aedsunderstudy

[aedsunderstudy]

“Only a couple of weeks.” Laylea says. “I guess I just wanted to see some familiar faces, keeping in touch is so difficult when I’m travelling all the time.” She got letters from Ares sometimes, but she didn’t receive them until her path took her back to Nordion Castle. 

“Everyone from the Liberation Army is off running their territories, or studying here. And after-” that bastard Bramsel was killed- “Darna was liberated, all our old dancer friends just… scattered. I’ve only run into a couple of them since Lord Seliph took over.”

She sighs, it was a lonely life sometimes. She never wanted to go back to the war, and she wanted to go back to Bramsel’s rule even less. But she missed the friendships she’d found, fighting together for a common cause, or just banding together to survive another night. 

“So I’m-” 

“‘Scuse me miss!” A boy’s voice startled them. “Do you think you could get me a-” 

“No.” Laylea cuts in instantly. “I’m busy.” 

The boy looks shocked, but walks away in a sulk, looking over his shoulders every few seconds to glare at them. 

Laylea sighs again. “As I was saying. I’m glad to see you again.”

a little bit of honey

[+1 authority/excavation mission board]

[aedsunderstudy]

[ GARDEN ] - The Viscount has a greenhouse attached to his estate, hosting his collection of flowers both normal and enchanted, imported from a variety of places and modified by his own hands. Being unable to go outside in these conditions in any safety, this might be the next best thing. While she’s at this fancy mansion, might as well explore all the sights available. It’d be a crying shame to leave this party with regrets, after all. All that to say, visiting the greenhouse sounds like a neat idea.

And it really does seem to pay off, there’s not many people there and there’s a whole buncha weird and wild flowers Panette’s never seen before. Some of them seem really cool, she’s pretty sure she saw a plant that seemed to eat a fly alive? Pretty damn sick. And then there’s some really confusing ones, who would want bright green roses? Money can’t buy taste it seems…

Eventually her sights fall on a group of flowers that she can only assume have been treated with some sort of magic. She’d overheard some of the staff muttering about magical plants and she wondered what that could mean.

Apparently it means tulips that spit out bubbles. That’s… that’s so damn weird? It is also really cool, to be clear, but why bubbles? Leaning over to get a better look, she gets a bubble spat directly at her face for her troubles, sending her stumbling back. She quickly wipes her face and is about to put on a massive scowl when she remembers that she is not alone in the garden, and realizes that there’s a lady right next to her. She quickly puts on a slightly forced smile instead and lets out a strained laugh.

“Oh it seems that curiosity has gotten the better of me today. But, in fairness, how could it not? This entire greenhouse is home to wonders I have scarcely seen!” She should probably try to make a good impression and not just talk about herself too, uh…

“Oh, but none of these wonders compare to how marvelous you look today, fine lady! My name is Panette, it is a pleasure to meet you! Here, an anchor for you to trade as part of the utterly charming game that has been prepared for us.” She holds it out with slightly shaky hands. Coulda gone better but she’s saved face well enough. Probably.

Laylea's glad she was able to tear herself away from the dancefloor to visit this greenhouse. Though the rain lashes at the windows, a glow envelopes the room as if the sun continued to shine. Every flower is beautiful, but Laylea's eye is drawn to the girl that blooms in the aisle.

She's wearing such a lovely dress, the layering is fantastic, and the hints of colour contrast the dark fabric spectacularly. Looking at one of the flowerbeds, she finds a scene that perfectly represents this girl - a sea of roses with dark purple leaves and stems (surely enchanted to be that colour), yet the flowers themselves were bright green! How splendid.

The girl (who Laylea is about to introduce herself to) stops in front of a flower that spits out bubbles, leans forward... and is apparently shocked that the flower spat a bubble into her face? Laylea can't help but laugh.

"Oh I'm sorry." She smiles, a few giggles still escaping her. "I agree, this garden's magnificent." She looks around, trying to focus on something other than the other girl's embarrassment. "I saw a group of flowers over there that had faces, that jumped around chasing each other. They were very cute."

"It's lovely to meet you Panette. I'm Laylea." She takes the girl's charm with a smile. "You look absolutely stunning yourself, your outfit is so wonderful." She goes for a starfish, but hesitates. "So wonderful, I'm not sure what colour charm would go with it best..."

She eventually settles on orange, to match the girl's hair.

[aedsunderstudy]

He's a good dancer, a great one even. One of the best she's danced with at this academy. Laylea's happy to let him lead, and gracefully follows each move - and as it turns out this man has a lot of moves in his repertoire.

She curtseys when the dance ends, smile on her face. "That was wonderful." She gives him one of her starfish, blue to match the ruffles on his cape. "Thank you." Even in the chaos, she can find joy in this night.

[ LAST DANCE ]The rain isn’t going to stop Laylea from dancing, she thinks, but when she reaches the manor’s ballroom she finds far fewer people than she’d like. Determined to make the most of her evening, she approaches the first person she sees. “Excuse me.” She smiles. “May I have this dance?”

Berkut didn't know why he had decided to come here. Seeing the ball, the few dancers around, it brought back nothing but memories. Soft memories, hours spent practising, more intense then in the training hall, drilling everything he could learn into himself just to be the best partner for her.

While he was thinking of leaving however, the unexpected happened. Turning to meet the eyes of the woman who asked him, Berkut took a moment to consider the offer. Did he really want to spend his time this way? Invitations to dance had always been common considering his position before, thankfully those had stopped after announcing his engagement. Still he had already accepted a dance earlier before everything in this place had gone downhill.

"You may." As he took position, Berkut could instantly tell she had experience. Perhaps far more then he did. The hint of a challenge filled him, drove him to attempt to show off what he knew. For a moment, a ghost of a smile flickered on his face as they danced. Perhaps at the end of this he would offer her one of the remaining pearl charms in a trade. A token for a moment of peace in this dreadful night.

[aedsunderstudy]

[ GRANNVALE ] - An old waltz from before the rise of Emperor Arvis. It was popular during its time in the 750s but has now become a relic of the past, one that may not be as appreciated by the newer generation.

It wasn't…bad?

It definitely couldn't be called bad.

Ares matched the music to his steps exactly, spun and twirled in perfect tandem with all the other pairs on the dance floor. Compared to the ragdolling he gave Laylea last year, they did not look out of place at all, be it here or out of the instruction book Ares had been tearing to shreds studying.

It's just…

His form was so stiff. And his eyes so locked in glaring focus. Swap his dance partner for a sword and you would call him ready to battle instead of dance. Topping it all off was the fact that there was only so much that something like form could have done to improve a dance that was itself so old and stuffy by today's standards.

But how could Ares have not picked it?

This was the dance his mother always talked about. When she spoke of the balls she yearned to have with father again, this was the dance she'd always wished to share with him most. Beautiful, elegant, timeless, a classic gentleman's dance…so many words like that were tossed around every time it was brought up.

So when it came to making it up to Laylea, how could Ares have chosen better than this one? To think it was downright bad never dared cross his mind.

Instead, there was only one thought on his mind as he led Laylea off the dancefloor, no longer so statuesque but still tense in his gentle grip on her hand. One thing he bent down to whisper in her ear:

"Was that better, Laylea?"

This was nice. When Ares had asked her to dance Laylea considered saying no (well, she’d have put it more gently than that), after last year’s disaster. But it’d be unfair to hold something from so long ago agianst him, so she took his hand and stepped onto the floor with him. 

He seemed more comfortable with this dance than the one last year. Well, he knew the steps. Anyone looking on would think he looked anything but comfortable, if he gripped her any tighter she feared her hand would break… but Laylea had seen that look in his eyes before. He was firmly focused… on her. Every step, every turn, however naturally they came to Laylea, were all being firmly thought out. 

It was nice. 

Though the music left her little room to put some energy into the steps. Could a song be played any slower? The poor flute section, having to hold this one note for what felt like half a minute now. She glanced over, they didn’t seem to be losing their breath. Yet. 

But perhaps the slowness made it all the more special. It was nothing flashy, but it was nice. The two of them, just enjoying the moment, dancing as the world seemed to fade away. As the last notes drifted out, she was sad to see them go. 

“That was wonderful.” She smiled, pulling him in for a hug. “Thank you.” 

[aedsunderstudy]

One arm over and under her face… “That looks good.” She grins. “Very stylish.” Laylea drapes one arm over her own head, and stands slightly turned away from Lene, as if they were posing at the end of a dance. Maybe if she kneeled on one leg? 

The queue moves forward, and Laylea has to quickly get back to her feet.“I got starfish too.” She hands one to Lene, and smiles. “Guess the academy thinks we’re stars, too.” 

Well, if they both had them, then… “Something like this then?” She stretches out her arms and legs, making the shape of a star, before bursting into laughter. 

“No, I don’t think so… unless there’s a way to make a star with two people.” 

Picture perfect

[aedsunderstudy]

The queue looked intimidating, but with how quickly everyone had their pictures done, it didn’t seem like they would be waiting that long. But it also meant they wouldn’t have long when it came to their turn, so they should think of how they were going to pose in advance. 

“Would you prefer a full-body or close-up?” She asks. “I’ve never had a picture made of me before, so I’m not really sure what to do.” She’d only ever seen paintings of old nobles looking very serious. She didn’t want a stuffy portrait like that, she wanted something she could look back at and smile. 

“Maybe something like…” She takes Lene’s hand and holds it out in front of them, placing the other on her side, as if they’re about to strut across the dancefloor together. “Hmm… let’s keep thinking.” That was cute, but try not to obscure too many accessories, she thinks. 

“What charm did you get, by the way?” She asks, fishing for one of her starfish. An orange one for Lene. The thought of posing like a star crosses her mind… no, that’d be ridiculous.

Picture perfect

[aedsunderstudy]

[CARRIAGE LINE] - The wind tugged at the sheer veil of her shawl as she stepped out of the horse stables, boots making the softest thud against the cobbled path. She had not taken a carriage this time—for her partner… well he would meet her here, wouldn’t he? Nanna smoothed her skirt as if to compose herself, then blinked against the glare of the midday sun. There were eyes on her already—some curious, some speculative—but she held herself with practiced poise, walking past them. That was until she noticed someone she had not seen in quite some time, whose beautiful dark curls she had always watched from behind.  And the thrill of familiarity was only hampered by all the eyes that were on them both. 

“Laylea!” she said as she walked past the line of carriage goers, with a small breath of laughter, “..How long have you been here? Haha! Oh, I’m so pleased to see you after all this time.” 

She tilted her chin subtly, eyeing the crowd ahead. “We’re being watched, you know. I suppose we ought to give them something charming to look at.” The remark was light, almost teasing, but her hand curled instinctively around the gift box she carried—because sometimes confidence came from the smallest, simplest things.

The first step Laylea took out of the carriage was the most important one. she kept her head high, posture upright, and a smile on her face as she stepped into the sunlight. There were eyes on her, as always. She welcomed them gladly.

"Nanna!" She welcomed this pair of beautiful green eyes very gladly. "I didn't know you were here, it's lovely to see you again. I got here about a month- maybe month and a half ago? Though between you and me." She places a hand on Nanna's arm and leans in to whisper. "I only came to Fódlan for the ball."

She returns upright with a small giggle, but doesn't let go of Nanna's arm for a couple seconds more.

"Do you think they're interested in our faces or outfits?" She replies. "I love yours by the way. It's a perfect combination of beach and ball, and the flowers are so pretty."

She places a hand on her hip, looking at the line to get in. "Shall we go? I want to get on the dance floor as soon as possible."

[aedsunderstudy]

[ PHOTO-ARTIFEX ] from @fatedsteps There's so much to do, so much to see in this enchanting seaside promenade. Lene is nearly lost in the chaos. It's then that she finds this silly-looking contraption with loads of people lining up. What's up with that? After asking around for a bit, it seems like the thing makes a picture of you. Funny.... Lene's not sure she has a friend close enough to bring. Her eyes dot the lines with all the couples and pairs who are practically buzzing with excitement to get their pictures done. It makes her chest tight. But then the dancer remembers. Laylea. Was she at the ball? Ever since they bumped back into each other at Burrohaven, Lene's been wanting to talk to her more. So she does the only thing she can think of. Look for the older girl. After a good while of searching, eyes land on her. Lene practically runs towards her and then stops in her tracks. How does she ask? "Layleaa!" Lene calls. "Hi! Nice to see you here." Wow, she looked stunning. "You look so, so good." "This might be sudden, but do you wanna uh.....get your picture taken together? There's this photo-artifex thing and uh.....I thought it'd be fun." Well, now she sounds dumb, fingers threading together with worry. 

Between dances, Laylea weaves through the crowd to get drinks for herself and her date. You’d think heels would be a bad idea on sand, but she makes it look effortless. Returning to her date, she spies Lene running around, searching for someone. Probably Ares, Laylea thinks. If she runs into him she’ll let him know. 

As she turns away, she hears her name called. She was looking for me?

“Hello Lene.” She smiles. Getting a compliment from Lene means a lot, a dancer like her would be able to appreciate the thought that went into coordinating an outfit for an occasion like this, especially when she had someone to match accessories with. “Thank you so much! I thought it’d look good on a moonlit beach.” 

“You look gorgeous as always, and I love what you’ve done with your hair.” Pink suited Lene so well, and Laylea always enjoyed seeing orange accessories. Lene was cute and elegant, a winning combination. 

“A picture? I’d love to have one taken with you!” Laylea beams. “I’ll just be a moment, I need to give L’Arachel her drink.” She was always going to split off from her and mingle, it was no problem. 

“Hope the queue isn’t too long.” Laylea says, as she and Lene head over to the photo-artifex thing. “I want to dance as much as I can before the night’s over.”

Picture perfect

[aedsunderstudy]

Miss Laylea? How adorable, Tine was such a sweet girl.

"I'm glad to hear that." Laylea smiles. Despite her own struggles at the academy, it was heartening that some people were getting the most out of the experience.

"Of course, didn't mean to keep you." She curtseys. "I'd love to dance with you, please come find me anytime."

"Just one more thing before you go..." Laylea takes one of her starfish charms, red to match Tine's accessories (the girl had a good eye for colour coordination), and gives it to her. "For you."

And with that, she's off.

"Oh!" Weaving through the crowds to get a drink, Laylea spots a familiar face. "You're Tine, aren't you? You look so lovely in that dress, it's so cute and elegant. How have you been?"

Tine wasn't expected to be approached first.

By anyone to be frank…

Still, despite the surprise, she is quite happy to see a familiar face.

"Miss Laylea? I -thank you."

Her cheeks are burning; she's horrible at this.

Calm down; it's alright.

"You look stunning yourself; the orange suits you wonderfully, as always."

She's all smile now even if still a bit shy.

"I have been well studying for one; the faculty and students are so nice, it's like a dream come true."

She knows that's not what the question really meant, but she feels sickened by any outright lie. She's not doing well overall, but there are still things that have been happening, which she treasures.

"I hope it's no insult to you, but there are a few people I want to seek before this night is over; if time allows, I'd like to dance with you later."

[aedsunderstudy]

Ah, the ball. How Laylea had missed this. A night of dancing and delightful outfits, and she'd even found a date this year! (It wasn't too difficult to convince her, just a batting of the eyelashes and a 'well I'm not a student anymore so I can't go unless someone takes me')

She takes L'Arachel's hand and lets her present gifts for both of them, another benefit of finding herself a pretty noblewoman. She's... perplexed by her choice in gifts, but it gets them in.

A starfish charm is handed to her, which Laylea attached to her sash. "This is cute, but we're the real stars here." She smiles.

Charm tracker:

Seashell: Tine Starfish: Lene Anchor: Panette Turtle: L'Arachel Pearl: Berkut

[aedsunderstudy]

“I like the scenery here.” Laylea says. “But maybe a break will make me appreciate it all the more.” Mor Ardain was rockier, almost a desert, if Laylea remembered correctly. The idea of going there gave her a feeling she couldn’t explain, but as long as Catherine was her guide… 

“Of course I’ll go with you.” She smiles, heading for the port. There’s a graceful spring in her step as they move up and down the city at a moderate pace. She knows it’d be quicker to jump down entire staircases at once, but it always seemed so brutish to her. 

Once they reach the boat, Laylea finds a spot out of earshot of any Urayans to voice her true thoughts. “We talk about Mor Ardain at the playhouse sometimes. A lot of the other dancers are worried about war breaking out, tensions seem so high… and we’re just going there.”

She leans on the railing, and smiles. “Part of the work, I suppose. Can’t hate someone for doing their job.”

You Will Recall Our Names

Laylea + Catherine - Xenoblade 2 AU

[aedsunderstudy]

Well that was one way to do it. Laylea tries to keep her laughs in until they’re out of the blacksmith’s earshot, but… a chuckle escapes her. 

“Great job.” She smiles. “Here I thought I was getting a good deal, guess you’re more his type.” 

Or Lene was just better at charming her way through life. 

Well, with the ring acquired there was nothing left for Laylea to do but give it to its owner… but with the way this village worked, she wouldn’t be expected for at least another hour, leaving her plenty of time to chat. 

“So, was there something you wanted to talk about?” 

Lene was almost her bubbly, beautiful self, but something was off. When Laylea was talking to the blacksmith, there was just a moment where Lene let something slip. What that something was, Laylea wasn’t sure. 

“I hope this year’s been good to you. It feels like there’s always so much going on in Fódlan, going home almost felt boring. But it’s where I belong.”

a little bit of honey

[+1 authority/excavation mission board]

[aedsunderstudy]

After a performance it often occurred to Laylea that she could stay backstage for as long as she wanted before meeting up with Catherine. She didn’t know how long it took to get out of those costumes - she probably didn’t even know how long her makeup took. Yet after every performance, Laylea found herself in a rush to reunite with her driver. 

Catherine was good to her, she was Laylea’s first driver that gave her the free time to pursue her dreams of performing on stage (well, first that she knew of - the stage manager said they’d seen her in the audience for decades before her first audition). She was fun, decently attractive, and seemed strong enough that she wouldn’t die any time soon. 

(Laylea was often told about her past drivers. But the names and dreams of people she didn’t remember meant nothing to her. More worrying was how quick they were to die, how little she’d been able to live.) 

She knows where to find Catherine, even if she can’t see her through the crowd. Her own gentle glow is all she needs to know she’s near. 

“Sorry I took so long.” She beams as she joins her. She gazes down town, out across the titan’s stomach. Uraya truly was a beautiful place. 

“It’s a love story between a blade and their driver.” She says in response to Catherine’s question. “Maybe you should come watch it one day, I’m sure you’d find it interesting~” She giggles slightly. “What have you been up to? Don’t tell me you’ve taken up another mission.”

You Will Recall Our Names

Laylea + Catherine - Xenoblade 2 AU

[aedsunderstudy]

“Lene?” Laylea wouldn’t say she’d been keeping tabs on the other dancer per se, but she hadn’t heard she was back at the academy as well. “I got here a few days ago, actually. Would have said hi, but I didn’t know you were here too, how are you?” 

She turns back to the blacksmith with a sigh. “I’d love to chat, but I’m in a bit of a hurry. Someone asked me to pick up a silver ring for them, but this guy says he needs two jars of custard before he can give it to me.” She’d bartered him down from three jars, but it was a lot more difficult when the payment wasn’t a set currency. 

“You two together?” The blacksmith asked. “I can handle both your requests for three jars, if ya want.” 

“Really?” Laylea batted her eyes at him with a sweet smile. “That’d be wonderful, thank you. Lene, what do you need?” It was a mean thing to say, but she hoped the other request would be a bit more expensive than just a ring.

a little bit of honey

[+1 authority/excavation mission board]

[aedsunderstudy]

L’Arachel was stunned by her beauty. Good to know. And it’s not as if Laylea was lying about her being attractive, being referred to as if she has a title is a greater joy than she’s willing to admit.

However, if Laylea wants to continue flirting they’ll have to deal with these creatures first. L’Arachel wasn’t kidding when she said she had her fists. Even if their enemy isn’t flesh and blood, she winces a little when its innards are torn out. But it’s an admirable move, nevertheless. “How creative, makes a change from just hitting it until it falls.” Laylea runs forward, sword at the ready. The poor thing was barely moving now, even someone like her could finish it in one strike. 

Laylea 10/10HP attacks Shuffling Sumbolon 1/5HP with Iron Sword [Roll 1d20: 8, hit] -1-1HP Shuffling Sumbolon 0/5HP Shuffling Sumbolon is defeated!

Laylea thrusts her blade into the wiring where L’Arachel’s hands have just been, sharp tip cutting what connections remain. The creature’s limbs stop working instantly, but the eyes stare down at them a few seconds more before the light fades. Laylea grabs L’Arachel’s arm and pulls her back before the creature crashes to the ground under its own weight. 

“That was easier than I remember.” She smiles. “Or maybe you’re just better than the people I was teamed up with last year.” 

The fight isn’t over yet, but Laylea isn’t too worried. Both remaining creatures lunge at her, and she doesn’t quite dodge either, but instead of cowering away she swings her sword wildly, striking both of them in the leg. 

One of them stutters for a moment, taking longer to step forward than it did before. The other collapses to the ground, twitching. 

Time Was! [Roll 1d3: 3] Sluggish Sumbolon is weak to swords! Sluggish Sumbolon is broken!

“Weak spot, like I said.” Laylea points at the one on the ground. “Think you could leave that one to me, L’Arachel of Rausten? If you get that one before it recovers,” she now points at the stuttering one, “I don’t think it’ll be able to dodge.”

If you're a support unit, and I'm a support unit...

[Any skill +1]

[aedsunderstudy]

“Alright…” Laylea hmms at L’Arachel of Rausten’s explanation. She sure liked talking, huh? “All I have with me is my sword.” She draws her blade, and gives a couple of practice swings. She hasn’t had much need for it this past year. “But I’m told my dance is able to inspire my fellow soldiers to greatness, if you’ll let me support you.”

She approaches her new ally. Everything about L’Arachel screamed nobility, from her manner of speaking to her intricately wound hair, to the way she froze when she first set eyes on Laylea. Whether she was stunned by Laylea’s beauty, or simply judging her for her revealing attire, it’d be easy to figure out. 

“I’m Laylea of the Aed Desert.” She gives L’Arachel a curtsy, and bats her eyes. “I’d prefer not to fight, but if I must, I’m glad to have someone as pretty as you by my side. Are you ready?”

Readiness affirmed, Laylea stepped towards the chest. She unlatched it quickly, before stepping backwards and flicking it open with her sword. Inside… she couldn’t see anything, but before she could step closer three metallic creatures emerge from the stands, slowly clunking towards them. 

They seem familiar to Laylea, but it’s not until she spies a pair of handprints on one of them that she remembers where from. 

“I’ve fought these things before.” She says. “They’re tough, but if you find their weak spot they’ll stop working for a while. They’re kind of cute when they’re down.” 

The left one stops moving for a moment, and falls forward. When it stands back up, it leaves part of its casing on the ground, revealing an interior that looks… like a bunch of string? Noodles? 

Whatever, it didn’t matter what it was. “That looks like a weak spot to me.” She chuckles. “Seems the past year hasn’t been kind to them.”

Round 1 Begins! Combat doc

If you're a support unit, and I'm a support unit...

[Any skill +1]

[aedsunderstudy]

Laylea tried to ignore the dirt beneath her fingernails as she dug through the ground, focusing instead on how colourful the rocks she was finding were. Most of the dancers she’d met in Judgral had the same story - they turned to the career as a means to survive, outfits scrambled together from whatever fabric scraps they could get their hands on. 

Though Laylea had the means to afford better clothes now, it’d be nice to create an outfit exactly how she wanted. 

Most of the rocks were somewhere between brown and orange, but that suited Laylea just fine. After gathering a handful of vibrant stones, she headed back to where the people of the village were crushing them up. 

As she sat down, she noticed one of the women was dressed differently to the villagers. “Are you from the academy as well?” She asked. “What are you planning to do with your dye?”

@landslioness

To dye for