#s:leanne

Though, the closer she gets...

She is one of the victors, but the thrum of her heart almost seems to tell a different story. Absent is the excitement of a battle well fought, or the pride at being declared among the final victors.

Leanne knows excitement, and pride. This is neither of them.

"You did not... like to battle?" Leanne asks the other as she approaches, blinking in curiosity. If that truly is the reason, then she could understand, much preferring peace herself. The heron smiles.

"But you, hmm, fight anyway, for Golden Deer! That is... your heart is, very strong. You are tired, yes? I can sing for you...!"

Weary, bloody and bruised, Hilda trudges towards the medical tent. Members of every house celebrate around her, but she is in dire need of a strongly brewed healing draught or the attention of a healer before she can succumb to the festive spirit.

When a blonde student approaches her with a question, her expression is one of curious concern rather than revelry, she stops in her tracks.

"Uh..." Hilda blinks. "I... No, I don't like to battle. I'm no good at it... Usually, anyway. But," she brightens slightly, "it's all in the spirit of things!"

For reasons unknown to anyone else, a mother wyvern has rejected her newborn wyvern and refuses to care for it. The task is now up to some brave volunteers to acquire a friend for life… or the scars. [Grants Flying +1]

Elincia carefully dismounts from her pegasus and approaches the abandoned wyvern nest. Gusts of wind threaten to blow her off course as she carefully navigates the rocky ledge of the mountain. Almost there, she shoots a triumphant smile towards Leanne, and Naesala, who the heron princess had managed to drag along into their escapades for the day. Shuffling across the outcrop, their target finally comes into sight.

It’s hard to believe, that this tiny, vulnerable little thing will one day be large enough to carry men into battle. Daring and proud, unwilling to back down. An instrument of war. For right now, it’s scales gleam in the sunlight, it’s wings too fragile and underdeveloped to lift even it’s petite body from the nest. Large, round eyes stare up at her in trepidation, and Elincia can physically feel the way the feeble creature tugs on her heartstrings like a harp. There was no turning back now. If the wyvern’s draconic mother would not care for it, then she’d just have to be enough, somehow.

Tentatively, Elincia makes her way closer still. Her footsteps are light, delicate so as to not startle the infant. Once within arm’s reach, she stretches out cupped hands, gently lifting it from the ground into her embrace.

It doesn’t stay there very long.

Fire gushes from the dragon’s nostrils, racing up her arms. It’s all she can do to pull her face away just in time, to avoid it too being engulfed in the raging flames. Instinctively, she let’s go of the baby wyvern, sending it arcing into the air as she tries to summon a spell to put out the fire, licking it’s way up her arms.

"Elincia! I've finally found you!" Leanne's bubbly joy matches the champagne in her cup, of which she has had a fair few sips. Herons are not famous for their alcohol tolerance, but this is a party and she imagines their magical patrons wouldn't purposefully poison their guests. She feels a little tingly, but part of that is surely seeing her dear friend. "I was hoping to share a dance with you here, though this is not what I expected. Oh, you look stunning!"

Elincia wears an orange dress, bright and striking and complimenting her green hair so very well. Leanne's eyes take note of the leg that is left almost entirely bare, its firm muscles shown off in plenty by the slit in the design.

"You've heard the talk of flowers, yes? We could exchange them and dance!" Leanne takes Elincia's hand, the lightning of her friend seemingly sparking her water. Or something like that. Really, just the gesture itself is enough to spark feelings within her heart, electricity crackling between their fingers. It's a shame her other hand is occupied right now. "It soothes my heart to see you are well!"

"Leanne! Putting the ethereal in 'Ethereal Ball' I see," it's a terrible joke, the kind one would only make after one too many flutes of champagne. The sentiment is however, heartfelt and earnest. Leanne always looks beautiful but tonight she's utterly resplendent in her blush pink gown. "You're an absolute vision! Seeing you is a delight!"

A traveling instructor has arrived at Garreg Mach, ready to teach any willing listeners how to practice the delicate and graceful art of sword dancing. It’s optional for, well, everyone but your class. You’ll need to choreograph and memorize an original routine to fulfill the requirements to move into the next level of sword mastery and this is your last chance before the term officially changes. Grab a partner, watch those feet and try not to stab anyone this time? [Grants Sword +1]

She watches the instructor with bated breath, awe shimmering in deep brown irises. Each movement is precise, delicate but deadly as the dancer follows through each movement with the point of their sword drawn to attention. Glinting in the lantern light, a warning, bright red and louder than silence should dare to be. It’s captivating, magical even.

Out of reach, just beyond her fingertips.

Elincia has some skill in dancing, at least when she focuses her energy and attention on the art. She’s no novice with a sword, either, but combining both into a fluid, graceful art form? Her poor face already feels bruised from a collision with the floor that is yet to come. It surely cannot be hiding far around the corner though. It’s with trepidation that she picks up a wooden training sword, rather than reaching for Amiti’s hilt, which is far more comfortable in her hands. At least armed with this she’s unlikely to do too much damage to herself, or anyone around her.

When it comes to partnering up, Leanne was the last person she’d hoped for. Not for distaste towards her company, far from it. Were this any other activity, she’d jump at the chance to work alongside her dear friend. But even a training sword could crush the heron’s bones if swung too hard. No, Elincia seeks out a different partner. She doesn’t get very far.

Leanne’s eager face is in her field of vision, her hands already taken in her friend’s own. Vivid green eyes meet her gaze and twinkle with delight. Elincia knows then and there that she cannot possibly say no to her friend.

“You’d like to work together? I’m sure you’re far more graceful than I am, Leanne. Maybe you should find a partner closer to your skill level?” The attempt to dissuade her is pretty feeble, especially when Elinicia knows first hand how indomitable Leanne’s will could be. Once an idea was in her head, it was almost impossible to change her mind. “I fear I might be a bit too clumsy though. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I hurt you in any way.”

spots to kiss: a kiss on the forehead

Elincia wakes with a crick in her neck, wondering where she is. Clearly she isn't in her own bed but as her eyes adjust she tries to remember what she was doing before sleep had taken her.

Exams were around the corner, she'd already pulled several all nighters reading and rereading class material for the hundredth time. Maybe she'd been taking things a little too far but she couldn't afford to fail, to be kicked out and sent home to Crimea in shame. So she'd been giving it her all and then some. The only reason she hadn't been in the library today was Leanne's suggestion that they should enjoy the balmy spring weather. That they could work and relax at the same time. What a lovely idea.

In the monastery's gardens Elincia had fallen asleep, head in her friends lap. The books were still laid out open on the grass and she hears Leanne's light laughter, wind chimes on the vernal breeze.

She makes to sit up but finds a gentle hand on her chest. There's no real force but Leanne's face looks uncharacteristically stern. 'Rest' it tells her and whilst she knows she ought to be working it's all too easy to just... lean back and--

A pair of lips graze against her forehead, delicate as lace. She can't help but smile to herself as she drifts back to sleep. Just ten more minutes...

a good morning or goodnight kiss!

It was a lovely Sunday evening and the pair had spent the day together, drinking tea, eating cake and soaring through the skies. Elincia felt exhausted, they'd been up since the break of dawn but her heart felt warm and fulfilled. Time with Leanne was always time well-spent and a pleasure to be savoured. Truly, she counted herself lucky to have such a gentle and understanding friend.

After a veritable feast at dinnertime, both women were ready to hit the hay and get a good night's sleep. They stood in the bathroom, brushing their teeth in their pyjamas and as Elincia rinsed her mouth out, an idea struck her. She waited until Leanne was finished cleaning up to strike.

Chuu!

Elincia stepped back, giggling gleefully after planting a kiss right upon Leanne's nose. She thanked the goddess they were about the same height or that could have been an awkward manoeuvre. Her smile shone across her whole face as she regarded her sweet friend. The perfect end to a joyful day.