⚘ a return to life

[deduety]

[Though Mercedes has done as much healing as she could, Dedue knows that the only real path to recovery would be proper rest. Too much already has Dimitri pushed himself to the brinks of near death so often in the past. No more of that.

Even if it means disobeying him.

Resting in camp is not the most ideal of locations, but it's still certainly a better option than going back out into battle. Even if Dedue spent every second at Dimitri's side, the future king is still faster than he is; it would take everything in him to follow in order to keep him safe, and who is to say that he wouldn't make it worse anyway by his own action?

So he makes his choice.

Dedue enters Dimitri's tent, then gives a respectful bow of his head.]

Your Highness.

➵ this time kindness wins

[shootyourshot]

[It's been a miserable time for all, such is the nature of war. It still weighs heavily on Ashe's heart to know that Dedue is gone; he remembers fondly how tenderly the large man tended to the garden. How gentle he was, how kind and delightfully confused he was at the prospect of friendship with anyone. The world feels a lot lesser without him, and no doubt his death was the final blow dealt to Dimitri's suffering.

With Byleth's hands full as they are, Ashe takes it upon himself to go to the monastery at night, bringing a tray with him.

Dimitri is right where he expects, moodily glaring over the rubble that crowds the space. If nothing else, the man is easy to find right now.]

Your Highness, I have dinner.

⚘ two giant handsome men

[deduety]

[The greenhouse is one of the few spots that Dedue feels comfortable enough in. He's given plenty of space usually by other students and staff, so he has little to be concerned for as he tends to the plants. That being said, he's also quite used to people hovering, whether being wary of him or being curious. Neither really matters as Dedue minds his business and continues to work.

It's not often that Balthus is out of Abyss, though.

For several minutes, he is quiet, disposing of weeds into a basket before he's watering some of the plants. Some are left alone as they don't need as much attention.

Eventually, he finally addresses Balthus.]

What is it?

➵ almyran all mine

[shootyourshot]

[It's still startling to be here. There were any number of knights that Claude could have asked for, but instead he evidently sought out Ashe by name. Everything else was almost arbitrary. Really, Ashe isn't certain what the scheme was this time, but Dimitri seemed confident that Claude only has good intentions.

It isn't that Ashe lacks trust in His Highness, but even Ashe can't help but be a little skeptical of someone whose name during a war was the Master Tactician.

In any case, Ashe finally arrives at the designated area, just a few miles outside of Fodlan's Locket. If nothing else, it'll be interesting to explore a new country and its culture. Helping Dedue out in Duscur has allowed Ashe to learn much about the people, and he does look forward to exploring a bit about Almyra.

He looks up and sees a small team of wyverns with riders on the horizon. The knights with him tense up.]

Hold. We're not being attacked, remember?