that or each opponent he faced, all from the black eagles, were strong in their own right. though he had prevailed in his first match, it had not been an easy victory, and the toll of that battle followed him into the next. sloppy movements and a slow mind lead to his own defeat. even worse, he hadn't been able to deal the deciding blow on anyone... he had been forced to leave it up to the others. teamwork was rewarded in gauntlets like this, but still... maybe he would meet the girl with a wild axe again, or maybe that gaudy man with an interesting outfit.

as he lamented his spectacular loss to the eagles, the king spotted their very own leader passing by. now that the battles had officially concluded, he supposed it made sense she would be joining them all. had she made it farther than him, or had she fallen short of him? it mattered little, but his curiosity at her own strengths was peaked enough for him to make his way over. "greetings," he introduced his presence swiftly, "congratulations of your efforts, your house was a force not to be trifled with."

"each one proved a suitable challenge... i was not disappointed." silently, ephraim wished that he had been able to gauge her talents for himself. alas, one could not pick the battle that had to fight, at least not with certainty. nor would he trade for anyone he had fought on the field, they all had pushed him to fight his best. "i'd like to know, though, how well did their leader fare this year? i've heard tale that 'lady edelgard is as strong as all 3 houses put together.' might that be true?"

Reds, yellows, and blues sprinkle the field of victory— A three way tie. She can't claim to have been expecting that nor did she believe it possible.. Within this mock battle, they all celebrate together. Once, there was war between the Empire and Kingdom. Today, there are cheers. Realistic this may not be for years to come, Edelgard is pleased with what she has seen and witnessed on the ground's past history.

She is equipped with an answer to the question; words clear and confident. "Thank you," she begins. "The Black Eagles are composed of many strong faces. We were able to prevail in thanks to their dedicated efforts. I would be interested in hearing more about your battles against my peers. Doing so will allow us all to continue growing." A person cannot improve without realistic challenges; she will take up the mantle of encouraging that very prospect.

"king marth," ephraim stepped forward with two overly full glasses of champagne. "it's... a lovely night, i hope you are enjoying yourself." he always been aware that he couldn't shine in social situations, no matter how much he practiced. this fact only seemed to be doubled down when in the presence of a perfect man like marth. even now, his awkward tone and bumbling words are met with a kind smile. "ah, right... i thought to take some of your time tonight, and i brought champagne."

the glass is carefully brought over from his side to hang in the air before his newfound company. "also... instead of last time," the lord trailed off in embarrassment, "perhaps we could go with a handshake."

Considering the unifying circumstances of this academy, one could expect to see many foreign kings and queens intermixed with the average ball attendees. Plotting out the political landscape as such a royal himself meant their names and faces often rose readily to the fore of his memory. This one Marth attested to knowing as well, and perhaps even a humorous smidgen beyond the average. An instinctive smile fell into place at the shadow that fell over him, weighted steps and the shining reflections of glass drawing his eye; the face, his recognition.

"Ah, Lord Ephraim. You are a pleasant sight to behold. Familiar faces are comforting when faced with such strange elements." A friend with quality spirits in tow, a symbol of reverie that the Hero-King recognized. Swigged alone a drink comforted a man in his loneliness- ruined him even as Emperor Hardin was once found- but sipped with another it proved a social activity bolstering great camaraderie between a pair. No doubt that was the other man's intent, if not a remedy of sorts for the unspoken elephant in the room; an innocent kiss as thanks.

Realization struck him timely like the twelfth hour. The moment caved with his amused chuckle, gloved knuckles pressing to delicately stifle the sound.

"Hah! I'd thought you well-intentioned with your offering, but I see it now for what it is. A bribe." Despite Marth's teasing tone, acceptance of the hovering glass found one hand- the other extended in a confident handshake as the other proposed, culminating in the blossoming of two flowers, one upon each. "Do not fear. I will not speak a word of our accident to another, though I shall admit, some part of me happens to reminisce over it as a sweet and summery memory. . ."

But perhaps he'd best stop here.

"you've done quite well, lilina..."

a gentle pat of her head was given, and a quick kiss placed against her forehead as well. all awkward gestures from someone like Ephraim, after all, he was hardly versed in handing out these forms of affection. but seeing those wide eyes look up at him for approval, all too similar to his own as a young boy... he could not help but to recall when he made that same face to his mother so that she would shower him in praise and affection. Lilina was certainly older than that, but perhaps everyone still looked for such approval no matter their age. He certainly did...

"not even my sister could learn quite this fast."

Weapon training was not her forte and she was not about to make a fool out of herself by asking to spar with tools so foreign to her. It was as General Cecilia had said: she shouldn’t train for things she is not built for. Yet, she cannot help herself when she approaches Ephraim, requesting they meet in the training halls for a sparring session.

           She may not be versed in weapons, but she at least wanted to improve her hand-to-hand combat in the awful event that she forgets how to cast spells or her only source of power is restricted in some way. Lilina specifically asked him to not go easy on her just because she is a girl of much smaller stature and age than him, confident she could take whatever is thrown her way.

           Needless to say, she failed and lost by a long shot. After, she was left breathless and with more bruises and scrapes than she started, but he still has the heart to encourage her where she lacked sorely. Bent over, she supports her weight by resting her hands on her knees when a head pat and awkward kiss is granted to her. While she could tell each gesture was genuine, it was unnatural for him. She was too tired to comment on this or refute his words, so she took the compliment at face value. 

"ahem..."

he pulled away swiftly, hardly saving face by turning his head from the other. even if he had been told to express his feelings more openly, this felt far too familiar for him. should these activities not be exclusive to those who are wed?

"that is to say, thank you, king marth."

              Scarcely a word of warning precedes the warm lips planted against his, but before he can utter a sound the feeling is just as quickly gone. Wide blue eyes glitter with shock, realization, and slight embarrassment at the act- a wheel of reactions that lands eventually at amusement. Marth shakes his head with silent laughter, directed only half toward himself, as he kneels to collect the miscellany of unloaded medical supplies scattered around them. King Ephraim was by all indications a very interesting man.

              "It's nothing worth your thanks, Lord Ephraim. I possess a clerical sister who taught me the basics of healing." Thanks to Elice, but with even greater thanks for war, he has learned the foundational skills needed to patch up basic wounds. Nothing a hardened warrior like Ephraim couldn't replicate himself, but reaching one's back is a difficult endeavor for anyone. The Hero-King is no less eager to assist in this endeavor than any other. "—Otherwise, I am obliged to assist such an upstanding figure, and it brings me joy to know only that I've helped."

              Gracious words on both parties' ends, but there was one thing left to address. The king lifts himself from the floor with the kit of supplies tucked beneath his arm. A dusting of his knees and pants suggests the motions of departure and he turns his back on the taller man with a nod, but not before a few parting words.

From one blue-haired bozo to the next, would Severa ever catch a break?

No, no she wouldn’t. The only difference is that this little clod was silent, and honestly, she kinda preferred the babbling that his younger sister did. Eirika’s talking was annoying, but tolerable. It put any rampant thoughts at ease and allowed her to just focus on one thing; pointless words. Ephraim was the exact opposite, with the only thing audible being his footsteps. 

Dear Naga this was awkward, but not something completely unfamiliar. Gerome was worse. 

Like, yeah, they had a mission that was probably gonna be dangerous, but they still had a good long walk before they even got to that village! This was torture, the silence making each passing second feel like hours. Eventually, she gives a loud groan out, looking over at the knight.

“Gods, can you say literally anything? You’re just walking there in silence and it’s so off-putting!” She snaps, arms crossing as she stops in her tracks. This was more important than some stupid town getting attacked by some dragon that they could probably deal with themselves. Needing two knights to come along... this had to be some kind of joke. If only two knights were needed, then they ought to drop this dragon easily.

"I'm not a child, L'arachel." He huffed in protest, shooting an accusatory glance her way. She held one book between them, and offered to read to him some of her favorite literature. Yes, he did not enjoy idle reading but he certainly didn't need to be read to. "I'm not interested in these things anyway... "

//via academy life

"Nonsense!" She protests, tilting her snoot up to push the book further into Ephraim's chest, "Child or not, it's important for all to be familiar with the awe-inspiring tale, Sailor Sun: The Sacred Golden Stone." She lets go of the book, leaving it in his hands to tell him he simply cannot refuse her. The lime-haired then whips around and begins to scold the solar twin, matching his accusatory glance with a doubly accusatory tone.

"If you wish to one day mold yourself into a man of fine stature, then you ought to be familiar with sophisticated literature."

Without missing a beat, L'Arachel turns on her heel and begins to walk off to the reception desk--expecting Ephraim to follow along. This is her way of saying he would sign it out with the librarian and read it with her posthaste: yet another notion that is not left up to debate.

Tana surfaces from her underwater lap, letting the sun dry her face languidly as she catches her breath back. She stretches her arms high above her head, trying to release the tension built up in her limbs. That is until a surprise challenger approaches.

“You... want to see if you can hold your breath longer than I can?” Frelia’s princess sighs and has to fight the urge to roll her eyes. Men could be so ridiculous at times, turning everything into a foolish competition. Her brother is just the same as Ephraim is in that regard. However, Ephraim treats her warmly, speaks to her as an ally and equal. Encourages her to keep trying, even when she hits obstacles that seem insurmountable, all with a roguish smile that makes her heart feel as though it could melt.

A smirk paints Tana’s face. Oh, Ephraim might be a strategic genius but he could be so slow on the uptake at times. It wasn’t as if she hid away her feelings in shame. Perhaps she could use this to her advantage though.

“Oh, alright then. Only because it’s you though!” With that she swiflt moves to splash him with water. The sight of his face screwed up as the water gets in his eyes tickles her pink. “Three, two, one!” Tana inhales deeply before pinching her nose and submerging herself into the pool.

His cheeks are puffed out, she notes to herself. Round and adorable, like a chipmunk. If she weren’t underwater - and preoccupied with her mission, Tana would probably have to giggle at how boyish it makes Ephraim look. Determined as ever, she swims over to him and smiles as innocently as she can. Tana can hear her own heartbeat but there is no turning back now.

Reaching out for him is simple and easy. As natural as simply being is. Tana takes his hand under the water, pulling closer towards Ephraim. Drawn to him like a magnet and pulled so entirely into his gravity. It’s infuriating in a way, that he almost certainly has no idea the effect he has on her.

Summoning her courage, Tana leans in and tentatively places a kiss on his lips. The butterflies in her stomach only seem to become more erratic. Part of her expects him to pull away in horror and scold her but... that doesn’t actually happen. If anything he kisses her back, with a tenderness she could not have anticipated. His lips are chapped slightly but they move against hers fluidly, with such care. A sweetness that races through her veins, leaves her giddy and whimsical.

Kissing Ephraim is like a sugar rush. Delightful at first, like honey lingering on her tongue. The crash soon follows though as they pull apart, floating back up for air. Tana thinks to herself it tastes almost bitter in comparison.

She finds herself left wanting more - so much more. Caught by one of Eros’ arrows, all she can think about is kissing him again and again. What need did she have for breath or sustenance, compared to the yearning she feels for him? Tana’s wine dark eyes gaze up at him through her eyelashes, both of them breathing heavily as if the weight of being apart was crushing. So she does the only thing she can.

With winter in full swing, every pegasus in Garreg Mach rejoices in the cold, crisp mountain air, playing and racing during their time outside. This is the season where pegasi perform at their peak, a perfect time for a racing tournament! The students have come together with the “White Heron Derby” to determine which pegasus is the fastest in the school. Grab your winged mount and get ready for a wild flight around campus. There’s a twist though: all riders are decked out in absurd hats and if you lose your hat, you lose the race! [Grants Flying +1]

Achaeus nuzzles against her face as they step out of the stables. Garreg Mach’s scenery has a similar, hallowed beauty to it, so very similar to her beloved Frelia. It seems her pegasus agrees, what with his elated nickering as they take in the fresh, mountain air. It’s not quite as ethereal she thinks - Frelia’s mountains and forest are truly heaven sent! It’s... close though. Helps Tana feel a touch less homesick.

Another sing that takes her mind off wistful thoughts of her homeland are her dear friends. Tana has never had much trouble forging new bonds and getting along with others but there’s something special about seeing her best friend every day.

Speaking of, she spots Ephraim, Eirika’s twin and another person she cherishes, as she makes her way to the ‘White Heron Derby’. Excitement flutters in her chest as she rushes over to him, boots crunching through the snow. Achaeus follows her lead but approaches a little more slowly. Frelian pegasi are by nature less open and comfortable around men but she and Achaeus have been partners in crime for so long that he defers to her judgment. Her heart beats faster than a pegasus’s wings in flight as she stands before him.

“Ephraim! Oh, it’s so lovely to see you here too!” Her hands clasp his as she speaks, a gesture born of long established familiarity. There’s a strange sensation in her stomach, as though she is standing on the precipice of a cliff. Perhaps here and now, without Innes’ shadow looming over her, he will finally see her in a new light. Shining with strength and radiance. “How have you been? I arrived only recently but I hear dear Eirika is here as well. I can’t imagine anywhere I would rather be!”

Tana pauses her gushing for a moment, a sly smile on her lips. Oh, she will make sure he can’t overlook her. Casually, in spite of her racing heart, Tana takes his large, calloused hand in her own.

“I simply must insist you come join me for the ‘White Heron Derby’. I won’t take no for an answer and neither will Achaeus! Heehee, we’re going to have so much fun today!” Tana turns to wink at him as she leads them forth. He really has no idea what is just around the corner for him! “I have big plans for you, my friend. Let’s not be late!”