asaviorshand | IC Inbox - Isle of Avalon

I'm happy to hear it. You're welcome to come to Edelgard's and my home, if you like? Or I know a nice café near the hotel if you'd prefer more neutral ground.

I think I would prefer the cafe. I would very much like to get a better sense for the kinds of tea they have here.

As you say, then. [ and she sends him a message with the address, a block or so from the hotel. ] Can you meet me there in an hour or so?

In an hour? Yes, I can do that. I had nothing particular planned for today.

In which case, I shall see you soon.

[ and after some quick explanation to edelgard and dressing to leave the house, she was off. might as well handle some quick errands on the way.

at the appointed time, she's already waiting at a table near the window, dressed simply, though still in the dark colors his professor would have favored. her dark blue hair is loosely tied back with a familiar purple ribbon, and the scent of chamomile rises as a server places down a teapot, cups, and a spread of various accoutrements.

this was always easier with people she remembered as allies. ]

[Dimitri arrives a little bit early himself, though not quite as early as Byleth had. As he's been looking for work lately, he had a change of clothes ready, which he's wearing now. He has on a blue dress shirt and black formal slacks. Byleth probably sees him before he sees her, but he spots her quickly enough.

The fact that her hair is dark is a surprise to Dimitri. He imagines there's a story behind it, but he doesn't bring it up on his own.]

I hope I didn't make you wait too long.

[He pulls out another chair, and sniffs the air as he sits down.]

That's chamomile tea, is it? You know my favorite.

[Dimitri is actually a little touched. Despite this being a different Byleth who chose a different side in the war, she still knew what his favorite tea blend was.]

[ she offers a faint smile at his approach, shaking her head when he first speaks up. ]

No, only long enough for this to arrive. And... yes. I did my best to learn everyone's favorites, in the Academy days.

[ she may never have been close with the leaders of the lions and deer or their right hands, but they had still all been her friends, once. she'd like to think so, anyway. byleth takes a sip of her own tea. honestly, herbal blends typically aren't her favorite, but the soothing effects of chamomile can be rather nice.

now that he's closer, the gold pendant of a twin-headed eagle is obvious around her neck. a ring, gold and set with a ruby, stands out on her hand as she stirs honey into her tea. ]

You seem well. I understand you and El have already talked about the gap in our experiences?

Edited 2021-08-11 19:58 (UTC)

[Dimitri takes his cup of tea into his hand. He holds it under his nose for a few seconds to take in its smell, then took a sip. Like everything else that goes into his mouth, it's tasteless to him -- but the smell helps.

He pauses when Byleth speaks again, teacup hovering about an inch above the saucer. "El." He hadn't heard that name out of another's mouth in quite some time.]

We...we did, yes. I must admit that she surprised me. I attempted parley with El once, back home, shortly before the war's end, and it was nowhere near as productive as our meeting here was.

...Not to mention the things she told me. I imagine it was quite a shock for you to learn there were multiple histories to Fódlan, as well. Did she tell you what I told her about my version of history?

[ byleth's given pause by dimitri mirroring the nickname. that's... odd. still, she listens as he goes on, sipping at her tea as she tries to formulate a response. ]

I'm aware of how you remember things. [ the only detail she'd gotten from edelgard that didn't gel with what the other dimitri had told her when they once spoke was that this dimitri remembers her as a man. she's not sure if anyone's brought up that he had been here before, and doesn't want to open that door.

and truthfully, she doesn't want to press for more information about dimitri's version of events, either. ]

I... will admit I don't find these other histories to be comforting thoughts. But I'm truly happy to see you doing so well. [ she manages a small smile, though it fades as her next question comes to mind. an important one. ]

You've given up your vendetta?

Edited 2021-08-12 21:16 (UTC)

[Dimitri sets his teacup down for a moment. How best to explain this.]

...I haven't given up pursuing justice for the perpetrators at Duscur. But I've concluded that I don't need to carry out vengeance on my own, and to not let it define who I am. I know now that only I can determine who I am. And when I do find out who is responsible, they will be judged according to the laws of Faerghus, not my emotions.

I also no longer think that Edelgard had any part in it, now that I've had the time and the ability to think about it rationally, as well as what I've seen for myself during the war. I no longer harbor a vendetta against her; in fact, I no longer bear any ill will toward her whatsoever.

[ she sips at her tea, listening. it's a good answer, and not one she would have expected of dimitri after his academy days. he really has come back to himself, hasn't he?

but... he hasn't looked past the surface. he doesn't know about the agarthans at all. ]

I'm pleased to hear it. [ she lets out a breath. this is going to be a lot of information at once. ] Arundel, Solon, and Cornelia had common cause and creed. They were agents of a group that we call Those Who Slither in the Dark... they call themselves the Agarthans. The age-old enemies of the Children of the Goddess. Their hidden conflict with Seiros has been the cause of much of Fódlan's strife over the centuries, including many of our more personal misfortunes. They held great influence in all of Fódlan's centers of power.

[Dimitri's eye goes wide, and his mouth hangs open. He had suspected that Cornelia and Arundel were connected, but Solon, too? And the conspiracy...it goes back to when Seiros walked the land? This is heavy information -- almost unbelievable, even. But, at the same time, he finds himself able to believe it. It helps that it causes several pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. And the source...well, the Byleth before him may not be the same Byleth he knows, but so far he's getting the sense that they're fundamentally similar. It's hard to not trust that what she says is accurate.]

I...forgive me. This is a lot to consider.

[To stall for time, Dimitri takes another sip of tea. He uses that to try and get his thoughts in order.]

...I knew that there was some kind of shadowy organization mingling with the Imperial Army during the war. They abandoned their posts and fled when my men cut down their leader in Enbarr. But until now, I had little to go on. I knew that Cornelia and Solon were connected to Duscur. I had suspected Lord Arundel was, as well, but had no way to conclusively connect him to it.

But you're saying that it runs far deeper than that...far deeper even than Duscur? And dates back to the War of Heroes? You also said they had influence across Fódlan, then if that were the case...

[Then something clicks in Dimitri's mind. It shows on his face, too.]

Were they behind the Insurrection of the Seven in the Empire? And then there was the death of the previous Riegan heir in the Alliance. Could they have had a hand in that, too?

[ she simply hums and shakes her head when he takes a moment. there's nothing to apologize for. really, seeing him rational and able to process this is interesting. though... well, they'll circle back to seiros. she nods when he has that moment of realization. ]

Correct on all points. They play upon and further unrest among the nobles, capitalizing on the brutal world the Church made. They and the Archbishop had humanity caught between them for all of that time. [ though... oh, he's not going to like this. she winces as she begins to speak, tone vaguely apologetic. ]

And... there are suppressed documents beneath the Monastery that point to their involvement in Loog von Blaiddyd's rebellion, as well. I've read a field report from the time that suggests Pan was one of their number, and that they were arming and reinforcing his troops.

[Dimitri is able to let the comments about the brutal world slide, at least for the time being. It is odd to hear them coming from someone other than Edelgard, however.

The information about the War of the Eagle and Lion was a mix, though. He'd heard the Byleth of his world mention the Abyssal Library and how there was suspicion concerning the founding of both the Kingdom and the Alliance. But now this Byleth is saying that they were supported by the same group that caused the Tragedy of Duscur?

Dimitri clenches his teeth, and his gaze falls downward.]

Damn it all...

[He forces himself to take a deep breath. He might not be able to extinguish the hatred he feels toward this group, but he can at least keep it under control.]

I...I was told of the burned document found in the Abyssal Library. But I was missing context. If what you say is true...

[He pauses.]

It's all the more reason to apprehend them. They cannot be allowed to keep stoking the flames whenever they emerge.

[ she's angrier, to be sure, than the byleth he remembers. more vibrant in all ways, with both the good and ill that come with it. and edelgard has had a very significant influence on her. ]

I can't speak to the truth of what I found, to be clear. And it was... fragmentary. But it would align with how they operate. If it's true, the forgery of Klaus Blaiddyd's will was likely also their doing.

[ she lets out a breath, sipping at her own tea. though... apprehended. ]

With respect... elimination would be the wiser option. I think you may underestimate the threat you're facing.

[ she's been on the receiving end of the same accusation, but at least she had been fully aware of the agarthans and ready to do what was necessary. ]

[Dimitri takes a sip of his own tea. While there is a part of him that would be content to wipe them all out without hesitation, he's also not going to sink to their level to do so.]

If they decide to fight to the last, then that is what will happen. But if any should surrender, they will be treated like any other violent criminal. I cannot -- will not -- allow myself to sink down to their level.

That being said... Well, going by past experience, I don't expect them to surrender. They've always opted to retreat or die in battle.

[ he really doesn't understand. byleth takes a breath, fingers tensing on her own teacup. to distract herself, she plucks a macaron from the center of the table and takes a bite out of it. she forces down the slightly ridiculous impulse to reach across the table and shake him by his shoulders.

if they were talking about almost anything else, dimitri's answer would be perfectly reasonable. it's honorable, while leaving room for the realities of a situation. the fact he's using that answer, however, indicates she hasn't made the severity of any of this sufficiently clear. finally, after a moment, she speaks up. ]

Dimitri. These are not common criminals, or nobles with a hidden agenda. They kill highly placed subjects and replace them by taking on their appearances. They have technology beyond anything Fódlan or its neighbors can muster, and destructive might beyond our understanding. They wield the same weapons that created the Valley of Torment, and do not hesitate to use them if they think it necessary. Javelins of light from the sky.

[ she looks levelly at him, wanting to be sure that what she has to say sinks in. byleth doesn't need him to agree to handle it her way—at the end of the day, it's his world, not hers, and it doesn't affect her. but he needs to know what he's dealing with. ]

In my own memory of the war, they destroyed Arianrhod after we defied them and captured it. In Claude's, it was Fort Merceus. [ she huffs out a soft breath. ] For all their power, they're arrogant, and prone to underestimating humanity. But you've already backed them into a corner by defeating the Empire, and nothing is more dangerous than a cornered beast. If you give them any reason to see you as a continued threat before you can cripple their forces, they won't hesitate to destroy all of Fódlan. You must be decisive and careful, or all may be lost.

Edited 2021-08-22 04:59 (UTC)

[Dimitri listens in silence, dumbfounded. Even if she's not the same Byleth he knows, the fact that she's this adamant about them speaks volumes. Also this talk about their weaponry. It's that in particular that really gets Dimitri's attention.]

They...they created the Valley of Torment? And they've destroyed both Arianrhod and Fort Merceus?

[Those especially hit home because Dimitri himself fought to take both places.

He takes another sip of tea, his gaze cast down at the table, and speaks with a reluctant tone.]

Then perhaps...perhaps I was underestimating them.

[He then lifts his gaze toward Byleth again, and this time his eye is filled with determination.]

Do you know where I can find them? I will lead an assault on their base of operations myself when I have the chance to return home.

[ it's a relief to see that he's beginning to understand. the tension slips from her shoulders, as she takes a long sip of her own tea. byleth only nods to confirm the initial dumbstruck questions, keeping her eyes on him. ]

I'm glad to hear it. Good hunting. [ she pours another cup, stirring it, before looking at him again. ]

We... believe their main stronghold to be somewhere in Hrym, underground. It's called Shambhala. Some of the Golden Deer will have more detailed intelligence for you about that... Flayn and Lorenz, at least. We haven't yet made our move against them in my memory, but they come from after their own raid.

Shambhala.

[Dimitri says the name aloud himself to help him commit it to memory. The name is alien to him, and doesn't match any linguistics he's aware of. But he trusts what Byleth has to say on this issue, so it further serves to reinforce how foreign these foes are.

He takes a sip of tea before continuing.]

I didn't know Lorenz was here. The others failed to mention him, unless he just arrived.

[Given that it's, you know, Lorenz, it's just as likely they considered his presence not worth mentioning as it was that he just arrived.]

I have met Flayn here, though. This topic didn't come up, but we had other matters to discuss. I'll certainly ask her for more details. Thank you.

I... think that should settle that bit of business, then. [ she smiles at him, faintly, nodding once in satisfaction. ]

We can talk of lighter things, if you like. Or if you have questions for me, I'd be happy to answer. [ she reaches out for a scone from the tray, a flash of ruby and gold shining on her finger as she does so. as she spreads a bit of lemon curd on the pastry: ] I may not remember us as allies, but... there was still a time we were friends. I would like us to be again.

Yes.

[Dimitri doesn't specify what he's saying "yes" to, but really, it could fit all of what Byleth has just said. He takes a sip of tea before speaking again, noting the jewelry again. He could ask about that, and he might.]

I have to admit, it's...still rather strange to me, to see you as a woman here...and furthermore, I see that your hair and eyes have returned to their original colors. That being said, I...

[His breath catches in his throat for a moment. He quickly resumes speaking.]

I would also like to return to those days. At this point in time, I see no reason to antagonize anyone, anyway, and honestly, I've had enough hostility to last a lifetime. I would like to make friends with people while I'm here -- and you are no exception.

[ she nods again, smile warming a touch. ]

I'm glad to hear it. Claude and I have... made a habit of not discussing much about the war or Fódlan, in the interests of getting along, and it might be wise for us to do the same. [ she indicates her own hair by pinching a lock between her finger and thumb—really, she'd expected him to comment on it sooner. but then, it was probably secondary to... everything else about her appearance. ]

All the same, I changed back, after the final battle. After El and I killed Seiros... that is, the Archbishop. All that the Church did to me, and all of Sothis's power... it's gone.

[ she still hasn't forgotten him echoing that nickname. edelgard had told her she was the only one left who called her el. so what in the world...? ]

[Dimitri nods in response to Byleth suggesting they avoid talking too much about the war. He's of the same mind, especially since it's all in the past. He's done letting the past control him, and what happens in other versions of history doesn't matter much to him.

He's surprised to hear about what caused Byleth's hair and eyes to return to their original colors, though.]

So, Archbishop Rhea was in truth Saint Seiros, and after you killed her, Sothis revoked the power she gifted you? Do I have that right?

[This is still a lot for Dimitri to handle. He's at least trying to understand, though.]

[ he's... close, apart from one piece. byleth scoffs quietly, shaking her head as she takes a sip. she doesn't get angry, at least. ]

Revoked suggests it was a punishment. I rejected divinity. Sothis was a dear friend, but... I am myself, Dimitri. No matter what the Church sought to do with me.

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