lanceofleonster

[lanceofleonster]

Finn merely nodded at Leif's order, knowing better than to make any extra noise. In truth, he had much to say to the prince, but Leif's assessment of the situation was correct. 

Finn quickly glanced around to make his own. Large creatures roamed high above, searching for any sign of them. A different man would have laughed at how practiced the pair had become at traversing this situation. Finn instead met it with a grim resolve. 

"We've fought many enemies at height. If we are to think of these dolls and trinkets as the mountains of Thracia and those beings as the wyverns who call them home…" his sentence trailed off as Finn found what he was looking for. With a quick dash, he finds a pin of some sort. Accessory for statue or elemental he knows not, but it hardly matters.

He then assessed the layout of the case itself. The wares seem to get more crowded the closer to the front they go. The better to show them off, but also the more tools available to them. Quickly he returned to his liege's side.

"...Then we know from experience that we need all that we can get our hands on." He motioned towards the front. "At this size, strings and rings would make do for climbing gear."

escape!!!

[lanceofleonster]

[ Wish ] - Off to the side there is a lonely well. Perhaps if you toss in a coin and keep it company for a moment, it will grant you a wish? 

Even after everything that happened, the intense sadness she feels missing Quan, the mistakes she made with Raven, a smile still finds its way across her face when she sees Finn. She spots him by the wishing well and comes up beside him, linking her arm through his. She's calmed down a bit and sobered up considerably, thankfully. She'd had for him to have seen her as upset as she had been earlier.

"Hey." Ethlyn produces two Fódlan gold coins and hands one to the knight. "Maybe if we wish together, he'll find us again."

Finn gave the smallest of smiles when Ethlyn’s arm wrapped around his. His neutral expression came back when she mentioned his liege though. 

“Truthfully, he has been on my mind tonight as well.” He takes a coin gratefully, shifting it in his hand to feel the weight. “No matter how festive the events…” he trailed off, unable to find the proper words to express what he felt. He doubted Ethlyn needed his explanation to understand though.

So he pulled her arm close, a replacement for a man they would both have given so much to see tonight. He finally moved the coin to the end of his thumb, ready to flip it into the well’s darkness when she did. “I can only hope you are correct. Together, then.”

[lanceofleonster]

Finn had to resist the urge to wipe Leif’s face with his cape as he ate the pastry. Those days were dear to him too, as much for the safety of it all as the family. Moments where Leif could be a child getting sugar all over his face, as much as the physical act itself. Come to think of it, it was Leif’s desire to protect Fiana and save this family that started what would become the liberation and unification of Thracia… 

Leif still had not seen much of the world at that time. Finn thought he himself had, but looking about himself he saw that there was still as much for him to learn as Leif. He still didn’t, no couldn’t, feel totally at ease in a place like this. Seeing Leif enjoy himself here, despite that though? It made him realize that now that they weren't fighting... things could be different.

There wasn’t a chance that Finn would have allowed Leif to remain with that sugar on his face in such a grand ballroom before. But at the prince’s question, Finn simply took a bite of a pastry himself, allowing some of the crumbs to remain on his own face before answering.

“Of course, Lord Leif. I wish for that as well.”

@lanceofleonster:

"Lord Leif, you needn't go through such troubles for me." Finn gave a wary look towards the rodents. He had been avoiding them for most of the night, though why he wasn't sure himself. Habit, perhaps, to avoid anything to do with capture. "To be so reckless in trying their food, I-"

Then his stomach growled. Perhaps not for the first time that night, but Finn rarely noticed when it happened. Leif's request brought attention to it, however, and it certainly caught the attention of a passing server, who offered a platter full of pastries to the pair. 

Finn looked between Leif and the rat, before graciously accepting the proffered food. As the server scurried away, Finn tried his best not to sigh. When he met the prince's warm eyes though, his stoic demeanor softened.

"Of course I will eat this, since you've asked it of me. But if I may be so selfish, my lord…" he offered one of the baked goods to Leif. "What I regret most of those times is not going hungry, but that we could not break bread together. If you'd indulge me, we may rectify that." [ 🍴 ]

       He knew it! Finn was hungry! Or, rather, he didn't know that at all, but it confirmed Leif's desire to see the man fed nevertheless knowing that Finn could grow hungry. If this was how it was now, how bad was it back in those days of his early childhood when there was a much greater, more dire need for it?

The timing of the server is fortuitous, and Leif watches expectantly, silently urging Finn further. It is only when Finn takes the platter that Leif is glad, though...

“ I wanted that too, ”  Leif replies to Finn's wish head-on. He takes the pastry, taking a big bite out of it as a showing of his statement. Confectioner's sugar gets all over his face in the process, but he doesn't pay it any mind as he continues to speak.

“ I didn't really care about eating. Not until we got to Fiana, ”  he begins to weave his tapestry of memories between bites of fluffy, warm dessert.  “ Everyone there ate together with their families and friends. I hadn't seen anything like it. ” 

Loud, rambunctious times come to the forefront of his mind. It is like he can hear Osian's and Tanya's spats even now... The tender way Eyvel looked after Mareeta... How everyone invited Leif into their fold, no matter his surly demeanor.

Summers in Thracia could get warm, but nothing felt warmer than the atmosphere at those times when neighbors would come together and share what food they were able to scrounge up. It was far from a splendid banquet, but the mere act of sharing even a single orange between several hands felt fulfilling.

“ We should eat together with Nanna sometime. All of us. ”

Splitting food like this, would it make the three of them feel more like a real family? Would it bring a smile to Finn's face, one that had spent so long after Leonster's Fall without even being able to cry?

“ You got that, Finn? ”

[lanceofleonster]

"...Father, your hand?" She thought of all the bells and whistles that came with a ball of such extravagance, but after combing through every choice nothing seemed good enough. So, she offered up her hand, lightning searing up and down it, in hopes that he would take it. "Are you having a good time?"

Finn glanced around the room before commenting. “If you are then… yes, I suppose I am. It can be nice to have such breaks. Even if it's against my will.” he looked from Nanna’s hand to his own, a blue energy swirling around it as a river moved through a stream. He reached to take hers, watching the lighting streak through the energy as flowers on their wreaths bloomed. “What would make my time better is spending some of it with you.”

[lanceofleonster]

“ Oh, Finn! So you're stuck here too. ” Leif runs up to his knight, noticing him although he had to weave between the crowds to get to him. “ Look at how much food these rats can make. You could feed all of Fiana like this for weeks, I bet. ”

Little (or rather big now, he supposes, compared to all of them?) rats go to and fro, platters of fine delicacies and even finer drinks offered to the various partygoers.

“ Finn, you should have some. I've tried it already, so it's fine. ” Not poisoned at least, anyway. “ I've always wanted you to eat more ever since I found out you gave up your meals for me. ”

It wouldn't be able to make up for those times he starved, as it could never undo the past, but…

“ So you will, won't you? ”

"Lord Leif, you needn't go through such troubles for me." Finn gave a wary look towards the rodents. He had been avoiding them for most of the night, though why he wasn't sure himself. Habit, perhaps, to avoid anything to do with capture. "To be so reckless in trying their food, I-"

Then his stomach growled. Perhaps not for the first time that night, but Finn rarely noticed when it happened. Leif's request brought attention to it, however, and it certainly caught the attention of a passing server, who offered a platter full of pastries to the pair. 

Finn looked between Leif and the rat, before graciously accepting the proffered food. As the server scurried away, Finn tried his best not to sigh. When he met the prince's warm eyes though, his stoic demeanor softened.

"Of course I will eat this, since you've asked it of me. But if I may be so selfish, my lord…" he offered one of the baked goods to Leif. "What I regret most of those times is not going hungry, but that we could not break bread together. If you'd indulge me, we may rectify that."

[lanceofleonster]

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

The music from the cricket band reaches Altena's ears and she is filled with the warmth of nostalgia. It isn't a full memory but the bits and pieces she can recall bring a smile to her face.

Where, normally, she might have avoided Finn and the strong link he represents toward her biological family, something about the evening emboldens her and she finds herself approaching him.

"I remember this song. My mother humming it. I stood on your toes." She hums thoughtfully before giving a sheepish smile. "I'm afraid I never learned the steps for real."

((saw you were bolded now and had to throw some feelings at you))

Finn is pulled from a trance as Altena approaches him. The tune hadn't escaped his ears either, but his nostalgia was tinged with the sorrow of lives long lost. 

"You did, but the only thing wounded was your pride." Finn smiles as warmly as he can. "Your mother brought this song with her to Leonster… you insisted I be your partner to learn it, though I had hardly heard it myself before."

Finn stared past Altena towards the pairs moving across the dance floor, his own feet tracing steps he had not taken in ages. Seeing a gap in the crowd, he offers his hand towards the young woman.

"Though I have not danced in years, I would love to teach you this one. If you wish it, of course."

[lanceofleonster]

𝑨 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒍𝒆.

It was by a miracle that she should find herself anew in Fodlan's sands, far from native Jugdral but, nevertheless, blessed with breath when dunes should have drowned her with granulated quartz and a myriad of blessed minerals ~~~~ desert torrents.

It was by, perhaps, the benevolence of some higher creature ~~~~ Naga, perished Crusaders, she knew not ~~~~ that she should have no obligation to sand or its poetic symbols: quartz, heat, cracked terrain; such no longer plagued a wounded heart. That, instead, she is deemed like water ~~~~ mischievous and merry-seeking, invigorating, a far cry from the parchedness of sand.

It was, then, perhaps the mischief of Lady-Elemental Water that she is plucked and then placed elsewhere ( or, she believes herself placed elsewhere by higher hands ), and that she should collide with another soul ( of her same element, no less ) and witness the flourish of mists and creek-like mystical essence swirl around the vine at her nape is but a testament to the existence of fate.

" Oh, why how dare- ! " She swirls atop tapered heel, words aflame, ( despite her element ) nocked and ready to be loosed by her tongue. Only, she draws back no metaphorical bowstring; instead, the string is snapped and severed altogether by bewilderment's blade.

" Finn ?! "

( 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 ! )

Lost in the majesty of the ballroom he had been sent to, Finn wandered around the premises in a dance of his own. He looked at all the faces, many still unfamiliar to him, saw many who were having fun (and some who were not), but all here the same as him.

All with these strange marks.

He had been told his meant water, but what that meant for him he hardly understood. A patron of pranks, but caring nonetheless. He had met a few like that in his time but they always chafed against his stricter attitude.

It was this attitude that had him evading a group of rodents intent on dragging him to a boutique - full of sparrows no less - and distracted him enough to bump into someone.

Immediately he recognized her, even before she turned around. In fact, her back was the image seared into his mind for years, watching her leave to find her child, leaving him to care for her other.

"Lachesis?"

He immediately bowed, muttering out an apology over his suddenly weighted tongue. "Lady Lachesis, it is a pleasure to see you." He remained in a bow, avoiding her gaze should it prove to be furious, or worse, as sad as Selphina had told him it was at their separation. "I hope that…the ball has been treating you well."

[lanceofleonster]

[Sparkling Water]: Among the oddities of the ball, one of things that caught Niamh off guard was the water. Something had changed to provide...a fizzy factor to the beverage? What was the cause? Looking to and fro, she spots another partaking in the beverage, and, after approaching the stranger, asks a quiet; "...have you had this drink before?"

Finn had been simply watching the other guests when a quiet voice got his attention. Gazing down at the untouched beverage in his hand, he responded. "No, never. I assumed we had been given boiling water as a joke, but it's cool to the touch."

He sighed, motioning with his glass to the kitchen. "I asked for normal water, but they insisted I have something 'more fun. Water's treat.' They added some odd syrup too."

"Where are my manners though?" He outstretched his free hand. "I'm Finn, knight of Leonster. May I have the pleasure of your name?"

[lanceofleonster]

Not yet a queen, no longer a child.

These words repeated in Finn's mind as he spoke to her. He knew that Nanna had grown over the course of the war, but the woman he saw in front of him had grown further still. So much so that she called him young… the lines of worry on his face, deep from his many years of watching over her and Leif, seemed to lift seeing her like this. Laughing, hugging him tightly, almost tight enough to take his breath away.

"Nanna… ah… I missed you too." He gave her as tight a hug as he would allow himself, protecting her with his arms as much as he returned her affection. "I am glad to see you safe in this place. As for Thracia, I am… ashamed to admit I left before I saw the work come to fruition. Someone… needed my help."

To see Nanna so changed reminded him so much of her mother. Finn tightened his grip as he thought about her, leaving into the desert. Just as he had done before finding himself here, he supposed. To find someone, to find himself. Here he is though, finding the girl he raised who he thought he left behind. "Though I am now here to help you."

Cast In Gold and Missing You { Finn & Nanna

[lanceofleonster]

Finn stood motionless amidst the dolls, a skill honed over many years of training… and hiding, which was how he was using it now. Strange beings, not of flesh but of wind and stone, seemed to wander the area beyond the glass that trapped them there. His mind raced, trying to figure out where precisely he had been sent.

Suddenly, a hand brushes against him.

He turns to see this possible assailant, preparing for the worst. When he saw the person's face, though, Finn realized that it was the same hand which had tugged at his cape for many years… and the owner had called his name many times back then too.

"Lord Leif! Why are you here?" Finn's brow furrowed in worry. "I had hoped we could reunite in safer circumstances… but it seems no matter where we are, trouble follows."

Before he could say any more, a creaking sound reverberated through the area, rattling Finn's teeth as the glass was moved aside and an earthen fist reached into their containment, grasping for some of the dolls that surrounded them. He quickly crouched behind one, and motioned for Leif to do the same. “I am glad to see you unharmed, nonetheless.”

escape!!!

[lanceofleonster]

Finn’s stoic nature wavered upon hearing his lord’s name. He had served Leif for so long, but in his heart it was still Quan’s dream that he sought to fulfill. To be honest, this was all he had ever wanted to hear, and to hear it from the woman who knew Quan’s heart better than anyone?

“My lady…” 

A single tear rolled down his cheek, but he kept his composure otherwise. Quan was his lord, but Ethlyn had also lost her children. “Your kindness was always stunning in its brilliance. But know that it was your own Light Brand that saw us through many troubles. To see how much your son took after you… I agree, I wish Quan were here to see it.”

In his moment of reminiscence, Finn’s nose scrunched. “I was not so tall when Lord Leif grew out of his own diapers. Those were moments that I wished you were there for… perhaps for a few reasons.”

Picking Your Kid Up From the Babysitter 18 Years Later

Continued with @lanceofleonster

Finn says her presence is enough but Ethlyn knows that can't be true. How could it be? Everything that happened, all of the choices she made, completely changed the course of his life. It was her fault he was left raising her son.

He cared for Leif, helped him grow into the incredible man she's able to know today. He recognized her daughter and helped bring her back to her family. She owes him everything but he asks for nothing.

"It's so strange. Leif was still just a baby. We'd only just gotten Tena out of diapers. And you...you were not nearly this tall." He must be older than her now, too while her kids are almost her own age. Strange and almost unbelievable. "I only wish Quan were here as well. I know he'd be just as proud of all three of you as I am."

[lanceofleonster]

She really shouldn't be so surprised to see Finn here. Leif is here, after all. And Nanna too. Perhaps it should be weirder that he had not been in Fódlan all along. But she still freezes when she sees the knight at the head of the Golden Deer classroom.

Her feelings swirl into complicated patterns whenever she finds herself near him. She knows how strong his loyalty runs toward her parents and her brother. It had been his recognition that brought her to learn where she came from and who brought her into this world.

And each time she sees him, fuzzy memories prick at the corners of her brain. Tugging on the hem of a blue woolen coat, a large hand wrapped around hers, laughter and warmth. It isn't much but she remembers him.

But her heart is as torn as her beloved Thracia. Two halves she doesn't know exactly how to fit together yet. Two families with nothing in common exact her.

And so she is awkward around him. She was awkward during the war, avoiding him when she could. And she is awkward now. A hand runs through her hair and she avoids contact with his eyes. "Finn. It's been awhile."

"It certainly has, my lady." Finn quickly turned all of his attention from the class supplies, ignoring her awkwardness. "When I saw your name upon the house roster I hardly dared believe it!"

Though unerring, and contrasted by his ever stiff posture, Finn's gaze was soft as he remembered a time where he searched a room in Leonster castle for a much younger Altena, pretending not to hear her stifled giggles behind a chair. 

"I'm glad to find you here, even if once again by accident. I hope not to lose sight of you again."

As the daydream passed though, Finn remembered that the Altena in front of him was not the one who had gone to the Aed desert in her mother's arms. No, far from it. So instead of a game, he offered that which he knew how to give. "If you wish it to be so, of course. Though I'm a faculty here, I am still a knight of Leonster. My lance is yours."

[lanceofleonster]

When she sees him, Ethlyn drops everything and runs full sprint to pull him into her arms. He's older. Sadder in the eyes. But she knows the second she sees the man's face that this is Finn. He was her husband's squire but he was always so much more than that. He's family.

"Finn!" She laughs and tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "It's really you! I knew you'd find your way here eventually! Leif's told me everything. Everything you've helped him with, everything you've done."

There's so much to say. Too much to say. She doesn't even know where to start or what to feel. Maybe it doesn't matter. She hugs him tighter before looking up at him and reaches up toward his face.

"Thank you. For everything. I owe you so much."

As the young woman ambushed him, Finn could find nothing to say. No response to her tears of joy could express the mixture of confusion, guilt and joy that this moment brought him. Memories of his training rushed to meet him as quickly as he was pulled into a hug, of happier times than he had known for what felt like forever.

True, he had planned on what to say when next they met, after he set off for the desert. But those words were for a sandy corpse, and the Ethlyn in front of him was alive, and as lively as the day he last saw her.

"I could never hold you in debt, Lady Ethlyn." Finn wrapped an arm back around her. Had she always needed to reach so high to his face? "To see you safe, and know that Lord Leif has his mother again… you have repaid my service tenfold."