renegadeofmacedon

[renegadeofmacedon]

While fully aware of her own strength, Minerva still can’t help the panic that rises as Maria latches onto her and kicks - no matter how much she may grow, Minerva will always worry over her, especially if the cause is directly because of her own actions. She cherishes the fewer and fewer moments she gets to hold her this closely, and Minerva only knows all too well that it won’t last forever.

Maria is light, though, and Minerva smiles a genuine smile for the artifex, one reserved for Maria... And once upon a time, one other; but that is a time long past, and it would do her no good at all to dwell. The smile morphs into a laugh, one corner of her mouth quirked upwards as Maria steals the kiss and, well... Why did Minerva expect anything less?

“I don’t,” Minerva says finally, once she’s sure that she can move, and sets Maria down carefully. “It would be the greatest honor of all to exchange stamps with you, Maria - I did save a spot for you, but I didn’t want to take it away from your friends, otherwise I would have approached you sooner.”

[ Lift ] - For the photo, the sender boldly lifts the receiver up in their arms. Whether or not they can hold them long enough for the photo may be another story…

Woe betide any who might dare to think the kindest, warmest, best big sister in all of Macedon could fail to lift her little sister; there is only familiarity to be found in the way that she rises from the ground, swept away in a rush of affection her heart could never forget.

"Sister!" She laughs brightly, arms unquestioningly looped around the dragoon's neck. Fingers thread together as her hands sit on their favorite perch, and she cannot help it; she kicks her feet juuuust a little bit, giggling as they dangle midair. "You're just as strong as always, hee hee."

Indeed, if ever her weight was a burden, as she knows it has been, Minerva has never even hinted as much to her. No matter the ignominy that was suffered to keep Maria safe, the eldest daughter of Macedon only ever returns to her with love. And so, Maria loves her back, not only for this but for all the other beautiful, lovable pieces that make her sister who she is. Oh, yes, she has reasons aplenty, but who needs those? Minerva is Minerva; that is enough.

The artificer attempts, vainly, to draw the little cleric's attention back to their funny little box. There comes a sigh, and then a snap, and concurrently a-- a smek? Maria's lips land squarely on her sister's cheek as time freezes, forever, on one sliver of paper.

"Do you have all your stamps, Minerva?" Maria asks as she floats back down to earth. The fingers of one hand splay as she uses the other to point with beaming pride at the ring adorning her finger. MvM, just like the people she loves most. "Can we trade? Please? I saved a spot just for you!"

[renegadeofmacedon]

White Heron Cup Round 2

“Oh.”

Coirpre was her next opponent? And another woman, who very clearly was a trained dancer. Minerva couldn’t help but be dismayed by the matchup - Coirpre was so nice to her when helping her pick something to wear for the ball, and how bad would it look for her to win against him as a thank you? But then again, she didn’t want to let down Azelle...

“I am no tactician, but perhaps we should play it safe and try to replicate what worked last time?” She asked, one eyebrow raised in question. “I’d rather keep it consistent than do anything risky, as I really don’t want to trip over my own feet on the ballroom floor.”

The resulting dance goes smoothly, in Minerva’s opinion. And as she waited for the judge’s scores, she held Azelle’s hand nervously in hers.

2, 6, 10 - an 18.

“A two for style...? I suppose that is what we get for playing it safe, then,” she said with a long sigh. 

“At least we got a ten for technique, but I should have known we wouldn’t impress the judges with the same thing twice. I’m sorry; but in fairness, I warned you, didn’t I?” Minerva said to Azelle, both disappointed and a little relieved. “I honestly cannot be too upset at the result, as I am a beginner after all, and our opponents clearly knew what they were doing. We did our best - and I must thank you as well, as I didn’t think I would get this far at all.”

Next up @fjalarspark followed by @obragi @sylphade

[renegadeofmacedon]

aethertine:

atypicalsenerio:

Round 1- White Heron Cup

Dancing with @aethertine

Style: 4

Choreography: 7

Technique: 5

Total: 16

It honestly went better than Soren was expecting. Neither of them were experts, yet they somehow moved mostly in sync. Crimea’s traditional dance was too strenuous for Soren to attempt, so they tried a ballroom dance, swaying and stepping generally in time.

Soren mostly had eyes for Ike rather than the competition anyway.

“Apologies,” he muttered, stepping on Ike’s foot. They lasted their entire song, but Soren was eager to flee the stage and enjoy the rest of the night elsewhere.

When the judges held their signs up, Soren openly scowled at the one holding the 4. The sign wavered in the air from the intensity of his glare and the judge glanced away.

“Hm. It’s just fine with me that nobles can’t appreciate our styles. It doesn’t matter to me anyway.”

@fjalarspark and @renegadeofmacedon

It was better than they were expecting, but Ike was still lost on the dancefloor. Choreography, style, and technique - these types of things were all lost on him. After all, all he really knew was battle and leadership. But he knew Soren. And he could respond to Soren - so that’s what they did. They reacted to each other and it allowed them to move in sync. 

Ike could care less about the competition anyways. Soren had insisted about entering the contest, and he was only here to make his boyfriend happy. Whoever won was none of his concern.

Soren stepped on his foot but it wasn’t a big deal. The mage weighed so little anyways. They managed to finish the entire song and he could only hope he was able to please Soren.

Ike watched the judges hold their signs up and could tell already they had not done a spectacular job. But, who really cared? Looking to his partner, he saw a glare and flash of anger. Hopefully, that would subside. Dancing wasn’t really their forte, after all.

Ike half smiled at Soren’s comment. Obviously, he cared a great deal about the competition. How should he placate him? Ike pulled him close, an arm around Soren’s back.

“Ah, but they’ve never seen you balance finances,” he said, placing a kiss to the top of Soren’s head. 

@fjalarspark​: (moved from here)

Style: 8

Choreography: 1

Technique: 7

Total: 16

Encouragement: +10 (Tie-breaker)

To attempt Archanea’s swaying and waltzing of only the highest caliber would be foolhardy and reckless for first time competitors; Grannvale’s simple yet stylish dance was their route. And...it seemed to work. Each sway, each languid step and twirl, swirls only of simplicity: simple won the battle.

Azelle grinned to himself when the judges announced them the winners, and he beamed to Minerva.

“We won!” He cheered, “But let’s not forget our manners!” How ignoble would it be to disregard the competition? The very people who offered the chance to compete?

Azelle quickly joined the bluenet mercenary and his grumpy companion offering them a grand smile.

“Thank you for competing,” He offered, nodding courteously. “Or else such an opportunity as this one might not have been possible. Truly, you have my gratitude.”

Now, to Minerva, “And you, as well, Lady Minerva! This has all been such a blessing!”

---- 

“We... we won? We actually won?” So focused on her worries about tripping over Azelle’s feet and doing her best to match him that she honestly, truly, thought they would have lost. As Azelle celebrated, she couldn’t help but stand there and process the win, just for a moment. She is no dancer - so how...? “It seems your choice in dance was the correct one, as those two are already quite the pair...”

A moment later, and with one final small bow towards the crowd, Minerva joined Azelle in meeting their competitors. “Thank you both for competing as well - from one warrior to another, I truly was not expecting to get the win, and it was a joy to watch you both. You were wonderful opponents,” Minerva smiled, nodding to the other pair. 

Glancing at Azelle once more, Minerva mused, “If it were not for his smart choices, I think we would be having a very different conversation,” she said with a laugh. “I hope you two have a wonderful rest of your ball.”

Once they were alone, Minerva turned to Azelle. “I do mean it, you know. Thank you - this has been wonderful! Now, what shall we prepare for the next round..?”

[renegadeofmacedon]

lift — for the photo, the sender boldly lifts the receiver up in their arms. whether or not they can hold them long enough for the photo may be another story…

“Are you... Are you certain this is a good idea?” Minerva had no issue with being lifted, oh no -  but with how close in size the two were and taking into consideration how much muscle she had, she was a little worried that Marth was going to get hurt. She wasn’t exactly light, but at the same time... Minerva knew better than to underestimate his strength, and so, she’d trust him once more. “Let me remove my heels, at the very least, to remove a little weight.”

Minerva slipped them off with ease, and found herself almost instantaneously swept into Marth’s arms. Letting out a small yelp, the quick flash of the device took her by surprise - at least he wouldn’t have to hold her for too long. The resulting photo showed Minerva, her expression uncharacteristically panicked, with legs partially blurred from movement as she tried to keep her balance in Marth’s arms. As soon as it was finished, Minerva released herself as quickly as she could from Marth’s hold, then braced herself on her knees in a huff.

“Well... Maria will want a copy, I’m sure. Are you alright?” She asked, glancing at Marth, still a little dazed. “Also, would you like to exchange stamps? Assuming I did not injure you too badly...”

[renegadeofmacedon]

"Princess Minerva." A perfectly-poised bow and a smile at Lorenz's lips is the first impression he chooses to make; the engagement card between his fingers is but a formality, at least to his true intentions. "Your little sister Maria thinks the world of you, and in turn, I have waited for the day I can make proper introductions to such a revered lady. I am Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. I require no dance, only your ear for a moment of your time. I am delighted to make your acquaintance."

“Ah...” 

This isn’t the first time Minerva’s been approached in such a way, with many trying to curry her favor with honeyed words and subtle affirmations. As much as she wished it weren’t the case, her reputation yet again continued to set a precedent, through no fault of her own - but she couldn’t blame Maria for it, either, as she knew how much her sister idolized her... Regardless of whether or not she actually deserved it. 

But, then, there was the man before her; so self-assured and certain in his actions, it almost made Minerva a little envious. Almost.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, and seeing as you already know who I am, I will spare you the lengthy introduction. I will be blunt, as I have not heard your name until now - I do not mean any offense, as that is the case for many who I have met thus far who know of me by reputation alone. I only have recently arrived here, after all, so I still have so many introductions yet to make.” Minerva seamlessly retrieves her own stamp and engagement card, a small smile ghosting across her face. “Now, tell me - just what has my sister gotten herself up to, in my absence?”

[renegadeofmacedon]

Some injury headcanons for Minerva below: with warnings for mention of imprisonment, torture, and of course, Minerva’s really bad mindset when it comes to herself, her training, and her ideals. I also have attached a visual reference for scarring, nothing graphic - just important ones location-wise. Anywho, here we go :)

Minerva's time in captivity nearly did her in; had she not been rescued by Michalis when she was, she most certainly would have died. Minerva's physical injuries fall into two categories - old (chronic, permanent) and new.

Her very first injuries were from when she originally was a pegasus knight. While she did eventually release her pegasus into the forests of Macedon, the two had a rocky relationship at first; Minerva struggling to find her own personal sense of balance, and Mirnatius (the pegasus) not liking her attitude. Minerva still has some old bite marks on her hands, fingers and arms that have long-since healed over and don't bug her anymore, but once she learned how to preen Mirnatius properly, their relationship improved from there.

Minerva's relationship with Zelcher (her wyvern), on the other hand, was smooth from the start. Her main injuries, especially in her initial training, was simply getting adjusted to each other and fighting atop wyvernback, which are not visible. Zelcher in every sense is Minerva's partner, and each are likewise upset if they injure each other in any way. The very few bites which Minerva has from Zelcher were primarily from small accidents, or putting herself in the way of another, and they healed rather quickly. (Zelcher likes to bite as a greeting, a result of with how closely he was raised alongside Minerva).

Training injuries... Are the most prominent, by far. Large slashes, small cuts, old, gnarled scars - they litter Minerva's body, primarily below the neck.

In her efforts to try and keep up with Michalis, Minerva pushed herself more often than not way too far in her own training, and at the hands of others with their growing expectations. Minerva's self discipline is notoriously harsh, even in retirement from leadership. Those habits will never leave, and she can only hope she passed on the best of it to her Whitewings, and left behind the worst of it for herself and herself only. It’s what she thinks she deserves, for failing so horribly.

As for new injuries? From the time she was forced to act as General for Maria's sake, she found herself having to bodily put herself in harm's way to protect the innocent getting preyed upon by rogue soldiers. (She is thankful for Hardin's unexpected help every day, as even that small intervention helped ease that burden).

Minerva developed severe migraines due to the amount of responsibility and stress she found herself with, and with that came many sleepless nights. While she wouldn't intentionally miss meetings, there were quite a few times where she had to delegate tasks in that period she was trying to rebuild Macedon because her headaches took her out of commission. (There were more than a few rumors that her headaches were punishment from the gods for deposing her brother, when that couldn't be farther from the truth. Osmond...)

Her duel with Michalis left her with many scars - the largest of which running down her chest, from the right-side of collarbone to just below the left side of her stomach, below her belly button. It was done in a split second, her armor getting momentarily dislodged, but the damage was done - with as much as her heart was hurting fighting her brother, she counts that scar as a testament to her skill, and a reminder that her conviction was truly justified.

Minerva's time in captivity is something she is still actively recovering from. Her wrists, feet, and back all still bear scarring from being bound so tightly and for so long, alongside malnourishment and injuries from torture. There was no purpose to it other than to humiliate her, as Minerva had nothing else to lose... Isolated as she was, she had all but resigned herself to death alone.

Minerva doesn't deliberately cover her scars with her armor and high necks and sleeves, as even during her time in Lena's monastery did she wear flowing robes - they were for her own personal comfort, nothing more. Minerva has always been uncomfortable with attention, and she relished the rare time she had an excuse to wear a dress rather than her armor, as the novelty of it usually brought out several smiles.

[renegadeofmacedon]

obragi​:

High Flying Fashion

   “ I’m Coirpre. I come from Thracia, ”  he introduces himself in turn, tilting his body to the side to let Minerva more easily take the article of clothing she wants once he realizes she is reaching for it.

“ I’m also a new arrival. I came only earlier this month, ”  he explains, clearly in a similar boat as her. Though he has run into a few familiar faces in the Academy, there are still a great many faces he doesn’t know especially in his own house.  “ But a woman who’s very important to me is in your house. She’s like family to me. ”

He smiles thinking of her. He hopes he gets to see her at the ball. Though he is here to dress himself for the event, he hadn’t found much interest in it until he remembered he does have at least one loved one there.

“ She kind of gives off the same aura as you. ”  The mention earlier of Minerva’s younger sister being of a similar stature to him does not go forgotten. He had wondered if there was a reason why the two were not here together, especially with Minerva’s stating that she has family attending the academy…

…perhaps her younger sister was not amongst them. He knows his size and knows he’s hardly the tallest. It could very well be that said sister was simply too young to attend such a school of military arts.

“ Though I’m not sure she would’ve chosen the same piece as you did just now. But then again, maybe she would. Her older brother wore that color a lot. ”

”Thracia... I do not think I have heard of it, admittedly,” Minerva said with a small smile, but nodded regardless. “Oh? Who might that be? For one as courteous as you’ve been, even if we’ve only just met, I’m certain she must have a good character. I will most likely run into her, and I would love to know all about her.”

The same aura, though... “Does she have any younger siblings, then? I am often pinned as the, ah... Responsible type. I am not the eldest, so do not misinterpret - that delightful honour goes to my brother, who I hope, for your sake, you do not have to willingly encounter. He can be very... Trying. I do not wish to speak ill of others undeservingly, but there is a bit of a long story, here. I will save that for another time, though, as shopping for an outfit is no place at all to share your woes, mm? But, I did lead a regiment of my own, though - the Whitewings, who are a trio of sisters. They are as close as family to me, and I miss them dearly.”

Minerva laughs at Coirpre’s comment about her choices, because there was a reason for that, too. “I’ve spent so many years donned in nothing but armor, otherwise I would be more than happy to wear something more... What’s the word... Frilly? Gaudy?” She said, waving a hand. “Even if it isn’t to my tastes, if it makes my sister smile, then I will happily do it. Also, perhaps it is a little morbid of me to say, but black does hide blood well, amongst other things,” she said, thinking of the scars she had still healing from when she as in captivity. 

Her eyes catch a bright hue of blue, and Minerva carefully sets down the black dress only to pick it up. “That is not to say I don’t enjoy a flash of colour, though. Even if this is outside of the norm for what I would normally choose,” she said with a laugh. “What of your family, then? Are they here with you too?”

[renegadeofmacedon]

"You must be Professor Michalis and Princess Maria's sister!" Deirdre is positively delighted to have come to the conclusion. "I hold them both very dear in my heart and I would very much like to have a place for you there as well, my lady. Perhaps you might allow me to stamp your card as our first act of friendship?"

“Oh!” While the woman’s energy caught Minerva briefly off guard, she can’t help but match it with a slight smile. “Yes, you would be correct -” Michalis being held dear is a shock, but she could always pry about that later. A first impression was important, after all, and she did not want to sully it with the mention of her brother. After a moment of shuffling, Minerva revealed a folded (if not slightly crumpled) stamp sheet out from her sleeve, and pulled her signet out with her necklace that she was wearing under her dress. She really should have brought a satchel of some kind, but alas. 

“I would be delighted. You know my name, but I do not know yours... Just what is the name of this kind, young woman before me?” Minerva can’t help but tease, as she really does have nothing else to go off of.

[renegadeofmacedon]

[ Unicorn ] "A photo... artifex?" Julius muses to himself, though loud enough for the person near him to hear. Neither word means much to him, and the array of props spread across the table offers little in the way of context. The large stuffed horse catches his eye though. "What is anyone supposed to do with this?"

“The photo-artifex captures whatever scene is on display before it,” Minerva answered slowly, having caught the start of Julius’s murmuring as she approached. Whether or not he was fishing for an actual answer, she didn’t know. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) for Julius, she was never one to abandon those in need, even when they didn’t actually want the help. Parroting what she remembered, “The props are here to add to the photograph, and the result is printed as a memento for you to take home, and maybe even give to family. Part of me does wonder why there is something as specific as a stuffed horse available as a prop, which makes me wonder if someone brought in an actual one at some point in the past.”

Minerva hesitated briefly, then asked, "...Would you, ah... Would you like to take one of yourself? I can help with setting it up, or if you want another participant for the photograph, I can do that, too...? I do not wish to impose, of course. If so, I am more than willing to assist you. I can also provide you a stamp, if you wish.” While part of her instantly regretted asking, what harm was there in doing so? She’d already dealt with Michalis’s worst years as a moody (yet very stressed) teen many times, so if the answer was a hard no, she wouldn’t be too offended; so long as she was able to get away largely unscathed in her rejection. “I am Minerva of Macedon, by the way. I assume you have met my younger sister, Maria?”

[renegadeofmacedon]

[ Cheek ] - The sender kisses the receiver on the cheek for a cute photo.

"Sister, Sister! Did you hear?" She hangs onto Minerva's arm as delicately as she can, basking in her presence and warmth and the knowledge that nobody could ever be as pretty as her big sister. "This thing is called a 'photo-artifax!' It's like an instant painting, and you can keep it on a little paper that's so much easier to carry around! I could even keep it in my journal, and I'd get to see you even when I miss you! Can we go take one together? Please?"

Soft hands tug at her sister's sleeve, a wordless request for her to lean down -- and then, springing onto her tiptoes, she plants a little kiss on Minerva's cheek. After all, if Minerva's to have a picture, too, then she never, ever wants her to forget just how loved she is!

“Yes, I have heard! Actually,” Minerva paused in her tracks, focused yet swift in the moment between Maria’s adorable babbling and when they set off together - slipping her hand into her sleeve ever so delicately, “I have something for you!” Her hand shook slightly as she handed a copy of it over to Maria, a little out of nervousness, but most of all out of a desire to please. “I met the young prince earlier, and, well,” Minerva stumbled, “this... is for you. I was hoping to catch you later too so we could take one together, but I did not wish to take you away from your many friends. I would be honored for you to keep the results in your journal.” It warms Minerva’s heart, to finally see her sister so happy, and so free -  finally around people her age, given the chance to be a child which was so horribly lost back at home.

The kiss came as a welcome surprise, and Minerva easily acquiesced to lean down so that Maria could properly reach her. She hoped that her smile, small and bashful, is caught properly in the flurry of movement. Unknowing of whether or not Maria had arranged to get just one or multiple photos, Minerva made a split-second decision. Pulling her sister into a half-hug, Minerva quickly her back on the cheek. Any excuse she had to hold her sister closely, well... She’d take it.

[renegadeofmacedon]

[ @princessmacedon @reverenceofmacedon (Order -> Minerva, Maria, Michalis)] (previous) 

“I... What?” Minerva barked a laugh, short, and somewhat manic - the audacity- “I abandoned Macedon? All I ever wanted was to be together, Michalis! But you took that away! Everything, everything I have ever done was in service to our country, for our people; Michalis, who do you think I learned that from?”  Minerva cuts herself off, sharp and longing; with her eyes still partially trained on Maria, she knows, deep down, that there’s only so much she can truly say in front of her. Views and ideals were only a surface excuse, when the hurt ran so much deeper.

“Sometimes,” she started, slowly, doing her best to meet Michalis’s eyes despite her thundering heart, “I think about those days, where I trailed you everywhere, thinking to myself - ‘I want to be as strong as him, as smart as him, as great as him’. You were my ideal, Michalis. So strong and noble, and able to lead our country with a level head, even if you disagreed with our Father, who,” Minerva paused, narrowing her eyes into a glare, “did nothing wrong by pursuing peace to deserve the way you tarnished his legacy!”

A ball certainly isn’t the time or place to air her long-standing woes, but Minerva is tired and can’t think of another chance. Even as they dance around the issue with their present company, she wants him to understand - and, as much as it hurts, hopes Maria does, too. “You tore us apart, Michalis. How dare you speak of abandonment and duty, when you couldn’t even treat your own family with the respect they deserved? I was doing all I could, but you sought the worst solution--” Minerva cuts herself off, far too close to the truth, and turns to face her sister instead. 

“Maria, I am certain you realize this, but it bears repeating; I wanted no part in either war, nor did I ever want to lead. But instead, my Whitewings and I were used as tools, and all I could ever manage was to try and lessen the destruction. I had a country and rule thrust upon me, and was left to clean up the mess alone. No amount of loyalty to anyone or anything can justify what was done to us, and to Macedon! And Michalis, no matter where I go, I am shadowed with your bloody legacy. I agreed to come here to Fodlan, to this Ball. I am sorry, Maria, but how can I enjoy myself, when we all still hurt so deeply? I will not suffer these excuses any longer. For us both, Michalis, for Maria’s sake. So please,” she pleaded softly, “speak plainly. Do not hide your woes with veiled threats. I do not hate you, Michalis. You are my brother. No matter how much you may distance yourself, no matter the crimes you may commit in the name of glory.”

[renegadeofmacedon]

she's whipping it. whipping what? it's not apparently clear; though through some vague interpretations, you might be able to kind of get a sense of what she was doing. she's? holding a rope, maybe. a lasso? oh, there: now she's fake-lassoing poor minerva from across the ballroom, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively as she tries to drag her out onto the dance floor. with an inappropriate wiggle of her hips, she calls out: "COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TOOOO."

Minerva, to be frank, isn’t quite sure what she’s looking at. Between those... strange, undulating moves, and, what was that... Was she trying to entice her to come over? While she may admittedly be weak to compliments, this, this was...

“I’m sorry, but... No thanks.” As much as Minerva would like to try and get a stamp, whatever the other woman thought to accomplish, it will have to wait for another day. 

[renegadeofmacedon]

skinfcxi​:

SOLAR FLARE.

continued from here!

That worked? That actually worked?

Dagr’s lip trembles. Oh, she’s trying so hard to hold it together right now. She’s absolutely pumped! She can’t believe that line really, really worked! Wow, she was kinda expecting to get suplexed … not that she would mind. Dagr would let a pretty girl suplex her any day.

“Me? Name’s Dagr, but you can call me anything you want, sweetheart.” Dagr lowers her arm and slips her hand into the redhead’s instead. “I didn’t catch your name, either, I don’t think. Here, you can tell me along the way — let me lead!”

She tugs her new companion along, weaving through the crowd and out onto the monastery grounds, leading her down the steps to the lakefront.

“Isn’t it pretty? Look at how the stars reflect on the water’s surface…” Dagr turns with a grin. “Definitely not as pretty as my little flame here, though.

@renegadeofmacedon

Dagr. Minerva commits her name to mind - along with the feeling of Dagr’s hand in hers, and the thundering of her heart. The last time she’d felt like this was with riding with Palla upon her wyvern, but Palla wasn’t here - not that she had outwardly said anything to her. She will do her best to enjoy the moment, before it inevitably gets ruined. It always does.

Minerva allows herself to be pulled, resisting the urge with every fiber in her body to bolt and run away. Everyone around her gets hurt in some way or another, because of her own actions, or simply her circumstances. The last thing she wants is this beautiful stranger to get pulled into the mess of her life unknowingly, too...

The pet name makes her jolt - once again, she is utterly at a loss. Minerva knows she is notoriously bad at accepting praise, but this? She doesn’t know what to do. “I, um,” Oh gods, she’s terrible at this. “I swear I’m not normally this bad with words!” Minerva shouts, then wilts a little bit. “Naga above, if either of my siblings were to see me right now... Well, they won’t. Um. Not because of me being with you, that’s not the problem, just, me-- you’re beautiful, and to hear praise from you is a bit more than I am used to handling, I’m sorry I’m rambling-!”

[renegadeofmacedon]

Ethereal Dennys

[ @princessmacedon @reverenceofmacedon (Order -> Minerva, Maria, Michalis)]

“How dare you? I understand antagonizing others butting into our business, as I did specify for them to leave us alone, but still. How dare you?”

There is a number of choice words Minerva has at the front of her mind, but as she is, arms crossed and utterly fuming, she’s... well, struggling. Keeping a level head thrown out the proverbial window, Minerva smacks a palm to her forehead, dignified façade crumbling at the edges. “I’ll admit perhaps me publicly posting a provocation was not the best route, but I do not think I would have got your attention otherwise.” While it is unfortunate that Maria got caught in the middle of what she would have hoped to be a private discussion, this is the consequence for her actions which she should have anticipated. Oh, well. 

“I do not run from my problems, Michalis - and if we are to exist here at the Academy together, we need to talk. And Maria,” she adds, far more gently, “you are free to leave at any time - I promise not to actually harm Michalis.” As much as she may want to - not that Maria knows the real reason as to why, as for all that Minerva knows, neither of them told her the truth of Osmond’s death...

[renegadeofmacedon]

“What is the phrase, ah... ‘Say Cheese?’” It’s silly, Minerva knows, but she had taken one look at Edelgard from afar and seen at least, from what she thought, a potential kindred spirit. Someone who definitely, absolutely, needed a thoughtless reprieve, something to smile about. (She only wished that she’d had that someone who did that for herself).

Once the photo is taken, Minerva gently sets her down, and flashes her a warm smile. “Mayhap it was a little too presumptuous of me to lift you off of the ground so suddenly, so you will have to forgive me; what good is it to come here, though, without some spontaneity? It makes it more authentic, especially if you least expect it. I am Minerva, by the way - Maria’s older sister. Many are too afraid to approach me, so I thought why not change that, just this once... I do hope I did not offend.”

[ Lift ] - For the photo, the sender boldly lifts the receiver up in their arms. Whether or not they can hold them long enough for the photo may be another story…

She can't say this happens to her all too often- Or at all, rather. She cannot think of anyone off the top of her head who would try lifting her off the ground with their arms like this, but there is a first for everything. Before she can say much or attempt to protest, the princess finds herself moved off her feet by Minerva. It’s true that she is taller than Edelgard, but she can’t help and find herself embarrassed.

"I-Is this necessary?" She swivels her head around to make eye contact with Minerva, glare widened. “I..-- Ugh.” She moves her shoes in a slight back and forth motion before settling with staying still. At the very least, she doubts she will be elevated like this for very long. Or so she hopes, feeling her cheeks slightly reddening. “I fail to see what this adds to the photo.”

She is silent for a moment, lowering her tone into a whisper as she adds, “I’d.. Rather be on the ground.”

[renegadeofmacedon]

"Whhheewwww! Hey, baby, are you a spark? 'Cause you've set my heart ablaze!"

Dagr smiles cheesily as she wraps an affectionate arm around the redhead. Wow, yeah, Dagr can feel the muscles under the fabric. A strong woman ... just Dagr's type!

"You've gotta help me put it out, now. Hey, I know just the place — the lake is beautiful this time of night. Just me, you, and the stars on the water's surface ... whaddya say? I'm great company."

She winks, as if to sweeten the deal.

“Um,” Minerva says slowly, after a full minute of every single thought in her head getting blown entirely out of the water, “Um. Uh.”  Wow. Wow. Minerva genuinely cannot recall the last time someone had flirted with her so openly, her years in command utterly destroying any dream of finding the time for romance.

“You...” Oh, gods, she’s making a fool of herself - so focused she is at the feeling of the woman’s strong arms around her, combined with her words, Minerva is genuinely, truly, flabbergasted. “...You know, I pride myself on being honest, no matter how embarrassing it may be; and so, I will extend the same courtesy to you, no matter how flustered I may be at the moment,” she says with a high pitched, nervous laugh. The woman is gorgeous, and thank goodness she is not (for the moment, at least), the type to faint.

“Um. Uh. I would be delighted, to, um... Miss...?”

[renegadeofmacedon]

[ Dance ] - For the photo, the sender and receiver pose in a way that suggests they are in the middle of a dance.

He'd swung into the photo-artifex line, seeking one of the individuals who had signed up in search for a partner to compete in the White Heron Cup with. He'd swung himself right into line with a woman whose hair was nigh identical to his...Minerva, if he recalled, had been her name, and though he was perplexed as to why someone such as a Macedonian would compete in a dance competition, he had no better explanation than for the same reason someone as reserved as him dared to: memories.

"Lady Minerva," He greeted as steadily as he could, though he often wavered in confidence under such steady gazes as hers. "I had glimpsed your name penned in the partner-seeking scroll for the White Heron Cup."

He inhaled a steadying breath.

"Might we partner together? If you'd like to seek the company of another, perhaps somebody with whom you are more familiar, I understand!"

When Minerva had signed herself up, she had little to no expectation of actually finding anyone willing, and so quickly; she did, after all, have a reputation to uphold. Unfortunately for her, however, her expertise in grace primarily was on the battlefield, and not the ballroom floor. Whomever ended up her partner, she would have to give them fair warning, as the last thing she wanted to do was disappoint. 

“That is me, yes,” she answered with a raised eyebrow, frankly impressed by his boldness. It was a much nicer change than the frankly annoyingly reverent distance others insisted upon giving her, even if he struggled to hold her gaze. “I would be delighted to, but I must warn you - I am no dancer. We are likely to lose as a result, so... Are you alright with this, knowing that fact? I am fine with going someone unfamiliar, otherwise I would not have put myself on that list. What is your name?”