but, it is worth a try. ]

. . Perhaps, in preparation for the next Regna Ferox event, we, um.

We could t-train? Together?

Y-You're such a skilled swordsman, so I—! I'd be more than happy to learn . . if you'll have me.

Right, I . . I feel the same, to a certain degree.

. . Um, maybe this is a selfish request that I have.

[ her voice is caught in her throat. she prepares herself to be rejected in an instant. it's a silly idea. one that he surely wouldn't entertain, and one she shouldn't get her hopes up for.

—

to her. she longed to represent those who've given her solace. to be recognized, alongside basilio, flavia, and of course - lon'qu.

would she too, have been chosen, if she was strong? she's been often told how inspiring she is, but was she good enough to be seen as a capable fighter? ]

—

[ it's awful, being vulnerable like this. it makes her chest twist and her heart sink. she usually would prefer less attention being drawn to her, yet, she couldn't help but feel left out amongst all of this.

sure, she's been invited to other events, but . . this one held much weight and meaning

—

from basilio and flavia, but, she found herself longing to be closer.

as acquaintances, warriors forged through mutual mentors, should they not find more reason to talk? ]

A-Ah, well . . I suppose it isn't, but . .

I-I also thought, maybe I wasn't . . good enough to attend.

—

two fighters from regna ferox not being chosen for such an auspicious event. it is the feroxi way, yet humiliating all the same.

the dancer's hands fiddle still, tugging at silken cloth adoring her forearms. arguably, he is the person she's most close to here aside

—

[ olivia cannot maintain eye contact for long, gaze shifting from lon'qu's intimidating form to anywhere else. the ground, training dummies, pedestrians that— oh, gods!

they're staring. were they staring at her, or . . him? or, the both of them? ah, the scandal.

—

Um . . Tharja?

There’s this . . place in the courtyard — it’s rather secluded and quiet.

I-I go there to practice sometimes! I could, um, show you it? I-If you think the barracks are too loud, that is—!

By no means am I a-any great warrior, but . . you?

I-I thought, you should’ve been there.

. . So, I wanted to ask, if you’re okay, following the news.

I’m sorry for, um, scaring you.

[ hands meekly fiddle together, fingers prodding and poking at her inner palms. how to say this . . . ]

I was just wondering, how you’re doing . . ?

Um, after hearing about the event in Regna Ferox . . I-I wasn’t invited, which is. It’s fine.

—

wouldn’t ever raise his sword to her, she knows. she hopes. maybe she should have kept her distance, seeing how tense he becomes. ]

[ the last thing she’d want is either of them to be hurt. ]

I-I’m so sorry—! I just, figured you’d be here, s-so, I . . .

. . . I didn’t think this through.

—

swordsman, and she can look up to him. ]

[ dancing is her forte, but . . she’s not unfamiliar with a blade. she is just by no means as experienced. ]

[ violet orbs trained on him, gazing upon the very sword that’s cut down previous champions. one wrong move, and . . oh, but, he

—

[ ah . . she expected this reaction from him, after all she’s privy to his anxiety towards women. it took far too long for them to get to this point.

olivia too shy to open up, lon’qu too anxious to ever approach.

she’s thankful they eventually would reach speaking terms; he’s an admirable

—

say something! now's your chance to rekindle your acquaintance with lon'qu! ]

U-Um, Lon'qu ... ?

[ her voice is so meek, quiet ... would he even hear her over the sounds of clanging metal as he swings his sword? ]

S-Sorry to bother, I just ... wanted to talk!

[ for some reason ... she feels as if lon'qu is experiencing something similar to her. ah, after all - they were both there at Regna Ferox together! he must be as upset as she is, right?

well, that's why she's here! he seems awfully busy training ... maybe she should wait? no, no! go, olivia!

—

// i’ll stimulate my fire emblem brain so i can start doing stuff here soon ……

// me too. but this is why i’m probably only going to interact with ppl i know here 👍

bsky.app/profile/demu...

⠀⠀
— muse is 23.
— mostly canon-compliant with some personal interpretations.
— more to come later!
⠀⠀