Lorenz Hellman Gloucester (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
nobiliteased) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2019-11-10 10:54 pm
nobiliteased) wrote in sranks2019-11-10 10:54 pm
and if there's love in this life, there's no obstacle
[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?
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?
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...]
Lorenz, I can't read a single thing.
[Edelgard's...honestly, she's confused. She doesn't know a single thing about soulmates and really doesn't intend to, but she's not sure what's worse; the idea that he could be lying to her (which angers her), the idea that some people in this world are born without soulmates (which angers and saddens her), or the idea that there's something there, possibly, but she just can't read it. (which is frustrating)
Really, Edelgard can't hide the frustration that she feels as she looks back up to Lorenz, releasing his wrist and trying to keep herself calm. She's been in far more tense situations, she can deal with this with grace.]
I sincerely hope that you aren't lying to me. [...She doesn't let that linger for long.] But the fact that I can't see anything does not make any sense. All I can see is a black smudge, and not a single word that I may have said to you.
[Edelgard doesn't like not being in control of the situation, and it shows in how frustrated she's starting to get.]
Do you know anything about such a phenomenon?
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[He glances down at his wrist, as if to make sure the words are really still there. Of course they are - they've been a constant part of his life for as long as he can remember, and it isn't as though the words simply fade. But Edelgard can't see them. She can't read what's written on his wrist. Why?]
I would never attempt to falsely claim anyone for a soulmate! I'm really not sure why you can't—
[And that's when the realization hits him, much like a blunt axe to the face. He ends up staring for a moment, as though processing it.]
...I... have heard that soulmates cannot read the words written on each other, but I didn't know...
[He trails off there, looking somewhere between baffled and mortified. This entire day is turning out to be one of the worst he's ever experienced, and he'd very much like to return to his room and bury his face in a pillow and scream, but fine. Sure. This is what's happening now. The only thing he has for her is hearsay that only makes his case look even worse. Great!]
You have my apologies, I'd completely forgotten about such a thing.
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...What?
[But then he drops that little revelation on her and she's sincerely not sure how to feel.]
That's entirely counter-productive to finding one's soul mate, and it makes no sense at all. Why exactly would such a thing be necessary? What can you tell me about--
["Lady Edelgard."
Hubert's voice cuts in from behind Edelgard, silent as the grave as ever--when did he wind up coming over? Lorenz likely saw him before she did, if he was paying attention, and her vaguely accusatory, interrogating words cease as she turns to face him, before he starts to speak again--]
Ah, Hubert, you have perfect timing. [Edelgard gestures for him to come over, though--] Lorenz, please hold still for a moment--Hubert, could I ask you to take a look at his wrist, and tell me what you see?
[...This isn't what he was expecting to carry out, but Hubert doesn't let that show on his face. "Very well, then." Hubert goes over easily, staring down at Lorenz's wrist in order to see just what he's lying about and--
...Well, his face is certainly going on a journey. He was certainly there to hear those words, and Edelgard's starting to get concerned. Lorenz clearly isn't lying at this point, but Edelgard's wondering just what damning thing she must have said at this point. Before Edelgard can ask him to clarify, Hubert speaks up.
"Noble blood alone cannot help one on the field of battle."
Hubert utters those damning words and Edelgard feels her veins run with ice. She had simply been meaning to chastise Lorenz for placing so much stock in simple nobility, but to think that something like that would be how Lorenz found out that she's his soulmate, of all things--]
...I can't say I expected something like that to be how you would find out about your soulmate.
[Edelgard's really trying hard to not be entirely thrown by this again, but she refuses to falter. Even if she's not really acknowledged that she, of all people, is Lorenz's soulmate, it's a lot to handle?
...And she can't help but be wondering why she'd get stuck with him, of all people...]
I owe you an apology, then, for accusing you of lying to me. [...] I'm certain that you can imagine that this situation is rather awkward, with our positions considered.
[...Finding the proper words to say is hard, and she's just kind of metaphorically dying? It's not showing on her face--Hubert's likely the only one who can tell that she's thrown and not sure what to do, but on the surface, at least, she seems calm and considering her actions.]
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Which only turns into openly alarmed when Hubert appears. He was a bit preoccupied with Edelgard, so he didn't notice the appearance of her vassal until Hubert's suddenly there in their business, and under most circumstances Lorenz would have found such a thing incredibly off-putting. Nobles shouldn't sneak around and they certainly shouldn't sneak up on one another! Though he supposes Hubert isn't exactly a typical noble at all, given his insistence on serving Edelgard.
Anyway, he doesn't fight it any, and permits Hubert to get a look at his wrist. This is really the only way he can think to handle it, though it does briefly occur to him that Hubert could lie. Edelgard would undoubtedly trust her retainer over him, and if that were to happen—
Well, he doesn't get time to consider it, because Hubert's doing something with his face. It's almost funny to see someone that stoic look so baffled, but Hubert speaks the words aloud and Lorenz glances back at Edelgard.
Amazingly, she doesn't seem to have much of a reaction. Oh, she's a bit taken aback, he's sure, but she's doing an admirable job of keeping it off her face. Edelgard certainly is quite skilled at dealing with being tossed into bizarre situations, it seems.]
They are some interesting words to bear.
[It's not a joke. They really are. Of all people to be branded with such a phrase, of course it's him. But maybe in time those words will mean more to him than being chastised.
Anyway, he lowers his sleeve, adjusting it a bit even once it's back in place so he has something to do with himself.]
No apology necessary, I can understand your hesitance and concern.
[She isn't just a noble, after all. She's to be the next emperor.]
I can likewise understand how awkward this is, yes. That's why I sought you out, though I didn't think things would go quite like this... Once again, you have my apologies.
[Despite the inherent awkwardness of... well, everything today has turned out to be, Edelgard seems to be taking it in stride. He imagines she'll need some time to work out how to address this.]
If you'd like we can discuss this... sometime later. It is a lot to take in, after all.
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Your apologies are accepted. I don't believe that any of us could have anticipated this situation turning out the way that it has.
[And that much is true, if nothing else. Seriously, Edelgard is still trying to process this, because she's not exactly sure what she did to deserve this?
Still, Lorenz is at least being reasonable, rather than being Ferdinand but purple, so she can at least try to be reasonable in kind.]
Yes. That would be beneficial to us both. [edelgard oh my god] Shall we meet back here this evening, then, to discuss our decisions?
[...This evening might not be enough time, but Edelgard does believe that she can be efficient enough to compartmentalize just what to do in that allotted time. That, and getting accosted randomly is something Edelgard would like to avoid; she does still have much to do. If she can manage her tasks and talk to Hubert about this, perhaps they can come to a conclusion that doesn't raise too much alarm, while at least seeing if he could prove useful.]
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Oh. Apparently just the day? Huh. Well, Edelgard has undoubtedly had to deal with numerous difficult situations, so perhaps she really will be able to figure all of this out by then. She doesn't seem the sort to ignore it for any length of time, which is admittedly what he's done quite a bit since realizing...
Not that he's usually one to ignore his problems! But this is a bit... different...]
Ah, of course. Should you require more time, I will have no problems rescheduling our meeting, however.
I'll be here this evening, however. You have my word.
[He nods then, and quickly takes his leave. It's partially so he can try to process all of this, and partially so he can go scream into a pillow like he's been wanting to do this entire conversation. Why is his life like this, he didn't ask to be made a fool of in front of the Imperial princess (and his soulmate)!!!]
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[Listen. In this house we deal with our problems efficiently and without lollygagging. Even if it's probably the worst course of action. It's fine! It's completely fine. Everything is going to go fine.
In any case, Edelgard will excuse herself easily and take both herself and Hubert out of there. Needless to say, they have...much to talk about--much about their plans and just how many wrenches this is going to throw into them. Rejecting him outright would be the safest bet, certainly, but there's certainly benefits to allowing this ball to fall into Lorenz's court. Having House Gloucester as an ally in the war that they'll wage in due time would be a boon, certainly; they're a powerful house, and having their full backing and support would grant them an edge. There's no denying that.
The risks, of course, come with whether Lorenz will truly stand by them, or if he'll only prove to be a nuisance in the end. He's certainly proven to be someone who benefits all too much from the nobility in it's current state, after all. It's rather doubtful that they could sway him on his views...
And yet...well, Edelgard does want to see if his mind could be changed. He must have had those words printed on him for a reason; perhaps they could serve as a lesson. A way to prove that the world is rotten to the core, and needs to be uprooted entirely.
...There's something selfish there as well, something that wants to see this through--something that wants him to prove her wrong, so that maybe when the war is won, such frivolity could be...
No. Edelgard won't allow herself that. She can't take her eyes off of her goal, and all that she needs to do.
She comes to an agreement with Hubert to at least attempt to take him under the Black Eagles' wing, if he is amendable to such a thing. No courting, no getting involved--a simple offer. If he refuses, then he refuses; Edelgard won't pursue this further. If he takes it...well, that's a bridge that she'll cross once she gets there, but surely taking him into the Black Eagles would be a reasonable choice.
Edelgard's decision is made by the time she comes back to that spot in the garden, early enough so that she may be able to rehearse what she'll say in her mind. It won't do her well to grow nervous--she can't afford to be, and so she won't. That's as simple as it needs to be.
All that matters now is what Lorenz decides to do.]
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Detrimental? What exactly is he hoping will happen here?
That's ultimately the question he gets stuck on. He knows his father would want him to pursue this, to marry into House Hresvelg and strengthen ties with the Empire. House Gloucester already does have some ties to the Empire, so this can only be beneficial. She would have to agree to permit him to continue governing as Count Gloucester, which would undoubtedly cause a bit of a stir within the Alliance... but all in all, it would be an exceptionally powerful family to ally themselves with.
He isn't really opposed to the idea. It isn't quite what he imagined when he pictured his future, but he didn't anticipate meeting his soulmate or her being a viable option to marry. But even so, he feels he doesn't know her well enough for that. Sure, most soulmates don't know each other very well before they realize their bond, but most of them do end up together, perhaps because of the bond. Even though he doesn't know her very well, he does feel a connection there; something tiny and fragile now, but something he desperately wants to protect and nurture.
Yet again, he finds himself hesitating to write to his father. He can always do it later, he reasons. He shouldn't risk distracting himself and running late to their meeting. It certainly isn't that he's avoiding it because he knows his father will be all too enthusiastic with the idea.
Anyway, he shows up on time, back at the gardens. Edelgard is already there, and even though they seem to be alone right now, he's certain Hubert is nearby, probably within earshot. It's unnerving knowing that they're being watched, but he does his best not to let that show as he greets her.]
Edelgard. Thank you for meeting me here.
[He expects her to get right to business, which is probably for the best. He's not really sure what to say to her, after all.]
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Of course. I'm not in the habit of making arrangements that I cannot meet.
[Edelgard states that with pride, though it's on to business once that much is out of the way. She's nothing if not slightly predictable, at least in that regard.]
But before we both get carried away, we should discuss what we intend to do about our... [...What word do you even use to describe this hot mess...] ...situation, as it were. I have given it much due thought, and I do believe that I have come to a conclusion that might benefit us both.
[Of course...]
However, I don't intend to offer such a thing lightly. [Edelgard's tone is as serious as ever, and utterly business-like, if anything.] What would you like to come of this, if anything at all?
[It's a question that's definitely blunt, but it will give her an idea of just what she needs to do, and how she needs to word such an offer to him. This is something she feels entitled to know, so of course she's going to ask it.
...She certainly hopes that he's not going to ask outright to court her. She'd likely die on the spot.]
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He's ready for the question, though. He thought she might ask something like this, after all.]
I find it a bit hard to plan for anything right now, seeing as how we do not know each other very well. I believe the best course of action would be to get to know each other better.
[A safe answer, perhaps, but one he believes in. As it stands now he does feel a connection to her, but it isn't a particularly deep one. He scarcely knows anything about her, after all, and there's simply no telling if they would even be compatible - both as partners and as potential leaders. There's much to consider, and he feels it will be easier once they know each other a bit better.]
Of course, I do understand that your position is different than my own, and should you have a different solution, I am interested in hearing it.
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...Not that she's sure why she wants to put more stock into this, but...]
I feel the same way. The future is unpredictable as it stands, and making any plans like that without properly knowing one another is ill-advised.
[It's an easy answer, though not entirely honest; the future is unpredictable because Edelgard intends to re-write it entirely, but Lorenz doesn't need to know that.]
I think that your solution would work quite well. [...] In fact, if you're so inclined, I would be willing to speak with the professors to arrange for you to work with the Black Eagles. You could transfer classes, or perhaps simply work with us on the missions that we are sent out to complete; that would surely allow us more time to get to know one another. Would either of those solutions suffice?
[This...is actually going much smoother than Edelgard was anticipating, honestly. Enough that she is putting the ball in his field; she's not sure if he would be so willing to leave the Golden Deer even on a temporary basis, but he is putting a lot of stock into this...]
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So transferring to the Black Eagles house isn't out of the question, but it isn't something he should jump into. He really should check with his father before doing something like that, though he can't imagine it'll be all that drastic of a change. He'll still see the same professors around, and it isn't as though he needs to remain with the Golden Deer.]
For now, I would like to work with your class. I'm a bit hesitant to jump into a transfer immediately, but perhaps in time I'll request one from you and our professors. I believe a transitional period will serve us both - as well as the Black Eagles - well enough, do you agree?
[There may be some problems adjusting to a new class, but Ferdinand's in the Black Eagles so surely it won't be too bad.
Besides, Edelgard wants this. She wants to get to know him better, even though he hasn't said the words hidden on her wrist. She's willing to give this a chance, even without the same feeling that tugs him toward her. He's certain she's thought this through, and she's decided it's worth seeing how things turn out at the very least, and that means more to him than he can really express. Maybe it's because of the bond, but he doesn't think that's the only reason. Soulmate or not, Edelgard is much kinder than she first seems.]
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I certainly agree. It would be better to allow everyone--including ourselves--the time needed to adjust.
[At least for the time being. Edelgard doesn't know if this is something that will last, after all, but the thought of pursuing this even for a little while is...nice. It's frivolity that Edelgard was certain she'd never indulge in.]
Thank you for agreeing to this. I'm certain that it will prove to be beneficial, no matter the result.
[...Of course, with this much done, it begs the question of what to do now. Certainly letting him go would likely give them more time to adjust, but it still doesn't seem...right, Edelgard's sure. Her look goes briefly contemplative before going back to something more firm.]
Tell me, am I keeping you from anything?
[...Edelgard that's. The most backwards way of trying to ask if he's free or if he wants to spend more time together...]
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[It's good she's in agreement on that. They seem to be looking at it the same way, which is a bit of a relief. Not that he'd expect anything else from her, since this is the most practical way to view it. He's just glad she hasn't dismissed it outright.
It probably would be easy to pretend this never happened and to move on with their lives. He could still find a suitable wife to continue House Gloucester and she could reign as Empress. It's unlikely they'd have to see each other for very long - if at all - so perhaps it wouldn't be too bad. Still, Lorenz would be lying if he said that it sounded appealing. Knowing who his soulmate is would make it much harder to turn away from a life with her.
Not that he's blind to how many problems this could pose, of course. While it would be almost overwhelmingly beneficial for House Gloucester, the same cannot be said of House Hresvelg. She's undoubtedly considering all of that as well.
Ah, but he's getting ahead of himself. For now, they need to see if they're actually compatible as people not just as soulmates.
He figures that Edelgard will be busy, but before he can excuse himself, she asks him that and he finds his head tipping to the side just a bit as he tries to work out what she wants.]
No, you are not. I have the rest of the evening free.
[...Oh, is she asking to spend time with him...?]
If you'd like, we could take tea in the gardens. I would be pleased to share some of my favorite blend with you.
[...That isn't coming on too strong, is it...??]
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Lorenz, I think for the time being we should stick to something more platonic. [...] Or at the very least, something less likely to start rumors around the monastery...
[that is so forward, what were you, raised in a barn??? or in the same place where the king of lacking tact ferdinand came from???]
Would the library suffice instead? We could read together; I do have some studying that I need to do for tonight's homework, and perhaps we could help one another be prepared.
[...edelgard you just turned your hypothetical friendship-date into a work-date, oh my god]
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Ah, yes, of course! That would be suitable, yes.
[Except he's pretty sure this is just so Edelgard can work at the same time, but you know what, he won't argue. If she's turning down tea because it isn't platonic enough (how???) then it's best to stick with the very basics, then. Right.
...
Seriously, how is tea not platonic enough—]
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Let us be off, then. We should have a couple hours of peace and quiet.
[In this house we do things quickly and efficiently, and that includes spending time with others. Edelgard sees little wrong with this; she's sure that Lorenz will appreciate the time for his own studying, and this certainly won't start rumors. It's a win win!!
The library is perhaps thankfully pretty empty, at any rate; Edelgard looks around, seeing...Linhardt asleep on a table, because of course he is, and Annette and Mercedes cleaning up. There are a few other students around reading too, but first...]
Why don't you go get a few books and pick out a table for us? [...It's said as if there's no arguing that much, but Edelgard's smile is confident enough.] I need to go procure my own books, and take care of a pressing problem. I shall meet with you shortly.
[...edelgard you are so bad at this]
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Anyway, he follows along, not particularly bothered by this turn of events (outside of his reaction of "tea???"). The library is thankfully rather quiet today; not that it ever truly gets all that loud, but there have been occasions in the past where something stupid happens, so it's good to see that it's mostly empty today. He's not even remotely surprised to see Linhardt asleep here, and doesn't bat an eye at it.
Edelgard speaks up and he returns his attention to her, nodding.]
Of course. I'll see you when you return.
[What pressing problem...? Huh. He's curious about it, but he chooses not to ask. He sort of doubts she'd tell him, anyway.
Lorenz selects a table away from Linhardt and the few other students, where they'll have plenty of light and room to work. He's already finished his assignments, but a little extra studying never hurt anyone and he does have some books on reason magic he's been curious about... So when Edelgard returns, Lorenz is already buried in a book, with several others stacked neatly nearby.]
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She's certainly not going to allow him to laze about, at any rate. Edelgard soon joins Lorenz, setting her books down and taking a seat across from him.]
Thank you for waiting for me-- [Edelgard's eyes wander over to his books, ever nosy, before they set upon the reason magic books. It gets a nod of approval from Edelgard.] It's good to see that you're taking your studying quite seriously.
[Edelgard has been curious about such things, actually...she's always focused on her axe training to the exclusion of much else, but having magic would be a boon...]
Do you mind too terribly if I borrow one for a moment?
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But the less he thinks about Claude, the better. When Edelgard joins him, he glances up at her. Her words get a nod, and at the question he passes one over.]
I hadn't realized you were interested in reason magic. I'm still in the process of learning the basics, but it's simply fascinating.
[Honestly, it's a bit surprising Edelgard is interested in reason. She is already one of the strongest among them, it isn't as though she really needs magic when she can toss a handaxe with enough force to kill someone. But they are here to study and improve themselves, and if she wants to become deadly with both axes and magic, then who would dare stop her?]
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It truly is. Quite a few of my house members have taken special interest in reason magic, and what they do on the battlefield with it is nothing short of spectacular. It's a sight to behold in battle.
[Having seen Dorothea Thoron a fool who thought they could get a hit on her is the most fascinating thing, and Hubert's dark magic in general is a terrifyingly exciting sight.]
I've simply never had the patience to learn it, at home. I'm starting to think that might have been a mistake; reason magic is an incredible field of study. What spells are you studying, currently?
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It is. I've found Lysithea's magic to be particularly fascinating... But I imagine seeing other spells up close would inspire a desire to learn.
[Inquiring about her past seems like it might not be the best idea at the present, but he does make a mental note to learn more about her upbringing at some point. He imagines it was likely similar to his own in some ways, though being the daughter of the Emperor surely brought many different challenges and lessons.]
At present, I'm only capable of using Fire. Professor Hanneman has said that I may be able to learn some of the more potent fire spells in the future, and I'd like to see if that's the case. Bolganone seems like a fascinating spell...
[joke's on you, you don't learn that one!!!]
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[Edelgard remembers her, in the battle--casting spells left and right. Lysithea has always been someone that Edelgard has some level of curiosity about, but with her work...well, she hasn't found the time to try and speak to the mage. Of course there's plenty of worry about her having faced the same circumstances...
Edelgard doesn't want to focus on that. Instead, she listens to what Lorenz has to say, nodding her head in agreement.]
I see. As long as you keep working towards learning those spells, you are certain to get better at using them; learning anything is all about practice, in order to ensure that you master what you set out to learn.
[...ironically enough, Edelgard actually learns Bolganone, that's going to be hilarious later on.]
Practically speaking...it is always good to have multiple ways to defend yourself. You never know what sort of enemy you could be facing on the battlefield, and one must be expected to improvise in order to survive.
[Edelgard's eyes seem to stop on the page of a basic fire spell, pouring over just what to do and how to do it...it seems simple enough, at any rate.]
Perhaps I may have to join you in those lessons, then. This does not seem to be too hard to grasp.
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[He sort of wonders if Lysithea and Hubert are hoarding them all. He wouldn't be surprised if either of them were.
Anyway, he nods at Edelgard's words.]
Agreed. From our battles alone, it has become apparent that relying solely on one method to defend oneself could prove extremely detrimental. And that's to say nothing of the tactics we've been studying... Really, reason magic should be something everyone strives to study for at least a bit; having magic as a backup can never be a bad thing.
[Unless you're terrible at it. Or have no magic stat to speak of. Okay, maybe we won't make Raphael train in reason, but everyone else...]
I would be delighted if you'd join me. I suspect that it will get much more difficult after the initial lessons, but Fire is not particularly hard to cast. I'm sure you'll grasp it quickly.
[It isn't false flattery, although it would be easy to take it as such. Even though he doesn't know Edelgard very well, Lorenz does know that Edelgard isn't the sort to give up. Even if she doesn't get it right away, she will study until she does. Thus, quickly. Well, quickly compared to most non-mages, at the very least.]
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None the less, Edelgard does agree with Lorenz easily.]
Unless one is completely devoid of magical potential, of course. But you won't find me disagreeing with you in the slightest. In battle, one should always have more than one skill up their sleeve.
[...Like we're not having Caspar learn magic, a. he'd be terrible at using it and b. if he were good at using it, he'd find some way to blow himself up...
Edelgard's brow does quirk a but at the notion that he'd like for her to join him--and that she'd grasp it quickly, at that.]
Whether I will grasp it quickly or not remains to be seen...I wouldn't place so much faith in something that has yet to be proven.
[...Despite the slight admonishing, there is a twitch at the corner of Edelgard's lips. The idea of it isn't so bad; she's not sure if this is due to the soulmate bond or something but hearing that is nice, even if she can't accept the compliment so easily.]
However...I would like to join you. I would like to see if I am capable of learning and utilizing reason magic. With enough work, perhaps I will be able to catch up to you, and then we may learn together.
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