#pridedprincess

from here!

(again, base templates are scipio and nanna (sorry for shadow realming u diarmuid) and aside from nanna's eyes going from blue to brown this pair of children look almost the exact same as they do in canon bless)

It was long before she had become the Crimson Dragoon, and at least some time before Maria had begun to form memories enough to be Maria. But she had heard others speak of it, and from there the idea had taken shape.

"Hee hee... this way!" Gently, she pulls her elder sister by the sleeve, ushering her into the pegasus stables and giggling all the while. Eventually she stops at the stall of a soft-nosed pegasus, dandelion tucked into its mane.

"Here we are!" Pausing a moment to stroke her new steed's neck affectionately, Maria peeks at Minerva from the corners of her eyes. "They're letting me keep a pegasus now that I've gotten farther in my flying lessons! And I thought... maybe you'd want to ride together?"

Pressing her cheek against the pegasus' nose, mount and rider stare at the Crimson Dragoon with pleading eyes.

"Maybe you could even name him for me? Please?" Eyes narrow as her grin widens, one part sheepish and ten parts adoration. "But I know that's more of a present for me and not you! Don't worry -- I have something else I made for you, all special! But we have to fly to get there... hee hee!"

(And so she does; at the end of a short flight up the mountains, under the sage guard of her dear wyvern, Cookie, there is a box with a handmade, hand embroidered jacket, just for her.)

Minerva let herself be led without hesitation, feeling the gentle tug on her sleeve as Maria giggled with excitement: there was something so familiar in the motion—something that reached back to the days before war and duty, before the weight of a kingdom rested on her shoulders. Back then, it had been so easy to follow wherever Maria went, to be guided by her laughter alone. It was just as easy now.

When they arrived at the stables, Minerva's eyes softened at the sight before her -the pegasus, soft-nosed, gentle-eyed, a golden dandelion tucked into its mane was a vision of quiet elegance. It stirred something within her, memories long buried beneath the steel of her armor. She had once been a pegasus knight, before she took to the skies on the back of a wyvern, before she became the Crimson Dragoon; that life had felt like another world, another version of herself—but now, looking at Maria's bright, expectant gaze, it didn’t seem so distant, after all.

A low chuckle escaped her lips as she reached out, stroking the pegasus’ mane with practiced ease. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” she murmured, her voice fond. She could never deny Maria anything—not when she looked at her like that, brimming with adoration and unshakable warmth and so, with a smirk, she lifted herself onto the saddle behind her sister, wrapping a steady arm around her waist. "Alright then. Let’s see if you’re as good at flying as you say"

The flight was breathtaking: it always was, no matter the mount, but the experience was made all the more magical by Maria’s laughter, by the wind rushing past them, by the way the world seemed to shrink below them, leaving only the two of them soaring through the sky. Minerva could have stayed like that forever.

And then, as they landed, she saw the small box waiting for her atop the mountain, nestled beneath her wyvern’s watchful eye. A gift—one Maria had made herself. The Macedon princess opened it with careful hands, her breath catching as she took in the intricate embroidery, every stitch painstakingly sewn -a jacket, made just for her. For a long moment, she could only stare at it, emotions swelling too quickly for words; she had received many gifts in her lifetime—signs of loyalty, tokens of appreciation, symbols of victory—but this… this was something else. Something infinitely more precious.

Finally, she exhaled, shaking her head with a soft chuckle before turning to Maria. “You truly think of everything, don’t you?” she said, voice thick with something she would never quite name. She reached out, placing a gloved hand atop Maria’s head, ruffling her hair as she used to when they were younger. "This means more to me than you know" and then she slipped the jacket on, letting it settle over her shoulders. It was a perfect fit.

With a quiet smile, she glanced down at Maria—her dear, thoughtful, irrepressible little sister. “Thank you, Maria. For everything. For today, for always" her smile grew, teasing but affectionate. "Now, let’s see about that name, shall we?”

Because she would remember this moment forever. Not just the gift, but the journey to it. The laughter. The wind. The feeling of being beside Maria, of sharing something unspoken yet deeply understood.

Lachesis finds her at the refreshment tables. A princess with a purpose, of course, but she would be remiss without saying hello. The lioness still remembers their time together in Rusalka and the deep impression left of the princess' iron will and determination. She was a wonderful young lady.

"Allow me to bring you a beverage, Lady Edelgard," Lachesis starts, handing Edelgard water. "I am glad to see you here tonight. I was hoping to say hello." "Your gown is beautiful," she offers. "Commanding of a princess of your worth."

It is a momentary respite she seeks, pulling herself away from the bustling dance floor and towards the refreshments. She knows the face of Lachesis well— A professor of the Black Eagles and one whom she met amidst a tale deeper than the monastery cares to admit.

Edelgard takes hold of the bottled drink, cold to the touch yet warm to the soul. Brushing it against her lips, the surge of its frosty awakening is what she needs most. "Thank you for that. And the drink, as well." Her eyes momentarily flicker downwards towards the crimsons surrounding her very being. "I did choose this dress with a specific purpose in mind— I'm pleased to hear you were able to see that."

The lioness didn't know what the Fluorspar general liked, but knew that she owed it to her to at least make a courtesy visit at the ball. It was difficult for Lachesis to think of what to say to the lady knight, though. They had shared few and far conversations, but the princess did respect her as a knight. It was hard to dislike her.

"Lady Selena," Lachesis began, after weaving her way through the crowds to find her. There she was, in an emerald gown, sitting on the sidelines. "It is a pleasure to see you. How do you like the ball? We rarely get the chance to talk but I do quite enjoy your company."

Social events are exhausting, Selena finds, though that is nothing new to her experience. Whether she was a child amongst children, a teen amidst peers, a knight alongside soldiers—large gatherings of people unfamiliar are draining. It is in that fatigue that the Fluorspar takes a seat at the side, using the moment to rejuvenate herself. (The night would be a long one, but that did not make it unconquerable.)

Lachesis finds her at rest, though perhaps Selena should stop being surprised. Time and time again, they seemed to cross paths, ever since the realm of moons past. She is a familiar face, one much welcome in the midst of all that is new. Selena knows social gatherings, dances and people—but it is always easier in the company of an ally.

(An ally, for Lachesis deserves more than Selena’s friendship.)

“Lady Lachesis,” she smiles back, because deserving or otherwise, she wants Lachesis’ friendship. “It is good to see you as well.”

“It is quite a bit, but I’m enjoying myself.” The music, the decorations—all of it is beautiful. “Everyone has worked so hard to put this together, and you can see their efforts shining through.” 

‘I do quite enjoy your company.’

Selena cannot imagine why. (In every encounter, she remembers her misspeech—the bluntness, the inelegance, the lack of care—and though Lachesis has said she’s been forgiven, the Fluorspar is not so quick to forget.)

Perhaps that is just one of Lachesis’ charms.

“I also… Ah!” (A thought then strikes the Fluorspar, reaching for her string of pearls—)

Seeing Maria's gaze turn around to meet her own is a prize amidst itself. She has only known the little princess a small amount of time but finds herself drawn the soothing light she exudes. It only seems natural to seek her out in the ball. "I am so very glad!" Lachesis says, nerves and excitement meeting up. "I was eager to spend more time together, if I am being honest. I hope you do not find that crass." And just like that Maria pulls them off to a new destination, baby bird flying off to a new perch. Maria might be younger, but her wings can soar far, far places that Lachesis does not know. The lioness' chest flutters. What is this? But just like that, Maria approaches dividing the sweet buns with the utmost care, leading Lachesis to safety and tending to her like she was her own. "We can split them in half. But really, anything is fine for me," she tries. "I wanted to give them to you." When was the last time anyone treated her with this much care? Lachesis reaches a hand up to her heart.

It is the simplest, most precious sort of joy that Lachesis offers her: a friend's consideration. And as Maria basks in the lioness's kindness, her laughter crashes gleefully against the back and knuckles of her free hand.

"I don't think that's crass at all!" A smile is thrown over her shoulder as she lays the plate upon the table, quick to busy herself with pulling out a chair for both of them. As soon as she takes a seat, she extends a hand to Lachesis, as if to pull her down into a playful little bubble for just the two of them. "I'm actually really happy to hear that!"

Checking briefly to make sure they have napkins, she moves onto cutting the sweet buns into even halves (with a knife -- tonight, at least!). Eyes flicker up to meet hers, their corners narrowed in a soft sort of fondness.

"Hee hee... Thank you, Miss Lachesis." With the side of her utensil, the halves are cleanly parted. "Then I'd like to split them with you! Isn't happiness supposed to be shared?" Her laughter suggests that for her, at least, that is the right answer, and she slides half of each bun toward her friend ere she moves to pick up her own -- and then pauses.

Though they had only known each other a short while, Lachesis felt a kinship of sorts with Citrinne. Perhaps this was a lady she could trust. It pleased her to see the blonde tonight. The lioness allowed herself to smile wide.

"Though you may be long tired of drink, please, let us take another sip of champagne together," Lachesis tells her. "I feel that we can become good friends." The princess rests a hand on Citrinne's arm. "Let us enjoy the evening together."

"Oh, Lady Lachesis!" Citrinne returns Lachesis' good cheer with her own, a small smile already forming on the Brodian's lips. "There is no surprise in seeing a woman such as yourself tonight, yet your dress...it is simply splendid!"

Though Lachesis' hair is darker and fiercer than her own, Citrinne has no fear while addressing her fellow noblewoman. They have only spoken once in the past, but Citrinne already has early faith in the fellow blonde as well. Even if not as a strong ally on the battlefield, at least as a friend who can hold similar taste in partying etiquette.

"Please, this is only my first drink of the night," Citrinne holds forward the champagne glass from her first toast with Lapis. It is nearly past halfway done, though she has been finding trouble finishing off the dry liquid. But with a last-second comrade...perhaps she can endure the taste for only a bit longer. "Let us drink for a lovely friendship!"

Citrinne clinks their glasses together and tries for a longer sip than her previous ones. Just enough drink makes it through for a respectable sip, while not being enough for her to awkwardly gag. She watches as Lachesis takes her own sip, wondering if the woman has more regard for the beverage from possible longer experience.

The younger blonde instinctually places her hand atop Lachesis' from the arm that is being rested on. That wouldn't be too strange, right? No. They are two beautiful, mighty women, uniting to take on this likewise mighty gala together!

So many faces, so many people to say hello to, but Lachesis cannot forget that kind and humble knight who helped her in her time of need. Yes, she had almost crumbled to dust back in the village, back where she wanted to forget everything and dissapear.

But now she was here, back at the academy, and standing on her own two legs. The lioness had somehow mended things with Finn as well. In the back of her mind, she knew she must pay respects to the one who helped her at her lowest.

"Sir Forsyth," Lachesis calls, heading through the crowded floor. Could he hear her? Finally, finally she heads to the precipice.

"Sir Forsyth, it is truly a joy to see you tonight. I wanted to express my utmost gratitude. You helped me at my lowest and that has carried me through all these months. You are an honorable and valiant man, Sir Forysth. You have my respect." "Please, accept this drink. I hope that we can become friends."

A familiar voice calls to Forsyth across the room--the lady lioness, Lachesis, strides towards him, good cheer and color on her face. It is lovely to see her in better spirits!

"Lady Lachesis! The joy is mutual!" Her words bear much, and Forsyth feels himself warm in pride. He is susceptible to praise, he knows this, but this is praise of the highest caliber, by a noble and honorable woman. "I am grateful that I was able to do so. And I must tell you, your presence helped me through those dark times as well."

He takes the drink, and raises it to the sky.

"Ethlyn!" Lachesis, calls, her voice twirling with excitement. It's been so long since she could feel genuine joy, even a semblance of it.

Her hand reaches for Ethlyn's, fingers intertwining with what feels familiar. "Dance with me, Eth," Lachesis stars. "Come on. It'll feel like the old days."

Yes, they can never go back. It will never be like the old, like home. But for tonight, they can put on a mask and pretend, with visions of dazzling lights and shimmering dresses. What more could she ask for? Tonight she becomes a lady again.

Lachesis twirls Ethlyn and the smile becomes her. "Ethlyn, we still have something to keep going for," but perhaps she speaks more for herself than the other.

"Better than the old days," Ethlyn challenges with a smile and a laugh. This new life is what they'll make of it, isn't it? And it isn't hard to see it positively anymore now that they're all here together.