a lion among ladies

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea doesn't exactly love spending time in the cathedral of Garreg Mach's campus, as stunning as the stained glass windows and flying buttresses are to behold. She hasn't put stock in the Seirosi faith since she was six years old.

In spite of that, she can still be seen there often in the days following the mission to quell the Western Church's rebellion in Gaspard territory, her hand rubbing circles in Ashe's back. She understands what it feels like to lose a parent, though she doesn't speak of it; instead, she only listens as he very gradually works his way through the shock and pain. Sometimes the only comfort is commiseration.

It's draining, though. She has to step back eventually, to try and shake off the old familiar feelings that watching another orphan in mourning dredges up in her.

Standing on the bridge that leads to the cathedral, she inhales the fresh mountain air and releases a sigh as she looks out over the scenery. A flash of blue in her peripheral vision catches her attention, though, and she's back on stage, turning to face her new house leader. ]

On your way to pray?

Comments

it do be like that

[hauntedking]

It sounds a little tragic.

[ Dimitri nods thoughtfully. ]

But... love does drive people to extremes. Although I can't say I've ever found myself preferring the idea of death over life. Surviving... that is important.

[ He pauses and there's a flicker of something in his expression. ]

...especially when some people haven't been able to.

it really do

[backstreetbard]

[ Knowing what she knows, it isn't hard to guess at the turn of Dimitri's thoughts. She reaches out across the table and takes his hand in hers, smiling softly at him. ]

We're both survivors, and that's what matters. The people who loved us would want us to carry on, I think--to remember them, to live good lives in their absence. After all, love never really goes away as long as you hold it in your heart. And what are any of us in the end but the stories that people tell about us when we're gone?

[ She squeezes his hand and doesn't let go this time. ]

[hauntedking]

[ The warm squeeze of her hand brings him back to the present. It chases away the ghosts - at least for now - and his smile grows a little. ]

I think I like that. Stories that we'll tell about them. Stories that people will tell about us.

[ He makes a little 'hmm' noise. ]

What sort of stories would you want to leave to your children? If you - uh - end up having them, anyway.

[backstreetbard]

Oh, I plan on having a big family. At least three or four, but maybe more. I want to adopt, as well, assuming I'm able to support that many people apart from myself. I want my children to have siblings so they can look out for each other if something ever happened to me, you know?

But I'd want them to be able to tell stories about how much I loved them, more than anything. Not all children can say with certainty that their parents really love them, and I never want mine to feel that way. Beyond that... I'd want to be remembered for coming up out of adversity, I think--so people can feel hopeful no matter how desperate their situation is. I'd want to be remembered for my career as well. I put my heart and soul into every role I play, and I hope to write at least a few more operas and stage shows.

[ She's still holding on to his hand, a pleasant warmth in her face. ]

What about you? What stories will your descendants be telling about Dimitri, the kind and courageous, in a hundred years? Maybe you'll have been immortalized in one of my world-famous operas, hmm?

[hauntedking]

[ That all sounds delightful to Dimitri. It's something to think about. To aspire to. There's the thought that, somehow, people will still be hearing about Dorothea, long after she's gone. It's almost inspirational, in a way. ]

Oh - I don't entirely know. I haven't thought much about what I'll actually do when I'm king. I want - I want to help people, you know. I want to make the lives of the people under my rule better. But... beyond that...

[ He smiles sheepishly. ]

I don't know.

[backstreetbard]

But making people's lives better is such an important thing. I can see it now: Dimitri, the king who helped put an end to homelessness and hunger. A king beloved by his people for bringing them stability and safety.

[ This is where Dorothea lifts her head slightly and breaks into an impromptu song. ]

A crown never sat on a brow so fair, his azure eyes and his golden hair
From Fhirdiad the warrior king extends his gracious hand
And people know him near and far, they spread his name throughout the land
Dimitri, king of Faerghus free, a brave and noble spirit
And songs of his great deeds will spread far and wide, wherever ears can hear it

[ She shakes her head and laughs in a way that makes her eyes crinkle at the corners. ]

Not bad for a first draft, but the rhymes need a bit of work.

[hauntedking]

[ All Dimitri can really think about is how she's singing about him. His cheeks color and he ducks his head, fingers curling around hers where they hold hands. ]

That's - far too flattering, really. The idea of people singing songs about me - it's a bit much. But - I like the thought of you doing it.

[backstreetbard]

You never know what the future holds, and kings tend to inspire songs and stories. I wonder if there will ever be songs about me. Even if there aren't, I'll sing the ones about you.

[ If she were sitting next to him instead of across the table, Dorothea might try her luck by leaning in to kiss his cheek. As it stands, he's safe for now, but his bashfulness is so endearing that she has half a mind to scoot her chair closer to attempt it.

No, she won't. It's still only their first date, but she's certain she's never been so charmed in her life. She loosens her grip slightly, but only to twine her fingers with his. Though, she's almost forgotten the pretense of their little get together. ]

Oh, goodness, look at us letting our tea go cold.

[ Not that she lets go of him. She can hold a teacup in her left hand, it's fine. ]

[hauntedking]

[ He's bashful for a variety of reasons - so he's lucky that Dorothea finds it endearing rather than awkward. Just holding hands seems like a huge step, along with their mutual interest in one another. Isn't that strange? ]

Oh - yes.

[ He hastily takes a drink a of his tea. Cold tea was unpleasant. ]

Oh - what do you think of the new professor? They're not much older than we are.

[backstreetbard]

They're so enigmatic, it's fascinating. I know an act when I see one, and it's the strangest thing, because they don't seem to be acting that mysterious--they just are that way. But they also seem incredibly competent when it comes to swordplay and battle tactics, especially after the mock battle. I want to learn from someone I know will help keep me alive, you know?

[ She also takes a sip of her tea, but she doesn't mind it cold as long as the flavor is still good. Nobody has ever accused Dorothea of being a picky eater. ]

What about you? I heard that they were spectacular when you first met them--defending Edie from that bandit.

[hauntedking]

Oh, that-

[ Dimitri laughs and shakes her head. ]

Surely that's an exaggeration. I just did what I thought was best. I was fortunate that I wasn't wounded.

[ Yes, he's being rather modest. ]

[backstreetbard]

Don't be so modest. I heard that the four of you fought off an entire group of bandits practically on your own! It's incredibly impressive. I certainly don't have that kind of prowess, but I haven't spent nearly as much time training for combat as you have, so it makes sense that you're so skilled.

[ Finishing off her cup, Dorothea releases Dimitri's hand, but only to take the last few bites of the food on her plate. She sighs contently and stretches in her seat. ]

The afternoon is so warm and pleasant--would you like to take a walk with me once we finish our tea or do you have other obligations this evening? The Professor wants us to hand in that paper before the week is out... maybe we could study together?

[hauntedking]

There were four of us.

[ Dimitri continues to be modest. ]

And the Professor is certainly no slouch in the combat department.

[ Ah. He pauses and flexes his fingers thoughtfully. His food has been nibbled at, but mostly uneaten, for the most part - although he has been working steadily on his tea. ]

Nothing too serious on my agenda, in all honesty. I would love to do some work with you Dorothea. It would probably be helpful, too - two minds are better than one, they say.

[backstreetbard]

[ She isn't sure if she should nudge him to eat his food or not. The starving child she once was lives somewhere in the back of her mind still, never so far out of memory that the sight of a plate of half-eaten food doesn't cause a stirring of anxiety in her gut.

It's fine. She'll save it for later if he doesn't want it. She focuses on their conversation instead. ]

I'm not sure how much help I'll be writing a paper about battle strategies, but maybe I'll have some useful perspectives.

[ She smiles and tosses her hair, leaning back in her seat and folding her hands in a dainty way. ]

And maybe you can help me better understand some of the more challenging concepts. I'm more skilled in magic than anything, but I'm working on my swordplay as well.

[hauntedking]

[ His appetite could use some work, honestly. But he settles for nibbling at things and he eats enough. The lack of taste just means it's not all that interesting for him, so sometimes he forgets. Like right now, especially when he's distracted. ]

Magic I can't do much with... but I can certainly give you some fencing lessons, if you'd be interested.

[backstreetbard]

I'll be a master in no time with you tutoring me.

[ And so, plans are made, and the rest of the afternoon unfolds in the warmth of the Garland Moon as the pair of them finish their tea and relocate to the library to study and work up rough drafts of their papers. Dorothea keeps reminding herself that it's not nice to keep teasing Dimitri just to see how often she can make him blush, but they manage to be productive in spite of all of that.

The following day, she finds herself waiting for him again, only this time she's just outside of the stables. The scent in the air is pungently horsey--a combination of clean hay and manure and the distinct smell of the animals themselves. It's not a smell she enjoys, but she's dealt with worse, and it's worth it in the end to get to spend more time with Dimitri.

And anyway, she's putting a few finishing touches on a garland, and the miniature roses (while small) have a wonderful fragrance which helps to offset the stable smell a bit. Holding it up, Dorothea inspects her work. She's made garlands before, though never for anyone in particular. This one would be the first with a designated recipient.

Speaking of, she hides the wreath behind her back when the sound of gravel crunching under boots catches her attention. She smiles at Dimitri's approach, offering a coy little wave as she turns to face him. ]

Oh, Dima! There you are. Come here, I have something for you.

[hauntedking]

[ Yesterday afternoon is still a pleasantly hazy, warm memory in his mind, one that's accompanied him through his morning and he's even had a few questions about why he's so distracted. A question that's made him blush a little and wave off the question with an excuse.

He's fairly sure that Felix and Sylvain both see right through him, though. He tries not to think too hard about it - especially not now, when he has another afternoon planned out. He's dressed down a little, because the stables are not generally a place for the full uniform. His jacket and cape have gone and he's down to a white-undershirt, the sleeves rolled up and undone at the neck to let his skin breathe a little. His face brightens with a smile as he spots her and he lifts his hand in a wave. ]

Something for me...? You didn't have to, you know, Dorothea.

[backstreetbard]

[ The sight of Dimitri in less than his full formal uniform catches Dorothea off guard, and she has to shake herself to keep from staring at the enticing flash of skin at his throat. Surely he isn't doing it on purpose--he doesn't seem to realize his own appeal enough to weaponize it like that. Recovering quickly, she smiles again and reveals the garland, producing it from behind her back with a theatrical flourish. ]

Maybe not, but I wanted to. Here. I made this for you, since it's the Garland Moon and all.

[ Stepping in, she sets the garland atop his head, grinning when she finds it seems to be a perfect fit--a crown of flowers for her prince. ]

You obviously don't have to wear it anywhere, but it's traditional, and I've never made one for anybody before. [ She's sure she's blushing now, feeling heat in her cheeks. ] I hope you like it.

[hauntedking]

For me?

[ He pauses, a little starstruck, his eyes gleaming with an unadulterated joy as he accepts the garland. Once again, his cheeks color as he turns it over in his hands. ]

I - I love it. I don't know if I'll get a chance to wear it, but - but I'll keep it. Thank you. Truly.

[ He glances up with an almost shy smile and then, on impulse, sets the garland onto his head. ]

How does it look?

[backstreetbard]

Oh, it looks absolutely adorable. Just charming. It fits you perfectly--I'm so glad. I know larger roses are more traditional but I thought this would suit you better. It makes me so happy to see you wear it.

[ Dorothea is so pleased with her handiwork that she leans in and presses her lips oh-so-briefly to Dimitri's cheek in a chaste kiss. And just so he doesn't freeze up, she loops her arm through the crook of his elbow and tugs him forward towards the stable door. ]

All right, now why don't you introduce me to your horse?

[hauntedking]

[ Oh. He doesn't quite freeze up, but he does blush, and he's quite happy to follow along with her, laughing as he tries to stop his mind from racing. ]

Of course, of course.

[ He steps into the stables and leads her down to a particular one. There's a beautiful white horse there, who gives them both a look as they approach. Dimitri smiles. ]

Hello, girl. You're looking wonderful this morning.

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea's mind is also racing as she tries to project nonchalance when they enter the stables. Even though she's fully grown now and the horses don't tower over her the way they did when she was six years old and trying to beg for help from nobles who would have trampled her just as soon as looked at her, that doesn't keep her old defensive instincts from flaring up to life.

Creatures whose heads alone are easily the size of her entire torso peer out at them from their individual stalls, and she doesn't resist the urge to cling tight enough to Dimitri's side that he's bound to notice. She's safe with him; he won't let anyone hurt her. Certainly not a horse.

They approach a stall with an especially well-bred steed, large and robust with shining fur. It extends its neck out over the stall door to nuzzle at Dimitri when he speaks to it so affectionately, and Dorothea shrinks behind him. The mare blows out a breath and wickers softly, but Dorothea remains halfway behind him. ]

She's--she's lovely!

[hauntedking]

[ He notices the way she reacts and frowns internally, but doesn't mention it. At least now now. Instead he strokes the horse's face affectionately as it leans out and he urges Dorothea to step forward with a gentle nudge. ]

Her name is Molly and she's very sweet. Here-

[ He digs in his pocket and Molly gives a little knicker as she smells something - probably meant for her. He pulls an apple out and holds it out to Dorothea with a nod. ]

Go ahead and give it to her - just flat on your palm.

[backstreetbard]

[ Oh. Molly is a very cute name for an animal that large, and she seems gentle enough in her interactions with Dimitri. Mustering her courage, Dorothea nods and takes the apple from his hand, extending it to the horse on her palm just as instructed.

Molly's ears perk forward, and she eagerly plucks the treat from Dorothea's hand with her teeth (accompanied by a sharp inhalation from Dorothea). As Molly pulls back to chew on her treat, Dorothea chances a little pet, brushing the backs of her fingers over the mare's nose. ]

She's so soft. Like velvet.

[hauntedking]

They're rather gentle creatures, usually... they don't actually enjoy fighting or any of that, but we make them do it.

[ He laughs, a little sad. ]

Fortunately, she'll never have to deal with that. She's just for riding. Aren't you, girl?