allyphase

[allyphase]

She thought she kicked this habit years ago. 

Yes, she still locked her door at night, and yes, she kept a pair of slippers near her doorway, and yes, she kept her keys buried at the bottom of a drawer, but those were simply precautions. She hadn’t sleepwalked since coming to the academy, and maybe she’d forgotten about the door... 

She isn’t quite aware of the pain at first, eyes fluttering from the force of the impact and not the radiating ache from- hitting a door? She opens her eyes to see solid wood ahead of her. Moonlight shines from above, and it takes her a moment in the dim light to recognize the doorway as one leading towards the library. Her keys jingle around her wrist as she lifts her hand to rub at her eyes. 

Someone is behind her, she hears them asking something, and she turns back to face them, a sheepish blush rising to her cheeks. The ground is rough on her slippered feet, and her steps are delicate on the path’s stones. She clears her throat, somewhat uselessly, then mumbles “I’m... alright, I think...” as she signs the same, watching for awareness in his eyes. “I, um, sleepwalk...” She fidgets with the keys on her wrist. “I think, um... I was trying to get... to the library, to study more...” Her attention, then, turns on the man, also out at such a late hour. “Um, what is your name? Are you, um, also... restless?”

working to live with the living

[allyphase]

REASONS TO CARRY SOMEONE. ( A PROMPT LIST! )

listen, i'm back home now, i'm thinking about things, and i saw the maxton hall gifset floating around and i was like. yk what. carrying people is elite content, and gdi y'all deserve elite content! as always, DO NOT ADD OR EDIT THIS LIST! and there's a lil spicy addition under the readmore, but i left it there just in case people prefer to have a not-so-spicy version.

[ SLUMBER ]: sender picks up and carries the receiver because they're so sound asleep that they won't easily wake up.

[ INTERCEPT ]: sender picks up and carries the receiver out of the room because they're angry and on the brink of engaging in a fight with someone.

[ ASSIST ]: sender picks up and carries the receiver away for medical attention because they've been injured and can't walk easily.

[ HELP ]: sender picks up and carries the badly wounded receiver as fast as possible to the nearest hospital or the nearest place to administer urgent first-aid.

[ ELATION ]: sender scoops up the receiver and carries them away after a mutual victory, or having just received very good news (or maybe they're both just very happy for some reason!)

[ HOME ]: sender picks up the receiver to carry them over the threshold of their new home.

[ AID ]: sender finds the receiver too weak to move, and scoops them up to carry them to get some help.

[ UP ]: sender finds the receiver and picks them up to carry them a distance after learning they're unable to get up.

[ BAREFOOT ]: the sender picks up the receiver and carries them inside because they're not wearing any shoes.

[ WEARY ]: sender notices the receiver about to fall asleep during a task, and picks them up to carry them to bed so that they can actually sleep properly for once.

[ TWIRL ]: sender catches the receiver in their arms and spins them in a neat twirl just because they want to.

[ HERO ]: sender notices the receiver about to fall from a height, and manages to intervene just in time, catching them before they get hurt.

[ FLASH ]: the sender and receiver are part of a photoshoot, and in order to finish the last of the photos, the sender scoops up the receiver in their arms for the final pose.

[ TRAIN ]: during a training session (for a fight or a performance, dealer's choice!) the sender ends up holding the receiver in their arms during their session together.

[ URGENCY ]: sender carries the receiver away from danger after the receiver is revealed to be unable to move, either due to panic or injury.

[ OUT ]: sender grabs the receiver and lifts them into their arms after noticing them swaying and beginning to lose consciousness.

[ SCREAM ]: sender spots the receiver in a terrified or considerably panicked state, and picks them up to carry them to a less terrifying place to calm down.

[ LAZY ]: sender concedes to receiver's requests for a piggy-back ride home because they don't want to walk anymore, and carries them the rest of the distance home.

[ CAREFUL ]: sender gently lifts the receiver out of their seat and carries them carefully to bed after noticing they fell asleep and not wanting to waken them.

[ HASTE ]: in urgent need of getting to safety as fast as possible, the sender scoops up the receiver and starts running because it's quicker and easier to just carry them than expect them to keep pace.

[ FURTHER ]: sender, during an increasingly passionate make-out session with the receiver, suddenly takes them in their arms and carries them towards the bedroom to continue their evening in private.

[allyphase]

Mark had first stumbled into one of the portals alone, and unprepared. 

Her first encounter is even now a haze of illusory soldiers and magic, with the deep-seated lurching that came with teleportation. The chest in the center of the room mocks her as lances, arrows, axes pierce her flesh and send her to the floor. 

The next time she sees one, she knows better than to go alone, and in mere minutes has dragged her liege to see what’s opened in the hallway. 

“It’s some kind of combat trial,” she signs quickly, then points towards the rip in reality ahead of them. “I went in alone the first time, and, as you can imagine, I was defeated quickly. I think if we go together, though, we will be able to claim the treasure, and see who’s setting these up for us.” Her eyes flash in the light of the portal, a confidence yet unseen steeling her gaze. 

There is a moment, before they step in together, where Mark looks different than she had in Elibe. It’s hard to place, at first, because it’s many small things - the set of her shoulders, the assuredness of her gaze, the steadiness of her hands. She hadn’t been frightened on the battlefield before, but in her time away, she’s found somewhere to stand, finally, not behind but next to. 

“Shall we go?” And then, they’re off. 

The arena that greets them is strangely monochrome, and slick like glass below their feet. The walls shine in a peachy light, and a single treasure chest sits invitingly in the center. “Careful. The moment you approach, an enemy will appear.” Mark’s eyes turn towards Lyn, expectantly. “...do you want me to provoke them?”

-> @sunncutter !

i promise the clowns don't bite

combat document

[allyphase]

∗ 72﹕ sender  beats  receiver  in  a  video  game (reverse) / miss mark it'd be an honor to get my ass beat in a game of chess

Well, not all of her opponents can be grandmasters.

Mark had been more than thrilled when Dorothea had asked her for a game of chess, but it'd become clear near immediately that one of the players on the board wildly outclassed the other. It was nothing to be ashamed of, not many could match Mark at chess, but she finds herself planning three moves ahead, just so the game lasted longer than a few turns.

It's not like the main attraction is the chessboard, anyway. Mark is more excited for Dorothea's company, busy as they both are. Truthfully, it's a nice break from burying herself in books on strategy, and practicing her upcoming exam with endless hypothetical examples. It's nice, for a moment, to feel like a person, more than a tactician.

"Ah..." And she's moved her knight forward enough to pin Dorothea's king against her own pieces. "Um, do you want to play again...? I can try to help... show you what you- didn't see, last time...!"

[allyphase]

It is a strange name. Hadn't that been something that she'd said, when they first met? And yet, over the years, it was the name that Lyn had become so accustomed to hearing that its absence often felt like being short of breath after only a brief jog, tugging an aching stitch in her side.

Of all places to find her little tactician, she had not expected for Mark to have traveled to an academy, and least of all one so far from home, across the vast oceans and the gods only knew how much time – but then, it seemed the only fitting place for her to discover her friend once more, innocuously nestled in the class roster of the Golden Deer, as though waiting for her to say 'well there you are.'

Her boots beat over the cobblestones, despite not knowing exactly where to go – she still didn't have the layout of this place, but if she ran hard enough and for long enough, Lyn knew she would find her eventually.

And so she did, tucked into a quiet corner away from the demands of monastery life, bent over that little chessboard as she so often was.

"Mark!" It was all that she could do not to fling herself bodily into an embrace, giving her friend at least the heads up of her name on the air; she waved excitedly, her strides eating up those precious final few feet, before Lyn found herself once more before the friend who had changed the trajectory of her life entire.

"It's been so long! I would never have guessed you'd come to a place like this! How long have you been here?"

She had meant to write, while she was away, truly. Her desk, before the Monastery's fall, had been stuffed full of half drafts, of shaky beginnings that never moved past small talk - Hello, Lyn! I’m doing well, or Lyn, I promise I haven’t forgotten about you on my travels, or, deep in the drawers, Lyn, I miss you greatly. Once, she’d almost finished, but the thought of not knowing how to send it had made her stop, preserve her hands for more pressing issues. 

So it is with some pang of guilt that she looks up to see Lyn, rushing to her, smiling with the light of the sun. The joy in her eyes burns away her guilt, and she feels her own lips pulling into a smile. 

“Lyn...!” The name slips from her lips, so practiced that she doesn’t need to try, and she pushes herself away from her chessboard to finish closing the distance Lyn’s left between them. The disbelief, the relief - Lyn is here, and suddenly Mark is given a liege to shadow again, someone to pledge her life to and stand behind to the end of her days. She’s rushing into Lyn’s arms before she’s entirely aware of what she’s doing, wrapping her arms around her and holding her, as tightly as she can manage. 

“Lyn, you’re... here...!” Her voice trembles, but under the weight of joy, not sorrow. She pulls back, her hands finding their place in front of her chest. “I wanted to finish my studies as a tactician, after the war. I’ve been here... a year or so, now. I never expected to see you here, too!” She can’t contain her excitement, so her hands reach for Lyn’s, holding them close to her. “So much... has happened. I need to tell you- all of it...!” 

[allyphase]

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑵𝑶𝑵𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑩𝑨𝑳 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺 .    (  a  collection  of  100  nonverbal  action  prompts .   mature  and  potentially  triggering  themes  are  present .   add  “ + reverse ”  to  swap  assigned  roles .)

∗ o1﹕ sender  tucks  hair  out  of  receiver’s  face . ∗ o2﹕ sender  offers  receiver  a  bite  from  their  fork . ∗ o3﹕ sender  places  their  feet / legs  in  receiver's  lap . ∗ o4﹕ sender  offers  receiver  an  earbud  to  share  their  music . ∗ o5﹕ sender  comforts  receiver  in  the  aftermath  of  a  nightmare . ∗ o6﹕ sender  gives  receiver  company  in  the  hospital . ∗ o7﹕ sender  wraps  their  arms  around  a  hysterical  receiver  to  calm  them . ∗ o8﹕ sender  shows  up  at  receiver’s  home  late  at  night . ∗ o9﹕ sender  falls  asleep  leaning  against  receiver . ∗ 1o﹕ sender  wields  a  [ gun / knife ]  at  receiver . ∗ 11﹕ sender  runs  their  fingers  through  receiver’s  hair . ∗ 12﹕ sender  invites  receiver  to  dance . ∗ 13﹕ sender  takes  a  [ picture / video ]  of  receiver . ∗ 14﹕ sender  places  their  head  in  receiver’s  lap . ∗ 15﹕ sender  and  receiver  make  eye  contact  across  a  busy  room . ∗ 16﹕ sender  pushes  receiver  against  a  wall  to  kiss  them . ∗ 17﹕ sender  and  receiver  cook  together . ∗ 18﹕ sender  comes  to  receiver  after  being  injured . ∗ 19﹕ sender  sits  in  receiver’s  lap . ∗ 2o﹕ sender  lifts  receiver's  chin ,  invoking  eye  contact . ∗ 21﹕ sender  overtakes  receiver  in  combat . ∗ 22﹕ sender  finds  receiver  [ injured / bloodied ] . ∗ 23﹕ sender  straightens  an  article  of  receiver’s  clothes . ∗ 24﹕ sender  crawls  into  bed  with  receiver . ∗ 25﹕ sender  rolls  their  eyes  at  receiver . ∗ 26﹕ sender  lights  receiver’s  [ cigarette / joint ] . ∗ 27﹕ sender  is  caught  wearing  receiver's  clothes . ∗ 28﹕ sender  strikes  receiver  with  a  pillow . ∗ 29﹕ sender  writes  a  note  on  receiver’s  skin :  [ note ] . ∗ 3o﹕ sender  wraps  a  blanket  around  receiver’s  shoulders . ∗ 31﹕ sender  runs  and  jumps  into  receiver’s  arms . ∗ 32﹕ sender  shoves  receiver  out  of  anger . ∗ 33﹕ sender  hovers  over  receiver’s  shoulder  as  they  complete  a  task . ∗ 34﹕ sender  is  found  by  receiver  somewhere  they  shouldn’t  be . ∗ 35﹕ sender  curls  up  against  receiver  in  their  sleep . ∗ 36﹕ sender  is  found  drunk  by  receiver . ∗ 37﹕ sender  throws  an  item  of  sentiment  bitterly  at  receiver . ∗ 38﹕ sender  joins  receiver  in  the  shower . ∗ 39﹕ sender  is  caught  following  receiver . ∗ 4o﹕ sender  traces  one  of  receiver’s  [ scars / bruises ] . ∗ 41﹕ sender  twines  their  fingers  with  receiver’s . ∗ 42﹕ sender  barges  into  receiver’s  home  unannounced . ∗ 43﹕ sender  kicks  receiver’s  shin  beneath  a  table . ∗ 44﹕ sender  aggressively  shoves  past  receiver . ∗ 45﹕ sender  kisses  receiver’s  [ forehead / cheek ] . ∗ 46﹕ sender  pulls  receiver  out  of  harm’s  way . ∗ 47﹕ sender  is  found  sobbing  by  receiver . ∗ 48﹕ sender  locks  receiver  out  of  their  room . ∗ 49﹕ sender  brings  receiver  [ coffee / tea ]  in  the  morning . ∗ 5o﹕ sender  rests  their  forehead  against  receiver’s . ∗ 51﹕ sender  plays  a  song  for  receiver  that  reminds  them  of  them :  [ song ] . ∗ 52﹕ sender  takes  a  [ punch / stab / bullet ]  meant  for  receiver . ∗ 53﹕ sender  buys  receiver  a  drink  at  a  bar . ∗ 54﹕ sender  needs  receiver’s  help  getting  in  the  bath . ∗ 55﹕ sender  and  receiver  cross  paths  in  the  kitchen  late  at  night . ∗ 56﹕ sender  twists  receiver’s  arm  behind  their  back . ∗ 57﹕ sender  winks  at  receiver . ∗ 58﹕ sender  is  found  collapsed  by  receiver . ∗ 59﹕ sender  prevents  an  injured  receiver  from  getting  up . ∗ 6o﹕ sender  claps  a  hand  over  receiver’s  mouth  to  silence  them . ∗ 61﹕ sender  cages  receiver  against  a  [ wall / the floor ]  with  their  arms . ∗ 62﹕ sender  storms  away  from  receiver  during  an  argument . ∗ 63﹕ sender  is  found  by  receiver  sleeping  in  receiver’s  bed . ∗ 64﹕ sender  [ applies / touches up ]  receiver’s  makeup . ∗ 65﹕ sender  throws  receiver  into  a  wall  during  combat . ∗ 66﹕ sender  dances  sensually  with  receiver . ∗ 67﹕ sender  strikes  receiver  across  the  face . ∗ 68﹕ sender  places  their  hand  on  receiver’s  leg  while  driving . ∗ 69﹕ sender  pulls  a  chair  out  from  under  receiver . ∗ 7o﹕ sender  catches  receiver’s  wrist  when  they  turn  to  leave . ∗ 71﹕ sender  leaves  an  intimate  mark  on  receiver . ∗ 72﹕ sender  beats  receiver  in  a  video  game . ∗ 73﹕ sender  and  receiver  stand  in  stunned  silence  after  a  fight . ∗ 74﹕ sender  cares  for  receiver  while  they’re  sick . ∗ 75﹕ sender  and  receiver  go  on  a  hike . ∗ 76﹕ sender  is  caught  snooping  in  receiver’s  things . ∗ 77﹕ sender  and  receiver  cuddle  while  watching  television . ∗ 78﹕ sender  throws  something  aggressively  at  receiver . ∗ 79﹕ sender  creeps  up  behind  receiver  to  scare  them . ∗ 8o﹕ sender  and  receiver  go  shopping  together . ∗ 81﹕ sender  helps  receiver  [ dye / style ]  their  hair . ∗ 82﹕ sender  draws  receiver  into  a  kiss  by  the  back  of  their  neck . ∗ 83﹕ sender  is  discovered  having  a  panic  attack  by  receiver . ∗ 84﹕ sender  accidentally  injures  receiver  during  sparring . ∗ 85﹕ sender  grabs  receiver  roughly  by  the  hair . ∗ 86﹕ sender  brings  receiver  to  their  knees  during  combat . ∗ 87﹕ sender  shows  receiver  evidence  of  a  lie  they  told . ∗ 88﹕ sender  winks  [ seductively / mockingly ]  at  receiver . ∗ 89﹕ sender  yells  at  receiver  to  put  their  hands  in  the  air . ∗ 9o﹕ sender  helps  receiver  patch  up  a  wound . ∗ 91﹕ sender  holds  receiver  as  they  cry . ∗ 92﹕ sender  silently  and  angrily  points  receiver  towards  the  door . ∗ 93﹕ sender  gestures  for  receiver  to  sit  down . ∗ 94﹕ sender  pulls  receiver  into  their  lap . ∗ 95﹕ sender  cradles  receiver’s  face . ∗ 96﹕ sender  tackles  receiver  out  of  the  way  of  danger . ∗ 97﹕ sender  has  hidden  an  injury  from  receiver ,  and  receiver  finds  out . ∗ 98﹕ sender  confronts  receiver  about  their  unhealthy  behavior . ∗ 99﹕ sender  proposes  to  receiver . ∗ 1oo﹕ sender  has  just  died ,  receiver  finds  out .

[allyphase]

At Fiora’s question, Mark laughs softly, folding her hands back in her lap. 

“Um, yes, but... it’s, easier, and I can... I can guess,” she says, fidgeting with her skirt. “You, um, don’t look like a, pegasus, so I can guess... you ride them. It is... faster, if there are... enemies.” She pauses for a moment, then her eyes light up behind her bangs as she performs a new sign, miming waving something in front of her. 

“Sword,” she says, then repeats the motion. Then, a new motion, thrusting in front of her. “Lance.” She then brings one hand down on her other. “Axe.” Then, she holds both hands out, and opens her fists. “Magic.” She repeats each motion in order again - Sword, lance, axe, magic. “For, um, calling out... enemies, and planning... for allies.” She smiles. “So, when I plan... our moves, I can say...” Her hands lift, and she signs “Mages one way, swords another. Axes in the middle.” 

“I would, um, put it on my chessboard, too, but...” 

Give Me a Sign

[allyphase]

Mark's birthday is celebrated this year in the rubble of Garreg Mach, the dawn of the post-victory morning signalling the start of rebuilding. So very much is happening--Heath is busy, lending his strength and Hyperion's hauling ability to ferry materials across the monastery, but not so busy that he would forget.

In the wake of such destruction, though, there is little that Heath can find that would make a suitable gift. Nearby shops are closed for all but essentials, and Heath cannot justify going out further when his labor is needed.

Still, though. He has his hands, and access to basic materials. It may not be pretty, especially not with the limited time he has available, but it will have to be enough.

He finds Mark doing her best to aid the restoration efforts, despite her injuries and relative frailty. Of course she is, despite everything.

"Hey. Happy birthday." The gift is cool in his palm, rough and awkward but whole. He probably should have found something to put it in, but that's a luxury in and of itself. "I, uh. Made something for you. It's not much, but..."

He holds out his hand, revealing a hastily-carved wooden chess piece--specifically, that of a knight.

"I know that chess board was really important to you. And this won't replace it, but..." Ugh, this is embarrassing. He hands it off, looking down at the ground. It would've been easier to carve just about any other piece, but this one has a meaning, because he's gone soft and sentimental. "You're not my superior anymore, but as a knight...and as a friend. My lance is still yours, if you need it."

How strange it is, to celebrate when everything has come crashing down. Before, she had been determined to remind herself of the good in darkness, in the moments of joy even hidden away, but this time, even pausing for a break feels like asking too much. She knows she must help with the restoration, and though her body is weak she pushes herself to stand with the rest of her soldiers, heaving and pushing and directing with everyone else. During the war, she would have remembered a hidden candle in a closet, a soft promise to continue their tradition the next year. Now, that the war had followed her beyond her home, the candle must remain in her mind, for now. Mark herself has barely been counting the days since the Monastery fell, and so it is with some surprise she turns to face Heath as he approaches, holding out his hands to her. 

“...Oh.” The sound escapes her lips, before her fingers twist into “It is my birthday, isn’t it?” She moves her fingers like she wants to say something else, but they pause at the sight of the knight, carved from a shard of discarded wood, held by one of her own knights. She feels, despite herself, her eyes welling with tears. She takes the knight carefully, delicately, studying its every detail, before her gaze rises again to Heath. 

“Thank you,” she signs, clutching the knight against her chest with one hand and signing with the other. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she pushes forward to wrap him in a hug, tightly. 

It’s easier to do a second time.

[allyphase]

Mark likes to feel she’s long past the need for small, soft comforts. 

She’s been on the road for so long that even bringing small trinkets with her would weigh on her mind, much heavier than they were in her backpack. Even now, her room at the academy sits mostly bare, and not just due to the recent invasion - she’d had nothing to bring with her, beyond her cloak and chessboard. She hadn’t considered the place a home, so she’d kept her things packed to leave. It took the place being torn from her in a night of fire and light for her to realize the fondness she held for the place, the comfort of a single room that never changed, that she never had to re-learn the layout of. It was hers, and she’d decided to make it look the part. 

 So, her feet had wandered for a while, taking her past the rebuilding monastery, the students and faculty reunited, down the steps to the small town below. Her short journey pauses in front of a store she didn’t recognize - Forge-A-Bear - and she peers in the windows to see a group of people, each clutching a small, soft toy to their chests. 

Mark likes to feel she’s long past the need for small soft comforts, but her feet drag her inside anyway, towards the large selection of wyverns, pegasi, and other small beasts. Her face flushes with embarrassment as she reaches for a greenish shell of a wyvern with big, button eyes that stare up at her pleadingly. She rubs the fabric between two fingers, and glances back around to see if anyone else looks just as lost as she is. Her eyes fall on a woman, without any group, and she approaches cautiously. 

“Um, hello...! Do you know, um, what we’re supposed... to fill them, with?” She holds up the wyvern with a nervous smile.

-> @amatsuken !

go out and make some friends

[allyphase]

activity check - february

status - passed!

total skill points - 17 -> 18 (i forgot to make a post last month so my bookeeping is a little strange, but my tracker is up to date.)

allotted to - authority! rank s achieved!

threads - let me know if you would like to drop any of these!

for mark to reply to - my heart once dwelled in my skull (with raven), bite the hand that feeds (with lloyd), who tactics the tacticians (with nasir), losers bracket (with randal), i’m surrounded by theatre kids (with marianne)

for mark’s partner to reply to - oh boy, customer service! (with heath), you activated my map card! (with mareeta), ss fodlan cadence (group thread), give me a sign! (with fiora)

things to send to the masterlist -

rank chart - rally strength, grandmaster mastery (drabble req)

[allyphase]

When it's Shamir's turn to spin the bottle in front of them all, she's not particularly concerned with who it'll land on. Everyone here seems to be normal enough, and there's a few familiar faces-- though she's not particularly close with any of them, she at least has seen them milling about. And the girl that it lands on... Ah, right. She's a shy one, isn't she? Their brief introduction during last month's battle had been just that-- incredibly brief. But she was kind enough and soft spoken, though capable of taking care of herself in the midst of combat. Past that, though, Shamir doesn't have much knowledge of her. She does, however, gently reach over to pat the back of her hand and offers a reassuring look. "Guess I'm a little surprised to see you doing this," Shamir chuckles, leaning in a bit closer. "Sure you're ok?" When she doesn't get a protest, and instead a sort of confirmation, she moves more into Mark's space; one hand gently cups her cheek as a means of encouragement, and a sort of support-- the other remains resting over the top of her companion's. It's brief, and she makes sure to stay respectful in her distance, but her lips are soft as they press against Mark's. Once she pulls away, Shamir's breath remains hot on her face, the barest hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes. "There. Hope it's up to your standards, Miss Mark." Her hand slides down the length of her cheek and down the side of her neck before returning to Shamir's side, her attention going back to see whose poor soul gets paired next.

Mark had sat out of the baking competition in favor of stuffing herself full of the fruits left at the table, but she had resolved herself to playing at least a few of the games here. She hadn’t entirely known the rules of this game, but now that she’s sat here her mind wanders back to the last kissing game she participated in, where she kissed Denning again and again... 

The bottle has pointed towards her, and the flush of her cheeks matches the pace of her heart as Shamir leans closer. 

“I, um, wanted to experience... the whole party,” she answers, offering a smile - go ahead, I’m ready. 

Shamir’s kiss is quick and chaste, but Mark finds herself leaning farther forward, chasing the excitement that lingers between them. Mark herself is soft, in touch and demeanor, and her lips still taste of chocolate and cherry. It’s questioning, gentle, wondering how much farther she’d be able to push, how much more passion would be allowed in a game like this. 

She’s sure there’s a slight glimmer of disappointment in her eyes as Shamir pulls away, but she masks it with a bright smile, gratitude at the kiss she did recieve. There’s a hunger in her eyes now, ever-slight, barely peeking out from behind her bangs. 

“Thank you,” she says, already missing the next bottle spin, caught up in the moment.

[allyphase]

The clue, finally, gets Mark's attention beyond just the food he offers. Like the riddle, her eyes sharpen as the words on the paper come into focus, and she frowns. "Um, my clue... may not match you, though..." She rummages in her pockets for a moment before pulling out her own paper, similarly penned -

Stern one, stalwart, ye of sweeping blue

Your partner’s heart shall ever be true.

"Do you, um, have a habit of wearing blue...?"

[ TASTE TEST ] “Mark! It’s been a while, how are you?” He offers her a plate filled with various nibbles. “Have you tried the grapes? Delicious.” He smiles, now to what he’s really here for. “You’re a tactician, right? Got any plans for this party?”

“Forde...!” The name comes slowly to her lips, but with no less enthusiasm. “I hope you’ve been... as well as you can be.” Her smile is warm as she reaches for the offered snacks, popping a grape in her mouth and chewing thoughtfully. A nod, and a wider smile - it’s good! - then she swallows, prepares to speak again. “Yes, I am a tactician. I was hoping... to solve the puzzle they gave. But, um, it’s also nice... to meet more people.” She takes another grape from the plate. “Thank you, um, for the grapes,” she says, before putting that one in her mouth too. 

[allyphase]

[ TASTE TEST ] From chocolate-dipped fruit skewers to little squares of cheese, there are plenty of finger foods to titillate the taste buds. Grab something for yourself… or use one of the handy toothpicks to feed your partner.

Day of Devotion — a celebration of love and companionship she’d formerly believed to just be an Askr thing, but was pleasantly surprised to find herself wrong about. After all, companionship isn’t just about love, friendship, too, is just as important a part of the day! What better time than a day of friendship to Meet Some of the Heroes?

Huh. Feels like she just referenced something. Wonder what? …Oh well, it’s probably nothing.

It’s odd, though, to see this hero as she is now. She doesn’t think she’s actually ever seen the tactician without Lyn. Or as an adult. Or practically ever. If it weren’t for the cloak and general demeanor giving off similar vibes as the silent child they summoned to Askr, she doesn’t know if she’d even recognize them as one in the same at all.

“Ugh, they all look so good, I can’t decide…” Sharena stares down at the food beside them as she scoots closer, vocalizing her dilemma ever so slightly louder than she normally would. A subtle hint to try to get the other to speak to her? Maybe. A little manipulative? Potentially (she may have picked up a little too much during her times visiting Embla to see Veronica, okay, sure, sue her), but can you really blame her? When else is she gonna get a chance to finally hear what her voice sounds like?!

“Have you tried some yet? Got any recommendations?”

Mark, for what it’s worth, is completely paralyzed by the sheer amount of snacks on the table. She’s not known as a gourmand, but certainly an enjoyer of food, and the variety before her rivals the finest parties she’s been to. She fidgets with the edge of the sleeve of the pink dress she’d borrowed for this occasion. Where to start? The delicious grapes, that Forde had offered her earlier? The cheese squares, in so many kinds she couldn’t name them all? The chocolate dipped strawberries, which she’d never had but tempt her fingers regardless? Maybe she should just stick to the sliced apples-

And then someone asks the question running across her mind aloud. 

“Oh-!” She startles, turning her attention to the girl posing the question. “Um, yes, I’m... I’m wondering the same,” she says, her nerves turning to laughter. “Um, the grapes, are good... but I haven’t tried much else.” Her gaze turns, hungry, back towards the table. “I... have never seen, um, a strawberry dipped in chocolate before. I would like, um, to try one...” Her eyes swivel back to Sharena. “I think, um, I saw some chocolates earlier, as well. Maybe there are still, um, some dark ones left.” Her smile becomes apologetic. “I think, um, there are too many choices...!” But her fingers reach out and snatch a strawberry from their plate anyway, and she stuffs as much of it as she can fit into her mouth. A beat, then another, and her face lights up again. Delicious! 

“My name is Mark,” she finally offers, after she’s swallowed. “What’s your name?”

[allyphase]

[ TASTE TEST ] “Mark! It’s been a while, how are you?” He offers her a plate filled with various nibbles. “Have you tried the grapes? Delicious.” He smiles, now to what he’s really here for. “You’re a tactician, right? Got any plans for this party?”

“Forde...!” The name comes slowly to her lips, but with no less enthusiasm. “I hope you’ve been... as well as you can be.” Her smile is warm as she reaches for the offered snacks, popping a grape in her mouth and chewing thoughtfully. A nod, and a wider smile - it’s good! - then she swallows, prepares to speak again. “Yes, I am a tactician. I was hoping... to solve the puzzle they gave. But, um, it’s also nice... to meet more people.” She takes another grape from the plate. “Thank you, um, for the grapes,” she says, before putting that one in her mouth too. 

[allyphase]

The quest to find their so-called partner for the party is definitely a lot more tricksy than she thought it would be. Yunaka's not built for these funky riddles and games, she's a fighter not a brain-er! Luckily, there are plenty people around who are way more inclined to thinking and pondering than her.

"So, I got me a little clue here." She waves the little paper she's got pinched between her fingers so Mark can see it. "I was wondering if I could pick your brain about it to see what you think. It says;"

Come rain or shine, come land or sea A quiet journey shall set you free.

Yunaka looks up at Mark hopefully. "I was thinking maybe that might be you, since it mentions a quiet journey and you're not much of a talker. You think that's anything?"

"Oh...!" Mark turns at Yunaka's voice, recognizing her immediately, though it is not the name Yunaka that springs to mind first. No, last time they spoke was moments after their opera performance, and Yunaka had not quite left her on the best of terms.

All that seems forgotten now as Yunaka offers the paper, so Mark takes it and dutifully reads it.

"Um, I haven't... traveled much by sea," she begins. "And my clue- um, it involves, someone blue," she offers, shaking her head. "I, um, don't think this is me. But... good luck!" Mark gives her a smile, as bright as she can manage. I hope the pain of that day is behind us now.

[allyphase]

CUPIDO BASH ICEBREAKERS!

reblog to let others know you're accepting!

[ DANCE ] It's time to get groovin'! How about you invite a lovely stranger to hit the floor with you? 

[ ROMANTIC STROLL ] Get ‘em, tiger!  Use this opportunity to walk around these beautifully-decorated grounds with the person who’s captured your heart. 

[ CHOCOLATE ] A delicious luxury and a classic gift. Choose from white, milk, or dark, all heart-shaped and ready for your enjoyment.

[ FLIRT ] There’s an art to it! Whether you prefer to be bold or coy, our hosts will remind you that confidence is key. Give it a go?

[ FLOWERS ] It isn’t easy to find roses during times of strife—which makes the bouquets on the table all the more special to give!

[ EMBRACE ] A hug? A kiss? A super-secret handshake? Show someone how happy you are to see them and make their heart soar!

[ TEDDY BEAR ] Forge-A-Bear was kind enough to donate a platoon of button-eyed teddies to adopt and love. Are you and your partner ready for that kind of commitment?

[ TRUST FALL ] They say a relationship is built on trust. What better way to test that than with a fall in front of your classmates and coworkers? They're totally not judging.

[ POETRY ] Think you have the chops to woo someone with a lyrical tug at the heartstrings?

[ COMPLIMENT ] Tell someone they look beautiful, or that you've always admired their strength! Whatever it is you say, make sure it comes from the heart (or at the very least, sounds sincere).

[ 21 QUESTIONS ] The effort to learn about others goes a long way! Just don’t overdo it.  

[ DRINKS ] Beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are offered in assorted glassware. Have a sip!

[ TOUCH UP ] Why not help another with last-minute makeup or outfit touches? Who knows? You just might be able to spark something! 

[ HEARTFELT CARD ] A small table hosts a myriad of card supplies, including paper, markers, and glue. Put your crafting skills to the test and make something truly one-of-a-kind.

[ TASTE TEST ] From chocolate-dipped fruit skewers to little squares of cheese, there are plenty of finger foods to titillate the taste buds. Grab something for yourself… or use one of the handy toothpicks to feed your partner.

[ FORTUNE COOKIE ] Heart-shaped cookies sit on a neat little tray. Inside lies paper fortunes ranging from beautiful skies ahead to… er, well, at least the cookies taste good!

[ CARRIAGE RIDE ] A horse pulls a small carriage that fits two. The entire ensemble is decked out in pink-and-red hearts. Do YOU want to hitch a ride in the Love Cart?

[ KARAOKE ]  Nothing makes people feel as good as when they belt out the lyrics to their favorite tunes! A small band has been hired to perform all of Fodlan’s latest hits—will you cheer on your friends, or will you be the star of the show?

[ PORTRAIT ] Perhaps you'd like to invite someone over to have your portraits painted together? It could make for a stunning keepsake! Or maybe you'd like to try your hand at it yourself?

[ GOSSIP ] With all these people milling around, there’s plenty of room for discussion… like who would make the most adorable couple? Or, even juicier, who has invisible strings tying them together? Do tell!

[ HEART-SHAPED BALLOONS ] Gift one to the apple of your eye, or pop a balloon to reveal the mysterious note hidden inside. Use it to your advantage to spark a conversation!

[allyphase]

She is pushed, shoved, jostled, until she finds herself in the center of the group, shielded from harm by three soldiers. 

It feels familiar, to some fragment of her being. 

The group stops, and one of them - Lukas, she remembers - gives the orders that are stuck in her throat. It’s all she can do to nod in agreement, gathering her voice from ash and smoke in her lungs. 

“We- will not survive, holding any longer,” she agrees, trying to shove the nausea of the admission down. “If we want... to live, we need to find... the others, and- escape.” 

She’d been in ambushes before. They defined her in a way, her holding of Ostia when it was attacked by... well. She’d been able to stare her enemy down and push them back from where she stood, every time before this one. Now, with the monestary towards their backs, fire lighting their steps ahead, she cannot help but think of Castle Ostia again, and what could have happened had she lost it. Because she had lost - they had all, lost today. The monastery crumbles behind them and Mark cannot bring herself to look back. She hears, faintly, from inside, someone yelling - The monastery has fallen! Run for your lives! - but she keeps her gaze pointed forward, because if she looks back, she knows she won’t move from her position. She’ll stand until the fires burn out, waiting for an opening to strike again, even with no pieces on the board. 

Tactician tips her king, and runs. 

~Thread end~

the fog is coming the fog is coming

closed starter for @allyphase @alyration @deliverred | unit 11, academy 1F