backstreetbard | a lion among ladies

[ 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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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?

From:

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?

From:

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.

From:

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!

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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?

From:

backstreetbard

That's understandable. Battles are loud and frightening. I suppose you can get used to anything, but that doesn't mean you should have to.

[ Dorothea feels relief on Molly's behalf when Dimitri explains that she isn't a warhorse. No one should have to fight if they aren't suited for it. Risking another touch, she runs her fingertips under the horse's jaw, knowing cats and dogs enjoy scratches under their chins and wondering if horses are all that different in that regard. Molly doesn't seem to mind it, being used to handling as she is, though she doesn't lean into it the way Dorothea's favorite cats and dogs do. Even so, this is already the most positive interaction she's ever had with a horse. ]

Have you ever been thrown off a horse? It's a little dangerous to ride them, isn't it?

From:

hauntedking

[ Molly seems pleased enough either way. Dimitri has to focus on answering the question! ]

Well... a few times, to be honest. It's always a bit of a risk, especially if they scare. But... I don't mind the danger and if you know what you're doing, it isn't all that bad.

From:

backstreetbard

I know how to take falls on stage but that's a different matter altogether from falling off a horse, I'd imagine.

[ Emboldened, Dorothea takes a step forward to run a palm down Molly's neck, gently rubbing until a sudden movement from the mare has her backpedaling, bumping into Dimitri like he's a brick wall behind her. Dorothea laughs nervously--it's nothing serious, they both just gave each other a little start. Even so, she's content to remain by his side after that, letting him be the one to pat Molly and give her praise. ]

She does seem nice. Thank you for introducing us. I always had to be... rather careful around horses, before. It's easy to get underfoot when you're small, you see?

From:

hauntedking

I understand completely.

[ He seems a little amused by how skittish she is, but he's also not going to discount it. Horses are large animals and they can absolutely hurt people. So he doesn't blame her. ]

It took me a while to get used to them when they started my riding lessons. I was terrified I was going to fall off...

From:

backstreetbard

It would be nice to learn how to ride. I know a lot of people enjoy it.

[ Though she doubts she'll ever be as much of an aficionado as Dimitri--or, heaven forbid, Ferdinand--is. At the very least, she wants to conquer her fear. ]

You will teach me, won't you? I'm certain it'll be easier for me if it's you.

From:

hauntedking

Of course I will!

[ He laughs, shooting her a broad, open smile. ]

It'd be my pleasure. Besides... it means I get to spend a little more time with you.

From:

backstreetbard

You know you can spend time with me whenever you like, but I love the enthusiasm. I enjoy our visits.

[ Molly seems to agree, snorting and nuzzling Dimitri's hand as if in a quest for more apples. ]

Could we go for a ride? I could hold on to you, if that would be all right...

From:

hauntedking

Sorry, Molly... that's all I've got for you today...

[ Dimitri laughs quietly and then pauses, giving Dorothea a look. ]

I - well - yes. I'd love to!

[ Look at him, smiling so broadly. ]

From:

backstreetbard

[ There's a moment of hesitation where she's not sure he's going to accept, but then Dimitri smiles and agrees, and she smiles back in nervous excitement. ]

I can help you get her all suited up?

[ Which, obviously, she knows he can do on his own, but she's a good little helper as he outfits Molly with all of her riding tack. She passes him the saddle blanket and the bridle, watching with interest as he adjusts all the straps and buckles that hold everything in place. When it comes time to mount the horse, Dorothea figures Dimitri will settle himself first and then she'll climb up behind him but she waits to follow his lead. ]

From:

hauntedking

Absolutely!

[ Dimitri is happy to have Dorothea's help and he's a little chatterbox, explaining what all of the different items are as he puts them on. When all is said and done, he gives Molly a little pat and then settles his foot in the stirrup and slings himself up into the saddle. He leans down slightly and offers her a hand and a smile. ]

Coming up?

From:

backstreetbard

Naturally.

[ Placing her hand in his, Dorothea is hoisted up onto the saddle behind Dimitri, where she instinctively wraps her arms around his waist to secure herself. It's admittedly intimate, her thighs on either side of his hips, her chest against his back, and no armor to prevent him from feeling the full extent of their contact. The fact that Molly's movements only serve to jostle them together doesn't help that situation. ]

All right, I think I'm ready to go.

From:

hauntedking

[ Dimitri feels his cheeks start to burn as they settle in and he realizes just how close she's going to be sitting for the duration of the ride. There's a heat in his gut and a tightness in his trousers that he can't do anything about - not when he can feel the soft warmth of her pressed so close and her hands clasped around his front. He clears his throat and urges Molly out into the yard. ]

Well - hold on then.

[ The Academy has riding trails, of course, and open pastures. It's not going to be a particularly exciting ride. Probably. It's all for training purposes, after all. Molly settles into a steady walk for him, Dimitri's eyes on the path ahead. ]

Not so bad, is it?