thestaunchshieldvassel

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

Dedue would scold himself for not removing the one below the hood faster if it had not been in his station to do so without what he needed. A name, a location, anything to identify himself, and what was he doing here of all places? While the prince was here and in such a delicate situation amongst the folk he was to care for one day. Having been the first to be solicited, he would not have given the other time to speak, but they hadn't been interlocked in such a runabout he almost clenched his jaw shut. If he did so, he thought he'd just arrest the man.

"Didn't know they let in just anyone, ya know? But, answers be answers. Got any?" Had been apart of a statement after Dedue had drilled for his name, but had gotten nothing except for this. The potential for what he meant is close to a topic he didn't wish to converse about. And it was none his business.

And asking for his aligned name, much less home, was definitely not giving him any leeway. The man just asked more harshly if he wanted to help with answers for an exam, like it was Dedue being unreasonable while sneaking between carts, hiding behind buildings, and asking for something so... mundane, as to cheat on a test.

"Who are your patrons?" He would ask before footfall descends behind him, a familiar gaunt taking stride to him.

"What the church says I follow, yes yes." A rather dismissive play on words, and not what Dedue meant. If this hooded man was anyone deserving of leniency, Dedue would have felt bad for confusing what topic he actually meant.

He would have specified your buyers and give me names, had they not been joined. He didn't get much further with him before he heard the arrival of Dimitri, falling into step besides him with questions he wishes he could answer in good faith with the shadowed man before them. The answers were quite so simple when remembering Dedue was not built for the cold and simply wanted to trail behind them all, watching anything and anyone for danger, but he had to keep his tone formal.

He raised a hand to the man in his cloak, gesturing to the carts first. "What is going on is he's been either following us since we left or he's been in this town awaiting us, using the caravan as cover. He's asking for—"

"Answers." Says the man and on his appeals went with the prince, either the man not well informed of whose he was talking to or not caring either way. When the increasingly vague lines of information get parsed together, even one as tactful as Dimitri will cut to the chase.

The man was caught between them verbally, as he seemed to go quiet because of such demands. With how low his hood is, Dedue is unsure if his expression morphed into anything resembling recognition or even further into confusion, but with the backup of his lord Dedue is not one to let things go. The form underneath the cloak was of unknown stature besides being of an average height, compared to Dedue himself, and masculine. The threat of this man running, and potentially getting away, is too strong.

That's when Dedue grabs the man's wrist, not just his cloak, but also the wrist closest to him as a form of assurance. “It's best if you answer us honestly, sir.”

The grip had been enough to yank around anyone should Dedue have the leverage too, and he did, for his grip visibly put strain on the skittish man. But that damned cloak was more than just in the way, it actually helped the man as he wrenched his arm around to escape and under Dedue's numbing fingers—he did manage to pull away.

“Do you’s have have answers or not?! Wait… yer not just some stickin’ students, you’s—!” Almost like the words were more effort than just running, the man takes off before he finishes his thought.

From the environment and how the vegetation was not as alive as it once was in the warmer seasons, such a cloaked and wide figure would not hide well outside of the dying thickets, not a few yards around this town. Quite swift they are, just as he worried before, but after having left his lord side enough he battles with the thoughts of giving chase.

But, he reasons, someone like this on the loose is not wise. His lord can handle himself amongst the people, even if he doesn't give chase as well. Dedue, not a people person and ever at service, darts into a run after the cloaked man without a word more.

"Double-Dealing Dishonesty" — Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd & Dedue Molinaro

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

Truly, if you had even seen the light in Dedue's eyes go out, you'd find yourself reminding yourself of his previous features. Lips not so taut and firm in his frown, maybe even upturned had it not been soured, and eyes assessing on how to assist with fixing the presentation. As it goes in and out of the over proper, he can see where some presentations might cover up their previous issues.

The caramelization on top wasn't as generous as it looked, especially with the apples oddly spaced and uneven in the potentially disastrous cross section.

He starts a small suggestion as he observes the Schrodinger's Warm Apple Tart with something akin to embarrassment. "It's not much I think to help presentations, but the coloring could use some work, at least... combining it with the colors we have now could help..."

Cru | [Dedue] Request: `[1d8]` Roll: `[3]` Result: `3` Reason: `[Decoration]`

He takes a sieve, puts in a fine amount of powdered white sugar, and shakes it carefully against his other hand to start dusting the surface. Of course, the caramelized top would be aesthetically covered by this lite amount only, but at least the white crystallized topping would break up the dark colorings. He stops short of covering the whole top, letting the dark brown wash of caramel peel through just slightly, and puts the rest of the sugar back before rinsing the sieve.

If he was right, maybe they could at least make it appear edible and with few deformities. He's sure the taste is fine internally, as they had no egg to muck up, but the dough was definitely going to be bitter.

"It's not much, but letting it sit will salvage the solidity of the core, at least for now. Do either of you want anything to decorate it with?"

@optimismxmagicism

Caramel, Apples, or a little Flame — Dedue, Rafal, and Ewan

toacupido "made with love"

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

He was pulling out the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, fine sugar, and a slightly used butter block as they all came together with their ingredients. The final amount of ingredients should be enough without sacrificing the flavor or consistency. "These should be it. Too much and we'll have something too complicated, and we could mess it up at any step. I'll handle the tart base..."

He takes a kitchen knife to the edge of their bag of flour as he looks at the others. "You both should handle the fruit and make a spiced butter wash for the apples. It'll keep them from burning while we caramel the powdered sugar on top."

With his own instructions stated, he hefts up the large bag to sit on his side of the counter space and goes to pull a ridged rim tart tray from the upper cabinets. With its size, it should fit the apples well, and any leftovers could be used for garnish. He puts it aside. As he goes to pull a proper measurement cup from the utensil drawer, he couldn't find any. His face sours but he knows he can handle this, surely.

Cru | [Dedue] Request: `[1d10]` Roll: `[3]` Result: `3` Reason: `[Baking]`

He has to measure by eye on his cutting board and he sprinkles in a pinch of salt and brown sugar for flavor in the dough, and while he's cutting the butter into squares to fold into the dough he could swear he's missing something important. As he folds the butter in the flour spread, he realizes where he goes wrong as the dough starts to crack as it turns less like grains and more into a proper dough. Flakey, cracking, and deformities starting to show, Dedue realizes...

... with a random spotlight catching him in his situation, he had forgotten to add cold water to his ingredients to stick all this salt together. The brown sugar doing all the work wasn't helping.

As he kneads his dough a final time and he can hear violins set up to play a song he hadn't heard in a long time, he begins to roll and stretch it out. For it to go inside the ridged pan and for his fingers to properly space it out, he begins to sing. "Why do birds suddenly appear. Every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be—close to you. Why do stars fall down from the sky, every time you walk by? Just like me, they long to be close to you..."

If he could fall over, he would. But someone else had to do the next part, and they have to move on as the dough sinks heavily in the pan.

@optimismxmagicism

Caramel, Apples, or a little Flame — Dedue, Rafal, and Ewan

toacupido "made with love"

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

The area before them was mostly spotless when their group had arrived, the surfaces cleaned and the fancy paper telling them their dish and the rules the only blemish in sight of clear counter space. He reads the name and passes it along to the one with fiery hair, and is rather pleased for something quite so simple. If Dedue had been sure of this before, he truly was ready now as he thinks on ingredients.

"If I'm certain about this, a proper filling should have roughly 5 apples for a proper serving, brown sugar, lemons, cinnamon, and some vanilla."He mutters as he goes down into a squat as he looks through the cabinets and sure enough...

Cru | [Dedue] Request: `[1d20]` Roll: `[19]` Result: `19` Reason: `[Ingredients]`

... he finds a proper assortment of spices he could choose from, and he takes them out with care as he assesses their freshness. The cinnamon was ground recently as it was a fine powder, the vanilla was still dark and properly sealed so the beans weren't dry, and the brown sugar was quite plentiful in its own jar.

And behind the assortment of spices and herbs he was sure to put back in order, he could faintly see something in a dusty jar under behind the old jar he didn't exactly need. Was that... ginger? Proper, fresh, sealed ginger?

He pulls it out and sure enough, he can still see where the root was freshly sawed and it hadn't been taken by the air. With this, the profile will be much better, he's sure. "Ewan, was it, what did you find in your search?"

@optimismxmagicism & @rafent

Caramel, Apples, or a little Flame — Dedue, Rafal, and Ewan

toacupido "made with love"

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

[ FORTUNE COOKIE ]

“Dedue! You’re here without His Highness? What a miracle! It’s about time you enjoy some partying, come on!” Indeed, it was a shock. Sylvain had gotten used to always seeing the duscusian’s form near Dimitri regardless of the situation. Be it directly by his side or somewhere in the same room, waiting patiently, Dedue was the very definition of unshaken loyalty and ultimate discipline in Sylvain’s eyes to the point he admitted he could learn a thing or two from him. The prince not being in attendance sparked curiosity in the redhead as he approached Dedue with a big, bright smile. 

“Either way, it’s good to see you. It has been a while…I’m glad you’re doing okay.” I was worried.

Grabbing two heart-shaped cookies from a nearby tray, one was handed to the taller man. “I was told that these cookies have fortune messages inside them, so let’s start this party with style!” Snapping his own and retrieving the message, Sylvain read it out loud. 

Blink.

“...yikes. Well, it’s just a cookie…what did you get?”

He hadn't expected to run into the red-haired knight during this section of the morning, but he should have remembered where and what event was currently going on, especially as from the table behind him holds the fortune pastries and small assortment of breakfast confectionery. Sure, he had made the tiny assortment himself as he's the only one besides the groundskeepers about, but he hadn't expected any visitors. The laissez-faire student does make a good point that he's without Dimitri, and Dedue puts his rag upon the table he had just cleaned before his arrival. Sylvain takes his place before the events pile of fortune cookies, and so Dedue walks over.

“Sylvain, good morning. I have found myself reflecting upon my recent circumstances and have taken our lord's advice of spending time with fellow students.” He was resolute to explain himself, even as the other was already taking a fortune cookie in hand.

He reached for one as well as he remembered his last one with Ferdinand. It had basically said the equivalent of his own hint for this round with a vague twist, and he hadn't cared much for how… coincidental it had been. But, Sylvain had just pulled one with something strange—rude, informal, foreign—but at least it wasn't too insane.

He cracks his to read aloud, “It says, ‘A faithful friend is one's greatest defense, isn't it friend?’”

It only took him a moment to process its words, his face unmoving, until his places the paper in Sylvain's own hands while taking the one with grave offense on it. And as soon as he has it he rips the small piece of paper to trash it.

"Don't take these to heart, Sylvain."

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

[ TEDDY BEAR ]

spying a familiarly strong figure in the distance, fogado readies himself to deliver good tidings and a cute little gift besides. he finds himself standing next to the teddy bear table, so he begins the hunt for the perfect one to gi—

…

…oh dragons.

“ hey hey heeeeeeeey~~! ” fogado hollers towards dedue with bursting excitement, running almost full force with both hands dragging along a STACKED teddy bear. he isn’t sure why forge-a-bear provided this unit along with the others, but he doesn’t care. it’s perfect. he arrives out of breath but with big bear ready for handoff. “ here… wheeze… here y’go! a big… whoof… big bear for you! ”

If Dedue hadn't heard the telltale clicking of Fogado's signature steps, he would have been startled when he saw a rather large pillow come running at him. The voice had steeped his nerves, and yet the bobbing limbs as Fogado almost fell forward with it from his sprint did give him slight worry. But the man straightens up before him and he, with his considerable height, still has to heave the stuffed toy up. Only when it's aimed at him can he see its tiny limbs and head, and can distinguish its teddy bear features.

The organizers' heavy breathing had Dedue hoping he wouldn't pass out on him more than anything, but he did take the bear in hand, so the man could find some relief. Compared to him, while how wide it is did add a decent heft to it, Dedue was able to carry it quite easily.

The only part that adds to his butterflies of anxiety is how he will have to carry this around with its size—Dedue will have to practically hug the bear to his chest, or carry it over his shoulder like a sack of grains. Two comfortable ways to carry it, but both with their repercussions, he's sure.

He decides, for now, he'll carry the bear on his chest while nodding to Fogado. “I thank Prince Fogado for his gift, especially one taking into account one of my size.”

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

He could tell he had soured the mood of the festivities, he had been unconscious of intentional error until he could see the emotion drain upon her previous gleeful expression. He could not discern her inner thoughts, and while they had bridged the gap during such a tumultuous time, this wasn't then—and he likens his admission to stepping on shoes just patched and shined. He also feels his own face drop at not having forgotten his place and time, but to no longer being able to withhold his thoughts. Of all times.

“I have ruined the atmosphere; and I apologize, Miss Dorothea. I really do.” He can feel mourning and shame, and for her previous smile was something he could feel for. His voice was melancholic. “The relationship I spoke of, although misinterpreted, is indeed your current one. I cannot speak for my lord. And although it was my words that overstepped, the situation has put me at ill ease to accept your generosity of goodwill.”

He wouldn't have brought it up had it not weighed upon his soul—selfishly, he will add. Her jovial time and the sanctity of her romanticism of her classmates' well-being after such a horrid affair of war tainted by his guilty conscience. He had taken care of Bernadette in her absence and had even gotten her perhaps reluctant approval, considering his ties. They had been distracted and on foot last month, with no room for emotions on high or bugging the back of his mind. The thought of candy surrounding him like it was was bitter in his throat as the memories of squabbles ensued…

“Removed from my lord's employ; I selfishly want to admit my own inactions during the harshness you had to endure from his highness’ own countryman. I was not oblivious to what was transpiring.” He can still see the hands of his lord raking across his own heart at night, bending his unmoving ear. “Before anything continues, I wish to share my heartfelt apology and the message I hope for future comradery between us.” 

[ ♫ ]  ─  * (𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡) 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰?

cupido bash mini | continued from x:

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

[ CHOCOLATE ] "Hmm..." Hilda looks up at the tall, quiet student, tapping her finger on the box of chocolates in her hand thoughtfully. "You strike me as... a dark chocolate kind of guy." She selects one from the tray and proffers it to him with a coy smile. "Am I right?"

He had been taking care of his assignment when he heard her shoes come up behind him, her tapping as she contemplates her choice is rather fortunate as her choice is more on-line with his likes. While it's still sweet on his palate, he takes it with an affirmative nod. "Thank you, Ms. Hilda, I do. I don't have anything to share in turn, so I must apologize."

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

[ HEARTFELT CARD ] "dedue~! you'll join me, won't you?" a gentle tug on his arm, more to catch his attention than to move him—with his size, that was hardly possible. "despite the circumstances, i quite enjoyed our conversation the last time we spoke, so i was hoping we could continue getting to know each other."

her free arm gestures toward the table off to the side. then, with a playful glint in her eye: "we can start with you telling me if there's someone special on your mind! i can keep a secret better than anyone, you know."

He feels her tugging after hearing her steps up behind him, but he allows the tug to be how his attention turns to her. With their differences in height and weight turning so abruptly, even against someone good on their feet, it was rude and could lead to misfortune. And he is used to handling his strength—even his words. 

“Yes, I would be willing to…” For the seconds he takes to process her request, his silence was palpable, brief, and telling. “... What?” 

Wow, such strength in verbalization. 

It takes a half second before he finally gets her point, especially because she was an organizer herself. “Oh, I apologize. I was thinking of where his lordship went this evening and wasn't thinking of your event. Even if I were to think of this event, someone of noble pursuits..." He clears his throat at the awkward ending of his sentence.

Noble pursuits, literally or spiritually? From how his words phrased it and knowing, he's leaning towards the person's character being noble. But even he's a tad stumped.

In his pocket, his hint burns his mind as he skims faces and personalities he's passed. Secrecy, other than for his duty, was nothing new to him even outside of games, he was sure. He let out a hum as he thought about it all. “The last time we spoke, I apologize for it being during such a tumultuous time. You and my lord have a relationship and I shouldn't have kept my distance from you, out of not only respect for you as a person but also duty to my lord.”

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

[ FORTUNE COOKIE ] Heart-shaped cookies sit on a neat little tray. Inside lies paper fortunes ranging from beautiful skies ahead to… er, well, at least the cookies taste good!

"Say, Dedue..." he never had the chance to speak with him for very long, but as they stood here now, with a line of heart-shaped fortune cookies in front of them, he wondered if it would be okay to ask. "since we're both here to test our fortunes, may I ask if you were looking for someone in particular?"

Dorothea had left him with quite the interesting hint, but he didn't know enough people to be entirely sure if his match was right beside him.

he cracked a heart-shaped cookie in half, finding it awfully ironic that they'd have to do so to get to the fortune within. "though, I suppose that since I am here, I, too, am looking for someone."

"what does your fortune say?"

he started brightly, deciding not to swerve in too quickly as to rush what they had begun. "mine says: Home, to those who are seeking, is right here."

"hm. I see!" he thumbed his chin. "I've been in Aegir for most of this month, but Garreg Mach has also become a home to me. so I would agree."

he remembered the roster that had assumed positions in Aegir... was Dedue not one of them before?

Dedue had seen the plate of cookies quite a while ago and had left them be while they were upon the tables in the dining hall, as he had noticed they disappeared over time. His coming and going did not seem to catch anyone doing anything to them but taking a few, so he saw no reason to really bother them as he helped bring in herbs for the kitchen. But now that he was called into the space next to Ferdinand, a basket of wild onions, cilantro, and various greens on his arm, he is tempted to try some.

His earlier assessment had found them dry and rather crusty, not unlike a thickened layer of dumpling skin but with a caramelized shell. He had found them hollow with a small rattle and set them down. Of course he knows what a fortune cookie is, but sometimes you can never be too careful around this school, especially after the last month.

"I was not, but I was around looking for someone of noble spirit this morning, but I quickly learned I could not shirk all my duties." He hums.

While not one to vehemently just take something he hadn't prepared himself to eat, he had seen the lord take a cookie and break it open before him. All but confirming that maybe he could just… open one. He takes one in his hands as Ferdinand explains his and cracks it open.

“Mine?” Within his piece of paper, he reads, “Plentiful in good deeds and… I don't think this was an accident.”

He cuts himself off from what it fully reads, almost like it was… no. He is unsure about this fortune, even if it systematically matches with his hint that he has folded in his pocket reading similarly—abridged as it is to fit on such tiny paper.

The other was quite the talker, but that is nothing new from how he's seen the other dealing with his own Black Eagle teammates, much less his own in the corner of his eye. And the thought of Ferdinand at his home, after his group from the week they'd been attacked within its walls…

“Your home. I apologize for anything that had transpired in the destruction of property or disturbance of the peace.” If the thought of skewering a man in the bar for Matthias’ safety was the most guilt he could have in general, then he's at least honestly apologizing for the people and the young heirs' issues. “The responsibility of keeping others safe was too great at the time.”

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

CUPIDO BASH ICEBREAKERS!

reblog to let others know you're accepting!

[ DANCE ] It's time to get groovin'! How about you invite a lovely stranger to hit the floor with you? 

[ ROMANTIC STROLL ] Get ‘em, tiger!  Use this opportunity to walk around these beautifully-decorated grounds with the person who’s captured your heart. 

[ CHOCOLATE ] A delicious luxury and a classic gift. Choose from white, milk, or dark, all heart-shaped and ready for your enjoyment.

[ FLIRT ] There’s an art to it! Whether you prefer to be bold or coy, our hosts will remind you that confidence is key. Give it a go?

[ FLOWERS ] It isn’t easy to find roses during times of strife—which makes the bouquets on the table all the more special to give!

[ EMBRACE ] A hug? A kiss? A super-secret handshake? Show someone how happy you are to see them and make their heart soar!

[ TEDDY BEAR ] Forge-A-Bear was kind enough to donate a platoon of button-eyed teddies to adopt and love. Are you and your partner ready for that kind of commitment?

[ TRUST FALL ] They say a relationship is built on trust. What better way to test that than with a fall in front of your classmates and coworkers? They're totally not judging.

[ POETRY ] Think you have the chops to woo someone with a lyrical tug at the heartstrings?

[ COMPLIMENT ] Tell someone they look beautiful, or that you've always admired their strength! Whatever it is you say, make sure it comes from the heart (or at the very least, sounds sincere).

[ 21 QUESTIONS ] The effort to learn about others goes a long way! Just don’t overdo it.  

[ DRINKS ] Beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are offered in assorted glassware. Have a sip!

[ TOUCH UP ] Why not help another with last-minute makeup or outfit touches? Who knows? You just might be able to spark something! 

[ HEARTFELT CARD ] A small table hosts a myriad of card supplies, including paper, markers, and glue. Put your crafting skills to the test and make something truly one-of-a-kind.

[ TASTE TEST ] From chocolate-dipped fruit skewers to little squares of cheese, there are plenty of finger foods to titillate the taste buds. Grab something for yourself… or use one of the handy toothpicks to feed your partner.

[ FORTUNE COOKIE ] Heart-shaped cookies sit on a neat little tray. Inside lies paper fortunes ranging from beautiful skies ahead to… er, well, at least the cookies taste good!

[ CARRIAGE RIDE ] A horse pulls a small carriage that fits two. The entire ensemble is decked out in pink-and-red hearts. Do YOU want to hitch a ride in the Love Cart?

[ KARAOKE ]  Nothing makes people feel as good as when they belt out the lyrics to their favorite tunes! A small band has been hired to perform all of Fodlan’s latest hits—will you cheer on your friends, or will you be the star of the show?

[ PORTRAIT ] Perhaps you'd like to invite someone over to have your portraits painted together? It could make for a stunning keepsake! Or maybe you'd like to try your hand at it yourself?

[ GOSSIP ] With all these people milling around, there’s plenty of room for discussion… like who would make the most adorable couple? Or, even juicier, who has invisible strings tying them together? Do tell!

[ HEART-SHAPED BALLOONS ] Gift one to the apple of your eye, or pop a balloon to reveal the mysterious note hidden inside. Use it to your advantage to spark a conversation!

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

With the splintering of the monsters form, broken body and shattered head underneath a wyvern that preened under the affections of their counselor, he still doesn't lose the grip he has on his spear. The sounds of moving teammates marching through the Academy floor ring in his ears as the small bouts of destruction settle into the quiet. Animals and nature alike are frozen from the power, and only the battering winds from a fight above the school can be heard anymore.

He's not exactly the type to feel anything particularly harmful to the mission, but a healthy dose of paranoia keeps a soldier alive. He is all for leaving to handle any remaining area left unattended by their dash to aid the other teams. He is ready to move out at once.

Player Unit 3 moves 1 node right, landing on a claimed node.

The corridor they land in is familiar, and he can see a path they had not checked on the other side of the room, a path east of their own. He follows in tow, ready for checking this wing as he sees no other team following their steps.

retribution.

epiphany 2025:  finale  |  unit 3

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

He can hear the volley of an attack down the corridor. Even though he is listening to his teammates, having been given a wave by their counselor and a half-hearted introduction by the gentleman beside him, he is focused on the enemy that sits at the hall's end. The shaking of the building as the enemy takes a large hit, the Golem hitting a wall or two in its swings of pain—or retaliation, if it even could feel pain.

And then, it hears them approaching. A simple creature or perhaps a creature noting their disheveled nature, takes steps towards them.

Enemy Unit 3: Towering Golem moves up.

He stands before his teammates and although he wishes to finish off the creature, it's best he stand before them to take any head-on attacks. He is not rash, and he is not out for the kill any longer as he hears the sounds of battle quieting in their area. He'd rather preserve their safety.

But he can tell their counselor was ready in his place. "Counselor Camilla." He acquiesces the kill to her.

@maligknightsthorns

retribution.

epiphany 2025:  finale  |  unit 3

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

Dedue was far less likely inclined to be the type to chatter in battle. The thought of distraction was too appalling and concerning, but the other classmates and staff seem acquainted to some degree. While not his cup of tea while running forward into danger...

He gives his name, nonchalant and curt, the same tone you'd hear any good day from him. "Dedue. And we're getting close."

He couldn't tell via magic or omnipotent visages where or why an enemy would be where, but when they crested the middle of the hallway, they are besieged by the attacks of a foe unseen. Truly, the aggressive attack was safe for themselves, but even if they fell the final foe, they are still victorious.

Enemy Unit 3: Towering Golem uses Siege (0/2) on Player Unit 3

Player Unit 3 loses -1HP (2.5/4HP)

retribution.

epiphany 2025:  finale  |  unit 3

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

Dedue, silent as ever and keeping his opinions close to his chest, could properly settle into moving with the team as they decided to advance forward. Having his lance repositioned in his right hand so he can have it at the ready and yet also not have it scratch along the ground. It's easier to pack behind him as his teammates speak more optimistically than before.

But he can't deny the closing of some of his wounds is quite appreciative, the burn of his muscles slightly alleviated, and the fight above the school ground raging. But for them, nothing comes of their immediate actions.

Nothing happens (out of range).

retribution.

epiphany 2025:  finale  |  unit 3

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

The previous group's attack has the pale invaders hanging by a thread, anything dangling is destroyed and they are barely upright as their force of command stares down the enemy. But even with his lavender-haired teammates assured words, Dedue could see the other team, their own allies, were taking quite the hit themselves.

"I concur with taking out our weakened foes." Dedue nods and readies his lance. "We strike!"

Player Unit 3 attacks Enemy Unit 6: Pale Invaders

Player Unit 3 rolls 4d10+6 [Rolls: 7, 6, 2, 1 = 22]  

Enemy Unit 6 rolls 4d10 [Rolls: 10, 7, 5, 4 = 26]

Difference: 4

The enemy is fine enough to defy their own death, but that fiery push of energy was too little and too late. While taking some of their flesh, they fell with little resistance after.

Player Unit 3 loses -1HP (3/4HP)

Enemy Unit 6 loses -1HP (0/3HP)

Enemy Unit 6 has been defeated!

From there, he's sure their allies are touching up their wounds as they stare down the area ahead of them, a new wave of foes coming to get them. Setting his lance in his hands, he can hear the sounds of robes. Monks? Mages? As long as they hold true, they should be able to handle this.

retribution.

epiphany 2025:  finale  |  unit 3

[thestaunchshieldvassel]

Poor fighters would not be how he phrases it. He would sooner admit he was outplayed by saying they did not nor could have won over the fight. He had seen the end of the tunnel in retrospect, but he could not see them ever backing down, himself backing down. Especially not here, not now. 

He is silent as he allows the other man to settle amongst his setup, settling himself with the sword across his lap. Dedue himself was more ready to stand at any moment in a kneel, the sword hilt sitting in his hands, braced, as he was ready to start at any moment before Legault had joined him. In good nature, he hands over the whetstone and a rag for the other to use. 

“Legault.” He was not scolding in tone at all; he sure hoped, because he wished to sound encouraging to the periwinkle-haired man. “Everyone has a margin of growth. I did not mean to insinuate failure by might, because we do not lack it nor the potential for growth, but simply that we are fighting an uphill battle. Slip-ups happened…”

He started to go along the grain of the steel in his hands, the whetstone gliding and catching only slightly along a dulled edge. Coming back with no brown to the whetstone shows neither rust nor splintering from the grind. Unlike his own skill. 

And Legault, speaking of his frontline potential, while not without reason, sours his mood. He cannot piece it together just yet. There is pride; he should and will always stand in the front for his highness and for his plans. Awaiting any strike that may push through said plans for the future. 

And yet. He fell thrice in one month. His highness nowhere to be found, and for now, Dedue will consider it a blessing. And yet…

He strikes harder unknowingly to the sword once or twice as he finishes: “But they won't do; I can fully agree.”

lucky number thirteen

infirmary — convoy maintenance