jasperblion

[jasperblion]

He’s never seen this much saltwater beyond those temporary trips to Valentia’s ports…

Alm turns temporarily to his caring friend as they come close to arriving. For someone who has lived on an island for most of her childhood, does this strip of sand and shoreline simply feel familiar? Or does it invoke excitement all the same?

It’s something the two of them will have to find out as the night progresses…but he shouldn’t forget to enjoy himself tonight as well!

–

Alm has arrived at the ball! He has come with Celica and is equipped with the Pearl charm.

Seashell:

Starfish:

Anchor:

Turtle:

Pearl:

Here is the reference for Alm’s current outfit. Yes, he’s keeping it pretty casual with a light-blue kind of suit. Let the air flow more naturally, you know?

[jasperblion]

The first thing he notices (although rather obvious, and something he’s observed prior) is the energy stored right in the young woman. Her skid that still results in a perfect stop, the way her hair bobs in excitement while staying controlled, and just her manner of speech…all come back to invoke a lively nature of Mae. In all honesty it makes Alm nearly speechless, unsure if he could match her outright flair.

But it is Mae’s reminder of who he is here for today that cuts Alm back to a smile at the clap of her hands. He’s already relieved to not have to throw away the “Lord” card from someone who knows his position. It’s the extra mile of her excitement that has Alm nearly believing they’ve been friends all their lives as well. Perhaps he should take back his initial uncertainties…

And speaking of the opposite of uncertainty, Alm quickly hustles to the stall that catches Mae’s eye. He tries to peek over her shoulder to see what’s in stock, but otherwise leaves the work to the professional. It seemingly pays off as she pulls up something from the pile, though it doesn’t take her grunts to recognize it as something heavy.

“Oh uh, let me…wow,” a mix of offering to assist transitioned to catching full sight of what Mae has procured. As the look suggests, the doublet is rather on the weighty side, though nothing the boy can’t handle. He flips it around in his hands once, then twice, with the feather tickling his nose the second time.

Holding back a sneeze, he squints to check if the storekeep or anyone else is viewing before…slipping the doublet right on. What? He’s always found that to be the best way to judge if a fit fits. It’ll be off before anyone knows it.

“Hmm. It’s…” Alm mumbles, staring down at the deep purples and silvers, then turns back to the pinkette. His face keeps the same uncertain look as he lifts it up. “It’s fine? I’m pretty sure the purple is supposed to be royal and all, but honestly? I don’t think it fits me…”

Meaning aside, that feather on his shoulder is definitely a sneeze warning if he’s ever seen one. The only reason he hasn’t clipped it off yet is to keep the full set intact.

i know what priestesses like!

non-mission task: excavation (heavy armor+1)

[jasperblion]

A formal party draws near, in which (ignoring that flashy birthday from months earlier) this event will be the most “noble” one he’s been to since entering Fódlan. Naturally, he can only see himself arriving in Empire territory with one beloved partner at his side. Just as naturally, he could only show up in the best outfit suited for such a…

…aaaaand right. He’s lacking in any outfit whatsoever. His simple clothes from the bash were a no-go. Not only would that be very unoriginal, but based on the words of another noble-minded friend, the Valentian should be thinking of something more…confident.

Earlier this week, he heard plenty news of last-minute ball fits being available for cheap by the marketplace. Heck, he’s even seen the occasional disappointed student of nobility storm into town with intent to sell what must be their hand-me-downs. Well, at least Alm wouldn’t be starved for options.

He could always ask Celica herself about this kind of stuff. Even with a lack of noble showings in either of their backgrounds, she would surely have better knowledge on appearance compared to him after all these years. But…this was all for her. It’d be like picking out her own birthday present. Takes all the fun out of it.

So that is why Alm has decided to brave the bargaining streets on this day! Or at least, braving the streets with a little help from a friend.

“Mae!! Over here!” Alm waves from further down the road toward the easy-to-catch pink pigtails.

Honestly, “a friend” may be a bit of a stretch. Between her newfound time at the monastery and even back home during peacetime, Alm can only recount their times of direct meeting with both of his hands. But said previous meetings are more than enough for him to know beyond being fellow countrymen, the young lady was acquainted with Celica in the times that Alm was incapable of being there for her.

He couldn’t imagine a better person to assist in today’s trials.

“Heh. Sorry for the short notice about everything,” Alm lowers his hand once the pinkette draws near. “I know the request’s pretty selfish. Even more considering you probably need time thinking over the ball as well, yeah?”

@ms-thunderbolt

i know what priestesses like!

non-mission task: excavation (heavy armor+1)

[jasperblion]

April Activity Check

Level Up! (Passed)

Status: Cleared! Points Obtained:

+1 Any (Monthly Activity)

Total Points: 10 –> 11 Point Allocation:

Authority D+ -> C

New Classes Accessed:

Lord (TBC) Tactician (TBC)

Classes Mastered: N/A

Inventory Changes:

Prayer Ring (C Authority) (TBC)

[jasperblion]

my very human friend alm 🫵

nods in his general direction that definitely does not mean "no" in any way

[jasperblion]

With everything that had been going on, it still didn't feel entirely correct to say he'd been too distracted to notice some familiar faces joining the many that resided at Garreg Mach. Especially when it came to a certain one.

"Alm," Lukas greeted with a smile, inclining his head slightly before relaxing his body language somewhat, "I suppose I should not be surprised to see you here, with Celica also attending." The same house, even, which could hardly be a coincidence. "My apologies for not approaching you sooner, but it is good to see you, my friend."

He wondered when exactly Alm had arrived, hoping that it had been after the fall -- much as his sword and leadership in such a situation would have been desired.

Lukas had pulled Alm into one sprawling and terrible conflict already, he didn't wish to have it happen again if it could be avoided.

"Have you been settling in well? I know things are rather...hectic at the moment."

Even after a few months of attendance, the calling of past faces never fails to surprise Alm. Not that he’d complain and rather not see them, let alone when it came to the calm and honest smile of who appears in front of him now.

“Lukas!! So you are here!” the fighter keeps to a straightened posture on his end, bent only showing in his own toothful smile. (Deep down, the boy is thankful to be referred to simply by his chosen name, no other fancy titles.) He can recall Lukas and his close comrades setting off to far-off lands after their service in the Brotherhood, but never really expected to stumble upon him so soon.

But it was Alm’s own reckless decision in coming here in which he had hope, and it seemed that such hope was delivered.

“Even if late in greeting, you seem to know your stuff,” Alm comments. “I’m guessing you’re some sort of instructor here? Are Forsyth and Python with you as well? And what are-”

Hold, Alm refrains himself, noting he should confirm his own wellness before pestering his former knight further. The student has a feeling why such a question was brought up, beyond the natural formalities.

“Things have been far from smooth, but if I had to say, that might be better than if everything was…well, normal. I far from hope for a time of recovery, but assisting in repairs here makes me feel at home, in a way. Not that I want to avoid lessons either, though I’m sure things will be far from boring around here. Especially with a friend like you around.”

The lion makes sure to look forward with determination upon his ending.

[jasperblion]

"How is your shoulder feeling?" More curiosity than concern, her tone remains light. They're here to practice, not impair their ability to fight in the future and, as far as she knows, Caspar has only just embarked on his journey as a healer.

Members of both teams make selections as Sara observes from afar with little sense of urgency, the sword at her hip a new addition that she would rather prioritize above anything else. She steps forward as Alm does, though not on purpose, and doesn't fuss even when their elbows bump in the process.

Starting by the tomes on one end, her hand runs over the weapons to inspect those remaining in the pile and collides with Alm's own hand once more upon reaching the other side, earning an odd look when she peeks up straight away.

"A bow and sword…" she blinks, sounding almost surprised. "That's quite uncommon. Master Knights train all their lives to become proficient in a variety of equipment, but I typically prefer magic myself. I've never used a sword before today. It should prove to be an interesting experience, I think."

Light tone of voice rings familiar as he is the last of the half-dozen of Black Eagles to claim a spoil. As it turns out, he is only one of two finalists, the second one being the familiar long-haired girl. Sara; her name if he recalls the team that Morgan assigned him to. 

Their elbows do bump before her words come out, which he supposes is more of a conversation starter compared to last time. Even if her first question calls back to the preceding awkward starter.

“Shoulder? Oh, yeah. It’s fine,” Alm accidentally mirrors their previous meeting. “Never felt better, at least after a few days of rest. No need to worry about me out there.”

He awaited everyone making their choice as a noble act, yet at the same time…he is still curious on what to choose. A very brief argument comes up in his mind before finally settling upon familiar over the unknown. His hand reaches for the long yet sturdy bow, only to be met with another soft touch. Before he can apologize for repeated offense, Sara presents surprise toward his choices.

One hand remains on his bow of choice while his other rests on the borrowed sword. Alm stares back, just as confused. “Is it really? I’ve been taught both since I was young. I mean, I guess I don’t see many people use both at once, but it never got in my way.”

He entirely passes over the mention of master knights in her response, though keeps the title in the back of his mind. Is it something from the land that Leif hails from?

“Most of the practice swords are made of iron. I’m sure you’ll be fine for one battle. Swinging comes naturally!” Alm says to encourage, ignoring the fact that he might be more of a natural over her. Regardless, he’s sure she will be of help during the battle, even if she must fall back on any magic she may have.

[jasperblion]

Fwip!

Wow. That girl is fast, both in speech and on her feet. To be fair, it was Alm’s fault for whining without even realizing who he’d hit, but even then he didn’t think the smaller green had that much in her system to let go. Even her combo-ender of a hair twirl somehow hit sharper than some sword blows he’s dealt with.

A hand instinctively goes to hold where the twintail made contact, though it is quickly dropped upon the girl’s squeal. Last thing he needed was to be blamed for another thing that wasn’t his fault from the innocent girl.

“Worms?! Wait!” Alm stops the pondering before it could even start, diving down to a visible tear in the bag. Just as the other is crying about, worms squirm in and out of the bag. If they stay in there, they’re going to dirty the mail-!

“The bag’s full of post, not pest!” Alm rebuts, trying to sound argumentative rather than purely mad. He already scoops up one worm in his hand, though before going for more he knows he’s going to need to put them somewhere. He doesn’t have a container on hand, so…that broken glass bottom’s gonna have to do.

There’s dirt in it, conveniently enough. He’s pretty sure worms like that enough to not want to escape at least. Alm drops the first worm in, then grabs ahold of the bag and turns it to its side. He can simply hold the tear downwards and dump the remaining worms in…alongside any unfortunate mail.

“Hey, you-” Alm finally directly addresses the girl, only now realizing the girl’s choice of costume…or lack thereof. Thankfully, the situation is already awkward enough that he holds back hesitation, if not revealing a small blush. “Sorry about earlier. Hold the bag still, and I’ll collect the worms. Deal?”

mail call!

mission task: excavation (authority+1)

[jasperblion]

Maybe the on-hand water pouring should have been expected, but Alm’s jaw slightly drops down as the lady simply scoops water into her palms and returns to the soil she’s working on. Surely pouring the pot across the dirt would be cleaner and more efficient…? Or maybe Tiki just knows something he doesn’t. Getting her hands into the water pot does clean up her hands dirted by soil prev-

Aaaaand she’s at it again, he notes as she uses literal handiwork to tame the ground. Oh well. She looks to be older than Alm, so he’s probably in no place to lecture her on tidiness. Better for him to work on his own planting project than to gawk, anyway.

“Sure thing,” he settles his mouth and chirps, bringing along his makeshift jug to the plant he was directed to. A foreign one, not like that should surprise him. After settling it into another pot, he pours a fair stream into it, stopping once the dirt is a rich, dark color.

Satisfied with his first step, Alm circles around Tiki’s impromptu swamp and leaves the fruit plant with ones that appear similarly-coded. As if on cue, she speaks up to ask another question. Though it feels awkward to speak to one’s back, even if she is clearly pre-occupied.

“What I’d want? Hmm…” Alm mumbles, looking up at the ruined greenhouse, as if doing so will make him recall a place he’s only gotten to know for a few days at most. “No idea if it’d even fit here but honestly? Some trees would be nice. Just of pine, probably. Nothing fancy.”

Beautiful Lie

Alm & Tiki - Gauntlets+1

[jasperblion]

The touch of her leaning on his shoulder is light, though he feels the newborn crown begin to slip through his hair. Alm dips lower into the earth ever so slightly, then uses his free hand to secure the flowers.

His eyes do not close entirely, settling for a squint. A mix of desire to see the natural beauty ahead of them and remaining conscious juuust in case. They might have won this war, but this land looks to have many more in its future. It’s not a premonition Alm is too comfortable with feeling.

When he hears her begin to whisper, his sight widens a small bit to ensure every word is fairly heard. The initial compliment softens his heart, but he does not allow his ego to be flattered, as it is clear more is to come. And he is correct.

Upon her hesitation, he swears to see a white bird as the source of the song through his obscured vision. His eyes do not give chase, instead fully opening to address Celica’s fears. They are already so close, but he pulls them in a bit closer, to guarantee that they are kept together now.

“The fighting doesn’t just stop because we want it to. Although…” Alm sighs, always finding it difficult to find the right things to say over what he wants to say, “...I wouldn’t want my welcome party to be within a crossfire. Point is, if we want to stop the battles, we still need to act. It’s why we’re here to learn more than the policies of nobility, at least.”

Alm blinks. He still feels like it isn’t enough. She’s always detested violence, and yet he still accepts it whenever necessary. No matter how close they are, will that belief always threaten to split them apart?

“I still hesitate at times, you know,” he ends up doubling back after another rustling of the wind. “Choosing who or what to trust…it’s easier to say than do. But…it’s also just like back then. Whenever we were split apart, I promised to find you. To help you. Those promises…”

He dips in even closer to her face, the light wind only thinly able to break through.

“...I could never hesitate on.”

earth angel, earth angel

non-mission task: restoration(?) (reunion)

[jasperblion]

Alm speaks at a somewhat slowed pace, but perhaps that was unnecessary given how efficiently Leif collects the rest of the perishables. Either this isn’t Leif’s first time in a kitchen, or his memory is simply that proficient. In the back of his head, the Valentian wonders if he’d be able to match his pace…

Not that competition is relevant right now. Alm simply nods as Leif proceeds with the handiwork. Personally, he had no complaints on what little they had to work with. Alm feels like producing something smaller rather than a big and flashy cake fits the scenario more.

With the first real step ahead of them, Alm takes the chance to loosen his fingers first, some cracks audible as he procures the lessened sugar and egg. “Hard as I want? Sure, here goes nothing!”

Before he can do the hard whipping though, the items to be whipped need to be in there. The sugar gets poured in simply enough. As for the egg, he picks it up with his left hand and provides a somewhat heavy knock from the corner of the bowl. It’s done a bit stronger than desired, but he gets the yolk spilled in without any spills.

With eggshells set aside, Alm collects the spoon and holds the bowl closer. It all seems to be a single step, so he chooses to start mashing without further delay. He’ll leave it up to Leif for when he believes enough is enough.

He spins the spoon around the bowl’s exterior, occasionally reaching into the center to pick up any specks attempting to escape his wrath. While he was encouraged to go as hard as he wanted, doing so with his right hand should be enough refrain to keep the bowl contents whipped the right amount. The point of whipping is that they look like some kind of unrecognizable mix at the end, right…?

a real "gourmet guy"!

[jasperblion]

It’s difficult to make out as the Valentian lifts himself up, but dark jaspers glisten upon Leif’s answer. “Really? What a coincidence.”

As if Alm has entirely missed his follow-up question, he immediately heads for the various bowls of water. Even his unquenchable thirst would be satisfied by one of these things…but he’s not ready to make another scene at this party, over something so petty no less. He starts simple, filling his own glass with plain water before grabbing a second with his right hand and doing the same. 

Syrup cups are spread between the bowls, and surely the orange one should live up to its name. He lays the glasses down and pours the solid liquid very lightly into both. He squints, noting the first one has a small bit more syrup than the other. Setting the cup aside, Alm returns with the first glass now in his right hand.

“Oranges are the main fruit of where I grew up. Heck, Ram felt like a breeding ground for the things,” Alm chuckles, setting down the one meant for Leif while he returns to his own side. “You’d think I’d be tired of them by now, but I’m never tired of tasting of home.”

And yes, he is still thirsty. But Alm should probably answer that second part before he tries all of Leif’s patience.

He spins his glass slightly, ensuring the liquid sinks down without any water falling out. “I dunno if you chose oranges for a similar reason. For me, it serves as a reminder. That although the places we live in are cruel and unfair, we still love them all the same. And that love is what drives me to keep making my world a better place.”

He somehow finds himself doing another unprompted speech. But instead of breaking it up with an out-of-place question again, Alm simply holds his cup forward. A toast?

from limb to limburger

cupido bash 2025 | post-cupid's lovebox

[jasperblion]

Not every match that takes place is noteworthy, but the ones that are never fail to make waves and she keeps an especially open ear for whispers relating to her favorite person.

"Lord Leif likes to put on airs," Sara tells the boy with pretty, sage green hair who fits all descriptions of the unlucky competitor to suffer defeat at his hands. If she wasn't still worn out from her own scuffle, an offer to look at his shoulder might have been in order. A smile is passed along to the stranger instead, too fond to appear smug.

"But I am not going to defend his reputation or rub salt in your wounds."

As a matter of fact, it has been some time since Sara fought at his side. While she wasn't there to witness the moment of victory, she had seen the theatrical displays he was capable of in the past, the stunts and athletic flips that served no real practical purpose in combat aside from showing off.

"They're inseparable, those two, so don't feel bad. You didn't really stand a chance against them. He has known Nanna since they were little and she is just as ambitious as him. Perhaps your luck will be better next year."

The girl with shimmering long hair - was she a participating student, too? - approaches Alm without as much of an introduction. With those first two words, Lord Leif, in combination with her proceeding smile despite her own injuries make her purpose of appearance clear.

“It’s fine,” he simply starts, right hand still on his shoulder that threatens to fall in spite of its immediate medical attention. “No offense taken. He’s the one that caught me off-guard anyway.”

While humbling his opponent’s efforts, he ponders over that phrase of “put on airs.” Theatrics-wise, Leif was pretty good at acting in that cage and all, but when it comes to fights? In the same cage, there wasn’t really any grace in his movements. If anything, he was fitting the role of fighting to the death rather seriously, that was all. Nothing to put on airs about it. Same for today, where the heavy wooden staff just clocked him straight out of the mock battle.

The girl isn’t done, providing even more context that Alm had no chance of knowing prior to their fight. This “Nanna” she speaks of must be one of those adjacent to Leif, and probably not the overly eager man on the Golden Deer’s side.

So he has someone precious to him as well? Alm would smile to himself, if his shoulder wasn’t being a pain in the ass. Instead, he gives the best weak smile he can in response to the explanation. “Putting it that way, it really does sound like crummy luck. But I’m not too mad at losing to him, if he really had the whole world backing him up. I’m sure on more equal footing…”

Memories of the two boys having at it with their hands, not even weapons, actually does force a giggle out of the king. “Next year. I look forward to it.”

He silently excuses himself, the pain of his shoulder finally winning over an additional trip to the medical tents. Unfortunate, as not only does such an excuse force him unable to ask about her relation to Leif, but he is left without even her name. Well, surely if she can suddenly appear to him one day…the same can occur the next.

[jasperblion]

Leif does well to follow through and finish the eyeball Alm initially targets…outside of the ooze that explodes all over him after a swish of his light sword. With the remaining two sets of eyeballs beginning to close in on them, he has no time to make sure Leif is unscathed. 

The same applies to his fellow ruler, the corner of his gaze incapable of ignoring the assault upon Celica by another nearby eye. Concern is natural as a start, but just as natural is the trust in the former priestess’s fighting capabilities. Furthermore, the wayward heal from a staff Leif equipped at his side is enough to keep the fighter focused on his momentum. (Still, he should thank the other man later…)

The sword rises again, seemingly casting another spell that fells a monster on the spot. Very admirable, but if Alm continues to spectate instead of act, Leif’s going to do all of the work! He reaches back for another arrow to-

"Go forth with caution. I should like to see you employ what you've learned from your professors."

A hand that grasps back now refrains as Alm turns back to the stern voice. He heard him speaking up after the first strike was landed, but the student’s attention was honestly more on the beasts ahead. The way the instructor lectures him stings at his chest - but the sting is not a harmful one. Rather the man appears to speak from experience; a veteran merely reminding the fighter to not be reckless.

No lone fight, huh? The right corner of Alm’s lip raises. Now where has he heard that one before?

“Got it, instructor!” Alm remarks with authority, but still a hint of hesitance. That eyeball is rather close…the archer paces back closer to the rest of his party while preparing his bow.

Alm 9/10HP hits Floating Eyeball D 3/6HP with Steel Bow [Roll: 2+4=6; 2+1= -3HP; Floating Eyeball D 0/6HP] Floating Eyeball D has been defeated!

And with a straight (enough) shot, the arrow flings the eyeball that Celica wounded back to return to the earth.

“Their numbers are almost thinned,” Alm sets his bow aside momentarily to overlook the others, “but let’s make sure it stays that way!!”

next! @anthieseofvalentia

do you see what eye see?

     ⤷   non-mission task:   restoration   ( gronder field clean-up  //  combat document )

[jasperblion]

Send ♡ to see what my muse thinks of yours

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

LOW | ●●●●● | HIGH

[jasperblion]

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐙𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 . ( a collection of headcanon prompts based on each zodiac sign . adjust questions as desired . )

⊹ — ARIES . ≻ how does your muse handle competition ? ≻ what is your muse's biggest regret ? ≻ how does your muse handle losing control ? ≻ how does your muse express their passion ?

⊹ — TAURUS . ≻ what is your muse's most prized possession ? ≻ how does your character show their reliability ? ≻ what is your muse's favorite way to relax ? ≻ what simple things does your muse find joy in ?

⊹ — GEMINI . ≻ how does your muse communicate with others ? ≻ how does your muse handle the duality within themselves ? ≻ is your character predictable ? unpredictable ? ≻ how does your muse react to change ?

⊹ — CANCER . ≻ how does your muse react to emotional manipulation ? ≻ what is your muse's most treasured family tradition ? ≻ what is a cherished memory your muse holds close ? ≻ how does your muse express love & care ?

⊹ — LEO . ≻ does your muse lead others effectively ? ≻ what is your muse's most arrogant behavior ? ≻ is your character confident ? charismatic ? ≻ how does your muse handle being ignored ?

⊹ — VIRGO . ≻ what is your muse's most dedicated project ? ≻ how does your muse assist others in times of need ? ≻ what are your muse's standards for themselves ? ≻ what does your muse find beauty in ?

⊹ — LIBRA . ≻ how does your muse bring balance to their surroundings ? ≻ is your muse a people pleaser ? ≻ how does your muse navigate justice & mercy ? ≻ how does your muse handle having to confront someone ?

⊹ — SCORPIO . ≻ what is your muse's most transformative experience ? ≻ is your muse the jealous type ? are they possessive ? ≻ does your muse engage in introspection often ? ≻ how does your muse deal with obsession ?

⊹ — SAGITTARIUS . ≻ is your muse a workaholic ? what's their view of workaholics ? ≻ what is your muse's most reckless decision ? ≻ how does your muse handle commitment ? ≻ does your muse experience wanderlust ? where would they go ?

⊹ — CAPRICORN . ≻ how does your muse demonstrate their ambition ? ≻ is your muse an optimist , realist, or pessimist ? ≻ does your muse value their legacy ? what have they done to ensure it ? ≻ what is your muse's average daily routine ?

⊹ — AQUARIUS . ≻ what is a cause or a movement your muse is deeply involved in ? ≻ how does your muse handle unpredictability ? ≻ does your muse challenge the status quo ? how ? ≻ what subject or field is your muse passionate about learning ?

⊹ — PISCES . ≻ is your muse sensitive, or do they have a thick skin ? ≻ does your muse have any escapist behaviors ? ≻ what does your muse dream about ? are they lucid , do they sleepwalk ? ≻ how does your muse handle harsh criticism ?

[jasperblion]

As appealing as it is to see Garreg Mach return to a moderate state of recovery, the intrigue of a new town forming right nearby underground is enough to bring Alm to visit every now and then. There’s always the drag of his normal studies, but for the rare occasion that he has nothing better to do, the environment of Burrowhaven…strangely tranquil?

Unlike the other unhomely depths he had trudged through in the past, the quietness of the village paints a peaceful picture. The people were nice, at least for folks allowing strangers from a better-off monastery to disturb their peace. As long as he didn’t waste their time, they wouldn’t waste his. And then of course, there were this place’s customs…

An immediate example reveals itself when Alm visits the town near the evening. (Actually, does this village even have a sense of time? They live under the shine of sun and moon already…) There’s a lot of commotion surrounding one of the buildings near the corner: a taller, white one. Alm gauges it as some religious place of sorts, but the crowd makes it hard to make further judgements. Maybe the bulletin board has something…?

TONIGHT: WEDDING FOR X?!♩ AND ♡YZ!? APPLICATIONS FOR KEY KIDNAPPER STILL AVAILABLE

Well, that didn’t sound foreboding. Whatsooever.

Even with his moral background, Alm knows that he wouldn’t be taken seriously by any residents as a mere outsider. But even so…he couldn’t just leave and say nothing about how suspicious this all sounds. The student takes quick sideways glances to ensure the crowd was busy elsewhere, then rips off one of the promotions as cleanly as he can.

A short walk away from the chapel, and Alm finds the perfect partner to ask about this. Not an authority figure, nor any other “adult” in the situation, but rather, a friend. A friend who, judging by his Golden Deer status, should probably belong here over Alm, but that doesn’t matter right now. If anything, perhaps he knows more about this case than him?

“Hey, Leif!” Alm raises his hand not carrying the flyer only to nearly shove the paper in his face with the other hand. A natural welcoming. “Look at this. Are they really…promoting a kidnapping over a village pairing?!?”

@diadic

round and round, we enjoy the CHASE

mission task: excavation (gauntlets+1) [intro]