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

[Camilla smiles ever so slightly when he takes her hand, and she clutches it gently. He's holding on for dear life, and she's not going to let go until he's ready or he tells her to.

It's painful to hear all of this coming from him, and yet he's trying to keep such a brave face...]

You're so brave to even attempt confront this at all, my lord.

[Camilla's tone is soft, almost reverent when she says that much.]

You haven't simply decided to stick your head in the ground and pretend none of this has ever happened. You haven't decided to pretend that everything is fine, that none of this has happened. It's a harder road to take, certainly, and you have eschewed it to try to face your father and the rumors surrounding him. Whether or not it proves true, the fact that you are willing to confront this--to confront him on his gross misuse of power, or to ensure that your family name is not besmirched due to false rumors--is proof of your own strength.

He may have taught you all you know. He may have influenced your very thinking, and the way you look at the world, but... [Camilla's mind goes back to Raphael's words, those words she had been confused by until he clarified them.] You are not him. You are yourself, Lord Lorenz, and...I do believe Raphael was right in saying such a thing. He was quite worried about how you were taking this, you know.

[Camilla sounds surprisingly determined.]

[Brave... That seems like a strange way to put it. As far as Lorenz is concerned, this is the only way to confront it. There's no bravery involved. It is his duty both as a noble and heir to House Gloucester to sort this out and determine how best to proceed from here. It terrifies him, but it's a direction and he is not one to wallow when he could be moving forward.

He looks up startled at the last of her words, though. For a brief moment his expression is open - confused, surprised, perhaps even stunned - before he quickly pulls himself together.]

Raphael said that? Oh dear. I was so wrapped up in my own concerns that I didn't stop to think about anyone else. I can only imagine today was very difficult for him as well. At the very least I owe him an apology for worrying him.

[Hopefully he didn't worry the others too much... Though now that he thinks about it, he owes Claude of all damn people an apology. Lorenz winces.]

It was not my intention to disregard our classmates' concerns. A noble should be able to handle such things better!

[At least that isn't self-deprecating; it's more like he's firing himself up. Sure, it's kind of a weird way to do it, but look are Lorenz. What were you expecting.]

I, Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, shall get to the bottom of this and determine exactly what course of action to take from here. But first, I need to locate them and apologize!

[...But he doesn't wanna apologize to Claude...]

[listen. she's had to deal with xander von "literal human ostritch" krakenburg. except that the hole he's shoving his head into to avoid his problems is his ass.

you're doing much better than he is

...But in all seriousness, Camilla's expression goes slightly exasperated for a moment before she winds up shaking her head.]

You're as bad as I am in that regard...

[That much is said softly, because by the goddess that's a hell of a deflection, boy. Maybe there is some truth in what that Hevring boy was trying to yammer on about...

Of course, the deflection is one that Camilla will obviously allow, but even she seems determined in kind. He's firing himself up in a way she was hoping for, and Camilla is even more proud of him at this point.]

I'm certain that he'll appreciate that, along with knowing that you are fine, my lord. If you need me to, I can attempt to gather them all together so that you may apologize.

[Camilla smiles easily at that, though. She sincerely hopes he rests, honestly........]

But I know you will get to the bottom of this. And whatever may come, and whatever course of action you take...I will support you wholeheartedly in such an endeavor. I swear on my life.

[...]

I do wish to ensure that you are fine first, however.

[She wants to make sure he is before they move towards any sort of plans, okay. She's worried.]

[okay very fair...]

Oh no, I would prefer to speak with them all individually!

[...Because Claude will absolutely interrupt him and ruin everything, so it'll be easier to limit that to just his apology to Claude. But also he'd prefer to personalize them, so!]

Thank you, Camilla. You are always a stalwart supporter, ever by my side for anything I need. Truly, I do not know what I would do without you.

[He squeezes her hand again lightly before pulling back and settling. He is looking a lot better and more determined now that he's mostly worked himself out.]

I feel fine. All of this is a bit much, but it would be unbecoming for me to get lost in my own problems and ignore the people around me. I will endeavor to do what I can to make up for that oversight, and to thank our classmates for the assistance in battle today!

Of course, my lord. I'm certain that they will all appreciate that.

[Claude would so ruin fucking everything, and honestly, she's tempted to go with him as backup so she can sock Claude if he tries to interrupt...that might not be proper, but listen. Let Her Fight Him.

Camilla pulls her hand back when he does as well, gently bowing in her chair before looking back to him.]

It's no trouble. I am always here for you, first and foremost. Anything you would ever ask of me would be yours in a heartbeat; you can rest assured. And if that is to assist you in helping those around you and ensuring that you make up for such an oversight...I will do so gladly.

[...]

But please...do try not to ignore your own problems. [Camilla's tone is perhaps surprisingly firm, though it is still gentle as hell.] Unbecoming as you may feel it is, you have taught me that letting problems fester underneath the surface is a hideous way to go about one's life. Make up for the oversight as much as you can, but I do hope that you will simply not turn it in the other direction and turn yourself into one...

[...is that a pout on Camilla's face?? That might be a pout. Come on man, we just got done talking about hypocrisy......]

[He nods at her words, at least until her tone grows more serious. It takes him a moment to realize where she's going with that, and his look quickly turns alarmed.]

Ah... Oh no, that was not my intention at all, Camilla. I understand where it may look like that, but that was not...

[He fumbles with words for a moment before he rests a hand on his chest and bows from where he's sitting.]

You have my thanks for reminding me. I promise I will not allow anything to fester beneath the surface like that. I would never wish for you to worry about me any more than you already do! I can assure you that I have no intention of turning this inward. I will work to keep moving forward and along the way I'm certain I will continue to find my footing.

And if, for whatever reason, I slip... I know you will catch me before I fall.

[The smile he gives her is confident and assured; he whole-heartedly believes that.]

[Camilla does listen a bit, seeming satisfied with the answer. Lord Lorenz has always been good at that; she simply wanted to make sure that he wasn't about to do the same thing she had been chided for in the past, but he's a lot more secure than she is. In a lot of ways, really.

It's almost enviable.]

My worry will always be with you, but...that is wonderful to hear, my lord.

[It's gentle and joking, the way she says that.]

I have always found that strength of yours something to aspire to, really. I suppose I was simply worried that something like this would shake you far too much... [Camilla sounds confident, though, and shakes her head briefly.] ...But you have always stood tall in the face of anything, and this is no exception. I know you will continue to excel, to rise beyond this, and to do whatever must be done.

And if you should slip, I will always catch you. On my life, I swear this to you. I will do everything to keep you safe, no matter what may come in this place, or anywhere else.

[...]

If something should come of this...if something should happen, at all... [Camilla's tone is a lot firmer.] ...Know that my loyalty is to you, Lord Lorenz, first and foremost. If you must rebuild House Gloucester yourself, I will assist you in laying each brick of the new foundation. If these rumors are untrue and must be dispelled, I shall do all I am able to dissuade anyone from such thoughts. This, too, I swear on my life.

[Strength, huh...? It sounds so strange to hear her say it like that. It doesn't feel like strength. He's doing what he must, because there isn't any other option that suits him. Is that strength? Well, he appreciates her words, regardless.

It's the second part that gets him to settle a bit, and when she's done, he nods.]

I know, Camilla.

[And he does. He's known for quite some time that Camilla's loyalty is with him, not House Gloucester. In truth, he's not sure how he already knew, or when he had worked that out, but he knows and he isn't surprised by her words.]

It is my hope that such drastic measures will not be necessary, that this is simply a misunderstanding or that the situation has been misconstrued somehow. I want to believe that my father could never do something so cruel and callous.

But I cannot ignore the possibility that this is true, and should that be the case... I will do what I can, both for House Gloucester and the people under our rule. There may be no way to make up for what was already done, but I will certainly ensure that nothing of the sort can happen again. Nobles exist to guide the commoners; to use them in such a way is inexcusable.

[Despite how daunting the task seems, his words are firm and full of conviction. He's certainly still learning, but he's found what he believes in and if that puts him at odds with his father, then so be it.]

Of course, my lord. I truly hope that is this a simple misunderstanding as well. After all of the troubles we have gone through here in the past few months, I would hope that at least this one would have some reprieve in it...

[Seriously, we've had a rough last couple of months? Goddess above, let us have a break.

Of course, Camilla pauses a bit after saying that, something coming to mind as her face...well, saddens somewhat, but...]

My lord. [Her voice at least attempts to be firm.] If disciplinary actions should be required against your father...would you let me handle such actions?

[Camilla doesn't know what Lord Lorenz's final judgement will be, but he loves his father. If the situation should arise, he shouldn't get his hands filthy when justice will need to be cast.]

[Lorenz glances away at that, frowning.]

Ideally, such a thing wouldn't fall to either of us. Should this be true, the proper actions would need to be taken by the rest of the Alliance. Punishment would be handled by them, but...

[He isn't naive. He knows that sometimes things don't go as planned, and if true, this corruption could go even deeper than just House Gloucester. They may be unable to - or resistant to - trying and punishing his father's actions. If that is the case...]

Please, allow me to think on it. It is a bit too soon for me to make any certain decisions just yet. I... need to hear from him before I decide how to proceed. I know what must be done for both House Gloucester and the people we lead, but...

Permit me to hold off on that decision for now.

[He would never dare dream of letting his father get away with something like this, if all of this is true. But the idea of the actual punishment, the cold and harsh reality of death... it isn't something he can face right now.]

[Who cares what the rest of the Alliance should think? If he's guilty, he should be put to death. Maybe he'd serve as an example to the corrupt nobility everywhere, that they aren't tolerated and deserve to rot.

...

Or maybe Camilla could stop projecting her issues with her own father onto this situation, or stop trying to protect Lorenz from something that's unlikely to actually happen. But you know. Same difference, right?]

Of course, my lord. Do permit me to apologize for putting undue pressure on you.

[Camilla's face doesn't betray a single thing, but if Lord Lorenz doesn't kill him...well. Camilla certainly can.]

At any rate, I certainly hope that the rest of this month comes and goes quietly...are you excited for the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, my lord?

[Let's shift the subject!!]

[Bless you, Camilla, you always know exactly what he needs...]

Yes, I am! I have heard a great many things about... such battles in the past!

[His father took part in one while he was here; his class won. But that's a little awkward to talk about right now, so he moves on quickly enough.]

I certainly hope we can bring our house victory! With your strength and the skills our classmates have attained, I do believe our chances are high. I suppose it does depend in part on Claude's tactics, though...

[Unless the teachers are involved?? But hahaha that's totally not happening, right...]

[Camilla chuckles a bit, trying to move past the awkward air a bit. Let's focus on the actual fun shit and not reminders of family!!]

I like to think that even Claude will want to win this, you know--I'm reasonably certain that his tactics will at least be adequate...

[...]

So long as he gets rid of any illusions of using even mild poison in the battle.

[she has totally caught him messing with that shit, and she is gonna make sure this is nice and fair dammit she's seeking out felix and kicking his ass into the dirt okay, don't ruin her match!!]

But it should prove to be an exceedingly fun match. I look quite forward to crushing the other teams!

[because surely the teachers aren't involved! surely!!]

I suppose I may have to rein in his devious side...

[you know you keep making it your job to stop claude even though you don't need to??]

I am looking forward to it as well, however! I have gotten more confident in my spellcasting, though I do have to wonder how my talents match up against those from the other houses...

[can't wait for lorenz to get destroyed by all the better mages!!]

Do let me know if you need any assistance. He is certainly rambunctious...I certainly can't let you do this all by yourself.

[camilla can you question your lord's stupidity one of these days, that'd be great]

I do believe you'll be able to prove yourself superior to all of them, my lord. I'm certain that you'll be able to find a great many delightful matches...

[Camilla grins a bit.]

I'm looking forward to settling a few scores, myself. I do owe Felix a few lumps for our matches in the training grounds, and Caspar is certainly no slouch either...ah, and then there's Lord Hubert, but I imagine you would want to handle him, right?

[He laughs at that; her faith in him is just as overwhelming as always. It's really nice...]

I'm pleased to hear you're so excited about it! I'm sure you'll have fun taking them out!

[As for Hubert, well...]

I can't say I really wish to try going up against Hubert, however. I don't know much about dark magic - aside from what I've seen of Lysithea's - and if Lysithea is any indication, then I imagine he'll be quite a threat. It may be more prudent for someone to eliminate him with a weapon...

[He muses over it for a moment.]

Why the sudden interest in him, though?

[He doesn't ever recall seeing them talk... though he doesn't really recall Hubert talking with anyone since it seems like he's never around?? Unless he's hanging out just over Edelgard's shoulder, that is...]

Oh, I shall.

[Camilla chuckles a bit, but there's a brief moment of surprise at Lorenz's knowledge of Hubert's abilities. Dark magic, huh? An interesting adversary indeed, then...Camilla can't say she minds a bit of a challenge.

But then Lorenz asks that question and Camilla's mind wanders to the words that Hubert had spoken before--I imagine we'll see more of each other in the future--but what on earth did that man mean by that? Camilla's expression is a little contemplative, but she does answer.]

Oh, he and I have spoken once before...I wound him quite interesting, as a fellow devoted servant to his liege. That's all.

[Camilla smirks a bit.]

Do leave him to me, then. I'll take care of him swiftly.

[They've spoken, huh...? Well, if she didn't bring it up before then it probably wasn't anything significant, but he still finds it kind of strange... Hopefully it wasn't anything bad!!]

Of course, Camilla. I have no doubts that you will!

[That much is certainly true. His faith in Camilla is just as unshakable as her faith in him, after all.]

But do be careful not to overexert yourself! We must not get too excited or we may get reckless.

[ahahahahaha oh lorenz if you only knew]

Are you worrying for me, my lord? You needn't, you know. I am more than strong enough to take on whatever comes our way.

[Camilla says that much with confidence! ...Perhaps overconfidence don't worry about it okay.]

We'll bring the Golden Deer victory and enjoy the rewards with great pride. After these past few months, I do believe we deserve it.

Oh, we do, certainly! And I have no doubts that we will be able to set aside our differences and work together for our shared goal!

[...well, assuming someone keeps a leash on Claude, anyway.]

I'm looking forward to it!

we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

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