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

[He nods at her words, looking pleased. Even though Claude is... well, difficult is putting it lightly - even though he's a pain, they are getting to know one another better. He would call Claude an acquaintance at this point, not that he'll come right out and admit it, of course.

Camilla speaks of her interactions with the others as he sips his tea, his expression remaining as poised as it should be, but calm and open as well. It's really nice to hear that she's finding others with common ground, even if that common ground is typically sparring...]

I'm very pleased that you've found so many able training partners! As long as you're careful with it - and I'm sure you are - then it can only be beneficial.

[That last one, though...]

To be honest, I wasn't sure Hubert spoke to anyone who isn't Edelgard. I'm a bit surprised the two of you get along. Not that it's a bad thing, of course!

[He relaxes a bit and takes another sip of tea.]

...It truly is wonderful to see you pursuing your passions here, Camilla. I'm very happy that you've found friends here.

[He knows better than to think he can provide everything Camilla needs and wants, so knowing that others can fill those gaps really does make him happy.]

Oh, it is. Incredibly so, which is why I truly can't wait to be all nice and healed...

[Fighting is life, okay. It's easier to find common ground with people who solve their problems with their fists, rather than their words!!

...Of course, Lorenz's comment about Hubert gets a bit of a chuckle from Camilla, though it isn't unkind.]

His dedication to Her Highness is akin to my dedication to you, all be told. He has a simple desire to serve his liege, and truly, I find such a thing admirable. But no, you're right--it isn't such a bad thing.

[...I mean it probably is because they're both the worst kind of echo chamber, but then again, Lorenz is befriending Ferdinand--]

As am I with you, my lord. It is rather nice to get to know the people here, and to understand them better, I admit. They're all so incredibly unique...and it is nice, to have acquaintances. And even friends.

[sometimes you just want to yell into an echo chamber??? it's totally fine.]

It is. I'm very pleased we have the opportunity to get to know the others - not because of their lineage or noble status, but rather because they are all incredibly fascinating individuals.

[He thinks he can see why his father was so fond of his time here. Garreg Mach seems so far removed from the rest of the world. It's nice, to be able to spend some time here and learn more about combat and the people here, all while being treated as though they're truly equals.

That's the sort of thought that can never leave his head, so it doesn't. But his smile is easy as he sets the empty teacup down.]

I'm very happy you're here with me. It's wonderful to see you enjoying yourself!

[it's totally fine!! no problems here at all!!]

That is true. There really is no other place like Garreg Mach...where the nobility and common folk alike can intermingle without care. Everyone truly is on an equal level, and it's quite...nice, really.

[It would have been hard to adjust, she realizes, if she had ever been here on her own.]

I may almost miss is, when we graduate. Along with the people we--ah, my lord, let me get you another cup prepared.

[Camilla finishes her own tea, and will gladly pour another cup for Lorenz if he wants--she's been keeping track of his cup, after all.]

But...yes, I am happy. I may miss these people when we graduate, but that is fine; the experience alone will be fulfilling enough, and then I shall be able to serve you even better than before.

Of course, thank you.

[Her words are as much of a comfort as the next cup of tea, and that smile doesn't leave his face.]

It will be strange to leave once we've graduated. We may not see many of them again. I will have plenty of duties to attend to, and I imagine keeping Claude in check is going to be an exasperating affair... But I suppose I'm not dreading it quite as much as I was when we started here.

[Claude is difficult, and he would still greatly prefer it if House Riegan would relinquish his claim as their heir, but if that is what comes to pass, then he will be prepared to handle it. Their future is bright, and even if he has to rein Claude in, he's sure they can bring about an excellent future for the Alliance.]

[Camilla takes care of her own nearly empty cup once she's finished taking care of Lorenz's, sitting back down easily and listening to him. It does sadden her that she may never seen some of these people again, but...that is simply the way it must be, so she can deal with it.

...Of course, Camilla does chuckle a bit at her lord's words.]

Oh, it likely will be, knowing him. If anyone is best suited for the task, however, it is you.

[Camilla's smile is a bit brighter, though, before she takes a sip of tea--]

Careful now, they might accuse you of actually liking him at this rate~

[...Okay, that's teasing in a way Camilla never usually gets, but she's only going to do it the once and take a sip of tea like that didn't happen--]

[The smile immediately shifts into a frown and Lorenz huffs.]

Impossible, as though I could ever like such an uncouth man? Really, they would have to be blind to assume such a dreadful thing! I will not tolerate such blatant attacks on my character!

[lorenz honey you ain't slick]

[...Well, Camilla feels a little bad for the teasing now, but she does bow a bit at the table and bring the tea cup up to hide her lips some.]

Of course, my lord. My apologies for teasing.

[...]

Stranger things have happened, however. Perhaps it would not be so terrible to consider it, if he proves more tolerable--you could certainly teach him a thing or two about being properly prepared for his station, couldn't you? And he might be more inclined to listen, if you did such a thing...that is simply my thoughts, however.

[Like, she dislikes Claude as much as the next person, but...maybe having him as an ally wouldn't be so bad.]

...Hmph.

[The huff is definitely undignified, and he takes a sip of tea as if to steady himself before he finally manages a response that isn't so defensive.]

I'm not irritated with you, Camilla. Merely irritated at the idea that anyone could ever think...

[He trails off there, then shakes his head. That's not the point.]

I... do agree that Claude's manners and all of his noble bearing are in need of some work. It would be best for me to take the task myself, as I cannot imagine saddling Hilda with such a burden.

[...this is just an excuse to spend more time with claude, isn't it.]

[...Oh no, that's precious...

Camilla does listen to him, though, using that cup very well to hide that tiny smile that's blooming on her face...]

Yes, Lady Hilda has all manner of problems of her own to deal with...I imagine she would appreciate the ease that comes with a burden being taken off of her back.

[have neither of you two realize she is playing the fuck out of you...oh my god........]

With a dignified hand guiding him down the right path...don't you agree that the future of the Alliance would be even brighter?

[this is so an excuse but. camilla is absolutely going to encourage it! ...it's for the future of the alliance, really it is]

Certainly. It would be most rude to saddle her with another task! She always has so much to do, after all...

[when will they ever figure it out........]

Yes, that is true. He's going to need someone to keep his schemes in check. I suppose if there are no other options... that task falls to me. Very well. I shall endure, for the sake of the Alliance.

[you are fooling no one]

[never. absolutely never]

I know you shall do so well, my lord. If there is anything I can do to assist in easing any burdens brought on by this, do let me know.

[She'll gladly throw him in the nearest lake!!

but god yeah, no, you're not fooling anyone lorenz. you like him, admit it]

Hmhm...but hopefully, his progress shall please you, once you start setting him on the right path.

Of course, Camilla. I won't hesitate to let you know when to toss him into the pond again.

[because we both know it's gonna happen.]

I do hope he'll be less of a pain once I've stressed just how important this is... But my hopes aren't all that high. I imagine he'll continue to vex me at every turn.

[it so is, and camilla is prepared!!]

It's quite likely. Claude is a rather stubborn individual when push comes to shove, and an utterly cagey one at that...but I do fear that I do not know as much about him as you do. I have, for the most part, preferred to keep my distance...

You may yet know the best way to get him to listen to you.

I don't blame you. He is an insufferably difficult person to pin down. It is only because I have spent so much time with him that I have any idea of how to handle his antics. [huff!!] I will endeavor to get him to listen, though I'm not sure how successful I'll be. Claude is not an idiot, so I'm sure he will listen to reason at some point.

[...lorenz, you ain't helping your case there]

And I'm sure you'll handle them with grace, Lord Lorenz.

[...]

If worse comes to worst and he doesn't listen to actual reason, there is always reason magic...

[CAMILLA]

[It gets a laugh out of him, okay!!]

I won't lie, I have considered it before... But that would be a bit difficult to deal with, even if it would absolutely be worth it at the time.

[She's so glad her lord Gets her brand of humor, Camilla titters a bit improperly before settling back into that elegant state.]

It certainly would...which is a shame, because I'm sure someone like him would listen readily to such a thing.

[have you seen that boy's res state, one mage gets in his vicinity and rip]

But I'm sure you'll be able to reason with him. [...] Who knows? Perhaps even the impossible can happen, and you two could be...cordial.

[Annnnd she's hiding her expression again, closing her eyes like she's innocent. But it's slightly teasing. Slightly.]

[HMMM.... that seems entirely too innocent.... you're totally teasing him, aren't you.....]

Perhaps. I wouldn't get your hopes up, though.

[HMPH.]

I suppose we'll just have to see where things go from here. There's no telling what the rest of the year may bring.

[maaaaaaybe...]

Worry not, I do know better, my lord...

[she's got you read for filth, boy]

Well, at any rate, I do hope it's a touch less dramatic. I'd much rather avoid the absolute travesty of the first few months of our time here...

[rip lorenz]

Oh, agreed. We've been through quite a lot, haven't we...? I can only hope things will calm down for the duration of our stay!

we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

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