[Closed] February Catch All

[unyieldingmarch]

Who: Edelgard von Hresvelg and Various
When: February
Where: All over!
What: Some closed prompts for CR
Warnings: Just the usual warnings for Edelgard: potential discussions of violence and human suffering.



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For Zelda (OOT)

[unyieldingmarch]

The last few weeks had been stressful indeed, enough so that Edelgard had felt it a wise decision to get out and change her situation some. She needed to relax, to remove herself from the negative stimulations hitting her of late. The arrival of friends turned foe, and the horrors the Rathmores had inflicted upon people she considered to be under her aegis were all complicated problems, and the only solution she could think of was to enjoy the festival with someone unconnected from all of these things. She had few such, but one stood out.

And so it was that she had arranged to meet Zelda and attend a bonfire celebration. In as fitting a manner as possible, she had organized a carriage ride for the pair. A chance to enjoy the brisk evening air before attending the gathering would be nice.

And so, she arrives precisely at the time she said she would, waiting outside of Zelda's abode. Dressed in a red shirt and brown trousers, without her crown for once, shoulders covered by a heavy cloak, she cuts a more casual but no less refined figure than normal. This is not an evening for formality, but one for enjoyment, and trying some local fashions seems just the thing.

Hopefully it's not too bold.

[sageprincess]

It is... a little bold, but then, Zelda has decided this is as good a time as any to throw on the coat Ozymandias got her for the winter holiday over her dress, so it all evens out, really.

Her concern for her own mental well-being is still rather questionable (she certainly wouldn't have initiated this sort of thing, if it were her choice), but recent events have been more than enough to wear at her to not putting up much of a fight when the idea is proposed to her. It's not like she can focus much on anything more productive at the moment, anyway. So, Edelgard isn't left waiting at the doorstep long before the princess appears, blue eyes flicking from her to the carriage waiting in the wings-- a sight that startles a little laugh out of her.

"My goodness, you really put quite a bit of thought into this, didn't you?" In the grand scheme of things, it's hardly that extravagant, but Zelda hasn't really been treated like the princess she is in nearly a decade, so. It's still more than she was expecting. In a good way, as when her eyes land back on Edelgard, she's smiling. "And you look so gallant as well."

Edelgard could make a potato sack look dignified, how does she do it--

[unyieldingmarch]

"Thought? This was...just the first thing that came to mind."

Edelgard is genuinely puzzled by that, but shrugs it off quickly enough, sliding from her seat to walk over and offer Zelda her hand. If a friend wants her to play at gallantry, well, she was not known for chivalry but she had been trained by the Empire's finest Knights, and the Church's as well. She could fake it, and fake it well.

Perhaps it is a little bold, but she lifts Zelda's hand up and dips her head, kissing the back of her hand in a show of proper gallantry.

"I'm glad you were able to come. These last days have been a trying time, and I know both of us could use a quiet evening. And what better way to go than by carriage?"

[sageprincess]

The gesture makes her brows raise a bit, a pink flush warming her cheeks and the tips of her long ears as she bites her lip, but she does not pull her hand away. It's fine, she's fine, they're just playing pretend a little to have some fun, that's all. She lifts her opposite hand to cover her mouth as she clears her throat, and when she drops it, her smile is back in place.

"It has just... been quite some time since I have traveled anywhere by carriage, is all I meant," she explains as she pulls her skirts up and steps up into the cart. "I am grateful that you thought of me to share this evening with. Getting away from everything for a little while... is a temptation even I find myself hardly able to resist at the moment."

Which is a lot for Miss "Can't even allow herself to look sad without feeling guilty" to admit as much.

[unyieldingmarch]

That is exactly what Edelgard is doing. She's playing at something gallant, the knight that a princess deserves, despite being no true knight and someone who's not overly found of the chivalric codes. Church doctrine being integral to them, she's truly only playing.

"I think you will find yourself in plentiful company in that regard, Zelda. I myself have succumbed to such a temptation, clearly."

She steps up after Zelda, settling down beside the blonde woman, curling her hand gently up over her own. The gloves she's chosen are soft, pure white, and holding tightly as the carriage lurches into motion.

"It all seems so normal, or what would pass for normal at home. Though it's been some years since I traveled by carriage myself. I tend to ride horses, pegusai or wyverns into battle, and so find myself in the saddle more often than a seat."

For Ozymandias

[unyieldingmarch]

[The trial over, that particularly ugly chapter of Mirrorbound history closed, and with this new parliamentary council forming makes it seem a good time to begin reaching out to contacts. Particularly those on the council, but also to people she feels she got along with. Ozymandias was right at the top of her list, a good cross-section of the two.

Arranging for a meal wasn't difficult, there were plenty of vampire-friendly shops around, and she was well practiced at covering every inch of herself.

So that is how she'll greet the Pharaoh when he arrives. Completely covered, waiting inside the entrance of the agreed upon restaurant. It's ostensibly a brunch hour, but her sleep schedule is so varied of late...]

Good to see you. [Says a cloaked figure.] I'm glad you agreed to meet.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias was not in what one would consider to be high spirits, at least not relative to him, but they were certainly far better than they had been in several weeks. The outcome of the trial had been exactly what was needed and the creation of this council was enough to restore some of his trust in the city. But with so many of those close to him still languishing in beds, struggling to return to their lives... It's difficult to put it entirely behind oneself so quickly. But he makes a concerted effort all the same, if not for his own sake than for theirs.]

[And so, he greets her warmly upon recognizing her voice through her understandable manner of dress.]

Of course. I am grateful to have received the invitation. [His smile widens.] Though next time, I would accept a later meal for your own comfort.

[unyieldingmarch]

I would appreciate that in future. Though I do need to get used to the clothing when I go out...and to day seemed as good a day as any. There are vampire friendly rooms, and I've already requested one, so all will be well.

[Their server smiles pleasantly and waves the pair of them towards a side corridor just off the main passage. Into a windowless portion of the restaurant, no doubt.]

I hope that you weren't too personally affected by the recent unpleasantness, but given what happened I know that to be a vain hope.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias walks with Edelgard as their server leads them to their table. His smile turns a touch grim at her question.]

Unfortunately, I don't believe any of us were left unaffected. [Friends, lovers, Bonded... All of them were taken from the Mirrorbound, and Ozymandias was no exception.] I only find peace knowing that justice was delivered.

[Albeit an uneasy peace. Ozymandias does not say much, however, not while they are still in such a public place with more than just the two of them present. He can still feel his Bonded rage from that night they escaped, acrid in the back of his throat.]

I hope those you know are making swift recoveries.

[ua_duibhne]

[The month hasn't been particularly kind to the process of healing so far but Diarmuid would take it over the outright cruelty of the end of the last one in a heartbeat and, eventually, his patience is rewarded. As the days go by, things begin to settle down; his dreams grow less disturbed, his smile easier to fake at work and, on this particular afternoon, he's almost indistinguishable from normal.

It's been a little quieter over the past week with a mixture of the chill in the air and the the Rathmore's trial casting a long, dark shadow over a lot of the month's usual celebrations. On the plus side, it means that Edelgard won't be kept waiting very long before being served. Diarmuid approaches the table, brushing off his kilt with one hand as he retrieves his notepad from his apron pocket with the other, ready to take an order.]

Good afternoon. What would you- [Diarmuid blinks, gold eyes briefly widening- and then his smile is back in full force, all the more charming now that the small amount of performative cheer that was there before has been replaced by something genuine.] Ah, Lady von Hresvelg...! Grand to see you again.

[Under entirely different circumstances too. It's almost surreal.]

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard, taking early evening tea just after sunset (given her vampiric condition), isn't expecting to see many people here either. Tea is a thing that she only goes out for when she needs to relax and separate from Hubert and his brooding for a time. And in the wake of the trial, her thoughts definitely need a little distance to reorganize themselves.

She's rewarded with a mostly quiet place, but imagine her surprise when she notes her server.]

Why, Sir Duibhne, what a pleasure to see you again as well.

[She's not having to fake a smile at all.]

Please, just call me Edelgard, or Lady Edelgard if you must insist on titles. Lady von Hresvelg is a touch formal even for me!

[ua_duibhne]

Ah, my apologies, it's a force of habit.

[Even after all this time, adjusting his manners in that area has been something of a difficulty; it's in his nature to be respectful of titles, even when they've technically lost all significance. Regardless, he gives her a short bow- though this time she might get the impression that it's something he does for every customer rather than just those of noble birth.]

In which case, I ask that you call me Diarmuid. As long as it suits you, that is.

[unyieldingmarch]

Certainly, Diarmuid.

[He certainly is well mannered. She's not against this, not in the slightest.]

You work here, then? Or is this a temporary employment taken from the bulletin boards?

[bergamotrose]

[The last time they had spoken, they had talked about the possibility of war.

It wasn't war per se. At best, it was a deliverance of justice; at worst, it was a culling of the herd. But the winds had changed and, with a verdict that was favorable to their cause being written down into law, Lorenz had found himself wondering if a very different war might be threatening to overturn the strange balance that their few from Fodlan had found within the protections of the Bright Wall and the structures of Aefenglom.

Thus it was night time that they had arranged to meet-- out of respect for Edelgard's growing limitations regarding time of day and her ability to travel when the sun lit up the sky. Small fortune that DiplomaTea was open late, and that Lorenz himself was more than familiar with late nights.]

Lady Edelgard. [He said, with a smile that showed a touch more honest relief than distant politeness.] Thank you for coming out. It's good to be able to share tea with you in more peaceful circumstances.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard was content to come out during the day, if she had the chance to bundle up. And if the place had a private room for Vampires. Most did, but night was easier, given how lethargic she could be during the day.

She offered Lorenz a genial smile as she settled down across the table in the little dining area]

It's been nice, yes. Thank you for inviting me, Lorenz.

[bergamotrose]

It's always a being with you,

[He said, taking his seat as well. It was a chance to take some weight off his legs-- and some weight off his mind.

The tea was there waiting for them-- Earl Grey-- along with the appropriate snacks. None too sweet, and none too heavy for the affair. Relaxing, Lorenz carefully pulled them both a cup.]

Are you are aware that our numbers have nearly doubled? [He asked. It was rhetorical, because he was well aware that she was more than aware.] I find myself somewhat troubled by this matter... what do you make of it?

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard closes her eyes, reaching into her pocket and producing a small flask. Tipping it into her tea, she carefully stirs a reddish liquid into the drink. She has truly become a vampire aristocrat, able to survive on tea alone.]

I am aware. And I am troubled, but only because of some of the circumstances. The number of alternate Fodlans has doubled as well.

[She points to herself, then to him.]

Hubert and myself, you. Then Bernadetta...though her world appears identical to mine save for the professor being a man. And then Felix and Sylvain.

For Maria

[unyieldingmarch]

[A night ride, the chance to go exploring...strange things to crave, but no stranger than anything else that had been going on lately. Daylight made it difficult, and while night might seem a strange time for a ride, there were rumors that this pool would be easier to locate at night.

Edelgard reigned in her horse, a sleek brown mare with a gentle temperament, and looked back at her traveling companion. The emperor, dressed more casually than usual with a simple white shirt and brown trousers, looked well at ease in the saddle, but her eyes had an eager edge in them.]

We're close to where this place supposedly appears. I think we'll have to stray some from the path.

[whomthebelltolls]

[Maria doesn't trust the Wildes, not near Aefenglom, and especially not near Dorchacht, where they've not really been patrolled in who-knows-how-many years. So she's more dressed up in her Hunter's attire, and armed as well as she always is - her sword, her gun, and the dagger Fugo got her for Modrainicht tucked neatly into a little sheath at her back, under her cloak, in case she needed another blade for any reason.

And she gently tugs at the reins of her big blood bay warhorse, looking over the area, then nodding.] Be prepared if they're guarded. Last time we went looking for magic-imbued water, the place was infested with Shades and giant lizards, and the water carried the blight.

[unyieldingmarch]

I am well prepared.

[Edelgard's weapon was slung across the back of her horse, Aymr casting a strange orange light around the woman riding it, and at her hip was a long silver saber, ready and waiting for monsters to try her patience. Knives she had in abundance as well...]

Monsters are not new to me, Maria. I might even relish a good fight, after this last month's frustrations.

[whomthebelltolls]

It is simply a warning for what to expect. It's not that I don't think you can take care of yourself, or whatever else you think I may assume about you. [She thinks Edelgard is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but a little warning about how awful these things can be, she wouldn't think is entirely unappreciated.

Or, she wouldn't, but it's whatever at this point. She wheels her horse to the side and sidles off between a decent clearing between trees.]

For Zelda (BotW)

[unyieldingmarch]

It was easy to agree to go on a short jaunt like this with Princess Zelda. She was an inquisitive person by nature, and that brought out similar instincts in Edelgard. She had always enjoyed learning and seeing new things, having new experiences, and gaining firsthand knowledge of the world around her. The Princess's enthusiasm, hidden behind a mask of propriety though it may be, was something the Emperor wanted to encourage.

And given her protector's absence from this world, Edelgard was willing to step into that role from time to time. Dressed in her enchanted shirt, warded as though it were armor by layers of spells, with her glowing orange axe slung in a leather thong across her back, and with a silver saber at her hip, she trudges along the path into the forest.

"Have you adventured much within Hyrule, Zelda?" she asks, not hiding her curiosity in the slightest.

[lucubrates]

There were a few stipulations to their outing. Zelda had inquired, her interest in learning the geography of the land too great, if they could take their time as they went about it. Secondly, they had to move when the sun was gone. This was the most interesting part, naturally, but Zelda didn't feel frightened by it; despite her adventure in the woods turning bloody before, this is a woman who had won a war. There was nothing, she felt, that could truly be an obstacle for them.

She had put on an old, worn down winter coat that she'd purchased from a cheap vendor. The fur was real, but it had surely been handed down from a few owners. The hardware was old and chipped, but it did the job. Though there was a light chill in the air, it was not going to keep her from doing what she desired.

"I had," she admits with ease. Nodding, continued in a cheerful tone, "I wanted to know my land and my people. So I journeyed. It was the most reliable way to get anywhere, especially when I had to meet Hyrule's Champions." Reaching up, she splayed her fingers out, thinking she might be able to pretend she could grab the moon. "I always dreamed I might discover an easier way, though. I believe... the Slate allowed for faster traveling. But..."

But it had only been for the hero. For Link. Curious.

[unyieldingmarch]

Edelgard watches Zelda with amused fascination, in her own way. She's so different from the other Zelda, who's so prim and proper that she might have made a good match for Ferdinand von Aegir. This one's playfulness doesn't go unnoticed, and her obvious curiosity and desire to get out and see things feel a little at odds with her title. Not that Edelgard has ever been very Royal herself, running around on a battlefield, so she can't say that she expects anything different. But the contrast is stark.

"The Slate?" she asks when Zelda breaks off. She isn't sure what that means, exactly. Did she have some sort of artifact vehicle?

[lucubrates]

It's not entirely off, truth be told. The Slate could bee a vehicle or summon one, rather, if the Runes were inclined to work. The question seems to surprise her, though. She rustles with something attached to her back, pulling it out of the pouch on her belt.

The Sheikah Slate's eye stares back at Edelgard, for Zelda keeps the screen turned to him.

"I must not have mentioned it to you. This is the Sheikah Slate. We unearthed it in one of our excavations, and it has been quite handy since then. It works with the use of Runes, though..." With a click of her tongue, she tilts her head.

"Much like my own magic, it has waned here. I should have shown you this instead of describing Hyrule to you! Perhaps we should take look through it soon."