#python(fe)

Day 254 - Python, Fire Emblem Echoes (Request by @luce-the-wizbard)

finally finished my playthrough of echoes! i really liked it (if you could tell from all the damb forsyth's i've drawn)

I AM FINALLY DOING THIS i have been. so distracted lmaooo. BUT I decided to do the guy in my icon, fifth member of weezer and best FE character, Python <3. He may not be the Number One guy in my brain right this moment, but that spot and most after it are all taken by OCs, so. We're doing him instead. Also because of this tag because I think you'd like this guy jort

ANYWAY, Python. My guy. He's a character from Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, a recruitable archer early on in Alm's route.

Now, in Echoes, the class discrepancy between nobles and commoners is a prominent theme, especially in Alm's route. This is something that comes up in a lot of FE games, unsurprisingly, seeing as princes and thieves fight together side by side. And the games (at least those I've played, which is only FEA-FE3H. I know.) tend to handwave a lot of the more unsavory points of that topic. A lot of the time, conversations or supports that delve into that topic end in "yeah, being poor and starving sucks, but you know what also sucks? Being royalty! It's really hard :[" which, like, yeah, it is, but also one party here has the means to help the other, but is choosing not to instead say how their life sucks too, actually. Idk, these conversations always rubbed me in the wrong way a bit.

ALL THAT BEING SAID, Python is a commoner. And he doesnt buy any of that "being rich is hard too guys :[" shit for a Second. In his support with Clive (a nobleman knight who's opinion on the whole situation is "well some people have to be poor so I can be rich") he straight up tells him that his ideas on how society should be run are wrong and that his view on common people are condescending at best.

Python doesn't fight for honor or any sense of duty, he fights for his paycheck and his childhood friend who does feel that duty, Forsyth. Even if he and Forsyth disagree on many things, there's a mutual respect between the two, an understanding of their station, and a small rivalry between how to best navigate said station. Forsyth encourages Python to get out there, try things, put some effort into life. But Python just, doesn't see much of a point. But it's not for any depressive reason, or even straight apathy. Python just prioritizes rest and relaxation. He doesn't live to work, he has no dream job (which Forsyth takes as having no dream at all, not that Python would disagree), he just wants to enjoy his life; sleeping in the sun, having a few drinks, spending time with friends, and sharing stories and gossip.

Speaking of friends and gossip, I'm going to drop my favorite support of his, maybe even my favorite support in the whole game (even though its locked behind a dlc map like seriously what was up with this games dlc why is a support between two base game units behind a paywall-)

Going from this support, and the fact that neither of them have romantic endings, (Lukas' even saying he 'never wanted for companionship') this is a pretty clear attempt by FE at writing two aroace (or at least just aro) characters. And, idk, I think its really special. Neither are framed as missing out or needing another to be happy, the conversation is to the point and respectful, and they are both allowed to be full characters beyond this detail of their lives.

And that's a common thread through Python's character that I admire. In any other story, the character that had no want for big dreams, constant improvement, or romance would be framed as an empty person, someone deeply unhappy without anything to strive for. But, even as the other characters try and impose that narrative onto Python, that's never actually the case. He is happy as he is, doing just enough to be as comfortable as he can, taking rests and shortcuts all along the way. He will not sell his time more than he must, he will not work harder than he has to, he will not allow those who push themselves to breaking for those above them to guilt him into doing the same. He has nothing to prove, nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the one time he could push himself, in his bad ending after Forsyth dies, *THAT* is when he is empty and miserable, fighting like his friend once did until his early, untimely death.

I said: AH SHIT AH FUCK OH GODS I DROPPED MY GIFT OF PYTHON ICONS FOR @deliverance-kinhelp ALL OVER THE PLACE AUGH SHIT

Hee hee I hope you like them (and I know I’m predictable making matching icons for us whenever I do them but shhhhh we’re brothers lmao)

RGB celebrating their S/O’s birthday

Python

·       He straight up pretends he forgot or will give a simple “Happy Birthday” greeting with a little kiss

·       He’s actually preparing a surprise for you later on in the day

·       He’s made a mental list of all the things you’ve pointed out and mentioned you wanted in the past. With his little savings, he’s bought a few of them, the ones he could afford at least

·       Python’s not gonna risk ruining your cake because he made it himself, he’ll opt to get one from a baker. Nothing too fancy but nice enough to show his most favourite person he cares

·       If you get a bit irritated with him because of his lacklustre greeting, that’s all part of his plan. Gives him ample time and space to get everything ready

·       Python’s preparing a little private celebration for two (definitely not in his quarters or your own. So you don’t prematurely find the surprise) a few gifts from Python, some food, and small cake

·       He’ll find you and blindfold you so he can take you to the surprise

·       “Blindfolds? Really? If you’re trying to block out the angry look I’m giving you…” “I know I messed up sunshine… lemme make it up to you m’kay?” He cut you off and you gave him an irritated nod, if he’s trying to apologize might as well let him right?

You feel him lead you to a room. “ Aight, you can take off the blindfold…” was that nervousness in his voice? But you weren’t going to let him off easy. “Py before I started dating you I knew you were a simple guy. Not one to do anything extravagant or fancy but I was hoping maybe my birthday was an exemption? Nothing grand, maybe a small gift or a cake..” you pulled the blindfold off your face and was greeted by Python’s “little”surprise

The room was candlelit, a table at the center decorated with simple yet elegant cloth. There were a few gifts on the table and  food you loved.  Touched, you covered your mouth in awe then you laid your eyes on your cake. It was simple and small, partially covered with cream and topped with in-season fruit. Python hugged you from behind and kissed your temple. “I… had to act like a bit of a jerk to get this all ready for you.” He gave you a light squeeze “Sorry if I made you feel unimportant… you’re… the best person who’s ever come into my life. Always remember that.” He felt you shift in his arms, then you turned to face him. The smile and tears of joy on your face turned his insides into goo. You cupped his face “Oh Python… This is… all this. I would’ve been happy with just the cake but this is above and beyond! You’ve set the bar too high for yourself…” he knew you were trying to add some humour to the situation but he was feeling too sentimental. He planted a deep loving kiss on your lips. “I’ll do it every year to celebrate your birthday sunshine…” he whispered against your lips.

Lukas

·       While he doesn’t mind planning a surprise for you, making your birthday a covert operation isn’t really his style. He’ll mention he has something planned but won’t go into specifics as to what he intends to do

·       You’ll realize that as you go through your day most of your chores are finished or you’ll notice Lukas’ token care packages hanging around. Attached to those care packages are notes “I thought I’d ease your burden, considering its your name day” “Can’t have the celebrant hungry/thirsty, treat yourself my love.” “I cannot believe I’m saying but I’m actually excited to celebrate with you later tonight.” “Today is truly a special day. For it is the day the person who gave me warmth and happiness was born.”

·       He might not look it but Lukas gets very romantic and mushy with you. Just like Python he has trouble expressing it. Although Python is more on at a loss on how to express his affection, Lukas is overwhelmed with the emotions and ideas on how he can show you he cares deeply about you

·       It takes him some time to sort out his feelings and be organized with how he wants to express his feelings

·       Lukas had planned a intimate dinner with you to celebrate your birthday, all the food he had cooked himself. He anxiously sat himself at the table waiting for your arrival. Lukas thought you were taking longer than expected, had he not done enough of your chores for the day to free up your schedule?

The sound of someone knocking on the door snapped him out of his reverie, “Lukas! Sorry I’m late, I picked up something to add to our celebration.” he perked up as heard you let yourself in. “No need to apologize…” he positioned himself to the side of the dinner table.

As you entered you noticed the spread on the table, quite the feast for just a party of two. You couldn’t help but pull Lukas into an embrace “I hope you’re alright with this, I know how you are with touchy-feely things…” you felt his body relax into your arms, slowly Lukas returned the warm gesture. Nestling his head into the crook of your neck “As long as its from you… To be honest, I’d want nothing more that for you to hold me. But shouldn’t I be the one showering you with gifts and attention? It is your name day.” You gave him a quick peck on the temple “The celebrant must also give party favours to their guests.”

Lukas lead you to the table and pulled you a seat. You couldn’t help but hungrily eye the dishes he had prepared for you though the more you looked at the food the more you realized a certain theme to them. You pointed towards one of the dishes “Isn’t that… That’s the first recipe we tried together!” A small smile crept onto Lukas’ lips “Yes, before we started dating.” You then focused your attention on another dish loaded with a fond memory “Oh! This is the one from our first date!” He nodded then pointed his hand towards another plate of food “You taught me how to make this one.” You propped your elbows on the table and rested your head onto your hands, recalling that memory. You had mentioned it was your favourite dish so Lukas wanted to learn it.

One particular dish caught your eye, it was unfamiliar, no treasured memory attached to it. “And this one?” You pointed towards it. “That’s a new dish for a new memory my love.” He pressed a soft kiss into your hair. “A traditional dish, cuisine from a faraway land. Specially made on name days. The lore behind it says that a celebrant who eats it will be granted a long and happy life.”

You hugged your lover, burying your face into his side. “Oh Lukas… As long as you’re with me I’m sure I’ll have a long and happy life.”

Forsyth

·       Forsyth has way too many ideas on how to celebrate your birthday. His idea board is just… messy. Lukas and Python have to step in and help organize things

·       He follows Lukas’ suggestion of a home-cooked dinner celebration but Python knows all too well that his best friend’s areas of expertise are being Clive’s #1 fan and the battlefield

·       His friends offer their help but Forsyth refuse, this is something he feels like he should do alone or else it would diminish the sentiment and intimacy of the gesture. So Lukas writes a detailed recipe on how to bake a cake

·       He’s too excited to keep the surprise a secret. Forsyth’s pretty much blurted it out to you (Much to the other two’s dismay) but his excitement is a gift in-it-self

·       Forsyth showers you every day with attention and compliments so he thinks its time he does something for you. Or in this case, make something for you

·       He hastily finishes all his chores for the day so he can head into town to buy any other ingredients he might need. Once he’s done with that, he starts working on your birthday cake

·       Ever since Lukas gave him the recipe and instructions, Forsyth had diligently read and re-read it back to back. Memorizing and fully understanding every instruction and detail. In his mind as long as he followed the instructions to the letter, he could not fail despite being… not so adept in the kitchen.

Forsyth shook the doubt out of his mind and began preparing the ingredients. Measuring and sifting the dry ingredients, and readying the wet ingredients. He then proceeded to mix everything in a bowl until well incorporated. After that he poured it into a buttered cake pan and into the oven it went. Now it was time for him to prepare the cream to top the cake, he vigorously whipped the cream. Bobbing the whisk up and down to check the consistency, it should be just shy of “stiff peaks”, as per Lukas’ instructions. He moved on to preparing the berries for decoration, that was done quickly. Far too quickly, now he had to wait for the cake to finish baking, torture in other words.

He pulled a chair and seated himself in front of the oven door, anxiously eyeing the metal door knowing the fruits of love and labour were on the other side. Forsyth was tempted to open, just for a quick peek, just to make sure it wasn’t burning inside. Lukas’ instructions said not to open the over door as it would mess up the heat and the cake might not bake evenly. Forsyth twiddled his fingers nervously, what if the oven was too hot? What if the batter had overflowed? Perhaps it baked faster than anticipated? The thoughts were killing him, he tentatively reached out to open the door. “AH-AHEM.” He stopped abruptly, his eyes darted to the door of the kitchen.

Lukas stood at the door way with Python right behind him. “Told ya he’d get all fidgety and try to open the darn thing…” the archer shrugged. “I DIDN’T MEAN TO DEVIATE FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS LUKAS! I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE CAKE WAS BAKING PROPERLY!” Lukas motioned a calming gesture “Its alright Forsyth, we were simply checking up on you. It looks like you have a good handle on things so we’ll leave you to it.” And with that his friends left.

The specified time had passed and Forsyth pulled the finished cake out of the oven, his whole being tingling with excitement. This might be the first successful dish he’s created and his personal victory would be all sweeter since it was an effort for you, his most beloved.  He looked at the cake, it looked dense. It wasn’t fluffy or spongy as the instructions described. His excitement turned to panic and he promptly called his friends to assess what had happened.

“GAHAHAHAHAHAH! Leave it to you to over mix the batter eh ol’ green bean!” Python hugged his sides, hysterical with laughter. All the colour had drained from Forsyth’s complexion, the day was coming to a close, you’d be home from duties and yet there was no cake to celebrate with. Lukas covered Python’s head with an empty bowl to silence the man. “Seems like you’re pressed for time Forsyth, let me help and I’ll leave decorating the cake to you. Would that be alright?” Lukas knew how much this meant to his comrade. It wasn’t how he planned but at this point if he didn’t get help from Lukas there would be no cake and Forsyth would feel responsible for ruining your birthday. He begrudgingly accepted Lukas’ help, pouting like a sad puppy in the corner. Once the batter was in the oven, Lukas and Python once again made their exit while wishing Forsyth good luck.

This time the cake came out fluffy. PERFECT. Now all that was left was to decorate and Forsyth got to that straight away. It was growing dark and you’d be there soon, he quickened his pace.

“Oh~ I can’t wait to taste the cake my boyfriend made just foooor me~” he heard your approach, he’d only covered one side with cream, he hadn’t even topped it yet with any berries! You peaked your head into the kitchen and behold the sight of your boyfriend frantically icing a half-naked cake. For some reason that made you feel all fuzzy inside, how worked up and passionate he was trying to make your birthday special.

Should you call his attention? You opted to. In a gentle voice you asked him “Hey Fors, whatcha doooing?” Making it sound as soft and cutesy as you could make it. He looked up to you on the brink of tears, then looked back to the cake. “Oh…” was all he could say, he looked defeated. You entered the kitchen and gave him a tight hug “Look at you my personal baker! You did amazing!” You felt him slump into your arms, eyes looking down on to the floor. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he rested his forehead onto yours. “I just… wanted to make you special day even more special… I can’t seem to do that though. Forgive me.” You shook your head, rubbing it gently against his. Giving him a quick peck on the nose as you cupped his face and looked him sincerely in the eyes “Oh Forsyth, any day I spend with you is extra extra special! You go out of your way every day to make me happy and you do just that plus so much more. Don’t beat yourself over it.” He took your hand and pressed a tender kiss into your palm. “I promise to apply myself and become a better cook… I want to do these kinds of things for you.” You pinched his cheeks “I know you will. You’re a dedicated soldier so I’m sure you’ll be a dedicated student to the culinary arts. I want to try the cake~!”