Imperial Year 1185 ➳ Flayn

[deerdriu]

(Derdriu fell and the burgeoning league of nobles known as the Leicester Alliance was disbanded. Annexation by the Empire had gone... surprisingly smooth, almost as if it was meant to happen. Of course, it didn't go without some problems. People are complicated, especially when morals and loyalties are involved.

Ordelia and Gloucester were the first to give in and together, the two houses led much of the transition. House Riegan was no more and Edmund easily conceded once they realized there was no point in fighting. All that remained was Goneril which had long been the strength of the Alliance. Holst Goneril was no fool. Even he could see that he was against all odds and he would have to give in. They knew this at their last Roundtable meeting, when Claude had gathered them all together for their final meeting and explained their options.

This isn't the Alliance's war. If Derdriu falls, they give in to the Empire. Resisting would destroy their lands, lead to suffering, and despair. They'd done well for five years, protecting their neutrality. They'd held their own for so long that their territories had become sanctuaries for those fleeing the war's destruction. He'd thanked Goneril for protecting their borders and Edmund for helping with the financial burden of taking in so many refugees. He'd thanked Ordelia for helping them save as many people as they could and he'd even thanked Gloucester for all of his support balancing these extra responsibilities.

Wouldn't it be a shame if all of their efforts went to waste because of something like pride? As nobles, their duties were to the people. Protect them. Evacuate Derdriu, prepare for battle, lure the Empire in deeply to avoid widespread casualty and destruction and if that isn't enough... If Derdriu falls... protect the people. Surrender. As the Alliance's leader, he would either die in battle or step down and in turn, the duty would fall on Gloucester to lead the others through what happened next.

But the empire had killed his sister. They'd killed Hilda. And Holst wasn't going to let that go easily. Gloucester and the other nobles had tried to reason with him and little by little, he'd begun to relent.

This was fine. The Empire didn't have to worry about Goneril who would inevitably give in. Edelgard wasn't a cruel Emperor nor was Byleth Eisner. They would led the Duke grieve. His lands were the furthest from the Empire and would take time to assimilate anyway. In the meantime, they would move on to crushing the Church and the Kingdom.)

Comments

[fishingforcompliments]

[What does she want to talk about?

The answer to that is everything, really, but that seems like a cop-out. There are so many things that, even after all her years, she doesn't know. Living a sheltered life under Seteth's watchful eye has left her with quite a lot of knowledge from books (and even that is limited) rather than from firsthand experience.

At the monastery, she'd spoken with her classmates and the professors about anything she possible could. If she heard that one of them had experience with something she'd never seen before, she'd never been able to stop herself from asking about it - Manuela with the opera, Ferdinand with his armor, Byleth with their secrets... She is well aware that her own worldview is about as narrow as it's possible to be, but it's not like she wants to keep it that way.]

I would like to hear more about what life is like here. Not just for people who live in the palace, but... for people who live in the more distant parts of Almyra, as well.

[She looks thoughtful.]

...I want to hear about other people's experiences. Yours, as well, if you are willing to share them.

[deerdriu]

...

(He can't help but smile. It isn't exactly what he'd asked-- really, he wanted to know more about her interests. What did she like to do? Did she have any hobbies? If he thinks about it, he can only really recall her as a talented healer. Though, he does recall her dancing rather impressively at the White Heron Tournament so at least now he remembers she's a dancer of sorts.

And yet, this answer is somehow... better than what he expected.)

I'm surprised. We didn't get to talk much before we came here but... there aren't many people from Fodlan who would say what you have.

(No one would be interested in Almyra.)

Most people seem to think they know all they need to know about Almyra. (And all of it was wrong, mind you.) Well, you know what they say: "Wise is the one who knows nothing."

(Helping himself to more snacks,)

First things first... I should probably explain some things.

(Where does he even begin. He'd practiced this a few times before, running through what he would say in his head while Flayn was asleep but now that she's up... well, he seems to be a bit caught off guard,)

Do you remember what I told you on our way here? My mother is from the Alliance and a long time ago, she left Fodlan to elope with my father. It's probably obvious considering we're in a palace and all... but my father is the Malik, the King of Almyra.

(His mother had run away from home to marry a king.)

And here, they know me as "Khalid," the eighth prince of Almyra. Hardly significant as far as the line of succession goes.

(At least, for now. His actions in the war back in Fodlan had certainly improved his standing some but it's too soon to really tell by how much, not when they'd arrived at a time when the court was dismissed for the new year celebrations and little could be discussed.)

I don't usually stay at the palace. (Much of his childhood had been spent training with Nader, camping in the wilderness, staying in a small and humble apartment on his own, and occasionally spending time with his family at the different palaces and seasonal homes during special times of the year. He'd probably be at one of those homes right now if the situation was so unique right now.) But in light of things with our old neighbor...

(Fodlan.)

I'm needed here to help understand the situation.

(Among... other things but he chooses to not overload her with too much information when she's just woken up.)

[fishingforcompliments]

[It's not a lie - Flayn is curious. One of her hobbies at the monastery had been listening to other people's tales, after all, since it was hardly likely that she would get to go out and experience much on her own, what with the fact that she was constantly under Seteth's watchful eye. She likes reading, too, when she can get her hands on informative books (which is unfortunately not as often as she likes), but there's something special about hearing it directly from the source.

So, she leans forward slightly, her eyes bright and curious, as Claude begins to explain, and sips at her tea as he does.]

That is rather odd, though... I cannot think of many within Fódlan who have actually visited Almyra. How could they possibly know?

[...well, some have visited the border for battle, but -

That really isn't the same thing at all.

What he says next certainly derails those thoughts, though. There is a lot about Almyra that people clearly don't know - the identity of the members of the royal family, for one. Had Rhea known, over the course of the year Claude was a part of the Officers Academy?

She can't imagine that she did. Surely she would have at least mentioned it to Seteth. Surely she would have at least overheard something it, even if it had not been mentioned to her...

No, she thinks. Rhea is not exactly a blabbermouth, but if she had known, others would have. The rumors about Claude would have been very, very different.

Perhaps more unpleasant than they already were, in fact.

She mulls that over, then sets her teacup down with a nod.]

I see. Ah—

[...hm. Where to start.]

Is there anything that I can do to be of assistance with that...?

[She should, perhaps, but more startled by the fact that he's royalty.

But whether he's Claude or Khalid, whether he's the grandson of Duke Riegan or the son of the King of Almyra - he's still himself, isn't he? He's the same person who brought her to safety and is looking out for her even now.

In her mind, it doesn't change too much.]

[bowfaire]

Well...

(He takes a bite of a piece of candied fruit and mulls for a moment.

The honest and simple answer is yes. Despite how things turned out in the end, Flayn had been a member of the Black Eagle class. Even if it was years ago and they went their separate ways, Flayn is more familiar with those who currently hold power in Fodlan. She knew Edelgard. She knew the Adrestian elite. She knew the Black Eagle Strike Force. She might even know some of the key players from the Kingdom given the Holy Alliance. But most importantly she knew Byleth. Had known Byleth. )

... Don't worry about it right now. You've been through a lot and you just woke up, you know? You seem fine now but being in a new land can be... shocking, to put it lightly.

(On this, he can speak from experience.)

Catch your bearings, make yourself at home, and worry about yourself for now, okay? (And he quickly holds up a finger to stop her in case she wants to say something along the lines of-- (Ahem, changing his voice to speak as primly as he can)) "But I can not. I must do something."

Yeah. (He figures she'd say something like that. Or is thinking it at least. He smiles lightly, trying to keep the mood light still,) I'm sure you'll find something to keep you preoccupied. The truth is, I probably will need your help later but at the moment? I've got it taken care of.

[fishingforcompliments]

[She'd thought she'd known Byleth, anyway. All of them had. But none of them had known Byleth as well as they'd believed they did.

In the end, even Edelgard - it didn't seem like she'd been expecting their teacher to join hands with her. She had, in the end, but the choice she'd made had been a surprise to them all. How well could any of them claim to know Byleth Eisner, really? The choices she'd made - from joining Edelgard in the first place to not hunting Seteth and Flayn down in the immediate aftermath of that battle, although she certainly could have ended them before they'd made it far, are baffling to her.

...but she can try to help. What's the point in having survived so long if she doesn't?]

But I—

[Claude cuts her off with exactly what she's about to say, and she falls silent, her eyes widening slightly and her cheeks faintly flushing with embarrassment. Maybe he knows her better than she thought he did, or maybe she's just predictable.

She manages a slightly awkward smile in return.]

...very well. When you do need my assistance, I will gladly provide it... but for now, I will... get used to being here, and make myself familiar with this place and its people.

[bowfaire]

(Ah, so he was right on the money, huh. It's nice to know he can still figure things out. )

Good.

(She seems to be going along with it easily enough. He's not really sure if he'd be able to put up much of a fight if she wanted to argue it. She's just so cute and earnest, you know? He'd feel mean turning her down.)

So here's how it's going to work. (As ever, he has a plan,) We'll get you checked out as soon as possible. I can't be there with you but like I said, you can trust Fatima. I'll let mother know you're awake, too, and you'll meet her tomorrow. It's been a while since someone from home visited... she can't wait to meet you, you know?

(And knowing his mother, she'll probably use their conversation to figure out which retainer to lend Flayn while she stays. Likely Fatima since they would have met by then but he knows better than to speak for his mother. She can speak for herself when they meet tomorrow.)

Tomorrow is for celebrating. We'll talk business and all of the boring stuff after. So if you think of anything you want to ask or need, let me know, 'kay?

[fishingforcompliments]

[Tomorrow is for celebrating, Claude had said - and so it is.

It's lively. So much so that it's maybe a little overwhelming to Flayn, who is still getting accustomed to being in the Almyran palace in the first place, but she gamely tries her best to observe what's going on around her and pick out the things she can understand.

It helps that, as promised, she gets checked out - and that she meets Fatima, who she can talk to, who so kindly answers questions for her when there are things she can't quite puzzle out on her own. No one can be expected to learn all there is to learn about a new, unfamiliar place in the span of a single day, after all, and though she's thirsty for the knowledge - for learning anything outside of her rather limited experiences - these things just take time.

Eventually, just before sunset finds them outside. The atmosphere is lively, and she watches with interest as people drag wood into place to make a bonfire.]

Oh, how fun...!

[She can't wait to see what they do next.]

[bowfaire]

(He starts off the day the same way he usually does; the same way he always has. He wakes up early, he meditates, he reflects, he goes over his plans for the day, his motivations, the challenges he expects to encounter, the outcomes he hopes to achieve, the way they'll fit into his plans for another day. He refocuses himself for another day and sets off.

The festivals and celebrations have made the days easier; it makes today easier, but it's easier to get ahead when everyone else is taking it easy.

He takes his breakfast just a little later by the south garden today and as expected, he runs into the minister of trade. He mentions the idea of opening a trade route with Fodlan, hinting at a promising partner in Leicester-- an ambitious margrave always ready for a good deal. Of course, now isn't the time to really talk business or official things like that when there's a festival to be had. So he leaves the minister to his breakfast with the promise to speak again in the new year.

He meets with his mother before her tea with her retainers. She looks down at his notes and plans, messily written in a mix of Fodlan and Almyran script and reminds him to relax. They discuss Flayn. Fatima will surely update Tiana when they have tea later and Claude will see her for himself when he meets with her for lunch. She casually says how they'll have to make his little friend feel at home. He thanks her truly and remarks how difficult it is to be an outsider in the palace and though he doesn't look at his mother, he can easily imagine the way her eyes soften with empathy.

Before he has lunch with Flayn, he'll speak to the guards, telling them to watch out for their guest in case she gets lost. If there's any trouble, they can find him, Tiana, any of her retainers, or even Nader himself. That last one is important. Even their general is protecting their guest.

He has lunch with Flayn. He makes sure to keep the conversation light. He promises to introduce her to his mother in the evening. He makes sure to have lunch near where the celebrations will be held and he tells her to come here later. He'll make up a half-excuse about has to go share drinks with Nader and some of the other soldiers. He really will meet with them. But after he makes sure to cross paths with one of his brothers just to remind him he's here for the fifth time this month...

And then it's finally time to meet Flayn, when the sun is still in the sky but has begun to lower. He spots her easily (and can't help but worry thinking about how much she stands out now. How much she will stand out here).)

Can't celebrate into the night without light. (Hello, he is here.) Ready?

[fishingforcompliments]

[Flayn, who is oblivious to the exact lengths Claude is going to in order to make sure she's safe, beams at him as he approaches and heads over. She's had an easy time of it so far ("so far" being the single day she's been awake), despite the unfamiliarity of her surroundings, and that's likely because anyone who would seek to treat her poorly - either because she's an outsider or because of her connection to him, or even both - is trying to figure out just how far the protection she's been afforded extends.

But that just means that - as had been the case when they'd met for lunch earlier in the day - there's absolutely no worry in her expression when she smiles at him. At least, no worry that stems from the circumstance of being in Almyra as opposed to being without Seteth.]

Yes, very much so!

[She looks more excited than anything else. This is the sort of celebration that she's never actually seen at Garreg Mach.]

I've heard a bit about what will be happening tonight, but I am sure mere words will not be able to compare to the sight of it. I cannot wait!

[bowfaire]

(He smiles,)

Good.

(It looks like her day has gone well. That's one day down and they can only take things one day at a time for now.)

It's definitely something to see for yourself. The crowd today will be smaller than the ones we've had before but as you can see... (Me waves a hand over towards the growing pile,) we're not letting that hold us back.

(This is more of a private celebration for the family and those that work at the palace. It won't have the same careless energy as the ones out in the market square but give it enough alcohol and he's sure the generals will get everyone's spirits up.

He offers his arm to her,)

Until then, we feast. There's someone I want you to meet.

(And should she take his arm, he'll guide her over towards one of the many tables that has been set up. This one already has a small crowd gathered at it and it all appears to be centered around one woman in particular. Flayn should be able to figure out who she is immediately. Her skin is fairer than the others, her hair a lighter brown, and it's clear that Claude has his mother's eyes.

The conversation seems to stop when they approach, their eyes turning towards them and she looks up with a fond smile. "Khalid." She rises, arms spread to welcome them. In Almyran, she teases,"It took you long enough.")

I was busy.

("I thought I told you to relax."

He coughs lightly, switching back to Fodlan's language,)

Mother, this is Flayn. Flayn, this is my mother... Lady Tiana.

[fishingforcompliments]

[Flayn takes his arm without thinking about it, as soon as it's offered - which is really only going to make the pair of them stand out more. She stands out enough on her own, as the sleeping girl he'd brought back - going anywhere on his arm is only going to attract the attention of people who otherwise might overlook her, but who do keep tabs on him.

But it's fine. He wouldn't have offered it if it wasn't safe to, she thinks.

It's instantly obvious who this woman is as they approach - even before they're close enough to see the eyes that are so much like Claude's. She catches his name - Khalid, the one she's heard and knows to be his but that she hasn't fully familiarized herself with yet - but not much else of their interaction.

When he swaps back to the language they share to introduce her, though, she lets go of his arm so that she can put one hand over her heart and bow. It's the bow they do in Fodlan - it's what she's most accustomed to - and she'll have to learn the proper way to greet a member of the Almyran royal family later.

For now, she manages - ]

It is an honor to meet you.

[ - in Almyran (knowing she might meet members of Claude's family, it's one of the first phrases she asked to learn), but then has to swap to the language of Fodlan a moment later so that she can continue.]

...and a pleasure to meet you, as well, Your Highness.

[...she. She hopes that's the right way to address her.

She's watching Tiana's face, but she can't help but flick her gaze toward Claude to see how he's reacting to her speaking with his mother.]

[bowfaire]

(Or maybe he offers because it isn't safe.

There doesn't appear anything wrong in Flayn's greeting. Tiana is, after all, the wife of the king and with Claude back in Almyra, she can firmly say she is also the mother of a prince. No one can doubt her position in the court now, really.

Claude's head turns slightly when he hears Flayn. He hadn't expected that. Likewise, Tiana's eyes widen just slightly with surprise, a smile forming at Flayn's greeting. Flayn bows and both can recognize it as the Fodlan bow they're familiar with. Claude raises a hand to his heart and bows at the hip. Slightly different from what Flayn would be used to.

Tiana returns the greeting in turn, "The pleasure is mine. She raises a hand to her chest and bends at her knee, demonstrating a type of curtsy. She then steps forward to place both hands on Claude's arms. He bows just slightly so she can kiss his forehead. Stepping back, she speaks to the both of them, "There's no need to be so boring and formal. It's a festival, after all. Tonight, we're among family and friends."

She shows them over to her table and Claude will escort Flayn over taking a seat beside her. There's food set out on the table already along with drinks. Tiana introduces her company-- her two retainers (one of which is Fatima) and a few friends and their children.

The group seems to settle into speaking Fodlandese mixed with Almyran easily enough, though there are some humble apologies at first. They only ever really practice with Tiana and well... she isn't exactly the most refined lady! (Tiana slaps one of them on the shoulder for the joke.)

"We were worried when you didn't wake up," One of them remarks, "But it must have been difficult leaving home so suddenly... Especially under the circumstances..."

It seems to be accepted that Flayn's sleep was attributed to shock and as the conversation begins to turn serious, Claude cuts in,)

I didn't know this was a council. This is our last evening before we return to work.

(Fatima laughs, "Some of us never stopped, Khalid." The other retainer shoves her gently. If she wanted breaks like everyone else, she should have become something besides a medic. "Or maybe all of you could stop getting hurt!" While they're distracted and the conversations begin to splinter into individual ones, Claude and Flayn can speak to each other properly again,)

... Sorry about that.

[fishingforcompliments]

[Whew! It's a relief to not have messed that up - both the title and her pronunciation of the Almyran words seem to have gone over well. Considering how little she actually knows of certain customs in Fodlan, it's thrilling to have gotten it somewhat right here.

Claude's bow and Tiana's curtsy are things she takes note of with obvious interest, and she makes a note to herself to practice them later once she's back in her own room and no one will be able to laugh if she messes it up.]

Ah, I see! In that case, I shall dispense with the formalities at once.

[...she says, formally. It's just how she talks, though.

But it's easier to be less formal once they've been brought over to Tiana's table. Her retainers, their friends, and their families are kind, lively people, and she smiles to see how comfortable they seem to be with each other. She wouldn't have expected to see someone teasing the queen or be hit for it - but it's different, here.

It's a festival. An Almyran festival, at that. Rather than expecting things based on her own experiences, she should be open to accepting them as they are.

So she watches, and listens, fascinated by the way they interact, until she's addressed directly. It takes her a moment to really process what's been said to her, and her eyes widen slightly before she looks briefly down at her hands.]

...I am sorry to have worried you...

[Luckily, Claude cuts in before it gets too far. She flashes him a small, grateful smile as he redirects the conversation and as the others fall into their own chattering, and when he's able to speak to her quietly, she nods once.]

You do not need to apologize. It is only natural that they would have taken note of it... after all, it was quite an unusual situation. [A pause, and then -] Rather, I ought to be thanking you.

[bowfaire]

("Dispense with the formalities at once" she says in the most formal way possible. How cute. Both Tiana and Claude seem amused.)

They'll probably have more questions after a while...

(A sympathetic warning. Now that they know she's up and well again, the only thing stopping them will be the grace period that comes from the basic courtesy and awkwardness that comes from talking to a refugee. Once they become more comfortable, it's only a matter of time before they begin to press.)

We don't get a lot of guests from Fodlan here and we usually don't hear much either.

(But he'd managed to convince his father to send Leicester military assistance. The Almyran army, led by their undefeated general, had brought soldiers and all of those soldiers returned home with stories to tell. They'd seen Fodlan first hand and been briefed by their outcast prince personally... there's definitely a level of intrigue around recent news from Fodlan now.

Ah, but that last part... it's not that he doesn't know what she's talking about but as far as he's concerned, it's not worth being thanked again.)

Don't mention it.

[fishingforcompliments]

...that is alright. It is only natural that they will have questions, too.

[It can't be helped.

Honestly, if the situation was reversed - if she was safe at home in Fodlan, and someone from Almyra were suddenly brought into their midst - she would have been mad with curiosity, and with worry, too, if they'd been unconscious for as long as she had been. When she looks at it like that, even though the scrutiny makes her uncomfortable, and even though the reminder of what brought her here hurts, she really can't blame anyone for it.

How can she judge, when she would be just as curious and just as worried?

She sighs lightly, but not wanting her thoughts to linger on it - this is a festival, after all, the mood should be cheery - she snags a bit of food from the table to nibble on it.]

There are plenty of nice things to tell them about Fodlan. When they ask, I shall focus on that. It will be fine.

[bowfaire]

(Quietly, almost defensively,)

Even so, there are better ways to ask.

(Still, Flayn seems to be handling it well enough so he doesn't press it anymore. He helps himself to some drink, something warm and spiced. Even in Almyra, it can get cold in the winter, especially at night, even if it isn't the same type of cold one might experience in Fodlan.)

Hopefully, everyone will get to hear about it. (How nice Fodlan is. How nice it can be. He looks down at his drink and smiles to himself, ) And I hope you'll see our good points too.

(This is, after all, his homeland. Before there was Fodlan, there was Almyra, and this is the land he feels closest to. For all of the troubles and hardships he's had, he still loves it.

Nearby, there's a collective gasp as a mage lights a fire for the wood. There's a round of applause and cheering and from some of the other tables and smaller crowds, mothers and fathers begin to guide their younger children over. They keep walking closer and closer to the flames. There's a melody in the air, as the people begin to sing a repetitive song, clapping along as they take turns helping the children leap over the fire. Some children cry and their mothers lift them up into their arms, carrying them as they hop. Back and forth, back and forth, gradually, the older children come over and begin to jump on their own. Those that can't jump over the flames yet begin to dance around the fire and the words to the songs become more clear as they sing together, louder and louder.

He leans close to Flayn and speaks along with the song,)

"Give me your beautiful color, and take my sickly pallor.
May your warmth be mine; your light is mine."

(He slips his hand into Flayn's and rises, inviting her to come over towards the fire,)

Let's go. It's our last chance.

[fishingforcompliments]

[There are better ways to ask, but a lot of people only think of them in hindsight. Flayn knows this and accepts this, but as he helps himself to a drink, she shoots him a small, grateful smile, and lets it go because they're moving on to talking about better things.]

I am quite sure that I will. This is— oh!

[The gasp draws her attention away from their conversation (oops), and she watches with a wide-eyed, delighted expression as the wood is lit up. It's hard not to applaud at the sight, and she finds herself clapping lightly along with some of the people from the other tables.

Pretty...

And then as people start to guide the children over to leap over the flames, as the singing starts to gain in volume and the others gathered begin to dance around the bonfire, she's just - awestruck, really.

This isn't something she's seen in Fodlan before. It's not even something she's read about. But it's enchanting, and it's something she'll certainly remember for the rest of her days.

Her lips curve up into a smile as he translates for her, and she rises to her feet quickly, her hand giving his a light, grateful squeeze.]

Will we also be jumping, then?

[This is exactly the sort of thing her father would caution her against!



She can't wait to try it.]

[bowfaire]

Of course! (He takes her over towards the flame,) We can't go into the new year like this.

(In the dark, carrying their grief and all of the weight they've accumulated over the months. It's time to burn away some of the burden, to shine a light on their darkest memories. The new year is for leaving the old behind and beginning anew.

A group of young boys let out a squeal of delight, one calling out "Khalid!" as they come closer. They clap their hands together along to the song and laugh delightfully.

He smiles at them and gives Flayn's hand a squeeze,)

Follow my lead.

(He lets go of her hand and hops over the flame, still small enough that he doesn't really need to put much effort into it. And if only because it is so simple, he does it again, this time with his hands behind his back and it looks something like the start of a dance to which some of the children start to join in. After Flayn makes her first leap, Tiana and the others from their table will also follow, some leaping more dramatically, showing off at times-- incorporating their leaps into dances and singing loudly at the top of their lungs.

This is a celebration and though she is new and not like them, everyone is too busy celebrating to really notice the difference. It's the magic of the new year-- Fodlan, Almyra, Brigid, Dagda.. no doubt, these nations are all celebrating the same thing in this exact moment. Even if they have their own traditions and beliefs, they can all look forward to the new year.)

[fishingforcompliments]

[Follow his lead, huh?

It's definitely more fun to take part than to just observe (not that she has anything against observing; just being close enough to watch is better than she's had in the past), and she can't help but bounce a little on the balls of her feet as they get close to the fire.

He goes first, and she beams as he leaps over the flames, then giggles when he leaps back again. It seems easy enough, so she doesn't hesitate before she takes a leap. She's light and agile on her feet, and despite being short she manages it quite handily, not at all in danger of getting burnt. She lands with a laugh, then steps out of the way so that the others can join in.

Their leaping and twirling and dancing is lively and energetic, and though she still doesn't understand a lot of the words being spoken and sung around her, the general mood is infectious. This is a celebration, and it's lovely. When she gets the opportunity to, she leaps over the flames again, twisting as she lands to twirl into some of the dances - she's been watching the steps, and many of them are repetitive enough that she can pick them up; she did, after all, take part in the White Heron Cup for the Black Eagles, and she'd won! Dancing is something she can do well enough! - blending in well enough.

She catches Claude's eye as she blends into the group and smiles brightly.

The only thing that could make this better, she thinks, would be if Seteth were here to enjoy the celebration as well - but it's a miracle that she's able to enjoy it herself, and she's grateful for it.

It's been a long five years. But here, in this place, with these people - maybe the next year will be better.

Right now, it feels possible for her to believe that it might actually be.]

[bowfaire]

(She's enjoying herself. It's hard to not notice the way she's lit up in the crowd and taken to the festivities. It's in this moment that he feels like she'll be fine in Almyra. It won't be easy; he knows it. Picking up your roots and moving to a whole new land is a challenge and a struggle in itself. But he thinks that if she can have good moments like this and remember them during those hard times, it will help her get through it all.

His grandfather, Judith, his classmates, his friends... They'd all made Fodlan so much more bearable and now some many of them were dead. If not dead, he'd surely let them down in other ways. He'd dissolved the Alliance, given it away to the enemy they'd resisted for years...

Some volunteers add more wood to the fire, making the flames grow higher and brighter. The younger participants are pulled away by their parents, led into new dances and song while those who are older and bigger begin to tackle the fire. When they leap, the ends of their clothes catch fire and expertly shake off the flames.

Claude joins the group and when his turn finally comes, he leaps higher than most. The crowd gasps and cheers, clearly impressed by the first feat. Some of those around the flame encourage him to go again and again and each time, he leaps fearlessly, even when the fire has grown to the point that he's practically leaping into the flames instead of over. When he jumps he thinks of the time he's been away. It's been so long since he'd last cleansed himself with flame. He thinks of Fodlan, of Leicester, of Judith, Ignatz, Leonie, Hilda, his friends, the ones who died under his command, the classmates he killed in battle, the ones he couldn't save...

Flayn might notice that when he jumps, some of the others always follow. The same can be said for when a large, scarred man who roars when he leaps.

Tiana places a hand gently on Flayn's shoulder and into the inner ring of the circle around the flames. She claps along with the song and leans in close to her to explain, "Almyra's heroes. The ones who returned from the war." She points to the large man, "That one is the Nader, the greatest general in the kingdom."

When Claude jumps one more time, Nader is at the end to throw his arm over his shoulder and tussle his hair. It's clear that the two are close.

When it looks like no one else will be leaping over the fire though... a man suddenly bursts from the flames much to the shock and awe of everyone in the crowd. His robes burn at the ends and grabs both Nader and Claude by the arm, saying something to both of them and dragging them both right back into the flames for more. The man is wild-- absolutely wild-- and after a second and third leap, he kicks at the fire with his boot, sending a burning piece of wood tumbling and rolling over towards a group of small children who let out delighted shrieks and begin to take turns jumping over it.

Nader hangs back at the main fire and it looks like he calls some of the soldiers over to break down the fire into smaller ones for others to take turns with. Meanwhile, the wild man throws his arm around Claude's shoulders and begins to maneuver him over towards Flayn and Tiana. As they approach, she might notice that the two look very similar to each other. He has his mother's eyes but it's clear who he takes after the most--

"Tiana." The man laughs.

"Malik." Tiana greets with a light curtsy and before she or Claude can introduce her, the man speaks.

"And you must be our guest." )

[fishingforcompliments]

[The flames eventually climb high enough that Flayn can't safely jump over them - but that's fine. Claude and the others manage quite handily, though she can't help but gasp, her brows furrowing in concern, when it looks like he and the others are leaping through the flames.

But Claude doesn't seem to have actually caught fire, and neither does Nader, and she watches and listens with interest as Tiana explains who he and the others who are jumping with them are.]

I see... [It's no small wonder, then, that Claude and Nader seem so close; war is terrible, but it can bring people together when they fight on the same side. It's an intense form of camaraderie, but camaraderie nonetheless.] He is quite—

[Impressive, she's about to say.

But then there's that roar, and the man who bursts from the flames is even more impressive. She watches with wide eyes after he leaps and scatters the fire for the children, relaxes when Nader arranges for the bonfire to be broken up for the other groups, and then her breath catches when he throws an arm around Cladue's shoulders and guides him over.

Their resemblance is striking. Even without Tiana saying his name and making it obvious that she knows him, it's obvious who this must be.

She bows, in the same way Claude had shown her before, suddenly flustered. She'd managed it is an honor to meet you in Almyran to Tiana, before, but being addressed so directly by Malik, she doesn't seem to know what to say.

Tiana puts a hand on her arm, encouraging.]

Ah - yes. And you are Khalid's father, obviously. I mean— [She bows again.] The king! It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you, sir.

[bowfaire]

(They smell like smoke... It doesn't help that Claude himself is singed at the end of his own robes. Even more, the ends of Malik's robes are still burning with embers (not that he seems to notice or care). He lets out a loud, clear laugh at Flayn. It's friendly and warm and he pats Claude hard on the back. He says something once in Almyran to his family about Fodlan and then, "When was the last time someone brought a Fodlander here...?" And he smiles, as if enjoying some private joke, glancing at Tiana briefly before addressing Flayn again.

"I understand you left at a difficult time," His voice is softer, lighter, but she'll have no problem hearing him. He has that sort of power. Even surrounded by singing and cheering crowds, when he speaks, he makes himself heard. He seems to pull Claude in closer when he speaks too. Is this some attempt at a half-hug? Claude isn't sure what to make it of judging by the way he glances at his father, uncertainly. "But you couldn't have arrived at a better time. This," He waves his free hand, "is Almyra. Welcome."

What follows is about what one would expect from a welcome. He asks how she is, if she's enjoying the festival, and when he is satisfied he finishes with a familiar warning: Being here won't be easy. But he invites her to make herself at home.

A moment or so later, Tiana goes to take Malik into the crowd so they can dance, leaving Claude and Flayn in each other's company alone once more. As they dance into the glow of the lit fires around them, Claude watches quietly, his gaze lingering for just a moment before he speaks, )

I guess he has a point... (He admits it almost reluctantly, ) It's the best time to arrive here.

"Out with the old, in with the new." That's the spirit of the New Year, right? Everything is ready for something different. Maybe even someone different.

(Things are changing in Fodlan. The other nations are perfectly poised for change. Maybe this year will be the year things finally change here too.)

[fishingforcompliments]

[When was the last time someone brought a Fodlander here? That's a good question. Obviously, Tiana came here at some point, but have there been any others? Flayn legitimately doesn't know and she's not sure if she's expected to know, but luckily, Malik moves right along before she can feel too off-balance, and she answers his other questions honestly. She's doing well; this festival is lovely; she can't wait to learn more about Almyra.

...by the end of their conversation, she comes to the conclusion that he's kind. He certainly seems like a lot - "larger than life" is an apt enough description for him, she supposes, and even in the brief time she spends with him before he and Tiana leave to dance, he commands the attention of everyone around him.

He's upfront and honest about the fact that things may not be easy here, but he also invites her to feel welcome, to make herself at home. It's better than shielding her from the fact that things might be hard - if she's aware that they'll be difficult, she can at least prepare for them.]

"Out with the old, in with the new"...

[She repeats the phrase as she and Claude watch the other dancers.

That's fitting, really. Something different, someone different - new places, new people, new plans. The friendship they've struck up is somewhat new, too; they hadn't known each other too well even in Garreg Mach, but she's certainly looking forward to getting to know him better.]

...I think we could all use a little change. [A pause, and then...] More than a little change, in some cases. But change is not always a bad thing.

[A smile, then, as the others continue to dance. It seems a little silly to just stand and watch, and she holds a hand out to him -]

Would you like to dance?

[The steps seem easy enough, and what she doesn't know already, she's willing to learn.]

[bowfaire]

(He raises a brow at first and then breaks into an easy smile. Whatever seriously mood had briefly settled the moment before seems to disappear completely.)

I thought you would never ask.

(He laughs and takes her hand, stepping forward so that he can lead her out toward the main crowd.

He meant it. He thought she would never ask. No one ever does.

Turning to face her, he gives her a twirl and steps off. The dance is easy and nothing like the formal dances they used to have back in school. It's lively, energetic, almost wild once you really get into it, and it's easy to forget that this is a celebration at the palace and most of those present are other royals or high-ranking officials. And with everyone celebrating, no one really notices who is and isn't like them.)

[fishingforcompliments]

[She beams at him as he laughs, and just like that, they're dancing.

...it's fun. Frankly, Flayn finds it much more fun than the formal dances at Garreg Mach - not that she didn't enjoy those, too, but she really spent more of her time there people-watching, because most of the students were too intimidated by Seteth to ask her to dance, and she wasn't about to paint a target on someone's shoulders by asking them herself. (It's a problem, when your closest living relative is an overprotective meddler.)

But that's not the case here. They're free to dance and to celebrate and to relax, and though being in Almyra won't necessarily be easy later on, for now, everyone is more or less of the same mindset - this is the time to come together, not to focus on the differences.

By the time they're done, it's late, and Flayn is getting sleepy despite wanting to stay up and see everything. She's still smiling even as she tries to hide a yawn behind her hand.]

...is the new year always like this, in Almyra?