#heriteur

[starrook]

[ 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 ] : ( dia's like 16 here hee hoo )

Knuckles sting as Diamant draws his fist back, watching as the nobleman on the ground scrambles back, shuffling desperately along the floor. The man's attendants are quick to rush to his side, ushering him back to his feet as he clutches his bloodied jaw and blusters. Shouting of broken agreements and void business deals, interspersed through threats of how the king will hear of this!!... such brutish behavior from Morion's PRIDE and joy.

But Diamant can only think of one thing—Alcryst, and the insults he'd taken from this man. To be called weak. To even insinuate that he was not father's son, that mother would have somehow stepped out on her husband...

Diamant has to stop himself from striking the man again. He had enough to explain already.

Prince reaches out to place a hand to his brother's head, pausing when he finally registers the blood staining his white gloves. Crimson eyes close for a moment. That hand is retracted, and the other rests upon cobalt locks instead.

"Hey," Diamant says softly to the boy, "Don't pay attention to that—it's all hot air. You are the son of Morion. You are Mother's heart, and my brother. You are our family, and a prince of Brodia. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

A shocked Alcryst screams in terror. The nobleman spits and bleeds, eyes wild with anger. The young prince finds himself frozen in place. His legs won't move at all. For a moment, he fears he's going to get throttled.

The atmosphere had already been tense with the nobleman's cruel words. Strange words, not quite mean but not very kind either, now turn into shouting and threats. It's a fight among giants, between his big brother and grown men, all towering over Alcryst. All he can do is avoid getting trampled in the fray. So he shrinks back, cowering behind Diamant and trying not to whimper as he cries.

Alcryst doesn't dare speak. It would be bad to draw attention to himself right now. It's his fault that this is happening in the first place, isn't it?

Diamant places a hand on his head. Alcryst can't help but flinch in fear. He's never seen this side of Diamant before. His kind, gentle brother who has never raised a hand at him or anyone else, becomes unpredictable. Will Diamant turn his anger towards Alcryst now? It's his fault this is happening, after all.

His brother tries to comfort him with soft words. But try as Alcryst might, he's too frazzled to understand. Mother is Mother. Father is Father. Diamant is his brother. They are a family, and Alcryst never questioned it before. For that nobleman to act like it's a lie... for Diamant to react so scarily... everything Alcryst has ever known suddenly seems uncertain.

"But he said other people believe it, too!" Alcryst protests in between hiccups. The more he thinks about it, the more worried he gets, and the more he cries. "I know I'm weak... If I get stronger, can Dad still be my dad?"

[redmessenger]

winners stay winning

A group of wyvern knights descends upon the slavers and a fight ensues. Both sides suffer heavy losses, but it allows the chance for a few of you to get away. Lukas, Sara, and Diamant flee for the dunes.

... [They] run far enough to find rockier landscape. And blessed shade in the valleys between rocks. Among these seem to be the entrances to caves. Lukas managed to reclaim his Silver Lance in the chaos of the earlier fight, but he seems slower than usual, more tired than the rest. The rest of you remain unarmed. It is late afternoon of the same day you arrived. You are all exhausted.

As he recounts the day's events, Lukas briefly makes a mistake. The shipwreck, waking up on the shore, getting captured by slavers only to escape from them hours later... it takes a second to realize that all of these things happened today, all on the same day.

Gods, he feels awful. Aching in his head and neck, thirsty, exhausted. No wonder he feels this way considering all that's happened. Lukas is fortunate to have been able to recover his lance in the state he's in. But Diamant and Sara aren't so lucky, meaning that the group's defense and safety currently falls on his shoulders. An exhausted, injured man's shoulders.

Lukas turns to Diamant, "Can you wield a lance? ...Should the worst happens, I'd rather this end up in your hands than the enemy's."

@heriteur @shadoll

[luxaltare]

emblem disengage; team ten steel round

Lene awakens on horseback ready to continue the fight once more. At least she doesn't have to rely on her own legs, aching and tired as they are. Their foes are faceless, ghostly illusions but there's also something... oddly familiar about them. Despite the lack of facial features, she could swear she's sat near a couple of them in class before.

She shakes her head, mentally berating herself to stay focussed. Her sympathies cannot be wasted on enemies who would tear her and her allies apart.

Instead she takes in their faces, Larcei's the most familiar of course, Sakura's ever so adorable, Diamant who looks every inch the stalwart protector and Arval, bright and cheeky. They are who she fights for, who she swears to do her best to keep safe. In a short period of time, they've managed to swiftly work their way into her heart and become precious to her. Their foes are mighty indeed, but they can't waver now.

If she were alone, she'd have given up by now. Instead she surveys their opponents, looking for one she can at least land a free potshot or two on. Lene might not be the strongest fighter but she was determined to help in whatever way she could.

"Hey, big guy! See how you like this!" Lene taunts the Hero-King, as she prepares to strike. A fox shaped spirit settles atop her shoulder to her surprise. Never before had she seen magic spirits but she takes this as a blessing. A mischievous fox on her side.

Lene (5/10 HP) attacks Hero-King (18/18 HP*) with Cyclone of the Fox from range. Roll d5: 5! Roll 5d20-4: 6, 3, 11, 20, 7 (all -4) = 2, -1, 7, 16, 3. Barely hit, Miss, Hit, Crit, Barely Hit. -1, 0, -2, -4, -1 = 8 damage. Hero King has 10/18 HP* remaining Hero King cannot counterattack.

"Haha, thanks Sakura! Couldn't have done it without you." Lene cheers, grateful for the inspiring support of their sweet-natured priestess. "You're a star, you know that?"

After launching a barrage of attacks at the Hero-King, she turns back to her allies. They deserve her attention far more. Trotting over to Arval, she claps him fondly on the back.

"Here, let me help you!"

Lene (5/10 HP) heals Arval (5/10 HP) with Recover. Roll d20: 19! +6 HP restored. Arval has 10/10 HP Renewal triggers! Lene gains +2 HP (7/10 HP)

"There we go, much better. Go get 'em kiddo."

@heriteur

[nelithic]

He heard, through some whisper, that it was her birthday today.

For as much as Diamant failed to remember his own, the special days of family and friends were always firmly imprinted in his mind. And though he isn't sure if Nel would consider him a friend, they had enough encounters—enough ordeals endured and shared together—that he would feel remiss not addressing the day at all.

And so he approaches her with a modest bouquet of white cosmos: flowers representative of peace, if his readings had been correct. He knew that she was a Fell Dragon, and though he didn't know much about the specifics of her upbringing, if Lady Veyle's was any indication, it had to have been far from pleasant.

A tool, molded for the sake of war... and yet, it didn't always have to be that way.

"Good day, Lady Nel. I heard it was your birthday, so..." Diamant offers her the bouquet not long after he spots and approaches her, "Here, with my sincerest regards. I do hope these are to your liking. Though..." A faint chuckle, as he remembers her spiced orange peels. (And the ravages it brought upon his throat.) "Perhaps I should have opted for something with a bit more kick, instead?"

among human customs, she recalls it is in some way meaningful for a man to approach another individual with flowers. to this end, when she first hears her name and turns to behold a sprawling bouquet in the king of brodia's arms before a word of explanation is offered, her initial reaction is shock.

and then realization. ( and some embarrassment. )

she sheds it all easily, a rare boon of her natural derth of expression that all that makes it onto her face of it is a brief downturn of her gaze and the faintest pinch of lips.

when her gaze turns back to him again, all is normal once more, and nel moves forward to receive her third assortment of flowers of the day. it seems she will need to start finding more places for them than her quarters — ill-suited for the care of living things — and repopulating the monastery greenhouse. " . . . this is quite a bouquet. it has been many years since i have seen such pure white flowers. thank you, little king."

"though i wonder how you all are hearing of this. you are not the first to approach me, and with flowers, no less. i find it difficult to imagine that this was planned . . . " with diamant and the divine dragon alone, she could reasonably suspect collusion. but poe seemed an unlikely third conspirator. "did rafal tell you?" it sounds equally unlikely the moment she speaks it aloud; the vision of her proud twin approaching others unprompted to inform them of an unrelated surprise is hard to conjure. the hand that had risen thoughtfully to her lips falls away as she eventually dismisses the skepticism. "no matter."

one final aside however, meeting his eyes as she shifts the bundle more firmly into her arms: "but perhaps you misunderstood my intentions. i had never meant to eat these flowers. there is no need for spiced ones."

[firelles]

[ Cue the Music ]

"Well, if it isn't Princess Céline." He greets the young woman as they join together for the next dance, hand effortlessly slipping into her own. "Blooming beautifully as always. It's no surprise that you've taken to the festivities so naturally—Firene is rather known for its masquerade balls, is it not?"

"Yes, indeed! That is very much so," she replies with an airy spring to her tone. "I must admit.. I have been looking forward to it! Far from Firene we may be, this ball holds a reminiscence I find myself unable to ignore." Nothing can replace her home nor will she ever think otherwise, but the affairs of this ball are unlikely to ever be replicated anytime soon— It is here that grants them all the time and space to dance together.

While she looks upwards, the grace she prides herself upon never falters. As the music turns into a slow crescendo and her heels begin to move, Céline offers a polite and petite bow of the head: "Thank you for dancing with me, King Diamant."

[misutiera]

[ Pomegranate ]

"Seeds?" He offers Timerra. Diamant wasn't much a fan of raw fruits, but seeds were a different story. They had a nice, firm crunch to them, and were filled with a plethora of nutrients. It was a shame that not many seemed to enjoy them.

Oh, well. More for him.

He swallows. "Any plans to liven up the festivities? I only ask because I'm sure you or your brother have something in mind."

The Brodian says good-naturedly. Solmic parties may not have been Diamant's particular style, but he had no qualms about Timerra's ability to light up a room.

“Hmm...” A finger taps at her chin in mock contemplation as she considers the Brodian king's offering. “I dunno, you seem to be enjoying them. Wouldn't want to take away from your fun.” But it's short-lived, a few seeds swiftly scooped into a waiting palm. “But I'll have a few— thanks!”

Mischief lines the corners of the grin that follows, starry eyes gleaming with a look Diamant should be wary of. Perhaps he should already be familiar with it, if he thinks upon any time the Solmic princess took it upon herself to get him to sing. “If I did, would you join in? Because you bet I've got something in mind!”

A hand is extended, voice tinged with stifled laughter as she sings along, slightly off-beat, to the music playing. “♪Come on, King Diamant! Let's have some fun!♪” Her gaze narrows slightly, grin sharpening. “♪I know the king of Brodia doesn't run.♪”

And Timerra bursts into laughter there, shaking her hand at him insistently. “Don't look so scared. I won't make you sing unless you want to— this time. But you gotta dance with me instead, okay? And none of your stuffy ballroom dances. I'll show you what a real party is like back in Solm!” Her other hand flicks the bells hanging from her brooch. “Think of it as a cultural exchange of sorts. I'll throw in one of my bells too.”

[onigirisamurai]

—  HEADLOCK  ╱ (hello :3c)

"A shame we didn't get to meet on the battlefield—I would've loved to share another duel with you. But..."

Diamant adjusts the antlers on his head. A bit awkward to balance, but it was no worse than some of the things he's had to lift before. "Who's to say we can't remedy that, hm? Up for a challenge, Kagetsu? See if you can knock me down."

Kagetsu beams, both at the prospect of the challenge itself, and the challenger. Though he went into the battle practically blind, he could’ve sworn he’d seen a few familiar faces other than the ones on his side. Seems he wasn’t making it up. Huh.

“Certainly! I would be delighted. Let us battle!” His hand reaches towards his side on instinct, only to stop as Diamant adjusts the antler-looking-things on his head instead of drawing his sword. He pauses in confusion for long enough to notice a few people nearby wearing similar antlers and hitting them against each other, which is enough for him to put the pieces together and get the picture.

“Oh, you meant— right.” Kagetsu laughs, putting his half-drawn sword back and instead turning to the nearby table and grabbing antlers of his own.

He tilts his head a bit awkwardly, trying to aim the antlers on top of his head towards the ones on the Brodian king’s. Though with the height difference between them being as it is, he finds it a bit difficult to find a balance between not-poking-Diamant-in-the-eye and not-breaking-his-own-neck. Not to insult another’s tradition (that he assumes it must be), but this doesn’t seem all too well thought out for those who aren’t exactly the same height. If he were any shorter, this probably wouldn’t work at all. He’d try though.

Once he finds an angle that seems sufficiently not dangerous and his opponent seems ready enough, he pushes his head forward as forcefully as he can manage. Unfortunately for the antlers. Unstoppable force meets immovable object and all that. They couldn’t handle it, cute little festive antlers both breaking, their loud snap met with an awkward silence.

“…Perhaps we should… stick to our swords.”

[justicefanged]

Happy Biteday

@heriteur x

Consequences were never really something Linus thought about where it concerned himself. If it was going to come back somehow on his family, he’d dedicate at least some thought to his actions first, but it could still be a bit of a toss up. 

He really needed to think more about that sort of shit, because fUCK! A wimpy hit like that really did feel a whole lot worse when you were this size...

“‘M gon’ fuckin’ r’member ya did tha’...” Of course, it didn’t come out that clearly -- which wasn’t very clear to begin with, really, but Linus was sort of mumbling through the daze that slap had thrust him in. Fuckin’ ooph, he felt that shit in his bones! Shaking his head to try and dispel the feeling, Linus gave a dizzy sort of glare up to the Big Red Bastard in question.

“What?! Think I can’t pick a fight like this?! Ya just got a lucky hit in!” he screamed -- okay, squeaked, it was very squeaky right now but he was doing his best to ignore that so Shut Up -- as he tried to scramble off Diamant’s hand with at least a little bit of dignity. 

Probably didn’t work, but at least he had the guy’s attention. 

“YA OWE ME A REMATCH!”

[rockroselazuli]

Diamant has seen her far too many times—on the Somniel, in the halls of Brodia Castle, steadfastly at his brother and cousin's side—to not recognize Lapis on sight. With Alcryst and a number of others from Elyos here, he isn't particularly surprised... though, it was an encounter he wasn't expecting to have, all the same.

"Ah, Lapis!" He greets the swordswoman, voice carrying loudly through the air as he approaches her, "I see you've come to join us here at the monastery, as well." A chuckle, "It's good to see you. The place will be all the more warmer for your presence, I'm sure."

She must have been seeing things. Then again, if the Divine One of all people was here, then why not her king as well? While it was nice to see familiar faces, it was starting to get a bit intimidating. She knew Garreg Mach was full of high class people, but the faces she knew were really putting into perspective just how high class they were.

If she bumped into some stranger on accident, would a whole country she never even heard of suddenly become her enemy? Ugh -- no time to dwell on that fear now.

Instead, she closed the distance between her and the one speaking, half-smiling half-staring in awe. "King Diamant...? Yeah, I -- I'm here now. But I didn't know here was where you went off to!" Her smile became more certain. "It's good to see you, too! Though I'm sure you have way more to offer at a place like this than I do."

[luminousrider]

♡ hello

Hoo boy there is absolutely no way this poor child doesn't end up the most overachieving overachiever! Heir to both Brodia and the Gae Bolg with two very serious intense parents. Yeah he's going to be doing his best to be the absolute best at everything he does.

He is naturally talented though. Smart, handsome, skilled with pretty much any weapon. His one downfall is fishing. He sucks so bad at fishing and this pisses him off sooooo much. He's a wyvern guy like mom and Altena's wyvern was sooooo protective of him when he was a lil kid.

As far as how he looks, he's got the fluffiness of Diamant's hair but it's the color of Altena's. He likes to wear his longer to try and combat the fluff. Maybe like shoulder length. And he went through a headband phase when he was younger but now he prefers it pulled halfway back to be out of his eyes when he flies. Eyes are red. And his armor you know it's gotta be so cool looking. Like the aesthetic of Diamant's but the big ass pauldrons like Altena's he's so stylish.

Stories about Emblem Leif kinda freak him out like that's his uncle? That's his Uncle Leif? I think all three of his uncles are an important part of his life and I think he should have a little brother also. There is a lot of brotherly love in this family!

Family sparring time is a big bonding occasion. The three of them are always fighting together and trying to help each other grow and better themselves. The family that trains together stays together or something right?

[hosannan]

It is to Nanna's own acumen that she recognizes a face, a name, and a hope that belonged to another man's sun. "…Citrinne?" With a soft quarter-turn, she's met with scarlet hair akin to a field of celosias. With such attachment to the way he said her name, this Citrinne must have known of kind flames all her life. Her eyes crinkled in amusement, as she released an airy laugh from her nose. "No, no, kind sir. It's far too easy to reunite in a place like this, so I could not blame you for trying."

After all, she had the pleasure of reconvening with all sorts of companions in the last couple of days. Who is to say those little serendipitous moments belonged to her, alone?

"…Haha! Do I look quite like her?" Nanna elegantly rolled her wrist under her chin for a moment, in an attempt to lighten the mood. Tilting her head as her bangs fell wayside, she closed her eyes and smiled. "I hope she arrives knowing that you are waiting for her here! ...It's always delightful to chance upon an old friend, especially when they are looking forward to seeing you."

As her emerald eyes fluttered open, Nanna offered the gentleman a confident hand to shake. "So. A new friend shall have to suffice, hm?" There was a lilt to her voice that rolled off lightheartedly.

"My name is Princess Nanna of House Nordion. What a joy it is to meet you...!"

@heriteur

[starrook]

damn bro, you live like this?

[Grants Any Weapon +1]

The sword feels awkward in Alcryst's hands. He never believed being in Diamant's body would change that, and yet he finds himself disappointed. Years upon years of grueling training and Alcryst is still far from the talented swordsmen his father and brother were when they were eighteen.

Muscle memory carries Alcryst through some familiar warm-up exercises. Passable. But passable was not good, and so he begins another round of exercises. As much as he fears having to teach a swordfighting class, letting his (well, Diamant's) student down is not an option in his mind. All Alcryst can do at this point is maintain his brother's reputation at the Academy.

(A tall order, considering he's still Alcryst. But not making a mockery of his brother is the least he can do to make up for his foolish mistakes).

He recognizes his own miserable, baleful look from the mirror, now an observer from the sidelines. With his drills finished, Alcryst stands at attention to... himself? A familiar sense of loathing builds up within. Knowing Diamant is in there though, an unintentional recipient of his own self-hatred, keeps his dark thoughts in check.

"H-How was that?" Ugh, how awful Alcryst's words sound in Diamant's voice. He clears his throat before continuing, "Be honest. I know I'm quite rusty..."

[goldentalent]

6. A turning point in their life

It had been foolish to think the war with Brodia would never reach them in their idyllic little village. A place Elusians travelled far and wide to, drawn by the tranquil hot springs and famously warm hospitality. Perhaps it was even childish to expect the peace here to last indefinitely, bubbled away from the rest of the world, from her country left in flames.

Goldmary's life was as perfect as she was - how could this possibly happen to her?

The ravages of war are relentless though, indiscriminate in their wrath as they raze everything in their path. Fields left barren, homes crumble to dust and lives torn to shreds by the claws of warfare. Children sent off to die for the honour and glory of the motherland. Widows, broken and alone, left behind whilst the aristocrats sit upon gilded thrones, counting their prizes.

Trapped beneath several stories of brick and mortar, flames encroaching to claim her last breath as she lies battered and terrified and worst of all alone, Goldmary curses them all. Swallows another sob as she begs to see her mother's face on last time. Where was her father to comfort her? Oh please, let them be safe at least. The thought of her father, broken into pieces or her mother, scared and alone is the final dagger through her heart. She will not be long for this world.

Her eyes, liquid gold and enchanting flutter shut one last time. It's a pity no one is around to appreciate it. What a silly little thought.

But there is light. Radiance so bright it's nearly blinding even with her eyes screwed close as she begs for the end to come swiftly and painlessly. The crushing weights above are lifted away and when Goldmary finally dares to open her eyes, she thinks she sees an angel. That's she's ascended to the heavenly clouds of paradise. Her seraphic saviour raises a staff high, light pouring forth and Goldmary drinks it in like an oasis in the desert. The flow of blood is stopped, bruises fade and pain is chased away by hope, glory and divine radiance.

Her angel is but a child. Petite, decked in petticoats and ribbons, her wings instead belonging to the pegasus she rides. Goldmary cannot tear her eyes away from the youngest princess, who rather than reclining in luxury is here, in front of her. Bearing witness to the evils of war despite her tender age. Caring for their people, staff in hand.

Saving her life, when she feared no one would care if the tale of one young village maiden was snuffed out prematurely.

Later on that evening, both regret and determination seized her heart. At the time she was so overcome with relief, gratitude, love that she hadn't even thanked her saviour before Princess Hortensia had taken wing again. Called to aid another, surely, or to her father's side for safety. Goldmary did not yet know how, when or where but one day, in a gilt future filled with laughter and adoration, she'd thank her saviour, her guardian angel, in person.

[elusivia]

Diamant regards Zelkov with a somewhat wary eye, still quite confused about their last encounter. But as a fellow comrade in the Divine Dragon's Army, it would be rude if he were to leave without at least greeting the other man.

And if he hoped to restore Brodia's relations with Elusia, he must set the example with its people, first and foremost.

"Zelkov!" His voice booms above the chatter of the ballroom, lightning-marked hand raised in a wave. "Good to see you. You've been faring well, I hope?"

"King Diamant." Zelkov gave him a slight bow, aware he may still have a spare fragment of a dinner plate or small bloodstain still on him from his skirmish with Griss whether he wanted it or not. However, he was glad to see a friendly face, hand offered for a handshake once he was certain his palm was shrapnel-free.

As he shook Diamant's hand, it occurred to him that Diamant had been spending a remarkable amount of time with his own Queen Ivy. It would be remiss as her retainer to not make a casual, polite inquiry.

"How fare your *negotiations* with Queen Ivy?"

He did not, exactly, think through what stressing that particular word could imply in the context of a romantic event. So Zelkov asked blissfully, innocently unaware.

[nelithic]

[ Water ]

"Galas can be exhausting, can't they?"

A flute of water is offered when Diamant first approaches Nel, a sympathetic smile on his lips. From the few glimpses he'd gotten of her throughout the event, it seemed Nel was almost always engaged in conversation with someone. A natural occurrence at a party, though he never took the Fell Dragon as much of a socializer.

To suddenly have to converse so much despite that... from personal experience, he knew how tiring it could be.

"No matter how many times I attend one, I can never quite grow accustomed to all the attention I get." He sips his own glass of water. "A nice refreshment is a good way to cool down, ease the vocal cords."

SHE HAS ONLY FOUND A MOMENT OF RESPITE between the gardens, and the girl yuzu, and prince alcryst, settling herself into the soft plush of a chaise fortunately tucked in one of the more out-of-the-way corners of the ball room. here, the music is distant, quieter, and there appears to be an understood need for solace shared by its few inhabitants — a few girls resting their feet in muted conversation nearby ; another adjusting her headpiece by the window ; a lone boy reading a book.

only when eyes at last thankfully shut does she feel the faint stinging behind their lids, exerted by the lights and the movement and chatter.

but it's not long before a deeper voice bids them open again.

landing first on a clear flute of water, gaze then lifts to the man who extends it. red hair and warm eyes bid her shoulders to relax, losing their readiness to engage yet another impromptu conversation. though she supposes this still counted as one, she could afford to see it as less demanding. "so you were watching." one hand accepts the water with a sigh, bringing it gratefully to her lips and letting its crystalline wash soothe a scratch in the back of her throat as encouraged.

"i am. . . rather less accustomed to receiving such ' attention '," she continues with a faint headshake. brodia's king drawing in one after another was to be expected ; herself. . . she is better acquainted, and more comfortable, with being granted a wide berth. another sip, and she turns to look up ; one might imagine even a touch of amusement to her corner of her eye. "perhaps you might stand to the right a step, and block me from the view of the ballroom a while. i believe you would make a fitting curtain."

[firelles]

A part of him debated over whether he should give her a gift or not. He was an instructor after all, and she, a student of his House. Diamant didn't wish to stir any ill feelings amongst the students by exhibiting any favoritism. And he certainly didn't want to turn any negative attention towards her.

And yet—

His connection to Princess Céline long preceded their time here. They had been comrades in the Fell Dragon war, and acquaintances before that, as their nations hammered out the terms of a nonaggression pact. (An idea Diamant will always commend Queen Ève for, even if his father and the nobles had been particularly... stubborn about the arrangements at the time.)

And so he approaches her after classes as a friend rather than a teacher, handing off to her a bookmark decorated with pressed lentil flowers—the national bloom of Firene—and accented with a gold tassel.

He smiles, "Happy birthday, Princess Céline. You were a fan of books, if I remember correctly? This can help you keep your place during a particularly long read, and rather stylishly, too."

He... thinks? The bookmark he commissioned had certainly come out beautifully, but Diamant had no sense of what was fashionable or not, let alone a young woman's preferences with this sort of thing. At the thought, he smiles to himself—he could just hear Citrinne now, scolding him over his lack of taste.

The role of a professor fits someone like King Diamant— To return to Brodia and lead as its king. What is a teacher if not an instructor who takes their own tools and learns from both themselves and others? At least, that is how she deems the role.

When he approaches her, she offers a nod of reassurance. She does not expect a gift from him, but Céline's birthday is not of any secrecy. "Indeed," she says with a smile. "Ever since arriving here, I have been trying to make it even more of a point to read what literature Fódlan has to offer. There is knowledge here I couldn't find in Firene. Much of it, in fact! And yet.." Her eyes flicker towards the bookmark, stifling a silent giggle: "I have lacked proper page holders for quite some time." An embarrassing oversight, perhaps.

The floral pattern pairs well with both Firene's abundance for them and the growing collection of flower pieces she finds herself indulging in as of late. She harbors curiosity about where he received such an intricate item, but she sees no reason to ask. With such thoughtfulness and strong memory as this, he is certain to bring Brodia to greatness. Like her brother, he is someone worth protecting.

"Thank you, King Diamant. I will make certain I start using this the next time I begin a new book."