[For the average person, packing for a hike doesn't require much to begin with; for Felix, even less so. With him he only brings a sword, a waterskin, a drawstring bag filled with a few essentials (vulneraries mostly, sword oil, a small knife, among other things). As he waits for Claude, he's cupping his chin, eyeing a fruit stand and wondering, idly, if he should pack a couple of things. Just in case.
They're not going to be gone long. Would it even be necessary? Or would Claude make them take a detour and get them stranded somewhere? Felix wouldn't put it past him, to be quite honest.
Although...
Hmm.
In the end, he ends up purchasing a bag of mixed nuts and dried fruit along with an apple and a banana. Just in case.
Now all that's left is for the golden boy to show up. Late, undoubtedly.]
In Claude's case, having planned for a long ride and maybe a nap before steering back, he'd packed a hefty saddlebag worth of provisions (most "borrowed" from the kitchens) in addition to his own satchel, quiver and bow. There isn't much need to sneak back into the kitchens, having brought plenty to begin with and doubting Felix would humor a nap— so his just-in-case dinner could instead suffice for sharing.
But if Claude likes to be anything, it's over-prepared. Besides, he needs to redistribute, having left behind the saddlebag.
It doesn't take long, such that marvel upon marvels, he manages fifteen minutes on the dot. Not that he's timing it.
Not that it doesn't remain oddly satisfying, to find Felix again waiting for him. ]
That would require effort on your part, wouldn't it?
[That Claude's late -- because Felix operates on the mentality that if someone's right on time they're late, naturally -- isn't a surprise or anything worth getting too annoyed by. His personality doesn't exactly suggest punctuality on his part; if he'd been on time, Felix would consider it's a psychological warfare tactic and not, you know, meaningful effort on the other young man's part.
There's also the case of him packing far more than necessary.
Felix squints and gives Claude a once over, and he's none too discreetly about it.]
We are going on a simple day hike, Claude. Not on a weekend excursion to Fodland's Throat.
True. [ Wrinkling his nose. ] And my reputation might never recover.
[ Gossip hound that Felix is. Whatever would he do if it got out that Claude made an effort, for anyone or anything?
Noting his attention, Claude lifts and spread his arms, both in a shrug and as though to say, look your fill. ]
Too bad, too. The view is incredible this time of year.
[ With the beginnings of a sigh, one that teeters too close to wistful. Though he's only once partaken in view from the other side of the border, just this last year, visiting Fodlan's locket with his grandfather in those early months of his arrival. Standing high in the ramparts and staring across at the mountains as they dipped into Almyran plains had been a strange experience, one that lingered.
One he won't dwell on now, in favor of his customary, glossy smile. ]
But it looked more reasonable in saddlebags. If you want to wait another ten minutes while I drop some of this off in my room, I'll go ahead. Otherwise, let's call it endurance training.
[ And if they're calling it that, maybe he can get Felix to carry a book or two... ]
It was just an expression. I didn't really mean it.
[Felix waves a hand dismissively, tries not to let his thoughts linger too much on the idea of going that far out with him. Not that it's an inherently bad idea. There's just too much weight there.
He straightens and motions for Claude to come along. Endurance training it is.]
That won't be necessary. Let's just stick to the plan -- the sooner we get to where we're going, the sooner we can leave.
[There's also the case of preserving sunlight. Autumns mean brisk weather and shorter days. Not that some chill and darkness would bother Felix so much, as it's par the course for Faerghus, but there's also the matter of their provisions and short notice. He may have mentioned, off handed, to Ingrid that he'd be going on a hike without any further details, confident that she'll relay it to the appropriate people properly and without question.]
[ Huh. Was it? Suffice to say, where he'd grown up they didn't use that expression. In fact, they called Fodlan's Throat something else entirely. And in the Alliance, especially in Derdriu, the mountains were not so far as to give the phrase the same meaning.
Claude blinks, filing away the colloquialism. Books couldn't get him everywhere. Still -- he'd known Felix hadn't meant it, nor does he seem to give it any further thought. Which works for Claude, who trots forward to step into place beside him, swinging his arms behind his head.
Through the gates and away they go, and off to a good start: Claude laughs. ]
Wow, Felix. Haven't you ever heard of the enjoying the journey? Taking your time?
[ No, he's probably the sort of guy who treats every hike as a training opportunity. Despite Claude's joke about working on endurance, he's not really of that mind. As for the limited hours of daylight... well, that merits more thought. He hadn't told anyone about the ride, never mind this. ]
[They're beyond the gates and on their way. The fields outside of the monastery are flat and open, with low grass and trees just begging for breeze to pass through them. Definitely not a sign of things to come but Felix can appreciate it for what it is...even if it may sound like he doesn't.
Case in point, when he wrinkles his nose and shoots Claude a half-frown for his comment.]
How can taking my time help with improvement? It's not as if I'm trying to be any slower.
[On the contrary, Felix has always leaned towards the more mobile and faster side of things.]
And I can't enjoy a journey if there's a destination to look forward to instead.
both completely devastating and moderately disappointing. after all, that isn't very surprising of you.
[ tease. ]
yeah, i don't think professor manuela would take kindly to a rooster in the infirmary. on that note, maybe i should apologize. i've been taking up your nap time.
[ and he could have gone on about this singular idea of his, only
it's almost 4:30 and it's Felix. It's just Felix on the other side, both of these messages and that wall -- and strangely, maybe even worryingly enough, that's come to mean something. ]
well, it's just an idea.
how about we find a good vantage point from which to watch the sun rise?
[And Felix, meanwhile, supposes because it's too late (or early, whatever) and he's lacking sleep and he's lonely that he's even entertaining Claude's idea.]
Sure. Just as long as it's away from everyone else.
ha, are you that worried about people seeing us at this hour?
[ though Claude knows that if he is harboring that type of concern, it's not an unreasonable hour for it. many of the monastery staff rise in advance of the sun to gain on the day before them. ]
i've got two viewing points in point. one's a hill about a 15-minute from the front gate and the other's the roof of this building.
[Felix stares at the last message with mixed suspicion and hesitation.
He's pretty certain he downplayed his abilities with the violin enough to reduce it to mere cat screeching and yet, Claude still wants to bear witness to it. It shouldn't surprise him. And, honestly, why isn't the real question here -- it's Claude, after all. And if five years of hiking trips and spars and rooftop chats has taught him anything, it's that Claude's mind, and the piqued curiosity within, is a scary place.]
You're serious.
[More of a declaration than an actual question.]
Don't complain when you're underwhelmed and bored to death, then. I don't want to hear so much as a, "is that all?" out of you.
[ It's all too easy for Claude to imagine the look on Felix's face. It's also an expression he's become rather fond of, so imagine it he does. ]
Absolutely I'm serious.
[ As much a declaration in turn, rather than a response. ]
Sure, sure. Every time you've said something like that, have I ever complained? You might be projecting, so I guess I should ask the same. I truly am out of practice.
[ Though he'll definitely try to make time for a little refresher before playing anything for Felix... ]
[No, he can't say that Claude's ever complained. Offered unsolicited advice and remarks and cleverly handpicked word-salad? Definitely. But not complained. And since he's offering up some vulnerability on his part, making the attempt would be the honorable thing to do. For all his talk of hating knights and gallantry, Felix wouldn't let someone go out on a limb for him and not try to meet them halfway.]
Fine. Whatever you say.
One song.
And you better not go making an announcement about it. The last thing I need is for half the army to show up!
Felix, I wouldn't dream of making an announcement.
That is, not until I've heard what you actually sound like and we've both had a lot more practice.
[ Would Claude at such a juncture subject either of them to that sort of public spectacle? Probably not. As much as he enjoys the thought of teasing Felix about it, he knows the other man too well to imagine that would end in anything but disaster.
At least, that as currently envisioned, a two-man show on violin and lute.
More to the point, at the moment the thought hadn't really crossed his mind because he does recognize it, that Felix has agreed to meet him in this. Claude isn't about to meet him on the bridge only to shove him off. ]
One song, just you and me. When do you think you'll be ready?
[When will he be ready? First, he'll have to find a violin, and a suitable one at that; likely not many shops that sell quality instruments still standing. And if he were to ask around, people will talk. But Felix can be resourceful, if needed.
After that, it's just a matter of getting back into the swing of things. Picking one song -- and only one song, damn it -- and practicing it enough to his own, personal standard. It has to be perfect, if only for the sake of his pride: He can't very well admit to having skill in something on moment then embarrassing himself the very next.
A hassle, for sure, and probably more trouble than what it's worth (maybe -- he is rather curious about what sort of song from out east Claude will come up with). But ultimately, it's fine. If he can survive five years mostly on his own, then this shouldn't be too much of a problem.]
Give me a week.
[And then, while pushing his tongue against the inside of his cheek, he smirks and adds--]
[ Claude doesn't know exactly what Felix will need to do in order to prepare, but he feels comfortable assuming part of it. He wouldn't claim to know everything about the man and his possessions, but he'd place much greater odds on his not having a violin at hand. So, he'll need to secure one. He must be years out of practice, but he's agreed to their private performance exchange, an agreement that wasn't qualified by the promise that he'd be terrible and it would be a complete waste of time. The sort of things Claude might expect if Felix had objectively assessed his ability and found it wanting.
So, he'll be practicing.
One week for one song.
Claude's sure he can source something in the lute family quickly enough. The trick will be to find the time to learn a popular Leicester Alliance song from scratch. When he'd known a slightly different instrument, and however well he'd played it then, he hasn't touched it for six years now. Really, he would benefit from more time.
But, it's as though he can read the smirk in that text. So be it. If he really bungles it, Felix can have a laugh at his expense. ]
Oh, probably. But, when you put it like that, I can't ask for it, right? I'll prepare melodic little miracle, just for you.
[The floor of the Training Grounds is cold. This shouldn't be a surprise -- they're smackdab in the middle of the Ethereal Moon inside an old monastery after all. Yet the shock of it against his back through the thickest and finest Faerghus furs, however brief, cuts through Felix's mind like the blade currently held up against his throat.
Everywhere else, he feels hot, especially over his neck and on his face. He quickly reasons it's because of the adrenaline from a well-fought spar. And, grudgingly, a bit of the shame of losing to one Ferdinand von Aegir.
Felix swallows thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing dangerously close to the tip of his opponent's blade, and looks up through his lashes. He grimaces. He isn't in any sort of physical pain save for the sting around his nose from when Ferdinand hit him there with the pommel of his weapon. His pride isn't wounded too badly either, which is the first sign that something about all of this is off.]
...I yield.
[If only because he needs to sort things out. And to catch his breath. He finds he can't do that if he's panting hard while being pinned to the ground.]
( Ferdinand knew that fighting Felix would be an exhiliarating experience. First and foremose he's choosing to view it as an opportunity to learn: there are few things he enjoys more than indulging his hobby of learning about wartime strategy, which means he's always looking to get first-hand experience of fighting styles that manage to keep him on his toes. He isn't so foolish as to think that having a few inches on Felix — or even being physcially stronger — is enough to grant him a win.
Not when the other man has speed and dexterity on his side.
Certainly, Felix hadn't disappointed. It's a hard-won victory and it's left Ferdinand more than a little pink in the face, some of his hair having slipped from where he's tied it back with a simple leather strap. A bright laugh bounces across the training grounds when he finally manages to get him pinned: )
The noble standard! Demonstrated by both of us, I should say.
( It's warm praise for both Felix and himself. He's panting heavily where he's splayed astride Felix, his eyes bright and his grin broad, before ceremoneously flicking his sparring partner's weapon out of arm's reach. )
You put up an excellent fight, Felix. There was never a moment in which my win seemed a guarantee.
( And no, he hasn't moved yet. Wrapped up as he is in congratulating the both of them and thinkign about his tactics for next time, he simply settles back so that he's sitting atop Felix more fully. )
[Feeling the other man's weight upon him increase when he sits, Felix squirms and finds he's more or less trapped beneath him. There are worse fates, sure, but staring up at the redhead who's as energetic and jovial as a golden retriever despite the thrashing he dealt, he can't seem to think of one offhand.
Ugh.]
Yeah, yeah. Patronize me all you want...you won, fair and square.
[He squirms again, tries to fix himself and he's only able to push himself up, slightly, onto his elbows. Ferdinand is bigger than him but he's not heavy, certainly not uncomfortable like this...but...
Felix makes a choked noise, then clears his throat. His breaths are coming in deep and slow now, not much of an improvement over the panting from before.]
Are you going to sit there and sing our praises all day or, what?
It was not my intent to patronize! Quite the opposite in fact: I meant to praise you for being such a worthy opponent.
( But then Felix pushes up onto his elbows and brings them that bit closer, which ... ah, makes it a easier for Ferdinand to see just how pink his sparring partner has become as a result of their exertion. The fact that it looks terribly becoming on him is neither here nor there — but it's that moment of consideration that snaps the redhead out of it and pulls him back into the moment. )
Ah—! Please, forgive me my absentmindedness.
( Unaware that his own cheeks have now flushed pink (a pink which quite clearly has very little to do with their sparring session), Ferdinand moves quickly to his feet before offering a hand to help pull Felix up. It brings them close again — it seems he misjudged the amount of force it would take to get the other man onto his feet — but he just chuckles warmly before taking a polite step back. )
Shall we break for tea? I've managed to get my hands on a new blend from Almyra that I've been so looking forward to trying.
[This is just...the worst. While they're not quite fumbling, at least not physically, it's still so very tense and awkward between them, and Felix hates it when things become that way. He's just not used to it -- most instances, he'd prefer to avoid them at all costs. But he's not foolish enough to believe he'd always be successful in that endeavor.
Felix pulls himself nimbly to his feet, almost instantly aware of their proximity once he stands and he's careful to take a step back away from Ferdinand. Just to be sure. He's frowning and rubbing at the back of his (now sweaty) nape when Ferdinand invites him to tea.]
Isn't it too hot?
[He blurts that part out. Completely unintentional.]
For tea, that is.
[But he does like those Almyran teas. So bitter and strong...]
But whatever, as long as I don't have to set anything up...
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tfln @outsideer
[For the average person, packing for a hike doesn't require much to begin with; for Felix, even less so. With him he only brings a sword, a waterskin, a drawstring bag filled with a few essentials (vulneraries mostly, sword oil, a small knife, among other things). As he waits for Claude, he's cupping his chin, eyeing a fruit stand and wondering, idly, if he should pack a couple of things. Just in case.
They're not going to be gone long. Would it even be necessary? Or would Claude make them take a detour and get them stranded somewhere? Felix wouldn't put it past him, to be quite honest.
Although...
Hmm.
In the end, he ends up purchasing a bag of mixed nuts and dried fruit along with an apple and a banana. Just in case.
Now all that's left is for the golden boy to show up. Late, undoubtedly.]
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In Claude's case, having planned for a long ride and maybe a nap before steering back, he'd packed a hefty saddlebag worth of provisions (most "borrowed" from the kitchens) in addition to his own satchel, quiver and bow. There isn't much need to sneak back into the kitchens, having brought plenty to begin with and doubting Felix would humor a nap— so his just-in-case dinner could instead suffice for sharing.
But if Claude likes to be anything, it's over-prepared. Besides, he needs to redistribute, having left behind the saddlebag.
It doesn't take long, such that marvel upon marvels, he manages fifteen minutes on the dot. Not that he's timing it.
Not that it doesn't remain oddly satisfying, to find Felix again waiting for him. ]
You're making me look bad.
[ Quipped cheerfully once near enough. ]
Next time, try making me wait.
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[That Claude's late -- because Felix operates on the mentality that if someone's right on time they're late, naturally -- isn't a surprise or anything worth getting too annoyed by. His personality doesn't exactly suggest punctuality on his part; if he'd been on time, Felix would consider it's a psychological warfare tactic and not, you know, meaningful effort on the other young man's part.
There's also the case of him packing far more than necessary.
Felix squints and gives Claude a once over, and he's none too discreetly about it.]
We are going on a simple day hike, Claude. Not on a weekend excursion to Fodland's Throat.
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[ Gossip hound that Felix is. Whatever would he do if it got out that Claude made an effort, for anyone or anything?
Noting his attention, Claude lifts and spread his arms, both in a shrug and as though to say, look your fill. ]
Too bad, too. The view is incredible this time of year.
[ With the beginnings of a sigh, one that teeters too close to wistful. Though he's only once partaken in view from the other side of the border, just this last year, visiting Fodlan's locket with his grandfather in those early months of his arrival. Standing high in the ramparts and staring across at the mountains as they dipped into Almyran plains had been a strange experience, one that lingered.
One he won't dwell on now, in favor of his customary, glossy smile. ]
But it looked more reasonable in saddlebags. If you want to wait another ten minutes while I drop some of this off in my room, I'll go ahead. Otherwise, let's call it endurance training.
[ And if they're calling it that, maybe he can get Felix to carry a book or two... ]
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[Felix waves a hand dismissively, tries not to let his thoughts linger too much on the idea of going that far out with him. Not that it's an inherently bad idea. There's just too much weight there.
He straightens and motions for Claude to come along. Endurance training it is.]
That won't be necessary. Let's just stick to the plan -- the sooner we get to where we're going, the sooner we can leave.
[There's also the case of preserving sunlight. Autumns mean brisk weather and shorter days. Not that some chill and darkness would bother Felix so much, as it's par the course for Faerghus, but there's also the matter of their provisions and short notice. He may have mentioned, off handed, to Ingrid that he'd be going on a hike without any further details, confident that she'll relay it to the appropriate people properly and without question.]
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Claude blinks, filing away the colloquialism. Books couldn't get him everywhere. Still -- he'd known Felix hadn't meant it, nor does he seem to give it any further thought. Which works for Claude, who trots forward to step into place beside him, swinging his arms behind his head.
Through the gates and away they go, and off to a good start: Claude laughs. ]
Wow, Felix. Haven't you ever heard of the enjoying the journey? Taking your time?
[ No, he's probably the sort of guy who treats every hike as a training opportunity. Despite Claude's joke about working on endurance, he's not really of that mind. As for the limited hours of daylight... well, that merits more thought. He hadn't told anyone about the ride, never mind this. ]
sorry for the delay!!
Case in point, when he wrinkles his nose and shoots Claude a half-frown for his comment.]
How can taking my time help with improvement? It's not as if I'm trying to be any slower.
[On the contrary, Felix has always leaned towards the more mobile and faster side of things.]
And I can't enjoy a journey if there's a destination to look forward to instead.
not at all!!
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ah the link stopped working
i googled it and think i found it!
praise be to google-sama
our search engine, who art all-knowing, hallowed be thy name
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tfln @outsideer
I doubt that would ever happen. How sad for you.
[A shame, because he's smiling -- no, smirking -- now. It almost counts.]
No roosters in the basket, that's for sure.
👀
[ tease. ]
yeah, i don't think professor manuela would take kindly to a rooster in the infirmary. on that note, maybe i should apologize. i've been taking up your nap time.
😳
[He's had a good teacher.]
No need. I wouldn't have been able to go back to sleep anyway.
1/2
all right, then. i've got a brilliant idea!
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it's almost 4:30 and it's Felix. It's just Felix on the other side, both of these messages and that wall -- and strangely, maybe even worryingly enough, that's come to mean something. ]
well, it's just an idea.
how about we find a good vantage point from which to watch the sun rise?
that first icon should be illegal
Sure. Just as long as it's away from everyone else.
too true
[ though Claude knows that if he is harboring that type of concern, it's not an unreasonable hour for it. many of the monastery staff rise in advance of the sun to gain on the day before them. ]
i've got two viewing points in point. one's a hill about a 15-minute from the front gate and the other's the roof of this building.
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cringes don't let me tag at 5 am
i didn't even notice it...
bless...
OOC;
OOC;
👀
👀
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i didn't catch it D:
i think i had "the sun will should in about ten" smh
shoulda coulda woulda
d'rdlt ton adluow adluoc adluohs
are you summoning a demon
maybe
plot twist, it was me all along
https://i.imgur.com/qZdFwaJ.jpg
ngl, expected dio. another plot twist!
o damn... shoulda coulda woulda... instead it was he, felix!
wryyyyyyyy
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tfln @ outsideer
[Felix stares at the last message with mixed suspicion and hesitation.
He's pretty certain he downplayed his abilities with the violin enough to reduce it to mere cat screeching and yet, Claude still wants to bear witness to it. It shouldn't surprise him. And, honestly, why isn't the real question here -- it's Claude, after all. And if five years of hiking trips and spars and rooftop chats has taught him anything, it's that Claude's mind, and the piqued curiosity within, is a scary place.]
You're serious.
[More of a declaration than an actual question.]
Don't complain when you're underwhelmed and bored to death, then. I don't want to hear so much as a, "is that all?" out of you.
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Absolutely I'm serious.
[ As much a declaration in turn, rather than a response. ]
Sure, sure. Every time you've said something like that, have I ever complained? You might be projecting, so I guess I should ask the same. I truly am out of practice.
[ Though he'll definitely try to make time for a little refresher before playing anything for Felix... ]
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Fine. Whatever you say.
One song.
And you better not go making an announcement about it. The last thing I need is for half the army to show up!
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That is, not until I've heard what you actually sound like and we've both had a lot more practice.
[ Would Claude at such a juncture subject either of them to that sort of public spectacle? Probably not. As much as he enjoys the thought of teasing Felix about it, he knows the other man too well to imagine that would end in anything but disaster.
At least, that as currently envisioned, a two-man show on violin and lute.
More to the point, at the moment the thought hadn't really crossed his mind because he does recognize it, that Felix has agreed to meet him in this. Claude isn't about to meet him on the bridge only to shove him off. ]
One song, just you and me. When do you think you'll be ready?
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After that, it's just a matter of getting back into the swing of things. Picking one song -- and only one song, damn it -- and practicing it enough to his own, personal standard. It has to be perfect, if only for the sake of his pride: He can't very well admit to having skill in something on moment then embarrassing himself the very next.
A hassle, for sure, and probably more trouble than what it's worth (maybe -- he is rather curious about what sort of song from out east Claude will come up with). But ultimately, it's fine. If he can survive five years mostly on his own, then this shouldn't be too much of a problem.]
Give me a week.
[And then, while pushing his tongue against the inside of his cheek, he smirks and adds--]
Unless you'll need more time?
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[ Claude doesn't know exactly what Felix will need to do in order to prepare, but he feels comfortable assuming part of it. He wouldn't claim to know everything about the man and his possessions, but he'd place much greater odds on his not having a violin at hand. So, he'll need to secure one. He must be years out of practice, but he's agreed to their private performance exchange, an agreement that wasn't qualified by the promise that he'd be terrible and it would be a complete waste of time. The sort of things Claude might expect if Felix had objectively assessed his ability and found it wanting.
So, he'll be practicing.
One week for one song.
Claude's sure he can source something in the lute family quickly enough. The trick will be to find the time to learn a popular Leicester Alliance song from scratch. When he'd known a slightly different instrument, and however well he'd played it then, he hasn't touched it for six years now. Really, he would benefit from more time.
But, it's as though he can read the smirk in that text. So be it. If he really bungles it, Felix can have a laugh at his expense. ]
Oh, probably. But, when you put it like that, I can't ask for it, right? I'll prepare melodic little miracle, just for you.
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oops, *a* melodic little miracle...
...i didn't notice /)(\
i'm so glad |D
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ooc;
ooc;
let's do the time warp again
it's just a jump to the left
and a step to...months later
!!!!! <33333
https://media1.tenor.com/images/96563b7dbe1025194610c2b0da86e4a2/tenor.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/1cv7Gwf0Utdeg/giphy.gif
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obligatory: https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/873/967/de1.gif
knew what it was before i clicked it
good
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@nobleamong
Everywhere else, he feels hot, especially over his neck and on his face. He quickly reasons it's because of the adrenaline from a well-fought spar. And, grudgingly, a bit of the shame of losing to one Ferdinand von Aegir.
Felix swallows thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing dangerously close to the tip of his opponent's blade, and looks up through his lashes. He grimaces. He isn't in any sort of physical pain save for the sting around his nose from when Ferdinand hit him there with the pommel of his weapon. His pride isn't wounded too badly either, which is the first sign that something about all of this is off.]
...I yield.
[If only because he needs to sort things out. And to catch his breath. He finds he can't do that if he's panting hard while being pinned to the ground.]
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Not when the other man has speed and dexterity on his side.
Certainly, Felix hadn't disappointed. It's a hard-won victory and it's left Ferdinand more than a little pink in the face, some of his hair having slipped from where he's tied it back with a simple leather strap. A bright laugh bounces across the training grounds when he finally manages to get him pinned: )
The noble standard! Demonstrated by both of us, I should say.
( It's warm praise for both Felix and himself. He's panting heavily where he's splayed astride Felix, his eyes bright and his grin broad, before ceremoneously flicking his sparring partner's weapon out of arm's reach. )
You put up an excellent fight, Felix. There was never a moment in which my win seemed a guarantee.
( And no, he hasn't moved yet. Wrapped up as he is in congratulating the both of them and thinkign about his tactics for next time, he simply settles back so that he's sitting atop Felix more fully. )
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Ugh.]
Yeah, yeah. Patronize me all you want...you won, fair and square.
[He squirms again, tries to fix himself and he's only able to push himself up, slightly, onto his elbows. Ferdinand is bigger than him but he's not heavy, certainly not uncomfortable like this...but...
Felix makes a choked noise, then clears his throat. His breaths are coming in deep and slow now, not much of an improvement over the panting from before.]
Are you going to sit there and sing our praises all day or, what?
Sorry for the slow reply - holiday things!
It was not my intent to patronize! Quite the opposite in fact: I meant to praise you for being such a worthy opponent.
( But then Felix pushes up onto his elbows and brings them that bit closer, which ... ah, makes it a easier for Ferdinand to see just how pink his sparring partner has become as a result of their exertion. The fact that it looks terribly becoming on him is neither here nor there — but it's that moment of consideration that snaps the redhead out of it and pulls him back into the moment. )
Ah—! Please, forgive me my absentmindedness.
( Unaware that his own cheeks have now flushed pink (a pink which quite clearly has very little to do with their sparring session), Ferdinand moves quickly to his feet before offering a hand to help pull Felix up. It brings them close again — it seems he misjudged the amount of force it would take to get the other man onto his feet — but he just chuckles warmly before taking a polite step back. )
Shall we break for tea? I've managed to get my hands on a new blend from Almyra that I've been so looking forward to trying.
no worries! 😌
Felix pulls himself nimbly to his feet, almost instantly aware of their proximity once he stands and he's careful to take a step back away from Ferdinand. Just to be sure. He's frowning and rubbing at the back of his (now sweaty) nape when Ferdinand invites him to tea.]
Isn't it too hot?
[He blurts that part out. Completely unintentional.]
For tea, that is.
[But he does like those Almyran teas. So bitter and strong...]
But whatever, as long as I don't have to set anything up...