middaeg | [Closed] February Catch All

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.

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--

"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?"

[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.

[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.]

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.

[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.

[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!

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."

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.

[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.

[Edelgard makes a quiet sound as they're led into the room, noting as much was goes unsaid as what is said. Enkidu had been savaged particularly hard, but what galled the most was Marianne's treatment, the experiments plainly attempted on her Crests having deeply personal implications for everyone from Fodlan.]

They are recooperating as best as they can. Justice served swiftly is some small comfort to them and to myself, as hopefully it will deter further incidents.

[Further incidents would not go so bloodlessly for anyone, she's certain.]

Though, I'd asked you here more to speak on other matters. And to once again offer my thanks for your gift. Modranicht's traditions are a touch alien to those of us from Fodlan.

[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.

[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.

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?

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.

Edited 2020-02-09 23:27 (UTC)

[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.

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?

[Truly, Edelgard was living the dream.]

Yes, that is the count I have as well-- although I wasn't aware that Bernadetta also had the Professor as a male.

[It added a level of dynamic to the pieces they were trying to puzzle together with this information. Lorenz was starting to wonder about what it was that tied their world together...]

Felix and Sylvain were both a touch... dramatic with me. It seems we were put in a position in their alternate Fodlan where Sylvain was forced to personally see to my demise. While it's a possible fate I've accepted, it still is rather unnerving to think about.

Edited 2020-02-10 02:55 (UTC)

I...see.

[That is a possibility that would certainly unsettle anyone. Though, given what Dimitri had ranted about the last time she saw him, it was hardly surprising that the Deer would fall into his army's path in other worlds.]

Fortunately, that is not the case. Though, I suspect he'd like nothing more than to try and kill me himself, now.

Which is why, of the two from Faerghus, I fear that Sylvain may be the more unreasonable one. Given our prior camaraderie during our time at the Officer's Academy, I had hoped for this to not be the case.

[A sigh. He had never imagined Sylvain to be more troublesome than Felix.]

Agreed. It's particularly galling given that the pair of them were men I trusted in my own past.

[Though, Felix more than Sylvain for a number of reasons.]

Sylvain, though, has always struck me as the more flighty of the two. Brash, and not prone to thinking things through. Felix just wants to fight, but he's less...snappy...when he finds common ground.

He and I have had no trouble thusfar. He's listened to what I've said, and I gave the pair of them a copy of my notes on Aefenglom and on the Cwyld.

Felix was someone the Deer could rely upon too. In my version of Fodlan, he was intrigued by the Professor's swordplay and insisted on joining the class. After the war broke out, he eventually made his way to the Alliance.

[It made him wonder if Felix was a possible pin in this puzzle, or merely a piece being moved around by other factors at play.]

He is not difficult to deal with. Sylvain... is Sylvain.

[It was what it was. The two considered each other to be something like rivals during their time attending the Officer's Academy. Neither of them had any luck in love or romance... likely for the better, given how history played out.]

They likely appreciate your gesture more than they let on. Now, let us hope they read the notes before doing something reckless.

Out of curiosity, Lorenz...how many classmates joined the Golden Deer during your tenure at the academy?

[That does seem to be a point of contention between all of them as well. It may well be that Byleth is the linchpin in all of this, the thing upon which all of their houses of cards stand.]

[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.

[Closed] February Catch All

For Zelda (OOT)

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For Ozymandias

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For Maria