#love and courage marth

[diasporacorrin]

hi sorry I have to run to class lmao here's a quick Marth Caeda Duo notebook summary of key points

[blackdamed]

tag dump

[emblemxeno]

For as good-natured and open-minded as Alear is, effectively he's still extremely young and easily swayed.

While sweet to his friends, he's not at all merciful to enemies, such as outright saying he's going to kill Nelucce for what he's done to Alfred and Celine's family and home. Similarly, he lacks nuance/perspective on Veyle's situation later, thinking that such a blatant switch in personality was just her being a master manipulator this whole time, and lets his anger take control of what he says to her. A classic, good use of dramatic irony.

He doesn't run from things cuz Lumera told him that a Divine Dragon shouldn't run from anything, but Alear took that to an extreme by walking into danger even when advised against it by someone who absolutely knew better-Marth. It's precisely why Lucina and Lyn later have to explain the difference between running away from everything that scares you, and making a retreat when things don't look good. Courage is knowing the risks and recognizing your fear, but rising up to the challenge when it's still possible to win; folly and stubbornness is ignoring the risks as a whole due to getting a swollen head about your own abilities.

Specifically, what's great about this to me, is that Alear is still a work in progress in the story proper. He's compassionate to not want others to experience the pain he has, but not enough to fully grasp the kinds of things people would do because they, their country, or their families were hurt (Zephia, Hortensia, Hyacinth, etc.). He has much general wisdom and good day-to-day advice, but is still susceptible to being full of himself (Chapters 10 and 11). Even after getting a hold of himself when he lost the first six Emblems, he's still not mature enough to see Veyle as anything other than a selfish, monstrous murderer.

When learning he's a Fell Dragon, he sinks into despair, feeling as if he's been deceiving everyone this whole time, even though that perspective logically doesn't make sense. But it doesn't have to! Alear is convinced that Fell Dragons = Bad News, and that it doesn't matter what kind of person he actually is, his heritage is enough for derision.

That's why it matters so much that his friends immediately reassure him of the opposite! Dude, you just spent the entire game learning and growing with us, helping people from royal to citizen, using your power to protect others. You've proven your own version of Divinity, not just because of your hair color, but because of your unending goodness. You're a good dragon!

Alear doesn't have to be all powerful, he just has to be himself; encouraging, calming, inspiring, leader-like. He just has to connect himself to others so they can overcome challenges together. It's also why his interactions with Veyle (and Mauvier as well tbh) are incredibly well done, since now that Alear's been through the process of healing and accepting who he is versus who he can be, he can do the same for his precious sister.

What a lovely character Alear is.

[davontewagner]

Marth+Caeda: Love and Courage

[markoftheasphodel]

From "Until the Sun Cries Morning," revised:

James didn’t love his men, didn’t think of them as his brothers or his children.  He couldn’t afford to love them.  His bright young captains were likely to wind up face-down across their silent guns; his able lieutenants were all too likely to end up in enemy hands.  Such was the fate of the artilleryman.  A gunner didn’t have the option to charge at the enemy with sword upraised and satin-lined cape swirling behind him.  Not for him the hot-blooded thrill of action, of the chase.  The artilleryman needed a colder courage-- the ability to man his post as the enemy closed in, the will to keep on firing as his comrades fell, as the horses fell, until he was the last bluecoat standing in a butternut sea.

“Hold fast, men. We’ll make it back to Chattanooga if we have to crawl on our knees... dragging these guns behind us.”

[Still Innes. ;P]

Matthias Lowell wasn’t a man to say, “I told you so.”  He didn’t have to be.  When he was wrong, he apologized for his errors.  When he was right, the results spoke for themselves.

At the present time, the growl of Ephraim’s empty stomach provided the most eloquent commentary on their situation.  They had command of Chattanooga, Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee had them surrounded, and they were starving to death.  So, no, capturing Chattanooga hadn’t put an end to the war... though it was likely to put an end to all of them within the month.

“Nice view,” he said, and handed the field glasses back to Lowell, having seen more than enough of the rebel-infested mountain that loomed over them.

“Thank you. They’re from Prussia,” Matthias said as he slipped them back into their leather case. “Catherine gave them to me.”

“McCook and Crittenden are both facing a court-martial.”

“How nice that we all have everything we wanted.”

[Still Ephraim and my FE11-inspired Marth]

Honestly, I think this might work if I punch up the Ephraim/Lyon content.

[yanderefairyangel]

I was bored so I tried to translate the Engage opening and ending a bit more faithfully. It's closer to a literal translation compared to the Eng version of the opening but I still tried to put the words in an elegant manner.

千の未来に祝福を　夢人かすむ刹那

Bless from thousand futures

dreamer bereft of a moment of peace

君は笑み護る花 立ち向かう黒鋼 戦いの熱砂

You are a smilling protective flower

A black steel that stand against elements

The hot sand of the battlefield

君は吹き渡る�� 晴れ渡る明と昏が 教えた傷癒すから

You are the snow blowing across

The clear dawn and sleeping dusk

I'll heal the wounds I taught you about

約��した　名を呼んで 駆け抜けた十二の光　覚えている？

As we promised call for my name

Do you remember the 12 light running across ?

赤の記憶燃え上がり 解き放て吼えろ 今こそ　此処へ！

The red memory burning brigtly

Unleash and howl!

It's time to let go here and now !

(Emblem-Engage！)

繋げ炎　伝えよ愛を あの旅路のように 彼の人のように

Connect the flame, Convey your love

Like this journey did

Like this person did

誓え絆　輝け夢よ この空の先まで 君と二人共に

Swear upon our bound, shine on my dream

Until we reach the end of this sky

together with you

君は新たなる愛 古の傷跡 褒め称う青さ

You are the renewed love

The ancient scars

The praised blueness

君は借り物の影 夢に観た頁にまた 光謀る兆まで

You are a borrowed shadow

Reappearing in the page of my dream

till there's a glorious omen

喪失さえ　誓い合う 微睡んだ七つの炎　覚えていて

Even loss is a pledge

Remember the seven slumbering flames

銀の縁駆け出して 舞い上がり祈れ 応えよ　此処に！

with a silver edge running away

Soar up and pray

Answer my call here and now !

(Emblem-Etanity)

勇め友よ　目覚めの刻は 鏡合わせのように 双翼のように

Courage my friend, the time of awakening is at hand

Matching like in a mirror

Clapping like a pair of wings

夜明け辿り　治めし願い 違えぬ紅玉を 君と双り永遠に

The dawn trace its arrival, as you wish for its reign

An umistakable ruby

With you for eternity

最後まで君の力となろう あの日のように隣に立つ日を 君が望むのなら

I will be your strengh until the very end

Until the day we stand together like that day

If this is what you wish

約束した　名を呼んで 駆け抜けた十二の光　覚えている？

As we promised, call for my name

Do you remember the 12 light running across ?

赤の記憶燃え上がり 解き放て吼えろ 再び　此処へ！

The red memory burning brigtly

Unleash and howl!

And again here we are !

(Emblem-Engage！)

繋げ炎　伝えよ愛を この旅路のように 此の紋章のように

Connect the flame, Convey your love

Like this journey did

Like this Emblem did

誓え絆　輝け夢よ 星空の先まで 君と二人共に 紡がれし記憶は 絆炎の紋章��

Swear upon our bound, shine on my dream

Until the end of the starry sky

Together with you

The Emblem of Flame spunning our memories

Commentary.

*The songs seems to be sang from Marth's pov and the ending seems to be an answer song to this one. The narrator is speaking to Alear/the player. The first verse refers to the Royals/their kingdom : the flower refering to Alfred/Firene, the black steel to Diamant/Brodia, the hot sand to Timerra/Solm, the snow to Ivy/Elusia. The 12 light refers to the Emblem, the part refering to the dawn/dusk and red memory are foreshadowing Alear's real identity. Both the first and final chorus are refering to the moment where Alear will become the Emblem of Connection (never gonna call them the Fire emblem). The second part of the song is dedicated to the story of the Fell Xenologue, still speaking to Alear, while refering to Nel's love for Altlear, her feelings for Alear and their Divine heritage. It also seems to be refering to the gradual evolution of Nel's feelings towards Alear : someone with the appearance of her love (the renewed love and borrowed shadown) her own suffering (the ancient scars) and how she came to view Alear as their own person (going from the praised blueness refering to Altlear and the umistakable ruby refering to Alear). The wings are refering to the 4 Winds whose JPN name is "4 Wings" . In the last part, Ryo read the word moushou as "Emblem" in the japanese version. Just like for the English version, the japanese version uses the "incantation" chant in the verse ie Celica "protective", Micaiah "heal", Lyn "blow across/sweep across"

[thorinds]

“Mithrandir? Why the Halfling?”

“I do not know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found.”

[vacantgodling]

The Chronicles of Lathsbury -> CRASH COURSE

Part 2: The Mythology and Lore of Terrae

As of writing version 2.0 of the TCOL crash course there are 7 major deities in Terrae and an ever growing list of minor deities. Instead of being speculation, deities are a proven concept in Terrae and most people are religious. Superstitions aren’t terribly common, though it varies from region to region. Those who reside in Diisai have a lot of superstitions, for instance, especially when you venture further into the countryside.

The concept of “heaven” exists… somewhat. Terraneans believe that when they die (and are properly buried) all souls, regardless of their deeds in life, go to be one with their host of deities in Cerullius. However, if you are not given a proper burial, your spirit will continue to wander Terrae until either your body or remains are buried, or unless The Lady of the Mists comes to guide you home.

Proper etiquette for referring to any deity by their name in writing is to write it in ALL CAPITALS, which is why you see me do it whenever I talk about any of the deities in passing. However, when speaking about deities in casual conversation it’s considered more polite to refer to them by an epithet (which I am still workshopping their many, many epithets so stay tuned for that eventually). When deities speak to each other (ie: when I write lore scenes about deities) I will not capitalize their names as they are not above or below each other (even minor deities to major deities). Guardians also get a pass in this regard though they are different than deities proper.

Major deities and their general jurisdictions are as follows:

IIARAN — goddess of the universe & creation ; the sky, stars, constellations and celestial bodies ; wonder & awe ; song, melody, and dance ; birth, children, life

IISIDIA — goddess of the universe & destruction ; rhythm, harmony & musical instruments ; The Labyrinth and magic ; death & aging ; black holes, supernovas, comets, asteroids ; forces beyond understanding ; loyalty

MIZDARR — god of nature, plants, forests ; docile animals and monsters ; fun, play and laughter ; hunting, survival, brutality ; duality & chaos

MUINENS — goddess of justice, law and order ; protection from strife/hardship ; peace, victory, integrity, truth ; fate, destiny, prophecies, heroes ; land exploration and travel & cities

MIRANKA — god of fertility, mating & sexual intercourse ; family, friends, comradery & relationships ; desire & romance ; marriage ; unconditional love ; beauty ; ambition

YUTARA — deity of healing, hygiene & medicine ; immunity & poison ; studiousness, language & communication ; androgyny & gender expression ; perseverance

YLENE — goddess of battle, courage & bravery ; natural instincts, recklessness, desperation ; Guilds ; teamwork & collaboration ; strife & loss ; natural disasters ; strength & fortitude

Minor deities are usually venerated mortals by the cast of deities as they are instrumental in creating certain aspects of Terrae that did not exist before them. They are as follows:

MARTH is the founder of alchemy; a trans masc (as we know it) who cast aside his veil and family’s wishes for a daughter to provide heirs to pursue science. He is the the god the city of Marthveil is named after, the creator of alchemy and it’s corresponding magic: muram, the brachum calces alchemists use, as well as blacksmithing, fire, metals and minerals.

KOST is the god of boats, seafaring, bodies of water, fish, and travel. The city of Kost is named for him, and was the site of the creation of the first rudimentary sailboat.

KIBARUM is the god of alcohol, the harvest, and relaxation. He is worshiped particularly heavily in Diisai, where he is rumored to have origins from.

EFFE is the goddess of winds, gales, gusts, and has jurisdiction over the weather and was venerated from the former prisoner of Eros Twilightsorrow Idanly, whose name and role in the discovery and application of the magic tenom have all been but scrubbed from history books. Very few know this goddess’s origins.

The Lady of the Mists (who is only referred to by her singular epithet) was originally a Aegean princess named Princess Pinella Dia and was one of the elder siblings of the first king of The Kingdom of Lathsbury, Mitică the Nomad or King Mitică Dia. She died in a land bridge collapse on their flight to what would become The City of Sorrows (or Ubwyn) and was venerated by the deity YUTARA to help guide souls who weren’t properly buried to Cerullius.

The Demon King is the only “deity” on this list with an asterisk, as it is a changing position among the beasts of The Labyrinth. For simplicity’s sake; The Demon King is the ruler of monsters, and is the most powerful beast (as beasts and monsters are different—again, to simplify the difference is that beasts can use magic while monsters cannot) in The Labyrinth. The reigning Demon King can be killed or overpowered by Terraneans or other beasts, who will then consume their flesh to gain even more power. The current reigning Demon King and main antagonist of the main storyline (part 1 anyway) is Lord Evondra—who has been asleep but growing more powerful over the past 300 years.

Palanthia is more of a concept than a full fledged deity; but the word palanthia in old Aegean means “hope” and it is the spirit of hope and miracles. It is not a deity with a humanoid form, but takes the form of the goddess MUINENS’s giant shield, which all protector’s shields are modeled after.

QHOZION is the alter of IISIDA, meaning that he is a separated part of the goddess but they are still virtually the same being. he is the overseer of the long forgotten fallen world of Lapsundi. no deity but IISIDA and MIZDARR know he exists but his and Lapsundi’s existence are the subject of the second book in the series. he is a god of ruin and ruins, reincarnation, and negative emotions, sacrifice, and amnesia.

BRULENE is the trans fem (as we know it) sister of YLENE, cut from the goddess’s own breast to create her. she is the goddess of sculpting and statues, monuments, pottery and kilns, tactical strategy, weaving and looms, and gift giving.

Guardians are venerated Terraneans who die in an cause observed and deemed necessary by the cast of deities, and they are given immortality, wings, a weapon forged of the spirit of one they hold dear (who usually dies with or around the same time as them) and the ability to more directly interact with Terraneans than the gods — who cannot and can only communicate with Terraneans under very certain circumstances or through oracles. There is only ONE Guardian allowed per era, and their veneration usually marks the end of an era in Terranean history as it transitions into the next one.

Currently, there are 3 Guardians, as there are 3 major eras:

Lath, Guardian of Valor his weapon is forged from the spirit of his best friend, Ensio

Immordia, Guardian of Exploration her weapon is forged from the spirit of her youngest son Gawain

Arian Bloom, Guardian of Love has not received his weapon yet

Currently Terrae is in its 4th era, which is currently nameless as there has been no Guardian venerated yet.

Finally, oracles are how the deities communicate with mortals and are more commonly found among the people of Terrae. Oracles can be chosen in three ways:

Divine Visions that are verified by others who serve the same deity

Through an Oracle’s Blessing which is something most* Terraneans receive when they are born. It’s not always a prophecy (though they can be) but it usually is some sort of vision for how their life will go generally speaking—think of it as astrology.

Through an Oracle’s Feat, which is the process that one can choose to go through if you wish to be recognized by a deity to become a direct mouthpiece for them.

The deity with the most oracles on Terrae is MUINENS and they are known by the moniker OOM (which stands for Oracle of MUINENS). They most commonly deliver oracles blessings and there are many throughout all of Terrae. They can only be chosen through divine visions or through an oracle’s blessing.

The second most common oracles are those who serve the MIRANKA and act as both wedding officiants, bond forgers, and relationship counselors. They are known as OOMI (standing for Oracle of MIRANKA). They are only chosen through Oracle’s Feats, which is essentially like if you were to go for your doctorate in psychology… but more magical and with more perks!

The third most common oracles are only found in Eros, and those are of the war and strife goddess YLENE. They are called Champions of Honor (or COHs) because they are chosen through Oracle’s Feats but specifically through a battle to the death. There is only one COH at a time and they last until their death or until a challenger kills them.

Finally, the only other deity in Terrae that has oracles is IISIDIA, though they are few and far between. They do not tend to have highly respected or visible places of practice, and how to become one is a mystery. Not many are usually seen; they are rumored to roam the wilds studying Deeper Magic, creation and chaos.

[arcstral]

an exploratory kiss,  testing the waters between them — it can hardly be called a kiss at all, pressed hastily against the corner of his mouth, caeda pulling back just as suddenly as she had initiated it. scarlet red blossoms across her face as she looks up timidly at him.

              Engaged for all the short yet meaningful quarter of a year, their romance has traveled far since the day he proposed to her on an ungainly gauntlet of his affections. The life of a lord and lady- a prince and princess- ought to emulate a garden in such a way, sprouting with the sundry flowers of passion, filled with gold-spun light. Just as the nest they build together in Altea grows warmer by the day, so, too, does their love. For them this is just the start. Yet, coupled with that newfound excitement is an ample reserve of novelty as well.

              Their company on its lonesome graces the solitude of her quarters, ticking only with the sound of his breathing. The guards dismissed, the hour deemed their own, their playful flirtations have led to this moment. Face-to-face, knee brushing knee. The next step is writ clearer than the writing on stone. He's thought of kissing her, of course, but never chanced upon the courage, and- as always- Caeda takes it upon herself to be the stork that delivers them onto the right path.

              Sitting across the most plush bedding, still he finds the scantest touch of her lips to be softer. He turns his head away at the contact, knuckles raised to his mouth to obscure his embarrassed expression. The subtle notes of a floral perfume following Caeda's retreat sets his heart aflutter- the one he gifted her a fortnight prior. One part of Marth could leap for joy at the situation—finally, finally!—whereas another could shrink into a burial mound of his own making.

              "U-Um... May I? That is, I mean. I would like to..." The prince's words always seemed to fail him when they were born from the heart and not the mind. He nevertheless turns to face her firmly, resolved to finish the course she has started. The course they have wanted but skirted for so long with a yearlong war to place it on hold. Cupping her face between his hands, he shuts his eyes and brings their lips together- missing the center of her mouth at first, then inching with a smile that she can feel to the proper place.

[apinchofm]

it is better to have loved

Prompt by @creativepromptsforwriting- Wouldn’t it be better to tell her even if the timing is wrong than to never tell her at all?

set during Shadow of Night

Marcus was addicted to Phoebe Taylor. Vampires could always get lost in vices - sex, blood, money, power. But he was addicted to the woman who accepted what he and his family were, fascinated by their history with adorable curiosity.

Ysabeau saw Marcus in Philippe's office. She supposed he looked less youthful or joyful as he usually did. That did not matter to her, however. She saw her grandson light up in the presence of his human, Phoebe. She liked the courageous, intelligent young woman. She was in a castle full of witches, daemons and vampires

"What are you thinking about?" She asked softly. Marcus gave her a small, tired smile.

"The number of favours I owe in the next century or so," Marcus replied, "That's the thing with us, isn't it?"

Ysabeau smiled and patted the seat next to her, "Sit with your grandmother, if you still have time for that sort of thing."

"For you, always." Marcus smiled getting up from the desk and taking his seat with a smile.

"I just bumped into Phoebe on my way here. She was asking Marthe about the library. I fear Marthe may steal her from you," Ysabeau said. She noticed the slightest fall in his smile when he mentioned Phoebe.

"Speak to me." She demanded gently.

"I cannot live without her," Marcus admitted with a long sigh, "I cannot. Which is why I should let her go."

"Whatever for? You love her, so you will let her go? What foolish logic."

"I am putting her in danger. Just being associated with me could get her killed," Marcus pointed out, "Telling her how much I love her, how I wish to spend every day with her..." There was a reason he tried not to get attached to all of his lovers, human or otherwise, over the years. It would end in disaster.

And he was usually good at it. Until now.

"Would it not better to tell her now, even if the timing is wrong?" Ysabeau pressed, "My boy, you are a de Clermont. Have you not learned that you will never have the right time."

"Your grandfather told me he loved me before he went to war." Ysabeau said, a wistful smile on her face, "And I like to think him hearing that I loved him in return helped him through it."

"You forget, I saw you, grand-mere. After he died." Marcus whispered, looking her straight in the eyes. He remembers the heartbreak, the anger. He remembers it as clear as he remembers his children in New Orleans, "I could not go through that. Not again. And I would never want to do that to someone else."

"I would go through all of that anguish, that pain without a second thought if it meant all that time with your grandfather." Ysabeau said, her eyes steely, "I understand you have lost so much, which is why you do not like forming attachments. But immortality can be lonely if you do not have love. As can war."

Marcus nodded in understanding and Ysabeau patted his shoulders in comfort.

...

Phoebe was sitting in bed, reading from an old tome when Marcus came. She looked at him with a big smile.

"Hey. I love the library here-" Phoebe began excitedly.

"Phoebe. Can we talk?" She looked at him strangely, still smiling.

"Of course." She closed the book she was reading, "You look serious."

"It is serious." Marcus said and she looked at him worried, "Nothing bad. At least I hope not,"

Phoebe looked at him expectantly. Marcus was never nervous. He was stressed, yes but never nervous. But if he were human, she felt he would be.

"Okay," Marcus muttered, pacing and sitting before standing again. Phoebe giggled, holding his hand and pulled him to the bed so he could sit down.

"I love you. I love you more than I know how to express. I love you so much that I was going to give you the offer to leave here and never look back." Marcus said.

"You were going to break up with me?" Phoebe asked.

Marcus nodded, "I have seen the devastation that love between vampires can bring. It is why I have always tried not to grow attached. But you made that impossible. I love you so much."

"Marcus." She pulled the hand that she was holding to her lips, kissing it, "I love you too. Why is that such a bad thing? When I told you I wanted to be with you, I meant it."

"You say that now," Marcus warned, but she merely moved closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder, her arms around his chest. He turned his head to look at

"I mean it. I do," She loved him more than she thought possible. She felt the tension release from his shoulders as he pressed kisses to one of her hands, leaning into her with relief.

"Tell me about the book," Marcus asked and she nodded.

[litaum]

[ Ylisse ] - The successor of the Archanean minuet, this waltz suits modern Ylissean tastes with easy-to-learn steps, a faster pace, and a closeness to your partner that continues to scandalize the older generations in Ylisse.

From his history lessons, Chrom vaguely remembers that Hero-King Marth had an older sister. Even though they share the same House, it's taken some time for him to work up the courage to go and talk to Lady Elice; the Ethereal Ball is as good a chance as any to try. He approaches the bluenette woman with a shy blush and offers her his hand.

"Lady Elice, it's nice to meet you," he says, "I've heard about you before. My name is Chrom Lowell—my family is descended from yours; I'm from about two thousand years into the future. If... you could indulge me in a dance, please? Maybe we could even exchange stamps if you wanted." As the band strikes up a familiar tune, he gives her a small smile. "Would you like to try an Ylissean waltz? You'll have to forgive me, I'm not terribly familiar with the Archanean minuet."

Balls are an extravagant affair- An evening for socializing and liveliness as waltzes and various dances alike fill the room on their own accord. When she is approached by her classmate, Elice eagerly listens to each and every word.

The amount of time that has passed between Elice and Chrom is rather jarring spoken so plainly. Time is a fickle thing, it seems. Even so, it brings her a warm sense of happiness to know that the Lowell name is passed on for generations to come, let alone to those with ambitions to learn and grow- Much akin to her own reason for being here. At least, that is certainly her assumption. Little as she has spoken to him within their classroom, now is the perfect time to rectify that.

“It is lovely to meet you. But, ah.. 2000 years, you say.. What does that entail..,” she says with a softness to her tone. “I would be happy to dance with you. The style of Archanea is quite difficult, I will admit. Teach me all that you know about the wondrous waltz of Ylisse. A stamp is the least I can offer you for your generosity.” Her words are embedded with enthusiasm and readiness, extending a hand forward for Chrom to take. 

Her attention is solely on Chrom as she dances, adapting as much as she can to the dance she finds herself rather enthralled with. It is rather different than that of Archanea, and yet, there is a feeling of sameness she cannot shake off. Faster in pace it may be, the last thing she wants to do is prove to be a lackluster dance partner.

Still, she cannot forget Chrom’s words from before. Much as she refrains from making side talk during a dance of joy, Elice settles on saying, “By the way.. This future you mentioned of- I wonder what that is like.”

[blackdamed]

gonna be cheesy, and make a soul calibur "what lays in their soul" for my muses

what lays in anais' soul is love, because she'll go to the ends of the earth for her loved ones. if she dies trying to find a cure for her sister's ailment, then she just dies – even though her sister may not like that.

what lays in peony's soul is purity, ignorant of many things and truly good of heart. until she becomes empress. ignorance, however, is not bliss for her. side note, she could probably purify a soul edge shard.

what lays in silane's soul is duty. to the royal family, to her parents, to her brothers, and then to her children. not her husband. she's forever bound to serve someone in life. and she truly doesn't have to, but she feels as if she needs to.

what lays in rhaenys' soul is bravery, as it takes no fragile soul to venture out into the unknown alone. she's bravely and foolishly ready to take on the world by herself.

as it says in the icon, in c.assandra's soul is courage. that's canon. she's a young woman, a simple baker, venturing into the world alone to help her sister. not once, but twice.

also canon, what lays in a.my's soul is loyalty. forever loyal to raphael and, in my headcanon, those who earn her trust and respect. a ride or die.

what lays in hamsa's soul used to be hope, because she had so many ideas for the world and wanted mages to be looked upon better. now, what lays in her soul is desolation. she fills her time with temporary things, treats people as if they're temporary. she's given up.

what lays in marth's soul is valour, always meant to see battle in some way or another. she could never be a queen who does nothing and has other people fight for her. she also enjoys fighting, whether she realizes it or not.

[nordleuchten]

The La Fayettes and their servants

Although I spend most of my time researching and discussing the Marquis de La Fayette and his family (all of them fairly well known individuals) I am immensely intrigued to study the life of people that have been “forgotten”. People like me and you - who lived ordinary lifes, loved their family, tried to get by in times of war, peace or revolution - people one can truly relate to. I started some time ago looking into the servants and employees of the La Fayette’s and hoped to find some sort of register, naming and detailing all the people that worked for the family. Alas, I could not find what I was looking for. These registers (for I am sure they once existed) have either been destroyed or are stored somewhere beyond my reach. I therefor turned to the letters and documents that have been left behind. I already wrote about La Fayette’s valet, Sebastien “Bastien” Wagner, who served La Fayette until the end of his life and after that continued serving the late generals family. There is a second valet, who accompanied La Fayette during the American War of Independence and for whom I plan to make a separate post. I also want to make a separate post about Georges Washington de La Fayette’s tutor, Felix Frestel.

This post now is about several servants mentioned in Adrienne’s letter to James Monroe. When Monroe was the American ambassador to France during the later stages of the French Revolution, he corresponded often with Adrienne and tried to help her as much as he could. Among frequent visits to the prison (to raise awareness for her case), Monroe also attended to different financial, legal and logistical matters that Adrienne could not attend to herself. Adrienne instructed Monroe to provide for several of her and her family (both de La Fayette and de Noailles) servants. A number of the servants and townspeople were quite outspoken about the fact that the La Fayette’s were good people who always treated them fairly and that they would not celebrate or rejoice in the imprisonment or execution of any member of the La Fayette family.

Adrienne wrote to Monroe in a letter in February of 1795:

I ask Mr. Monroe again to add 300 [livres] of a life’s pension for my poor nurse, also old and infirm.

I take the liberty also to recommend to him Pierre-Louis Mercier who has served me for seventeen years, and who has put himself in jeopardy since the beginning of my misfortunes. Please allow me to ascertain whether he is in need of anything, and I ask for his protection on any occasion in which he would need to claim it.

Once again I consign to him a family very poor, and very numerous, Felix, our former coachman, his wife and children. His eldest son shares the persecution that my husband has experienced; he is a prisoner like him, and because of him. I solicit the kindness of Americans to preserve this family from misery.

I request permission to commend him to Desmanges and his family if they have need of him in whatever it be, and to allow me in such a situation to encourage them to have recourse to his charity.

Hennequin and especially his wife, although they have spent little time at my home, have given me proof of their attachment in such a courageous manner that I would be guilty of not placing them, one and the other, under the protection of a nation to which I have the consolation of showing I am not an ingrate. I advise them therefore to avail themselves of the minister of the United States on any occasion as they would have done to me.

A young person who has also shared danger with me, the Citizeness Benjamin, has a note from me that she does not want to use. I have made her promise that if some circumstance or institution or whatever, renders this small sum useful, she will have recourse also to Mr. Monroe. I am keenly interested in this young person.

(…)

I finish by appealing to you to regard the family of Citizen Beauchet, and his wife, as if they were my own family, to send me their children wherever I shall be, if they ever have themisfortune to lose their parents, or one of them, and the other should desire it.

In an undated letter (probably late 1794) Adrienne wrote:

Second Promissory Note

I promise and commit myself to pay annually to the Citizen Marthe Aufroy, teacher and friend of the mother whom I mourn, thousand livres for a life-annuity, payable in advance every three months, without any deductions.

(…)

Third Promissory Note

I promise to do my part to pay annually to Citizen Marie Anne Marin, my instructor and that of my sisters, who since their growing up has never ceased to provide for their needs and who after my misfortunes and during our cruel separation, has acted as a mother to them, the sum of 1500 livres as a pension payable in advance every three months, no withdrawal for taxes, the whole to commence from the time in which she would be separated from us. I beg her to accept this testimony of my friendship, with my true and affectionate gratitude.

(…)

The second [promissory note] directive is for an individual, also a septuagenarian, who is extremely infirm. If ever my respected mother’s will is read, and at least the articles concerning the remunerations carried out, the promise will be fulfilled and my request made void.

The third [promissory note] is intended to ensure the future of a person more than 60 years of age, in poor health, overwhelmed by our misfortunes, and for whom it is necessary for me to be assured that she shall not lack the basic necessities to live comfortably, should the difficult life to which I am destined forces me to separate from her.

(…)

If ever the Citizeness Beauchet has the misfortune to lose her husband and she should be without money, I place her and her children under the special protection of the United States until the moment when we will be able, she and I, her children and mine, to share our difficulties together.

I remind him again of a young person named Citizeness Benjamin who has shared some of my dangers. If she ever loses her father, she has recourse to the minister of the United States to furnish her the means to be near me. And I take the liberty to recommend her to him for this purpose. She has been like a daughter to me, and I owe her maternal care if she becomes an orphan.

I cannot finish without recommending again to the kindnesses of the American minister, Mr Mercier, a servant who has served me for seventeen years with fidelity and zeal, and who has also run risks for me and shared with me a month in prison. He has a position at this moment, but I cannot bear the idea that he would suffer poverty. And I need to hope that he will not be abandoned by the United States.

Still, even with these accounts and letters, there is precious little that we know about the life of these people. Most of the time we only know their (family) name, their position and time of service, sometimes not even that. I will do my best to find out as much as I can about these (and other people) and hopefully I can present you more post like this in the future!

[diadoescomics]

I heard Kiran backstories and I’m excited! >w< OwO

Ok so my Kiran is actually named Eleanor, and she’s a Summoner who grows into her role. She starts off as a very insecure and self-conscious person who feels unwanted (due to events in her life before she was summoned here) but she hides how she feels with smiles and trying to make everyone she summons comfortable and be seen as reliable. It’s not until Book 3 that she tells Alfonse and Sharena how she feels (after getting overwhelmed from almost losing Alfonse to Hel) and a bit before Book 3 ends she tells them and a few of her closest Allies of some details of her past. The end of Book 3 through now she finds the courage to stand up for herself (cough of course she didn’t bitchstap Otr a few times when he kidnapped her what are you talking about cough) and is learning how to express herself without worrying about what other people think. Did I mention she falls in love with Marth? X3 (it started in book 2 but the two confessed to each other in between books 4 and 5; they’ve been a couple ever since X3)

Nice, get it Eleanor.

[takurotan]

FEH Book V, Chapter 10: Howling Descent

Part 1: Passion's Madness MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Fafnir: Go, Gullinbursti! Trample them under your iron hooves. Return the people to the ground they so cherish! Otr: No mercy! Spare no one! My brother demands all tremble before him and perish! Ah-hahahaha!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Veronica: What is he doing here? Why attack out of nowhere like this? Bruno: Veronica! Veronica: Brother?! You've...come back? Bruno: I've brought you reinforcements. Alfonse and his companions. Veronica: Oh... Just them? Sharon: Wow! And after we've come to help you and everything! Alfons: What is the situation on the field, Princess Veronica? Veronica: See for yourself... It's not looking good... He has strange soldiers at his command, and we can't compete. And as for Fáfnir himself...he must be some kind of monster. Alfons: It seems he has regained his strength then… For now, all we can do is try to force their withdrawal from Embla!

Part 2: Serene Adherent MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Otr: Heh... There you are, Summoner. How predictable of you. Now let's not mince words: DIE! This land will be ours! Reghin: Ótr! Listen to me! We've just come back from the Tower of Niðavellir. There's something I must ask you! Otr: ...What? Did you go inside? Reghin: We did. And after what we learned, I've been thinking that...maybe Fáfnir isn't from Niðavellir after all. Or did you know that already, Ótr? Otr: ...Yes, things are just as you say. And now that you know that, all the more reason for me to end your lives here and now! Alfons: Ótr, wait! What were you and Eitri planning?! I need to know! Is there some connection to Fáfnir's true origins? Otr: That is my concern, and mine alone! You lot... Always prying, digging into others' affairs. I'll show you where you belong! Beneath my heel!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Marianne: Please, Goddess... Lend me the courage I need…

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Otr: ...Damn it! I have to retreat. I'll pull back and regroup with Fáfnir. ...Where have you gotten to, Brother?

Part 3: Pledged Restorer MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Eirik: I learned how to wield a spear from my brother.

Part 4: Nothing to Report MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Gatekeeper: No matter where I'm stationed, my only concern is protecting the gate.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Fafnir: ... Loki: Welcome back, King Fáfnir. Fafnir: This is it, then? This is what you were after? Loki: Yes, it is indeed... To think they were hiding it here all along. I am unable to enter this temple, so you've done me a great service. Fafnir: If you have what you want, I'll be leaving. Loki: Now, now, don't be so impatient. You don't want to leave just yet. ...Do you know what exactly it was that you laid claim to in the Emblian blood temple? Fafnir: I don't care. Wait—no... This design is familiar… It looks like the tool Askr's summoner carries... Loki: Yes, that's right. This is the summoner's divine weapon Breidablik...or a fake, anyway. There is only one of those in this world and it is held by Askr. This, however, is a mere trinket pieced together by a pathetic sage lusting after the power of the gods. Fafnir: A...sage, did you say? Loki: I caught wind of the little scheme of Eitri's and went to take the weapon for myself. Unfortunately, I was found out too… And that's when it was hidden away in a temple warded against my entry, you see, and… … ...Ah-hem?! Are you even listening to what I'm saying? Fafnir: The sage...created a copy of the summoner's divine weapon? No... It can't be... But if that's true, then...then... That man from my memory! From when I arrived! Tell me who he is, Loki! Loki: To be perfectly honestly, I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about... Some man? Fafnir: Don't play innocent with me! Loki: Even after all that, I still have no answers for you. I simply do not know what you're talking about. Isn't there someone else you could ask—someone who might actually have the answers you seek? I wonder… Fafnir: Rrr... Otr: Brother! There you are! ...And who is this? Fafnir: Never mind. We're leaving. Otr: B-but, Brother, what about Embla?! Fafnir: It doesn't matter. I have business with Eitri! She will tell me what I want to know. They always do...eventually. Otr: But...why Eirtri? Wait, Brother! What happened?! Loki: Heh... Things seem to be going according to plan. *sigh* I suppose since this fake is no longer of any use to anyone, I ought to destroy it. Oh, Niðavellir, with your seiðjárn… You tried to fly a little too high. You sought to imitate Askr, to add their power to your own. But such power would be too much for any one realm. That is not part of Alfaðör's design...

Part 5: Prince of Light MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Marth: Anri won his battle all alone. I, on the other hand, rely on the strength of my friends.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Alfons: Niðavellir's troops are withdrawing… Did something happen? Sharon: Whew... They are incredibly strong. Bruno: We made it through thanks in part to your help. For that, I thank you. Reghin: He's gone? No! I still have so many questions! Sharon: It's no use, Princess Reginn! We can't follow them. Reghin: B-Broth...er... Alfons: Princes Reginn? ...Are you all right?! Anna: She's burning up. The shock of what's happened must be setting in. Sharon: Is there a place we can take her where she can rest, Princess Veronica? Veronica: You may bring her along… Just this once. As a token of my appreciation. Alfons: Thank you, Princess Veronica. Fall back, everyone! We need only hold out a little longer!

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Otr: Brother! Wait! Fáfnir! Fafnir: Show yourself, Eitri! I'll level this whole "sanctum" of yours with you in it if I have to! Eitri: Ah, King Fáfnir. What lovely timing. I have some matters I'd like to address with you as well. Fafnir: Your affairs don't matter to me. Tell me what you know! Eitri: "What I know"? You'll have to be more specific... Fafnir: Don't play the fool! The false divine weapon you made! The imitation summoning tool! Who used it?! He...he summoned me here, to this world, didn't he?! Otr: Brother! Wh-what are you sayi— Where is this coming from?! Eitri: I'll admit I'm surprised you were able to get that far by yourself. Rather impressive, actually. Fafnir: ...Eitri, if you— Eitri: Of those summoned here before you, you have been the only one to maintain any semblance of sanity. Again, truly impressive. I would go so far as to say praiseworthy, even. Alas, you did lose your memories, so, ultimately...just another in a string of failures. Fafnir: I won't be your puppet any longer! I will strangle you with whatever strings you've bound me with! Where did I come from?! Answer me! Send me back... Send me back where I belong... Otr: Brother, no! Don't say that! Fafnir: I understand now...what I've been searching for all this time. It was on the other side of that summoning gate in Askr... That's why I— I only wanted to go back...all this time... All this time! I wanted to go home! Eitri: Oh, do you really mean that? You're likely to hurt Ótr's feelings. He's your brother, after all… And after he's made so many sacrifices to keep you here! He even helped create a weapon to destroy gates all to make sure you can never return. Fafnir: ...What?! Ótr, you— Ngyahh! Otr: You can't leave, Brother. Without you, what am I? What will I become? Fafnir: What is... Is that Gramr?! Eitri: It had to end at some point, Fáfnir… Perhaps the time has come. Oh! And I will answer your question before I erase you. The answer is something you will find...compelling. That man, the one who summoned you.... It was me. Fafnir: What?! How do... Explain yourself! Who are you?! Eitri: Someone who loves Niðavellir. More than you can imagine. The zeal that beat in the heart of the realm died with the royal bloodline... And yet… It seems our god has not yet abandoned us. *sigh* Now, Fáfnir...you will become an offering on the altar of Niðavellir's next king. Fafnir: Gyaaahhh! The crown... What is it about this crown?! What dvergr curse is— No! Stop! I...don't want to fight anymore! I don't want to kill! Hrrgg... Nyaargghhh! Uwaaghh!

[sennokao]

She covers her mouth to stifle a yawn, the weight of exhaustion finally hitting after a long day. With most of the daylight hours spent marching, with little to no breaks inbetween, Celica had practically become a walking corpse by the time they stopped to set up camp.

Nevertheless, she is the first to volunteer for night watch. With the eerie silence from the Alliance in light of recent events (that would most certainly necessitate a public statement of some sort), and an enemy mired in vague speculation and unclear motives, none of them could be sure of what to expect in Leicester territory.

And so, she keeps watch. Celica promised her loved ones that she would stay safe, and protect those fighting alongside her. She would do her part, even if it meant sacrificing her sleep to make sure her comrades weren't ambushed in the night.

Her eyelids grow heavy, head beginning to droop... and with a sharp intake of breath, Celica jolts herself back into alertness. Unfortunately, she is finding it increasingly difficult to stave off the call of sleep...

...but perhaps more fortunately, she has found something to keep her awake.

Celica strains her eyes towards the figure approaching from camp, shadowed by the light of the bonfire behind them. It takes but a flash of crimson under the moonlight for recognition to strike, and she hastily rubs her eyes, sitting up to greet the newcomer as he approaches. "...Xane, yes? My shift isn't over yet—am I being relieved this early?"

     "  —Yes, m'aam! Xane's the name. And no, you've still got some time to your watch. Just thought I'd come scope you out. "

               With the bonfire bright at his hind, the manakete approaches on a playful salute. On steps so light and inhuman not a single crackle of branches bursts beneath his feet. If he hadn’t found himself on her same team, he’d have used his expertise to hand her a spook. They’ll have to work together though, and testing Celica so early probably isn’t for the best. So Xane can wait. Entertain himself with other interests in the meanwhile.

               " Talk of the town is that you used ta’ be a priestess of Mila—among other things I s’pose. "  Queen of Valentia was another revelation from the grapevine, and probably even the loudest one, but that hardly deserved a mention in Xane’s book. Titles and pedigrees were as useless a commodity to dragonkin as the little strips of paper their humans called money. The only royalty that ever mattered to Xane now was long dead, sleeping in a crypt hundreds of strata beneath the ruins of Thabes.

              (Prince Marth of humanity mattered, too; and okay fine, sure, princesses Maria and Minerva, and so forth, but that was besides the point!)

              " Got me thinkin' if it was that Mila,  “   he says thoughtfully with a chipper smile, propping a finger to his chin as physiognomy transforms; ears still tapered yet now peeking through a curtain of verdant silk. Features refined in the mythical face of a goddess, idealistically beautiful like mankind’s valkyries of fable and song. He shifts back before she has the opportunity to exclaim in surprise. Or fright.

               “  —Good ol' peace lovin’, peace lickin’ Mila whose relationship with King Naga didn’t end on the most hunky dory terms. The Mila with a brother, if you were wondering! Hottest head I’d ever seen on a pair of shoulders.  “

               Shapeshifter falls quiet and crickets resume their soulful song around them, even louder now as if gaining courage in the absence of sound. Their orchestra is deafening, but Xane’s thoughts are louder. He continues shortly, almost bitterly, and the crickets dim again.   “ ...But I suppose it ain't matter too much. Those two siblings are gone like all the rest. "

               Naga, Medeus. Mila. Duma. All the dragons from his infancy and beyond caving to the sands of time—inevitable degeneration, or a human’s blade. For the most part he understands why this must be. Still. What a downer.

               He shrugs off the thought and plops down beside the human queen, lax and boneless with a curl of arms beside his head. Voice this time renewed friendly and light; genuine.   “  If you used to serve Mila, that makes you a friend of dragons. Probably. So why dont’cha tell me about yourself, Celica? I got time and you got time—let’s get ta’ know each other, teammate.  “