Dammit, she was right. Her babbling had led to enough of a distraction for him to get hurt by her last strike- only just, but he couldn't guarantee that next time would be so slight. He would need to be focused, decisive in his next blows. Easier said than done given the state of his strength and weaponry, but Dimitri was determined to see her defeat through.

His cold gaze remains locked upon her, waiting to see what move she will spring next. The slash is deflected by a swift swing of his spear. It was a reassuring sign...no matter what physical disadvantage he may be at, he could still win.

"Good...because I intend to teach you something you'd do well not to forget, Kronya. No matter how much power they take from me, no matter what weapons they leave me with..." A swift spin of the wooden spear transitions to him lunging forward. "I am NOT to be trifled with!!"

"I find that quite amusing and it worked." Kronya snickered. Sure, she talks too much but it works for the other to be distracted. She uses that to find anything in an open for inflicting pain on her enemies. Kronya won't stop until all of Fodlan people are dead but after realizing that even the dead comes back, well plans changed.

She will be their worst nightmare. Literally, every Spirale people as well.

She have done this to the previous 'Byleth Eisner' even if it led her to her first death in this place alongside with her long ago.

As the incoming strike to her knee, she almost dodged but got hit eventually due to the spear's long range. Luckily, it was wooden but if it was Areadbhar, her limbs be cut off.

"That hurt!" Holding on her knee that made her knelt temporarily. "I could learn something from you in this fight!" Pain tolerance is a thing, as that hurts. Seeing an opening, she retaliated with a slash.

With his lunge with the wooden spear blocked, Dimitri stepped back, holding the weapon in its ready position, glaring with fiery determination at this despicable woman. He knew well that he was severely handicapped in this battle, and knew equally well that she wouldn't stop her assault until one of them was dead. Retreat would be the safest way to assure his survival...but it was utterly unthinkable. To live having run away from battle- especially with this opponent- would be a fate more agonizing than if she left him bleeding out on the ground, her blade buried in his back.

She spoke more- something he would love to be able to prevent more readily- and in spite of himself, her word did catch his attention, making him furrow his brow and take a moment trying to sift through her words. 'The past one' could mean anything, as far as he was concerned. Everything else seemed clear enough to him- typical musings of a cruel wretch like her. Unfortunately his thoughts on her words was enough to distract him just until her lunge was coming, one that he dodged out of the way of, though the blade slipped along a gap in his armor, making him grunt as blood was drawn from his shoulder.

"Have you nothing better to do than spout your mad ramblings in the middle of battle?!" He didn't let the injury impede him, strafing swiftly around to aim a strike at the back of her knee, looking to take out that joint from the back.

As an incoming thrust from Dimitri's spear, Kronya knew what she's doing as she had fought a past Dimitri of this place before than him. Judging on his looks and expression, just almost the same as the other one around before disappearance. He even had Areadbhar back then. She blocked it with success but slightly backed off.

Still, doesn't matter. She has the weapon advantage as she won't lose to him as she stands ground.

"Attitude-wise, the same as the past one i fought. Hoped to legitimately kill you so i can add you up to my kill list and everyone here, if ever." Kronya cares about no one. If one stand against her, she kills unless one is overwhelmingly stronger than her.

The fight goes on as she charges through with an incoming stab with Athame.

Dimitri glances over to listen as this other man offered his further thoughts on the matter, to which he gives an understanding nod. "There is that, too. I've been told similarly by friends and family after I've given them gifts before and spoke of such troubles." A more natural laugh escapes now. "Convincing myself they'll feel that way is a battle in and of itself sometimes." Knowing there was someone who agreed and was able to work through such feelings is a relief to him. Even if this man is a stranger for now...

His question makes the young king freeze. He'd only just refocused back on the good before him, and now he's looking to the other, his expression cautious. It seems the "stranger" sentiment is one-sided. He has enemies in this city- Kronya, Edelgard...last he was aware, they were still around. That someone he didn't know is aware of his identity is enough to put him on edge. "...Yes. I'm interested in how you knew that...and in your own name, if I may ask."

Joshua can't help but chuckle. "Right," He agrees, of course. Gifts were important when being presented to others, that much was true. "Though...I think gifts can also be appreciated if they simply come from the heart as well even if they happen to be something out of the ordinary." Saying so, he looks over the selection of bits and bobbles and picks one up to look over himself. As he does so, he keeps sparing passing glances at the other, only to finally remember where it is he's seen him from and it feels more than a little awkward to make mention of it.

But make mention of it he does, as he would feel worse to let the moment pass. "...Your name," he starts. Slow, hesitant at first, but he continues after a moment, "wouldn't happen to be Dimitri, would it?"

"...I once accidentally pulled a door from its hinges in a fit of annoyance. Those sorts of things happened to me all the time back home, but I don't think it should be so much of an issue here...at least not yet."

Dimitri had never been particularly good with getting gifts for others. Far too often he agonized over what exactly they would want, worrying if what he would get was good enough, and then just give whatever he thought of at a moment's notice that he hoped would be good. Ever since a dagger passed along in childhood... Usually they seemed to work out well enough, but he couldn't keep from second-guessing himself. Such was the reason he was lingering perhaps a bit longer than he'd intended. So much so that it seemed someone else nearby had taken notice. "Oh...yes, I am." He tried to laugh a little bit to shrug off some of this awkward feeling- to little effect. "I suppose I get a bit too hung up on what would be just right sometimes. Nobody wants to give a gift that the recipient won't be happy with, right?"

Amongst the various stalls filled with food, clothing, and other trinkets, Joshua couldn't decide on what to buy as far as gifts were concerned. He stands in front of one such stall, though this one is filled with winter-themed necklaces and bracelets as far as the eye can see, along with a very persistent stall owner who kept trying to sell him various trinkets. Though Joshua waves him off just fine, the man next to him seems to still be looking. "...Are you looking for a gift for someone as well?" He speaks up, finally. As Joshua turns to get a better look at him though, he seems...oddly familiar, though he can't quite place why.

WINTERFES: AN UPLIFTING WINTER FAIR. ( @exileosi )

It might've been a bit more practical to ask an actual employee rather than a fellow customer- they may have been just as unaware as he was- but if he was stuck in this city with a number of other people who were displaced from their home as he had been, he wanted to take what opportunities he could to get familiar with them. The employees seemed...well, far less out-of-place than an number of the customers. More a judgement based on instinct than anything, but it had served him decently before.

"I suppose that makes sense, yes," Dimitri conceded with a nod, trying to put the explanation together in his mind. "I have a friend who tried teaching me with her own sewing supplies, but I'm completely helpless when it comes to matters of delicacy- whether it was the fabric or needle, something always wound up in pieces. I felt using more durable tools would help me get a better handle on the sewing techniques themselves while I work at learning how to control my brutish handling of the materials." The latter half of the sentence was spoken with some levity, trying to poke fun at his own indelicate nature.

There were plenty of people that looked completely out of their element in stores. Or at least completely lost upon visiting a However even Camilla had to respect one's effort to ask someone else for assistance rather than an individual who actually worked there. Not that she would deny anyone her advice, considering how well she was when it came to trades like this...

"Sturdy needles? They sell them here from what I've seen. Although you do know that the thicker they are the larger the holes in the fabric will be right? In case you were trying for something on the lighter side." He didn't seem like a complete beginner but depending on what or who he was working on his craft for could determine whether or not he should try with lighter ones more of give in.

Dimitri had grown an appreciation for talents of all sorts in his time among the Blue Lions. Dedue's outstanding expertise in the kitchen, Annette's uplifting singing voice, Mercedes's incredible sewing skill she even tried to pass on to him- for as paltry a success as that had been, through his own fault alone- he grew to appreciate everything his friends could do. Many of the other students at the Officer's Academy had talents he was aware of too...so much that wouldn't be able to be shared with the world again...

Fortunately, he wasn't necessarily burdened by such regrets at the time. He was far more caught up in the spectacle before him, as well as the words of the woman he'd stopped by without quite noticing. Unintentional though his proximity may have been, she seemed more familiar with the display than he was, and the way she spoke about it just served to intrigue him further.

"It's amazing," he replied in agreement. "Even with enough willpower, I can't imagine it takes only a small amount of practice to pull it off." This was all just his assumption, of course- he'd never even heard of this sport, let alone attempted it himself, but he could tell when something demanded a lot of someone physically. At least that was the case when magic wasn't involved, which she'd stated wasn't the case here. Speaking of the woman, he broke from his focus on the skateboarders to notice she'd extended an offer for him to sit.

"Yes, thank you." With a grateful nod he sat down beside her, using the cushion she'd pulled out upon asking if he'd like to sit. "I don't have much business here besides getting my bearings- plenty of time to spend with others in-between!"

garry enjoys all types of expertise. when people are good at something, they tend to be passionate about it, and that shows especially when they're not quite aware they're being watched. there's benches around the indoor skate zone that are both for the skaters and for people just passing by, far enough for the skaters to not be disturbed as they go about their hobby.

   she's been sitting here for a little bit, perhaps half an hour, and she's brought a pillow so that her butt won't start hurting immediately. with a big scarf and a small bento box she'd purchased before coming here sitting in her lap, she glances up at the man that had approached her.

   or, not really her. seems like he's also an appreciator of expertise.

   ' impressive, isn't it? i'm quite fascinated by all the flips and jumps these guys can do ... they have so much control over their movement. it's not magic or anything, just their willpower. '

   fiddling with her chopsticks, she chews down on a little maki roll filled with avocado and salmon. a moment of silence passes between them, both focused on the display in front of them ... garry glances back up at the man and turns to rummage through her bag briefly, pulling out another pillow. it looks just as antique as the box she put her rose into, both purchased from the same shop.

   ' do you wanna sit with me? i'd enjoy the company. '

Even having only met her once, this face was one Dimitri would never be able to forget. This murderous, deranged woman, the hidden blade of those who slither in the dark- the one who’d murdered the Professor’s father! He’d heard tell of her demise from their beloved teacher, but this city had already made clear its capacity to bring back those on whom his feelings were complicated. It was only natural that it could resurrect those he unquestionably hated as well.

“Kronya…!” The name dripped with venom through gritted teeth, an inky-black desire to kill he’d scarcely felt since he’d been saved welling up within. He was aware and knew he would have to control it if he wished to survive, but it would be nearly as difficult a task as the conflict bearing down upon him itself. Her movements were swift, but so were his reactions- armed only with a wooden spear, he drew the weapon and held it straight up to block her swipe, grunting through a scowl as the blade dug into his less than ideal polearm. 

No time to waste. He had to make an advantage for himself. If I can keep her out of swiping range with longer thrusts, this could still be mine…! With a swift jump backwards, he threw his arm forward, aiming the wooden spearhead at her neck- given its less fatal makeup, he’d have to aim for softer, yet still critical spots.

random starter - @exileosi

Difference or not, Kronya will not hesitate killing anyone from Fodlan as this one seemed... just the same without Areadbhar. She had faced one already and he seemed to be in a qualifications of a dead Fodlan person. Actually, everyone.

Therefore, she mocks him.

"Where's your Areadbhar? Did you lose it somewhere? You're going to kill me with your ferocity, right?" That's Kronya to some, Diabolical and Deranged.

Doesn't care what weapon he has, she's going for the kill as she rushes in first with a horizontal.

@ofmartritz | non-event

It had been a somewhat difficult day for Dimitri. First the coffee he’d had a chore of a time ordering ended up half-crushed in his hand after it touched his tongue and practically scalded it, which made his hand squeeze reflexively. Then he’d gotten lost in his home ward for a cumulative couple of hours between his trip to and from the coffee shop and some other stops he made. To top it all off, he had been a second too slow in crossing the road and an impatient driver honked at him rather excessively. It was just rude! He’d had half a mind to go over and confront them, but thought better of it when he realized it was something he’d have done in days he wasn’t proud of- likely to a much more violent degree.

The urge to just retire to his apartment for the evening overcame him. Perhaps it was early- he hadn’t had dinner yet, after all- but maybe it would do him some good to just stay in his room for a bit and think about…all of this, really. Whether this was all a vacation or some tormentous afterlife. He’d already begun to let his mind wander in such directions while in the elevator taking him up the building; so distracted he was by those thoughts that he only noticed someone in front of him past the opening doors when he’d nearly bowled them over with his comparatively imposing stride. Fortunately he caught himself, taking a step back just as they’d made slight contact.

“Agh! I’m so sorry…I’m afraid I wasn’t paying a-” His voice caught in his throat as recognition struck, catching sight of the familiar deep blue eyes, the kindness of their owner tangible even in how she looked back at anyone she met. “Mercedes…? You were brought here too?”

@demoniomano | non-event

The young king of Faerghus couldn’t imagine a future where the regrets that cast shadows over his head would ever leave him be. He had succumbed to madness and caused the slaughter of countless undeserving people for five years- he had become a monster. It was only the loss of his dear friend   Rodrigue and the Professor’s guidance that let him begin the road to redemption he believed he would still be on until he perished.

Unfortunate that such a change had only come after that second battle at Gronder Field- a morbid echo of more innocent days, if those had indeed been such a thing for him. It was on his command that his allies had been pitted against and forced to slay many of their former classmates- their friends from before war had torn them apart, as it seemed to love to do. While he had only personally killed some of them, among whom the young woman standing before him was not counted, he still held himself responsible for each life lost that day. If he had only been strong enough to keep himself from becoming a monster…if he had only told those who considered him a friend to spare anyone they could…if only-

Realization struck like a blow to the head. He’d been staring silently for several seconds now.

“L-Lysithea…I, erm…” The charisma of a strong leader failed him far too often. “I’m…surprised to see you here.” He didn’t realize it has been a poor choice of words until they had already left his mouth.

@enflourish | non-event

Dimitri was no stranger to large cities, having lived in and visited some in his younger days. He’d gotten lost on occasion, but ultimately they were never too overwhelming. Golden Ward, though…? While his nerve had long since been steeled enough to withstand such a thing as an unfamiliar urban locale, the architectural style was alien and more repetitive than he was used to. On top of that, the sheer activity level of the residents was near-constant, to a degree he’d only occasionally seen before.

He might’ve considered avoiding the ward whenever possible were it not for the fact that he had been assigned residence here.

“I’m afraid I’m a bit flustered trying to figure this place out,” He had already approached a woman exiting the apartment building he was standing outside- the very same one he was assigned to live in- to see if she could aid him. “Is there a tour of some kind to help newcomers get familiar with their ward?”

Dimitri knew he had become a much better dancer since those days long past, though he was certain he'd still feel nerves prickle up if he had to impress in such a regard. He really was a ridiculous thing. A bloodstained monster with a heart once closed off from any mirth at all, now worried to step on the toes of another.

Of course, this music- this party he'd found himself at as a whole- was unusual to him. He felt as if these costumes worn by the others weren't ordinary celebration attire, but he didn't even know enough about this city or the people who inhabited it to say for certain. What was the occasion anyway? He thought some familiarity to anchor him from endless wondering would be nice.

... This was not quite what he had in mind. He'd had reason to believe a meeting like this could happen in this city...but whether he wanted it or not was another matter entirely. It felt as if he'd only just come to accept those final moments and their every sensation. The flash of steel, the instinctual thrust of his arm...the pain shooting through his left arm, even now dancing along his fingertips as he looked at her.

If the professor had let him turn around...is this how he could have seen her? Alive...?

"I don't doubt that you saw it that way, Edelgard." He keeps his tone even, measured. Whatever emotions he's feeling now, he isn't sure. All that is certain is he doesn't want to let them lead him off. "If you believe you must do something, you will see it through. Your words imparted that upon me in our last conversation."

Edelgard had always been an excellent dancer. A strict teacher, she once heard. The Adrestian waltz embedded itself into her every move. A remnant of times lost and futures held. It was the one thing they could not take away from her. Even here, as she found herself within a castle's walls embedded with secrecy, would her roots forever remain.

The booming music was nothing like she had envisioned, its upbeat nature contrary to the movements she had grown accustomed to. Edelgard was inclined to leave, for there was no benefit in staying without purpose. It was ill-befitting. It was curious. It was.. Blue, blonde, the memory of red. It couldn't be.

It was difficult to surprise someone so fearless as the emperor herself, whom had seen and heard much alongside her crimson path. Locking sight of that familiar silhouette once again served to remind her of the past and future. Vividly could she recall those rainy plains as she held her axe to pierce through even the darkest clouds. On that day, as she had to force her way through, did she recall how she felt. She had been given no choice, and yet, this world played those decisions like they were pieces of a bigger chess game. How despicable. She did what she must, and yet, here he was.

".. Dimitri." She did not say his name as a question, but a statement. A pause, letting her arms cross. "—.. I did what I had to. That's all."

@exileosi

@deathpacito | non-event

In setting out to explore the entire city, Dimitri had wanted to familiarize himself with how each ward felt, the environments and landmarks to know in case he ever needed to be outside his own for too long…or, in all honesty, if he wanted to. Golden felt like it could be overwhelming even after he got used to it, whenever that would end up being. Being familiar with his surroundings could only be beneficial in the end.

Archimedes in particular was fascinating to the young king. Its open streets lined with quaint storefronts, the unique arrangement of the living quarters in particular, the unique methods of getting around afforded to visitors...but it was the great verdant cliff that reached to the skies, its view spanning over the entire city, that had captivated him in this moment.

"What is one even meant to truly admire up here?" he asked the other man who he shared the space known as Savior's Respite with, gazing down to the colorful fields of flora his feet were planted in. Though posed as a question, his tone was more one of amazement than inquiry. "As incredible as the view of the city is, even just looking around you feels enriching to the soul."

@flohbeutel | non-event

The sights and sounds of a "modern" city would take a lot of getting-used-to for anyone from a setting far less industrialized than a place like Golden Ward. Dimitri was no exception- the abundant motor vehicles, skyscrapers, and technology felt alien and inaccessible. Even so, if he was going to be here even for a short time, he thought getting a lay of the land and feeling for what it had to offer would be helpful.

To that end, he'd wound up at the Mermaid Cove Mall, the location that some residents he'd asked said best encapsulated the environment of his new home ward. The idea of this large building encompassing several different stores made sense to him, though its extravagance and architectural style were entirely new experiences. However, other aspects of the place were utterly baffling to the young king.

"The way they're moving...are they having to control those boards themselves?" His eye was locked onto the skateboarders riding around and doing tricks, utterly transfixed and speaking aloud, half to himself and half to the other person who was watching. "That must require incredible skill and dexterity..."

@nohrsrose | non-event

Just moving through the city felt dizzying to Dimitri. The whole place was unlike any he'd known before- some wards more familiar than others, which just made him question how and why a place would be built in such a fashion! And then there was the unbelievably large hole in the center... Trying to make sense of it all just seemed like it'd make him more confused.

Some form of stimulation was needed- something to do to take his mind off the situation. But what? Training was always an option; having been spirited away to a strange place, he could very likely get attacked at any moment, and he wouldn't want to be out of practice. Then he remembered a particular trade he'd taken up working on from Mercedes, one he'd never gotten very good at and had experienced frustration with...but maybe that sort of creative pursuit could be just what he needed in a time and place where war may not be so pressing an issue. With that in mind, he found himself seeking out a craft store- perhaps a mistake, as he immediately felt very out of his depth.

"Ah, excuse me, ma'am?" This lavender-haired woman was perusing the sewing section as well; perhaps she could help him out! "Do you know if this place sells any particularly sturdy sorts of needles? I don't exactly have a light touch when it comes to these things."

Eyyyy so let's get things started on this boyo!! Let's get a starter call going! Capped at 4, with castmates exempt!

DIMITRI ALEXANDRE BLAIDDYD / Fire Emblem: Three Houses

aka King of Faerghus, the Savior King, former head of the Blue Lions, Dee

As handsome as he is traumatized (And BOY is he handsome 🙃)

The best lance fighter in the whole Kingdom army

Extremely strong and doesn't know how to control it; will probably crit hit you if you ask him to toss you a wad of paper

Went through some REALLY dark times and turned into a monster over it, but he's doing better now

A very troubled but noble young man who dislikes formalities; just don't antagonize him or be evil and he will be polite to you

Will carry the memories of the fallen forever, including his greatest enemy and dearest family member who he had to kill in order to end a five-year war

Wait whose name is that under the "E" section of the contact list-