#ASHENPROFESSOR

[ashenprofessor]

Secret Serios - Gift #3

for @nobilisseoblige

Getting close to the end of their rounds, Byleth crossed the courtyard back to the student dorms. They wanted to be swift so as to not be caught by the recipients, especially this one. He was charming, but perhaps a little bit too charming.

It was a small but fragrant box. One unfamiliar with such matters would initially presume it to be some sort of exotic tea, yet strangely the it made a rattling noise if shaken. It was also heavier than should it simply contain leaves. Once open, you'd see a some small brown beans, and a note with simple instructions for how to grind and brew them. The aroma was quite delightful and would be even nicer once brewed. Upon closer inspection you'd see a signature on the back of the instructions in the familiar loopy penwomanship of Professor Manuela. A piece of paper, with Manuela Casagranda’s signature, and a charcoal sketch that… is a portrait? If you squint, the bob resembles the songstress’. Maybe you can uhh, cut out the signature?

The tag read: Tea connoisseur, coffee beans, Manuela's signature

[dcggersedge]

The last member of their little squad to check in was the starry haired thief Yunaka. She had been the first of them to react even before the professor themself. Finding her in the crowd, Byleth made their way over.

“Hey Yunaka” they called to grab her attention “how are you doing? You were fast to lead the charge into battle. I was impressed, very zappy”

And there's the last one, trickling in. Yunaka lets out a sigh of relief when she sees Byleth. All four of them made it off that mountain, that was good.

"Heya there, Byleth!" Not Emblem Byleth, which was weird. She's still not sure how to approach that, but she's leaving that mess alone for now when they've got way more important fish to be frying than the number of Byleths there were in the world.

"Aw shucks, thanks!" Fake smile in place, Yunaka bounces on her heels and giggles like everything is fine and they aren't trapped underground and the world isn't collapsing. "A compliment from you in combat is a real A+! Do I get a gold star sticker too?"

Byleth, of course, did as well in combat as Yunaka expected her to. It was a shame that, despite the two of them fighting so hard, things had ended as they had.

Her smile shrinks a little. "You, uh...you haven't happened to hear about what's going on with all the others, have you? Everyone who wasn't on the mountain or...there's a lotta people missing, ain't there?"

[renaisguy]

Continued from here

Looks like Forde had nothing to be worried about. That was reassuring. "I don't think I snore." He chuckled. "Then again, I'm never awake to know, am I?" No one had complained about him snoring in the past, at least.

"I can be a bit restless though, I'll have to take the bottom bunk." The thought of rolling over and falling out? No thanks! "So uh, don't leave any weapons right by the bed, alright?"

Forde sits on the bunk he's claimed as his own, and stretches out. "It's comfy." He smiles. "Might fall asleep before the others arrive..." At least Byleth knew his name now. They could introduce him on his behalf if needed.

[berglietz]

[ Tangle ] Byleth was intrigued by the mat laid out in the corner of the ballroom. Careful observation has led them to believe that it's some sort of game. As a child, the professor hadn't had much time for engaging in such frivolities. But as the saying goes; no time like the present. They just needed someone to play with. Spotting a familiar blue head nearby, Byleth hailed the knight in training. "Caspar. Would you mind playing this odd looking game with me please?"

"What, like a one-on-one just between the two of us?" Caspar's eyes are drawn to the mat now, too. It's not a game he's played before, but it seems straightforward enough. Flexibility and balance will be key to winning for sure. Well, he's no slouch about those skills! Hands at his hips, he tilts his chin upward to meet his teacher with a grin. "Can't say it's the type of duel I expected to have with you, but a challenge is a challenge. Bring it, Professor!"

[allegreta]

flight of the herons (white heron cup r2)

Leanne feels confident, actually. Sephiran is a better dancer than he thinks, and she's adjusting to his style of movement. Surely, they can synchronize and find their groove in a way that will delight the judges and audience even more!

She takes Sephiran's hand, practically fluttering onto the stage and waving to those surrounding her before the music even starts. Oh, how her heart could burst with joy! Even the creatures composing the orchestra take note of her greeting, and she hopes it helps ease their anxiety at their newfound sentience.

The music they play lends itself well to her and Sephiran's steps. She finds herself leading, and integrates her wings in a way that does not overshadow his lack. She even lifts him into the air at a point that corresponds to the rise and fall of the music, a feat that certainly tires her but wows the judges considerably.

It is an energetic and inspired dance, something that comes more of spirit than of practice, but it shines in a way that takes the audience's breath away and earns the duo raucous applause and impressive scoring from the judge. She knew they could do it!

Style: 9, Choreography: 5, Technique: 9, Total: 23!

up next: @thelightofcreation. later: @ashenprofessor and @anankelotus

[anankelotus]

@ashenprofessor continued from here

Adopting an apologetic face, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you” Receiving a short nod in return, they turn their attention to the plant the professor had been examining. “It’s very pretty” 

Anankos agreed with their assessment, though perhaps their carnivorous comment may not have gone down too well. Opps. “I’m sure it’s fine, just a comment on how the edge of those flowers look” Byleth said in a reassuring tone. The fellow professor was a nervous soul it seemed. They’d have to be more careful with what they said. 

Curious about the flowers, Byleth reached out their hand towards it . . . 

Anankos continues to stare quietly at the flowers, perplexed and mystified by their strange beauty. This garden was full of dangerous things and yet they could not help but be drawn in by the splendor of it all. It was far too beautiful for them to ever be able to avert their many eyes, but one wrong step and they could easily wind up dead. Somehow, it reminded them of Cadros on the battlefield, beautiful but all too dangerous at the same time.

"Yes... perhaps they are not dangerous... but I would still be careful... you never know what could be awaiting around the corner in this garden... it all seems very... dangerous indeed..."

[livingrief]

Having already enquired if Sara was their gift giver and receiving a negative answer, Byleth carried onto the training grounds with the new shield. Once there they saw the brave knight Finn already there. "Do you mind if I practise" They enquired before entering the ring "I wanted to try out some new techniques my mysterious gifter gave me" Recalling the list of people who signed up event, Byleth remembered that Finn was one of them. "Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to have given this to me?"

It was easy to forget about things under the lull of the practice arena. Of course, it was no call to war, but that was not something Finn wanted to be part of. Merely the silence in his own ears and the sound of his own blade - that was it. That was enough to sate him, at least for today.

Yet an unknown makes itself onto the terrain. Likely someone who enjoyed training... Finn wanted to pay them no mind but they addressed him directly. It would be hard to ignore such a thing.

"Of course, go ahead," he responds. Why ask him? Such a matter was not up to him. He attempts to cross over to another area but the person follows, asking more questions and making more requests. 

"Well, trying out a new weapon is surely a wonderful feeling..." he responds. His words are sparse but they carry off a nostalgic feeling for another world, another time and place.

And finally, the person stops and addresses him with what was perhaps their true purpose. Finn's eyes widen slightly and then close. Oh, right. He had nearly forgotten about that whole ordeal. Was it strange for others to want to know who sent the gift? He did not want to know...for sure....

"Apologies, but it was not me." The knight sets his lance aside for a moment and offers a formal bow, hand tucked neatly to his chest. "I hope you can find what you are looking for." As for him, it's back to the blade.

[lionsword]

[ Fairy Rings ] - this unorthodox ballroom opens up to the skies and nature, and perhaps even beyond... rumor has it that circle of mushrooms over yonder leads to a less crowded neck of the woods.

Byleth tipped their head back to stare up at the open sky above the ballroom. It was an unusual set up with the ballroom directly leading into a garden space. Whilst not overgrown it wasn't as well kept as the monastery grounds. Thick trees of the wood surrounded the edges of the lawn creating a clearing.

As they'd threaded their ways between the dancers and other attendees, rumours about a hidden trail through the woods existing. No-one had been clear about what awaited at the end of the path but apparently all one had to do was follow the mushrooms. Byleth was tempted to explore it, escape the business of the party for a while.

Someone else was also looking out into the beyond. "Hello Roy. Have you heard the rumours too? I wouldn't mind some company in checking it out, would you mind joining me?"

Fresh air cleared Roy's mind, even if the sights were unlike anything he'd seen before. Being this small meant the mushrooms they'd find outside in would be huge. He wandered, music fading into the distance. It was nice to find some quiet space before going and dancing again.

"Oh, hello Professor." Roy took Byleth's hand, giving it a warm shake, necklaces blooming. "Yes, I'm curious too. I'd be happy to join you."

He meandered with Byleth, pleased when they did find a huge ring of mushrooms. Whether cultivated or natural, he was unsure. A ring of them, so big he could stand on one, had formed a perfect circle.

"Being this small gives you a new appreciation for nature, huh?"

[ashenprofessor]

Secret Serios - Gift #4

for @diadic

Final stop and then Byleth would be able to return to their room and change out this get up and relax. Heading towards the door of the last room, they reached to the very bottom of their sack and pulled out the final gift. Giving their bell and extra loud ring before depositing the box on the floor and whisking themself away.

The box was surprisingly large yet weighted barely anything at all. Upon opening, a pillow practically burst forth from the package. IT was a pillow with a beautiful pastoral design on it. The picture was clearly of a far off country and looked almost hand painted. IT was a very soft pillow, perfect for napping but also decorative. The gift tag read: Useful/practical, reminds you of home, something you'd give yourself

[ashenprofessor]

Secret Serios - gift #1

Present for @renaisguy

Byleth reached into their sack to pull out the first present from the small stack they'd found in the entrance hall. It was beautifully wrapped and as per the note, they knew precisely whose gift it was. Navigating to the correct dormitory room, the Professor knocked on the door, rang their bells and disappeared swiftly before the door opened, leaving the gift on the floor.

The gift is wrapped in what appears to be a simple package: a box with a nondescript brown paper and rope tied into a very secure knot to keep it all together. When the box is opened, the gift within is protected by a plethora of differently colored scraps of paper, attempting to shield the fragile hair pin wrapped in the center of it. The pin sports a spray of differently colored tiny flowers that have been preserved in resin. It creates a small bouquet of local flowers, not necessarily put together with an eye for balance but instead to assemble a good variety, to decorate one's hair. The present box has the tags: Unrelated to battle, Nature, Hair Accessory.

[ashenprofessor]

Secret Serios

Byleth hummed absent kindly under their breath as they passed down the corridor towards the notice board in the main entrance hall. There was a slight festive feeling in the air as they approached one of the many celebrations at the monastery. They wanted to help the staff and students get in spirit, thus had had written out the following notice:

Secret Serios

Who doesn’t love receiving a gift? Signup below to send someone a present and brighten their day. Even better you’ll get one in return! It’s up to you whether you wish to track down the sender of your gift or not. Sign ups close in a weeks time

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Instructions:

Bit of December fun, bit like toy day in Animal Crossing New Leaf. If you wish to take part, fill out the form here with your muse name plus three short prompts for a gift.

E.g Food, Red, Sweet and fizzy

Byleth will hand out the response to another participant to write a short gift description which can be submitted to Byleth inbox. These will be delivered at Christmas then afterwards there’s the option to try and guess who sent your gift.

Schedule:

6th-12th - Sign up

12th -24th - Submit gift

25th - Gifts sent

26th - 31st - (Optional) Find sender

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth jumped to their feet upon seeing their comrades return from patrol. The Professor had been worried about them, in spite of knowing them all to be capable fighters. It was a habit of theirs to worry about people when they went off to battle, born from their younger years of waiting for Jeralt to come back from a job.

Hearing that the patrol went well, they were prepared to call it a night but a howl close by alerted them to the presence of more foes. "Some stragglers from one of our earlier patrols" Byleth proposed as they drew to their blade and rushed towards the sound.

Arriving on the scene, they saw Diamant stood over the body of one Crest beast wolf, with another emerging from the surrounding dark. "The others are guarding the fire" They assured the prince "I came to help you"

Not wishing to give the wolf the chance to summon more of its pack, Byleth leapt at it trying to land a killing blow. However, in their haste their aim was off so whilst dealing a serious wound, it wasn't enough to prevent the wolf lashing out in return.

Byleth 10/10HP hits Crest Beast (Wolf) 6/6HP with Runesword [Roll: 3 + 11 = 14; -5, Crest Beast (Wolf) 1/6HP] Crest Beast (Wolf) 1/6HP hits and hits Byleth 10/10HP with Claw and Tear [Roll 20 - 3 = 8, 20 - 3 = 3 ; -2, Byleth 8/10HP

Two sets of claw marks littered their arm following swipes from the beast's great paws. It gave the Professor one final evil eye before collapsing to the ground to lay next to its brethren. The poison had finished it off.

Poison Strike activates! -1HP. Crest Beast (Wolf) 0/6HP Crest Beast (Wolf) is defeated! Byleth has 2 AP left

"I hope that's the last of them" Byleth said "Let's return to the fire and finish up for the night" It had been a nerve-biting patrol at times but Byleth was glad they'd all made it through, even if in the end the greatest foe had been the professor themself. "You should probably go to the infirmary when we get back" Byleth advised Diamant "Just to check that ... er, I did no lasting damage"

@heriteur, @rafent, @lycianlynx

no healers attack only final destination // week 1 combat team 3

[ashenprofessor]

Hello Profesor

I just wanted to give you a little trinket

to celebrate womens day

Hope you have lovely rest of it ^^

"Thank you so much", Byleth thanked the new person. They don't think they'd seen them at the academy before. They took the flower. "I'll have to find somewhere to put it"

[ashenprofessor]

Secret Serios - gift #2

for @heavy-draw

Byleth carried on with their mission to spread some holiday cheer through the monastery. Heading up to where the faculty rooms were, they located the door belonging to Shamir. Performing the same routine as outside the last door, they placed the gift on the floor before scarpering.

inside the box you find a Damascus steel dagger. whet until it was sharp enough to splice dewdrops in half. it was crafted with molten metal, leaving behind fingerprints entirely unique to this blade alone. attached to the blade is a rosewood handle, sanded to sit between steady fingers. a handcrafted leather sheath with a belt loop secures the dagger, finishing the set with a rustic look. the tag attached to the box reads: SHARP, COMPACT, and PRACTICAL.

[ashenprofessor]

The mountain should fear us

They had been led out of their holding cell but a pair of guards to be taken to a mining pit to be put to work. Their new 'friend' Daniel was with them and they are instructed to bring what was left of their weapons too. Byleth felt more capable knowing they had their trusty gauntlets ready as they venture deeper into the mountain.

Arriving at the designated site, the guards drop them off with knowing grins on their faces. Before them are winding passages and caves to traverse to clear out for the miners. Byleth led the way into the first room, noting immediately the presence of creatures there waiting for them.

"Great. Of course the witchy mountain contains horrors hidden away within." The Professor told their teammates.

Pulling on their Aura Knuckles, Byleth noticed the skeleton, hiding towards the back of the group, bow in hand. A perfect target for the first attack, take out the support. Darting forwards, they drew back their fist ready to strike.

Byleth 10/10HP hits and hits Bonewalker 12/12HP with Aura Knuckles (One-Two Punch). [Rolls: 15, 6; Hit!, Hit!; Damage: 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = -2.5HP, 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = -2.5HP, Bonewalker 7/12HP]

The first hit catches the skeleton in it's boney shoulder, knocking it off-balance before the second hits square in the chest. Undeterred, it raises it's bow to fire back.

Bonewalker 8/12HP hits Byleth 10/10HP with Devil Bow. [Roll: 12; Hit!; Damage: -2.5HP, Byleth 7.5/10HP] (Devil Bow roll: 1. Failure) Bonewalker 7/12HP loses -2.5HP; Bonewalker 4.5/12HP

The arrow soars through the air and pierces Byleth's arm. Pausing, to break off the shaft, Byleth looks up to notice the skeleton almost seem to wince. The bow in it's hand glows red and seems to draw something from the enemy leaving them weaker than before. Some sort of cursed weapon, the Professor wonders.

Wanting to capitalise on the opportunity presented, Byleth moves in again for another attack.

Byleth 7.5/10HP hits and hits Bonewalker 4.5/12HP with Aura Knuckles (One-Two Punch). [Rolls: 9, 7; Hit!, Hit!; Damage: 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = -2.5HP, 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = -2.5HP, Bonewalker 0/12HP]

Byleth knocks it's skull back with a glancing blow before swiftly adding in an upper cut. The skeleton's head pings off the top of the spine before rolling away with a clatter across the floor.

Returning to the group, Byleth rolls their wrists, casually remarking. "That's Bones taken care off. Who wants a shot at them next"

@amitieos, @dracofalchions, @sweetroyalberry, @rafent

[failnaughted]

Whew, it was getting hot in here. For the most part, during the course of his life, Claude had only been close to fire in the sense of fireplaces and an occasional Fire spell thrown his way during battles, skirmishes or training sessions. This kinda close proximity to an open flame like this, and hot enough to color metal scalding red, it was something else entirely.

So when Teach took a moment to throw off some layers, Claude wasn't surprised, and when there was a quick second of pause, he followed suit, remaining just in undershirt as well. This Jackie lady was tough as nails to exist in this kinda environment on the daily - he was starting to respect her even more for that than for her smithing skills. Of course, those were still most admirable as well.

One hand threw his upper layer shirt off to the side; the other swiftly swiped the brush the blacksmith had pointed at and held it out to her. He had half a mind to remind her of his name, but in the end, reconsidered and just let it go. She was giving him Judith vibes, and if he was right on that, her response would likely be something along the lines of Okay, Pretty Boy.

Teach can get a laugh at him some other time.

He then moved to exchange places with Byleth again. The weapon they were working on was starting to take shape of something he'd take to battle more and more.

101 New Ways to Stab People || Claude & F!Byleth

Mission: Axe +1 || @ashenprofessor || Mission Season: Restoration