and if there's love in this life, there's no obstacle

[nobiliteased]

[Everyone knows the story about soulmates. They say that when two people who are destined to be together meet, they exchange words that are marked on one another. Those words when spoken by your soulmate will cause the marks to tingle and you'll know. The stories have never explained how one would know, but it's the sort of fairy tale that everyone in Fódlan buys into. In fact, it's practically a requirement to spend a great deal of time talking about your soulmate and daydreaming about what they look like, act like, sound like.

Even Lorenz wasn't immune to that, though he was very young when his father started insisting he cover up the words on the inside of his left arm. He was still an idealistic child when he was told to stop dreaming about a soulmate. A noble's duty is to their house and their lands; one cannot get caught up in wild daydreams when securing an heir is far more important. What if his soulmate were to be a man, or perhaps worse, a commoner?

So Lorenz stopped dreaming. He stopped thinking about what color his soulmate's eyes would be, or what their laugh would sound like, or even the words marked on his arm.

Noble blood alone cannot help one on the field of battle.

In truth, it was a bit hard to ignore just how strange the words were. Such a thing would be unthinkable to come from the lips of a noble at all, which is perhaps why his father was so insistent that he forget all about his soulmate. Fódlan is a very large place; the odds of Lorenz actually hearing those words from his soulmate are incredibly low.

And yet.

It happened out of the blue, after the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. It was a mock battle, but one that pit the three houses against one another; one that his father had been so proud of winning and one Lorenz had done his best to succeed in. Unfortunately, the Golden Deer house wasn't the victor this time. It was not an entirely crushing defeat, but the Black Eagles house had several students still standing at the end, which was a bit embarrassing as far as Lorenz was concerned. It felt like they hadn't done enough.

But everyone had gathered together for a grand feast anyway, hosted by the house leaders. Claude didn't even cause any trouble, surprisingly, though he did insist on trying to chat with everyone and had even dragged the Imperial princess Edelgard over for a bit. Their conversation had been amicable, but ultimately nothing particularly noteworthy.

At least until those damning words left her mouth.

"Noble blood alone cannot help one on the field of battle."

He'd said something about nobility and how it tied into his desire to succeed, or something along those lines, and she'd responded immediately, with a tight expression that he couldn't quite place. He would have dismissed the conversation entirely had he not felt the sudden tingle running up his arm, as though those words were being carved into his skin anew. It wasn't painful, but his arm did twitch a bit and Claude looked at him strangely, and he had tried to hide the fact that he knew.

As it turns out, it isn't really something that can be described. You just know when you've found your soulmate. It's almost like stating a fact you've known all along; the sky is blue, water is wet, a noble's duty is to guide the commoners.

Lorenz had retired early, mostly to give himself time to think. Edelgard is his soulmate, and it seemed likely that she would recognize this as well. So where do they go from here? If he were to write his father about this, he has no doubts that his father would insist he pursue this. Marrying a commoner is out of the question, but marrying the Imperial princess? That would propel House Gloucester to heights unimaginable. Merging House Gloucester with the Empire and House Hresvelg certainly might have some downsides, but who could be more noble than a princess?

Logistically speaking, House Gloucester can only benefit. And yet he hesitated, and hadn't started writing a letter to his father about it.

He still hasn't, even though it's been a week.

In truth, Lorenz isn't entirely sure what he's been waiting for. Perhaps he's expecting Edelgard to make the first move, to seek him out and confront the inherent awkwardness that finding a new soulmate seems to bring. Does everyone find it this awkward? He can only imagine they do, especially given how little he actually knows of Edelgard as a person. But shying away from it is unbecoming of a noble, so Lorenz has decided enough is enough.

He catches Edelgard outside of the Black Eagles classroom after their lessons are over, offering her a smile.]

Edelgard, a moment, if you would?

[...And because he knows a certain shadow is always at the princess' elbow:] Alone, perhaps?

Comments

[enbarr]

[Edelgard clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth--alright, boy, you're asking for it now.]

I'll just have to take your breath away, then.

[Edelgard starts to lean in further, more than prepared to close the distance between them and partake in this. It's frivolity. It's utter frivolity, and yet as Edelgard's heart hammers in her chest, she wants nothing more than to kiss this man she's become all too enamored with.

And in a perfect world, they could do just that.

Unfortunately for them, however, the world is not perfect and Hubert von Vestra exists. There's a sudden pounding on the door that startles Edelgard just moments before they can finally seal the deal. Edelgard looks over to the door, eyes narrowing.]

...One moment, please.

[Of course, Edelgard isn't thinking this is Hubert at first--if anything she thinks this is Ferdinand, because he's got all of the grace of a farm pig tumbling down the stairs, but when she opens the door, there's Hubert in all of his scowling glory.]

Hubert? What is it?

["There are some matters that are in need of your urgent attention, Lady Edelgard."

...Of course there are. Likely private matters too, which means she absolutely has to leave. Edelgard heaves a sigh out, before shooting Lorenz an apologetic look--]

My apologies, Lorenz. We'll have to make this up again some other time.

[...Meanwhile, Hubert is absolutely giving Lorenz a Look while Edelgard's back is turned. He's watching you, purple man.]

[nobiliteased]

[For a moment, Lorenz's heart threatens to pound out of his chest, and the exhilaration threatens to strangle him. For a moment, everything is perfect.

And then there's a loud knock on the door and Lorenz flinches backwards, like he's been caught doing something he's not supposed to do. Which is... probably true, he's fairly sure Seteth would have some sort of lecture for just how improper it is for a young man to be kissing a young woman in her room—

Lorenz nods when Edelgard gets up to answer the door, mostly because he doesn't trust his own voice right now.

It isn't Seteth at the door (of course), it's Hubert. Which is probably worse, all things considered. It's not really surprising, he supposes, since Edelgard and Hubert are incredibly close and they're clearly working together on changing the very future of Fódlan. So it's disappointing, certainly, but Lorenz doesn't think anything of it.

At least until Edelgard turns back towards him and Hubert fixes him with a Look.

Lorenz prides himself on being a perfectly reasonable and rational individual. He isn't the sort to rise to taunts and he has put up with an incredible amount of teasing during his stay here at Garreg Mach. But there's something about that expression that very nearly makes him want to snap his composure over his knee and give Hubert a piece of his mind. Would that be unbecoming? Absolutely. Would that be dangerous? Absolutely. The thought lingers in the back of his mind even as he forces himself to respond to Edelgard's words.]

Of course, Edelgard. I understand you're incredibly busy.

[He moves to stand, offering her a smile - this certainly isn't her fault - and making his way toward the door. Once he's sure Edelgard can't see his expression anymore, he narrows his eyes at Hubert, but manages to keep his expression from getting anywhere near as furious as he actually feels.

He's not entirely sure how Hubert knew exactly what they were about to do, but that makes it clear that Hubert does not approve. Very well, then. He won't back down so easily.]

[nobiliteased]

[Three days have passed since Edelgard revealed her plan, and in all honesty, Lorenz thought it would be far more difficult to come to terms with it.

That's not to say it's been easy - he's had some sleepless nights and he's spent a good amount of time in his room trying to imagine the exact scope of what she wants to do - but it's been easier than he would have expected. Edelgard wants to usher in a bright future, and she's willing to drag Fódlan into war to make that a reality. It's terrible that this is the only way, but this is her path forward, and it's one he still wants to walk with her.

Not that he'd have much of a choice if he changed his mind. He figures Hubert would never allow word of their plans to slip, and at least part of why he's so wary of Lorenz is precisely because of that. Hubert has no reason to trust him, after all.

Of course, that isn't the only reason why Hubert's irritating him, though Lorenz always does his best to give Edelgard no indication of that. He understands that Hubert is Edelgard's vassal - and most likely her closest friend - but that doesn't mean he should be constantly watching them. He isn't even being subtle about it anymore. If Lorenz is constantly able to catch sight of him, then it's being done on purpose. Hubert is refusing to allow them any time to themselves, which he supposes is somewhat fair given that Hubert doesn't trust him, but all he wants to do is kiss his girlfriend.

It is true that pursuing a relationship with Edelgard as openly as he'd like would draw attention to themselves, and that's something they need to avoid as Edelgard's plans keep moving forward. (He doesn't know the specifics, which is a little unnerving, but he trusts her, and he trusts that things will work out.) So Lorenz has been patient to wait, careful in his words in public so as never to be too blatant about it.

Thankfully, Edelgard agreed to spend more time with him and while it might be a little presumptuous to call this a date, it certainly is time they're spending together outside the monastery where less people will be interested in whatever they're doing. So maybe it is a date.

Lorenz is already waiting at the gate; he's arrived far earlier than necessary, but he's always one to be punctual and the nervous energy coursing through him wouldn't allow him to remain in his room for much longer. There's no reason to get worked up, and yet he finds himself doing so anyway. Hopefully he'll be alone with Edelgard today, but he doubts Hubert will give them any space at all.]

[enbarr]

[Edelgard hasn't exactly been naive to Hubert's constant watching. To be quite honest, it's been starting to get a little irritating; every time that Edelgard has wanted to try to kiss her boyfriend, he's always had something else more pressing for her. Once was certainly happenstance, some paperwork and a status update that were desperately needed. Twice was coincidence; more paperwork, meeting with their reluctant "allies", and taking care of some much needed research.

The third time was when Edelgard finally decided to confront Hubert on it, noticing that it's become a habit. Hubert swiftly denied this, of course. His distrust of Lorenz is obvious, but his blatant disapproval of them even attempting to kiss is moreso. And to put it bluntly, it's been getting rather irritating, even despite Edelgard's orders for him to cut it out.

It's underhanded, but Edelgard does know Hubert better than most. He's someone who does need something to work on, and considering how much he's insisted on doing all of her work for her, she's given him plenty to do. That should occupy him for...well, she's not going to be utterly fantastical and say all day, but it should hold him for a few blessed hours while she and Lorenz go off by themselves for a while.

Edelgard doesn't usually like leaving things up to chance, but this is probably the first time she's going into something without any sort of plan. The only real plan she has with Lorenz is to go into town, but once they're there...well, Edelgard doesn't know. There's bound to be some shops and the like, and maybe somewhere she can kiss her boyfriend in gods damned private for once...

Either way, Edelgard is right on time when she sees Lorenz at the gate; she finds herself smiling when she sees him, even if there's plenty of nervous energy coursing through her as well. She hides it well enough, at least, as she comes up to him.]

I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long. I had some prior business to take care of, but we should have a few hours to ourselves, at minimum. [Edelgard finds herself smiling.] Shall we be off?

[nobiliteased]

[Ah, there she is, right on time. Not that he was expecting anything but punctuality from Edelgard, of course! Well, unless she had some urgent business to take care of, which he had admittedly almost been expecting. Lorenz understands just how dangerous her path forward is, and he understands how much work needs to be put into it. But he's pleased that she has some free time today anyway, and even more pleased when he realizes a certain looming shadow isn't threatening to block his view of the sun.]

You haven't, no need to worry. [Those very reassuring words earn a pleased grin.] I'm pleased to hear it. I cherish all the time we spend together, after all!

[...laying it on a little thick already, huh...

But Hubert doesn't appear out of nowhere to make himself known, so maybe they really are on their own for a little while. Good! Whatever Edelgard's tasked him with will hopefully keep him occupied for that long!]

Well then, let us be off!

[He wants to offer her his arm, but they're supposed to be rather discreet about their courting... So instead he starts walking, in no hurry so she can keep pace easily beside him.]

[enbarr]

[...Oh dear. Edelgard finds herself smiling none the less, but she does chuckle at Lorenz's words. He's certainly laying it on thick already...]

Try to save the sweet nothings for when we're in town, Lorenz. [She shakes her head a bit, but the smile on her face is at least indicative of the fact she's not really irritated by it.] But it does please me to hear that as well.

[Edelgard's certainly hoping Hubert will be occupied for the time needed, but she was certain to give him quite a bit of work...and she certainly gave no indication that she was going off of the monastery grounds today.

...Which. Could pose a problem when Hubert finally realizes she's gone, but that's a problem for future Edelgard!

Either way, Edelgard will gladly be following him and keeping pace with him all too easily--they're going to need to be discreet, but there is no harm in staying close like this at all. It's actually nice to walk with him like this...

She'll wait until they're a good ways away before starting to talk, on the off chance that somebody else hears, but--]

Tell me, do you have anything in particular you would like to do once we have arrived? It isn't often that I agree to something without planning in advance, but I can't deny that it is perhaps a touch...

Exciting, I suppose.

[...She may have inherited that from Hubert. Gotta at least be two steps ahead of everyone, after all. But Edelgard isn't lying, despite needing a moment to find the words--she never usually likes going into anything without a plan, after all.]

[nobiliteased]

[He colors a bit at her reprimand, but it doesn't get him to stop smiling at all. He remains silent as they walk, at least until Edelgard speaks up.]

I can't say I'm surprised by that. [That she plans everything in advance, that is.] It's certainly understandable; I prefer to have some plan in mind as well. But spending time with you like this is truly wonderful. Even if we have no plans or goals to accomplish here, we do get to enjoy one another's company!

[...he's just naturally Like This...]

I have heard that there's a traveling weapons merchant in town today, so we could certainly stop there.

[It could just be ornamental or decorative weapons, which he assumes Edelgard will have no interest in. But it's possible they're practical and rare weapons, and he'd certainly love to get his hands on a new lance. It isn't one of his main interests, but many of them don't really fit with the world Edelgard wants to usher in. So this is a fair compromise, he thinks. It's a direction, in case she wants one; he'll be content being by her side regardless of what they do and how much they accomplish.]

[enbarr]

[...At least they're far enough away now that most people aren't going to hear them. Even if Edelgard sighs a bit, slightly exasperated.

(Just ignore that her cheeks are dusted with a bit of pink. It's fine? It's fine.)]

Well, as long as you're enjoying this and nothing goes wrong, I suppose I can agree with that much. I wouldn't mind simply enjoying your company.

[...But then he brings up weapons and Edelgard's interest is Piqued.]

Really? Well, you certainly won't find me denying a chance to look at some new weaponry--I'm afraid my own are growing quite dull. Let's see what they have in stock.

[That's good!! That should be subtle enough not to raise any alarm. It's all foolproof!!

...

Still, though...]

If I may, however... [How does she say this...] Do you know if there may be any sellers of paints and the like in this town?

[nobiliteased]

[O-Oh, what a beautiful blush... It's getting his own face to go red, so Lorenz quickly focuses on the path in front of them instead. It's nice to hear Edelgard so excited about weaponry, and he allows himself a moment to be pleased with his decision to bring it up.

But then Edelgard brings up paint. It's certainly an odd question coming from her, but perhaps one of the Black Eagles is looking for some? He's not entirely sure why it would fall to Edelgard to procure paint for them, but he's content to leave it alone for the moment.]

There are, yes! Ignatz has had nothing but praise for one vendor in particular; he's said that the paints he's bought have been some of the easiest to work with he's ever acquired. Considering just how talented he is, I have no reason to doubt his words, but admittedly I have never had any experience with painting.

[With that out of the way, Lorenz glances back over.]

Who is the paint for?

[Petra, perhaps? Dorothea, maybe? Oh, Bernadetta would make sense too. He can't imagine Caspar or Linhardt having any interest in painting, and he knows Ferdinand values works of art as highly as he does, but he doubts Ferdinand has any experience with painting. And Hubert...

...Okay, the idea is almost funny enough to make him laugh, but he manages to keep his expression composed. Still, it is odd that Edelgard would be tasked with running errands for her housemates... But perhaps she offered to help. Yes, that makes sense, Edelgard is a very caring person, after all!]

[enbarr]

[Well, that's good to know. It certainly means she can get back on that portrait she's...trying...to do...

...For all of Edelgard's smooth planning, it's being asked that question that sees her pause. She doesn't allow it to linger for too long, though--he can't know about that, that's far too embarrassing. But Edelgard can still lie, perhaps not as easily as Hubert, but convincingly enough.]

Bernadetta. She had mentioned wanting to possibly paint a landscape; I simply think it would be a kind gesture to assist her.

[...]

And perhaps see if she'll come out of her room in order to paint, but that much is a secondary priority. I believe this will help her prosper.

[...And now that she tells the lie, she actually feels kind of bad--it's fine, maybe she can just get double the paint.]

[nobiliteased]

[Lorenz nods at that.]

Certainly, it's kind of you to get her some!

[Bernadetta seems to want to remain in her room at all times, so it's nice that Edelgard is braving the marketplace for her. He has a hard time imagining Bernadetta in such a crowded place.]

It seems as though you always look out for your housemates. I'm certain they appreciate it.

[Unlike a certain someone who shall not be named!!]

[enbarr]

[Edelgard smiles, nodding easily. It could very easily be seen as agreement with the statement, but really, she's just glad he bought the lie so easily. It at least means that her hidden collection of paintings is more than safe from public knowledge!

(Inwardly, it concerns her that he bought it so easily. Just how easily could he be tricked by someone? It's all the more reason for Edelgard to keep Lorenz close, whether Hubert likes it or not. If he had reason to fall in to the hands of Those Who Slither, Edelgard would never forgive herself for letting it come to pass--)

The other comment is something that gets Edelgard's expression to go rather assured.]

Some of them do. I am simply doing my job as house leader to ensure that everyone is well taken care of. If I cannot look out for my classmates, I couldn't be trusted to look after a whole continent when the time comes.

[Despite what some people say. Linhardt's certainly given her an earful about being overbearing, and Caspar had the nerve to say she just liked to hear herself talk. The nerve! The nerve!!]

But there are quite a few who can present issues...as I'm sure you've no doubt seen.

[...She's not explicitly talking about Hubert, but the fact that he keeps so much from her despite her being the center of his world is...a lot more troubling than she'd like to admit.]

[nobiliteased]

[That's precisely how it should be, and Lorenz nods eagerly at her words.]

It's reassuring to see. Given your desire to help your classmates and your dedication to helping them better themselves, I imagine that you'll make for an excellent Emperor.

...But of course, it's a bit too soon to say that for sure.

[He knows she's not big on assumptions like that, but he really does think she'll be just fine.

Edelgard does bring up a good point, though, and Lorenz frowns.]

I assume you mean Hubert?

[He's not self-centered enough to think she means about Hubert's constant surveillance of their relationship. No, he can only imagine how deep the problems with Hubert run. He's Edelgard's loyal servant and companion, but that doesn't change the fact that he's cagey and stubborn at even the best of times.

Still, Lorenz tries not to let his personal feelings about Hubert slip into his words. While he may not like the man, he's fully aware Edelgard does, and there must be some reason for that, even if it's one he can't fully understand.]

[enbarr]

Yes, quite. We'll simply have to see what the future holds.

[Edelgard starts when Lorenz brings up Hubert, and her gaze is on him in an instant, mouth agape. On one hand, he's right, but on the other...

Edelgard tenses. It isn't her place to speak of what Hubert told her so openly; the fact that he trusted her with this much, so she decides against telling Lorenz that much. It's clear that what he's said is striking true, but she shakes her head.]

No, actually; it's Linhardt and Caspar. They're both rather unruly sorts, but in far different manners to one another. Caspar is always running off ahead in battle and endangering himself and others.

And Linhardt...I'm certain you've seen how he lazes about and does nothing productive with his time. He doesn't listen to a word Hubert or I say, and it's...

[...]

He had the nerve to call me overbearing. He described what I was doing as if I were a mother who insisted on accompanying her own son to his knighting ceremony.

[Edelgard looks away at that. He's certainly made his stance clear, but she can't say that it doesn't sting a bit.]

[nobiliteased]

[Oh dear. Was that out of line? That might have been out of line. The relationship between lord and vassal isn't one he has any right to stand between, regardless of how unconventional the lord and vassal are, or how they fight to destroy such things. Edelgard and Hubert have an odd relationship and it isn't one he can really hope to understand. The most he can do is open himself up to Edelgard if she wishes to talk about it.

But it's clear that she doesn't, given that she discusses Caspar and Linhardt instead. Lorenz nods and silently vows not to bring Hubert up again in such a context.]

Caspar does have a tendency to attract attention in the worst possible way... And Linhardt's naps are quite notorious throughout the monastery.

[It's the last part that gets his eyebrows to shoot up as he glances at her, incredulous.]

He called you overbearing? I don't... How did he manage to get that impression of you? Does he truly not see that his behavior requires a stern guiding hand?

[...Lorenz is probably the worst person to talk to about this, given that he is also overbearing. He just hasn't gotten friendly enough with anyone yet for his true Mom Friend attitude to be on full display.]

[enbarr]

[Edelgard more than agrees with Lorenz's statement and nods her head; they're some of the most difficult gremlins to deal with in the monastery, and really, she'd like it if they could just stop being so difficult??? Gods. They aren't being problematic enough to interfere with plans and the like, but man...

His incredulous glance at her firms her beliefs, though--that she is doing the right thing, and if anything, that she needs to redouble her efforts.]

No, he doesn't. He's the sort to follow his own interests to the detriment of everything else--of everyone else. I've simply been doing my part to ensure that he finds something productive to do with his time rather than waste it all on fleeting interests.

[harsh???]

He must have said such things to get under my skin--Caspar did something similar, when he said I liked to hear myself talk. [Edelgard practically puffs up.] I should have known better. I'm not overbearing in the slightest!

[oh my god you two, stop being an echo chamber???]

[nobiliteased]

Of course you aren't! Does he not see that you're attempting to help him? Being strict with him is for his own good - and you're hardly the sort to be unbearably strict in the first place.

[He's sure Edelgard has had teachers like that in the past, and Linhardt likely has as well. Don't all noble children have to deal with aggressively strict tutors??]

I am terribly sorry he - and Caspar! - said such things to you. It's clear they don't appreciate all the effort you're going to for them. I'm certain they'll understand the importance of it someday, however; a bright mind like Linhardt's and a strong arm like Caspar's will undoubtedly be very useful once honed into something more manageable!

[For the war, certainly, but in the world she longs for, Lorenz has no doubt that Linhardt and Caspar would thrive. Well, assuming Linhardt actually puts in some work, anyway...]

[enbarr]

[right??? that's just the way life is, dealing with strict tutors and being no less than perfect!!]

I'm glad that you understand...I had thought that perhaps I was beginning to go overboard. But I can easily see that's not the case. More than anything, I want to ensure that my house members are able to bring out the best in themselves. I won't stop until they're able to do just that.

[It sounds like a promise, without any sort of self awareness for the fact that she's just aggressively momming at them. But it's fine! Surely it's fine.

Either way, they'll be coming into town soon enough; it's certainly bustling today, isn't it. Edelgard stays close to Lorenz while they continue walking, but she's no doubt looking around at the quality of everything around them...]

Now, where would this merchant that you spoke of be?

[nobiliteased]

I can assure you that you are doing an excellent job.

[He absolutely means that. His own training feels lacking when compared to hers - though it is a bit unfair to compare them given that she's presumably been training for the war she's going to usher in. It would be more fair to compare his training to Ferdinand's, and even then he feels he comes up short. Ferdinand has admittedly only been focusing on horseback riding and lances while he focuses on Reason as well, but it's undoubtedly at least in part due to Edelgard's encouragement that Ferdinand works so hard.

Well, that and his rather one-sided rivalry.

Anyway, they've reached town and Lorenz inclines his head in the direction and starts heading that way.]

Ignatz said they usually have a stand over here, so let's see what we can obtain for Bernadetta.

[enbarr]

I shall follow your lead, then.

[Edelgard is more than happy enough to follow Lorenz to the stand, but it's becoming quite apparent that the crowd is a little too much--Edelgard's having a hard enough time weaving back and forth between people to keep up with Lorenz, and it's a fact that only becomes more apparent as they continue to walk.

It's then that Edelgard has to make a decision--it's frustrating enough that she keeps nearly losing him, but the options for ensuring she doesn't aren't something she's certain she can get away with easily. Still, frustration overcomes her and--

Well, hopefully you don't mind if Edelgard grabs onto your hand, Lorenz. She can worry about how many people will see this later, after they've taken care of the paint.

(And if anything, she wants an excuse to hold onto him, but she's not going to tell anyone that.)]

[nobiliteased]

[It isn't particularly far to the stall (if he's remembering Ignatz's words right) but Lorenz has forgotten perhaps the most important thing about crowds. He's exceptionally tall and maneuvering through them isn't difficult at all for him.

Edelgard, however, is very short.

He's surprised when her hand finds his and he pauses for a moment for her to catch up. He doesn't say anything about it, though he can see why she doesn't want to get lost; instead his expression lights up and his smile is an easy and very pleased one.

He continues to lead the way, though takes it a bit slower this time just so he has longer to be able to hold Edelgard's hand.

(His grip is perhaps a bit tighter than it needs to be, but he's very pleased with this.)

Of course, it isn't long before they reach the stall, and he'll let go of her hand if she does first.]

Here we are, this should have everything Bernadetta could require!

[It certainly seems to, at least. Ignatz wasn't lying about the quality - everything here is very nice. A bit on the pricey side, sure, but that's to be expected of high-quality paints and materials.]

[enbarr]

[have some consideration for short people, lorenz!!! gosh!!!

(Or don't. Edelgard thinks his hand is wonderfully warm, even from underneath her new set of gloves, and she's hoping that the walk is far enough away so she has all the more excuse to keep holding on.)

Either way, they're at the stall soon enough and while Edelgard wants to keep holding on, she lets go for the time being. It's not acceptable to do so, at the moment; she's going to need both hands for some paints, after all.]

You weren't lying at all. It's clear that this paint is of incredible quality--Bernadetta is bound to be very pleased. I'll pick out only the best for her.

[And Edelgard is plenty pleased herself as well. She's going to pick out quite a few paints, though she's incredibly particular about which ones she picks out. Only the purest white, the grassiest greens, the most pure blues--she scrutinizes each one carefully, and she's...honestly got a whole rainbow going on here, good gods.

...She does get particularly distracted by the purples, though; it's likely weird to see that color so heavily scrutinized, isn't it?]

Orchid, palatinate, heliotrope, mulberry, thistle... [Hrm.] No, no, none of these are proper in the slightest. Surely there must be something here that matches properly...

[...She's not talking to herself nearly as softly as she thinks she is.]

[nobiliteased]

[Regrettably, Edelgard lets go of his hand, but that's more or less what he was expecting. Lorenz isn't nearly as knowledgeable about paint as someone like Ignatz is, but he's content to look through the wares anyway, at least until he overhears Edelgard.

She's already got quite a few lovely colors, but it seems like the purples are tripping her up...]

Mauve, perhaps? Orchid? I suppose Iris could work, though that doesn't seem the exact right color... I assume this is for a self-portrait for Bernadetta?

[............lorenz you sweet summer child.]

[enbarr]

[...Lorenz, she is so thankful that she has the braincell in this relationship. Edelgard looks briefly like she's been caught, but she thankfully doesn't turn to him until he brings up Bernadetta--the lie comes out easily once he says that much.]

It is, yes. Mauve is far too close to pink to match, and Iris is far too dark...Orchid might be the closest that's here, but I fear that's far too vivid. I want to be certain that I exhaust every avenue I can.

[Let her look a little more here, and try to will down the flush that wants to make itself known--her eyes do seem to go wide when she thinks she's found something, though.]

Perhaps Amethyst? I do believe that it captures the proper shade without being too vibrant.

[nobiliteased]

[lorenz has never once been in possession of a braincell, you're good, edelgard.]

Agreed, surely there's something here that's suitable...

[He does happen to glance over just then, and it's a struggle to keep the bright smile off his face at her slight flush and intensely focused expression. Edelgard really is so cute... She's probably a bit flustered that he overheard her mumbling to herself. And oh, what a charming expression of surprise as she finds what she's looking for!]

Yes, Amethyst seems like a perfect fit.

[...He's not really looking at the paint...]

I'm sure Bernadetta will greatly appreciate your help - you've quite an eye for these shades.