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

[bowfaire]

(The festivities go on with no sign of slowing. It seems that most would be content to dance and sing until the sun rises. When the youngest children are herded off by their mothers and fathers, it just means the others can really let loose. Tiana and Malik seem to have disappeared for the night and Claude notes a few other faces that have slipped away but he doesn't worry about it for now.

Not one to stay up too late himself, he offers his arm to Flayn once more at the end of one dance and begins to lead her away, back towards the palace. She's tired and he has a long day ahead of him. They both need to rest,)

Yeah. At least, for as long as I can remember. (He has, after all, been away for only a little less than a decade.) ... It's been a while.

(Once they're away from the crowds, away from others that can watch them, he'll let Flayn slip off him so they can walk side by side freely. He doesn't have to keep her as close now; they can relax,)

The last time I celebrated was... just before I left, actually.

(Seven years ago? Or is it eight now? Hm.)

[fishingforcompliments]

I see...

[...well, if what he experienced tonight lines up with what he remembers from before he left Almyra - then it probably is always like that, and any differences are the exceptions, not the norm.

Flayn wonders, as they walk and as she slides her arm out of Claude's so that they can just walk nex to each other, if she'll be here for the next new year's celebration. Probably. A year may feel like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, it really isn't; will the world be safe enough for her to go her own way in a year?

Probably not. But as long as she keeps her head down and waits, even Fódlan will be safe for her to return to someday, once she's faded from living memory.]

Well... I am glad that we returned in time to celebrate it this year. You seemed as though you were truly enjoying yourself.

[The way he smiled tonight definitely looked a little... different. More genuine, maybe? She isn't sure exactly how to describe it.]

[bowfaire]

(He hums lightly in response. Yes, he'd certainly enjoyed himself. In truth, even if it hasn't been the easiest, he's enjoyed his return. Since he's been here, he's been able to enjoy foods he hasn't had in years, practice customs and traditions that he hadn't been able to celebrate since before he left. It's been nice to be more of his genuine self; no longer having to hide some of his beliefs, able to speak more openly again.)

It's good to be back home.

(To see his mother again and spend time with her. It was even nice to spend some time with his father again. Time that wasn't spent putting on strong fronts and flairs,)

... You know, the nice thing about the new year is that no matter where you are; in Fodlan or Almyra or anywhere in the world... for a few days, everyone is celebrating the same thing.

(They're getting closer to hall where Flayn's room is,)

Imagine what else we could celebrate together...

(And that's it. Here they are. He stops in front of the hallway. The lanterns are dimmed down and there's only moonlight and the glow from the fire outside to really light things. Down the hallway, there's one room with one lantern lit right outside it, dim and low but noticeable,)

Everything looks different at night. I had one of the servants leave the lantern on by your room. You can turn it off before you go in.

(Blow the flame out and call it a night. It probably isn't the easiest to see but he offers her a friendly smile,)

Good night, Flayn. Happy new year.