lalamines

[lalamines]

send me a ♡ and i’ll describe what i think our muses’ child would be like

[ can be in terms of appearance, personality, or both! ]

[lalamines]

What is your favorite strategy for avoiding conflict?

"Hmm, I'm not sure I'd say it's a favoured strategy. I don't like interpersonal conflict full stop and I try to avoid it unless I feel it's absolutely necessary," Mercedes starts, fixing her gaze on Ingrid. She finds it shameful to admit that she is conflict averse but she trusts Ingrid and her intentions. Believes her friend isn't trying to mock her but understand her better. If she wishes to truly know Ingrid, she owes the woman her honesty. "I will stand my ground when I feel it necessary but I often find most arguments stem simply from two people misunderstanding one another."

"So, I do my best to understand the other person as best I can. Perhaps I sometimes go a little too far with that but I do prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt." There's a teacup in her hands, one she swirls, staring into the patterns forming as though they'll form the words she needs to explain herself. "If I think someone's a good person at heart, I try to encourage them to be honest with themselves. And myself, of course, but that's often less important."

"I act as though I'm not judging them at all but I'm only human, Ingrid. I try not to hold things against others but I'm no saint either. Sometimes I find myself thinking some people are just unnecessarily rude , obtuse or self sabotaging and I catch myself feeling ashamed of myself for judging them so harshly. Even if I keep my private thoughts to myself, I still thought them..."

[lalamines]

"You know... I'm not sure I'd consider that a toxic trait, Lysithea. It's natural to enjoy the things that bring us pleasure, no matter how small they are," Mercedes offers the younger student a bright smile, lifting her own cup of sweetened tea to her lips. For Mercedes it has never been a guilty pleasure, for why should she feel shame over something that doesn't harm another? It's apparent though that Lysithea feels differently. "Hmm, do you think I'm less of an adult because I also possess a sweet tooth? Or is this something you only think about yourself?"

Her expression remains pleasant and serene. Mercedes leans further back, opening her posture slightly to help put Lysithea at ease. There is no wrong answer - she won't be hurt by the girl's answer in the slightest. After all, this conversation isn't about her.

"I personally think that it's a sign of maturity to embrace what we truly enjoy. If it isn't harming anyone else, there's no reason to feel guilty," Mercedes says, raising her own biscuit for a nibble. The crumb is a little dry but it scratches an itch. "Sweets also provide the energy we need for deep study better than other foods. Hmm, I've been working on a macaron recipe recently but I do need a taste tester."

"Would you be willing to help me, Lysithea? I'd greatly appreciate the aid."

What's the most toxic thing about yourself that you secretly like?

"..."

Lysithea looks up from her teatime biscuit, and quickly gestures to it.

"I mean, do I even need to say it?"

"...In all seriousness, my sweet-guzzling is childish. It's antithetical to the figure I try to make with what time I have. And yet... I'll probably be gone before my taste adapts to more... refined ones. If ever. I mean, they make all the fancy, 'noble' meals so... bitter, compared to the good sweets."

[lalamines]

*: ･ﾟ✧   90 loaded questions / interview the muse.

found on this website, so credit goes to them.

What’s your favorite strategy for avoiding tough situations?

How often do you do things just for the attention?

Would you prefer to be manipulated or to be the manipulator?

What is something someone always tells you to do more of?

What is something someone always tells you to do less of?

Who do you look to blame when things go wrong?

What is the one thing people assume about you that you wish was true?

What is the one thing people assume about you that you wish wasn’t true?

When was the last time you lied to protect your image?

How often do you put on a happy face when you’re really not feeling it?

When do you think you began putting your guard up so much?

Who made you feel most anxious when you were a kid?

How do you speak about others when they’re not around?

What aspect of your life are you most delusional about?

How often do your admit you were wrong?

Which one of your biggest flaws do you like to rationalize the most?

Is it your fear of commitment or your fear of intimacy that makes you shut down more?

At what stage of a relationship are you most likely to withdraw emotionally?

What is the one compliment you always get that you’re too embarrassed to accept, so you deflect it?

What would someone say is your worst habit?

What is the one insecurity you are pretty sure has some basis in reality?

When was the last time you felt really insecure about the parts of yourself you pretend don’t exist?

What is the most interesting white lie you’ve told?

Do you ever feel like an imposter?

Do your friends know how competitive you are?

What’s the hardest thing about being rejected?

How do you deal when you know you’re being irrationally jealous?

How do you deal when you know someone’s not willing to give you what you want?

Are you ever afraid of people knowing who you really are?

If you went to a therapist today, what would they say is holding you back the most?

When was the last time you lowered your standards just to get someone else’s approval?

Is your need for revenge greater than your need for peace?

Have you stopped trying to control things yet?

Which parts of yourself do you still seek validation for?

How do you cope with being unfairly ignored?

Do you like punishing yourself for things that are out of your control?

What does someone say is your biggest problem when communicating?

Are you okay with not knowing what happens next?

Will you ever feel okay with being imperfect?

Does sabotaging yourself give you an odd sense of comfort?

How do you feel about being disliked by some people?

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done just to avoid failure?

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken just to prove yourself?

What’s the boldest thing you do every day, just to feel like you’re still in control?

What accusation would you defend yourself most fiercely against, even though you know it’s true?

What’s the most toxic thing about yourself you actually kind of secretly like?

How much do you enjoy being in control?

When do you give yourself permission to lose control?

What guilty pleasure are you currently justifying to yourself?

What is the most passive-aggressive way you’ve dealt with your rage?

What is the pettiest and most immature way you’ve avoided losing face?

What’s the worst habit you have that rewards you the most?

How do you get your needs met when you’re alone?

What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve done to please people?

What is the most ridiculous way you’ve rebelled?

What’s your favorite way to channel your aggression?

How do you cope with being betrayed?

Are you okay with disliking someone?

What is your favorite form of self-destruction?

What’s the one thing you struggle most to manifest in your life?

What’s the one thing that you manifest so easily, people are jealous of it?

What’s the most irrational reason you’ve ever had for disliking someone?

What is one fear that you’d be ashamed of your friends knowing about?

Which one of your deepest secrets do you think is the least common?

How do people normally find out you hate them?

What is your go-to strategy to deflect criticism, even constructive criticism?

What is one thing people always get wrong about you?

What emotion motivates you the most when you’re down?

What emotion makes you want to give up?

Are people shocked when you stand up for yourself?

How often do you say yes to the things you really want to say yes to?

How often do you say no to the things that make your skin crawl?

How far are you willing to go to maintain a relationship, even an unhealthy one?

What is the worst way someone’s ever abandoned you?

What is the worst way you’ve ever abandoned yourself?

How do you entertain yourself when you’re not around people?

Are you happier alone because you enjoy being alone or because you prefer it to being surrounded by horrible people?

What habit do you know you could quit but don’t want to?

What is your favorite strategy for avoiding difficult people?

What is your favorite strategy for avoiding conflict?

What is the weirdest thing that gets you angry?

What is the weirdest thing that makes you sad?

How often do you take responsibility for other people’s crappy behavior?

When are you most likely to shut people out?

Which insecurity would shock people if they knew about it?

What do you find yourself justifying to people, even when no justification is needed?

When was the last time you tried to please someone who made you angry?

What do people often tell you need to focus more on?

What do people often tell you need to focus less on?

What is the one thing that could make you happy, but you refuse to do it because you’re afraid of what others would think?

[lalamines]

"Oh, me? I was born here in the Empire but my mother and I moved to the Kingdom when I was quite young. It feels more like home to me, although..." Mercedes trails off for a moment, attention drifting outside to the beautiful coastline. Her old life felt almost centuries away sometimes and yet merely a hair's breadth away at others. She was happy in Faerghus, truly, in a way she never had been when she lived in House Bartels. Yet still there were many precious moments, beloved people left behind. "I must confess, I've been feeling a little nostalgic tonight. I think I've held more fond memories of this land than I realised."

Fingertips hover above the decadent spread laid out before them before plucking out some freshly ripe peaches. Mercedes places them carefully on her plate before adding some berries, perusing the pastries whilst she's at it. Her gaze turns to Panette, watching her expression to see if there's anything at the table that makes her eyes light up.

"Thank you for considering me charming. I'm truly flattered. Hmm, I think everyone has their own, unique charm." Her cheeks flush ever so slightly, just a hint of frosted pink. Mercedes thinks of her friends and classmates and finds herself fighting back a laugh at their antics. Her top lip curls as she gives in, first to a smile, then a good humoured chuckle. "Sometimes that charm is quite deliberate but I'm blessed to have made friends with many kind, good-humoured people. I hope you're just as lucky and find fast friends here in Fodlan, Panette."

"I know homesickness well first hand but you mustn't handle it alone. Very soon I'm sure you'll have just as many friends here in Fodlan as you do in Solm," Mercedes offers out the plate, now filled with pastries and cream cakes too. She peers at the plate, eyebrows shooting up in feigned surprise. "Oh dear, I'll never be able to finish this alone. Please, help yourself!"

"It sounds like the princess is a wonderful friend to you. I'd love to hear more about yourself and Solm, Panette. You deserve to feel right at home here in Fodlan too."

how about a twirl?

[lalamines]

may activity check; passed

total skill points: 40 -> 41 faith rank s (18) -> (19) - from monthly activity item acquired: charm bracelet weapon acquired: melon float

[lalamines]

"Oh, you're a knight? Under who's banner, may I inquire, sir?" She might have dropped the conversation had he simply given his name. And avoided scoffing at her. Whatever gratitude she felt towards him is quickly fading, chased away by annoyance. Crossing her hands delicately in her lap, she maintains her posture and composure in kind. At least, for the time being.

"You know, it would be polite to share your name too," she reminds him. Mercedes has given up on rowing the boat. Partly to spite the gentleman on board with her but she might be doing him a favour really. Her own rowing efforts were paltry, though not for lack of trying. He may look like a man of House Gautier but he certainly lacked Sylvain's easy charm. Or manners. Perhaps it really was just a coincidence after all. Though she has to wonder why he's so keen to avoid sharing his name, unless said name is a burden. Mercedes sighs to herself. "I simply wished to offer my thanks to your lord. That he might know who's kindness I so relied on this evening."

Her words are chosen with great care. Mercedes usually feels relaxed around others, even strangers. The gruff, taciturn man had her scrambling for something to say and cautious to not say the wrong thing lest it provoke his temper. Normally an adept socialite, she finds herself struggling to put either of them at ease.

Then he rips the oar from her hands in a move that was far more aggressive than necessary. Then he has the nerve to demand her charm. If he'd simply asked for both, she would have been all too happy to provide. His actions feel pointed, more than just a simple lack of manners but deliberate disrespect. Disrespect she's not inclined to tolerate. Her brow furrows, eyes narrowing for just a moment before the expression is replaced by a sickly sweet smile. Mercedes leaned back in her seat, making herself more than comfortable whilst keeping her bracelet far out of his boorish reach.

"Tsk tsk, I think you're forgetting something, sir," she exaggerates the final word slightly as if casting doubt that a man such as him could be a knight. Arms fold across her chest as she raises an eyebrow in challenge. "Say please."

@duchaisruin

don't make small talk with anchors

toa etheral ball 2025 ◈ entertainment - row boat | lalamines (mini)

[lalamines]

Winding the scarf a little closer to her face, Mercedes fishes out her coins and pays for the skates. The evening sun begins to set, casting the sky in hues of rose and tangerine. Frost swirls around with every breath she takes as she sits upon a stone bench, trying to fasten the blades to her snow boots before she steps out on to the ice. It's quieter now than it was during the height of the day; chillier but there's less people around to notice if she falls flat on her face.

Though she isn't totally alone. Mercedes watches the woman by the pond, violet hair fluttering in the winter breeze. Tall, slender, dressed not so much for the weather but to rather to enhance her beauty. Mercedes smiles to herself, only a fellow mage would care so little for practicality. Wouldn't worry about the icy winds, capable of holding them at bay with words rather than furs.

The woman watches out over the pond, Mercedes imagines wistfully, though she can't be sure of that. The only things she's truly certain of is that the woman is alone. Her steps are tentative over the snow - blades now attached she can hardly afford to dash, but she makes her way over to the proprietor and purchases a second pair of blades. Then, like a fawn unsure of it's own legs, she meanders carefully through the snow.

"Good evening, I'm Mercedes. It's a pleasure to meet you," she offers her free hand to shake, taking in the arch of the woman's brow, the expert sweep of shadow and lipstick. They serve to exalt and already blessed face. The mark of a woman confident in her appearance, assured of it. "I bought an extra pair of skates by mistake," a lie. Not even a good one, either. If the woman had turned even once whilst she trotted awkwardly across the snow, she'd know the truth. "Would you like to join me on the ice? I imagine it'll be even more fun with a partner."

@excalitress

dancing on ice: beautiful mage edition

A sudden cold front has frozen the pond solid. Faculty try their best to keep students away out of concern for safety, but there’s so much to do and simply not enough staff to go around that before long, the ice surface goes unmanned. An industrious shopkeep has been selling blades on the sly, claiming you attach them to your boots, that you might glide over smooth surfaces with all the grace of a swan… Just remember, there’s no shame in falling so long as you get back up to try again!

[lalamines]

Arms already strained from carrying bags filled with baking ingredients, Mercedes steps in to the curio shop with purpose. Dust floated in the air, dancing upon the sunbeam revealed as she opens the door. The store is dimly lit, the only light sources being floating candles, emitting a rainbow of colours that paint the shop in hazy, dreamlike watercolours. Artifacts hum with magical energy as her eyes roam the shelves. Viscount Menja's line were known for their sorcery; hopefully she could find something unique here. Or at least something more interesting than gold and finery.

Mercedes finds something far more precious though. Ignoring the shelves stocked with trinkets and magical amplifiers, she rushes over to a young blonde woman, heart hammering in her chest.

"Constance? Is it really you?" Mercedes whispers tentatively, as though speaking too loudly would break the spell and make her disappear. "It's been such a long time. Goodness, it does my heart good just to see you again."

"Oh, are you shopping too? Are you looking for anything in particular? Perhaps we could put our heads together? If you don't mind a nosy old friend's intrusion, of course!"

@sorceryincarnate

a little retail therapy is good for the soul

The Ethereal Ball is on the horizon! Although the monastery’s reconstruction efforts have been steady, some put into question if it’s really in resplendent enough condition to host such an event. The normally quiet Viscount Menja of the Adrestian Empire has graciously offered to host the Ball instead this year, claiming his viscounty’s waters and fleet will make a grand venue despite the break in tradition. For the price of admission, all he asks is that all guests prepare a present each for his heir’s birthday. He’s given no restrictions, but every gift shall be checked before entering Menja territory. With only a few weeks away, all of Garreg Mach is now in a frenzy. What IS the perfect birthday gift, and do YOU have yours ready?  

[lalamines]

[ CARRIAGE LINE ] 

Lene waits anxiously to be taken to the ball. She wasn't exactly used to a carriage, being a commoner and all, but it would have to do. There was also the whole deal of being nervous about the ball itself. 

She turns to the group while waiting. There was a decent number of others who were seeking out a valet. No familiar faces abounded. Well, that was just the time to pull out the socialite in herself and make some friends. Green eyes scan the crowd.

"Oh, I think I've seen you around before," Lene proclaims. "I'm Lene, by the way!"

Wow, the shape of her dress was so pretty. She had a really nice energy, too. Sort of soft and soothing. "Do you want to stick together until we get to the ball? Only if you want to!" Lene pauses for a moment. "What do you think the ball is going to be like?"

((SUPER sorry I never got a notification and only found this bc I got a different ask today!!!))

"Oh, good evening! I think I've seen you around too! I'm thrilled to finally make your acquaintance," her hands reach out, clasping the other woman's lightly enough that the green-eyed beauty could easily step away if she chose. It takes Mercedes a moment or two to recall her name - she makes a point of knowing the faces of her classmates well enough to greet them. To make sure no one feels invisible at Garreg Mach. But there are plenty of exchange students around and even once she recalls the lady's name, she hesitates slightly. "It's Lee- ah, Lene, am I correct? I was admiring your gown earlier in the crowd."

"Oh, I'm Mercedes by the way! I'd be grateful for the company, truly. It's been lonely, we can share a carriage," Mercedes offers her arm to help her companion up. Their carriage is small but plenty cozy with plush, crimson seating. "There's no need to run from me once we arrive though. I'd be delighted to share a dance or grab a bite to eat before we part ways."

"Would you like to trade charms whilst we travel? Hmm, the ball is an Adrestia so I expect it to be busy and rather grand. Though we are by the sea - I've always found the sounds of the ocean comforting. I'm rather excited, are you?"

[lalamines]

Mercedes spotted her across the room, golden hair shining in the light of the chandeliers. Just the person she was looking for! It's been a long evening and whilst Mercedes had enjoyed herself there was only thing on her mind. Demolishing the buffet table. Similarly, there was only one person she trusted to match her enthusiasm for the refreshments on offer.

"Ingrid! You're positively glowing tonight," Mercedes linked their arms together casually, loose enough for Ingrid to extricate herself if she wished to. Smiling brightly, she raised her spare arm to point to the buffet tables. "I've decided upon a birthday wish! There's an absolute feast over there that has our names written all over it. Oh, I can't wait to sample each and every sweet! Oh, but there's savoury options too, if you prefer."

Her excitement was palpable, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. Mercedes allowed herself to let out a single, quiet but delighted squeal as she imagined how decadent the crumb of the cake might be, or perhaps how heavenly the fluffy crepes would be to bite into.

"Do you think anyone would mind if I filled a tea cup at the chocolate fountain?"

it's my birthday i get to drink straight from the chocolate fountain

mini ball starter for @burningquake

[lalamines]

Happy birthday to Mercedes!

[lalamines]

continued from here! | toaball2025

"Panette... that's such a lovely name," it is even sweet on her tongue as she gratefully accepts the charm. Fiddling with the metal bracelet at her wrist, she procures one of her own to offer in return. As she stands, she finds herself idly twirling and swishing the skirts of her dress. Mercedes face glows, clearly flattered by the young lady's compliments. "Our charms match, how cute! Thank you for trading with me."

"Solm, that's.... rather far away, isn't it?" Mercedes hopes speaking of home doesn't make the woman homesick. Having never left Fodlan, it was hard to imagine the resolve and courage it would take to set out on such a journey alone. How bold and adventurous Panette must be! Questions immediately spring to mind about her new friend's homeland - most notably queries about the fashion and cuisine of the region! "Is this traditional dress in Solm? It seems expertly tailored, is everyone at home this fashionable or is it just you, Panette?"

As she awaits an answer, the buffet table catches Mercedes eye. Her own stomach growls, rather more loudly than she'd like. With a bright laugh, she offers an arm to link with Panette's.

"It seems I've worked up an appetite. Care to grab a bite with me? Can't tear up the dancefloor on an empty stomach!"

@classybrawler

how about a twirl?

[lalamines]

🎲 Surprise me

kiss meme: accepting

41. A kiss out of spite (damn the rng gods know what they're after!!!)

(tw: blood and depictions of injury. nothing insanely graphic but if it makes you uncomfortable best not risk it!)

Mercedes makes her way to the infirmary, limbs weary and aching still. Battle may be over but her work had only just begun. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she makes her way to the washbasin near the door, scrubbing away the dirt and dried blood left on her hands.

Warfare was truly the most rotten work.

A kindly cleric catches her eye, offering a grateful, exhausted smile. All hands on deck. She follows, ushered along to whichever patient needed her care the most at that moment. Led along to their bedside, Mercedes' tired but warm smile falters for just a moment. Falls from her face, replaced by icy indifference at best.

Of course it would be him. Of course it would be her.

Inscrutable as always, she finds Miklan's expression unreadable. Surprise, perhaps, or more likely distrust colours his otherwise pale face. His reactions are sluggish, slowed by something beyond simple exhaustion. Mercedes puts her gloves on, rolls her sleeves up and prepares to examine him, fingertips hovering over the buttons of his bloodied shirt. He opens his mouth to speak and she shuts him up with a withering glare.

"Don't worry, I'm not here because I'm secretly in love with you," her lip curls as she pronounces the last syllable, contempt unmasked and bared for the world to see. Mercedes laughs but there's no humour in it, then she continues her work dispassionately, pulling the shirt from his broad chest as she prepares to clean and sterilise the wounds. "I'm here because I'm not like you. Not at all."

"Right now I don't care who you are or what you've done. You get the same treatment as everyone else, whether you deserve it or not." Mercedes plucks out a cotton swab, dousing it in rubbing alcohol. She starts dabbing around the deepest laceration, cleaning away the blood and grime in order to fend off infection. Miklan winces beneath her and maybe she isn't being completely honest with herself. She does not offer him the platitudes and comfort she would her other patients. But she dutifully cleans his wounds regardless. It's more than most would offer him. How incredibly lonely, Mercedes thinks to herself, but before she can truly pity him, she reminds herself that actions have consequences. And she could no more compel him to make better choices than he could shatter her morals and make her turn away from someone in need.

Even if she could hardly stand to look at him. In spite of the disdain evident in her every word and glance towards him. She's here to help, not harm.

"Luckily, your injuries are mostly superficial. This here though," she points to the open wound at his side, likely caused by some form of bladed weapon slipping between the plates of his armour, "is going to need stitches. Even with the numbing ointment, it won't be pleasant."

Mercedes kneels by his bedside, anaesthetising the area before carefully bringing skin back to skin and securing it in place with a needle and thread. Not unlike the way she used to stitch together Emile's dolls, or how she darns the holes in Annette's sleeves for her. A once gentle act now brutal in it's necessity. To his credit, Miklan doesn't move an inch, though she hears how sharply he inhales as she works. Her hand moves swiftly, with deft precision, to make the process as pain free as possible.

"There, that should do. I'm sure you know the drill. No strenuous exercise until you get the all clear. I'd rather not have to sew you back together again," Mercedes says, brushing down her skirt. Reaching for the bandages, she motions for him to sit up. "Try to avoid touching these when you can. Someone will be round to change them when necessary."

"If you need anything, there's a bell by your bedside. Do try to be polite to the infirmary staff. They're in charge of your comfort, after all."

Periwinkle eyes watch his face as she stands to leave. There are other patients and she'd rather not linger with him overlong. But she goes through the motions, tucking him into the bed despite his protests. Or perhaps because of them.

"It's in your best interests." Mercedes tells him cooly, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She speaks to him softly, voice saccharine as the smile that doesn't reach her eyes, the way one would address a particularly petulant young child. "You simply must rest. I'm afraid the more you fight it the longer you'll be here."

Then she surprises herself, stepping forward and pushing the hair out of his eyes. Mercedes bends down, pressing a soft, swift kiss to his forehead before pulling away. Not a gesture of affection but one laced with sarcasm and the slightest touch of venom as amusement dances in her eyes. It's belittling, reminding him of his current predicament. Vulnerable as a kitten, under her care. Her usual kindly smile is replaced with a smirk, revelling in the opportunity to make him squirm without even raising her voice.

"Do get well soon, won't you, Miklan? Someone may need that bed."

[lalamines]

[ ROW BOAT ] - alt. entertainment

Gentle sea air glided against Miklan's armour, caressing his cheeks with cool tingles as the brigand waited at the docks. Seas were never peaceful beings. Endless spans of dark murky void, littered with chunks of ice and a rumoured corpse or two (depending on who you asked). The waters of Faerghus were Sreng's favourite way to circle around Gautier. A younger him was proud to man the port and the knights to challenge the raider's navies and the harsh winters.

The attendants drew out the paddles and glided the boat across the waters to the port where he stood. He took a step forward. Exploring the sea not to find enemy ambushes or buckets of dinner to bring home, it's foreign to Miklan. Doing it alone? Maybe he was a little excited. Just a little.

"Wait—wait! Oh thank goodness—Miss, right this way! There's a boat for you to board!"

As if the Goddess herself heard his thoughts, she was ready to smite them. Irritation or disappointment, he didn't know what dropped down to his gut first. It hardly matter, anyways. Not looking behind to greet the intruder, he slammed a heel down and boarded the boat first.

It was a beautiful evening, that much was undeniable. Yet every step upon the southern shores of Adrestia made her wistful, longing to return home. Not to Faerghus, or house Bartels, but a place and time too nebulous to describe in words. Mercedes made her way to the row boats near the dock, the rippling waves had long held the ability to set her mind at ease. She smiled gratefully at the attendant, only just managing to step on the boat before it tears out of the docks. Careening forward, she falls into the solid back of the redhaired gentleman ahead of her.

(Okay, perhaps gentleman was a touch generous, given his behaviour.)

Rubbing her now sore cheek, Mercedes sat back, taking hold of the second oar and began to paddle. Her attempts were, in all honesty, pathetic compared to the vigour of the man sat in front of her. Yet it would be presumptuous and grossly unfair of her to let him do all the work.

"Sorry about that," she means the fall, of course, even if it wasn't entirely her fault. Though more than that, she gets the impression she isn't the only person looking for a moment of peace and calm, either. It was, however, far too late for her to get off and look for another boat. Even this far south, the water's below were frigid and murky. "I'm not the best at this but I can take instruction. I'd rather not hold you back."

Then she hesitates - it's obvious he isn't one for conversation. For once, she's not too thrilled about the idea of a long, casual chat either. But it would be worse to be cold and impolite, Mercedes tells herself.

"I'm Mercedes, by the way," and she imagines she could guess his name. It could be a mere coincidence, this tall stranger, with vivid red hair, so much like Sylvain's. Not to mention being built so much like her classes newest strategy instructor. It could be a coincidence, though Mercedes finds herself assuming this is the eldest son of House Gautier. But family is complicated, and from what she's heard, neither man would appreciate the comparison. So she bites her tongue, pretends to have no idea who she's speaking with, sharing a small row boat in the southern seas with."Thank you. You could have sped off without me."

It would have been all too easy to leave her behind on the docks. Not even as an act of cruelty, but simply for one's own peace. She settles in quietly, trying (and sadly failing) to keep pace with Miklan. He may not be perfectly polite, but a more callous, less patient man would have let her fall into the sea at the docks. Maybe it was a small kindness, to let her ride with him in near silence, but it was one she intended to pay back nonetheless. Despite the aching strain building in her arms.

[lalamines]

list of engagements

there's a spring in mercedes step as she steps onto the sands, taking in the marvellous sight before her. the orchestra's music drifts her way, singing just above the crashing of waves as she finds her breath taken by the rich, painted clouds that begin to set. her skirt swings around her ankles and the anchor charm around her wrist matches it's motion as she heads towards the dancefloor.

what a wonderful evening tonight will be!

charm tracker: seashell: nel starfish: lene anchor: panette turtle: constance pearl: dorothea outfit below!

[lalamines]

kiss roulette

inspired by the infamous "i want the k" meme by deactivated tumblr user tastcful. send 🎲 to generate a kiss! potential suggestive/nsf.w themes may appear

A kiss on the cheek

A kiss on the nose

A kiss on the forehead

A kiss to the top of the head

A firm kiss

A gentle peck

A romantic kiss

A platonic kiss

A kiss to the eyelid

A kiss along the jawline

A kiss to the neck

A kiss along the collar bone

A kiss on the chest

A kiss to the stomach

A kiss along the hips

A kiss in the rain

An upside-down "Spider-Man" kiss

A kiss while laughing

A kiss underwater

A rough kiss

WILDCARD! Dealer's choice :)

A french kiss/kiss with tongue

A kiss influenced by alcohol/other substances

A sleepy kiss

A kiss that's an accident

A kiss while one or both parties are crying

A kiss in greeting

A kiss in parting

A kiss to the back of the hand

A kiss to the palm of the hand

A kiss to the inner thigh

A kiss while someone watches

A kiss to a scar, birthmark, injury, or other marking

A kiss after a bite

A kiss against a wall

A kiss to the shoulder

A kiss to the back of the neck

A kiss while one party is carried

A tentative kiss

An impulsive kiss

A kiss out of spite

A clumsy kiss

A bloody kiss