askrena

[askrena]

left beef or right beef

ulircursed​:

     “Andrei,” he said in reply, the apron hanging limply in his hands after he’d automatically accepted it from Sharena, too distracted by her words to think to refuse. He looked down at all its light-blue, slightly frilly glory. At the phrase ‘Made with Love’, as well as the large pink heart, all stitched across its front in overly flowery needlework that must have taken an unnecessarily long time.

     …Must he wear this?

     But the girl — who looks, honestly, much too chipper for the menial task they had been handed — seemed ready to proceed, her similarly over-embellished apron tied around her, and so he decided to simply not make a big deal out of it. It was better this than ruining his clothing, with how difficult it would be to find decent replacement while in his current abode. He’d dealt with worse. This would not kill him.

     (It killed his pride, a little.)

     Gritting his teeth, Andrei pulled the loops around his neck, tying the ribbon at his back in rushed motions, determined to simply get this over with. “And I… have not,” he answered her previous question reluctantly after a slight pause, figuring anything less than the truth would only complicate matters for both of them later on.

     With all unpleasant but necessary concessions hopefully done, he moved to stand next to her at the counter, fixing her with a glare apropos of nothing. “But do not assume that I will be completely inept,” he warned, even though he had little evidence to show to suggest otherwise, “I will do what I must to complete this task.”

      HIS NAME CONFIRMS THE thought that they've yet to meet before. It's all the better, then— Sharena loves making new friends! Especially when they wore the same sorts of frowns that he did. There was no better feeling than seeing smiles peek out, like sun from clouds of rain; and no better way to usher that sunlight than a fun time at the kitchen.

      "Looking good, Andrei. Our pizza’ll be made with love, too!" she says when she is graced with his visage, her quip only half-teasing. The joy wrought in the curve of her lip is fully-meant, though, and doesn't dampen even in the face of the severe look he throws her way.

      "Hey, there's no need to be so serious. We're just baking!" Sharena waves a hand, "Don't worry too much about it. Really. We can always eat the failures if you worry about the waste."

      She closes the matter with a reassuring smile, then works to prepare their workspace. She finds the recipe leaflet to the side of their counter and quickly thumbs through it, nodding as she reads along. Her familiarity with the dish deepens as she begins recalling it more and more, the list of ingredients supplementing her memory. Once done, she places it down on the counter and turns behind her, facing the pantry behind them. She can see most of the ingredients sitting and ready for their use, though, angling her head upwards, soon realizes that not all of them would be so easy to get. She dares to gently place a hand on Andrei's arm to get his attention, and directs it towards the storeroom with a point.

      "Okay, everything we need should be in the pantry here, though…" a sheepish smile dances on her mouth, more an amusement on her own stature than a shyness at speaking with him, "can I ask you to grab the flour? I don't think I can reach, hehe."

#THREAD. left beef or right beef #SUPPORT. andrei #((THIS IS SO LATE IM SO SORRY ERI)) #((anyways the thought of andrei in that apron is sending me)) #((get in the maid uniform good sir!))

[askrena]

something old ; something new

starter for @asphuxia <3

         SHARENA RISES WITH THE SUN: THE BEAMS FILTER THROUGH her thin, linen curtains and shine on her face, beckoning eyelids to flutter open like flowers in morning bloom. The habit is a timeworn tradition, born from the early forenoons demanded by the Order. It's funny how the welcoming of a new year begins with something so old, but The Askran supposes it's only fitting. They were two sides of the same coin, after all; old and new, closed and opened, death and life.

        Under the guidance of the light, she finds it within herself to awaken fully, sitting up and stretching. A few yawns escape her, remnants of a deep sleep, but after a few moments, she is alive with her usual vigor. Now is the time where would normally jump to her feet and proceed with the rest of her morning in earnest, especially as there was a celebration that demanded most of her time to prepare for. (She doesn't know why Commander Anna is so insistent they dress for this occasion— she was never one for opulence— but Sharena wouldn't dream of disobeying her soon) But there remains a certain something (someone) on her bed that she must address— with kisses, she decides.

        "Eir…? Eiiiiiir…" Sharena leans over to the princess laying beside her, singing the name into her ear. Eir, in sleep, seemed fitter for a funeral pyre than a cot— the serenity of her resting face mirrored those of the denizens of Hel to an admittedly scary degree. But Sharena knows that she would wake soon. If not from the sound of her voice, then from the kiss that Sharena lovingly presses onto her forehead.

        "It's time to wake up," though her voice is soft, the excitement is palpable, "we've got a big day ahead of us today!"

#THREAD. something old; something new #SUPPORT. eir #((me performing cpr on my sharena muse so she can be gay and in love (as she rightfully deserves!))) #((thank you for indulging me sirius you know these two always make me happy)) #((they are so.......... domestic.....))

[askrena]

🎄((come get your mom kisses Sharena))

KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE (not really LOL) [accepting!]

        IT'S A SCENARIO THAT IS EMBARRASSING BEYOND BELIEF. CHEEKS REDDEN like ripening apples, humiliation evident in the way her fingers begin to fidget. Sharena almost doesn't mention it— she shouldn't have, in all honesty. It's nothing but the trick of a mischievous student. But the words betray her, escaping from her mouth before she can hope to stop them.

        "Oh, mistletoe!"

        Thus is the exclamation that seals her fate. It buries the seed for the action that must now grow. Sharena gulps, and turns to Deirdre with a nervous smile. 

        "Professor, er… you do know what these mean, right?” she swallows, “Um… so what you do is…"

         The professor seemed a sweet woman; no doubt she would find herself confused at Sharena's actions, but she would hold no judgement. Perhaps she'd even be amused by all this. But it doesn't quell her humiliation, regardless. It might even serve to deepen it further. Still, Sharena is resolved— she started this mess, she may as well end it.

        She closes her eyes and quickly plants a kiss on Deirdre's cheek. It is gentle but swift, like the sorts of kisses she'd bid her mother goodbye with. The thought of her mother makes this bearable, somewhat. 

        Sharena pulls away, eyes immediately turning to the ground.

        "There. Um. I-I hope you didn't mind!"

#INBOX. let's go! #SUPPORT. deirdre #((LFGGGGGG))

[askrena]

is it THAT time of year again? no? WELL IT IS NOW!

send a 🎄for your muse and sharena to get caught under the mistletoe together!

add a 😘to clarify that it’s okay for her to kiss your muse on the lips (open to students only for comfort reasons tehehe)

#ASK MEME. i want you by my side! #((LOOK I JUST)) #((SHARENA NEEDS IT OK)) #((none of these will have romantic intent btw)) #((unless......)) #((HAH NO IM TOO WEAK-WILLED FOR IT)) #OOC. just call me swagrena B)

[askrena]

mission imoossible

opnaskr​:

askr had thought them close, closer than he was with other mortals, for what bond could be deeper than that between him and his bloodline? he frowns, not liking the strange feeling of his heart beating deeply within his chest. this was a feeling he had learned about around king lif— though he had never asked for it to be explained. it had never been given a name. if they were not lovers… they were surely still friends..?

the rest of her explanation goes out the window as askr ponders this to himself. he doesn’t even get the chance to ask her for an answer to his question, for sharena pulls him back into finding the thief— what they had originally come for.

matters of the heart were so fickle. askr manages to place an easy smile back on his face as he looks to miss sharena. this must be a mutual misunderstanding between them— askr cannot imagine that they are not friends. he would ask her later, when they were not busy finding the thief.

“you will have to teach me how to dance, i’m afraid.” he says with a sheepish grin— though it isn’t quite like his usual appearance with the way the understanding of their relationship still weighs heavy on his mind. “king lif never had the time to show me.”

        SHE CAN SENSE IT, ALMOST, THE distance that wedges itself between the two of them. It's in how his smile thins, how his eyes nurse a quiet, innocent and confused sadness, like a child suddenly made to grow up. She recognizes this feeling. She's borne it herself. She only offers him a look of consolation. He will have to understand in time— the mistake was hers to begin with. 

        She leads him towards the center, drowning the two of them within the polyphony of ballgoers. "I'll be happy to show you," she chirps. Perhaps this would be enough, for now. 

        "Here, Lord Askr." a spot opens up where other dancers move away, a glint of marble rising from the sea of boots and clicking heels. She plants him firmly within the shifting emptiness. She places her hands on his shoulders (or rather, his elbows; their heights truly are at odds with each other), and guides his to her hip. 

        "We'll start with the basic steps. Just move along like this! One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four…"

        Sharena's feet move in match time to the muttered rhythm, hips swaying ever-slightly. All the while, she endeavors to move him with her, clasped hands tugging him along. Their constant hum of their tandem footfalls blends into the tedium of others', colliding into a rainstorm of thuds and light string music. It grows monotonous enough to turn quiet; and quiet enough to force Sharena back into her thoughts.

        Shame worms its way into her heart. Strange, strange shame. Her gaze lands on Askr, then bows back down. What happened to trying to give him a wonderful time at the ball? She had abandoned her pursuit— why? Who exactly was she trying to please? Eyes look up to her partner, clouded with thought. But trying to befriend the god had felt equally humiliating to her. Equally shameful, and equally unnerving. In this garden of forking paths, which was best to take? She doesn't know. Not when every path was lined with brambles.

        …But some thorn bushes have flowers, don't they?

        Her gaze wanders, absently scanning the area beyond Askr. The smiles she can see are wide and toothy. An innocent joy. The sort that had once shone in Askr’s eyes. Sharena sighs. 

        "Lord Askr, I think I should— Oh, wait!" she starts, before suddenly gasping. There, stark in the corner of her sight, a figure dashes through the crowd, a canvas bag tucked tight in their arms. They zip through the sea ballgoers, too deep into their revelry to notice. Sharena fumbles around for her purse, feeling for the dagger she had hidden within it.

        "Lord Askr, W-we have to go," she whispers, hastily urging him towards the direction of their culprit, "the thief, they're— they're right there!"

#THREAD. mission imoossible #SUPPORT. askr #((man i am so fucking out of it i almost rbed the wrong thing. Twice)) #((anyways woe!!! woe!!! askrans upon ye)) #((i just think it's so interesting exploring this part of... ig the human mind)) #((the conflict between what we're raised to do vs what we want to do)) #((and how that springs up in certain situations regardless of how sure we are of ourselves)) #((anyways!)) #((dunno how well i've been expressing that in this thread but. here it is)) #((development *dunks sharena in hoop*))

[askrena]

[ CARVING ] With the spring harvest comes an abundance of turnips. So many that merchants have brought them to Garreg Mach by the bushel to sell them for Midsommar. Once believed to ward demons and other monsters away if one carved a face into them, the turnip carving tradition is now little more than a fun activity for children to do with their parents.

Roy was attempting to carve the silhouette of a dragon into the turnip, and he had to admit it was coming along rather well. He carefully chipped at the webbed outline of wings, concentrating hard. He looked up to see Sharena next to him.

"Oh, Sharena! What are you going to carve?"

midsommar 2022

         THE KNIFE CUTS THROUGH THE ROOT with care, each kiss of the blade against the vegetable pressed with caution. The shape is slow to take form under her careful guidance, but with time and persistent, loving effort, its true self is revealed. Sharena hums as she cleaves away the final pieces, satisfied with her work. She turns to Roy, thus, and holds it in her palm for him to see.

         "Oh, I was making a cow. Look!"

         And there it rests, sitting atop the center of her open hand; a small, chunky creature of bovine origin. Its hooves are tucked beneath its body as it sleeps, its carved-out eyes heavy with rest. Sharena strokes its back with her finger, laughing quietly to herself.

         "I think it looks pretty good. A bit clunky, but cute!"

         She peers over to look at Roy's own work, gasping at the detail. His seemed to be a far more faithful recreation to what he envisioned, though far more taxing than hers, what with how he seemed so absorbed in his task.

         "Hey, you're doing great!" Sharena chirps, before looking down at her lumpy-in-comparison cow, "Maybe I should add more polish to mine…"

#INBOX. by your side! #SUPPORT. roy #toamidsommar2022 #((ty!!!))

[askrena]

Midsommar 2022 : Prompts and Memes Part 2

In for a treat, or just getting tricked?

[ COSTUME ] Forgot your demon costume? Vendors have set up stalls in town offering all sorts of accessories to get customers in the Midsommar spirit. Pointed wax teeth are subtle but expensive, but you don’t need a heavy purse to rent out a glittering cape or a fancy hat. With the damage fines this high, you better be careful not to get them dirty!

[ FORTUNE ] An old witch sits in the shadows of the alley, claiming that she can speak to the dead. She beckons all who pass by to visit her.

[ PERFORMANCE ] This is a festival for street performers! Everywhere you go in Garreg Mach, you’re bound to find some sort of show - from puppet theater to firebreathing and tests of strength and skill. Stop to marvel at Fódlan’s talent, or maybe try showing off your own!

[ SCARE ] Many of the children that run past you are dressed in strange costumes, pretending to be all sorts of characters. Witches, animals, scarecrows… even some of your classmates are showing off sharp false teeth and glittering capes. Costumes like these are part of the festival spirit this time of year!

[ SECRET ] While the festival is supposed to be family-friendly, and indeed more children than usual run through the streets, you catch wind of a tavern in some forgotten alley of the town where one can go for some “adult” entertainment. Like wine tasting. Just wine tasting. (don’t tell the clergy).

[ CARVING ] With the spring harvest comes an abundance of turnips. So many that merchants have brought them to Garreg Mach by the bushel to sell them for Midsommar. Once believed to ward demons and other monsters away if one carved a face into them, the turnip carving tradition is now little more than a fun activity for children to do with their parents.

Food stalls crowd the town square, visitors hawking sweet and savory snacks…

[ PIES ] Spiced meat pies or delicate strawberry pies? Pick one and dig in at this bustling pie stall! The owners have a special challenge, if you choose to accept: any brave soul that can scarf down twenty of these delicious pies will receive a very special prize! 

[ JELLYBEAN ] One particular stall catches your eye: piles of little bean-shaped gummies shine in the lantern’s light, all too colorful to ignore. Clover honey, strawberry, peaches… With so many choices, you can’t help but take your time looking over the vendor’s selection. Strangely, he nods and gives you a knowing look. “Ah, I see. We have the same… interests, do we?” From below the table, the vendor pulls out a heavy wooden box, opening it to reveal an array of jellybeans. While they are as colorful and delectable as the ones on the table, their labels are more than a little troubling. Sweaty socks? Essence of skunk? “Excellent for tricks… though you didn’t get these from me.”

The return of the Magic Club’s special haunted corridors!

[ SHOW OFF ] You, of course, are a brave soul, keen of eye, and have some people to impress. Friends? Crushes? Rivals? You scoff at the mere idea that someone could scare you with some cheap parlor trick and roam about the hallways with crossed arms and plenty of skepticism.

[ SCREAM ] All your friends are gone–dead, probably, when you remember their terrified screams as they thrashed against the firm grip of a bloody butcher with a rabbit mask. You also remember the way the cleaver glinted in the cold light. Your feet pound against the tile as you flee from your pursuer, the butcher’s twin with a chicken’s face and an even bigger knife. You trip, fall, get back up again. You trip, fall–why the hell are you falling so much? A “corpse” springs to life in front of your path, but a solid punch sends them reeling. You don’t look back. All you can do is scream, and run.

#ASK MEME. i want you by my side! #((lets fricking goooo)) #((rbing a bit late bcos i was busy when this was posted HJSDGSDJH but :pleading:))

[askrena]

[TASTE] - speak of this "marshmallow" manages to reach askr, and he knows instantly he must find his kin and get them to try it! though... unfortunately the marshmallow is prepared himself— and askr has no true awareness of what "burnt" food is. so, sharena is presented with a very gooey burnt mess of a marshmallow. "you must try this my dear mortal!" he says with an innocent grin, unaware of the disaster he may bring upon her taste buds. "the other mortals called this a 'marshmallow"... it tastes quite interesting!"

midsommar 2022

          FAR BE IT FOR HER TO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, but when Sharena casts eyes upon her god's singed and sticky marshmallow creation, she finds it a difficult rule to follow. She swears she can still see smoke rising from its burnt surface, swirling into the Midsommar night in silver wisps. She swallows— she doesn't want to hurt him. Certainly not during an eve as joyous as this. She must navigate this carefully.

         "Oh! For me, Lord Askr?" she squeaks, taking the snack, "That's… that's so kind of you! I'm honored you thought to share it with me."

         Sharena takes a deep breath. Thanking him was the easy part— truly, she is always grateful to receive any sort of kindness from Askr, especially knowing how much she and the rest of her kingdom owed to him— but consuming his gift without gagging seemed nigh impossible.

         It would be wrong of her not to try, though, and perhaps more hurtful to avoid it. And so, having braced herself for its bitter impact, Sharena takes a large bite off of the marshmallow. It crunches uncomfortably beneath her teeth, and the molten pieces stick strangely around her mouth, but the more she chews, the more she realizes that…

         "...mm-wow! This isn't bad at all!" Sharena exclaims, before scandalously putting a hand over her marshmallow-marred mouth. Gods! Had she completely forgotten what she meant to do? She adds hastily, "I-I mean! Not to say that I EXPECTED it would be bad… I'm just surprised at the flavor! You have a great sense for these things, Lord Askr."

#INBOX. let's go! #SUPPORT. askr #((TYSM LEON!!! i love themst always and forever)) #toamidsommar2022

[askrena]

Midsommar 2022 : Prompts and Memes Part 1

The sun begins its evening descent, bathing the sky in hues of pale yellow and gold. After a long day of collecting firewood and arranging the burning piles, your hard work is finally rewarded with the sight of a festival truly coming together. Merchants set up their wares and prepare their treats, filling the air with fragrant smoke and the warm scent of fried sweets.

Priests strike matches over each of your wood piles. Fires burns brightly. ‘tis the beginning of Midsommar!

The bonfires are burning….

[ ROAST ] Food over the fires, from meats to marshmallows. Each house has their own representative bonfire, and each fire has a large pot with their representative soup. Add something to it or try out what your classmates have been cooking.

[ EAGLES SOUP ] Black Eagles: Thick goulash, hearty, enough to feed a thousand soldiers. “Thousand Soldiers’ Soup” made with dried ingredients and reconstituted on the roads

[ LIONS SOUP ] Blue Lions: White fish, leeks, potatoes, heavy cream, keeps you nice and warm.

[ DEER SOUP ] Golden Deer: Broad beans, spiced sausages, seasonal vegetables, red hot with paprika imported from Dagda.

[ DANCE ] While Midsommar traditions began in the Empire and spread gradually across Fódlan, each country has its own Midsommar song and dance around the fire. Follow your house’s traditions, or bring in a little something from home.

[ BURN ] Burn different plants as offerings to the Goddess. Herbs and powders are sold by local vendors to change the scent and color of the smoke.

[ LEAP ] All around the hills outside of town, the people of Fódlan light bonfires to scare away evil spirits. Leaping over them is said to bring good luck, and many challenge each other to see who can jump the highest. Young couples link hands and try to jump together, hoping for prosperity in the year to come.

[ TELL ] Share stories around the fire. Lately, children have made a game out of whispering a story into their friend’s ear, who has to retell the story to the best of their ability to their friend, and so on. When the story finally reaches the end of the “convoy,” it’s often a completely new story.

[ TASTE ] Away from the noise of the festivities, the Chefs of the Round Table (the cooking club) has set up a mostly-private bonfire to test out some of their new creations. Their latest masterpiece? Something called a “marsh mallow,” a recipe from the Sreng region sweetened with vanilla and sugar. It’s supposedly delicious when toasted over a fire…

The Garland Moon begins…

[ CROWN ] Make a flower crown, or bestow one upon another.

[ GARLAND ] The Garland Moon is upon Fódlan, and garlands are being strung up all around Garreg Mach. Among the shop stalls selling handmade trinkets and knickknacks are florists with the last of the spring flowers, already woven and made into garlands and corsages. This may be your last chance to confess to your special someone before the season changes!

[ PAIR UP ] Single people get dressed up and paired off with other single people, this is the season of love and baby animals and the older adults won’t tolerate a humbug Singleton. If you already have a special someone, then dive right into the singing and dancing together!

[ SHOP ] The festivities draw merchants from all across the world to sell their wares, but beware: the crowds are ripe for pickpockets, and unscrupulous potion sellers take advantage of anyone who looks confused and gullible.

[ MUSIC ] There is no shortage of music or food. Join in with hymns around the cathedral, find the bards singing old folktales by the river, or try to swipe as many free samples as you can in the market.

#mobile tbt #((will send some of these out soon!!)) #((excited for this event it's very cute...))

[askrena]

mission immoossible

opnaskr​:

‘ how do you manage with a lover that tall?’

askr blinks, tilting his head in confusion as sharena leans onto his arm. the question confuses him. he knew what a lover was— a mortal who was specially bonded to another, but what would be troubling about a tall lover? before askr can speak, sharena takes over the conversation with a beet red face. a typical display of embarrassment on a mortal. but what would be embarrassing about this?

he continues to ponder the whole thing while sharena pulls him into the building and closer to the ballroom floor. finally, they stop besides the ballroom floor, and askr blinks curiously down at sharena as if suddenly aware of his surroundings. his bovine ears twitch, watching sharena look to the ground nervously as if a baby doe just learning to walk.

“if i may be honest with you miss sharena, i do not see what all the commotion is about?” he whispers back, only doing so since sharena had started the conversation with a quieter voice. “are we not a pair of lovers…? we do have that special bond, yes?”

    IT TAKES ALL OF HER RESTRAINT not to squeal at that very moment. How faint she becomes around matters of the heart! The suggestion that she and Askr could be, by the typical definition, lovers is one so scandalous to her. He is the god that blessed their bloodline, and she is merely the vessel to his powers. While she longs for friendship, she recognizes the eldritch gap between them. One that they cannot so easily close.

    What would her father say were she to even entertain the idea? This is silly. She knows her place and his. Perhaps she would be better off behaving like Alfonse from the get-go; stalwart and mature, and ever the grounded one. He wouldn't even dream of becoming friends with Askr, would he?

     So why should she?

    She places a hand over her racing heart. Closes her eyes and takes a breath of rest. Her thoughts escape her. She should stop thinking before it takes her with them.

    "Lord Askr…" she begins, quietly once more, so as to not alert the others around her, "I don't… That's not quite the definition of lovers that we mortals use." her eyes dart around, ensuring that none can hear their conversation, before returning to Askr, "Lovers share a very INTIMATE bond. The sort that transcends friendships. It's, uh…"

    She scrunches up her nose. "It's hard to explain. In any case, all you need to know is that you can't just go around calling people your LOVER willy-nilly. It's a very special term reserved for a very special someone. Does that make sense?"

    Sharena draws herself upwards, taking a moment to compose herself. "Don't feel bad if you don't get it, Lord Askr. I’d say most of us don't, either. It's all part of learning how to love. Now," she tugs on his arm again, head flicking towards the crowded center of the ballroom, "let's get to dancing! I'm thinking we might find our culprit more easily, there."

#THREAD. mission imoossible #SUPPORT. askr #THERE'S THAT COMPLEX PEEKING THROUGH)) #((it's ok she will be fine. I Think. lets go catch that thief and ignore everything else :D)) #((aka the askran way))

[askrena]

lances and lace

lance +1 starter for @vaida

          SHE SETTLES INTO A RHYTHM WITH GRACE AND EASE; her hands braiding each colored thread unto one another in smooth, practiced motions. Black over red over silver then back, the bracelet is quick to form itself beneath Sharena's expert guidance. Her daily routine of braiding her hair has finally paid off, it seems. This is her fifth bracelet of the hour. If she keeps the pace, perhaps she could decorate the lances of everyone she's befriended and beyond.

          She smiles as she finishes it with a knot. That would be nice. Green eyes gaze fondly upon the Askran's creation, deft fingers toying with the circlet. Perhaps she'll put a charm on it— a small wyvern, if she can find one, to match the tenacity of its would-be-owner. The thought further pulls the curve of her lips.

          "This is fun, isn't it, General Vaida?" she chirps to her partner, seated next to her in the monastery grass, participating in the same bracelet-making activity. Sharena hadn't thought she would accept her invitation, but she's happy that Vaida came along. She would have given her a bracelet, anyways, "Certainly better than when we last met!"

#THREAD. lances and lace #SUPPORT. vaida #((HERE WE GO!! forgive the lateness wahahah))

[askrena]

left beef or right beef

ulircursed​:

It’s your turn on cooking duty, and you know exactly what you want to make: delicious pizzas! The kitchens are well stocked today; *too* well-stocked, in fact, because there are way too many choices for toppings, with everything you can imagine from meat to veggies to more unorthodox choices like chocolate or mapo tofu. Will you and your cooking partner come up with a brilliant new recipe, or spend the entire time arguing over whether or not that pineapple belongs on the pizza? [Grants Authority +1]

     Andrei had thought that one of the very few perks of being banished to the dark, ignoble depths of the Abyss was not being expected to participate in certain academy responsibilities as cooking duty. But the return of so many students and staff had the kitchens in a frenzy lately, and no hands were spared.

     (At least this means, for the time being, that he would be less out of place, attract less suspicion in these halls… until they next change their minds, that is.)

     But that did present a different issue — namely, as he stared blankly at the menu for the day, that he had very little clue with what he was supposed to do. The extent of ‘cooking’ he’d had to do was searing meat over an open flame on hunting trips, a far cry from being in a well-stocked kitchen and expected to produce something for a whole dining hall of people to enjoy. The line ‘Pizza — any toppings’, written in a flourished cursive, seemed to mock him. What even was a pizza?

     He was spared his apprehension by the arrival of another through the kitchen’s doors — an unfamiliar face, but no matter what, the efforts of two could hardly be worse than if he made an attempt on his own, and besides, she didn’t look like a denizen of the depths. It’s likely she knew what she was doing. Hiding his relief behind a practiced, smooth expression, Andrei held out the menu placard towards the other. “Our assignment for the day,” he said curtly, projecting an authoritative air that he did not at all feel in the moment, “I trust you’re aware of the necessary steps?”

@askrena

      THOUGH SHE'S NEVER MET THIS MAN before walking into the kitchen— in fact, she doubts she's even seen him around the academy proper— the way he holds himself begets some form of familiarity. Perhaps it's the snappiness with which he presents the menu, or the assured tone that levels the curtness of his voice… either way, Sharena knows his sort. And she's certainly dealt with her fair share of them back at the Order.

      They always seemed so distant and cold; hesitant to cooperate and to do so kindly. But it's nothing a little warmth can’t thaw out with time.

      So the Askran accepts the placard hence, an eyes-closed-shut smile on her face as she thanks him. Then, she reads the chalk-curled lettering— Pizza, any toppings— and nods with vague recognition.

      "Oh! I've heard of this before." Sharena says, humming slightly, "Its base form is rather simple— it's the toppings that really make it pop." she laughs, "Don't worry. This shouldn't be TOO hard to mess up!"

      She sets the placard down on the counter in front of them and moves to the side. Her stride is confident across the kitchen floor, marked with a precision telling of her hours on cooking duty. She takes two aprons hanging on a rack and hands one of them to her partner, then puts the other on herself. Sharena speaks as she ties the ribbon to a knot.

      "Have you ever baked before? Pizzas are less of a cooked dish and more of a flatbread. It'd be helpful if you have some experience but," she shakes her head, "it's not necessary at all! I'll be helping you regardless, er…"

      Sharena's voice trails off, her words erring to awkwardness thanks to the gap the man's name would supposedly fill… had she known it. 

      "Ah, I'm sorry, I should have begun with introductions. Silly me! I'm Sharena. Can I know your name?"

#THREAD. left beef or right beef #SUPPORT. andrei #((excuse the lateness! hope this is alright tehehe))

[askrena]

mission immoossible

opnaskr​:

askr laughs in tandem with the tease of sharena’s voice, certainly not disheartened by her actions. all in good fun— was that the saying that mortals liked to use? his laugh calms as her words prompt him to think even more of the king. “i learned much from king lif.. invaluable knowledge that i would never think to trade for anything. i hold the man in high regards still to this day thanks to the knowledge he’s imparted upon me.” he had always felt that gods could learn much from the philosophy of mortals— though not many listened to his ideals.

it was pitiful to him really, to not give them a chance despite the wealth of knowledge they wielded and the wonderful ideals that they lived true to. askr’s ears flatten almost in embarrassment as sharena expresses her desire for him to experience his first ball properly, though his face does not betray him. a smile still tugs at his lips.

“you are just like king lif, to so honestly wish for me to enjoy what mortals have to offer.” how much more would askr be reminded of him on this night— the god had to wonder. “thank you, sharena.” he says with an earnest tone instead of voicing his thoughts, giving a quick affectionate pat of the head. “i am sure we will have plenty of time to experience the wonders of a mortal ball. you do not need to fret for me so.”

with the matter settled, askr takes her arm and they make their way to the entrance, greeted by a man who seemed to be screening those who tried to enter.

“names, please?” askr notes the tired tone in his voice— perhaps he’d been standing there for far too long. “greetings, my good sir.” he keeps himself from using mortal out loud— it is not an easy habit to break. “my name is askr.” then, he gestures down to his descendent. “and this young lady is sharena. we should be on the list, no?” where some might be visibly nervous, his words are dealt with an incredibly calm smiling poker face.

     THERE GROWS A STRANGE, MELTING WARMTH in her heart at Askr's comparison of her with King Líf— of course, it is possible (and all too likely) that he was simply being kind for her nervous sake, but to think that she must share some similarity with the Askran king of old puts her at ease. But with that ease comes the renewed desire to meet his expectations. As Askr introduces the pair, Sharena finds herself straightening up with attention. She wraps her arm ever tighter around his, though the most she can grasp is his forearm— he is a tall god, after all— and gives the bouncer a sweet smile.

     "Ah… Askr and Sharena…" he hums as his gaze runs through the scroll he holds, "Yes, here you both are." he rolls the paper back up and opens the gate behind him, though not without idly commenting:

     "How do you manage with a lover as tall as him?"

     Sharena startles at the question. Right. Duke Maxifield's ball was for lovers only. The brightness of her demeanor falters, broken by a trembling humiliation. A blush spreads wide on her cheeks, loud and crimson against her skin. Instinctively, she presses herself closer to Askr's body.

     "Oh, well, I would be lying if I said it was easy," she lets out a laugh, though it runs for a breath too long, "but, you know…" Sharena leans into Askr's arm for effect, her head spinning as she does, “LOVE LETS YOU PERSIST.”

The man gives her a slow nod, "Hm. Cute sentiment. Alright, enjoy the ball, Lord and Lady Askr."

     Sharena gives him a bow before quickly ushering Askr inside, tugging on him with a sinner's sort of urgency. She keeps her eyes ducked down, careful to navigate through the scattering of noblemen and women on the ballroom floor. How lucky she is, that her mask covers the sheepishness of her expression! It’s no wonder Zacharias clung onto his, so. When she finally finds courage to speak, she pulls Askr down ever so slightly, keeping her voice to a whisper and her gaze onto the ground.

     "I… I'm sorry for that, Lord Askr," she stammers slightly, "but we needed that to get in. And, uh, I have no doubt we'll continue to need that for the duration of this ball, so—" Sharena closes her eyes and takes a deep breath; by the stars this was humiliating, "—I hope you don't mind if we continue the lovers' thing. Would you be comfortable with that? I…"

     She shakes her head, as though it would help shake off her nerves. It doesn't, really. "Maybe it would be easier to imagine me as someone else? Someone you would… er, be more romantically inclined towards?"

#THREAD. mission imoossible #SUPPORT. askr #((here it is. it's time for the embarrassing part of this thread KJDSFHJSFK)) #((sharena vc i love my tall king *strained*)

[askrena]

and if dreams can come true...

atypicalsenerio​:

Eyes.

Narrowed feline eyes gazed out behind tangles of branches in the darkness. He ran, not knowing exactly from what, hunger gnawing at his insides. As soon as he looked directly at the eyes they closed and vanished, as though he was nothing to see. He huffed as he sprinted, missing the tome he always carried with him just in case he needed to fight.

Helplessness. The worst thing to have no hope of defense. His body ached, bruised from rocks. His feet sung from running over the ground barefoot and he might’ve cried if he had the energy.

Eyes, eyes, more eyes and distant rustling behind him—

Sunlight broke through his nightmare.

Soft grasses and flowers bloomed out from under the grey, brittle earth he stood on. The sky radiated sunshine and he blinked, looking around the new meadow for any sign of the forest.

Fluttering movement out of his peripherals caused him to jump. Even though the new person kept her distance, he still watched warily. He’d seen cat, lion, and tiger people, but never a butterfly one.

“It was a nightmare?”

Even as he spoke, Soren realized she was right. Full sentences from his mouth were impossible in the waking world. They sounded wrong to his own ears, foreign. In his mind he only ever heard the voice of an adult, taken and modified from the old sage who raised him. Speaking and hearing his own shy, childlike voice was so odd. He had to bury an instinct to shut down and be quiet in order to speak again. His shoulders slumped was there any point in telling her he didn’t know what she meant by playing? The meadow was at least suited for reading. “I see. If I can talk like this, then nothing is real.”

He’d wake up in Askr, only able to make a few sounds, a stray phrase or two. At least he was well fed and some people were nice to him, yet he always expected it to all come crashing down around him.

He looked at her again. She was so kind and warm, of course it was a dream. He wings held her aloft as though she was part of the summer breeze itself. She was so beautiful he couldn’t help staring, as though he wanted to make sure he never forgot her.

Even more bizarre than the wings, she even felt sort of… familiar.

“I’m Soren.” He dared to take one step closer to her, eyes on her face and wings, head angled to the side. “Thank you for saving me from… that. Who are you?”

         THE CHILD SPEAKS, THEIR VOICE FURTIVE AND RETREATING; like the gentle flap of butterfly wings. It's a beautiful sound— all-encompassing of the gentle innocence they yet possessed— though they themselves seem surprised to hear it. Sharena makes no question of it, only listening as they continue, nodding along to each comment and committing it to mind. If I can talk like this, then nothing is real, they say. How it breaks her heart to hear! She could give them a voice in their sleep, at least, but that she could do nothing for them in the realm of the conscious… it instills a feeling of guilt despite it all.

        But they don't have to know that. They don't have to know she feels things at all. And so Sharena maintains a bright expression, a fond smile blooming across her face in sync with the flowers.

        "Soren! You have a wonderful name. Call me…" she hesitates on the word for a moment— it's always painful introducing herself, she can never tell why— but quickly resumes, "Sharena… yes! Call me Sharena." she lets out a laugh warm enough to melt snow, "And it's no problem, really. Shooing away nightmares, well; That's what Ijosalfar's like me are supposed to do!"

        Slowly, Sharena lowers herself to Soren's level, her wings lightly aflutter. The petals are feather-soft against her feet when she descends unto the flower meadow he stands in. She gets close, though she takes care not to get too close; she can sense pricks of apprehension coming from Soren, still. However, she does look at him directly, head bowed so as to be level with his wide, doe-like gaze. 

        "Well, anyways: welcome to your dream! You're right in saying that none of this is real, but—" she waves a hand. A soft, flowery breeze follows the movement, "—that's not really important. What matters is that your happiness is real; and that the joy you feel here will follow you when you wake."

        At least, she hopes it will. It's far more likely for him to forget, just as countless others have forgotten. But a relief that cannot be remembered is better than no relief at all. She'd like to believe that; otherwise… why was she doing what she was doing?

        "Think of it as a vacation." she continues, "Those are always fun, right? You can do whatever makes you smile in here. Anything's possible! On that note…" she claps her hands, "What would you like to do?"

#THREAD. and if dreams can come true... #SUPPORT. soren #AU. sweet dreams #((hope this isn't too late JSDHFHJDFFJF)) #((themst.... :pleading:))

[askrena]

mission immoossible

opnaskr​:

“it seems you have come rather prepared, sharena.” askr accepts the mask with gratitude, examining it in his hands for a moment. how curious an object he thinks, though he’s quick to understand what it’s meant to do. the mask is placed against his face in the exact same way sharena had done so with hers.

he cannot help but laugh at the way she gasps— were his experiences truly so strange? “you would be correct. king lif has told me of them before in his time but i have never been given the chance to go to a mortal ball.” his gaze turns nostalgic, melancholic for a rare moment before he looks back at her with the same grin from before back on his face. ”from my understanding, mortals hold ball like this typically to celebrate a special event though that is not always the case. general festivities include making connections with other mortals, consuming copious amounts of wine and ballroom dancing, yes?” another chuckle. “it all sounds terribly exciting— i have no doubts in my mind that this thief hopes to capitalize on said excitement.”

      SHE SMILES AS SHE NODS, amusement abloom in her eyes as she senses Askr's delight. Even the simple movement of placing a mask to his eyes gives him whimsy. Of course he would find joy in this; a god like him would not have time for such things as balls. It makes her feel all the more special, then, knowing that his first would be with her.

      Sharena echoes his chuckle with one of her own.

      "Ooh, yeah, you've got the whole idea of it!" she says brightly, "Though I wouldn't say ALL balls are created equal. Certainly, not all of them have this copious wine-drinking that you speak of." her words dance with a teasing curl, "Could King Líf have taught you that, perhaps?"

      She giggles. The thought of her ancestor's escapades with Askr is an entertaining one, to say the least. She'll have to ask more about it at a later, more appropriate time. "Well, in any case, you're right in thinking that our thief's sure to use all this merry-making to their advantage. We had best be on the lookout for anyone suspicious."

      Sharena hums. Absently, her fingers fret over the edges of her sleeves, folding and unfolding them in a slow cycle.

      "Though, I don't want you to miss out on the fun of your first ball. I know we're on a mission but… well…" I want to make it special for you, she means to say. But the words are stopped before they can exit her lips. Much as she would like to be close with Askr— as close as even King Líf was with him— she wonders if she's overdoing it, right now. Would it not be easier to PROVE HERSELF to him before attempting to break bread?

      She clears her throat. Runs a hand through her hair and gives him a smile. "Ah, pay it no mind, Lord Askr! It's just a bit of fanciful thinking. Let's focus on our objective for now."

      Sharena extends her arm towards him, palms open to guide him. She flicks her head towards the ballroom entrance. "Shall we?"

#THREAD. mission imoossible #SUPPORT. askr #((live descendant reaction))

[askrena]

mission imoossible

opnaskr​:

@askrena [ task board: any skill +1]

request comes from duke maxfield for the knights of seiros to protect a so called heirloom from a seemingly extraordinary thief. though he had not been initially assigned to the task, seeing his dear kin sharena volunteer for it askr could not hold himself back. he would have to come with her, even if (for some reason) she didn’t want him with her.

sharena was one of the kindest mortals he’d met in his life, to let her put her life on the line without any protection was simply unthinkable— deplorable even. as they make their arrival upon the estate, askr looks to sharena with a comfortable grin. “do not be afraid to rely on me, miss sharena. i am here for your safety.”

        HER HANDS STRAIGHTEN THE HEM of her petticoat with a strange sort of nervousness. Sharena never found herself to be the type to shy away from others, especially if they were someone she knew, but she is beset with a large, divine and bovine exception now. She tugs the cloth with a furtiveness she never knew she could possess. Though Lord Askr had been nothing but kind to her, even offering to join her on the mission when he heard she would go, there's an awe that strikes at her regardless— a feeling of making things up to him. How lucky she is, to be accompanied by the god who had blessed her land all that time ago! She mustn't make a mess of things, now.

       "I am grateful for your aid, Lord Askr! You’re very sweet to do all this." Sharena gives him a bow, "We'll catch that thief in no time thanks to your power! Maybe we'll even have enough time to mingle at the ball afterwards, hehe."

       A hand goes to the bag by her side. "Oh! Speaking of the ball— I have something to give you…" she brings out two masks— pristine and white, with a pearly sheen. She hands one to Askr, and aligns the other to her own face.

       "There! These should help us go undercover. Erm, I don't suppose you've been to these sorts of covert operations before, Lord Askr? In fact…" Sharena lets out a small gasp, "Have you ever even BEEN to a ball before this?”

#THREAD. mission imoossible #SUPPORT. askr #((YES LETS GET IT LEON))

[askrena]

with regards to the light

starter for @alfvangr

      SHE SEARCHES FOR HIM IMMEDIATELY; in the academy grounds, at first, then in his dormitory not soon after. Sharena practically sprints for his door, sunshine-gold strands flying through the Fodlan winds. Perhaps a moon apart from her brother made her overeager; but she can't help it, gods forgive her! There's simply so much she wishes to hear. Did he ache in the same way she did? Forge bonds like she always wished he would? It's strange to embark on an adventure without him by her side. She finds herself wishing to know everything about their time apart, and wishing to tell him about her own stories in turn.

      Though there are some details she thinks she should spare him from… Yes, it would only bring him hurt.

      She is breathless when she finally situates herself in front of his room, her chest rising and falling like ocean waves. But once her breathing stabilizes, and she is able to affix upon her face a gracious smile, she brings closed knuckles up to the wood of the door.

                                           THUNK THUNK KA-THUNK-KA-THUNK

      "Alfoooonse?" she sings from the other side, "How are you? Can I come in?”

#THREAD. with regards to the light #SUPPORT. alfonse #((here we gooooooo)) #((hope this is alright orz))