#support: rafal

[fellsparks]

∗ 24﹕ sender  crawls  into  bed  with  receiver .

The screams in Gradlon Temple were fewer tonight. Quieter.

Not silent but nothing at least compared to the bestial horrors of yesternight. It was always like that with their home - irregular, haunting, and never ending. The sound of slick fangs finding purchase in soft skin or beneath tough scales, the separation of life and body as throats tore and stomachs split open like rupturing earth. The loveless reality that only Fell Dragons knew, their deepest ties abandoned for one shared dream that ran even deeper. Thousands of young serpents vying with twins, brothers, and sisters without satiation until they could be the only ones.

But they weren't like that: Nel and Nil.

Shivering with the tiniest vibrations like a shaking leaf, Nil covered his ears with tightly clamping palms and pressed himself closer to Nel. Beneath the thin blanket, their identical skinny knees bumped together like two puzzle pieces attempting to match. In Gradlon, each pair of twins only received one blanket. They were expected to squabble and feud and to eventually kill one another for control of limited resources, but that didn't work with two twins who always resolved to share.

"I'm scared, sister," Nil whispered against her neck, and it wasn't accompanied by soft weeping like the true Nil, but his fear was real all the same. "Do you think. . .we can sleep outside tomorrow? It's hard to sleep inside the temple when it's so loud."

The screams no matter how quiet were always louder for his kind; the defenseless and powerless Failures made to sleep with one eye open, more vulnerable a population than any other in a land where no-one was safe.

Nel has long since become immune to the sights and sounds of bloodshed that echo throughout the dreary halls of Gradlon Temple. Such violence is merely a way of life to those that reside here, and she is no different-- the only inconsistency is who the target of her killing intent is. Where the others turn on their sibling, ripping, tearing, and clawing their other halves into pieces that no longer resemble anything intelligible.. Nel chooses to bathe her hands in the blood of her brood if it means there's one less Fell Child that thirsts for Nil's end. She doesn't care if the others don't understand her motivations, and she doesn't care about the animosity and envy directed towards her-- she'll take the blows if it means that her brother suffers a little less. She can't take him away from the things that haunt him. The thought causes her to press her cheek against his trembling head, offering him what little warmth and comfort that she can. The bloodthirsty heathens outside are getting closer-- she can hear the growls growing louder, low and guttural, full of a primal hunger. They're waiting, stalking, and the sound of claws scraping against the stone walls of the temple sends a shiver down her spine. She shifts their position slightly, wedging herself between the doorway and her brother. Nel knows they're not safe here, not truly, but for now... she's the only defense that he has. She's not afraid. Not for herself, at least.

"I won't let anyone touch you. I'll keep you safe, Brother, I swear to you," She whispers softly, her fingers running through his hair as her arm tightens around him. "We'll go wherever you want to go. We won't stay here forever."

She pulls the blanket tighter around him, unconcerned with the fact that more of her skin is bared to the chilly night. It's long since been ingrained in her to endure, and this is nothing compared to what he must be experiencing. With a sharp breath, her hands move to cover his hands at his ears, humming a random tune in a desperate attempt to keep the howls from reaching him.

No matter what happens, she'll keep him safe. She has to-- the cold, the fear, the monsters simply masquerading as their family-- they mean nothing compared to the love she holds for him.

"Close your eyes. I'm right here. I'm never going anywhere." (( When her spear pierces her own gut centuries later, she sees only the scared, frail boy that laid in her arms for nights on end. The same boy that she'd give her life for in an instant, the same innocent child that deserved none of the pain inflicted upon him. Perhaps in the end, she's broken her promise to stay with him for eternity-- but a promise kept means nothing if his life is forfeit. )) (( If there is any truth in this universe: he completes her. For he is the sun and she is the moon-- what light is seen in her is merely his reflected through the length of night. When her eyes close for what she believes to be her end, her only regret is that she can't hold his hand one more time. ))

[doyouevenliftbrooo]

Early morning hours are always Etie's favorite-- there's not as many people bustling about, it's a bit quieter, and it gives her plenty of room to do whatever she wants in the way of her workout routine. Weaving in and out of crowds on a jog isn't exactly ideal, and if she can avoid it, she'd most certainly rather... and the cool air always helps with keeping her from getting too overheated. Of course, not everyone is thrilled by the prospect of waking up so early. It's an ordeal to get anyone else to join her, normally dissuaded the moment she mentions something like 6am in her plans. Alfred never complained, and neither did Boucheron, but.... everyone here was different, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't miss them. Arms stretched overhead, Etie lets loose a yawn as she rolls her shoulders in preparation for her run, quickly moving on to stretching her legs. It wouldn't do to pull a muscle first thing in the morning, and she couldn't exactly tend to her duties while having an injury like that. Out of the corner of her eye, though, she catches a glint of white hair that seems awfully familiar... and emerald eyes immediately zero in on a face that she recognizes, her lips twitching upwards into a devious grin. She could convince him, right? Sure, he's grumpy, and doesn't particularly like being social, but Etie has confidence in her ability to persuade. So she bounds over, hand already raised in a wave. "Yo! Lord Rafal! Didn't realize you'd be around here." "Wanna come with me? I could use a workout buddy. The Divine One is busy, and, well... Nobody else wants to wake up at this hour." The look she gives him is awfully similar to a puppy that's been scolded, eyes widened and brows arched in an expression of feigned sadness. There's no way it works, but she finds it entertaining nonetheless. "Not sure what you're doing out here, but since you're already awake, you might as well make good use of your time, right?" @rafent

don't care + running + playing + having fun

fitnessgram pacer test w/ @rafent

[rafent]

And then the other Eagle with these same deep crimson eyes- though almost an exact opposite from Nel. Instead of jet-black hair, there was ivory white that gleamed against sunlight almost forming a halo above his head. Blues were replaced with fierce shades of pink, and there was something about their faces that made Sylvain wonder if they were related in one way or another.

Siblings, perhaps? It wouldn’t surprise him, considering how they taught for the same house. “Professor Rafal! How are you doing? I was told you visited Gautier some moons ago, and while the conditions weren’t the best…haha, I hope you still found something about it to like! I’ll care for it in the future, so.”

Once he approached the man, Sylvain made his intentions clear by first handing out a pastel pink box. Under the lid was a framboise tartelette with a layer of cheesecake- a treat considered rather noble in Faerghus due to how sweet it was, making it quite expensive. By this point Sylvain knew the professor seemed to have a knack for sweets, so he figured he’d appreciate that more than flowers. “I was thinking, the Ethereal Ball is coming, and I find you a really interesting guy! You also look quite strong. So, would you like to come with me? Like a pair? I really wanna talk to you more!”

At odds with easy expression, a pinched look of acknowledgement spun Rafal on his heel to receive the friendly young man. Sparsely encountered due to their inherent differences in house, Sylvain was not a common sighting in the Black Eagles classroom if at all, but Rafal possessed of him an impression at the very least; one much to do with the tall but no less grounded tales of his rutting perfidy. Going even further than mere impression was the correlation to both a city and an acquaintance.

"Sylvain. That is correct, and Gautier was. . .pleasant enough, I suppose. Rife with pockets of conflict when last I visited, but I imagine much of its troubles have desisted by now." Resilience was the nature of all living things, after all; the once beset monastery for one, the chaos-ridden Gautier territory for another, and far, far away perhaps even a dead world tipped over the edge of ruin. Slowly made to stand on its own feet with the same grace. The same blooming return to flowers.

But as if thought and reality had merged into one, the waft of a delectable scent bid Rafal blink with surprise. Sweet as flowers, or merely substituted in their place unbeknownst to their receiver. "Well, yes. Of course I am. . ." an unconscious twitch of pleased expression, "quite strong." Bright-eyed interest; wavering of spirit akin to bobbing fishing lure; no doubt the joint application of lavish gift and compliment would have succeeded in reeling in any other.

However, a Fell Dragon was not easily taken and this one least of all.

"But I fail to see why I must go to the ball with you simply to talk. We may do so at any time. Your request is largely impractical." Like guzzling from a lake when a cup of water sat within reach of both convenience and hand. Whether oblivious or sensible, the dragon shook his head with a sway of silvery hair. "Furthermore, I must say. If I am to 'pair' with a Gautier. . ."

Speaking with Sylvain about Gautier city had brought to mind the exchanges with Matthias situated in the same moon; Matthias who at that uncertain time in the bunker expressed the desire to search for his son. Matthias who, more importantly, was 'quite strong' - a figure of Rafal's ample approval unbowed by fang or fury.

"—between the sire and the son, the sire is more to my taste."

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

In Fates, my #1 S-Support is the problematic white-haired bisexual (Niles).

In Three Houses, my #1 S-Support is the problematic white-haired bisexual (Edelgard).

In Engage, my #1 S-Support is the problematic white-haired bisexual (Rafal).

Hope that future Fire Emblems continue this trend, and keep letting me throw my heart at the feet of the gorgeous, morally-and-follicly grey discourse magnets ♡ (is follicly a word, who cares, it is now)

.

[daydreamingsommie]

Veyle & Rafal Support

C-Support

Rafal: So you're the Lady Veyle he mentioned...

Veyle: Rafal? Did you need something?

Rafal: No. Just satisfying my curiosity. I never met the "you" of my world. Though, her knight did mention her once or twice.

Veyle: I'm sorry. I wouldn't know anything about the other me, but I know you and I have much in common.

Rafal: And what might that be?

Veyle: We're both Fell Dragons used by Pa- Lord Sombron. Just like you, he corrupted my mind and forced me to commit horrible crimes in his name. When I learned what he did, it felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake from.

Rafal: ....

Veyle: Anyway, I think I understand what you must've went through in your world.

Rafal: You are mistaken.

Veyle: Hm?

Rafal: You and I are nothing alike. Good-bye, Veyle.

Veyle: Rafal...

B-Support

Veyle: Hello, Rafal.

Rafal: Veyle... Are you still pestering me under the assumption that we are the same?

Veyle: Forgive me, but I can't help feeling drawn to you. It was the same way when I reunited with my brother/sister again. Meeting you feels like finding another brother.

Rafal: Enough. You won't get anything from treating me as your family. Whatever commonality you think we have is merely a misconception on your part.

Veyle: I don't understand.

Rafal: Before you said what Sombron did to you felt like a nightmare, correct?

Veyle: Yes, it was awful.

Rafal: For me, it was the opposite. The magic he gave me, it felt like I had finally achieved the power I sought for so long. I would have pursued it regardless of his influence. The nightmare that trapped you was a dream I refused to wake from.

Rafal: Now do you understand why we are nothing alike?

Veyle: I-I see...

A-Support

Veyle: Rafal!

Rafal: What is it, Veyle? Don't tell me you've returned to insist that we are the same again.

Veyle: Yes, actually. I understand that the you and I of the past were completely different, but the you and I of the present are still the same.

Rafal: What nonsense is this?

Veyle: Despite our pasts, both of us have chosen to be here because we want to do good in this world, right? And you and I both have a sibling we care for dearly.

Rafal: Alright, fine. I concede. I suppose you and I are the same in some ways.

Veyle: Hehehe!

Rafal: I see you're pleased with yourself.

Veyle: It just makes me happy that we finally understand each other. When you're a Fell Dragon, it can be really hard to find people willing to accept you.

Rafal: The life of a Fell Dragon is often isolated. I suppose that's another commonality we share. Neither of us are alone anymore.

Veyle: Yeah! That's true, isn't it?

Rafal: Hmph. I'm starting to understand why Mauvier cared so deeply for this child.

Veyle: What was that?

Rafal: Nothing you need to concern yourself with.

[laslow]

The white-haired man strides ahead first. Laslow watches his retreating back with narrowed eyes. Something about him sets every one of Laslow's nerves on edge.

But there's no time to focus on that. It's a minor problem, all things considered. The ruined classrooms hit him harder than he expected; yet another place he called home now destroyed by the whims of god-like creatures.

He almost wonders if he's cursed.

"Hm?" Yuzu calls for him and he dutifully follows after her. He glances at the cracked stonework, the discarded paraphernalia of fleeing students. His throat feels tight as he slowly spins around, searching for any sign of life.

Laslow nods. "I would like that as well. Rebuilding is always easier with willing hands." He swallows. If anyone asks, he's blinking dust out of his eyes as he steps out of the classroom.

"Sophia? Rafal? You ready to move out?"

Divine Rivals (epiphany finale)

Unit 15 assemble! @rafent@craneswings@nabataprophet

[misericordel]

starter for @fellabsolve

the smell of sweets does not usually work to draw her attention, but the combination of a slightly familiar blonde hair with it as she's walking down the streets of fibonacci's surface serves well enough to draw her into looking that way.

what she sees makes her perk up in an instant.

"rafal!!" veyle practically crashes into him— stopping just before they can actually collide. "you got sent to this weird place too? oh, you have no idea how happy i am to see you!" a familiar face, and one that shared similar plights to her own at that, helps to soothe the anxious thoughts on her mind.

[zefirart]

Rafal S support CG redraw because i love him!!!

[discjude]

whatever afterlife exists in SGE must be the funniest shit ever imagine being some Jaunt Jolie peasant who gets a little too in the way of the Snake and dying only to see The Literal School Master cheering the Snake on. Imagine dying of like cholera or something and taking a little Ghost Vacation to Camelot and seeing the King of Camelot - who's dead, apparently - beating the shit out of some random other boy with weird eyes. imagine how flesh and blood went down. Do you think they all had popcorn for that

[princeofopenness]

@rafent || continued from here

"Spicy cake"? Alfonse had certainly heard of spice cake, but that typically was largely still sweet, just with a different flavor to add depth. It used spices, but would hardly be considered spicy. Somehow, he had the strangest feeling that spice cake was distinctly not what Rafal was speaking of... but he could get answers to that later.

"Oh, no, not at all!" Alfonse laughed, placing his tray of baked goods on the nearest table. "I'm sorry for the assumption. You're just the first person I ran into since I made them."

Well, it was technically true, if only because Alfonse had deliberately gone out of his way to avoid other people while he was carrying the treats. He didn't want anyone else trying to snatch them up before he made it to his quarry. He also preferred not to have to answer any questions about what he was doing, and seeing someone wandering around with a tray of pastries usually resulted in a few questions.

"I, er... actually, I wanted to try to bake something for my sister," Alfonse added sheepishly. "But I confess, I'm actually... rather new to baking. She makes stuff like this for me all the time, so I just wanted to return the favor... I hope you don't mind being a test subject. I just want to make sure it tastes as good as possible before I give it to her. It's, er, baklava, by the way. Here-- try some?"

It was another convenient little excuse that had just popped into his head, but it was still technically true. He might be tailoring his story to try and play off of Rafal's sympathies, but that didn't mean serving another batch to Sharena later wouldn't be a good idea. He quite liked the idea of seeing the excitement in his sister's eyes when he arrived with treats, actually.

Sweet Tooth

[cielenruine]

[  spar  ]  sender  pins  receiver  down  in  a  practice  fight

It must be pretense alone that keeps seeing them battle like this or perhaps Rafal simply had an interest in seeing where he was.

Rafal is aware that he is stronger. Matthias surrenders himself to that fact each time lance fails at keeping unmatched dragon at bay. The margrave falls to his back, a choice deviation from the walls he usually finds himself slammed into.

There is little more he can do than keep the edge of Rafal's training axe from hitting his chest.

"Never one to hold back, are you?" Through gritted teeth, the margrave's voice strains. "Was your evening as the ball so tense you must take out stress this way?"

[crevassier]

♡

●○○○○ | ATTRACTION ○○○○○ | AFFECTION ●●●○○ | INTEREST ○○○○○ | LOYALTY ○○○○○ | TRUST

“I remember him in all of those festivals, who knew the Black Eagles had so many party people? Guy absolutely devours desserts too, it’s almost scary to see! We didn’t talk a lot, but he seems like an alright professor I guess. Maybe I’ll come to one of his seminars one day, I wanna know what he’s teaching at least.”

“Something in his eyes reminds me of that one other professor, that same odd shade of red…I wonder if they’re related.”

[egittae]

♡

○○○○○ | ATTRACTION ●●●○○ | AFFECTION ●●●○○ | INTEREST ●●●○○ | LOYALTY ●●●○○ | TRUST

“Quite the interesting individual, truly. During our first meeting I thought our bond would be a tad rocky, but after that disgraced moon spent at the Happyland archipelago things have changed for the better, and I have begun to understand Rafal a tad better.”

“He has quite the odd fellows around him, however. I must admit I did not expect Griss of all people to be his knight, but…well, he was given the title for a reason, was he not? It must mean Rafal sees something in him that is truly special, and so I shall not question his insights. I do however wish to understand a bit better who Rafal truly is…a noble? A military commander? A monarch, perhaps?”

“It is a little funny to see how quickly he eats a handful of sweets though. If not outright impressive."

[swordsmanoftranquility]

Zihark wakes with a jolt, at the sound of someone clanging around in the dark of the night. Now tell him why in the goddess' name someone was wearing a full suit of armor at this time??? Was rooming with other people not already enough of a strain on his sleep schedule?

Oh yeah. Speaking of sleep...

Zihark didn't sleep very well. He never had, even long before his mercenary days. Something about his father's household had always made him feel like he had to be on his toes, even in the middle of the night. And that translated all too well into a mercenary lifestyle, being alert on the road. Having to wake at the slightest noise just in case, because you never knew what was out there, whether someone wanted to kill you or not.

Instinctively, he reaches for the nearest sword and quickly moves to his feet. Barefeet pad gently against the wooden floors, following the way to the door that the tin can had tromped.

He glances back at Dorothea and Rafal, wondering if he should wake them. Or if they are already awake, woken by the same sudden clattering that he had been.

Wait if it wasn't Dorothea or Rafal then...

He hops fully to his feet, peeking his head into the hall and spotting a familiar red mop of hair. Ah, so it was him then. What kind of person woke up and immediately shoved on all of their (metal) armor though? Geez, and in the dark too.

(Not that Zihark had much room to talk, given he had slept with his usual coat on over his temporary attire. But that felt different somehow. He didn't even wear that much armor...)

"Lukas? You awake, buddy? What are you doing out here? It's like..." He stifles a yawn, glancing at the late night/early morning sky. Is he even listening to him? Can he listen? "Early, man. Not that I can lecture, but... you need your rest. Can't be up and alert for the games if you aren't well rested; you know?"

@rafent, @encantresse

The Lights Are On But No One's Home

[elysianstars]

Rafal's wakeup events have the funniest progression in the game to me, because it's basically...

C Rank: This is so stupid. I could murder you in your sleep right now. I'm not going to but I COULD. Wake up.

B Rank: Haha I have the best idea for a prank, I'll just - what? No, don't wake up yet, you've spoiled it. Stop wasting my time, I could only have a few thousand years left.

A Rank: Now I shall prank you with...a hidden gift! Ugh, wait, you woke up again. No I can't just give a gift to your actual face, you might start thinking I like you or something.

S Rank: Oh my beloved, the light of my accursed life, our bond means everything to me and without it I would surely...did you wake up AGAIN? No! Go back to sleep! How am I meant to express my feelings while you're conscious and listening?!

Well, if anything happened to you I'd kill everyone in the room world and then myself. So note that down.

[daydreamingsommie]

Diamant & Rafal support

C-Support

Rafal: Alright, I'm here. Why did you call for me?

Diamant: Ah, Lord Rafal. Yes, I've been meaning to speak with you about your performance in battle.

Rafal: What is this about?

Diamant: I've been assessing everyone's skills in combat to help the Divine One strategize for the upcoming battles and we've noticed a few concerns regarding-

Rafal: Concerns?! Are you suggesting that my strength is lacking?

Diamant: On the contrary. Your power is unmatched. However, even someone of your strength can't win a war on his own. Your tendency to charge toward enemy troops is a liability I can't allow.

Rafal: What nonsense! I am a Fell Dragon. One of Lord Sombron's strongest. The enemy soldiers are nothing but vermin before my power.

Diamant: Even so-

Rafal: Enough, Prince Diamant. If you've called me here only to spout such dribble, then I'll take my leave now.

Diamant: It seems this will require more effort than I expected.

B-Support

Rafal: You- Diamant. Explain to me why you were hovering so close to me during the last battle!

Diamant: I thought I was clear the last time we spoke. I won't stand for you rushing into battle alone. If you refuse to fight alongside our comrades, I've no choice but to follow you closely.

Rafal: Such actions are unneeded. Surely, you understand how ridiculous it is to show such concern for a Fell Dragon.

Diamant: I don't find it "ridiculous" to worry for one of my comrades. Tell me, is there a reason you're so opposed to accepting help?

Rafal: I've grown tired of this conversation. Do as you please. I no longer care.

Diamant: Lord Rafal! Ugh, gone again....

A-Support

Diamant: That was a fierce battle but, we pulled through quite well, wouldn't you say?

Rafal: I suppose. So, tell me. Have you finally grown tired of clinging onto me yet?

Diamant: Afraid not. We are allies and I have no intentions to stop watching out for you.

Rafal: If you're going to be so insistent about this, then I have no right to continue being ungrateful, do I? Fine then. Thank you, Prince Diamant.

Diamant: Haha, I finally wore you down?

Rafal: How pathetic. All those sacrifices I made to grow stronger and even now, I find myself being protected.

Diamant: Come now, Lord Rafal. Relying on others isn't a sign of weakness, but one of friendship. No matter how strong one becomes, there will never be a point where you're undeserving of camaraderie.

Rafal: That mindset opposes every value I was taught as a Fell Dragon. Though, I think I see the merit behind it.