#sheerelixir

   Joining the White Heron Cup alongside his cousin, Febail's body and face go stiff the moment the duo make their way in front of all to see. Though he has been practicing to a degree, the results of his efforts make him think he was likely no dancer before or if he was, he certainly had no talent for it.

But one look at Lana and the reminder that she is invested in this, and Febail tells himself to care to put in the effort to make as good a memory as possible for her. Even if winning feels far-fetched in his mind, a blissful memory can be made from more than just a victory.

He eases up, and for the duration of their routine, he is all the more creative in putting on flourishes to help make the dance memorable for the both of them. He follows his heart, clumsy as his footing is, and though the steps may be uncoordinated on his part and more akin to that of two children learning how to dance together for the first time, there is the bounciness and vitality associated with play.

It's not very him, he decides, but it conveys the feeling of fun all the same through the unprofessionalism of their moves. When they have finished, he doesn't bother looking too much at the audience or the judges even, muttering under his breath to Lana,  “ I probably should've let you lead. ”

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The water’s movement / never remains for too long / even if we wish.

Lady Azura is an impermanent fixture, always out of reach despite the efforts others may have put in.

Mitama herself never felt particularly close to the royal; they are of different times, different generations, and despite how the deeprealms may make them feel as though they are close, it is never quite the same to look look at someone near your age and think that is my friend’s mother.

Aside from whatever supernatural divides them, there are simple facts of life that deterred Mtiama from any approaches to the blue haired woman. Lady Azura was a royal, destined for greatness. Mitama was not. 

Lady Azura is a figure of sacrifices, piled high on pillars Mitama cannot climb. But with the passing of the war, the end of the flames and weapons that ravaged the land they both claimed as theirs, Mitama wonders if any bridge is possible at all. 

Send a ‘💭’ to learn what my muse thinks of yours. || Accepting!

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It seems that Edelgard has a new eagle.

A slender lady with long blue hairs, Dimitri knows nothing about her- save for her name, only spotting her every now and then in his many walks around the monastery. She reminded him of a dancer by the way she walked and moved, movements that seemed graceful and natural from experience and practice alone.

What felt more interesting though, was how he’d often spot her in strange places at the monastery. Dimitri is used to visiting some hidden or empty corners of Garreg Mach, bonus if it’s particularly quiet and filled with nature, but he doesn’t expect most students to do the same. So while in many of his walks he spotted her- Azura, it was a surprise.

Azura is an intriguing figure to Dimitri, yet their paths seem so unlikely to ever cross. He wonders if one day he’ll be able to understand her better.

major arcana headcanons

I think Elincia is fairly optimistic. There are periods in her life when she has felt really beat down and hopeless before. She's been through a lot but she's also come out of it on the otherside and considers herself stronger, wiser and kinder for it. That doesn't make the loss of her family or anything easier but it helps her keep moving forwards.

The small things really do mean the world to her. She's not overly fond of luxury - when she does indulge it tends to be on smaller things like some really tasty chocolate. Time spent with people she cares about, making other people laugh and smile, warm hugs and little trinkets are what she's all about. If someone HAS to give her a gift she'd much prefer something small and possibly handmade, like a friendship bracelet or a bookmark.

Her vision blurs and -- with a shaky exhale -- she wonders if any of this is a wise decision. Amber irises gloss over as her gaze stays rested onto the canvas. Maybe she was only feeling a certain way because her talent in the artistic field wasn’t as... definite, as her profession in dance and song. Maybe she was only feeling a certain way because the very person she was to gift this to... had met her gaze and started to... approach her.

Azura freezes, and it’s painfully evident of the shock drawn over her features. Only when he’s a few spaces in front of her, does the songstress attempt to turn the canvas towards her in a trivial attempt at keeping its appearance... concealed.

“O-Oh, er, Prince Siegbert,” her gaze shifts onto the hallway floor before raising back to meet carmine irises. So glazed... so narrowed... she can’t her head from tilting downwards in his presence. It’s humorous, if only the moment wasn’t damaging her own conscious. Maybe, the atmosphere wasn’t as suffocating as she perceived it to be. Maybe, the prince in front of her was able to breathe just fine... why was she having trouble then? No, no, push the anxiety down. Push it back in her stomach to face later, but now, she had something to do. Something to commit to.

“As you know... it’s your birthday and --”

She immediately stops herself. Her words trail off to a low mumble and her eyebrows furrow, lips pursing as her eye twitches. Azura’s trying... she really is... but really?! ‘As you know, it’s your birthday’ of course, ma’am, he knows this. Goodness, she isn’t the first person to grant him a gift for today. “I... I mean, uhm, since it’s your birthday, I have... nevermind.”

The songstress is quick to turn on her heel and direct her body to move away -- only for a step -- before a frustrated sigh falls past her lips. Why was it this hard to simply give her nephew a gift? Why couldn’t she simply bottle this pressure and push it down. Push it somewhere... anywhere.

It’s the rejection she fears, isn’t it?

Before her mind can crumble underneath the pressure, Azura inhales deeply and turns back towards Siegbert -- carefully holding out the canvas for him to see. “I-It’s quite... small and n-not as great as it should be... but hopefully, you’ll like... like it.” There’s tears pricking at her eyes, yet she lowers her head down and bites her lip. Ignore them... do not perceive. Once the canvas is safely in Siegbert’s hands, the songstress hurries off around the corner... disappearing past a few students and into the confinements of her dorm.

The art itself seems a bit abstract yet there’s evidently, two figures on what appears to be... a hill? The contrast of blue and yellow makes it slightly obvious that the both the songstress and the prince have been painted onto the canvas. Overlooking the hues and shades of a sunrise... it isn’t bad, surprisingly done well. Yet... Azura’s gone and has refused to face the fact.

Happy Birthday, dear Prince Siegbert.

The thought only came to mind as he was deciding on what pastries to get that he had not shared tea with his beloved aunt in some time. They were most definitely due for another get-together. Though he didn't like to flaunt about what day it was, it didn't hurt to use the it's-my-birthday-so-you-have-to-do-what-I-ask card now and again. Catching a glimpse of Azura down the hall, Siegbert approaches with a smile.

"Aunt Azura, I've told you before, just Siegbert is fine. We're family, after all." Though he's curious about what she holds in her hands, he keeps his gaze on her face; it's clear she's trying to hide whatever it is that's painted on that canvas.

As she struggles, his gentle smile morphs into an expression of worry. Carefully, he reaches for her, a question on the tip of his tongue, but she turns out of his grasp at the last second. His hand hovers for a moment, only to drop the moment she turns back towards him.

"I-It’s quite... small and n-not as great as it should be... but hopefully, you’ll like... like it."

His heart clenches. Does she fear rejection so much? As though he could ever, ever feel anything but pure awe and love for a gift made by her own talented hands?

"Azura..."

Siegbert accepts the canvas gratefully. He examines it with adoration weighing on his heart, clutching at his throat, threatening tears to build; a time of peace between them, aunt and nephew. A time of happiness.

By the time he looks up again, she's gone.

The canvas earns a place of honor above his desk, where he can see it every time he sits down. Only after it's carefully hung on the wall does he leave in pursuit of the songstress; she can't avoid him forever. Thankfully, her dorm is nearby, and after a gentle knock on the door and the call of her voice allowing him entry, he steps inside.

"I'm...not sure how we're supposed to eat these, or if they taste well, but maybe you would like to try them? I do hope that they at least taste good enough to simply eat alone." Her gaze is soft, yet the frown on her lips doesn't match her stare. Questioning. Lingering curiosity. "Maybe they expect us to come up with creative ideas for the seeds' use?"

The culinary field was not one of her expertise...

“Lady Azura, thank you very much!” There are no spoons, just smaller bowls available, so she scoops some up and offers some to Azura.

“They’re tasty and nutritious, although I’ve heard some heated debate about how they’re eaten.” Elincia pops a handful into her mouth, gives them a quick crunch and swallows them. “I think some people prefer to bite them for the juice and spit them out but they’re definitely edible and I’d rather not make a mess.”

“I know they go well with salads and meats, too.” Elincia hesitates for a second before continuing. “There’s a myth in Crimea that a goddess ate them to bind herself to her lover for eternity, so they’re also served at wedding ceremonies and traditionally shared at anniversaries.”

"Alright Lady Azura, make sure you hold on tight!" Now situated at the top of the tallest hill, Charlotte rolled her neck before she backed from the sled. She gave herself a running start, gave the sled a good shove, and jumped on the back of it.

"YEAHHH!!!" Charlotte have a laughing shout and a fist pump as the pair whooshed down the hill.

Cold wind whipped through two sets of long hair as they zoomed faster and faster. It really was quite a tall and steep hill. The speed gain had been fun until Charlotte noticed a branch sticking out of the snow directly in their path. It was too late to steer away. Sled hit branch and its riders when flying.

Fleeting Snow 2021 || send ☕️ to have tea break with my muse  

“No, I’m completely serious! This woman unveiled her portrait, and behold—a fine painting of a donkey in her own iconic attire.”

It had been months since Siegbert had seen his aunt, not to mention a chance to sit down and have a real conversation with her. Even after she arrived at the academy, moments of bonding between them were sparse; he was more than thankful for the opportunity to relax with his dear family.

Relax in this scenario meaning gossip.