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[Ozymandias nudges his companion beside him gently with an elbow. Laughing amicably at the joke that was told as though it was the first time he's heard it today, his eyes are still trained on the older women at the table. But beneath the table, what he's passing over to the person beside him is a small flask. He's attended enough of these little tea parties at this point to know what's needed to get through the repetitious and yet endless cycle of gossip and polite smear campaigns against the women who couldn't attend today.]

I think there is something we all enjoy about a forbidden love though, don't you think, Adelaine?

[He keeps the attention away so that one might pour a bit of rum into their tea while everyone is focused on Adelaine's response.]

[When not providing a way of coping with the gossip, he does at least provide advice, too, at the beginning or when there's a reshuffling of tables to avoid an entirely unpleasant experience.]

I wouldn't sit there.

[Maybe it's because that's Caryn seat and sitting there will invite a 20-minute long passive-aggressive tirade about the seat until it spurns her fellow ladies to ask you to move only for her to "not really" want the spot. Or maybe Ora will be sitting nearby and no amount of perfumes in the world can mask a life-long habit of smoking. Or you may find yourself subjected to Sabine if you choose to sit there. Maybe not such a big deal for a Witch, but a Monster may find themselves losing patience with her comments. Either way, he provides a quiet explanation and motions for you to find somewhere else.]

(closed to chariot + croix)

Thank the gods you're here.

[Ramesses presses a kiss to Chariot's cheek, keeping his voice low. She barely managed to step through the door before he politely excused himself from his table to help her get settled. Ramesses helps her out of her coat, passing it off to the nearby servant who takes it to hang it up with the others. Taking Chariot's hands into his, he warms them gently with a small spell to start taking the chill from outside out of her. Keeping his voice quiet, he continues,]

Adelaine has told me the story of her friend's granddaughter and her infatuation with a Turnskin that works down at the docks at least three times now while Lucilla keeps "accidentally" moving her foot into my leg under the table. And if I'm not mistaken, she keeps trying to aim higher.

[Put Ramesses in a room full of bureaucrats and statesmen, he shines. Stick him with a bunch of very bored, old, rich women who want to gossip more than they wish to discuss business, and he starts to get a little antsy. Hence why he could not get to her fast enough. Although he did well in making his urgency seem more due to seeing a lover (much to Lucilla's chagrin) rather than a desperate want of escaping the conversation. No doubt the old women are now filling the void with a discussion of Chariot.]

[But he takes a breath. Chariot is here, and he won't have to tolerate this by himself any longer. Even if she's not the most eloquent in these kinds of situations, just having the camaraderie is enough for Ramesses to feel he can be more centered and remain charming as he hears another line about how one of these women lamenting how they wish there was more they could do than merely provide the funds all the while everyone at the table knowing they won't lift a finger beyond that. He smiles, chuckling warmly as he brings her hands up to kiss her fingertips.]

So, it's going wonderful so far.

[Releasing one of her hands, Ramesses adjust his hold on her remaining hand to bring her further into the estate to meet with the women holding the purse strings. It's then that he notices someone else just behind Chariot, standing close enough to imply that they came together. He looks from her to Chariot, and then back again. He's curious more than anything.]

Who is this, my love?

[ She'd rarely seen him so flustered and relieved by her presence as she was witnessing then, and it was almost novel enough to feel like she wish she had a way to encapsulate the moment, to preserve it for future generations. She figured this was probably the part of him that Fang loved to tease so much, the part of him out of his element and flying blind. Not that she had any lack of faith in his ability to do so.

Really, the lack of faith was, unsurprisingly, in herself. It was part of the reason she was slightly late at all. Dressing up for the occasion hadn't been the difficult part at all, since she was used to formal dinners to some degree both in Aefenglom and back at Luna Nova. But she's always struggled with the actual social aspects of those events. She always felt awkward, a fumble away from ruining the image of the faculty. ]

R-remember when I said I had a secret weapon, for this little event?

[ And she was remembering, rather distinctly, that she'd completely neglected to tell Croix thus far just how close she and Ramesses really were. Well... she'd settle that cat and bag situation later, she supposed. But it didn't make her appear any less nervous. ]

This is Croix Meridies. She's... a fellow teacher. From Luna Nova.

[Croix stiffens as the scene plays out before her; the sight of someone being so close to Chariot is both alarming and a bit unwelcome to her, for reasons Croix is unable to immediately comprehend. But she's at the very least aware of it enough to force it down where she can deal with it later.

So instead, she simply smiles and lets out a short laugh, and steps forward. Chariot had invited her because she was always better at approaching investors and making deals; this would be no different, and she at least had a vested interest in being on good terms with someone close to Chariot.]

Charmed! Chariot and I have known each other for ages... and yes, I'm the 'secret weapon', as it were.

[Chariot's words of introduction for Croix are casual, conflicting with her tone which is more aligned with Croix's implication of a long-standing history. Were Chariot's words true, it would not be quite so...unbalancing as failure to mention a co-worker's arrival is not much of anything. But failure to mention someone she shares a history with? Ramesses ultimately had not been surprised by Fang's decision to do so, but he is a little taken aback by Chariot's. It makes Croix's own means of introducing herself prickle at him just a touch, unusually finding it far too casual given his station and questioning just how much of who he is has been shared with this woman. No possibility on that front feels particularly better than the other as even if she has been clued into everything...]

[Still, there is very little sign of any such thoughts crossing his mind. They are in a public setting, particularly one in which there is a great deal riding upon things going well and Ramesses is nothing if not well-versed in how to conduct himself. He may have been raised a soldier first, but he was still always raised a prince. The only outward sign of any potential distress comes in the form in the barest of flickers to his smile, his breath pausing for that moment before becoming subtly audible with his next exhale and shoring his smile back into place. It may very well escape Croix's notice altogether or be mistaken for amusement, but it's possible Chariot catches it before Ramesses tamps it down. This is not the place to discuss such personal matters, and he shall make the decision to trust Chariot's reasoning for now. She is deserving of the benefit of the doubt for why this was kept from him. Ramesses gives Chariot's hand a light squeeze.]

Excellent, [he says warmly, glossing entirely over his own introduction and assuming (or at least hoping) Chariot did that much.] Come, I shall introduce you both.

[He keeps his hold on Chariot's hand as he leads them to the metaphorical lion's den.]

[ She did catch it, and there was that definite guilt swelling up there. She was grateful none of her Bonded were present to feel that feedback, as she was certain it was as tiresome as it was familiar. What doubt she was allowed may have been earned to some degree, but she knew she had some explaining ahead of her. To the both of them.

Still, Chariot's usual... Charoit-ness aside, she was glad to have them both there. Croix may still be carrying her own albatross, to be sure, but she drew strength from her presence, just as she did from Ramesses. And what's more, Croix had a knack for this kind of work. ]

Just watch her work. She's a natural at this.

[ Those words came with well more confidence then a lot of the things she tended to say. If there was anyone she had faith in their ability to charm old women out of funding, it was Croix.

The old women themselves lit up at the new arrivals. Mostly the fact that, hey, they had heard about Chariot, but this new person? With her air of devilish charm about her? Well she was downright intriguing wasn't she? ]

[Croix's smile widened as she saw the reactions of the supposed donors; finally, something she was good at. Something she didn't have to waffle over, or wait and forge a connection with. She could just be herself... or at least, someone she had practiced quite a bit to be.

The matter of this man and Chariot's relationship could, thankfully, be placed to the side for another time.]

Well, I'll certainly do my best. Lead the way.

[Ramesses says nothing to the promise of Croix's potential in this matter because nothing needs to be said at all. He trusts Chariot's judgment and knows full well that she would never bring someone she thought might jeopardize the funding. He does, however, offer Chariot one more smile just for her. A small reassurance that she will be okay and will do well herself. He has confidence in her even if she lacks it.]

Ladies, if I may, [Ramesses says, turning his attention away from his beloved and bringing Chariot to stand ahead of himself, near her intended chair. As he does, his hold on her hand shifts from something personal and trusting and clearly one intended for a little flourish for his presentation of her.] I would like to present to you the woman I have told you so much about, Professor Ursula Callistis. She is the one responsible for the school for the refugees from Dorchacht. It has been through her tireless efforts that those children displaced by the tragic events in Dorchacht have been able to access such a quality education.

[The women politely turn their attention to Chariot as he introduces her, some nodding in silent greeting while the vast majority continue to glance in their unexpected guest's direction. Some seated further away are even craning their necks somewhat to get a better view of this intriguing woman. They're practically all bursting at the seams wanting to know who exactly she is. Ramesses seems to follow this direction though it's unknown if it is intentional or not as he releases Chariot's hand and extends one to Croix to guide her to her nearby seat as well. It turns out he's sacrificing his own seat at this table for Croix. A little break from Lucilla, after all, is in order and she's probably easily spotted as she seems to huff a little in quiet disappointment.]

[Without anyone needing to say anything, the servants begin immediately clearing out the seat in front of Croix and replace it with a fresh set for her.]

And this woman here is among our new arrivals, Professor Croix Meridies.

[He steps back as the servants assist both Chariot and Croix in getting settled into their seats, but continues,]

Although she has not yet had an opportunity to prove herself here quite like Professor Callistis, Professor Meridies is also a member faculty from Luna Nova Academy, which, if you recall, is a prestigious academy within their own world that accepts only the brightest of students. [Ramesses intentionally does not speak of it as being a place to learn magic. While members of Parliament are not prejudiced against the Coven, he knows they are significantly less interested in that form of education. Keeping it ambiguous as to what is taught seems the best course of action in his estimation.] You will find no instructors more dedicated to their students than Professor Callistis and Professor Meridies, and I encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the educational plans at the orphanage. I know that both of them have many ideas that I think we can all agree are exciting but sound.

[He knows that's not what they're going to ask either of them. At least not the majority of the time. But he provides that gentle reminder so it can at least begin there and not leave either woman fielding personal questions immediately.]

[ Chariot had at least given Croix a briefing on the situation. The refugee school she already ran, the school for orphans they were in the process of opening. It was no surprise she'd been drawn to education, again, within this world, on top of everything else. But she still felt herself almost immediately wilting under the scrutiny of the wealthy women around her, letting out a nervous laugh.

No preparation could ever make her more capable in these situations, it seemed. No wonder she brought Croix along. ]

Education has long been a passion of mine. My associate, Professor Meridies, specializes in integration of technology into education, as well. We're both more than happy to present our experience, skills, and educational philosophy for these projects.

[ Though in all honesty, they both knew why Croix was there; to charm some old ladies out of their pocket books. Just like she'd charmed the tenured staff of Luna Nova. ]

[Croix did a bit of a polite bow of her head, before speaking up.]

Thank you for giving me this chance to speak to all of you. Back in Luna Nova, I couldn't have done what I did in expanding the curriculum without the forward thinking members of the staff. I'm reminded of them right now, seeing all of you here before me—it speaks to your foresight, wisdom, and care for this community I'm happy to now be a part of.

[Rule one of trying to convince someone of something: make them feel good about doing it.]

[He hadn't known what to expect from Croix. Although there's no doubt in his mind as far as trusting Chariot is concerned, she could have just as easily stumbled out the gate as she could succeed. But she makes the right choice in flattering the women and their egos, as there's a few murmurs of pleasure at the praise, offering Croix false modesty in return. Ramesses shares a brief glance with Chariot to silently convey his approval as the attention is easily shifted from himself to both Chariot and Croix instead. Stepping around, he gives Chariot's shoulder a squeeze as he passes her by and takes a new seat elsewhere at the table.]

[He doesn't even have a chance to properly sit before there's the first question about the scope of the intended curriculum.]

W-well... [ Already she was starting to stumble. This was definitely why she brought Croix along. ]

G-general education, of course, is the focus. Reading, writing, language skills, mathematics, basic sciences.

[ There were some awkward pauses in her listing, mostly because she was desperately trying to avoid mentioning anything to do with magic or astrology. ]

[Croix was prepared for this. She knew Chariot like the back of her hand, and knew this was an area she'd struggle with. Hopefully, what she said next would inspire some confidence.]

All in all, we're dedicated to making a curriculum that will allow these students to not only succeed, but become valued and productive members of society. I assure you, there's no one who is more prepared for this than Ursula Callistis—back home, her mentorship saw to the development of numerous fine students, including those who would have otherwise struggled with the curriculum.

[It was Akko she meant, of course. And though her words were grand, they weren't inaccurate.]

Y-yes! A supportive environment that will prepare them for either entering regular school systems upon adoption or to... e-enter the world prepared to c-contribute and...

[ She was floundering. She could practically feel all of the women leaning in, pointedly looking at her, waiting for her to finish. ]

... and contribute and support this city, once they're older. And of course, once again, I'd like to remind you all that credit for the boon this would give the city would go to the forward-thinking visionaries that made it possible.

[Under the table, Croix reached for Chariot's hand and squeezed it. Nothing more than a reminder that she wasn't alone on this particular stage.]

Please, understand, education means a lot to both of us. Professor Callistis, she's just so overcome with emotion regarding this matter... it's very dear to her.

[ Perfect save. Chariot let out a sigh, small in sound but heavy in her chest, and nodding in response to Croix's remark. She squeezed the other's hand, grateful for it. ]

We would be eternally grateful for further sponsorship on your behalf, to help these children.

[ That, at least, was deeply sincere for her. She couldn't butter it up anymore than it already was. Her gratitude came from a real place, and it showed. ]

D-did you have any further questions?

[As the two speak, Ramesses' attention has been more focused on their..."gracious" hosts than on Chariot or Croix. It appears that for the moment, some of the side conversations actually paused for a moment to hear the response. As flighty as all of these women are, they are concerned about their investments being put to good use. Towards the end, there are some murmurs of well, those are some high ambitions, giggles, quiet cooing as though both professors were novel little pets, and positive comments on both of their obvious passion for educating children. If there were any doubts to the latter, they certainly put an end to those.]

[Ramesses sets his cup back down.]

Before you arrived, there had been some discussion about measuring each student's progress.

Yes, yes! [One of the women sitting opposite Croix jumps in at that point. She had been one of the ones to remark upon the ambition of the project to her neighbor.] You say they will be prepared to enter into regular education upon adoption, but how will you know they are ready for such a thing? The little things likely barely know how to read and write.

I told them that you and other educators participating would likely design individualized remedial education plans.

[While initially it had been intended as a lifeline for Chariot, now Ramesses' remark much more intentionally serves as a foundation for Croix to extrapolate upon. Ramesses glances at her, silently nudging her to take the lead on this point since even setting aside her easy confidence, she does appear to be more of the innovator between the two.]

[Luckily, Croix has an answer ready for this.]

That would be correct. Every student has their own needs, and what's more, there are some students who will need more attention than others. Individualized lesson plans, special attention, remedial classes, we're prepared for all of it.

[She stopped, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before continuing.]

It's true that many of them are starting from zero, but... is that not how we all begin our studies? I myself had to work long hours to become the woman I am today. But I did it... because I was motivated, and because I had educators and mentors that instilled in me a sense of ambition.

[Never mind that that ambition became nefarious. They didn't need to know that.]

I want nothing more to than to pass that same sense on to another generation. I've made a lot of choices in my life, but of this, this is one of which I am most certain.

Edited 2020-11-12 20:59 (UTC)

[ Besides, if Croix started teaching Super Villain 101, it wasn't like Chariot wouldn't be there to gently course correct. ]

What's more, we'll bring in volunteers who can put in the time and energy to see to any needs the students might have.

[ Which she hoped further sealed the response. ]

Any other questions?

[There are questions. Many, many questions. Although the conversation does eventually devolve into its usually exchanging and repetition of gossip, it does not occur quite as quickly as Ramesses expected (or Chariot likely hoped for). The women are protective of their money and investments and refuse to leave anything to chance. They scrutinize every possible avenue they can think of for failure, determining if they feel the initial plans or failsafes will make a reasonable difference.]

[And doesn't Croix sell it all?]

[Ramesses says little, allowing most of the floor to Chariot and Croix, but he is attentive the entire time. While Chariot never reaches a level of ease, that sort of performative confidence he knows for a fact now she still possesses, Croix thrives throughout. There isn't a single misstep. She laughs when she is supposed to. She peppers in compliments at the right moments. She even feigns humility every now and again without completely undermining her message. Her promises, regardless of how grand they might seem, never seem beyond anyone's reach. He could likely have done a little better himself.]

[Although it is Chariot who receives the most enthusiastic pieces of his praise. As reach the sidewalk, Ramesses scoops her and gives her both a twirl and a kiss.]

You were wonderful in there! [Ramesses punctuates with another kiss, but he does not set her down. Instead, he merely makes the slight adjustment to carry Chariot back to her apartment. She is likely going to need to say something for him to put her down. Even then, who knows if he'll oblige?] Both of you.

[He looks to Croix with a warm smile as they walk. His enthusiasm may go to Chariot, but that does not mean he is about to neglect Croix.]

A mere five minutes in and I believe you fully captured most of their imaginations. It is not something I say lightly, but I was quite impressed with you. Perhaps you ought to consider lending your talents more directly to the Council in the future if you feel up to the challenge of Parliament.

[For what it's worth, Chariot remains cool under pressure for the remainder. For the most part, she's enthusiastic and a bit excited by the time they're finished, feeling as though she's accomplished something...

... And then, Ozymandias scooping Chariot up like he did and kissing her knocks the wind from her sails, for reasons she doesn't fully understand. She betrays only the tiniest bit of this feeling, the corner of her lip being tugged down for the merest of instants, before it returns to all smiles and charm like before.]

Politics, eh? I think I'd best get more used to my new surroundings before doing that, but you have me intrigued. Until then, I'm happy to help where I can.

[ It wasn't like she could blame Ramesses for his elation, or how he showed it. After over a year of courting, of challenges and triumphs within their relationship, his openness with is affection and certainty in her receptiveness of it was earned and established. So he likely couldn't have expected how... familiarly hesitant Chariot was to accept it, her nerves spiking and anxiousness worn in the eyes behind her weaker smile. Like something had changed, regressed... another step backwards.

She felt almost immediately guilty about it. She had... a lot of ground to cover, still. There was so much changed, so much more complicated by Croix being there. Like she suddenly had reason to doubt her right to it, once again. A stirring in her heart made frightening and unknowable...

She tried to put it aside. And to her credit, she didn't move away from him, keeping within his arms as she turned back to Croix. ]

I think... we should probably wait for her to be more secure here, first, before she dives into all that. We're still furnishing her living space, and then there's the whole thing about Bonds and...

[ Stumbling over her words, still. It would almost make it seem like THOSE concerns were why she had been so hesitant in the face of Ozymandias' affection. ]

[He does not particularly notice Croix's reaction to his affections since his attention lies elsewhere during that brief moment of a near-frown. But there is little that he can do to avoid noticing Chariot's...withdrawal from him.]

[It has been many, many months now, but he need not be Bonded to her to know it for what it is; Ramesses is holding her close enough to himself that he can feel that slight tension within her when he kisses her. Even before she speaks, he has a feeling her words are not to leave her easily. She feels so ready to spring from his arms that he considers setting her down. But Ramesses does not yield. He knows well enough by now to know there is a great difference between easing up on his affections because Chariot is asking for a moment to catch her breath, to settle and lean into it at a slower pace, and when her anxiety is relaying only gods know what to her heart and mind. To set her down now would be a concession if not an outright affirmation of it.]

[And if there is one thing that he refuses to concede to it is that. They may have a conversation on the horizon. He may want to hear from her the reason why she kept something from him when she never has before. But he has no desire to scold her, or place demands and ultimatums. That has never been his way with her, nor does he have any desire to make it so. He just wants to understand. And so, he will not allow for a single moment in which Chariot believes his affections and trust to be anything other than unwavering. If the floor has to become lava and he never sets her down again to prove that point to her, then so be it.]

That is why I said in the future, [he says with a small laugh (relative to his usual).] Even if it would be my prerogative, I would not be so unfair as to make such a demand on someone so new to this city. That would only lead to a series of blunders regardless of talent and skills.

Besides, the pair of you will have quite a bit to do for a while yet with the orphanage. I would rather have such minds focused on that task for now, particularly in ensuring that it shall be eventually self-sustaining financially.

[Chariot's nervousness isn't lost on Croix, either, even from her position. It makes her wonder, but the idea of her being an x-factor her isn't lost on her. But neither is Ozymandias's obvious affection for her.

... This is good for Chariot, she decides. Regardless of how she may or may not feel, that's what's important. Besides, this was likely concern for her friend rearing its ugly head, rather than anything petty like jealousy, right?

Right.

In any case, she continues acting like nothing is concerning her.]

Let's not write it off? And yes, the orphanage should be our first priority. As well as getting to the point where we don't have to worry about securing funds from those so fickle with their money.

[ She had some awkward, but necessary, conversations in her future. The very idea of it was making her heart feel like it was crushing a pit into her stomach. Thankfully, she was able to at least put on a fine enough face. ]

All of this has really worn me out, though... I-I should probably head back home, for the moment.

Shall I walk you the whole way home then, my love?

[Ramesses knows that Chariot can manage plenty on her own and he worries a lot less than he did in the beginning when just a short walk around the block used to tire her out, but he cannot quite keep himself from making the offer all the same.]

I promise I shall allow you your rest and not attempt to invite myself in.

[He smiles genuinely at her as part of that promise. Or at least to convince her that it's a genuine promise and not him trying to suggest anything.]

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