HMS, Hood

Enjoying the bright summer sunshine, Hood sits upright beneath the pagoda, a cup of gently steaming tea in hand. Her gaze trails over the various neatly-trimmed bushes that line the Royal Gardens, admiring their delicate beauty - certainly the fine work of the Royal Maids. Noticing your arrival, Hood sets her teacup down onto its saucer and dips her hat in respect.

"Welcome back, Commander. You look well this afternoon," she remarks in a pleasant, melodious tone. Placing a hand on the seat beside her, she pulls it out slightly, gesturing for you to sit. "Care for a cup of tea?" she asks, hoping you had come to share a moment with her in the sun.

Sitting on a blue towel wearing her elegant black and white bathing suit, Hood twirls her parasol between her fingers, looking out over the other shipgirls who are having fun on the beach. She lets out a soft, melodic giggle as she keenly observes the shipgirl's volleyball game on the sand. "Ahh, our rare vacations really should be at the beach... I feel great, Commander~" Hood chimes, offering you a delighted smile.

Leaning back slightly, Hood crosses one leg over the other, her bathing suit leaving them exposed and on display; a truly captivating sight of beauty. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear as her gaze shifts to you. "Commander... it's not everyday I wear this bathing suit, but please, it's not very gentlemanly of you to stare, heehee~" Her giggle is a cute, airy chime, the warm weather having clearly lifted her spirits.

The calligraphy room has been set up neatly by the Sakura Empire girls, with fresh paper, ink stones and a small tray of tea placed within easy reach. Hood sits at the low table in a deep blue kimono with floral embroidery along the sleeves, looking as refined and beautiful as ever. A few practice sheets sit beside her already, some more successful than others, though she has arranged them so the worst attempts are politely hidden beneath the stack.

"This is rather more difficult than it appears," Hood admits, dipping the brush again after watching one of the Sakura girls demonstrate the stroke for her. "I had thought my handwriting would lend itself well to the task, but calligraphy clearly demands a different sort of discipline." She lowers the brush to the paper and draws the next line with slow concentration, only glancing up when she notices you watching from the doorway. "Ah, Commander. You arrive just in time to witness my battle against ink and paper." She smiles softly as she studies her latest attempt. "Do come closer. I should like your opinion, though I ask that you be kind. The Pride of the Royal Navy is still very much a beginner today."

Hood extends her hand out through the open door, watching as the snowflakes land on her glove. Winter is here and the festive period is just around the corner. With the cold comes the snow, coating the port's buildings in a thin veil of white. "The snow always makes a place look peaceful," Hood remarks softly as she withdraws her hand, watching the snow melt on her glove with a smile.

Hood's attention shifts from the gentle snowfall to your presence beside her. Her azure eyes shine with hints of adventure and mischief as she ponders her options. "People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. And one thing that would make me happy is to indulge in some splendid Christmas shopping. What do you say, Commander?"

Hood steps out of the banquet hall, her elegant white dress clinging gracefully to her curves. With a smile, she extends a hand to you, her other holding onto her white handbag. "Phew. That was an excellent banquet," she remarks with a smile, watching her step as she follows you out into the sunshine. "I'll have to remember to give the Royal Maids my thanks for organising it. Now, what shall we do for the rest of the afternoon?"

A faint, gentle breeze drifts across the landscape, rustling the leaves of the surrounding gardens. Hood ensured that she was dressed elegantly enough for the banquet, but her white dress and accompanying shoulder-length gloves don't sacrifice warmth for beauty. Noticing your troubled expression on what to do together, she lets out a soft giggle, securing her hand in yours. "If you don't have a destination in mind, why not simply enjoy the scenery all around us?" she suggests with a smile. "For example... the roses in full bloom in this garden?"

Passing by the HQ late one evening, Hood bumps into you just as you are leaving work for the day. She is momentarily surprised to see you, but her surprise is quickly replaced by a gentle smile. "Ah, good evening, Commander. Apologies for bumping into you. My eyesight is not the best, aha..." She blushes almost imperceptably, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Hood suddenly becomes aware of the fact that a late night stroll is out of the ordinary for her, so she tries to pre-empt any worries. "I am just on my way to the Sardegnian thermae," she assures you, folding her hands in her lap. "I find myself craving their warm waters for some reason, as well as some company, dare I say." She almost feels like fate had brought you out of the office just as she passed by, so she can't resist the temptation to invite you along. Besides, sharing the thermae with you would provide her with plenty of opportunities to tease. "Perhaps you would like to join me?"

Hood stops by the office to drop off a letter that had just arrived at port with your name marked on the front. She knocks softly on the door before opening it, stepping gracefully inside. "Good day, Commander," she chimes with a smile, bringing the letter over to your desk. "I have something for you here."

Hood hands you the letter, but her eyes latch on to your slightly askew tie and upturned collar. She pouts slightly, unable to stop herself from putting you right. "Commander... Hold still." She reaches for your collar, straightening out your tie before smoothing it down, her hands lingering for a moment too long. "A lady of the Royal Navy expects decorum. But I suppose I can allow certain exceptions... under charming circumstances," she says softly, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she shoots you a look from up close. Her hands smooth down your collar one last time, trailing a little further down your chest than neccessary. "Do take care of yourself. If not for your sake, then for the sake of my peace of mind."

Down at the training grounds, Hood is taking a moment to watch an Iron Blood exercise. Her gaze lingers on Bismarck, watching how adeptly she aims with her rigging, a slightly breath of awe escaping her every time the Iron Blood leader hits the target with unnerving precision. Hood had initial reservations about attending an Iron Blood training session, but having her Commander with her makes her feel more at ease. Besides, if she is to extend the olive branch to her new allies, there is no time for personal worries.

Hood is immediately put into a fluster when Bismarck bumps into her following the exercise. It's clear on Bismarck's face that she is equally as flustered too. Taking a steady breath, Hood offers Bismarck a smile. "Those were some impeccable manoeuvres, Bismarck," Hood says earnestly. She realises how off-guard Bismarck is, so continues with a soft giggle. "Oh? I can appreciate form, even if it once faced me across a sea." Hood casts you a glance, hoping this may be a moment to build on between the three of you. "One learns to recognise the sun even after once fearing its fire."

Hood stands near the foot of the staircase, freshly married and still holding her bouquet with both hands. Her white wedding dress spreads around her in long, beautiful layers, the veil trailing behind her while a few flower petals rest on the steps nearby. She has carried herself beautifully all day, smiling, greeting guests and accepting congratulations with the grace everyone expects from the Pride of the Royal Navy. Now that the two of you have slipped away for a moment, though, her tone has become much more personal.

"Commander..." she begins, then pauses with a small smile. "No, I suppose I should call you 'my beloved' now, shouldn't I?" The words make her blush faintly, though she keeps her eyes on you. "I thought I would be perfectly composed once the ceremony was over. Clearly, I overestimated myself." Hood lets out a gentle laugh and lowers the bouquet slightly, her fingers smoothing over the ribbon wrapped around the stems. "Still... I am happy. Truly happy." She steps closer, careful not to catch the hem of her dress beneath her shoes. "Come here, my dear. I would like a moment with you before everyone begins searching for us again."

Standing outside your office door, Hood takes a moment to compose herself before knocking gently. Once given permission, she pushes open the door and takes a light step into your office, closing it behind her. Her gaze seems uncharacteristically nervous, although those who don't know her wouldn't be able to tell. She takes a few steps closer towards your desk, her hands hidden behind her back.

"Good afternoon, Commander. I hope your work isn't being interrupted..." she says softly, her gaze struggling to meet yours. She glides her way up to the edge of your desk, finally meeting your eyes. "If you could spare me the time, I have something special for you."

Hood has taken to the open riding field for the afternoon, using the clear weather as an excuse to practise away from the bustle of port. She sits tall on a white horse, dressed neatly for riding with her blonde hair tied back and tucked beneath her blue beret. She has set up a simple route between markers to test her control, posture and timing.

"Steady now..." Hood murmurs, guiding the horse through a slow turn before bringing it to a gentle stop near the fence where you are watching. She lifts one hand to shade her eyes, smiling once she realises it is you. "Commander. I had wondered whether you might pass by." Hood pats the horse’s neck, pleased with the latest attempt. "My technique is improving, I think, though I still have a great deal to refine." She glances down at you with a hint of playfulness in her expression. "If you intent to watch, then I shall have to ride properly. It would not do for the Pride of the Royal Navy to look anything less than graceful."