nagaficat

[nagaficat]

"Yes," Deirdre agrees, trying to validate some of what Lachesis is feeling. While she does not understand exactly, she does know how overwhelming it can be sometimes. "I have been here for almost four years and it still amazes me how miraculous this place is. You will understand soon, I am sure."

She opens the door to her office. No key is needed. She always leaves it unlocked just in case one of her students might need the space when she is not around to let them in. A chair is pulled out in front of her desk for Lachesis should she choose to sit and Deirdre lights a fire to boil water for tea with a wave of her hand.

"This is a Fódlan blend," she explains as she begins setting up tea for two. "The Hresvelg Blend. It is quite popular among my students and it does remind me of something similar I have had back home in the capital even if it is not quite identical. I think you will like it. It reminds me of the sort of teas you used to drink, too."

She is still not quite sure what to make of this reunion but she supposes it is going better than it could have. She is nervous but she continues to smile. No matter what happens, this chance to see Lachesis and know she is alive and well will be cherished.

"Are you teaching here, too?"

He Teaches Symbology at Harvard!

[nagaficat]

"There is nothing you need to apologize for." Deirdre's voice is small and she hangs her head low. No. This was almost expected as well. Walls and chasms forced between them. Distance thrust upon them through tragedy and time.

She holds herself back, keeps her distance even though she longs to reach for her friend's hand still. She does not want to risk the fragile ground she is surely treading on. Her smile remains through the tension even if it does waver. As her friend, Lachesis deserves that.

"If it would please you, my office is nearby. I am a professor here, you see. You are my friend, my lady. You are always welcome where I am."

Deirdre watched Lachesis's face hoping to piece together what the other woman might be feeling. She has always admired Lachesis's ability to stand tall and strong no matter what was happening around her. It is not easy to figure out what exactly has upset her so much but Deirdre can certainly make a guess.

"It is just this way if you would follow me."

Whatever wedges itself between them, Lachesis is still willing to follow. Lachesis is still here at all. That alone is enough to rejoice over.

He Teaches Symbology at Harvard!

[nagaficat]

It was difficult to breath, this high in the sky. More regularly than ever, she found herself with the wind stolen from her, pressing on with only her innate fortitude of spirit, but understanding the inevitability of human frailty.

She sat a lot. Quite a lot more than she believed that she ever had in her life before this time, but even the motion of sitting brought her a deep fatigue that she could not quite distinguish from the soul-deep sadness. Once there had been leave to put down her burdens, this was when she discovered quite how heavy they were.

This idleness ill-befitted someone of her stature, of the strength she had once boasted - well-earned and hard fought, not merely pride but something to be proud of - but there was nothing to be done for it but patience. A virtue that she had oft neglected, to the chagrin of her house clergy, she was sure.

It was a peaceful environment to do so in, however, she had to admit - in spite of the altitude, or perhaps because of it, the air was clean and crisp, and so cold that she felt the need to wrap herself all the tighter in her woolen cloak, lest she fall victim to illness. That, she did not think she could bear.

Standing from her seat in the courtyard, she shifted her skirts and turned, lifting her head to blink into the shining sunlight that approached, the gleam of gold and silver and softness of every inch and curve and once more she reminded herself how hard it was to breathe.

"Lady…lady Deirdre?" A hesitant step forward, uncertain if it was merely her mind failing her, as the woman scarce looked changed from - no, that wasn't true, was it? "Is that you? Oh, my friend, is that you?"

Once, it had been strange to hear the voices of those she had loved, lost to her so long ago, but here now. It had been unexpected, impossible even. But, as the years have gone by, as more of her old friends have found their way to this monastery too, Deirdre is more surprised when she does not find them. It is expected almost.

But that does not make it any less magical.

"Lady Lachesis!" The moment she realizes, she rushes toward the other woman, arms held out hoping for an embrace. "It is me! And it is you!"

It is a miracle, a blessing, no matter how her friends regard her. But oh, to be called friend again!

"Come, come. It is far too cold out here. Let me make you some tea and we can sit together like we used to. You must...you must have so many questions."

[nagaficat]

Mother.

She knows that voice. Of course she knows it. It is deeper but she still knows her son.

She turns toward his voice and her face lights up when she sees him. Even after everything that has happened, she is not afraid. This is her son. She loves him. She has always loved him. What kind of mother would she be if she did not believe in him? If she turned and fled at the sight of him?

"Julius?"

She walks slowly toward him, taking the moment to really look at him. He has always resembled his father but now, as old as he is, he is the very spitting image of Arvis. She knew, of course. She always knew he would grow up to look like him.

Has he found his father here yet? Their family almost complete! Deirdre knows it is surely only a matter of time before Julia finds them here, too.

"Oh, Julius!"

She cannot help it. She reaches out. Her arms pull him into an embrace. She has waited almost four years to hold him again. He has waited longer.

Has he waited? Has he thought of her at all?

"My prayers are finally coming true!"

you, who made me this way. { julius/deirdre

[nagaficat]

Here is Lachesis doubting again. It worries Deirdre to see her friend continue to turn away from hope even in such a small circumstance. But it only serves to give her more determination to find something special on the shore to share with the other woman.

"Do not worry!" She keeps her voice bright and her smile cheerful and takes hold of Lachesis's hand to lead her along the surf. "The moon and the stars are bright tonight. They will light our way. There is so much beauty in the world, my lady. Even something so simple as a pebble can become more precious than a jewel if we attach meaning to it. I will find you something lovely and you can keep it with you to remind you of our friendship!"

She hums as she pulls Lachesis along, not caring about the sand clinging to the hem of her gown. It is peaceful out here with the sounds of the waves crashing over the faint music playing from the ball area. It is not long either before she finds something that sparks her interest. Not sea glass, but a small piece of driftwood.

"Well, what do you think?" Lavender eyes shimmer with excitement as she holds up her find for Lachesis to inspect.

girls of the silent shoreline

toaball2025 | cont from x

[nagaficat]

The month after the Ethereal Moon is often reputed as the most romantic of all the months, so many plan weddings under the belief that their union will be blessed with longevity and good fortune by the goddess herself. A high profile wedding between a young Miss Saoirse Elidure and a mysterious Yuliy of Kupala, supposedly a long-lost Almyran prince, is set to be held this month and the bride and groom are in desperate need of bodyguards. They're reluctant to give up specific details, but both of them believe that someone, perhaps many people will object to their union and come to crash it. Violently. [Grants Sword +1]

@helswathed

Deirdre's heart shattered when she heard about poor Saoirse Elidure and Yuliy of Kupala. Love is supposed to conquer all. It is supposed to be beautiful and cherished. They are supposed to have their perfect wedding and love happily ever after. She, too, understands, she had explained to them, what it is like to have others disapprove of her love. And she had pledged to do whatever she could to help them achieve their dream wedding in peace. They assured her they had a plan and all she would need to do is play the part of the bride in a fake ceremony. The groom was taken care of, she need not worry about that.

When the day of the wedding comes about, Deirdre shows up where she is told, dressed in a wedding gown with a veil over her face. She will be meeting the man to play her groom before the ceremony begins. It is tradition in the bride's family, apparently, that bride and groom walk down the aisle together. She thinks she likes that. It had been such a long walk down the aisle with so many eyes on her in Belhalla's grand cathedral. She would have liked a familiar hand to hold back then.

She is nervous now, too, even if the wedding is not her own. She knows she is not skilled in the art of deception, but she is assured all she will need to do is walk down the aisle. It sounds simple. She can do this! All she must do now is wait for her pretend husband to join her in this little waiting room while the rest of the wedding begins.

A man walks in with a familiar head of blue hair. Not familiar in the way that finds her in her dreams each night, but a dear lost friend all the same. Beneath her veil, her face brightens and she crosses the room to greet him with a laugh.

"Lord Lex!? You are here?"

If you don't have brand name Sigurd, generic is fine.

[nagaficat]

deirdre

[nagaficat]

Adding a few things for Deirdre!

Sword: she loves love! She loves when people are in love! She also understands when people don't approve of who you're in love with so this is a little personal. She would prefer for things to not end in violence...wouldn't it be better if some sort of understanding could be found?

Not a prompt but Deirdre is also looking for the hot hot post ethereal ball gossip! She's dedicating her class time and office hours to sharing the juicy deets about newly formed couples, confessions shared, etc. You don't have to be a beagle or a student either, she will welcome gossip from anyone. This could be a thread or an ask or whatever. I just thought it could be cute!

Wanted Plots for June!

Any skill (requires unaffiliated): Give this teen a job. I'm sure it will go so great. Just a really funny prompt. She'd love gossiping. She'd love shoplifting from her workplace.

Faith (requires unaffiliated): throwing the gremlin thief teen into a pile of morally dubios rich people what could possibly go wrong here

Fucked up soup: again I just think the prompt concept is funny ksbdkehd

Cast mate reunions, former buddy reunions also very much welcomed. Or just anyone willing to indulge me in bringing some chaos onto the dash let's just do it

Oh I guess I should also say you can dm me or tag me in the server or whatever

[nagaficat]

"That is beautiful," Deirdre breathes. It truly is lovely to look out at each of the lanterns and imagine them floating through the waves and seeking out someone important to each of the party goers here. "I think, if anything could survive such a journey, it would be our dreams and wishes. Few things are more powerful."

Even she does, ultimately, understand that it is an unrealistic expectation. The ocean is vast and can often be unforgiving. But that does not crush the beauty of the moment for her. She simply smiles knowingly and offers a solution. "But, even if they do not, I am sure our loved ones still know. They will feel it in their hearts that we are thinking of them. That is the power of a wish."

Deirdre appreciates the way Lapis shares the same sentimental nature as herself. She hopes it gives Lapis the same comfort to know that she is not alone in her feelings. "Happiness," she repeats, "yes, I think that is a good wish. Happiness for all of us."

a wish goes far

         ⤷   ethereal ball 2025:  second half.

[nagaficat]

"I think it is possible." Deirdre is full of hope. In a life full of sorrows, she clings desperately to it. She needs her hope and her grand dreams like she needs air to breathe.

She worries when Silvia's face contorts with frustration. Had she done something to cause this? But her fears are quickly soothed when the dancer asks for help.

"Of course I will write something for you! I will keep your wish in my prayers tonight too. Your hopes are important to me, Silvia."

[ LANTERNS ] - Lanterns shaped like flowers decorate a large table alongside bowls of strips of paper and writing utensils. Guests are instructed to write a wish on the piece of paper and then roll it into the rim of a lantern, and once finished, to set them into the water. The result of everyone's wishes is a truly breath-taking sight of a hundred little lights on the ocean's surface.

"One of my wishes has just recently come true." Deirdre sets a gentle hand overtop of Silvia's before slipping her rolled up dream into a lantern and setting it alight. "I know, if I keep hoping, Naga will smile kindly on me and let us all be together again soon. That is my wish tonight."

Wide-eyed, Silvia looks to Deirdre, fingers tracing over the blank slip of paper in front of her.

"Your wish... To see everyone again. Just like it was before."

How selfish her own wish seems now, unwritten as it is. But is it so much to ask for?

Her brows knit in slight frustration before looking pleadingly to the other woman.

"Can... Can you write something for me?"

[nagaficat]

She leans her head against his chest as he leads her in a dance that reminds her of their home. If she closes her eyes, she does not think it would be difficult to imagine they are back in Grannvale, together, the family they created together whole and complete. She misses their home sometimes. The place and not just the people that live in it. She misses the gardens she insisted on caring for with her own hands, his study where she would intrude on his hard work, the library full of her favorite stories, the nursery where their children played. There are times she wishes she could return just for a taste of the life she once lived.

But the song ends and, with it, her reminiscing. They are not home and this is not their empire but, ultimately, that does not matter. They are here together and he is alive and well. Miracles happen and she continues to be blessed.

She hums thoughtfully and looks up at him with a mischievous smile when he proposes a charm trade. "Perhaps I should deny you my shell. I think it would be good for you to make friends of your own." Her smile widens into a full on grin and she laughs. "But I could never deny you anything, my lord. I will cherish it always."

[ CRUISE/GRANNVALE ]

"I still cannot believe how extravagant this party is!" Deirdre's eyes widen and sparkle as their ship begins to depart the dock for deeper waters. She has never been on a boat like this designed simply for the pleasure of its occupants. It is incredible and breathtaking and she is elated that she is able to share the memory with the man beside her. "There are so many things to do! I want to try them all! And my friends! You must let me show you off to all of my friends!"

She speaks quickly in her excitement, hardly giving him the chance to answer but, as the ship begins to float further away from the mainland, a small string quartet sets up on deck and begins to play a song that is quite familiar.

"My love..." She smiles up at him as she takes his hands in hers. "We have danced to this before. Will you dance with me again?"

ethereal ball, first half.

In the orange light of sunset, Deirdre is resplendent. Arvis watches her as she marvels at the ship, half-way—as he always is with her, with this vision of her—between aching tenderness and lacerating unease. Her friends, she says. How many of them are comrades of that man—friends of hers from her time with him? Arvis smiles softly, despite himself. Despite his inward reservations toward her, how can he say no to her? To her infectious joy, her excitement—?

Yes, of course, he thinks to say, but does not get the chance to as a familiar sequence of notes ring out, we can do anything you would like to—

Her hands are gentle, cool to the touch against his. Her radiant smile cuts through his hesitation like a blade cuts through silk. "Yes, of course," he answers, his voice low and quiet—just for her. The world narrows again, as it always does when he is with her, and he spares not even a second thought for what the others aboard the ship might think. Her bracelet and its charms graze against his palm as he adjusts his hand. His own starfish charms are in his pocket, half-forgotten—but with her, he almost wonders... perhaps, the game is not as childish as he initially thought. The rhythm of the waltz is like second nature to him, a physical memory, and he takes the lead—

She is Deirdre, irrefutably, despite the minute, yet undeniable differences—like the way her eyes crinkle when she smiles, or the exact shape of her smile, or—

As they dance, moving to the music, Arvis is nothing more than her shadow. The sunset halos her hair, gold, angelic, unbearable.

When the music fades, the last note of the violin lingering longer than it should, Arvis holds onto her for a moment, reluctant to let go. He shifts his hand against hers, loosely taking hold of her wrist to examine her bracelet.

"A seashell... Would you like to trade, my dear?"

[nagaficat]

[ PHOTO-ARTIFEX ] "What do you make of this device, Professor? Even now, I find the concept intriguing." As the line surrounding the item begins to dwindle, Edelgard sees herself staring straight ahead. She can hear the gossip of students and staff alike all curious about its functionality. It's nothing she hasn't seen before, but that isn't to say the item in itself holds any less wonder.

When she turns to Deirdre, she takes a step forward and turns on her heel to face her. The eliminated crowd carves way towards an invitation that pours readily. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt. She could try, she thinks. Just once, it may be nice.

"Would you care to join me? As a memento— A proper way to show my gratitude for your kindness towards the Black Eagle house."

"I think it is incredible!" Deirdre's eyes shine as she regards the photo artifix box. She is no stranger to the strange device, of course, having attended quite a few Ethereal Balls where it has been present but every year it continues to amaze her. Memories captured perfectly in an instant...it is like a dream come true. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get two toddlers to sit still long enough for a portrait to be painted?" Deirdre laughs and shakes her head. "It is nearly impossible! But, with something like this, it could have been completed in just a moment."

She smiles, turning her attention from the miracle machine to her student and the leader of her house. "You remind me of her, sometimes. My daughter, Julia. Your hair is a little lighter but your eyes. I used to tie purple ribbons in her hair sometimes, too. Ah, but do not let me ramble on like this! You will, I am sure, want to spend the evening with your friends! After our photo, of course!"

She already has a spot on the wall of her room that would be perfect to hang it.

[nagaficat]

What should have been a fun, silly game continues to make her sad. Birthdays celebrated alone. She makes a note of who else has suffered this fate so she can do her best to make sure it never happens again. Love without marriage, intimacy without love. She cannot even begin to wrap her mind around either of those things.

When her turn comes around again, she knows she needs to come up with something simple. Something basic. Something without much emotional attachment.

"I am Deirdre of Grannvale, currently a professor for the Black Eagles House, and never have I ever..." she hums a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Perhaps she should have waited until she had a more solid idea before speaking. "Oh! Formally studied swordsmanship!"

@heavy-draw

those are his hooves you bitch

toaball2025 - faculty jacuzzi night

[nagaficat]

"I am not being coerced," she repeats in reference to Ferdinand's comment verbatim. While factually true, the effort she puts into the dance is paltry at best and not very convincing.

Sara's body sways to one side then the other, arms crossed infront of her the entire time like an awkward tree blowing in the wind. She looks neither upset or happy about being there, just going along with the flow for now.

"But this song is irritating. I sincerely hope it ends soon. If not, I will intervene."

"You do not like it?" Deirdre pouts a little but, she supposes, to each their own. And, she supposes, all songs must come to an end. She hopes the next one is more to Sara's tastes.

As if on cue, the song does end and a new one takes its place. Deirdre's eyes light up and she grabs Sara by the hand, dragging her away from the edge of the dance floor. "You simply must dance to this one with me! I can even teach you how it is done. It is so simple, I promise!"

[nagaficat]

[ LOW / BARDCORE VER ] "Professor! It's been a while!" He called over the loud music. "Would you like to join us? I was told apple bottoms were the new term for apple cores after a horse has eaten them!"

"Oh you'll have to excuse her," He said, flicking his eyes back to Sara. "I promise she's not being coerced, she just needs to-"

The drop beats, and he, how the kids say, 'drops it low.'

"Is that what that means?" She has heard students talking about "apple bottoms" lately and been wondering. It is difficult sometimes to keep up with the new and exciting terms the students come up with! She tries to keep up with it so she can seem fun but it can be difficult!

She had not realized Ferdinand and Dorothea had gotten close with Sara. It warms her heart to know that the people she cares for also care for each other.

And when Ferdinand drops low, she claps and cheers. What a thrilling new song!

[nagaficat]

[ LOW ] - Fair maiden had that apple bottom shift, boots with the fur…

"professor deirdre! i was hoping i'd find you!" eager hands reach for hers to gently pull the woman toward the dance floor, a soft giggle stifled only by what dorothea has to say next. "i can't bear to see you standing on your own. will you join me for this dance? it's one of the livelier ones."

"Dorothea! I have not seen you all evening! It is rather impressive how large this estate's property is that I have not run into you yet." A sad thing, she thinks. There are multiple people she would, in fact, like to see but have not yet been able to find. At least she is able to see Dorothea now!

The song is quite lively and awfully catchy too. Even if she does not know the moves, she is happy to follow Dorothea's lead.

And shawty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low.

[nagaficat]

[ LANTERNS ]

“ Oooh, hey there, Deirdre! ”  Lapis greets the woman with a wave.  “ Actually, I've seen you over here a few times before I've come over. The place seemed busy every time though, so I didn't come on over until now. ”

Several other people had come and go, but Deirdre had remained as the constant alongside the flower-shaped lanterns.

“ Are you thinking real hard on your wish? ”  Lapis asks.  “ Back in Brodia, we did something like this, didn't we? Writing down something you feel and sending it out, I mean. ”

"Ah, I suppose I am." Her cheeks flush slightly, just a little embarrassed that she has been caught loitering around the lanterns. But Lapis does not tease or hold it against her so she smiles. It is nice to see her again, after all.

"I think it is lovely that traditions can appear similarly even across continents. Does it help to be reminded of home?"

There are so many wishes she could make, so many dreams she could hope to see come true. Is she allowed to send out more than one?

"The lanterns are beautiful. I have been enjoying watching them released. I hope each wish comes true. I think we all deserve a little bit of happiness."