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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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!]
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...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.]
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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!!]
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(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.]
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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.]
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[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.]
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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.]
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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???]
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[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...]
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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?
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[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.
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[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.)]
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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.]
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(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.]
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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.]
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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.
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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.
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Edelgard's expression quickly shifts to one of confidence as she picks out the proper shade, clearly pleased. This is certainly quite a bit of consideration for a simple shade of paint, but she's always been told that one has to have careful scrutiny when doing so. It has to be perfect.
(Even if her skills leave something to be desired.)]
Yes. I'm certain that she will find it quite perfect.
[Edelgard smiles, though, when he comments on her knowledge.]
I was given a few lessons in painting as a child--I'm afraid I never took to the skill very well, but I always did remember my teacher stressing the importance of finding the proper shade of any color you wish to paint with. That in order to make the scene in your mind as vibrant as possible, you must have the proper tools at your disposal.
He was a bit eccentric, but that much has stuck with me.
[Edelgard looks down at the paints again, nodding her head in affirmation. This should be everything needed, and plenty for Bernadetta as well.]
Shall we be off, then?
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I had no idea that you had some experience with painting! It certainly does seem like such an enjoyable hobby... Bernadetta will surely appreciate your knowledge and these shades!
[Hmm...]
You no longer paint, I take it?
[It doesn't seem like she'd have any time to, which is... sort of disappointing. He understands that hobbies are just that and should never take precedence over duty, but the idea of watching Edelgard at ease while she works is a really charming one...]
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[Edelgard doesn't seem too put out by his enthusiasm, though. If she weren't utterly embarrassed by how terrible of a painter she was, she'd certainly love to talk about such things with him, but...]
No, I don't. I don't exactly have much time for such frivolity anymore. I have far more important things to focus on.
[...]
It was a rather charming hobby while it lasted, however.
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[He's quiet for a moment more before looking back at Edelgard.]
Perhaps someday you'll have the time and freedom to take it up again. I would like to see your work at some point.
[It's so open and honest, even if the reason why she can't pursue anything like that isn't something he can mention outright. There's no telling how long it will take to bring Fódlan under her rule. Wars have a terrible tendency to last for a long time - she may not even have time to pick up a hobby even once the war is over. There's governing to take care of, along with all the reforms she undoubtedly has in mind...
But just for a moment he'll allow himself to be a little frivolous and imagine a world where she can settle down and have the time to paint. It's a lovely thought.]
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[Please ignore how her face is slowly turning a vivid shade of red, oh my god, he is not allowed to see her paintings, ever--]
Shall we be off, then? Let's pay for these and go off to see that weapon's merchant that you spoke so highly of.
[Subject change away!! While Edelgard tries to get a hold back on her composure, dear gods.]
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Of course, Edelgard.
[But he'll let it go without a fight, though now he's looking very pleased. Her blush is just so adorable...
Anyway, he'll thankfully keep his mouth shut until Edelgard's done paying and they're heading off for the weapons' stall.]
It shouldn't be too far away. I am very interested in seeing what they have in stock...
[As great as it would be to (gently) tease her and see more of that cute blush, Lorenz is a gentleman and such teasing would probably fluster her entirely too much.]
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As am I. I have been looking for some new axes to test on the battlefield, myself. One can never have too many ways to best enemies on the battlefield.
[...Of course, now that they're back to walking together, Edelgard is going to be taking his hand back, if allowed. She wants an excuse to hold hands with her boyfriend, okay!! Sue her!!]
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He's currently comparing several blends from the Kingdom that he isn't as familiar with, amicably talking Edelgard's ear off about the differences and how the Kingdom's colder climate has influenced the blends of tea that became popular there, so uh. Have fun, Edelgard... She really doesn't deserve this.]
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