[ Agreeing to participate in a fashion show had sounded innocuous enough, and despite his inclination to not get involved in the frivolous ongoings in the city, when he'd been approached and asked for help, Siegfried could hardly say no. It isn't as though he'd had any other pressing matters, anyway.
But this isn't what he had expected. Not one bit. He would have likely made more of an effort to politely and effectively decline. He's been outfitted with what is apparently groomswear, in a bolder burgundy color rather than black. That was all well and good, but really hadn't expected to be told to wait at the end of a literal altar for, apparently, his "bride". ]
This is a bit much just to showcase a few garments, isn't it?
[ He says, largely under his breath. The officiant, at least, seems focused on the fine detail of the work on his jacket. He finishes with flamboyant calling out of the designer, to which Siegfried bows graciously, but awkwardly. He's 100% out of his element.
Then, the wedding bells begin ringing. Here comes the bride. ]
Nico likes to think that she's been through her hair in life — that she's seen a lot, so to speak — but nothing could really prepare her for how awkward it would be to be stripped down, dolled up, and given what she imagines will be the only bridal makeover of her life. Her usually wild hair has been somehow tamed back into a loose gathering at the nape of her neck, her headband has been replaced with a string of pearls to match the ivory of the summer wedding dress. Apparently she's being paired with someone in a rich burgundy — her bouquet is shot through with tiny wine-red flowers — and they've painted her nails and lips to match while giving her a soft, natural-looking eye. The reflection in the mirror doesn't even look like her, but then that's kind of the point, isn't it? She's showcasing a transformation for someone else's special day.
Shit, it feels weird. Perhaps she's fortunate in being whisked off right away; she's grateful that they give her a pair of flat silk slip-ons to wear as opposed to heels, because man it'd be embarrassing to fall flat on her face while walking down the aisle. Nico can feel herself beginning to redden from all the attention by the time she reaches the altar, and— )
... Siegfried?
( Nico can't help but laugh aloud, because in seeing him standing there looking equally as bewildered is an immediate relief. The officiant starts reeling off the details of her attire, which in her opinion? Is the perfect opportunity for a little under-the-breath conversation. )
Well, shit. If they'd told me you were gonna be my groom, I'd have made more of an effort.
( Which is a little tongue in cheek, because ... yeah, Nico's never looked more like a fairytale woodland nymph in her entire life. At least they'll be able to have a laugh about this afterwards, right? )
[ As strange and mortifying as all of this is, Siegfried can't deny that the level of detail they've gone through for a fashion show is impressive. He can't possibly imagine how they can fill so much time talking about the details of the clothes, but he's proven very wrong very quickly.
He looks up as the music changes to signal the arrival of the bride. His first feeling is relief, because if he has to go through this, he'd much rather have it be with a familiar face. Almost immediately, however, the feeling is mixed with nervousness again, because she's not completely a familiar face. She's been dolled up and groomed even more than he has, making him glad that the only change they'd done to his own hair was draw it back into a low ponytail.
Her laugh actually makes him feel more at ease, the first smile that's happened since he was wrangled into this. The officiant and attendants don't actually seem to care that they're speaking softly— if anything it makes the whole thing look more genuine. ]
I wasn't told anything, either. Not even what sort of clothes I'd be wearing. To be honest, if I had known that it would involve this type of ceremony—
[ He trails off, eyes closing as the officiant's booms even louder with excitement over the detailing on Nico's dress.
This is extremely strange to him. Aside from the inherent strangeness of it all, this is a ceremony he'd never partake in, either. The life of an ex-knight constantly traveling and willingly putting himself in danger meant that he would never wish the burden of his life on anyone.
But, this is silly and will all be over with anyway. He leans down so she can hear him better over the officiant's excitement. ]
You look very nice. I hope your dress isn't too uncomfortable.
[ Increasingly, he's simply come to accept that he will always be most alert and comfortable during the nighttime. Truthfully, it suits him. The city is calm and quiet, for the most part, and it isn't as though Siegfried is typically a man who keeps much company. For years, he'd been completely alone.
So it's a familiar and not completely unwelcome feeling, strolling through the unoccupied streets and being alone with his thoughts.
He can see that someone else has decided to go for a post-midnight walk, a figure he can more clearly make out when it draws closer. And the sight of her makes him smile with recognition as they cross paths. ]
⟪ The night does not suit her. Is it because it is dark? Because it is full of terrors? It's because it is both, and no matter how often she leaves the city to light a proper nightfire outside its bounds, R'hllor does not offer her a glance one way or the other. ⟫
Siegfried. ⟪ she inclines her head, but her smile is genuine, if tired. ⟫ Well-met.
⟪ it is well past the hour of ghosts, so perhaps she ought to be surprised to see him. but then, she is here herself, isn't she? ⟫
Something like that, I suppose. I had my doubts at first, but now I'm sure that my circadian rhythm has been completely reversed.
[ And seeing her out at this time of night, he wonders if the same is true for her. She looks tired, so perhaps not, but it isn't like the sleep he's gotten during the day has been particularly restful, either. ]
Would you like to join me for a stroll? I don't have a destination in mind.
⟪ A half-truth. She loathes the night, all told, but much many parts of the city are rife with street lights even at this time, keeping the dreaded darkness if not at bay, then at least not at its most powerful. ⟫
Your company would make it much more pleasant.
⟪ At the Wall, the king had joined her, walking the icy path at the very top – but she had abandoned the habit with his departure. Now that she fought to stay awake during the day, and her body insisted on the kind of wakefulness at night that she'd always longed for, she might as well enjoy it.
At any rate, she steps closer, and when she'd been radiating heat during their last encounter, that feeling is much more subdued now. Her gifts, she reckons, are all leaving her. ⟫
The strangest things are happening. Often, when I set out to explore the city during the day, the sun seems much harsher than I recall.
( Not the sort of clothes he'd be wearing? Well, that just seems silly, because to Nico? Siegfried looks great. Sure, it's a far cry from what she's seen him in before, but he's one of those people who just looks like he was made to wear smart, glad clothes, even if he's not particularly keen on it. She's about to murmur as much when he leans in a little closer to compliment her dress, and—
Ah, shit. Try as she might to ignore it, Nico isn't immune to flattery. )
You think so?
( She glances down at herself, her gaze moving from the slip of a bodice to the soft, floaty skirts. Much like Siegfried, this isn't the kind of thing in which she'd ever imagined herself; wedding stuff is for Kyrie and Nero, not for people like her. Still, the compliment deepens the subtle rosy hue dusted across her cheeks.
One of those lop-sided smiles dispels the moment pretty quickly, and she bops Siegfriend's elbow with her bouquet. )
You don't look half bad either. Like a real Prince Charming, y'know?
[ Siegfried does muse, for a moment, that she looks different; exudes far less energy than the last time they'd met. He'd chalk it up to stress, as being in any sort of new environment was difficult to adapt to for anyone, but the fatigue in her expression coupled with the fact that they're meeting in the dead of night makes him suspect that she might be in a similar situation as himself. ]
As long as you don't mind that I'm alone this time.
[ It's a little joke, referencing the army of dogs he'd had in the vicinity when they'd last spoken.
His lips purse as he begins to walk, slowly, waiting for her to find their stride. ]
That's happening to me as well, Melisandre. [ He sighs. ] I'm fairly certain, at least in my case, that it's related to this monster transformation business.
I do. You don't look as though you're completely comfortable, though—
[ His whispering is cut off by the feeling of flowers hitting his elbow. It draws a few stares from the on-lookers, but if anything, it looks like playful banter, especially given the coloring of Nico's cheeks, so the "ceremony" continues.
For his part, the reaction and returned compliment make him fidget a bit with embarrassment, though he smiles faintly. ]
Prince Charming, huh? I don't think I have the manners to fit the part, but I appreciate that you think so.
[ He hesitates, then reaches up to pull the hairpins holding his hair back off. That earns him more than a couple of dirty glares for messing with the look (at least make the gesture FASHION, gosh!), but he doesn't seem to notice. ]
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nico
But this isn't what he had expected. Not one bit. He would have likely made more of an effort to politely and effectively decline. He's been outfitted with what is apparently groomswear, in a bolder burgundy color rather than black. That was all well and good, but really hadn't expected to be told to wait at the end of a literal altar for, apparently, his "bride". ]
This is a bit much just to showcase a few garments, isn't it?
[ He says, largely under his breath. The officiant, at least, seems focused on the fine detail of the work on his jacket. He finishes with flamboyant calling out of the designer, to which Siegfried bows graciously, but awkwardly. He's 100% out of his element.
Then, the wedding bells begin ringing. Here comes the bride. ]
no subject
( Here comes the bride, indeed.
Nico likes to think that she's been through her hair in life — that she's seen a lot, so to speak — but nothing could really prepare her for how awkward it would be to be stripped down, dolled up, and given what she imagines will be the only bridal makeover of her life. Her usually wild hair has been somehow tamed back into a loose gathering at the nape of her neck, her headband has been replaced with a string of pearls to match the ivory of the summer wedding dress. Apparently she's being paired with someone in a rich burgundy — her bouquet is shot through with tiny wine-red flowers — and they've painted her nails and lips to match while giving her a soft, natural-looking eye. The reflection in the mirror doesn't even look like her, but then that's kind of the point, isn't it? She's showcasing a transformation for someone else's special day.
Shit, it feels weird. Perhaps she's fortunate in being whisked off right away; she's grateful that they give her a pair of flat silk slip-ons to wear as opposed to heels, because man it'd be embarrassing to fall flat on her face while walking down the aisle. Nico can feel herself beginning to redden from all the attention by the time she reaches the altar, and— )
... Siegfried?
( Nico can't help but laugh aloud, because in seeing him standing there looking equally as bewildered is an immediate relief. The officiant starts reeling off the details of her attire, which in her opinion? Is the perfect opportunity for a little under-the-breath conversation. )
Well, shit. If they'd told me you were gonna be my groom, I'd have made more of an effort.
( Which is a little tongue in cheek, because ... yeah, Nico's never looked more like a fairytale woodland nymph in her entire life. At least they'll be able to have a laugh about this afterwards, right? )
no subject
He looks up as the music changes to signal the arrival of the bride. His first feeling is relief, because if he has to go through this, he'd much rather have it be with a familiar face. Almost immediately, however, the feeling is mixed with nervousness again, because she's not completely a familiar face. She's been dolled up and groomed even more than he has, making him glad that the only change they'd done to his own hair was draw it back into a low ponytail.
Her laugh actually makes him feel more at ease, the first smile that's happened since he was wrangled into this. The officiant and attendants don't actually seem to care that they're speaking softly— if anything it makes the whole thing look more genuine. ]
I wasn't told anything, either. Not even what sort of clothes I'd be wearing. To be honest, if I had known that it would involve this type of ceremony—
[ He trails off, eyes closing as the officiant's booms even louder with excitement over the detailing on Nico's dress.
This is extremely strange to him. Aside from the inherent strangeness of it all, this is a ceremony he'd never partake in, either. The life of an ex-knight constantly traveling and willingly putting himself in danger meant that he would never wish the burden of his life on anyone.
But, this is silly and will all be over with anyway. He leans down so she can hear him better over the officiant's excitement. ]
You look very nice. I hope your dress isn't too uncomfortable.
melisandre
So it's a familiar and not completely unwelcome feeling, strolling through the unoccupied streets and being alone with his thoughts.
He can see that someone else has decided to go for a post-midnight walk, a figure he can more clearly make out when it draws closer. And the sight of her makes him smile with recognition as they cross paths. ]
Hello, Melisandre. It's been a while.
no subject
Siegfried. ⟪ she inclines her head, but her smile is genuine, if tired. ⟫ Well-met.
⟪ it is well past the hour of ghosts, so perhaps she ought to be surprised to see him. but then, she is here herself, isn't she? ⟫
Does sleep elude you?
no subject
[ And seeing her out at this time of night, he wonders if the same is true for her. She looks tired, so perhaps not, but it isn't like the sleep he's gotten during the day has been particularly restful, either. ]
Would you like to join me for a stroll? I don't have a destination in mind.
no subject
I like to walk at night.
⟪ A half-truth. She loathes the night, all told, but much many parts of the city are rife with street lights even at this time, keeping the dreaded darkness if not at bay, then at least not at its most powerful. ⟫
Your company would make it much more pleasant.
⟪ At the Wall, the king had joined her, walking the icy path at the very top – but she had abandoned the habit with his departure. Now that she fought to stay awake during the day, and her body insisted on the kind of wakefulness at night that she'd always longed for, she might as well enjoy it.
At any rate, she steps closer, and when she'd been radiating heat during their last encounter, that feeling is much more subdued now. Her gifts, she reckons, are all leaving her. ⟫
The strangest things are happening. Often, when I set out to explore the city during the day, the sun seems much harsher than I recall.
no subject
( Not the sort of clothes he'd be wearing? Well, that just seems silly, because to Nico? Siegfried looks great. Sure, it's a far cry from what she's seen him in before, but he's one of those people who just looks like he was made to wear smart, glad clothes, even if he's not particularly keen on it. She's about to murmur as much when he leans in a little closer to compliment her dress, and—
Ah, shit. Try as she might to ignore it, Nico isn't immune to flattery. )
You think so?
( She glances down at herself, her gaze moving from the slip of a bodice to the soft, floaty skirts. Much like Siegfried, this isn't the kind of thing in which she'd ever imagined herself; wedding stuff is for Kyrie and Nero, not for people like her. Still, the compliment deepens the subtle rosy hue dusted across her cheeks.
One of those lop-sided smiles dispels the moment pretty quickly, and she bops Siegfriend's elbow with her bouquet. )
You don't look half bad either. Like a real Prince Charming, y'know?
( Nico offers him a wink. )
I think I like your hair loose better though.
no subject
As long as you don't mind that I'm alone this time.
[ It's a little joke, referencing the army of dogs he'd had in the vicinity when they'd last spoken.
His lips purse as he begins to walk, slowly, waiting for her to find their stride. ]
That's happening to me as well, Melisandre. [ He sighs. ] I'm fairly certain, at least in my case, that it's related to this monster transformation business.
no subject
[ His whispering is cut off by the feeling of flowers hitting his elbow. It draws a few stares from the on-lookers, but if anything, it looks like playful banter, especially given the coloring of Nico's cheeks, so the "ceremony" continues.
For his part, the reaction and returned compliment make him fidget a bit with embarrassment, though he smiles faintly. ]
Prince Charming, huh? I don't think I have the manners to fit the part, but I appreciate that you think so.
[ He hesitates, then reaches up to pull the hairpins holding his hair back off. That earns him more than a couple of dirty glares for messing with the look (at least make the gesture FASHION, gosh!), but he doesn't seem to notice. ]