#peerlesssamurai

He hadn't known his brother would be here. He only knew thanks to Camilla's pointed jab. Ryoma ought to leave Takumi alone, but his legs carried him over to his brother. He feels stiff, awkward, as he stands in front of Takumi.

Eventually, Ryoma puts a hand on Takumi's shoulder, and squeezes gently. "Please stay safe out there." Ryoma doesn't know if he can stand to lose him again.

"Hm?"

Takumi turned towards the sound of his brother's voice. He'd seen Ryoma's name on the list of passengers, but hadn't been able to spot him on the boat until now. "Hello, Ryoma. Did you need something...?"

He blinked as Ryoma set his hand on his shoulder, surprised at the sudden moment of vulnerability. "I..."

...Why was everyone worrying over him all of a sudden?

Mauvier remembers this man, a skilled swordsman with gentle eyes. They haven't spoken much, but he embodies much of what Mauvier strives to be: powerful without being fearsome, making others feel safe just by being around. He's come to the training ground to test the weight of a new spear, but he becomes slightly distracted by an oblivious Ryoma practicing his own skills. Ryoma moves like waves on a storm, yet swift and precise like a bird of prey. Mesmerizing. Perhaps he could ask for a spar.

"Excuse me, Sir Ryoma," Mauvier calls while Ryoma catches his breath. "Would you prefer a partner? I happen to be practicing, as well - "

Before Ryoma can respond, Mauvier glances up. Someone has pinned a bit of shrubbery to the inner wall above the training dummies; how strange.

Oh no. Firene had a similar custom, he remembers fuzzily. That shrub is none other than a mistletoe, and those who catch themselves beneath it - !

@peerlesssamurai

The invitation had come sooner than expected. Though she had known it would arrive, that didn’t stop her nerves from rising as time drew nearer.

If the time enables you, would you join me for supper tonight.

Mitama had agreed in conversations past that she would be delighted to attend, and there was no change in that sentiment even now but...she feared her own shortcomings far more than she did Lord Ryoma’s.

What if she misstepped? What if she did something wrong? Surely there was a formality and procedure that came to high dinning, and with a royal such as him, that was surely magnified. Politeness had never been a priority of her father’s in her education. If she failed, if she engaged in misconduct...surely there would be consequences to her misdeeds, generous king or not.

@peerlesssamurai: 

Ryoma kept his mouth close to Saizo's ear and his voice low. "I'm not the only one a bit overwhelmed by this crowd, am I? Shall we take a moment to relax? Others are on guard duty." He was not one to make his private life public, but he couldn't forget Mitama's words.

Ryoma’s breath and the smoothness of his voice made the hairs on the back of Saizo’s neck raise. He did want a moment to relax, but Ryoma’s presence didn’t relax him. Usually the presence of Ryoma kept Saizo at ease, but so close and so quiet was a different thing altogether. 

“You tease me, Ryoma, ” Say’ri says, “I accept.”

Say’ri has something of her own in return - a soft treat from her childhood - and in fond spirit, she lifted it up as if to feed it to him, stopping less than an inch from his mouth.

“Aye, brother, though I must remind you that I am no longer a king,” Yen’fay gently reminded as he gratefully took the cup. He sipped it, humming as the warm alcoholic beverage soothed his throat. He had done a lot more talking these past few days than he was used to, and though it wasn’t more, it did slightly strain his vocal cords. The the drink was much appreciated. 

“Lord Ryoma,” Chrom recognizes with a laugh.

“Shame indeed, I think we’d have a wonderful harmony together. Though I’m not much of a singer myself.”

“Mister Ryouma!” Maria giggled a bit as she accepted the cup, both her hands wrapping around it. “I didn’t know you were here too! How have you been?” She tilted her head a bit and grinned up at him sunnily. “I’m really happy to see you again..!”