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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...After her trip to the infirmary, that is. Lord Lorenz had insisted that she go and get her head checked out, after all; Camilla herself had been doing quite fine in the battle, managing to take down Felix and a couple other students with ease that was almost terrifying to behold. It was all too clear that Camilla was at home on the battlefield, but she had proven reckless to the point of excess. It was when she decided to try to divebomb Hubert with her earlier injuries that she was defeated; only managing to get one hit on him before a blast of dark magic knocked her off of her pegasus, sending her careening to the ground and forcing her to retreat.
She had sustained some bruises and the like; her head had the worst of it, thankfully. Her arms and legs were bruised a bit, but still functional. Of course, that didn't stop both Professor Casagranda and Lord Lorenz from making a mountain out of a molehill, as far as she was concerned. Professor Casagranda did eventually let her go once her injuries could be healed with plenty of rest, but Lord Lorenz had begun insisting that Camilla get rest. To which Camilla happily said no; she wasn't going to miss this feast for the world. It was a bit of a petty squabble, really, if it could even be called that as they all went to the dining area, and her savior from this situation came in the most unexpected manner possible.
Claude.
He was more than happy to abscond with Lord Lorenz (though she could very well swear she saw an all too knowing wink on his face), and Camilla was free to do as she wished despite her bandaged head. She talked with a few of the guests--everyone had been invited to the feast, at Claude's insistence--and there was much to talk about. Complimenting Lady Ingrid on her command of her own pegasus, commending Lady Hilda on her hard work, making sure Raphael and Ignatz were both alright after their own defeats, avoiding Linhardt like the plague while attempting to chat with Caspar and promising him a rematch...
Of course, there was someone she was attempting to seek out that she simply didn't see. It took going back and asking Lady Ingrid, Lord Sylvain, and Prince Dimitri to see where Felix had gone, and she wasn't surprised with the answer; she'd have to go looking for him. Camilla thanked the three of them, before asking them what sort of food Felix liked...and well, she had to admit he had good taste. Garreg Mach Meat Pie was one of her favored dishes as well, but she wanted some of that for herself too; after today, she'd need to bulk up the slightest bit and ensure she could work it off. Whether Lord Lorenz approved or not.
It doesn't take long to find Felix, after securing two plates of food; the Meat Pie isn't the only thing she grabbed for both herself and him, as those spicy fish dango looked utterly delectable as well. So, with plates at hand and a familiar mop of blue hair spotted, Camilla walks over and clears her throat.]
You know, you do make it rather difficult to find you, Felix.
[No 'Lord'. Just Felix. She remembers their terms from when he won that match against her, after all.]
May I join you?
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Never mind that he was knocked out fairly early on by Camilla. He can't really be mad about his loss; Camilla's improved tremendously since she injured his knee and using an axe while atop a pegasus is no easy feat. Ingrid was gushing about how incredible that was for a little while before Felix slipped out of the dining hall. It wasn't as though he didn't care to hear about his defeat again (though that was part of it), it was mostly that being surrounded by so much cheer and friendly conversations makes him want to be sick. He prefers the peace and solitude of... well, anywhere else.
The gardens is where he ends up, surprisingly. He doesn't usually spend any time here, and he has no interest in the flowers, but there are tables and chairs here, so he's got his feet propped on the former and he's leaning back in the latter and staring up at the sky. It's getting late... maybe he should just head back to bed.
But there is something nice about being able to hear everyone's laughter and good cheer, even if it isn't anything he particularly wants to be involved with. For once, they really do feel like classmates instead of three separate houses. It's kind of nice. Maybe.
He glances up when he hears footsteps, moving to drop his feet off the table when he recognizes the voice.]
Camilla. Sure, go ahead.
[He inclines his head at the dishes in hand.]
You didn't have to bring me anything. [A raised brow.] Unless you plan on eating all that yourself.
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[Camilla will gladly take the chair across from him while setting their plates down, and she chuckles outright when he speaks up again.]
I haven't seen you in the dining hall at all, you know. I thought you might want something before everyone else took it. [It's gentle, though, as Camilla's voice commonly is outside of combat.] Think nothing of it. I do hope you like it, though; consider it thanks for the wonderful match today.
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[It's not exactly defensive, but it's a bit terse anyway. He's just always going to be like this...]
Thanks, I guess. Better selection than anything Sylvain'd think to bring. And Ingrid would probably just eat it all.
[Despite the harsh words, he does appreciate his friends. That's kind of why he ditched without grabbing anything to eat in the first place, because he knew one (or both) of them would bring him something at some point. Either Sylvain after striking out with every girl present, or Ingrid after yelling at Sylvain for striking out with every girl present.
He can't really say he minds Camilla's company either, and he inclines his head a bit at her words about their match.]
You've improved. I'll admit I wasn't expecting you to take me out so easily. I thought I'd have the upper hand.
[Perhaps surprisingly, the words come easily even when talking about his own defeat. They aren't nearly as guarded or harsh as usual. It's praise, albeit kind of backhanded praise.]
You've my thanks as well. Next time, I won't lose.
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[Camilla does offer that much of a concession, at least, though she still chuckles a bit at Felix's tone. She's become a little too used to it to let it effect her all too much now. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen, she supposes. His comments about Sylvain and Ingrid do get her to perk a bit, but all considered, it does make sense...Ingrid at least was going to town, good lord.]
You know them quite well, I see. But I think they would be willing to be considerate, you know...but I do suppose I do not know them nearly as well.
[Camilla does smile at the praise, though. It is actually nice to hear that, despite how reckless she was--a fact she's heard many times over, by now, so this...this is nice. Camilla even winds up bowing a bit in her seat.]
All be told, I wasn't certain if I would win. You proved to be an incredibly fast adversary, after all; I was worried you might outmaneuver me, despite all of my training. [And that is true. Camilla may be air bound but he absolutely has speed and dexterity on her.] I am quite pleased. This strength is all the better to keep my lord safe with.
[Of course, Camilla's eyes glimmer a bit. Because despite the obvious fact that she's got sore limbs and a head injury--]
We'll have to see about that. I'll gladly take you on whenever you'd like to see who comes out on top this time.
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[Because of course he heard about her injury. It was kind of hard not to. It's stupid to push yourself too hard, and when you need to rest, you rest. So he's certainly not going to try to drag her to the training grounds right now. If he won like this, it wouldn't really be a victory, after all.
He shrugs a bit once that's out there, though. Wouldn't want her to think he cares or anything!!]
Maybe I'll ask to start training in bows after this so I'll be better prepared for you in the future.
[oh my god felix]
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I'll do all I can to. I simply hope it won't take as long as they think it will. I'd get most bored.
[Of course, any semblance of that quickly washed off of her face the very second he brings bows into the equation, and Camilla practically smirks--]
My, my. How delightfully devious of you. [Camilla actually sounds really fucking amused.] I certainly won't dissuade you...truly, that might just make it all the more fun. I wouldn't very much like your odds if I got too close, however...I'd have to simply crush you.
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[It's sarcastic, of course... But as Camilla continues, his smirk grows.]
Sounds like a challenge. Maybe I will look into Hanneman's next lecture on bows. Who knows, being able to take out a flier from afar could prove pretty useful.
I don't plan on letting my sword training slip any, though. So look out. Next time, I'll win.
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Really now? And just how fast can you switch between a sword and a bow and arrow, before I decide to dive at you and grant you no quarter? I am most curious...
I certainly won't begrudge you for deciding to expand your horizons, however. Perhaps I'll need to expand mine properly as well. Because next time, I shall win.
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Big talk, but we'll see if you can back it up next time.
[Oh right, he should probably like. Actually eat. He'll get started on that, though he still seems pretty pleased.]
...And uh, thanks. For the food.
[Okay, that's a little awkward but at least he tried??]
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(lord lorenz is not a gremlin, he doesn't count okay)]
I should be saying that to you, but...yes. I am most looking forward to it.
[Camilla smiles, though, more than ready to dig into her own food as well.]
It's no trouble at all. I figure it is the least I can do, for a fellow sparring enthusiast. [...] And perhaps, even, a friend.
[Camilla will gladly try those dango first, and...huh. She doesn't hate them! These are good, but Camilla absolutely ignores any awkwardness; that's just how Felix be.]
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Tch.
[It doesn't have the usual level of annoyance behind it, though, and Felix rolls his eyes.]
Don't get sappy on me. You're a good training partner. That's all it has to be.
[friends, sounds fake!!!!!]
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...Okay, Camilla tempers the slightly pleased smile that creeps onto her face once the realization hits, but she chuckles easily and goes back to eating.]
Yes, yes. Of course. That is all it has to be. And I am glad for that. You're an exceptionally good one as well.
I couldn't ask for anyone better.
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[oh my god??? who raised you, you horrible little shitchild??? rodrigue was surely not this bad???]
I suppose I can admit that I've enjoyed our matches. You push me to better myself, which is more than I can say for most of my classmates.
[Note that he doesn't sound irritated or upset by that, just really, really done.]
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You and I both know that wouldn't work.
[let her praise in peace you shitchild!!
...That last bit piques her curiosity despite her initial annoyance so you know what, she's content to let that go. She doesn't know much about the Blue Lions, so...]
Oh my, that's a shame. Some of them seem like they would be very worthy combatants...are they simply not enough of a challenge?
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[Chivalry. Food. Girls. Gardening. Baking. Studying. Being a horrible boar. You know, the usual.]
They also see sparring as training and sometimes they don't put their all into it. Sylvain's especially bad about that... assuming you can even get him anywhere near the training grounds in the first place.
[He sighs, disgruntled. Why does he put up with Sylvain!!!]
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[That at least makes sense to Camilla. Not everyone wants to dedicate their whole lives to fighting; some people actually have others goals outside of kicking everyone's ass.
sounds fake, i know]
I suppose I can understand that. [Camilla takes another bite of food while she contemplates that. Her tone isn't quite full of praise when she speaks up again, though, more contemplative than anything.] Your dedication to it is quite astounding, and clearly laser focused on getting better.
[...]
Why do you focus solely on that? Is it something you feel you must do, for the future?
[It's a question, with a little more of a focus on the solely aspect to it. She hasn't ever asked him about stuff with House Fraldarius; maybe they're just a house where the weak fail and strong prevail or something. It certainly seems weird that the son of a duke would focus so much on that, and not how to run his dukedom...]
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The strong survive. That's all there is to it.
[And that's... really not explaining anything at all, is it. Were it anyone else asking, he'd leave it at that. He's tempted to leave it at that anyway, because he doesn't want to get into it. He doesn't want her pity or sympathy or anything, and he doesn't really know how to explain his mindset anyway.
But eventually he looks back up at her before glancing away with a frown.]
...My brother died defending the king and the prince, four years ago. He was the strongest person I knew. So I work to become stronger than he was, to... prove myself, I suppose.
[There's more to it than that. There's so much more, but admitting any of it would make him sound weak. He wants to protect the people he cares about, he wants to prove that he is strong, he wants to be able to stand outside of Glenn's shadow. It's complicated and frustrating and just thinking about it makes him ache in a way he's grown to loathe so much over the years.]
Don't be mistaken. I'm not working to become a better knight. I work this hard for myself, and no one else.
[He sounds disgusted with the idea, honestly.]
You're focused on getting stronger to protect your lord?
[It's an invitation to talk about herself, and one he hopes she'll take. He doesn't want to think about his own reasons anymore.]
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She's just surprised he'd tell her, of all people.
Maybe they really are friends.]
...I see. I held no illusions about such things in the first place, so I shall not be mistaken. You can be assured of that, Felix.
[The words are gentle even if they're not what she should say, and Camilla does wince a tiny bit, but her eyes slide close as if to give Felix some privacy. It's tragic, really, and the wounds are still fresh on his mind, it seems. As much as she wants to console him, that won't help matters any.
She'll simply help make him as strong as he can be.]
Yes, actually.
[Camilla looks back up at that, her expression perhaps surprisingly normal.]
I have been Lord Lorenz's retainer since I was young. Everything I have learned has been to better serve him, and combat is no exception. I am expected to be able to defend my lord at a moment's notice, and to fell any who stand in his way. That is why I must be strong, at all costs; every bit of strength I gain is all the better to protect him with.
[Camilla's look goes down, though, her expression almost...soft, really.]
...I suppose that is not the only reason. My lord has encouraged me, while I am here, to pursue what I wish to as well. And simply put, I enjoy fighting. I find nothing more exciting than clashing with another, and seeing just what sort of strength they employ...
It's the first time I've really done something for myself. [...] Ever, truly. It's very nice; I am glad that my lord has granted me such an opportunity.
[It's a weirdly difficult admission, spoken softly, but it is pretty genuine on Camilla's part.]
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He does look back in her direction as she speaks, listening to all of that without much of a change in his expression. He doesn't look nearly as irritated now, however.]
I can't say I understand wanting to serve a lord like that. [It's not exactly the truth, but he buries any thoughts he might have once had about a certain boar.] But it's not a bad reason to want to better yourself. As long as you don't go getting any stupid ideas about an honorable death, anyway.
[He doesn't leave those words out there for too long, though, since there is something else to address.]
Your lord doesn't sound like he's all that bad a person, if he's encouraging you to pursue your own interests. I know plenty of nobles who'd use you as a shield, nothing more.
[Admittedly he doesn't know much about Lorenz aside from "Sylvain occasionally gets real mad at him" but whatever, there has to be some truth to what Camilla's saying.]
Find more time to discover what you like and don't. Pursue your passions. Don't spend everything you have on someone else. [A small huff.] You're a person too, don't forget that.
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I wouldn't dream of it.
[That's quick and almost noncommittal, but it's a promise, in a sense. Camilla doesn't intend to die, after all.]
Oh, believe me, I've known plenty of those types in my life...my lord could never become one of those. He despises those types of nobles greatly, and he would never stoop so low.
[Camilla's prideful as she says that, but she lets it simmer down at the end of it. Because that's...
...That's actually sweet, what the fuck. Camilla's look is openly surprised for a moment, perhaps even a tiny bit pink, before she finds herself turning away almost entirely, chuckling a bit and hiding it behind her hand.]
I intend to. You don't need to worry about that; it's something I'm taking the time to discover here, but...it is good to have the reminder, every now and again. I shall pursue them gladly, and without restraint.
[...]
I do appreciate that, you know.
[It's kind of you she wants to say, but she knows he doesn't like that. Camilla is composed when she turns back to him, nearly finished with her own food, but it is nice.]
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[He releases a breath, it sounds a bit frustrated.]
And don't even think about repeating any of that to anyone.
[he is not kind???????? do not let anyone get the wrong idea!!!!!]
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Of course, Felix. It is a well needed reminder.
[Camilla gently puts a finger in front of her lips, in a shhing motion.]
And worry not; your secret is very safe with me. You may count on that.
[she'll keep the secret of his kindness, don't worry!!]
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[He doesn't sound nearly as annoyed as he probably should, though.]
Whatever. Hurry up and heal so we can spar again.
[He'll move to stand then, stretching a bit.]
I should probably make sure Sylvain hasn't gotten into any more trouble. Thanks again for the food.
[And with that, he'll turn to leave, because Felix is exactly that blunt.]