King Xander of Nohr (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
advancements) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
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Oh, the roses here are truly quite grand. The gardeners here are quite adept at taking care of everything that grows here, but the roses truly stand above all of them. They're so wonderfully vibrant and pristine...they may not hold a candle to those in House Gloucester's garden, but they are quite close.
[Camilla is more than happy to listen, though, her smile gentle and kind as she does. Lorenz truly does seem to be quite excited at the prospect of all of this; really, it makes her happy to see that.]
This place truly is steeped in the most delightful history. Perhaps a trip to the library should be something to consider; I imagine it would be a delightful excursion to see what the scholars have left behind for us to glean.
[Ah, Professors...]
Oh, I have heard a bit about at least a few of our professors...there is Professor Hanneman, to start. The "Father of Crestology", if I am not mistaken; a rather dignified fellow with a great hunger for research. There is Professor Casagranda as well, though I have heard less interesting information about her...she was apparently quite the singer for the Mittlefrank Opera Company at one point or another, though I have yet to see if such a thing will play into her teaching abilities...
[...There is a minor difference in how Camilla seems to address what she's learned of each teacher; there's definitely some apprehension when she discusses Hanneman, for what's likely to be obvious reasons. Even if she doesn't know a thing about Manuela, she sounds more enthusiastic about her.
...Not that Camilla honestly knows a damn thing about the specifics of Manuela's position, which is likely all too clear in how she addresses it; she's never been to an opera in her life, after all.]
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But the teachers are what have captured his attention the most. He's not surprised Camilla isn't all that fond of Hanneman from the sound of it; if the man is as interested in crest research as his title suggests, they may have to keep an eye on him. Assuming he isn't placed in charge of their class, that is.]
I have heard all sorts of wondrous things about Professor Casagranda's singing... unfortunately, I never did get to see her on stage. I wonder what could have brought her here...? Teaching seems like a far cry from the opera, but perhaps there's more to her story.
[He's content to leave the subject of Hanneman alone for now. That simply isn't something they really have any say over, but should they be stuck with him, Lorenz will endeavor to ensure Camilla remains comfortable. That is his duty both as a noble, and as her liege. And maybe even as her friend.]
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Is that so? A shame, I must admit. Not that I have ever been to an opera before, but...they always sound like such lovely things. I'm surprised that she would leave the stage at all.
[Surely they'd have use for an older woman singer??]
But perhaps she simply wanted a change of scenery; with her fame, it must have given her a certain amount of freedom to decide what she wanted to do with her life. If she's dedicated herself to teaching, it must mean that she's quite fond of doing so, no? To learn from someone with that much enthusiasm...really, she would be bound to ensure that we excel.
[...Camilla, honey, if only you knew.]
That is, of course, simply an assumption; there are still bound to be teachers that we haven't met yet. I do wonder if the fencing instructor may be another of our potential professors...I do not know with certainty, however.
[She's heard the least about Jeritza, including his name, but he's apparently here for fighting? Which. Honestly, sign Camilla right up.]
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[Though that implies that they'd be new to teaching at Garreg Mach... Hmm. That could prove to be troublesome if they aren't a very skilled teacher.]
Well, I suppose we'll see how things go. Regardless of who heads our class, I'm certain it will be very interesting. My father has nothing but praise for the Officers Academy, after all!
[He finishes off his tea and sets the teacup back down, leaning on the table and resting his chin against his hand.]
What are you most interested in learning, Camilla?
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[Like, it's not like we're just gonna conscript some random mercenary we find on the side of the road, right? We're gonna have an actual, competent teacher in the house, right???
Camilla nods in agreement, taking another sip of tea at his words--His Grace wouldn't recommend the academy if he didn't think it was up to his standards, after all. They'll simply have to wait and see...]
Oh, many things. I do admit that the combat teachings are what I am most delighted to learn; I would most like to refine my methods of protecting you, my lord. They would never expect a humble servant to be able to wield an axe, would they?
[...Camilla's smile is slightly terrifying when she says that, in a way that's all faux pleasantry but no warmth, but her thoughts go to something else and she seems to grow surprisingly enthusiastic and the warmth comes back.]
Perhaps maybe, as well...oh, I'd most love to learn how to ride a wyvern. I've heard that they have many of them within their stables, and they're simply the most darling things. But that may be a long ways off...
[...Ehem, let's. Forget that undignified moment there, Camilla comes back into reality and coughs--]
Oh, do forgive my rambling...what most interests you?
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But speaking of crazy things, there goes Camilla... Not that Lorenz really minds, Camilla's mildly terrifying but she is very adamant about protecting him so it's fine, right?? Right.]
Certainly not. I'm sure you'll surprise quite a few of our classmates once lessons begin.
[Her gushing about riding a wyvern is actually pretty cute, though... It isn't often Camilla lets herself get carried away by... well, anything, much less whims and fancies like this. She always does her best to appear composed and the ever-dutiful servant. Seeing her let down her guard - even just a bit - is always a welcome treat.]
Nonsense, if if is something that interests you then there is no reason to apologize! I can certainly imagine you as a wyvern rider... I imagine the freedom of flying would be something you'd quite enjoy, along with taking care of your mount.
[Camilla likes to take care of people, so give her a wyvern, that is absolutely a wonderful idea. She does try to change the subject though, and after that's out there, he'll answer her question.]
Truthfully, I'm more interested in learning about history and politics than I am about battle, though I can certainly see where it will be necessary for us to hone our skills in combat. I would like to learn more about horseback riding...
[you're getting shoved in the dark knight class whether you like it or not, so you'd better enjoy it, buddy]
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Camilla does smile, though, to start; she does believe she'll be able to surprise their classmates, after all. Of course, Lorenz winds up bringing up the wyvern while she's taking another sip of tea, and it at least allows her to get her bearings before she answers. He's so enthusiastically validating her interests that it's almost embarrassing? Actually, scratch that, it's completely embarrassing, and Camilla absolutely needs to compose herself before she answers because she's gonna die? She's gonna fucking die.
Just. Just let her put the tea cup down once she's back to being completely composed. Only from Lorenz she'd get so much embarrassment, she supposes, but at least she's not flushed or anything silly like that. It just took her off guard to be...well, validated.
...Let her address just address his interests, okay.]
I would expect no less from you. History and politics will truly prove useful, perhaps moreso than combat. The knowledge you will gain, my lord, will prove useful in these peaceful times...and it will allow you to flourish, when you are to succeed His Grace.
I must admit, however, that horseback riding would suit you nicely. Women do love a gallant man, and what is more gallant than a noble on horseback, akin to a knight in shining armor?
[She'll avoid her own thoughts on flying for now, because it...strikes her oddly, really. So she won't think about it too much. Her interests do pale in comparison to her lord's, after all; they always have, and always will be. They truly don't matter all that much. It's fine.]
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I can't complain if that is the image people get! But I admit that it is for more practical reasons; a commander always needs to be seen on the battlefield, and being on horseback will certainly make that easier.
[He's smiling though, the expression a bit more open than it would be with anyone else.]
Our time here isn't all about me, however. It would be unthinkable to ignore your interests and pursuits. So please do not hesitate to tell me about your interests as well, Camilla.
[It's... okay, it's not exactly gentle, but it's trying to be. He thinks he gets it; Camilla is his servant and she probably feels a little flustered at having so much attention on the things she finds fascinating. That's silly though, if it is something she wants to pursue, then he wants her to go for it. Since she's been given permission to be here, she should absolutely spend her time here doing what she wants. She will always be his dutiful servant - he has no doubts about that - so she should take the opportunity to do what she likes while she has the chance.]
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[...Ah. Camilla does her best not to start when Lorenz brings up her own interests, but her eyes do widen briefly before he can likely visibly see her tense and force the expression back down. She's not upset, that much is clear from the slight smile on her face, but...]
...Do allow me to apologize, my lord. I had not meant to simply ignore such things. They are perhaps a touch...overwhelming, if I may be truthful.
[...Camilla's not sure if she wants to tackle the subject that she's really considered her own interests. Sure, she has them; Camilla has plenty of interests of her own. But she's been so used to shoving them aside, either back in House Krakenburg (where her priority was...well, trying to survive) or in House Gloucester's walls. (where she prioritized being a servant)
Now isn't the time for realizations, though. Camilla's smile becomes a little gentler as well, and she clasps her hands in front of her and rests them on her lap.]
...However, you are correct in your assumption that I would find caring for my mount incredibly rewarding. That is something I would like to look into, truly. The idea of being able to care for something as precious as a wyvern delights me, and to have such a reliable creature by my side would be wondrous. It would be like taking care of a child, or a sibling. To see them flourish and prosper, all because of my care...that would make me very happy.
[That's almost nostalgic, really. Camilla's mind briefly goes back to the siblings she had been close to in Castle Krakenburg, before everything went to hell, but Camilla quickly tempers it.]
I am afraid that I have never been in the air before, however; you may prove correct about flying be quite the joyous experience.
[It gets a bit more of a warm smile out of Camilla, at any rate, gently chuckling behind a raised hand.]
...I do thank you for permitting me to prattle, Lord Lorenz.
[That was honestly really nice of him, and the appreciation is clear, despite how Camilla tempers it.]
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To his delight, she begins to speak more about her interest in wyverns. It's more or less as he suspected, and that thought's pleasing too. Camilla can be a bit... overbearing, he supposes, but seeing her talk openly about her excitement is charming.]
No need for thanks, Camilla. [He holds up a hand as if to stop it.] I understand that it might be a bit... unexpected to be asked to talk about your interests, but you never need to temper them around me. I'll always be pleased to hear about them.
You sound as though you'd be an excellent partner for a wyvern! I do hope our professor takes that into account and will give you all the lessons you need to take to the skies.
[As always, there isn't any indication that Lorenz is just humoring her. He genuinely does look at ease and the words leave him easily. This is really nice, honestly.]
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Not that Camilla thinks that, of course. They're not friends, but Camilla has always been rather happy to be at Lorenz's side. They may not be family, either, but he certainly feels like the closest thing she's got.
Camilla bows slightly from her seat, a smile all too easily coming to her.]
Very well. I shall certainly tell you about them, then; I imagine that there will be more interests to be picked up in our time here, and I do intend to partake in whatever I am able to, within these walls.
[can you imagine this woman realizing you can specialize in fists. she's gonna knock a motherfucker out and there's not a single person on earth that can stop her
except for the fact that you can't punch on a wyvern, which is bullshit]I hope so as well; I will look quite forward to those lessons and seeing where they take me. The same goes for you, of course, my lord. I hope our lessons both prove very fruitful.
[It's gentle as well, with no chiding. She knows he'll be busy with his research and the like, but Camilla just wants to see them both prosper here. Prosperity is natural for a Gloucester, after all!
Camilla will take her final sip of tea, making a small noise of surprise before chuckling.]
Ah, are you in need of anymore tea? Or perhaps anything else?
[...Of course she's still gonna check on him first, because that's just what she do.]
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can't believe camilla's gonna let her wyvern do the punching for herThat gets him to smile - the expression is open, as it so often is around her. It's good to hear her accept that; she actually sounds excited about it. Honestly, it's really nice to hear...]
No sense in letting the tea go to waste. Another cup would be marvelous.
[He leans back a bit in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and folding his hands on his knee.]
I'm very pleased you agreed to come with me, Camilla. Our time here will undoubtedly be enlightening, and...
[He trails off for a moment before deciding to say something else.]
And it's reassuring having a familiar face by my side.
[I can think of no one better to bring with me is also accurate, but that's a bit... much. The last thing he wants to do is make Camilla feel awkward.]
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just fit that wyvern with a nice pair of gauntlets and start attacking in tandem with it, that's some xenoblade shit]Of course, my lord; coming right up.
[She'll get him filled right up, then. Camilla is very content to quietly get him filled up, and then herself, but his words do manage to get her to look once she's finished with his cup.
Her expression seems almost...unreadable, really, for a moment, but it's not upset or anything. It's surprising to hear Lorenz so awkward, all of a sudden, but she is the only one he allows to see that side of him. It's vulnerability that she's a little surprised by, and yet...
Well, Camilla's smile is soft when she pours her own cup of tea.]
...I am quite pleased to be able to bring you reassurance. And I shall always endeavor to do so. No matter what may come of this enlightening experience, you needn't worry about a single thing, Lord Lorenz.
For I shall always be by your side; you may always be assured of that.
[Camilla is utterly certain of that, and she gives him a resolute bow. Her devotion has always been made clear, but sometimes...it is nice to reaffirm that. To ensure that he knows that even if she had a choice, she would never leave. Camilla is nothing if not here to reassure.]
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The thought of upsetting Camilla makes him a bit anxious, he supposes. She is the person he's closest to here, after all, so that's understandable. Not that he needs to be worried, she's quick to reassure him of that.]
Thank you, Camilla. I couldn't ask for a better assistant.
[Servant is more accurate and friend is going too far, but assistant sounds right. They aren't equals - they can't be - but he never has (and never will) look down on her position any. Like it or not, Camilla is a part of House Gloucester and she has the noble bearing he would expect of any of them.]
I look forward to seeing where our studies take us.