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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Maybe that's just wishful thinking, though.
Nevertheless, Lorenz and Edelgard are at the training grounds today. They could be practicing with their usual weapons, but there's something different on the agenda today. Their magic lessons have reached the point of practical study, which means putting what they know into practice. Doing that in the library is a terrible idea, so here they are.
Lorenz still has a bit more experience than Edelgard, but she's learning quickly and in no time he's certain she'll catch up with him. Some part of him wants to keep working to surpass her, but mostly he's pleased to see her progress. Admittedly he could be learning more if he insisted on focusing on reason magic exclusively, but he's currently being trained in faith magic as well. It never hurts to have an extra healer, but...
Well, he's not going to be healing the Golden Deer. In truth, Lorenz isn't certain when he made up his mind that he'd join the Black Eagles. He'd like to say it wasn't right after Edelgard proposed the idea, but he's not sure that's true. Given Claude's leadership style - and personality - it's obvious that they're going to keep clashing for the remainder of the year. It will be far easier for him to follow Edelgard. Besides, it isn't as though switching classes really means anything. It isn't as though he's turning his back on the Alliance, though it might send a strong message to Claude that he needs to get his act together or others will take their leave as well.
Not that he's told Edelgard any of this yet. There isn't really any reason to hesitate, but Lorenz finds himself doing just that anyway. It's easier to relax around Edelgard now, but even so he's never truly at ease. She's his soulmate, and someone he needs to win the approval of. He doesn't know how she feels about him. So he must continue to do his best around her, and now is certainly no exception! He'll figure out the correct way to ask to join the Black Eagles at some point; there are more important things to do right now.]
Fire isn't particularly difficult to conjure, you see. [He holds a hand out and a small flare springs to life, cupped in hand.] It can be a bit difficult to control, but with enough focus, it won't grow any more.
[He's staring very intently at the flame as he holds it there and while it occasionally flickers a bit, as if attempting to grow larger, he manages to keep it controlled.]
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Even if there's still the worry that looms overhead that this will come to an end eventually, when war rages--Edelgard does what she can to put those thoughts out of her mind when she's with him. He still hasn't officially joined their class yet, but they can still steal away moments like these, for practical studies in something she's learning because of Lorenz; reason magic.
Edelgard has always tried to focus on her physical skills first and foremost, but magic is something else entirely. It's something that can run wild if one isn't careful when using it; it's for that reason that Edelgard has avoided it. The last thing she needs is to get injured and have reason for someone to see the scars that run underneath her clothing.
It's a risk she wants to take, though. One has to take more than a few risks in order to truly succeed, and Edelgard doesn't want to let this opportunity pass her by while there's still time.
So Edelgard watches intently while they're in the training grounds, studying the flame and nodding her head as she listens to him. It makes sense, seeing it in motion; she can see how he concentrates, how that flame wants to grow bigger but cannot. How it flickers and yet stays where he needs it to, controlled perfectly.]
I see. Though it's easy to conjure, one must exhibit control and perfect concentration in order to keep it from going out of control...
[Edelgard muses, briefly, as she watches him. It's easy enough to grasp, and she wants to put it into practice herself. Edelgard holds out her own gloved hand, preparing herself as she watches what he's doing and intends to imitate it. A small flame springs to life in Edelgard's own hand easily, and she attempts to concentrate in order to keep it under control. At first, it seems like she has it under control; the flame stays flickering in her hand, her concentration keeping it under control.
And then for a brief moment, it decides it has a mind of it's own when Edelgard's mind wanders, and her eyes widen when she feels it starting to go awry.]
No--!
[The flames catch Edelgard's palm and cause her to flinch back--away from Lorenz, away from the fire, until it falls to the ground and Edelgard's clutching her hand close and stomping out the flame as if it's personally wronged her. Her hand stings, the nerves on fire even though the flame is long put out both on her hand and on the ground.
Needless to say, it's not Edelgard's finest hour. The pain isn't nearly as bad as what she's faced, but it's not that which keeps her clutching her hand close; it's the fact that she's going to need new gloves, because of what they were hiding, that she can't let him see--]
--Lorenz, I'm afraid this lesson will have to be cut short.
[Edelgard's words are rushed; very businesslike, yet very rushed.]
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Not that he would have been able to save her hand even if he'd been more focused, but he could have help her put out the flame quicker, at least.]
I— Yes, of course; that's certainly no problem, but Edelgard...
[It's taken a ridiculous amount of control to keep himself from reaching out for her, but he does take a step closer now, holding out a hand as an offering.]
Please, permit me to heal that. I'm nowhere near as skilled as Professor Manuela, or any of the other healers, but I imagine that stings quite a bit. Let me help.
[His words are careful and composed, but his expression gives away just how worried he is. Sure, with such a small flame it's unlikely that she's been seriously injured, but a burn hurts no matter how small it is. It makes sense to heal it as quickly as possible, and he doubts she wants to go deal with Professor Manuela right now, or try to find Linhardt's newest napping spot.]
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Edelgard turns away at that, as if hiding her hand from view will make it hurt any less. She doesn't want him to see what else is here--she can see just from getting a brief look at it that she needs to get it attention, but surely Hubert has something she can use.]
I appreciate your willingness to assist, but such a thing won't be necessary. I'm--fine, Lorenz.
[She's really not, and that brief hiss is absolutely telling about how much it stings, when even she can't keep her composure.]
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Please, Edelgard.
[He remains where he is, hand still outstretched. He wants to approach, but he's certain she'll back away if he does.]
It's my fault you've injured yourself, so please permit me to heal it.
[...]
An injury like that will only cause problems if it isn't tended to as soon as possible. Please.
[If it was just that she wanted to handle it herself, he can't imagine her reaction would be this severe. So perhaps she's hiding something...? No, it doesn't matter what her reasons are. He wants to help her. He just hopes she'll let him.]
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But even so, Lorenz has a point. If she doesn't get this taken care of soon, it could cause even more problems. She'd rather not deal with anymore injuries than she has to, and especially one that could impair her combat abilities.
...]
It's hardly your fault that I'm injured, Lorenz. There is no need to blame yourself.
[Edelgard turns back to Lorenz, and her expression is gravely serious.]
But very well. I shall permit you to heal it. [And then, a little quieter.] We are to find somewhere private to do so, however.
[Edelgard stares at his outstretched hand, contemplative for a moment though her expression doesn't change. As much as she wants to say this is all for avoiding a scene, the more Edelgard looks at him, the more she sees how sincere he is. It's not something she can afford to let herself linger on, and yet something in her chest seems to grow tight at seeing such a thing--something that makes her want to reach out and take his hand in hers.
It's silly. It's foolish, even after so long. She can't be falling in love this easily, can she?
Edelgard doesn't wind up taking his hand, but he does have her permission, once they find somewhere private.]
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This is a much bigger deal than he thought it was, so he finds himself nodding at her next words without a second thought.]
Of course. [Where can they go for privacy at this time of day that wouldn't be inappropriate...?] The classrooms are fairly close by, though I cannot guarantee that they'll be private. It's unlikely anyone will be there, but it's possible someone could stop by. The sauna is another option, I suppose... The graveyard is likely our best option for somewhere fairly close by, however.
[Admittedly the graveyard is out in the open and there's usually a knight on patrol around that area, but it shouldn't take long to heal her hand and the graveyard is otherwise almost always deserted. Sure, it's not a nice suggestion, but he figures she will find going back to either of their rooms just as scandalous as he does.]
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The graveyard, then. Let's be off.
[Edelgard's look hasn't abated in it's seriousness even slightly, though she does start walking ahead of him. Edelgard does know her way around the monastery well, and she very intentionally takes a way that involves the least amount of students seeing them. She likely learned this path from Hubert, but it's effective enough to get them to the graveyard easily.
It's fairly empty, and the guard on duty has his focus elsewhere--good. Edelgard looks to Lorenz once they're there, her gaze not halting even once in it's intensity.]
Lorenz. What you're about to see...you are to speak of to no one. I'm trusting you to take care of this without making any sort of scene, and to forget everything of it when we are done.
[Edelgard's eyes close at that, and a sigh escapes her as she tries to compose herself.]
Will you promise me that?
[She wants to trust him. She wants to trust him so badly, and yet, if he cannot do that much...she'll have to get rid of him.
And she really hopes that he doesn't force her hand like that.]
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The guard doesn't see them and it's easy enough to find a secluded and quiet spot where they won't easily be seen. Once they're settled, Edelgard begins speaking, and Lorenz finds himself becoming even more worried. Initially he'd only been concerned about the burn, but now...
What is she hiding? What is it that's so terrible she can't bear to let anyone catch sight of it?
Well, he'll find out shortly, he supposes. Lorenz presses a hand to his chest and ducks his head. It's not quite a bow; it's more of an oath.]
I promise I will never speak of it. You have my word.
[Forgetting everything about it is a tall order, but he can at least keep his mouth shut about it.]
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There's a pause, before Edelgard presents her hand to him.]
...Thank you. Try to be quick about this.
[It's not quite an order, but it carries all of the tone of authority that implies it.
Of course, Lorenz is going to see the scar from the fire on her hand, but he'll see plenty of other scars as well. One might be able to excuse a certain amount of them as injuries from battle, but Edelgard's scars are far too numerous to imply that. Moreover, they're all too precise; as if someone intentionally etched those scars into her, littering her hand with them. Her wrist, even, as it seems like there's a whole trail of scars that goes into her sleeve...
And well, it certainly doesn't imply that they stop there. Of course, there's still a black smudge that Lorenz can't read on her wrist as well, almost above the scarring that could very well have hidden them.
Edelgard eyes are closed while he works, however; she hasn't read whatever is on her wrist in years, and she doesn't intend to now. If Lorenz winds up speaking those words, it'll be of his own volition and nothing more.]
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No. He isn't going to get caught up on that. Edelgard is trusting him with this much, and she's keeping her eyes closed, like she doesn't want to see his reaction. So he won't have one - anything he feels about this is something he can deal with later.
(The way his heart pounds in his chest and the fact that his grip tightens just the tiniest bit on her wrist are things he'll ignore until he can process them later.)
For now, he focuses on the healing magic he's been taught. Faith magic isn't particularly difficult, but he would hate to mess it up now, especially when she's trusting him with this much. The faint glow quickly brightens and the magic flows into her hand, soothing the burn and removing any pain that still lingers.]
It will take a moment, but I'll be able to heal it entirely.
[He wasn't actually sure about that until he got a good look at it; thankfully the burn's small enough that he can take care of it on his own. He might allow himself to feel a bit proud of that later, but for now the important thing is healing her.
His eyes do stray to the words on her wrist - the ones he can't read, but knows are there. He wonders when he'll say those words to her... but in truth, he doesn't feel like there's any rush. Edelgard wouldn't trust him with this much if she didn't feel some connection, after all. He can say that with complete certainty now.]
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[Edelgard's eyes don't open quite yet, but the words are soft. It feels strange to trust him like this--to trust him with the scars that have been afflicted upon her, that no one outside of those who inflicted them upon her or Hubert have seen. Opening herself up like this is a risk, because he could use this against her in the future, he could do something, anything with the trust that she's giving him--
And it scares her, really, to think that she's opening herself up like this. Edelgard feels his grip tighten on her wrist, and she's thankful her eyes are closed; she's not sure how he's reacting, but she's pretty sure she doesn't want to. And yet that warm faith magic flows, easing the burn and healing the injury in it's entirety. It will be as if nothing happened--though she'll need to ask Hubert to procure another pair of gloves for her.
Her eyes do open, looking down at her wrist--though pointedly avoiding the words that she hasn't seen in years, in favor of looking at his own hands. The ones that hold her wrist and heal her injuries, that will ensure that these scars at least heal over. The magic in his hand feels almost warm, like a soft blanket, and were Edelgard a lesser person, she would want to get lost in this feeling. In the warmth taking root in her chest, that's dusting her cheeks with a mild flush the more she thinks about it...
Edelgard winds up placing her free hand atop Lorenz's own, once the injury itself has healed over.]
You've done an incredible job. It's as if the injury didn't happen at all.
[...She doesn't move her other hand, though, keeping it on top of his.]
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It's only then that he finally looks at her face properly - because it would be rude to stare at her scars - and he feels himself flush in turn. It's not quite the light, beautiful dusting of red across her face, but rather something bright that feels like it might burn him to the core. Not that he's really complaining about it - there's something nice about their proximity and the fact that she's trusted him with so much.]
I— [He clears his throat and tries to steady himself a bit.] I'm glad I could help. I'm still learning about faith magic, but I'm pleased I could heal you.
[He doesn't move his hands either, partially because it hasn't really occurred to him yet to let her go and partially because he doesn't want to. He wants to stay like this for just a little longer.]
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She winds up laughing, instead, the sound light and amused with the events taking place.]
Well, you've done an incredible job. As long as you keep up with your studies, you should be able to master it.
[They should move. They should really move, and yet--]
You don't have to be so embarrassed about it.
[...is that. Teasing???]
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And then Edelgard says that and Lorenz stares at her wide-eyed for a moment. Did she just... tease him?]
W-Well. [It's almost an interjection as he tries to get his bearings - this is both extremely unexpected and also working entirely too well.] It... It isn't something I'm... completely confident with yet...
[Is that about the healing magic or about the fact that he's still holding her hand? Oh, he should let go—
So Lorenz drops her hand quickly, taking a step back and clearing his throat.]
I'm pleased I was able to help.
[when he gets this flustered he gets entirely red-faced...]
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Oh no, Edelgard's absolutely feeling something in regards to this--it's making her chest feel light, her heart beat like hell, and making the color of her own cheeks deepen. That's...cute, actually, holy shit that's actually cute--
And then Lorenz lets go of her hand and steps back, and Edelgard attempts to gather her bearings back as well. Right, of course, they're being silly, aren't they.
(Even if his red face is making her feelings do something, that's for sure.)]
Right, of course. You have my thanks for the assistance, then. I appreciate that you insisted on going out of your way for this.
[For me.]
...I suppose the only matter left is seeing if I can find some replacement gloves, then. [...] Tell me, do you have anything you need to do this evening?
[...Edelgard still hasn't mastered asking if he has free time, okay, don't judge her. Especially when she looks away, her own face feeling warm.]
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[Thankfully, Edelgard doesn't call attention to how flushed he is, or just how awkward he's being. She doesn't seem bothered by it, which goes a long way to relaxing him. Even though she hasn't heard the words on her wrist and even though she may not feel the same connection... she's still kind and understanding, and more than willing to be patient with him. He appreciates it more than he could ever properly express.]
No, I have nothing to attend to.
[He isn't the only one being awkward, at least... He's not really surprised Edelgard still hasn't figured out how to ask him to spend time with her, though.]
Shall I meet you in the library as usual?
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[There's a small smile on Edelgard's face--good, that's the answer she was looking for. Even so, a library date...it sounds okay, but Edelgard thinks about it some.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let go, just a little bit.]
No, actually.
[Edelgard turns back to Lorenz, her expression firm. Her cheeks, however, still...haven't really died down, so they're a pretty deep pink.]
In fact, I would actually like it if we could perhaps share some tea. Should you be amendable, of course.
[This could be a mistake. This could be a huge mistake, really, and while Edelgard is certainly presenting a confident front, her inner voice is telling her to take it back. It's too much, it's going to cause a stir, and she can't afford taking that time.
...Her inner voice sounds a lot like Hubert, really, and perhaps that's what makes it easier to shush for the time being.]
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Ah, of course! I shall prepare my family's best blend— or would you prefer your own? Please, allow me to prepare the tea for you; I dare say my skills are at least superior to my rather lackluster healing abilities!
[oh goddess he is so excited about tea.]
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But at the very least, Edelgard is keeping a smile on her face--it's actually really nice to see him so excited...]
I would like to try your family's blend, then. If it's as good as you say, then I'm certain that I'll enjoy it as well.
[As much as Edelgard likes her family's blend of tea, it is definitely an acquired taste, and she knows it...]
I'm looking forward to seeing how well it will turn out.
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Of course, only the finest would be suitable!
[Not just because she's his soulmate, but that is part of it. And it's certainly not just because the imperial princess (though that's important too). It's because Lorenz wants to share something important to him with her, and he can think of nothing better than House Gloucester's signature tea.]
As am I! I'm certain it will be a wonderful experience!
[he's so excited he's practically sparkling...]
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I'm looking forward to it, then.
[Edelgard will stand a little straighter, though--she's starting to feel the telltale sign of Hubert Is Watching, and she does need to discretely get some gloves anyway.]
I should be going. I'll see you in the gardens this evening.
[And while Edelgard will at least let him say goodbye too, she's...definitely rushing off as she says that and coming back the way she came.]
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[That gets Lorenz to settle a bit, at least.]
I will see you later this evening, then!
[And sure enough, when evening rolls around and Edelgard makes her way to the gardens, she'll find Lorenz already there. Thankfully the gardens aren't crowded at this time of day, so they'll be left on their own (mostly, since Hubert is probably going to be nearby). Still, it looks like Lorenz must have been setting up for a bit before Edelgard arrives; there's a (rather fancily embroidered) tablecloth laid out, along with a tea tray with quite a few sweets, and a delicate and hand-painted tea set prepared. The tea isn't prepared just yet, but given Lorenz's affinity for fire magic, that won't be a problem at all.
He's currently got his back to Edelgard, looking at the setup critically, as if trying to determine whether it looks suitable or not, so he won't even notice her approach. Have... fun???]
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Either way, Edelgard is as punctual as ever and arrives in the gardens to see that he's certainly gone all out for this. It actually...gives Edelgard some pause, because holy fuck she wasn't expecting him to go all out on this??? If anyone sees this, they're certainly going to think this is a date. Like, there's simply nothing to say this isn't one, and yet...
It's...sweet of him, to do this all for her. She was just expecting to have some tea with him to make this look business-like, but there's sweets, he seems to have brought his own tea set and tablecloth. It's...excessive, certainly, but the fact that he's doing this for her is...
Well, he's certainly taking this rather seriously. Edelgard clears her throat, though; no use in scaring Lorenz while he prepares.]
Good evening, Lorenz. Have you finished your preparations?
[He seems so focused on fixing everything...]
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Ah, Edelgard! Yes, I've just finished preparing—
[He glances back at the setup, then quickly lights a flame below the setup for the tea kettle to get that started before turning back like he didn't just do that.]
Thank you for agreeing to join me. Please, take a seat.
[He gestures for her to join him and takes his seat, immediately setting about checking the tea kettle and ensuring everything is just so. While he usually is fairly picky about tea time, he usually isn't quite... this wound-up...
It's partially because it's Edelgard, the imperial princess, and a substandard tea time is unacceptable. It's partially because it's Edelgard, his soulmate, and anything less than perfection would be be an insult. And it's partially because Lorenz is just picky in general, but that's not important.
Despite this, he doesn't seem agitated or nervous. Everything has been painstakingly chosen and prepared for, but he isn't stressed at all about it. This is entirely a labor of love, and one he's very clearly proud about.]
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