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

[INTERNAL SCREAMING]

And you do not see how such a thing is exceptionally rude? Her bloodline and whatever it may hold is information that only she should divulge when she wishes! Questioning her at length about such things is beyond rude! It is unthinkable for a nobleman to behave in such an uncouth manner!

I'd hardly consider that rude. In order to better understand how crests work, one has to be willing to be persistent in order to get results. She may not even know which crest she has, and to let something so precious go unused would be such a waste...

[The ??????? is. Almost palpable in Linhardt's tone. Linhardt shrugs a bit.]

This isn't about nobility. I simply want to get to the bottom of such mysteries, and her bloodline poses quite a few questions that could be answered. [Linhardt brings his free hand up, his expression contemplative.] Certainly, such things could very potentially advance crest research...she could be in possession of a crest of a long forgotten bloodline, perhaps.

That alone is worth the trouble.

[...lin is, as always, oblivious as shit about this]

[INTERNAL SCREAMING INTENSIFIES]

That is—! You are horrifically rude, Linhardt! If she has no interest in helping you with your research, then you do not pursue! To do otherwise is unthinkable!

[Okay, right, let him just pull himself up to his full height and rest a hand on his chest like he's making a proclamation.]

I will not allow you to continue to pester her! She is my retainer and your advances are not wanted! Your exceptionally rude behavior toward her shall not go unpunished - you are to leave her alone and say nothing more to her on such a... a frivolous matter!

[Oh, that was exactly the wrong thing to say, Lorenz--]

Frivolous matter? This is hardly such a frivolous thing--crest research is quite a serious matter, and to hide such a valuable piece of insight in plain sight would be an absolute affront to it. Her crest could potentially open several avenues of research, and quite simply, it's a true insult for it to be hidden.

[...Hmm.]

And your insistence on keeping such things hidden isn't exactly doing either of you any favors, you know. She must have something truly marvelous, then. You would know, wouldn't you?

[hey lin have you considered stopping for five minutes???]

If she does not wish for such a thing to be researched, then you are to leave her alone! That is all that needs to be said on the matter, and to continue to do otherwise is downright cruel!

[The second part is really bad and Lorenz's hands tighten into fists at his sides.]

That is her business and hers alone, and unlike you, I do not pry into her life!

[That's. definitely not true, but shut up.]

It's hardly cruel to want to help her utilize the crest she has...and research it thoroughly. That is the purpose of research.

[Because at this point, she absolutely has one. Lorenz wouldn't be so adamant about keeping such a thing a secret if she didn't.

Of course, that second bit...that's interesting, actually--]

You don't? But surely you know that she has some sort of crest. You wouldn't be so vehement about it if you didn't know such a thing...

[Linhardt contemplates that.]

Hmm. You two are about as close as Edelgard and Hubert, really. Close as a retainer and lord could possibly be, and yet...could it be...perhaps...no, no, that couldn't be, you two don't look nearly...but perhaps the hair...

[Lin can you not theorize in front of the man, dear gods???]

[Lorenz Hellman Gloucester does not panic. It is unbecoming of a noble to panic. In times of crisis, a noble is the one who will keep their cool and lead the commoners toward the best solution. That is the purpose of nobility; to take charge and guide those under their command.

So naturally, Lorenz handles all of this in a perfectly rational and sane manner.

He punches Linhardt in the face.

Perhaps if Lorenz had actually focused more on his physical skills such a blow would actually hurt a bit, but given his focus on reason magic and his complete inability to throw a punch, it's probably more surprising than actually painful.

And given that Lorenz pulls back as if burned, eyes widening and looking downright horrified, he's just as surprised.]

...Ah.

[That. That sure is a thing he just did, isn't it.]

[Linhardt's mid-thought when Lorenz launches the punch at his face, and it's...

...

Well, he's taken harder punches from Caspar in the past, and he can't even say that hurts. It does a little, and Linhardt winds up stumbling back from it in surprise, checking to see if his nose is bleeding (it's thankfully not, he'd like to avoid seeing blood, thanks), and he looks at Lorenz with the most...flabberghasted expression on planet earth.]

...What exactly was that for? [Beat.] Was what supposed to hurt?

[LINHARDT IS SO CONFUSED, WHAT??? WAS THAT???]

That... What do you mean it didn't hurt!?

[...are... are you really going to get offended over that...]

You have my apologies for such a rude display. It will not happen again. However, I must stress that you are to leave Camilla alone, and if you do not, I will go to Seteth about this and insist on disciplinary measures!

[...just ignore the part where he cannot decide how to handle this look it's fine, it's totally fine, he isn't mortified at all, shut up—]

Well, I am friends with Caspar. He's gotten me in the face from time to time with some rather harsh punches...really, yours felt like a feather.

[LIN OH MY GOD, CAN YOU STOP???

But of course, Linhardt just looks...very, very confused, but like. Okay, he guesses? Maybe, at least. Her crest is still so interesting though...]

You really don't need to apologize, and...I guess, I suppose. I still do insist that this is a terrible mistake...

[...But he'd hate to go to the effort of dealing with Seteth, so honestly, he guesses Lorenz wins. Maybe. Perhaps they were only destined for a B support anyway.]

...But I must ask you, just...what are you two?

[o-ouch... though that's probably fair, given caspar is a tiny little murder machine...]

Hmph. Good! In that case, I will not have to report it to Seteth.

[He pauses at that question, though. There's no reason to answer it, but Lorenz finds himself speaking anyway.]

She is my retainer, of course. A devoted servant to [me] House Gloucester.

[But that's not all she is, and it would be a disservice to her to act as though that's all they are.]

And she is my dear friend.

[And with that clearly established, Lorenz huffs and spins around to storm off, just as worked up as he was when he arrived except now with sore knuckles and entirely too much embarrassment.]

[Camilla hasn't been doing so great at this whole 'lying down and actually taking care of herself' thing. She's never been very good at knowing where her limits are, in her service to Lord Lorenz. As far as she's concerned, she's not doing anything wrong by refusing to rest and keeping on with her life, if without (strenuous) training. She still has plenty to attend to, after all, for both Lord Lorenz and herself. It's definitely way she's not been recovering right, but as far as Camilla is concerned, she can't afford to be idle. Not when she has work to do.

Claude has gone out of his way to warn her for the past few days, and while he's a welcome reprieve from dealing with Linhardt badgering her, he's definitely not gotten on her good side by trying to say that she needs to rest. Camilla hardly needs rest, especially when there's much to be done, and as much as it annoys Claude she refuses to budge on this. She's told him to not speak to her further on this, and he said that he wouldn't.

...Wouldn't speak on this, at least.

Camilla has been up for a little while at this point, but being locked in her room has done absolutely no favors to her rather stir-crazy nature. Really, she's tried just about everything--nothing seems to be able to open this stupid door, and she has no idea how Claude (she'd say she assumes it's him, but no, she knows it's him, the crafty dastard) managed to do this. She can't just stay in here, not when there's work that needs to be done! That stupid boy doesn't even realize that!

It takes some time. A fair amount of it, really, before Camilla decides to go to her last resort; punching down the door. Camilla is rather trained in melee, and though each swing hurts her hands like all hell, she's been making progress. She can hear it starting to give, at least, and even though her hands are likely bruised as hell right now, she keeps on going.

...Camilla is absolutely going to punch that door off of it's hinges if left unchecked, even if it takes the whole evening. Dear gods she's probably sending a few students running at this point. Please stop her??]

One way or another, you will open, you stupid door--

[And here comes another round. Please stop her.]

[After that unfortunate incident with Linhardt, Lorenz fully intended to make himself scarce, preferably by locating Camilla and asking her to prepare some tea. Though she's still recovering she has been out and about, and he was expecting to find her... well, anywhere, really. But his searching has proved fruitless, and he's stopped by none other than Claude.

Lorenz doesn't let anything slip about the confrontation or about why he's "running around like a chicken with its head cut off" (thanks, Claude) but that's really the only good thing that can be said about their meeting. He's sure Claude's fully aware that something is off with him, but Claude's merciful (for once in his life) and drops a hint that Camilla may or may not be in her room now. Lorenz doesn't even take the time to scold Claude for taking matters into his own hands before tearing off toward the dorms.

(He will scold Claude later, because handing Camilla is his business, but he finds he can't be too upset about it. If Claude felt Camilla was pushing herself too hard, then she most likely has been. As little as he likes Claude, he's not nearly as stupid as Lorenz had first thought. So maybe there's something to his decision, as ill-advised as it is.)

He arrives at Camilla's dorm room in time to hear her shout and pound on her door. The wood creaks dangerously and Lorenz is certain whatever color was left in his face after the confrontation with Linhardt has vanished by now.]

Camilla, don't break down the door...!

[He rushes over there and... stares at the contraption Claude has left in the hallway to keep her door closed. There's a chair propped under the knob, complete with some sort of rope and wire rigging and honestly he's a bit impressed that Claude went to so much trouble to manage this.]

Please hold on, I'll open it.

[...It's. It's going to take a little while to figure out how to undo this, um.]

--Lord Lorenz?! Is that you?!

[Camilla sounds utterly aghast on the other side of the door, probably rightfully horrified that her lord has seen her in such a state. That he's...really seeing all of this, seriously what the fuck Claude--]

Oh, you have my sincerest of apologies. I've been stuck in here since I woke up today... [Camilla's tone sounds concerned, at least, from beyond the door, and Camilla herself does rub one of her hands while she's in her room.] Just what did that boy do to my door to make it stuck? Surely, he can't have gone to too much effort?

[...she hopes???]

Hmm.

[...That's probably enough of an answer, given that the soft sound is somehow managing to be both annoyed and impressed.]

He's... rigged some sort of contraption to keep this chair pressed up against the handle... I'll figure it out and free you in a moment.

[She can probably hear him fiddling with it on the other side, though he has no clue how this works and is just really damn confused as a result.]

I can only assume you have been attempting to free yourself since you woke up... Have you been resting? You are still recovering, after all.

That scheming boy...he really has no business being smart enough to do such a thing. You have my apologies for the inconvenience, my lord, but I am certain you may do better than I at getting that open...

[Because Camilla is reliable for servant work and fighting, not puzzle solving? Who would let her puzzle solve, good lord--

Of course, that question gets a rather noticeable pause from Camilla's end.]

I have been resting when I have nothing else to do. I'm afraid I have not even begun my tasks, much less anything else. Rest can wait until I have completed everything I need to, and not a moment sooner.

[...Yeah, that's Camilla-ese for "No, I haven't.".]

[Lorenz sighs and then moves to sit on the floor like a heathen. This is the sort of thing that is not appropriate for nobility, but he needs a better view of whatever is keeping this entire thing grounded on the floor, so it'll have to do. It's unlikely anyone will be by right now anyway.

He's not surprised at Camilla's words at all, and really, this is just making him think that Claude might have had a point. Admittedly a stupid one, given how complicated this whole thing is... but a point nonetheless.]

I understand that you want to do all you can for me, but you really do need to take it easy. If you keep pushing yourself so hard, you'll only aggravate your injuries. If you don't take the time to rest now, you could take even longer to heal.

[The words aren't exactly gentle, but they aren't frustrated or exasperated either. Just a reminder, really.]

And you do not need to apologize for this either. This is hardly your fault. I will have words for Claude later. Once I figure out how to get this... ah, like this...? No, perhaps... hmm.

[...he's not having fun shut up.]

Forgive me, my lord, but I'm truly not pushing myself so hard. I've already reluctantly cut out most of my training from my schedule, but to do anything more would...

[Camilla's tone is tight and controlled, but it does sound the slightest bit like she's holding back frustration of her own. His voice sounds like it's coming from lower, though--is he sitting on the ground? Ugh, she's going to have to reprimand Claude later--]

Well, I would hardly want to let myself slack off. I cannot afford to, even in such a state; my service to you comes first and foremost. I am more than capable, even in such a state; I must be.

[...There's a sound from the other side, like Camilla's joining him on the floor of her room there, sighing a bit.]

...He truly has made a mess out there, hasn't he?

[you. you okay out there, buddy]

[He looks up at the sound, as though he could see Camilla taking a seat on the floor. Obviously he can't, but the idea of her joining him down here is sort of nice, and he ends up smiling anyway despite the absurd situation.]

I understand that you don't want to slack in your duties, Camilla. I know how much it means to you. But I don't want any harm to come to you, especially not for something that could be prevented like this. Please, if not for your own sake, then for mine.

[Those words are gentle, though. Arguing with Camilla is never easy and she can be so stubborn, but that really is what it comes down to. He doesn't want her to get hurt, and appealing to her like that might help.

There's a distinctive click as Lorenz works, though it doesn't come from up above from the doorknob.]

Aha, there we go! Let's see, that should do it!

[...

.........]

I may have spoken too soon. It looks as though he was very thorough with this device...

[ohhhhh my god claude he's gonna kick your ass!!!]

[...Oh, no, don't go there Lorenz, that might actually hit Camilla in her feelings, that's honestly unfair? That's sincerely unfair, and that gets something of a weird noise out of Camilla--like she's...not sure what to do with that, really. The gentle words really are something that get to Camilla all too easily.

She elects to ignore it for now, the pause after his words having gone on far enough, and she hears some sort of sound--]

Ah, my lord, have you opened it?

[Camilla almost sounds overjoyed, and then...well, if you've never heard something audibly deflate before, get prepared now, Camilla absolutely just sounds done.]

I swear to the goddess above that I'm going to throw Claude in the pond once you are finished. That man is a menace...

[She hates him. She hates him so much, but after a groan, she lets the silence hang in the air for a while before just...going back to that first bit.]

I know, that you do not wish for harm to come to me, my lord. But I do so dislike staying idle. I find it incredibly hard to do so, especially in a place like this...where even if you do not see any danger within these walls, that does not mean that there is not danger still lurking within. It is my job--my purpose--to be ready at all times, to be the eyes in the back of your head. To prevent any harm from coming to you, no matter my state.

[...]

Far be it from me to say that your own judgement is inadequate, my lord, but... [Camilla tries to find the proper words.] ...I can't help but worry that harm may come to you, even in such a state--to let myself falter for even a moment, and allow something to happen would...be unforgivable. That is why I cannot afford to stay idle, though I...know that it makes you worry, and will make this take longer.

[It's hard to argue,, and Camilla is slowly starting to realize that even if she can go above her lord and do what is needed, being confronted on it--by him, with such a soft tone--is...not so easy to refute. Even Camilla's tone has been soft, this entire time, as if she's trying to argue but failing entirely.]

Honestly, it's what he deserves at this point.

[Lorenz huffs and gets back to work as Camilla talks. He understands that her devotion is unwavering and that she worries for him, even when she doesn't need to, but it's still difficult to hear how hard she wants to push herself for this. There are times when he wonders how he's earned Camilla's loyalty, and this is one of them.]

Do you think that something will happen to me if you do take a break?

[It isn't a pointed question, it's genuinely curious. He wants to know what about this is upsetting her so.]

What is it you're afraid of, Camilla? Forgive me for making assumptions, but this goes beyond your injuries, does it not?

[He's still working out here, don't worry, but in some ways, he's kind of glad that the door stands between them. He's not sure what her expression is doing, and he's not certain he wants her to see his right now.]

...It truly does not. Or perhaps...well, it's because of these injuries. But you are not wrong in the first assumption.

[And that much is...honestly, it's the truth. Camilla is usually pretty good at lying, at deflecting her problems, but this is her telling the truth.]

I'm always afraid of something happening to you, my lord; this is simply the way that I have always been, in regards to such things. That an injury like this happening to me...it only serves to prove how much I still have to learn, and how those fears could be realized easily. If that were an enemy that had come for your head, you would have been left to face such a thing alone. And if something happened...

[Well. She's already gone over that.]

...You always take on so much work for yourself, as well. It makes me worry as well, and I do wish that you would allow me to lighten that burden of yours more.

[...As if she doesn't already??? Good lord, Camilla.

Man, that talk with Hubert is...bringing a lot of her own thoughts to the surface, isn't it. Camilla's expression has remained calm, her words soft and even, despite all that she says. It's that ever practiced elegance, but it is something that's been on her mind.]

[Lorenz listens, though it's really difficult to hear Camilla speak as though she doesn't help him enough. Is there any way to convince her she does...?]

I understand your concern, and it is valid. I have chosen to pursue reason magic, which does make me an easier target, should someone get close enough. But you sell yourself short - we are still learning, and some mistakes are bound to be made. I have no doubts that had I been in serious danger, you would have flown to my side in an instant to protect me.

Your injuries are not a concern because I find you lacking - far from it! Your injuries are a concern because I care for you, and I do not like seeing you hurt. I know you will always do what you can to look out for me, and I understand that you likely will be hurt in that endeavor. But please... allow me to worry about you sometimes. I fear I would become a truly horrid excuse for a noble if I were to stop caring about your well-being.

Lord Lorenz--

[Frustration seeps into Camilla's tone as she listens to him, and she can't help but feel like either she's missing something or he is, because that's not--]

Forgive me, my lord, for my words may come harsh, but...must you sound so utterly debonair about something like this?

[She's not sure why this is hitting her so hard, but the fact of the matter is that it frustrates Camilla deeply, because he's the sole reason she's here, that she feels she has a future. She's devoted everything to him, and to think that he can speak of such things so lightly just makes her sick.]

I certainly would have come to your aid in an instant, injuries be all but damned, but I...that isn't something to make light of!

[...Ah. Shoot, she's--Lorenz can likely hear Camilla shift a bit, an almost angry noise escaping her as she winds up sitting with her back pressed against the door. How unseemly of her...]

...That was...out of turn, my lord. You have my apologies.

[Her mind goes back to that incident, years ago, with that member of House Vestra sneaking about--so close to the bedchambers, and she had silenced them personally, and he likely has never known just how far she would be willing to go to see him safe. How far she has gone.

Lorenz can never know. Camilla shifts a little more, and her tone is back to normal when she speaks again.]

I know that you care, my lord, truly I do. And you could never become such a hideous noble, and it is not...caring for me that I mind. Truly, it's nice to have someone who does.

[Even if Lorenz is one of the few, as far as Camilla knows. That's just the way it's always been.]

But I care for you as well, and I simply want to do everything that I can for you. I suppose it is...simply frustrating, because I truly never have liked staying idle. I've worked through many a sickness and even my own injuries back in House Gloucester, and now is no different...it is simply something that I cannot do.

[...She wonders if he knows just how much she's neglected herself for his sake, honestly.]

[Camilla is not one to lose her temper. Even when Professor Hanneman was chasing her around, she never once let that smile slip. He has no doubts that very little can actually get much of a reaction out of her, and yet this...

He's miscalculated, said the exact wrong thing, and in all honesty, Lorenz isn't really sure how to approach this.

He remains silent as she speaks, still struggling with whatever Claude has done to this poor chair. He looks up when he hears her back hit the door and once again he finds he's glad that it stands between them. He doesn't know how to compose his expression and he's sure she doesn't either.]

...I am truly sorry for how you've been treated since you arrived at House Gloucester.

[That's not exactly what he wants to say, but it's a good starting point. He doesn't know the extent of what she's been through. He doesn't even know all she's been through in service of his house. But she's being open about it, at least about the fact that the others don't treat her as they should.

Though really, he's not entirely sure what the proper way to treat her is. It's something he's been conflicted on since he learned about her crest and her ties to their house. Even now he isn't sure he's always being appropriate with her, but Camilla is... well, as much as his father wants him to deny it, she's family. She may be a servant and they can't be open about their familial relation, but that doesn't change the fact that they are family.]

You also have my apologies for upsetting you and for... treating this too lightly, I believe. I understand that there are a great many things you would do for me. I wouldn't be surprised if you gave up on sleep entirely were it were possible! I have always admired your dedication, and your determination to serve me to the best of your ability is something I can rely on.

[He frowns; another click from something, but the door doesn't budge when he pulls on it.]

...What can I do to help you, Camilla? Perhaps that is a better way to approach this.

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