[open] vive la france to the birthday girl

[thejoyrider]

Who: Marie and her birthday guests
When: Noveuer 2nd
Where: The house she lives in with Scathach and Zelda
What: birthday party and you are invited!
Warnings: n/a




i

[Marie's room has gained new decorations... or maybe it always looks like this? You would have to visit her again to find out. For now though, why not try some of the fine French cuisine that has been prepared? Baguettes, quiches, sweet and savory crêpes are lined up on plates. There's more!

If it is something sweeter you are looking for, rows of macarons and eclairs are waiting for you. Or maybe you prefer crème brûlée? Just remember to not eat too much - after all you still have to try Marie's birthday cake!]

ii

[It is still a few days before the masquerade, but why should we wait? Let's get some practice and dance! Make sure not to bump into other guests though, since the room is a bit smaller than Marie would have told you, even if she claims that she could absolutely fit half of Aefenglom in here.

If you are not one for dancing, why don't you take a seat, relax a bit and listen to the music? Or maybe you would like to play something yourself?]

iii

[Need a break from the celebration? Or maybe you are not a party type at all and only came here because Marie talked you into it or made you promise you would come? Maybe spend some time in the garden and breathe in some fresh air? The season has turned chilly though, so make sure to dress appropriately!

The birthday girl might check up on you to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, but in the meanime, maybe strike up a conversation about the passing year with someone else who is resting a bit?]

wildcard?

[want to do something else? sure!]

Comments

[kivatteru]

[ He snorts amusedly at that, shaking his head. ]

I would never feel too tired doing something I like. Physically, I can agree, but otherwise no.

[thejoyrider]

You know, this is so fascinating to me how some people like you or Amadeus are able to completely devote yourselves to something that is your passion and not get tired or burnt out on it...

[Her tone is still playful but a tint of seriousness is there as well]

[kivatteru]

[ It's not a comment he receives very often, because he didn't have a lot of friends who even pointed it out before. Honestly, it makes him think a little. ]

I suppose we both have quite similar roots on how we feel about music.

Is there something you'd also devote yourself to, Marie?

[thejoyrider]

[Oh, she did not really expect that question. Her existence as Heroic Spirit was tied to the concept of being loved and having others devote themselves to her. But what about her own devotion? Was she capable of it?]

My country and the people, I think? [because that’s the most obvious answer] I would do whatever I could for the sake of their happiness.

[kivatteru]

Your country?

[ He regards her with a bit of confusion, because he's pretty sure he didn't hear of that before. ]

Were you... a ruler in your home world?

[thejoyrider]

Indeed I was. I was a queen of France, even though it’s not the place of my birth. But please, do not start treating me any differently now. Aefenglom has no kings and queens after all.

[She briefly wonders if he would recognize the name of the country. Some people she met in Aefenglom did, after all, know about France and to some it was a completely unheard of faraway land]

[kivatteru]

[ Queen of France... please excuse Wataru as he looks plenty taken aback by the revelation. ]

You're...

[ He'd read a few books here and there, about history and such, at his leisure - since he didn't go to school, but he distinctly remembers a few of the names regarding the french revolution, and among those there was- ]

Marie Antoinette?

[thejoyrider]

Ah yes, that is exactly what my True Name is! I take it you are familiar with it?

[Servants being protective of the secret of their True Names? Could not be her. Not like keeping it secret had any kind of meaning anymore. They have given up their Servanthood upon arrival in Aefenglom after all]

[kivatteru]

[ Unlike with Edelgard, whom he has to address as a Lady for reasons that are out of her control, Marie just told him not to treat her differently. Problem is, she's likely the one Marie Antoinette who lived in his world centuries ago, and it's a bit of an unsettling discovery to make. Seeing his deceased father pales in comparison. ]

Honestly... a little. I figured people from past times could still appear here, but it's still surprising to me.

[ It's so hard to act casual with her now! He scratches his head. ]

[thejoyrider]

The world you come from must be pretty similar to ours, isn’t it? Either way...

[Her tone becomes a bit more serious, her smile a bit faded]

I sincerely hope that whatever it is that my name makes you feel, it would not affect the way you think about me as a person.

[kivatteru]

[ He firmly shakes his head. ]

No... not quite. I'm surprised, but not to the point it would change my views. You're still a friend, and if you ask me to still treat you no differently then I will.

[ It'd be the reverse of what Edelgard asked of him - to prefix her name with "Lady" at all times - but the idea is still the same. He's respectful of people's wishes. ]

[thejoyrider]

I am glad to hear that!

[and she surely is]

Even more so that you consider me a friend! Of course the feeling is mutual, but I am really happy to hear it from you!

[kivatteru]

[ Ah, that's really cute. He sheepishly rubs the back of his head, messing with his hair. ]

... I know how it feels like to hear that sort of thing from someone, so I want to share the positive feelings it brings, even just a little bit.

[thejoyrider]

That’s really nice of you, Wataru, you are a really positive person!

[She smiles at him]

I think many of the Mirrorbound in Aefenglom could use a bit of these positive feelings.

[kivatteru]

I try to... well, see the good in people and situations. I have to admit it's not easy for me to do.

[ His expression sours slightly. ] I used to share an opposite mindset before. It wouldn't shake off for several years.