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"I hadn't expected to see you here."

Despite their room arrangements, Ishtar's knowledge of the woman is still rather minimal. She offers a friendly (albeit small) smile, taking in the other's familiar appearance. What doesn't surprise her, however, is that Flora had elected to don the same foreign maid's uniform that Ishtar only ever seemed to see her in. Had she known to anticipate her attendance, she would have been happy to offer one of the few dresses she had collected since taking up residence in Abyss.

But that cannot be helped now, so instead Ishtar retrieves a pearl from her string and extends it in her open palm. An offer.

A token of friendship, she thinks to call it, but her tongue dries on the words. "If you find the time," she manages instead, "I would quite like to take a walk through the gardens before the night's end and... I would appreciate the company."

She catches Flora during a short moment of reprieve, the maid lacking a tray or dishes in hand to block her view from Ishtar. One of the Abyss' students...as it turns out, the precise one that Flora was rooming with for the month. Against the peculiar plans of assigning students with (partial) instructor, Flora feels relief seeing Ishtar's purple hair flowing through the ballroom.

"Lady Ishtar, it is a joy to see you tonight. As for myself...living in service for the students is my current destiny...for you, included."

Flora pauses when Ishtar extends a hand containing a pearl from her own brooch. This...is still part of the exchange activity for the night that the brown-haired boy mentioned, correct? If so, why does she not say anything about it...?

"Please accept an equivalent exchange, my lady," Flora's hands work fast to separate a pearl from her own string. Hers is clearer, yet smaller than Ishtar's own, a feature she can now observe when Flora picks up the offer and returns her own.

Time is short, and many students remain to serve...though Flora takes the time to hear the other's request. Ishtar fronts it as fine if time is little...but Flora could never prioritize a want from a close superior behind other tasks.

"The gardens? Very well then," a soft smile escapes Flora's lips, the maid having something to truly look forward to once her service is complete. "Only if you are fine with accepting a servant’s company. I will make sure to have time later in the evening."

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[Water ] - The liquid of life, the quencher of thirst. Served in crystalline glasses. And what’s more dramatic than throwing water at someone’s face!

"Here darling, do enjoy yourself." Camilla gives a warm smile to the ice maid as she hands her a glass of water.

Flora has been serving refreshments to guests for quite some time, but she finally takes a "break" when catching sight of...her.

She wants to scream. She wants to shout and release a storm within this very ballroom. No, none of that is right...Flora just wants to run away.

How did they track me here?!

It isn't impossible, Flora realized this after running into both her former lord and Odin earlier upon her arrival. Yet the Nohrian royals are...new to see, in a different manner. She was their prisoner back during the war, member of a tribe that openly revolted against their tyranny. They have lost - she has lost. What else could they possibly want to take from her, in this irony-filled afterlife?

...a gift? A glass of water?

Fight or flight instinct nearly has Flora flick the liquid back into Camilla's face. Fortunately, her mind is too scrambled to take immediate action, Flora instead instinctively reaches out to collect the water as if the glass is empty and needs to be cleaned.

"I..."

She looks happy to see her. She shouldn't be happy to see her.

"I need to leave. Excuse me," Flora takes a very brief bow before turning around, approaching the gardens outside. A loose string of pearls formerly attached to her brooch falls off and rolls toward Camilla as she leaves. Flora shouldn't be taking temporary leave when things are so lively...but this is urgent.

Flora takes a small drink from the glass, checking for potential poison. She is only met with refreshing water.

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“ You've looked like you've been running the entire night, ”‎ ‎ Leif calls out to the maid, taking one of the sweet treats off of her serving platter.‎ ‎ “ But even the other servants and workers here have been able to catch a break. ”

It's a silent, unasked question: Why not you?

“ You even have a brooch, so you're meant to participate in this too, aren't you?? ”‎ ‎ he points out the string of pearls lining hers.‎ ‎ “ Here. Let's trade. If you're going to be running around serving everyone, you should at least get something out of it while you're doing it. ”‎

After the nearby partygoers have collected their fill of colorful sweets, Flora prepares to restock back at the refreshment tables only for a young, noble-looking student to speak up. She freezes in place for a moment, understanding the silent, rhetorical question he is asking her.

"With all due respect sir, I am aware of how to handle my job. While guests still remain, I will continue my work."

She states this, yet she still finds time out of that busy schedule to remain standing here, looking at the brooch the brown boy is pointing toward. Flora tried to refuse any needless decoration, but the academy staff insisted she held onto their craftwork.

Getting something out of it...what am I getting out of this?

Flora cannot be kept for long. There is still more to be done.

"If you are so obliged," Flora solemnly nods, removing the snow-white pearled brooch and holding it out for him to collect. "You say that all participants hold these brooches? Then I shall add their exchange to my current objectives."

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A festivity begins to rumble on the surface. Like any good maid should, Flora finds herself entering the ballroom...with no purpose to dance, but at least assist. The room gleams with golden splendor - a relieving sight after serving dark, drab halls throughout her whole life. Maybe she can take some time off, for just a day...

...no, there is work to be done.

Flora stares at the makeshift mask she's prepared in advanced...just in case. She steps forward to begin her tasks.

Despite her hesitation, Flora is equipped with the String of Pearls for exchanging accessories! This is her own current list of exchanged objects:

Black Feather White Feather String of Pearls (Ishtar) Small Bell Teardrop Crystal (Leif)

Flora is on duty and remains in her Nohrian maid fit. She at the very least tried to wash out the burning smell from its tips, yet the smell still lingers...

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Flora leans aside the passageway to the Abyss, partially to stay on guard for potential intruders but partially to take a rare break from work underground. Classes were out at the moment for both above and below, though for once the maid decided to let time pass before sweeping through the classrooms. She hopes to catch a waning sunset before returning, a sight she rarely experiences with all of the current workload...

...or maybe not. She is never truly off the clock now. Or has she ever been off the clock in the past?

When she slips back into the hole, she is only able to progress for a few seconds until hearing a loud, exotic voice calling her name. Attentive as ever, Flora is quick to turn and see a younger girl darting over her position. She...doesn't look to be a member of the Ashen Wolves. It would be dangerous to let her go any deeper.

Flora steps forward, both to halt the intruder's progress and see what was required. The first feature to catch the maid's attention is the youth's brown...animal ears? Flora feels like she knows those ears from elsewhere...a time of the past. Unhappy times.

But if those times were unhappy, why would this girl be yelling her name so vigorously? How did she know about Flora in the first place?! The ringing of her echoes does little to calm Flora's confusion, so she does what any responsible maid would: listen to her request.

"...yes? Do you need something?" Flora maintains a neutral expression, focused on holding off a puzzled frown. This girl holds a slight smell of honey...could this be related to whatever is needed?

A MIDAUTUMN NIGHT'S CREAM.

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Two steps. Two steps is as far as Flora makes it before a hand already has to cover a coughing mouth from accidentally ingesting ash. She knew this path of repentance would be far from pleasing, but her previous brush with death by flame must have increased her ignorance. Her own flames were strong, but these man-made ones only burned brighter.

But she cannot stop now. Not when she's already attracted the attention of a group of Garreg Mach students, from the sounds of voices behind her. It would already be difficult to explain her position within the monastery if they caught her - and more so demoralizing after failing her trial. Then she couldn't face anyone afterwards...proving once more she was nothing but a worthless tool.

Then she hears a call from behind that causes her blood to freeze, even while beneath hot coals.

No. No. Nononononono-

Frantic thoughts are not enough to stop curiosity getting the better of her, looking back to confirm her fears. Him. The prince that she should have looked after while turning old and grey. The prince that she betrayed selfishly for the hope that she could spare more lives. The prince that she hoped to never see again, for both of their sakes.

It was too late. Lord Kamui is already mouthing her name. She needs to leave.

"...!"

Tall and widened grey eyes close shut as Flora turns her back on him, keeping hands close as she dashes forward. Perhaps she should be thankful that this spectre is tormenting her today. It makes the fires surrounding her feel not as warm, the pressure of falling victim to them now less straining than the pressure of being caught.

It also motivates her to increase the intensity of her supporting blizzard, forming a slightly safer path ahead. A tailwind forms behind her, composed of lighter cold air. Just in case he may follow.

let's run that back. yes. that.

non-mission task: showcase (faith +1)

[livedtoserve]

The student's offer snaps Flora out of her daze, his words leaving her rather surprised. It was as if he had read her mind in giving the box a try herself. And the blue-haired man is correct - reaching out for help would only further delay the ever-growing line of impatient participants.

"Oh, w-well, no I couldn't. I'm only here to help...or, I..." Flora timidly stammers while looking back at her current tool. There is one button that she hasn't tried to tamper with yet, a "timed" mode. A makeshift dial adjacent to the setting points toward multiple second intervals, which should be enough time to set up and return to pose with the young man.

She softly sighs, fighting herself in a battle between dignity and a request. A small smile from her lips signifies the former side surrendering, the maid nodding to the other.

"If that is what you wish, sir. There should be no issues...the device appears to have a mode that automatically captures the scene after a set time. It would be no different from me manning the booth."

Although that is true, the process of simultaneously taking the pictures and being taken is sure to waste more time than usual. As much as she does not want to ruin the moment for the guest, they will have to use a quickened pace.

She motions toward the interior while tinkering with the artifex-box's settings, "Please step inside once you are ready. We will begin with picture one of four. There is no restriction on possible poses...though might I recommend a neutral stance? Most have started there, at least from my experience."

i'll take your photo for you!

non-mission task: showcase (photo artifex)

[livedtoserve]

The twisting corridors of her newly assigned castle forces Flora to take some time in her search, although the darkness the night provides does not additionally slow her steps. She is used to stumbling around in the dark, especially nowadays when she resides belowground. It is not a feat to be entirely proud of, yet the cover of night was crucial for tonight's task.

Talk of...music-playing rodents(?) have been spreading within the monastery, the tiny mice utilizing instruments stolen from the premises on top of that. Almost immediately afterwards, the disappearance of students has become more common over the past week, a rumor that has even taken over the Abyss. Once one of her students has been targeted, the culprit's only tell being a long, quiet note that Flora only heard once it was too late, it didn't take long for her to draw early conclusions.

Now she has to take the search to the surface, trying to think like a mouse. Rats were not an uncommon sight in the forts she stationed. A piercing knife or light breeze was usually enough to incapacitate the animal of plague, though they first needed to be dragged from their hiding spots. Holes...yes, the first logical course of action is to check indoors for potential mouse homes.

A knight is still on duty near the Dining Hall...Flora instead makes a detour toward the Reception Hall. Crouching downwards reveals a few holes small enough for a rodent, though now it was too dark for her to look within for leads. No music leaked from them, so she decides to take her search elsewhere. The Knight's Hall is one she never had reason to enter, but this task is too urgent to hesitate now-

A man's stern voice calls out from behind just as she tries moving a lance aside to monitor the wall behind. Crap, she silently curses to herself. Natural instinct has her stand upwards and raise both hands up in surrender while turning to face the speaker. It's a dark blue-haired man - much older than her and most certainly a veteran knight. There is little reason to hide her intentions - unless she wishes to risk facing the full front of his intimidating posture.

"I mean no harm, knight. I am Flora...simply a servant to those below who are deprived of fortune," she bows, hoping that moving in allows him to see her maid outfit, the one obvious tell of her profession.

"I am sure you have heard of the recent student disappearances. I have only naturally conducted an investigation of my own, hoping to find hints of the culprits around your halls. If I am not welcome...I can just leave."

Her final statement serves as both a kind gesture...and prayer. This man does not seem like one to allow trespassers to simply go without warning.

are there any other people with blue hair that I need to know about

+1 sword

[livedtoserve]

Flora Lore Meta 01 - Regarding Birthright

Given that Flora in the Birthright Route of Fates is (a) not recruitable, (b) only relevant for 2 maps hey I guess that's better than CQ/Rev's 1 though! and (c) heavily shown at face value, practically coming and going after her death, I have decided to lay out Flora's activities from once the route split begins to her showdown in BR chapter 17. This is very relevant to how I portray her with TOA, and does include reference to other Fates muses. Any current muses in TOA (which only amounts to Iago, honestly) have been asked for use in this meta.

Oh, and for reference, I will refer to Birthright as BR, Conquest as CQ, and Revelations as Rev in this meta. Additionally, I refer to "Corrin" within this meta under the assumption that they are male or female (hence the default "they/them/their" pronouns).

Part 1: Route Comparisons (CQ and Rev vs. BR)

To start, I would like to quickly go over where Flora is/ends up on all 3 routes. Flora is battled in Birthright in Chapter 17, Conquest in Chapter 8, and Revelations in Chapter 12. Let's start with CQ, where she is met the earliest.

CQ CHAPTER 8 - COLD RECEPTION

Probably the most "similar" to BR thanks to the reuse in map and general matchup of Corrin vs. Flora. One obvious key difference off the back is the purpose of fighting Flora: to put down the Ice Tribe's plans of rebellion against Nohr. Along with that, Flora only serves as a mini-boss rather than chapter boss, playing more defensively with a Steel Dagger and Freeze staff. That is because the actual boss of this map is Kilma, the current Ice Tribe chief and father of Flora and Felicia!

...we never see him outside of this chapter. Don't worry about that.

When it comes to narrative, Corrin naturally resolves to clear tensions non-lethally, refusing to harm any villagers after clearing the map. Flora appears briefly in the aftermath, concerned if she can still serve her liege after threatening their life. They tell her to not worry, where Flora truly devotes her loyalty to Corrin. However, she only joins Corrin's army in their pocket dimension after Chapter 18 (likely lying low with the Ice Tribe to act like the rebellion was truly quelled).

A few highlights of information from this chapter (some possibly unrelated to the task at hand): several snippets of Felicia-exclusive dialogue seem to imply Felicia is slightly aware of their status as Nohrian hostages, yet she still seems to hesitate on finer details.

Felicia: Flora! H-How could you say such a dreadful thing? Fighting was supposed to be a last resort! Can't we talk this out? Or at least try to? Flora: Felicia, dear sister... You've always been ignorant to the ways of the Nohrians. War is the only language they understand. Side with them and you'll pay the price! (Cold Reception Pre-Battle Cutscene)

Flora: You really don't understand, do you? This goes beyond words. Don't you realize, all of our time in that castle was... I mean, it was just... Felicia: What are you saying, sister? Flora: Forget it, there's no point telling you now, after all that's happened. Let's get on with it. You may be my sister, but I won't go easy on you! (Cold Reception Felicia vs. Flora)

Additionally, this is one of two times Flora admits feeling for Jakob, the other being in their BR boss dialogue.

Flora: Jakob... In the b-beginning, I never swore my allegiance. I refused. After all, we were little more than hostages. Taken as children... All to prevent this from happening, to stop the Ice Tribe from rebelling. I often thought of running away, but I never did. I stayed...because of you... Jakob: Flora... Flora: I don't want or need your pity, Jakob! Let's finish this! (Cold Reception Jakob vs. Flora)

Her feelings toward characters can be saved for another day, but to sum up; this chapter heavily implies Flora planning to leave her maidly duties to pursue her life's true meaning in rebelling against the Nohrians that have kidnapped her.

REV CHAPTER 12 - FROZEN SEA

I won't go into as much detail here as the CQ section, partially because it feels like a heavily abridged version of her purpose in other routes. This time, she collaborates with Camilla in attempting to kill Corrin by freezing the sea they are currently traveling on. Her tribe is being threatened with death if the traitor isn't killed, similar to what will happen in BR. Also, shoutout for Flora being the boss here instead of Camilla? Maid power.

There isn't even any unique boss dialogue to go over here, and Felicia/Jakob's dialogue pre-battle is disappointingly very copy-paste of one another. Otherwise, the post-battle involves Flora holding off from joining Corrin due to needing to keep the Ice Tribe and her father (wow he gets mentioned!) from Garon. She does join later in the game just like CQ, this time joining after Chapter 22.

I wish there was more to go over here, but Flora is not immune to having to share the space of literally every other playable unit that is squished together throughout Rev.

BR CHAPTER 17 - LOST IN THE ICE

Her canon event.

I would like to be brief here, as the main meat of the meta is meant to cover how she gets to this point in the first place. Flora leads Corrin's party into the Ice Tribe village after the events of the previous chapter, in which Iago attacked the party within one of Garon's villas while Flora was conveniently present as well. While she fronts this route as a practical way to avoid the Nohrian troops stationed on the main path, Flora traps them within the village in an attempt to kill Corrin and Felicia.

The map is shared between CQ, but this one has a neat twist. While in CQ, the player races the enemies in visiting villages to prevent them from summoning reinforcements, BR has it so only the player visits villages, with most containing sneak attack reinforcements. This can be taken as the villagers being more prepared for battle compared to in CQ; able to react to Corrin's movements rather than surrendering immediately.

The boss-specific dialogue and post-battle is where Flora mainly reveals her resolve in battling. Before the fight, she claims she is acting on her own free will, only to debunk that after losing. She claims Garon himself threatened to murder her people, and she was forced to choose between them or Corrin and Felicia. She is faced with such immense guilt in failing to live up to protecting either choice, ultimately deciding to end her life.

Fun fact! If f!Corrin is chosen, Felicia joins right before Chapter 16 so that she doesn't miss the death of her sister. This also means that a player can get all of the boss dialogue in one run and does not miss out based on Corrin's gender. Unfortunately, said boss dialogue is rather generic, although this exchange with Corrin has always tickled me:

Corrin: Flora! Why are you doing this? Please! There must be a reason. Flora: I told you already. You betrayed Nohr. Now quit asking about it! Corrin: This isn’t you... Flora: You don’t even know the real me. Now it’s time for you to die! (Lost in the Ice Corrin vs. Flora)

Similar to her guilt after her CQ chapter, Flora implies that her time at the Northern Fortress was merely a front and that she never cared about living there despite being Corrin's retainer.

BR is definitely Flora's most interesting route on a story-front (slightly backed up by her appearing in Chapters 16 and 17), however there have always been loose ends for me. For one, where the hell is Kilma? He is never mentioned here, and even though Flora claims she must speak with the elders before returning with soldiers...

Corrin: Brr! Where's that warm cabin you promised, Flora? Flora: Just a minute, Lord/Lady Corrin. I need to check in with the village elders. Corrin: By all means. But please, hurry back—we're freezing out here! (Lost in the Ice Pre-Battle)

...I want to go against what the Fandom wiki states and believe this line is not referring to Kilma; Flora uses this excuse as a front to rally the villagers to battle. Where is Kilma then? Good question!

Flora also produces a heavy nationalistic front for Nohr in this chapter, though this front is easily teared away once she has failed in her mission. Why would she do this if her general aim throughout these Fates routes is to defeat Corrin and protect the Ice Tribe?

These questions and more are what I hope to answer throughout this meta. I would like to use the information provided in the other two routes to create a general narrative that explains how Flora ends up in the villa during BR - and later crossing blades with them.

Part 2: The Offscreen Narrative

To start, Flora's actions nearly parallel how CQ plays out. After Corrin departs from the Northern Fortress and ultimately makes their route choice, Flora is dismissed from the fort. She spends a small amount of time serving the Nohrian royalty until taking her chance to escape and reunite with her father in the Ice Tribe village. With all of the chaos of a new war breaking out, they agree that this is the best time to finally rebel against their oppressors and rise up against Nohr.

Only, two problems. For one, Nohr holds the clear advantage at the start of this conflict, wasting little time in sending an anti-rebellion force to the Ice Tribe, once again just like CQ. But problem 2, and unlike CQ, Corrin isn't assigned to stop the rebellion this time. The army is much more in-character, and stops at nothing to crush the last-second rebellion.

I'd like to propose that Hans leads this force. His appearances in BR are rather back-loaded, only showing up in Chapter 13 and 24, so whatever he gets up to in early game is up for grabs. In a sense, his purpose here can be similar to what Garon did to Corrin in CQ: seeing the Ice Tribe uprising as a simple obstacle to throw a pawn at to prove their loyalty. Plus, CQ loved to show how Hans handles stopping a rebellion in Cheve...

Either way, the Ice Tribe stands no chance against a Nohrian army that lacks mercy. It likely plays out much like the aftermath of CQ Cheve, where even innocents are not spared from their wrath. It takes until the tribe leader and her daughter are captured for the needless killing to end, and both are taken to Garon at Castle Krakenburg. They are kept prisoner there for some time, holding back from being murdered due to Flora's previous relations to Corrin. An asset that he can manipulate and get use from.

Eventually, after Corrin begins to swing the war in their favor, he comes up with a plan. A plan that requires the help of Iago...as well as Flora.

Flora is released from captivity and promised that the Ice Tribe will be spared on one condition: she collects the heads of Corrin and Felicia, her twin that has recently left and is now also branded traitor. Even when considering the lives of her sister and the prince/princess she has raised for many years, Flora cracks and chooses to save the lives of the people she has always expected to lead. While she prefers this execution to be silent and brief, Iago has a more dramatic and fun idea.

He takes her to Palace Macarath, one of Garon's vacation villas. The Nohrian troops are purposefully decreased within the building, with the idea being that Flora ends up running into the Hoshidan army, who sneak in with a false sense of security. Prince Takumi turning ill is only a boon, allowing Flora to heal him and look more innocent before an inevitable betrayal.

Flora would not be alone, though, as Iago arrives on the scene shortly afterwards. He gleefully plants doubt in Corrin's mind while putting on a grand show with Flora. The maid acts as a neutral party, only to be slapped down three times by fire magic. A theatrical they planned in advance, yes. Though the choice of fire certainly stings.

Once defeated, Iago continues to grow those seeds of doubt before departing and setting up Flora to do the rest. When Corrin even mentions the potential of a traitor in their party, Flora ignores the comment. Likely just because she is quick to care for the sick Takumi, but it is a rather chilling word to wake to, one that falls perfectly in line with her own future actions.

The rest of the events play out similar enough to what is shown in-game. Flora offers the Hoshidan army refuge within her tribe's village, only to turn on them and desperately kill her closest allies and win back favor with King Garon. Afraid of finding out her fate after failure, Flora decides to take the lethal way out, preventing her father, Corrin, Felicia, or anyone else from being disappointed by her.

-

Now that we are finished with the timeline, I would like to answer and discuss some specific details. For one, the giant elephant missing father in the room. He was captured after the failed rebellion, yes, but what about his fate afterward? In Flora's mind, when Garon threatened the state of the entire Ice Tribe, that included her father as well. So when she decides to follow Garon's command, she is doing so to protect the village and her father. And when she ends up failing?

Garon no longer has need for Kilma. You can make of that what you will.

Furthermore, it would be strange for Garon and Iago to rely entirely on Flora to take out Corrin's army, even if the move is moreso emotional manipulation against Corrin. Flora, just like her initial forced recruitment as a maid, is merely a pawn in Garon's eyes, an additional piece that can be moved only for the sake of moving.

As for Iago, BR as a whole has Iago playing a lot more defensively, especially so once Corrin marches into Nohrian territory. Even if the plan of sending Flora against the army isn't an ideal or optimal one, Iago sees it as a dispensable plan, one to stall for time while he comes up with a more sound strategy. Hence his future preparations to trap Corrin in Fort Dragonfall and the final attempts to stop them.

Lastly, regarding Flora's contradicting nationalism during her boss fight...to me, I imagine her speaking these as the empty words they are. She is not fighting for Nohr, she still sees this more as fighting for survival. In the case that Nohrian eyes are still on Flora, however, she must act faithful until the very end. Anything for her people.

Conclusion/Timeline

To conclude this (very) long meta, I would like to provide a simpler, bullet-pointed list to outline what Flora does between her departure from the Northern Fortress and her defeat at the Ice Tribe Village in BR.

After Corrin leaves the Northern Fortress, the servants are dismissed from the location and sent to other areas within Nohr. As a trusted maid, I imagine that Flora is sent to Castle Krakenburg along with Felicia/Jakob to serve the royal family.

Flora bides her time while serving the Nohrian princes/princesses, eventually capitalizing on the confusion thanks to Corrin's betrayal to escape and return to her father in the Ice Tribe Village.

Garon is already aware of the Ice Tribe planning rebellion, and learning of Flora's departure is the last straw. Hans is sent to quell the rebellion, a task meant to prove his loyalty to Nohr.

Hans and his forces squash the rebellion army easily, going beyond and slaughtering innocents before they finally surrender with the capture of Kilma and his daughter.

Flora and Kilma are imprisoned in Castle Krakenburg for a while, until Flora is brought out with a deal: deliver the heads of Corrin and Felicia or else her entire village falls. Flora puts her people above her liege and twin sister.

Together with Iago, Flora sets up a scheme of betrayal where she will meet with the Hoshidan army within Palace Macarath and act as an ally to lure them into her village.

Flora fails and melts down from the surrounding pressure.

I hope this meta serves well in illustrating Flora's actions throughout Fates' Birthright route and explain why she feels the way she does toward her allies/foes on a general level.

[livedtoserve]

❥      NON - SEXUAL   ACTS   OF   DOMINANCE . 

feel free to edit or elaborate as you please .   ( add  ‘ reverse ‘  to your message if you’d like to see how my muse would perform the action ) . otherwise , send in one of these for my muse’s reaction to   …

[ lit ]  your muse lighting a cigarette , spliff , etc. for mine . 

[ order ]  your muse ordering for mine at a restaurant or bar .

[ guide ]  your muse putting a hand on mine’s back to lead them .

[ pay ]  your muse paying for mine at a store , bar , restaurant , etc . ( you can specify where or for what . )

[ open ]  your muse opening a door for mine .

[ dry ]  your muse drying mine off with a towel after a shower , bath , swimming , etc . 

[ instruct ]  your muse giving mine instructions / telling them what to do . 

[ groom ]  your muse adjusting mine’s appearance , such as straightening a tie , fixing their hair , or buttoning their shirt for them , etc . 

[ direct ]  your muse taking mine by the chin and telling them to look yours in the eye .

[ disagree ]  your muse sternly telling mine  ‘ no ‘ .

[ rest ]  your muse resting their arm over mine’s shoulder / s .

[ clean ]  your muse cleaning a smudge of something off mine’s cheek , forehead , etc .   feel free to specify what and how . 

[ answer ]  your muse answering a question meant for mine . 

[ coat ]   your muse holds mine’s coat out for them while they put it on .

[ pilot ]  your muse taking mine by the arm , hand , shoulder , etc . to lead them . 

[ stare ]  your muse staring mine down . 

[ placement ]  your muse telling mine to sit down .

[ teach ]  your muse taking control of mine’s hand , arm , hips , etc . to make sure they do something correctly .  

[ patience ]  your muse telling mine to be patient .

[ tears ]  your muse wiping away mine’s tears .

[ swat ]  your muse swatting mine’s hand away from something they’re not supposed to touch .  

[ jewelry  ]  your muse clasping a piece of jewelry for mine , such as a necklace , or earrings . 

[ enough ]  your muse commanding mine to stop talking . 

[ retrieve ]  your muse requesting or ordering mine to retrieve them something .

[ invite ]  your muse inviting mine to sit on their lap .

[ lean ]  your muse inviting mine to lean into their side while they’re sitting or laying together . 

[ calm ]   your muse telling mine to  ‘ just breathe ‘ .

[ scold ]  your muse scolding mine for something .

[ comfort ]  your muse pulling mine into a reassuring hug .

[ approval ]  your muse complimenting mine on a choice they’ve made .

[ beckon ]  your muse beckoning mine to them without speaking . 

[ laces ]  your muse lacing , tying , or zipping something for mine , such as shoes , a dress , or a jacket , etc .

[ stay ]  your muse telling mine to stay in the car . 

[ defend ]  your muse defending mine’s reputation , dignity , or safety for them . 

[ feed ]  your muse feeding mine something , feel free to specify what .

[ volume ]  your muse demanding mine speak louder .

[ read ]  your muse reading something to mine .

[ refill ]  your muse refilling mine’s glass for them . 

[ possessive ]  your muse resting their hand on mine’s leg or the small of their back while they’re sitting beside each other . 

[livedtoserve]

She is already sweating. From her head to her knees, the Ice Tribe blood in her body cries out, requesting why Flora continues into this valley.

Her answer is simple. I deserve this.

Those flames she cast upon herself back then - how long has it actually been? There is no way truly track time between lands - were meant to silence her permanently. And yet here she stands today, nearly unscathed from burns. One would barely be able to tell that her final moments before arriving here were from a battle that risked her entire life.

She needs punishment.

This land, Aileli, the Valley of Torment, is perfect for her needs. Rumors of the terrifying place have been spiraling throughout the monastery's halls, along with mumblings of a spell that nullifies the scorching fires surrounding the floors. But Flora refused to seek out the faith magic. If she is meant to survive this ordeal, this trial, she must make it through on her own merits. Can the blizzards of a ghost who should not exist quell the flames of a foreign goddess?

She needs to know. And no, as harrowing the path is, Flora does not intend to die here. Death is the simple way out, escaping the judgment of the entire village she has let down...not to mention him. She has already pledged her full allegiance to the house of unfortunate souls, so she must live and return for their sake.

Flora whips up a feeble gale of ice, strong enough to survive the ash-filled air but still too weak to tame her discomfort. Not that she minds, she doesn't plan to leave here entirely unscathed like last time.

She can almost make out a patch of ground with flames dancing right over, nearly resembling a pool of magma. Good. This will be the beginning. The maid slowly steps forward, attempting to maintain a neutral look on her face buried under sweat.

@dawnswhitestar

let's run that back. yes. that.

non-mission task: showcase (faith +1)

[livedtoserve]

The plan is simple. Flora will begin with the room assigned for herself, then proceed to clean out the adjacent rooms before dusk hits. Under normal circumstances, she would much prefer saving her own quarters last, yet this time around she must confess beginning here is the ideal course of action, seeing how her temporary dorm is at the end of the hall.

Additionally, from the descriptions of those who created these new arrangements, she will not be alone in this housing. Hence the organization of two beds on opposite ends present when Flora enters. Who will be paired with who, she does not know, but the only note of importance is that she will be sharing her living space. Even if temporary, she must not disappoint her guest and remain in top form.

Fortunately, Flora is light in packing, quick to claim the right end of the room as her own and setting a few small bags next to the bed. They will have to be moved once more when the time to sweep the floors comes, but the maid decides to start with the bedding. It seems to be the only comfortable area to sit down, at least at first sight.

Before taking on her own side, Flora picks out a fresh duster from one bag and zips forward to the space allocated for her roommate. Prioritize the guest above all else, it is one of the most common traits of a servant. It is also the kinder starting point when considering the possibility of the other entering soon-

Click!

As if on cue, Flora hears the door she closed earlier open back up just as she leans down to begin dusting. She tries to be quick in her work - though still thorough enough to ensure the sheets are spotless. While it is rude to not immediately welcome the guest, she will only be away for a few more seconds...

"Pardon me...this will take just a moment," Flora barely looks away from the bed to aim her voice, failing to catch the newcomer in her eyesight, retaining a sharp yet kind tone.

@deamare

okay but is rooming with your professor/maid good or bad

non-mission task: showcase (roommates)

[livedtoserve]

April Activity Check

Level Up! (Passed)

Status: Cleared! Points Obtained:

+1 Any (Monthly Activity)

Total Points: 4 –> 5 Point Allocation:

Sword E -> E+

New Classes Accessed: None Classes Mastered: None Inventory Changes: None Threads Completed: 0 Threads Ongoing: 2

[livedtoserve]

"That pose is perfect! Now...smile!"

A brief flash of light from a machine follows the woman's exclamation, the same machine releasing a series of parchment afterwards. Flora reviews the products as the students leave their poses before nodding in approval. The images are all in order, truly living up to their magical prestige.

"These should be all of your pictures. Thank you for volunteering!"

When notice of help was sent out regarding the testing of a new device for the benefit of the monastery, it was in Flora's immediate interest to provide her usual assistance. She is fortunate that the alumna could use the extra hands and is willing to take the help of a complete stranger. The inner workings of the machine, this "artifex-box," are still a mystery to her, but keeping the process to pressing a button is enough to perform the task.

The two students exit the hall while chatting to themselves, clearly content with the result from their images. Flora failed to get a close look at the batch of pictures, only ensuring they were satisfactory enough to recognize the people involved. Was the act of being captured by this device...truly fun?

"Oh, my apologies," Flora turns her attention back to the line of upcoming customers to be met with a...singular person? But everyone else so far has been in pairs...

"If you don't mind me asking...are you participating in this alone? Up to two persons can fit in at a time - oh, but I could check with the owner to see if this is fine if you do not mind a brief wait."

Open starter!

i'll take your photo for you!

non-mission task: showcase (photo artifex)

[livedtoserve]

[ 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 ] : sender is voicing their negative opinion about a person who appears to be close with the receiver. (Birthright route perhaps? :eye: since toa!leo is conquest :))

"His attitude lacks refinement," Leo says, eyeing Jakob's retreating back. The tea service was, as always, perfect, though the prince could do without the constant caustic tone.

Emerald eyes settle on Flora. He doesn't reach for a teacup yet, instead observing her. "Regardless. I'm inquiring about supplies needed for everyone in the army. We'll be purchasing goods in the next town and I want to be prepared. Is there anything you need, Flora?"

still bottled up | no longer accepting!

[AU - Birthright Earlygame]

The maid follows her senior butler, forming a single-file line to deliver the nobility their desired refreshments. Their last client (for now, at least) being Prince Leo, Flora makes sure to keep the prepared tea bitter for him. She has not served the noble nearly as much as Lord Corrin, yet it is in a maid's best interests to recall the tastes of the upper class close to her liege.

If worst comes to worst, she will need to keep working to the Nohrian nobles' satisfaction, considering she is only here due to Corrin's departure. Although she may not know all of the finer details, rumors in the castle spread far enough for her to know her young prince will not be returning home anytime soon.

The perfect opportunity to break away and return to serving her home. The people she truly cares about.

But for now, she sets the tea platter down and keeps her gaze on the blonde prince, ensuring he is content before returning to her room. A maid must ensure the servee is properly cared for before her work is finished, no matter the person.

Not to say Flora holds any ill intent toward the man sitting in front of her, or at least ill intent of his own fault. It's just that he turns out to be a child of Nohr, the kingdom that rules over the Ice Tribe with an iron fist. And if his fist is one she must freeze her way through in retaliation, then so be it.

Furthermore, she is not deaf. Perhaps he believed Jakob was out of earshot to hear his negative remark. Or worse, he did not care if he overheard. Either way, she avoids mention of it, her focus instead on when she will leave the castle without notice.

Her waiting in him tasting the beverage only ends with a question being thrown her way, forcing the maid's hands to leave her front as she cups her right one on her chin. Collecting supplies for the army...a kind offer for a non-combatant like her. As much as she would love to request resources for her village, she must refuse. Even if his offer is genuine, no one can suspect she will return home.

"Well...I do not believe so, Lord Leo. We're well-stocked in the kitchen at the moment, or a servant would have told me otherwise. If we do run out while you're gone, I will take care of it," well, that second line isn't entirely a lie.

"If that is all, I shall make my leave," Flora is quick to take the answer as an opportunity to exit from where she entered, hoping he did not see the small bead of sweat she feels sliding down her hair.

[livedtoserve]

[ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 ] : sender drapes a coat / cape / etc. around receiver's shoulders !

still bottled up | no longer accepting!

...she's shaking. Why is she shaking?

Flora can feel the target gazes of many students and adults alike as she travels through the surface world. She is not unaccustomed to having eyes on her daily, commonly unbothered while she proceeds to complete a task. When she is within her element, the maid had little time to be concerned with a public image.

Yet she is not within her element today. And without a maidly duty to keep her mind on, Flora feels practically naked in front of the monastery residents. A foreign outfit does little to blend her in.

The best the woman can do is carry on through her hollow assignment of learning the academy's locations and passages for future reference. She keeps a quickened pace to prevent gaining any additional attention. That is, until her legs begin to refuse command, forcing her to land on an exterior bench to rest body and soul.

Even when idle, the shivering continues. I should be working, is the new thought infecting her head. Sitting still is not like her, it's not what she has been taught in life. Remaining here will only cause her more sorrow. Perhaps she should slither back underground, where she knows more work can be done-

"Oh."

A sudden gasp highlights Flora's inability to rise up and bolt back to the Abyss, a cloth falls on her shoulders, weighing her down. She stares back to find the source of the lent clothing...Odin Dark? And this cape...it seems to be of his own design as well.

Familiar faces were the last type that she expected to find in her physical afterlife, and this specific face being one of the less intimidating ones she recalls does stop her shaking...if only for a moment.

If the retainer is here, then what of the lord?

"Odin...you are aware that members of our tribe welcome the cold air, not shun it?" Flora reveals a light smile, referencing the cooler autumn air that does somewhat comfort her during this trip toward the light. "Not to say your gesture is not appreciated."

She ignores the pressing concern, hoping to rather hold onto blind optimism for once in recent times.

[livedtoserve]

[ 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 ] (teacher bonding time with pain)

still bottled up | still accepting!

She must keep working, she cannot and will not stop.

The depths of the monastery are in utter disarray. Nothing compared to the spotless hallways of the Northern Fortress, or any of the previous Nohrian manors she was temporarily assigned to for that matter. Dust litters nearly every corner of the walls and pillars, their classrooms lacked straight tabling at times, and even the floor itself refused to conform to an acceptable straightness.

How was she - no, how was anyone - meant to live with any amount of comfort in a state like this?!

Flora decides on a course of action, nothing would get done if she is listing the problems rather than solving them. The dust bunny army seems like a simple enough start. This feather duster she obtained from the market is perhaps a tad small to expect a clean street in a day, but the maid will make it work. She must make it work.

Minutes become hours as she commits to her labor. At times she has to double down on a spot on the wall to truly finish it off, but she finds no harm in such repetition. It keeps her busy, keeps her working. More working is less thinking of what she has lost. Servitude has kept her alive in the past, and it will keep her alive now.

Flora can feel the stares from passersby as she flings her body from wall to wall. None of them speak up in protest, so she ignores the looks and goes on with her toiling. That is, until she is at last stopped by an older man, one she barely recognizes yet can somewhat recall from his towering height and long, blonde hair. A fellow instructor for the souls trapped down here.

And...he is requesting her to take a break? But she is not even halfway done. Perhaps he doesn't understand.

"Master Lambert...am I correct?" Flora a bow, a small courtesy to back up her refusal. "I apologize for alarming you, but I feel fine enough to continue a while longer. You should expect this place to be clean by the evening."

Her words do not align with her figure. Piles of sweat coat the sides of her face, a face that is struggling to maintain a stone-cold smile after days of failed rest. The performance of bowing is enough to threaten her posture to self-destruct and topple her over. Now that it's on her mind...when was her last glass of water?

Flora looks up at the professor that holds a stare that implies he will not take "no" as an answer. Not in a way ignorant to her feelings, but one that is concerned for her needs. That face...it reminds her of another senior who would try to stop the young maid while she was ahead. No matter how hard she argued or attempted to sneak by, the knight would never allow her to burn out.

"...though if you insist, I may rest for some time. Ten minutes at most," Flora quietly sighs, though it is one of relief and not disappointment. "Might I be selfish to request the nearest place to get something to drink?"