pond, and carving wooden statues with your axe! [Grants +1 Axe]

Byleth ventured down to Garreg Mach’s castle town once she’d finished writing her student’s report cards for the week. She’d heard over breakfast that a group of lumberjacks had just arrived and set up camp. She had run across plenty of woodsmen during her time as a mercenary and found them to make for pleasant company and their skill with the axe was a sight to behold.

The streets had a festive atmosphere as she reached the marketplace. Stalls lined the perimeter of the courtyard, merchants shouting to advertise their wares. She wondered about purchasing a small gift for Jerlat who had been away on a lot of missions recently. With a goal in mind she began perusing the items on offer but nothing stood out. Looking towards the central area she noticed the groups of students and townsfolk sat together hunched over offcuts of wood. Taking a closer look she saw that a wood carving workshop was taking place, members of the SAP were walking between groups offering advice.

On the edge of one of the groups she spotted Bernadetta. The quiet social recluse of the Black Eagles had her head down as she worked on her own piece. Byleth had yet to encounter the girl outside of her room so went over to her thinking she could use the opportunity to have a conversation face to face. 

[𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙽𝚄𝙴𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙴!] - @minorindech

Bernadetta winces as Raphael’s knee nearly bangs into the table top. Her classmate is just so…so large! It’s terrifying! He could probably crush her head like a grape with a single hand if he wanted to, and Bernadetta wouldn’t be able to do anything! Not even let out a final, chilling scream that haunted the monastery halls for the rest of eternity!

She flinches again as he does even worse and looks down to reveal her hiding space. Now everyone was going to know she was here! Especially when he said her name loudly like that!

Bernadetta frantically waved her hand, holding the other one up to her lips to shush him. “Shh! You’ll let everyone know that I’m down here, and then the whole point of me hiding here will be ruined!”

When she was convinced that Raphael wasn’t going to shout out her location to the entire room, she sighed and slumped, curling up into a ball under the table agian.

“H-hear what? Bernie didn’t hear anything, nothing at all!”

“The whole poi—ohhhh!”

She’s gotta be playing hide-and-seek. That’s why she’s shushing, and ‘didn’t hear anything’-ing! Raphael’s mouth closes so quickly that his teeth clack.

What a risky hiding spot to choose! Though, Raphael’s never been all that good at the game (really more of tag sort of guy!) so he figures he can’t judge that much, but there aren’t even tablecloths to hide behind—Bernadetta must be a real bold player! Recognition of her attempts to hide are met with immediate, stalwart honour, and Raphael’s nod is brief, sharp, and his expression sets in concentration as he tries to act natural in the presence of a hide-and-seek pro; he even forgot all about the ghosts.

Which, he guesses, means that he should start eating, but it’s kind of hard to eat when Bernadetta’s sitting under the table for some reason. Sure, he likes eating with people but usually he likes it best when he can see them, and they can see him (other than his knees, anyway) and they’re, you know, eating together. But there’s a first time for everything! And hide-and-seek’s pretty important business. Maybe.