sranks | we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

[Getting into the Officer's Academy was more of a success than Dorothea had anticipated. Just look at all of these people...those inside her house and outside of it were all some of the most prestigious people in all of Fódlan. Royalty, commoners, people from all walks of life...including one Dorothea Arnault, who curried favor with a noble in order to get into the Academy in the first place. It was crazy, wasn't it?

But Dorothea had her own mission in line at the Academy, really. It was all about securing a future, something to hold her over when she was old and gray, with none of her beauty left. There were quite a few fish in this sea, and Dorothea was a fisherman with a silver hook and the proper bait for any occasion.

Of course, that wasn't all this was about...there was plenty to learn in the Officer's Academy, after all, and plenty of people to simply rub shoulders with besides that. It's that interest in rubbing shoulders with others that sees her out and about in the evening, going towards the dock to try and see if there was anyone to talk to...

And needless to say, there was. Dorothea has heard plenty of rumors about this one; he was one of the two von Krakenburg's that were in the monastery. There were plenty of nasty rumors that went around about the family; some said that their father was a little too free with his love. (which would explain all of the children) Some said that the family casually drank the blood of anyone who wandered into their territory to maintain eternal youth. (Okay, but then why is Garon so ugly? That's absurd.) Some say that none of them can be trusted, that they're going to betray the Empire entirely...

Dorothea? Well, all she's staring at is a man trying very hard not to brood, and failing miserably. Sure, maybe she could rub elbows with him and see if she could flirt with him a bit, but...well, Dorothea does have something of a heart. And maybe this guy could use a friend.

Xander's going to be swiftly joined by Dorothea, who looks to him with an easy smile on her face.]

Hey there! It's Xandy, right? [yep, a nickname already, get used to it] That's a look you shouldn't have on your face until the end of the week...are you doing okay?

[It's unbecoming of a noble to linger on an argument.

Okay, so maybe argument isn't the right word to describe his confrontation with Camilla earlier today, but he doesn't know what to call it. Regardless, it's not wise to turn it over and over in his head until it starts making even less sense, but that's what he's been doing ever since.

Camilla's words ring in his ears and questions continue to spring unbidden at them. He doesn't believe for even a moment that his mother could do something so horrid, but he's not blind - Camilla genuinely believed that. Either that, or she's become a damn good liar since she vanished from House Krakenburg. He wants to believe it's the latter, because the former raises all sorts of other questions that he doesn't want to think about.

He found himself at the pond, standing on the dock and staring at the water like maybe it will yield some answers. It doesn't, of course. But the place is thankfully empty right now, and he can at least try to pull himself together before anyone shows up—

Or that could not go as planned. He starts a bit before turning to greet the owner of the voice that's interrupted his thoughts.]

Dorothea, correct?

[He's certain that's correct - the others are all tied to noble families, or they're from Brigid, so that just leaves her. The nickname is... a bit strange, but he doesn't correct her.]

My apologies, I hadn't realized you were here. It wasn't my attempt to look so... troubled.

[...That's kind of a weird way to word it, but okay?? He continues quickly enough, anyway.]

Is there something I can help you with?

You would be correct!

[A guy like him must keep his ear low to the ground, then...or maybe he's starstruck, having seen her in one of her many leading roles? Really, the possibilities are endless, but--]

Nobody really attempts to look troubled. It just sort of happens whether they want it to or not. [Dorothea's smile stays easy, but she gestures to him at that last part.] Well, I'm wondering what's troubling you so much; it doesn't seem all that fair for you to just get here and already be in a bad mood, don't you think? Maybe I could help you take your mind off of it.

[Dorothea could easily flirt with him to try and distract him--he's a rather adorable noble, if she does say so herself--but she is genuinely wondering, and that much is likely clear.]

[Xander's gaze drops, drifting down and away toward the pond before he catches himself and attempts to steady himself.

This isn't the sort of thing he should trouble anyone with, much less someone he doesn't know. It isn't any of her business, but more importantly, it's incredibly rude to shove all his problems on someone else. Even though she did ask.

...But sometimes talking about it does make it a bit easier to deal with...

The hesitation is obvious for a moment before he slowly starts talking.]

I ran into... someone from my past. I didn't expect to see them here and things went... very poorly. I suppose I'm still trying to process all of it.

[That's safe enough to say, isn't it?]

[Dorothea listens carefully, taking in every bit of hesitation and feeling her expression drop the slightest bit. Old troubles rearing their ugly head, huh...]

Oh, that would do it. The past just loves to creep up on you in the worst ways, doesn't it? And go figure, it'd follow you to a new place...

[The words are easily said, but Dorothea looks away when she speaks again.]

Were you close with this person at all?

[Dorothea can't draw many assumptions just from what he's said, but just from looking at him, she's thinking he might've been fond of this person. He wouldn't be nearly this hesitant about someone he hated, possibly--but then again, she doesn't know him all that well at all.]

[He nods at her words. It's... sort of nice to speak about it, even if it is the sort of thing he really shouldn't be troubling her with.

Her question gets him to pause before he nods again.]

We were, yes. It's... almost as if they're a different person now.

[In some ways he can understand that; it was over a decade ago that they last saw each other, of course Camilla was going to change. But to see her so vicious and openly cruel... He's not sure what to make of it. Life was never easy for her in House Krakenburg, but had it really been so bad as to warp and twist her like this? Had he been blind to it?

No, that can't be all that happened, and he can't start thinking like that. Not now. He can't allow himself to get distracted.]

[Oh, that sounds like a mess. It's a mess she likely shouldn't get involved with, if the rumors of House Krakenburg are correct--consorting with them would only make you disappear, if you were lucky. Or turn you into a vampire...or something like that.

...There are a lot of stupid rumors that Dorothea has heard, but she doesn't need to think about that.]

Sounds like the two of you went and grew apart, huh? [It's easily said.] That's always tough to deal with, seeing old friends and having no more connection with them. I bet they didn't even offer you a word in edgewise when you tried to talk with them...

[The assumption is easy, at least, but...]

Are they in the same house as us?

They didn't.

[That... actually gets him to relax a bit. Dorothea doesn't know the whole situation, but she can guess even that much with what little he's given her. It's good to hear that it was a bit of an overreaction on Camilla's part, although he still can't say he understands why that was her reaction.]

No, she's... not in our house. It should make avoiding her fairly easy.

[Which is probably for the best, really. The last thing he wants is to get in an argument with her where people can hear. House Krakenburg's affairs are no one else's business, and he certainly doesn't need people assuming even worse things about the house thanks to Camilla. She's said she doesn't intend to spread rumors, and for now he thinks she means it. Dragging House Krakenburg down will only draw more attention to her as well, and if she truly is happy with her life serving a lord, then she probably won't want to get them involved.

Still... The whole things feels strange and it makes him uneasy.]

[There it is. Dorothea smiles a little more easily at that, pleased with that. She's on the right track, then, but it is clear he's still having an awkward time with this. If it's a she, it could be anyone--a former girlfriend, a possible sister, maybe just sincerely an old friend of his, but first come the assurances.]

Oh, don't you worry about that, Xandy! That should make her nice and easy to avoid. Nobody will mess with anyone in our Edie's house if she has anything to say about it. She simply won't tolerate it.

[dorothea you've known edelgard for literal days]

Hopefully that girl won't make too much of a mess of things. [Though...Dorothea's look does go thoughtful.] Are you okay with leaving it like that, though? I wouldn't think of assuming what you two had before, but you still look pretty uneasy about it...

[That gets a chuckle out of him; Dorothea's only know Edelgard for a few days and already she has such a high opinion of her. Not that she's necessarily wrong; Edelgard does seem like the sort of person who wouldn't let anyone mess with anyone in her house. It's a nice reassurance, at least.

The question, though...]

It's... a lot to sort through, I believe. Right now I want nothing more to do with her, but once I've cooled down I may change my mind. I hadn't expected to see her again and I was caught off-guard by how... harsh she was, I suppose.

[Leaving it like this does feel wrong, if he's perfectly honest. Camilla might be entirely different now, but she is his sister. Ignoring that and ignoring her doesn't feel right.

But that's something he'll figure out later. For now, he shakes his head.]

Thank you for listening, Dorothea. I'm sure I'll sort this out soon enough.

Anytime. You'll have plenty of time to decide how you want to handle this, after all. Our classes will probably be enough to distract you until then, right?

[Dorothea won't press further; it isn't much of her business, but she's certainly not gonna leave him be now. He's a fellow eagle, even if he's a member of (much despised) nobility. Sure, he's possibly just a friend in a high place as it were, but...

Well, Dorothea doesn't like the idea of leaving him alone with his thoughts.]

So, what is a considerate man like you looking forward to studying here? I imagine you've got your heart set on something.

[The smalltalk comes easily, in an attempt to get his mind off of that dreadful subject for now.]

[Oh, that's an excellent topic change, and Xander is all too eager to take it.]

I have many interests that I'm sure I'll be able to throw myself into here: history, politics, and tactics are some of them, though admittedly I am very curious about combat as well. I've heard wonderful things about the training here at the Officers Academy, and while I sincerely hope I would never have to put any combat training to use, I would like to learn more.

[He manages to keep his voice controlled, but his smile is open and genuine.]

What about you? What are you looking forward to learning here?

[Oh no, that smile is precious...Dorothea finds herself smiling a little more at that, listening to him carefully.]

Oh, me? Well, I've got my own pursuits to deal with--I can't exactly let my voice go unpracticed, among other things--so I've only really decided that I want to train my magic a little more...but there really is so much to learn here, isn't there? It's as if a whole new world has opened up to you. I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to do.

[In general, of course. Xandy doesn't need to know about the amount of otome protaging she intends to do here, so she's more than content to focus on him for the moment.]

It sounds like you've got your plate full of plenty of things to keep you occupied! It's good to have a plan all ready and set for yourself, and it sounds like you and that library? Are going to be very good friends. Not that I've been up there much myself, but I do hear that they have a great selection of books there.

You're bound to find everything you need and more to do great here, Xandy.

Yes, I believe I will.

[It sounds confident, but not arrogant. The Officers Academy has been something he's looked forward to for years, so he's certain that everything this place can offer will help him. As the heir to House Krakenburg, it's his responsibility to learn all he can while he's here in preparation for taking his father's place someday.

But more importantly...]

Ah, you're from the Mittelfrank Opera Company, correct? I thought your name and voice sounded familiar...! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner, Dorothea.

[He gives her a brief but polite bow.]

My father has always been interested in the opera, and I've had the pleasure of seeing a few of the shows myself. I'm pleased to see that you're attending the Officers Academy - I'm sure you'll have no trouble learning more here.

[Oh, that's...

Dorothea has to admit, she's a little surprised, but then again, he is right. Duke Garon von Krakenburg was always a recognizable face in the crowd when he took the chance to come by, and she does remember seeing a boy in the crowd with him. That explains a lot.]

Oh, no, no! You don't need to apologize. I'm simply charmed to meet a fan!

[It's a little awkward, really, but Dorothea does everything she can not to show that on her face, hiding a giggle behind her hand.]

Duke Garon has been quite the common face in the crowd over the years, but I think I remember you...

[Dorothea has to think for a moment, remembering the times that Garon was in the crowd, and--oh, that was him!]

Oh! You were that sweet boy who sat by him in the few times you came with him, right? You always used to watch the opera with such rapt attention.

[Another free giggle as it all clicks into place. Dorothea could never forget Garon's face if she tried, really. He's definitely an imposing man, that's for sure, but he did love his opera. And sending gifts, from time to time...even if the women by now knew better than to accept an invitation to House Krakenburg.

Either way, Dorothea winks when she speaks up again.]

It was the most adorable thing.

Oh dear, I hadn't realized I'd left an impression...

[He doesn't sound upset by it or anything, a little awkward perhaps, but that's just kind of how Xander is...]

Your performances were always captivating. Father always speaks very highly of your talent. I was so thrilled the first time he took me to see you perform... Honestly, I doubt many can compare.

[...Oh, that might be a little Much, um.]

My apologies. I'm sure you hear praise like this all the time. I'm excited to get to know you better during our stay here, Dorothea.

[How is he so cute? Dorothea hasn't even done anything and yet here he is, fanboying over her like a starstruck teenager.

It's...a little overwhelming and awkward, really, but Dorothea has more than once put on her best face for potential suitors. There's something about him that's just so weirdly genuine, though; he's every bit the opposite of Duke Garon, really.

Perhaps he'll truly be able to bring his family name out of those rumors, when the time comes.]

You really do flatter me, Xandy. It never gets tiring to hear those praises. You're certainly rather adept with them.

[It means she's still relevant, and that's what matters. Dorothea will be sure to remember those words.]

Just try not to get too starstruck, okay? We're all just students at the academy, now. [Despite the words, Dorothea doesn't seem the most put off.] But I'm looking forward to getting to know you, too. Anytime you need to talk, you can always come find me, you know.

Ah, of course. I certainly didn't intend to come off as overwhelming...

[But she's just so cool??? Gosh.]

Thank you, Dorothea. I... feel a bit more at ease now that I've spoken about the situation a bit. It was very kind of you to ask, and to listen.

[It's not very often someone actually expresses concern for him?? It's weird. Nice, but weird.]

You didn't, you didn't. It just never hurts to have a reminder every now and again.

[He's adorable...what is she gonna do with this boy...]

Don't mention it. I just couldn't stand to see you brood like that. After all, what are friends for, if not lifting their own out of dark places?

[Friends... Oh no, cute...]

I appreciate it. It's... very nice to have a friend like you.

[Friends????????? And of course he says this entirely in earnest...]

[Congratulations Xander, you have obtained one (1) friend.

...Honestly, Dorothea was being a bit bold with the statement but. Oh no?? Oh no. Honestly, you know what, screw it. He's being earnest as hell about this and it lights a fire in Dorothea.

She is gonna befriend the hell out of this boy.]

Same to you, Xandy. You're such a sweet, genuine man...I'm happy to call us friends.

we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

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