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

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?

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Of course I did. It's— [the noble thing to do] Well, I feel at least partly to blame for it.

[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?

Don't blame yourself at all for it. It was my mistake that allowed this to happen, and it won't happen again.

[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.]

[Lorenz inclines his head a bit when she declines, but his expression brightens immediately when she suggests tea.]

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.]

[somewhere deep in edelgard's heart, she's realizing this is a mistake

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.

[this is absolutely a mistake.]

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...]

[the hubris is absolutely catching up to her............]

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.]

Of course.

[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???]

[Edelgard's quick to meet with Hubert once she's out of eyesight; having him get a new pair of gloves for her isn't too much trouble, and once they're on, it's as if nothing's happened. Well, nothing except some mild lecturing, but Edelgard's used to that much. She knows well that something like this can't happen again, and while she doesn't doubt that Lorenz will keep his mouth shut, convincing Hubert of such things is more of a task than anticipated.

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...]

[Lorenz starts a bit when he hears her clear her throat and he turns quickly.]

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.]

[...Oh, honey. Edelgard doesn't let it show on her face, but she has a feeling that she may have caught him off guard; it's honestly kind of cute that he's so easy to read.

Not that she intends to let that much show. Not when he's going to this much trouble for her--trouble that's making her heart beat just that slightest bit louder as she takes the seat offered to her and watches. He's certainly being rather discerning--one might even call it picky, really, but even if he seems wound he doesn't seem agitated or nervous. He seems proud of all of this, really.

It's...cute, it's really cute, that word is seeing a lot of use in her head and it's a little concerning? Maybe? Honestly she's having a brief thought of how cute of a househusband he'd be and she really needs to shelve those thoughts, ehem--]

Would you be willing to tell me about all of these? [Edelgard gestures to...everything, really; the sweets, the tea set, the kettle, the tablecloth.] I don't believe I've seen any of these around the monastery, and I am curious about them. Have they been passed through your family?

[Edelgard is curious, but there is little denying that she wants to help him ease a little bit, too.

(That, and maybe she is curious about him in general, and...maybe she wants to hear him talk don't judge.)]

Ah, of course! I thought you might notice it!

[He sounds very pleased and quickly launches into an explanation.]

Yes, all of this is from House Gloucester. There have been a great many things passed down through my family, but among my favorites are the tea bled and the recipe for these sweets - they make for a perfect combination, I assure you.

This tablecloth and tea set were a parting gift from my father when I left for the monastery. The tablecloth was embroidered by my great-grandmother, and the tea set was a wedding gift my grandparents received. Both of them have deeply sentimental value, of course, but the craftsmanship is also exquisite. You can see here that the paint used on the tea set has not faded at all over the years...

[Ohhhhh my god there he goes. There's no stopping him. It's obvious that Lorenz is very knowledgeable about what he's discussing, even though he personally doesn't paint at all. He keeps an eye on the tea as he continues, switching over to discuss the recipe for the sweets and the tea blend, and by the time he's done with his rather lengthy explanation of everything that makes up this setup, the tea is ready and he carefully and expertly pours them both a cup.]

...I suppose I did go on for a bit longer than I had planned... My apologies.

[Lorenz just......... really loves tea, okay...........]

[...There he certainly goes, holy shit.

Edelgard listens, though, very intently and doing her best not to look so taken aback by how much he's talking; it's actually not so bad to hear him launch into an explanation like this because it's clear that he's genuinely passionate about all of this. Sure, it's something that's rather useless in the grand scheme of things; traditions like that won't fix the rotten, irrational world that they live in, but there's something nice in the way he speaks so fondly about everything here.

Maybe it's just the fact that through him, Edelgard is getting a glimpse at what a normal family could have been like. If she grew up like he did, she'd certainly be blind to the suffering of people beneath her, and wrapped in a cashmere blanket of ignorance to the world at large. She wouldn't want to grow up another way, but it's still...

Nice, really, to hear all of that. Edelgard's face settles into a smile once he finishes and pours their tea, and she shakes his head at his statement.]

You don't need to apologize. I was the one that prompted you to speak at great length about everything you've set out for us.

[...Wait, that sounds backhanded as hell--]

I did so because I wanted to hear all of that from you. It's clear that these items have a storied history in your family, and hearing everything from the story of how these game into your possession, to the recipes that have been passed down...I feel like I have gotten to know you much better through this.

[And that much is true. Even if, in a way, this proves her point about the nobility clinging to things of old far too much, it's not...bad, really. And Lorenz doesn't need to know what's going on inside of her head.

No, Edelgard will take a sip of that tea all too easily--and she's certainly pleasantly surprised by the taste. Edelgard's only really ever liked one blend of tea, and this reminds her quite a bit of it...]

I had few doubts of this being as delicious as you described, but I must admit...it's better than I could have pictured in my head.

[...Okay, so her first remark is a little backhanded, but she continues on quickly enough and Lorenz thinks nothing more about it.]

I'm pleased to hear it; that was my intention, after all. These are all things that are very important to me, and I'm very happy I can share them with you.

[It's a bit difficult to put it into words. Maybe if he had the time he could find a way to express it in writing, but for now it will have to do.

He wants to share parts of himself - his history, his likes, his passions - with Edelgard. If she wants to get to know him, then what way could possibly be better than experiencing his family's unique blend of tea and so many of the things he's received from them that he holds so dear?]

Ah, wonderful! I'm pleased to hear it! House Gloucester's blend is one I have always treasured - I'm pleased to be able to share it with you!

[He's certainly beaming; as far as he's concerned, none of this is frivolous or pointless, because it's important to him.]

I'm glad. It's an experience I intend to value, as it's quite different from my own experience with such things.

[They certainly have tea, but tea sets given as wedding gifts? Hand-knit tablecloths passed through the family for generations? Recipes pass through a family line? All of it sounds so...foreign to Edelgard. Certainly her circumstances are far more extreme than most, but...

No, she shouldn't be focusing on that. It's important to him, and even if it's frivolous and pointless to her, he's sharing this with her because this is a part of him.

Of course, Edelgard will go for one of those sweets before he has a chance to ask anything--the last thing she wants to do is drag down the mood of this, but--oh! Edelgard's eyes widen in delighted surprise before she dials it back and swallows the bite--]

And these sweets--they're lovely. Very lovely. [Let her take a sip of tea here to clear anything else out. She's definitely staying dainty, but man, it's hard...somedays she just wants to do nothing and gorge herself on sweets, and these would be perfect for such days......] I do admit, I don't usually get the chance to indulge like this. It's rather nice, but everything you've shared has made it all the more worthwhile.

Thank you.

[Edelgard's still...not the greatest at expressing herself, but golly is she trying.]

[Different from her experience...? Well, it's true that he's from the Alliance and she's from the Empire, and she is a princess, but are their worlds really so far removed from one another? It's strange to think about.

But Edelgard doesn't leave time for him to ask that question, instead moving to try one of the sweets, and Lorenz's expression lights up again when her eyes widen.]

They're exquisite, aren't they? I'm thankful the monastery has all the ingredients; I wasn't entirely sure they would, though I gladly would have purchased everything myself!

[He's just. Very happy to share this with Edelgard, alright.]

I'm very happy you're enjoying it! As you can see, such things truly are exceptionally important to me... Sharing tea with a friend is an exceptional way to pass the time, wouldn't you say?

[.............yes lorenz is still mad about that slander against tea time, how did u know]

I must admit, I am curious about your upbringing. What was it like?

[The question is careful, certainly not aiming to push. He wants to know, but he'll back off if she expresses any discomfort with it. He can hardly imagine the imperial princess had a horrid upbringing, but he can hardly imagine what being the heir to the throne would be like in the first place.]

Edited (hey dw maybe don't eat the rest of my tag??) 2019-12-27 05:39 (UTC)

[Edelgard's eye winds up twitching a tiny bit at that second bit; though she keeps a smile on her face, she can tell that's a jab at what she's said prior. She's honestly perfectly ready to give him a bit of an earful on just why this could be seen as anything but friendship, but...

Then he asks that question and there's no denying that what little color is on her face completely disappears, despite her expression not changing. She knows she should have expected this much--she had asked about his own, but there's no way she can tell him so much about what has happened. Nobody can know, and quite simply, she's not sure he'd believe her even if she did trust him enough to tell him everything.

Edelgard doesn't let any of that uncertainty or discomfort show in her expression, though she closes her eyes and takes another sip of tea, letting the silence hang in the air.]

It wasn't as steeped in tradition as your own, I can say that much.

[It's a very simple answer, said with all of the neutrality in the world. It's as if Edelgard isn't even effected by the questioning, but well...Lorenz likely knows her better than that by now.]

...Even so, I am thankful that you're willing to share this much with me. [...] But you surely must realize just how people could see such a thing, don't you?

[...yeah she's not letting that go very easily.]

[...He's never seen Edelgard go pale like that.

Sure, her expression remains composed and even as the silence hangs in the air, it isn't oppressive. It could easily be mistaken as her gathering her thoughts, a pause before she answers. But that isn't what it is - he's sure of that. It goes beyond that, and even when she does answer, there really isn't anything to go on.

What happened to her? Lorenz desperately wants to ask, but he isn't sure he truly wants to know the answer.

Either way, she won't tell him. Not here and now, at any rate, though he can't be sure she really trusts him enough to answer that question even if they were somewhere private where no one could overhear. So he takes another sip of tea to try to figure out how best to proceed—

And then Edelgard goes back to that, something that was really just a throwaway comment from him not intended to spark debate (but definitely intended to prove how right he was) so the matter of Edelgard's past is something he'll put aside for now.

(Someday he'll ask her directly, and maybe someday she'll be ready to answer him.)]

No, I don't. We are simply two friends enjoying our time together, are we not?

[Friends might not be the exact right word, considering the words on his wrist - and the words he hasn't said yet on hers - but it's good enough.]

Besides, Ferdinand and I have tea all the time and no one thinks anything strange of it!

[...You know, as soon as he says it, he realizes he has no idea if that's true or not. Ohhhhh goddess. Everyone totally thinks they're banging, don't they.]

...Lorenz, you do realize that rumor around the academy is that you and Ferdinand have been courting each other?

[She's not going to disagree that they're two friends enjoying their time together, but like. Everyone else? They're gonna talk, and good lord have they ever about those two.

She doesn't want to tell him that part of this is at least due to worry about some unsavory individuals using him against her, but...well, they can have that talk much later.]

Edited 2019-12-28 23:16 (UTC)

Wh...

[give him a second]

Who could possibly think that Ferdinand and I are courting!?

[ohhhhhh goddess, he's bright red, looking somewhere between mortified and baffled.]

Nothing against Ferdinand, of course! He's a lovely individual and I'm certain he'll find a suitable partner, but that is certainly not me.

Well, Dorothea was the one who started the rumor, but I believe Hilda has had a part in spreading it. Most of the academy hasn't batted an eye at the rumors, and they believe it's entirely true.

[...Edelgard almost feels bad for just how mortified and baffled Lorenz is, holy shit. But like. She's not gonna keep him in the dark???]

This is what I mean, however. People will make a mountain out of any sort of molehill that they can find.

[...Edelgard can see someone looking over at both of them with a friend before they seem to get the fright of their life and run off. At least Hubert has her back here......]

...I will see what I can do to dispel such a rumor, however, then. [Edelgard seems far more serious when she says that, looking back to Lorenz.] You have my word.

Well, yes, of course...

[Oh dear. He really has made a mess of things, hasn't he... He'll have to discuss this with Ferdinand and see about figuring something else out. Perhaps private tea breaks in one of their rooms? Surely no one would get the wrong idea if they were spending hours in each others' rooms every week...

...yeah, okay maybe he can see where this looks a little like courting.]

You have my apologies for doubting you, Edelgard. However I must insist that it was never my intention to be so... so...

[He waves a hand as daintily as he can while trying to come up with an explanation. Then he gives up with a sigh and drops his hand.]

Never mind. I'm sure you understand what I'm attempting to say. You have my thanks; I would hate for such a rumor to spread too far.

[Mostly for his own reputation, because he really doesn't want to think about what his dad would say if such a thing were to reach his ears. But it's also for Ferdinand's sake as well; for as much as his own father would hate that idea, he can only imagine Duke Aegir would be even worse about it.]

[Well, it's good that he knows now about just how his actions will paint him. Even so, it does make Edelgard pause for a moment; she didn't quite mean to upset him so.

That incomplete sentence concerns her a bit, but she does have an idea, at least. And yet, it makes a fire burn in her; she can't imagine that his father would have good things to say if he believed the rumor was true. It sees a flash of anger, of determination flow through her, and she winds up going to take his hand briefly.]

I do. You won't have to worry about such a rumor spreading any further; I intend to put an end to it where it stands.

You don't need to worry a second longer, Lorenz.

[Edelgard means that. She means that and more.]

Edelgard...

[Her name leaves him without his permission; it's equally awed and pleased, almost relieved.]

I find it hard to doubt you. You always speak with such conviction... I want nothing more than to believe you.

[Not just about this, but about everything. It's perhaps a bit too honest and too candid, but he finds himself relaxing as he says it.]

Thank you. This was never my intention, of course... But I will do my part to correct those mistaken assumptions. I appreciate your assistance and support.

[He shifts his hand a bit so he can squeeze hers in return... but it can't last for very long, not when they're in public like this and when even tea time will start rumors. He pulls back, his smile a touch disappointed in having to do so.]

[Edelgard could have plenty to say about all of this--that he should believe her, because she doesn't intend to do anything less than ensure that this rumor is quashed. She wants him to believe in her, because if this is true and he is her soulmate, she wants him to keep that belief even when war falls.

You always speak with such conviction... I want nothing more than to believe you.

Such words should have been something she took pride in. She should have said something, but the tingling feeling in her arm catches her off guard and it takes every ounce of willpower to not look towards her arm as she feels the words on her wrist react.

And yet all she can do is stare at Lorenz as he takes his hand back, and the shocked look on Edelgard's face stays. She doesn't know how to react--is this what it means to finally know one's own soulmate? How could she possibly tell him here and now, of all places, just what she's found out? With people staring, Hubert likely staring, all of it's too much--

Edelgard winds up finishing off her tea and grabbing another sweet before getting up as if she's been set on fire. She doesn't know how to handle this in the slightest, and this is likely the most openly stressed he's ever seen her.]

Yes, well--I'll be sure to take care of that rumor as soon as possible.

[Her words are rushed and frantic in a way that they don't usually get, but--]

I'm afraid I have business to attend to elsewhere. Excuse me.

[Edelgard practically rushes off, sweet still in hand as she makes her way out of there with...little to no regard for how thrown this is gonna likely leave Lorenz, but it's mostly to hide the growing red on her cheeks and just how much she's gonna hate having to talk about this with Hubert.

Uh. Sorry, Lorenz?]

[Edelgard looks stunned, openly surprised in a way he's never seen before. For a moment he's tempted to ask what she's so worked up about - did he say something strange? is it how quickly he drew back? - but she moves to finish off her tea and grab a pasty and—]

Edelgard—

[And she's gone. Just like that. It would be a lie to say Lorenz is only baffled by it, but that is his primary emotion at present. Sure, he feels a bit like he's been punched in the gut at her sudden departure and how frantic she was, but it's primarily confusion that leaves him sitting at the table and wondering what just happened.

It'll be fine, he tries to reassure himself. Whatever it is that caused her to leave (flee) will be explained soon enough. He just has to have faith in her. He said as much, didn't he? So he can be patient and wait for an explanation.

He'll just ignore the strange sinking feeling and the vicegrip uncertainty has on his heart.]

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