#s:kris

Anxiety claws it’s way out of Elincia’s stomach, burning her throat as she tries to push it down. Something is very wrong in Rusalka. That much is certain, no matter how much the ‘locals’ insist otherwise. Orders from the church had them separated into groups, set to throw themselves headlong into a world where dreams could become reality just as easily as nightmares. For the sake of their mission. To rescue those lost. A noble endeavour but one that would take fine-tuned teamwork and proper planning to pull off. So Elincia did the one thing she knew she could before they started.

She threw a tea party.

Inside her tent, cushions placed around a pile of books upon which a single teapot lay. A far cry from the gardens of the monastery, or Castle Melior’s tearooms. Today was less about charming guest though, so the sparse surroundings seemed to imprint a level of spartan practicality to the occasions.

“Thank you all for coming at such short notice. And my apologies if the tea is not to your liking,” Elincia begins, keenly aware of the eyes upon her. Bowing at the waist, she forces a smile to her face. One that does not reach her eyes but masks her anxiety at least. No matter how strange and uncomfortable this feels, she has dealt with far worse. Had to command the respect of people who longed to see her downfall. She could surely encourage a group of students and fellow faculty members. “I am Queen Elincia of Crimea, but I would prefer you all do away with formalities when speaking to me. We have to rely on each other no matter what foes and dangers may find us after all. It would not do to let anything get in the way of that.”

“To those I’m well acquainted with, it’s wonderful to see you all! To those I have yet to meet, the pleasure is all mine. You may wonder why I’ve called you all here when there are preparations to be made,” Elincia let’s her smile fall slightly, expression more serious. Arms relaxed at her side, she casts her gaze over her guests. All so talented, so cherished by people waiting for them at home. It’s her duty to protect them, as a leader, as a teacher and more importantly, as a friend. “I felt it important we all speak to each other beforehand. Know the names and faces of the people we work and fight alongside. It’s also an opportunity to assess what we need to bring and do to best work as a cohesive unit, should we find ourselves entangled in battle.”

It had been years already. Mercedes had given up all hope of ever returning to life in Fodlan. A distant world, a lifetime forever out of reach. She had settled down into her life by General Malo’s side, aiding the woman in every mission that was thrown their way. It’s on one of those missions that Mercedes wakes up somewhere that is very clearly not a military base.

At first there’s a stage. Taunting. Then there isn’t a stage at all. It’s difficult to wrap her head around but she finds herself amongst familiar faces. Allies from Rhedrise. Other faces too, on the opposing side.

Now united against a common enemy. Even the glint in Melanthios’ eyes feels like a challenge. Makes her blood scream out. 

She takes the Ichor scroll in her hands, and the screaming is replaced by a chorus of muses. Mercedes knows what must be done.

Roll d20:12! Hit! 3 damage to Melanthios. Reduced to 1.5 by Agarthan Technology. Roll d20-4: 15! Hit. 2.5 damage to Mercedes. Melanthios recovers 1 HP. Deals 1HP out of Combat to Mercedes Melanthios has 13.5/14 HP remaining Mercedes has 6.5/10 HP remaining

Roll d2: 1! Crest of Lamine activates. Roll d20: 10! Mercedes uses Recover to heal Lyn. Lyn and Mercedes both recover 4 HP Lyn has 9/10 HP remaining. Mercedes has 10/10 HP remaining

It’s frustrating enough that her spells are weakened by something dark and ancient. Even worse when the Dark Bishop saps her own strength too. Thankfully, Mercedes feels the power of her Crest and takes the opportunity to do something useful. Lyn already looks exhausted and the battle has barely started. Slipping over to her side, Mercedes casts Recover, restoring her own health and vitality as well.

“Feeling better? Let me know if you’re injured again, okay?” Mercedes says to Lyn, giving the woman’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. This wasn’t going to be an easy battle but if they could rely on one another’s strengths, she was sure they’d prevail.

+2d3 stone, +1d4 chalkos and +1 obol per post

Elincia turns her head away to cough before returning dutifully to sweeping the powdered chalkos at their feet. It’s relatively easy work, what with her being quite used to household chores. It’s almost meditative, really, allowing her to reflect on the day’s efforts in peace. As long as she was careful not to inhale the powder, it really was quite comforting and homely, despite the chill in the air.

She was still a little stung at being deemed a “young child” though. Maybe other women would be flattered but years of having to prove herself competent left a sour taste in her mouth. Brown eyes meet cerulean and her pout morphs into a wide smile.

“Kris! Good to see you,” she dashes forwards, almost tripping over her own feet. Her hands still cling to the wooden handle of the broom as she gazes up at him. “I’d been beginning to feel a little lonely here on my own-” a reflective gleam catches her attention. Strung up on his belt appeared to be those small explosive devices. Entrusted to a few, they’re rumoured to be incredibly powerful. Incredibly dangerous, too, should any unsuspecting children find themselves caught in the blast.

“Oh, I suppose we’re going to have to use these to get further in,” eyes scan the surroundings. It’s not too busy, shouldn’t take too long to send the kids away for a moment. The more difficult task would be cordoning the area off to prevent someone else rushing in. “Let me help you prepare the site then. We wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt after all!”

(+6 stone, +4 chalkos and 1 obol earned)

Not again. This was the second time this week she'd let one of her classmates get the better of her whilst training. She grits her teeth, looking for an opening. The one she finds is unconventional.

It wouldn't work if this was a real fight, with sharpened blades, but with wooden swords all she has to fear is a few splinters. Shez rolls under Kris' training sword, getting plenty of dirt in her hair and clothes in the process. She points her own at his whilst grinning like a cat that go the cream.

"Has a cool sword."

"Hey," the other man doesn’t say much to him, which at least gives him the freedom to not have to force anything out. Ares vaguely recognises the man from classes. He’s often seated next to or near to Katarina, which is why Ares doesn’t immediately get up to leave. Not sure what to expect from the prompt, he stays still long enough for the photo to be taken and is pleasantly surprised.

The tea room was comfortable and warm, a welcome reprieve from the bitter chill of winter. Elincia found herself practically melting into the plush armchair she reclined in. 

Alas, there was tea to pour and conversation to be had! Now was not the time for dozing. Gingerly, she handled the porcelain teapot to pour her companion a cup of the steaming brew. The scent of spearmint and tea leaves floated around the pair of them. Success! Not a drop spilled and she’d managed to avoid shattering the (clearly expensive) pot.

“Is the tea to your liking, Sir Kris?” Elincia asked the navy haired young man with a cheerful smile. Spending time in such a tranquil environment, getting to know her classmates - it felt like all her cares had evaporated away. “If you’d prefer another blend there’s plenty to choose from.”

Raising her fork, she sampled one of the desserts provided by House Charon. The sponge cake was light and fluffy, it’s flavours complimenting the tea perfectly. The verdant haired woman wondered how to replicate the recipe.

For you, of course I do!

Yifan + chef

There comes a time when you just gotta treat yourself. You work hard, you take care of yourself and others around you. It was time to show yourself some appreciation.

So with the money you have saved up, you got yourself a beautiful dress, a classy pair of heels, and a dinner reservation at a 5 star restaurant.

Once you were seated, you told yourself that you’d be taking your time and relishing every single part of the dining experience. You took your time with each course, sipping on your wine and taking in the beauty of the establishment around you. When it came time for dessert, you stopped your waiter to tell him something.

“Everything was absolutely exquisite! My compliments to the chef.”

The waiter smiled and, surprisingly, he leaned closer to you.

“If you’d like, you can tell him yourself. But you have to wait till near closing.”

Just the thought of it sent an excited tingle down your spine, being able to meet the amazing chef who prepared all this food.

Closing time happened to be within an hour, so you quietly ate your dessert. When you took your last sip of wine, someone came up and offered a refill. When you looked up, it wasn’t your waiter.

“Excellent choice in wine.” he said while taking the seat across from you. You remained quiet, unsure of who he might be.

“I take it you enjoyed your meal tonight?”

“It was the best meal I’ve ever had!” you couldn’t help but gush. It put a warm gummy smile on the stranger’s face.

“I aim to please.”

And that’s when it hit you.

“You’re the master mind behind all this?”

He nodded humbly. Once the blush on your cheeks subsided, you looked at the name embroidered on his coat.

“Yifan, would it be too much to ask to have a drink with you? A toast to your success, if you may.”

Without hesitation, he grabbed the wine from the ice bucket and poured some for you and himself, and after a toast, you both took a long sip.

Yifan + soup  (and of course you can use it!)

It was finally the time of year where as soon as the sun disappeared the temperature dropped drastically, which meant it was time to cook all the soups you could.

“Something smells good.” Yifan said as he sauntered into the kitchen.

“Yeah? I’m boiling water at the moment.” you tell him as he comes up to look over your shoulder.

“Oh.” he laughed, taking a seat by the table.

“I could use a sous chef, though. Make yourself useful.”

He immediately came up to you and you hand him a knife, telling him to begin chopping the vegetables.

“Yes ma'am.” he gives your cheek a kiss before rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.