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 F贸dlan 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. F贸dlan 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. F贸dlan 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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War is the only way. A forced upheaval of the old system, and the careful guiding hand to usher it in, even if that means a complete conquest of F贸dlan.
He doesn't like it, but he can understand it now that it's been laid out for him. Is it cruel to allow F贸dlan to stay on its current course? To allow more and more families to suffer because they don't bear the crests "necessary" for nobility? To allow more and more forced marriages for blood rather than for love? To allow nobles to trample the commoners again and again and again, just because they've inherited something that is a symbol of status more than a weapon it once was?
It is cruel, and even though he loathes the idea of such extreme measures, it truly does seem to be the only way to fix things.
But that leaves his part in it. Can he really turn his back on the Alliance? After all he was taught and trained for, after everything his father worked so hard for? Can he truly say that this is what he wants to do? To give up his own birthright and family name, for the sake of a brighter future?
Well, that's actually the easy part. As terrifying as it sounds to change the fundamentals he's known since he was a child, if it's for the benefit of F贸dlan, the benefit of everyone, then he would be exceptionally selfish to say no.
But not many people will agree. His father won't, the Alliance won't, Claude won't. He can't imagine any of his classmates would understand Edelgard's ideals and why this is necessary. Is he really going to take her hand and hope that she can guide all of F贸dlan to a brighter future?
If he doesn't, she's not going to stop. If he doesn't, she'll fight all on her own. He's learned that much about Edelgard, and before he's even fully decided, his grip tightens on her hand.]
You always sound so certain. I wish I could believe that your words alone could change F贸dlan.
[They won't. No matter how much she inspires and motivates him, her words won't reach the ears of those who refuse to listen.]
"Noble blood alone cannot help one on the field of battle."
[His free hand moves to slide his sleeve down, so she can clearly see the words on his wrist.]
I will not offer you my blood or my crest. But I will offer you everything I have left. I want to fight for this brighter future. I will stand at your side, regardless of what must be done. If this world has stagnated, then I trust you will do all you can to fix it.
[His hands are shaking a bit, so he tightens his grip on Edelgard's. Despite that, there's a fire in his eyes and determination in his expression that normally isn't present.]
I cannot make up for the mistakes of my fellow nobles, but I can work to stop such cruelties from ever happening again. Please, allow me to assist you in any way I can, Edelgard.
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But Edelgard waits, her unflinching conviction even in the face of someone like him unwavering. She can't yield to anyone. If he doesn't understand, she'll dispose of him. It's as simple as that.
And yet, for all of the planning she did for what would happen if he didn't join them, she never had any plans prepared for the possibility that he would.
His words feel like that knife to the chest has been removed, but with it comes new feelings--anxiety, the worry that he could be used against her, that those who slither in the dark will catch wind of this and use him the same way they continue to use her. And yet...there's something freeing in hearing him say all of those things; he understands that the world needs to change. That the world deserves to be inherited by those who can actually lead.
Edelgard knew she was growing to love him for a reason, and that conviction alone may have solidified her feelings. The shocked expression on her face slowly gives way to something warm--something appreciative, and her grip on his hand goes tight as well as he pulls down his sleeve. The words are...still a smudge to her, but she knows better than anyone that those words ring incredibly true. That determination in his eyes more than makes up for it as well.]
Then I accept your offer wholeheartedly. I will need every ounce of strength by my side that I can get when the time to strike comes. And when it comes...we will usher a new era upon F贸dlan. We'll put an end to all of these cruelties, and we will ensure that the future generations prosper.
[Edelgard's own grip on Lorenz's hand is tight, and yet it loosens just a bit as her expression goes...soft, really. She doesn't quite know what's causing it, but it feels like relief flooding through her, and more than anything, she...]
...I cannot thank you enough, Lorenz. I... [Edelgard gazes away from him, perhaps a little embarrassed.] I had been so worried that you would reject what I had to say entirely, that I did not even prepare for the possibility that you might say yes...that was foolish of me.
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He doesn't want to start thinking about that. It can wait. Perhaps someday he'll ask her about it, but he doesn't want to even consider it right now.
Edelgard recovers quickly enough and her expression settles into something... soft. It's more gentle than he's ever seen her, and something in him aches on seeing it. What would it be like if she could let down her guard like this all the time?]
Did you really think you wouldn't be able to convince me? You're far too hard on yourself; you're very persuasive.
[Or maybe it wasn't that at all and she didn't have enough faith in him. Maybe she thought he wouldn't be able to see past his own thoughts and feelings and closely-held beliefs, things that have kept him blind for so long.
...He doesn't really want to consider that either.]
Obviously I won't say a word about this to anyone, but is there anything else I can do for y— to help?
[The slip gets him to glance away, a light flush settling across his features. It would be stupid to think that his affections for her haven't had a role to play in his decision to side with her on this, but the last thing he wants is for Edelgard to believe that he's going along with this just because she's his soulmate and he has feelings for her. It does factor into that decision, certainly, but he doesn't want her to think him foolish enough to rush into this for that reason alone.]
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But you've elected to give all you have left to my cause, and I solemnly swear that I won't let that trust go to waste.
[Even so, Edelgard can't help but flush a little bit at the compliment; it's very sweet of him to say, and it fills her with a sense of pride. Of course she's persuasive; she's the future Empress, after all!
Even so, that slip is...honestly cute, and Edelgard honestly finds it endearing. She wants so badly to reach out and cup his cheek, to turn him back towards her and--
Okay, let's not get too ahead of ourselves now. Edelgard has to glance away when her thoughts get a little too ahead of themselves, and her cheeks feel like they're burning.]
We will have to discuss our current plans with you once Hubert and I are able to speak again. For now, you should simply go about your life as usual; if there is anything you can report to us, or perhaps any ways you can keep the teachers distracted, it would be appreciated.
But for now...
[What does she say? She doesn't necessarily want him to leave, but she can't...really think of anything else to do in here. This is already going far better than she could have anticipated.]
...I would... [come on edie, you got this] If you're amendable to such things and have nothing pressing to attend to, I would...like to spend time with you.
[holy shit!! she did it!!]
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He glances back in Edelgard's direction in time to watch that blush spread across her face, and it's easily one of the most beautiful things he's ever seen. No sunset could ever hope to compare, not even a perfectly-brewed cup of tea can hold a candle to her beauty. Maybe he'll pen these thoughts down later and never show her because he'll die before he lets anyone see any of his poetry.
Anyway, he isn't surprised at all that Hubert is in on this. That actually makes everything Hubert has decided to be make way more sense. He nods at her words, but Edelgard's hesitation keeps him silent until she finds the words she's looking for.]
I'm free for the rest of the evening, and I would be pleased to spend more time with you, Edelgard.
[And even though this is by far the most difficult discussion he's ever had, the smile he wears is bright. This isn't going to be easy - he's not stupid enough to think it would be - but for right now they're just two students at the Officers Academy, and there's still some time to pretend that's all they have to be.
He'll cherish every day he can spend with her like this until it's time for her to become the Empress.]
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For now, they're two student's at the Officers Academy. They can cherish that time, before she becomes Empress.]
Thank you, Lorenz. Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go?
[...]
We could certainly stay in here, but I must admit, my room isn't exactly prepared for any guests...
[She just kinda. Looks around the room a bit. Maybe she should have at least some books in here to entertain...]
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I can't say I'm surprised, given what you've told me! I imagine you're usually only in here to sleep.
[His smile is still easy, and it's only then he remembers that he's still holding her hand. Should he... let go...?? Well, they're in the privacy of her room so it's not like he has to...]
I don't mind it at all. Really, we could go anywhere and I would enjoy our time spent together just as much.
[...is that too forward???]
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[...They should probably let go at some point.
But is Edelgard gonna be the first to do it?? Hell no, she actually likes this. And they're in the privacy of her own room, so it's fair game to hold her (boyfriend's?) friend's hand.
Still, Edelgard finds herself chuckling, and if she minds the forwardness, it doesn't show. (He's definitely being forward, but she doesn't mind, for once, and that's...something--) No, if anything, she--]
Perhaps I'll have to suggest the library then, and see how true that is. [Is that teasing--] But I'd be careful if I were you. If you keep talking so sweetly, I might have to do something about that.
[...was that. was that flirting, edelgard, oh my god???]
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Anyway, ignore the fact that Lorenz is slowly turning pink.]
I'll concede that the library may not be the best place, if only because such a place could possibly prove rather distracting...
[we'd end up doing work again and like??? no??? not right now, at least???]
Though I must admit I am rather curious about what you would do. There's hardly any fault in speaking my mind about how wonderful I find you, is there?
[This might be Lorenz's attempt at flirting, but on the other hand, he and Ferdinand absolutely talk like this all the goddamn time.
...It's definitely his attempt at flirting, though, given that he moves to lace their fingers together where they still haven't let go.]
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Entirely so. We'll have to think of something else...
[But then Lorenz rises to her poor attempt at flirting, and Edelgard's smile is definitely pleased. Maybe it's due to the compliments, maybe it's due to the fact that she's speaking without any sort of filter on her words, but for once she's not the dignified princess she's been meant to be for so long.
It's nice, really, and Edelgard more than allows their fingers to lace together and leans forward into the table a bit.]
Perhaps I do find fault in how you're seeking to fluster me. [Not that Edelgard's ever gotten flustered. Ever. In her life. Totally. She doesn't actually sound mad, though.] I'm afraid I'll just have to kiss you if you keep that up.
[...that was about as smooth as face of a cliff, Edelgard, but you sure did try it.]
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[It's very light teasing, however, and Lorenz leans forward easily. He props his elbow on the table (which is rather undignified, but he figures he'll be forgiven for that) and then his chin on his hand. They're so, so close now—]
I can't say I'd be opposed, if that's my punishment.
[And sure, Edelgard's attempts at flirting are... well, kind of bad, but that's something they can work on! For now, he leans in further, heart pounding in his ears as he waits for her to close the rest of the gap for that kiss they both want.]
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I'll just have to take your breath away, then.
[Edelgard starts to lean in further, more than prepared to close the distance between them and partake in this. It's frivolity. It's utter frivolity, and yet as Edelgard's heart hammers in her chest, she wants nothing more than to kiss this man she's become all too enamored with.
And in a perfect world, they could do just that.
Unfortunately for them, however, the world is not perfect and Hubert von Vestra exists. There's a sudden pounding on the door that startles Edelgard just moments before they can finally seal the deal. Edelgard looks over to the door, eyes narrowing.]
...One moment, please.
[Of course, Edelgard isn't thinking this is Hubert at first--if anything she thinks this is Ferdinand, because he's got all of the grace of a farm pig tumbling down the stairs, but when she opens the door, there's Hubert in all of his scowling glory.]
Hubert? What is it?
["There are some matters that are in need of your urgent attention, Lady Edelgard."
...Of course there are. Likely private matters too, which means she absolutely has to leave. Edelgard heaves a sigh out, before shooting Lorenz an apologetic look--]
My apologies, Lorenz. We'll have to make this up again some other time.
[...Meanwhile, Hubert is absolutely giving Lorenz a Look while Edelgard's back is turned. He's watching you, purple man.]
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And then there's a loud knock on the door and Lorenz flinches backwards, like he's been caught doing something he's not supposed to do. Which is... probably true, he's fairly sure Seteth would have some sort of lecture for just how improper it is for a young man to be kissing a young woman in her room—
Lorenz nods when Edelgard gets up to answer the door, mostly because he doesn't trust his own voice right now.
It isn't Seteth at the door (of course), it's Hubert. Which is probably worse, all things considered. It's not really surprising, he supposes, since Edelgard and Hubert are incredibly close and they're clearly working together on changing the very future of F贸dlan. So it's disappointing, certainly, but Lorenz doesn't think anything of it.
At least until Edelgard turns back towards him and Hubert fixes him with a Look.
Lorenz prides himself on being a perfectly reasonable and rational individual. He isn't the sort to rise to taunts and he has put up with an incredible amount of teasing during his stay here at Garreg Mach. But there's something about that expression that very nearly makes him want to snap his composure over his knee and give Hubert a piece of his mind. Would that be unbecoming? Absolutely. Would that be dangerous? Absolutely. The thought lingers in the back of his mind even as he forces himself to respond to Edelgard's words.]
Of course, Edelgard. I understand you're incredibly busy.
[He moves to stand, offering her a smile - this certainly isn't her fault - and making his way toward the door. Once he's sure Edelgard can't see his expression anymore, he narrows his eyes at Hubert, but manages to keep his expression from getting anywhere near as furious as he actually feels.
He's not entirely sure how Hubert knew exactly what they were about to do, but that makes it clear that Hubert does not approve. Very well, then. He won't back down so easily.]