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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[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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There aren't many spots, really, and yet her attempt at getting his attention has only managed to be thwarted by a tea stall.
It shouldn't be so frustrating to her, and yet, as she winds a secluded spot that's a short walk away from this stall--she wants nothing more than to drag Lorenz there and kiss him. And the frustration only grows the more he natters on about tea, about the tea blends, about anything and everything about this and it's reaching a boiling point as she nods her head and maybe offers a word or two to acknowledge she's listening.
She can only take so much of it, though. Even her seemingly limitless patience has it's limits, and about when he starts on another tangent, Edelgard clears her throat in a rather pointed manner as she forces a smile on her face.]
Lorenz? Will you follow me for a moment?
[...This is the most forcibly pleasant she has ever been, good lord. Edelgard almost looks as stressed and wound as she feels. She's at least trying not to be, at least explicitly.]
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Ah, yes, of course. My apologies, I simply find the history of tea so fascinating...
[Yes, off we go! He... doesn't have a clue why Edelgard is taking him over here to this secluded spot, but maybe it'll kick in once we're there...]
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Either way, Edelgard will stop them both in this spot and walk in front of him, openly exasperated and sighing.]
Lorenz. I ask that you make no mistake of the fact that I adore you, and very dearly at that.
[Edelgard looks right up at him, then, with that same exasperated look.]
But you truly can be exceptionally dense when the situation calls for it! I've been trying to guide the both of us here for tens of minutes, because this is the only opportunity we may have for quite some time before Hubert becomes wise to any distractions!
[She doesn't want to cause a scene, but the whispering she does is slightly harsh, and...honestly, it looks like she's almost puffing her cheeks indignantly??? Who knew she had it in her, good lord.]
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Oh— Oh, Edelgard, I am truly sorry, I hadn't realized...!
[She must have noticed this place far before he did, and of course she would like to spend some alone time with him away from prying eyes (and Hubert). Lorenz rests a hand on his chest and ducks into a bow.]
Please forgive me; I was simply so excited I hadn't stopped to realize that you were interested in something else! I will endeavor to never repeat the same mistakes.
[Now, with that out of the way... uh...]
Well, we are... certainly alone now!
[...he is absolutely turning bright red, for some reason it feels sort of awkward to just... jump into this suddenly...]
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It's quite alright. We are here now, after all.
[...]
And all be told, I've been waiting to be able to do this for quite some time. Perhaps that has made me a little too eager; for that, you have my apologies as well.
[...Edelgard is absolutely cursing their height difference right now, in hindsight. Her face is starting to burn as well, but one of her hands will go up to cup one of Lorenz's cheeks if he'll allow it. It helps that her hands are still gloved, but her touch is...definitely soft, really. She wants to put him at ease, at least a little bit.]
...Are you nervous?
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[Not for this. Not from her. Even though he's nervous, he leans into that hand on his cheek easily, shifting a bit closer so she doesn't have to get on her tiptoes. The height difference here is kind of hilariously awkward, but there's something charming about that too.]
I am, yes. I want this to be... perfect. A memorable moment, something we can look back on fondly. Most importantly, I want that because I believe it's what you deserve.
[The words are easy, spoken without a second thought. One of his hands comes up to rest against the side of her face as well, mirroring her own position.]
I must confess that I am not sure I will be able to fulfill all your expectations. I'm not exactly... experienced with this.
[It's a quiet confession, but if anything, that seems to have settled him a bit. He doesn't look nearly as awkward about it now.]
But if you are willing... then I would like nothing more than to experience this with you.
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He's so close now. All they need to do is seal the deal, and then they can steal this moment. Edelgard's eyes widen briefly when he puts his own hand on her cheek, but she winds up closing her eyes and leaning into it all too easily--such warmth is something she's unaccustomed to. It's flooding her with something that threatens to make her heart soar, something that makes her face go a vivid shade of red, and her eyes open only to look at Lorenz with a smile that's so at ease and content.
This is...love, Edelgard is certain. What a strange, captivating feelings.]
Lorenz...my only expectations are to be able to kiss you. I can't say that I'm properly experienced either; such frivolity has been the furthest thing from my mind.
But I want this to be memorable as well. I want this to be something that we'll never forget, that we'll always be able to remember.
[Edelgard shifts closer, her eyes closing again.]
...I would not want to experience this with anyone else.
[It's an honest admission, though it doesn't feel like she's said the proper words in this circumstance. Still, they carry the meaning of something else.]
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His thumb brushes over her cheek and all the pretty words he wants to say feel like they've dried up in his throat. He should have a verbal response to all of that, certainly, but he feels like he can't quite manage it. There's still one thing he can do, though, and Lorenz leans in to finally kiss Edelgard.
...Which is exactly when one (1) Ferdinand von Aegir shows up and loudly announces his presence. "Lorenz!"
Lorenz jumps, pulling back and away from Edelgard like he's been burned, eyes wide as he whips around to face Ferdinand. Ferdinand only seems mildly confused by Edelgard's presence here. "And Edelgard!"]
Ah... Ferdinand... I... wasn't expecting to see you here.
[You know. In this totally secluded place where we were all alone.
Ferdinand immediately launches into gushing about... well, what else, that tea stall that Lorenz was so captivated by. While Ferdinand keeps going, Lorenz chances a very apologetic (and embarrassed) glance at Edelgard and mouths "I'm sorry" before moving to steer Ferdinand back out toward the marketplace.
What a moodkiller...]
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Then Edelgard hears a voice that she really doesn't want to hear. Edelgard jumps back from Lorenz at the same time, looking right over at Ferdinand and looking at the man with all of the grace of a farm animal like she's been struck for a moment. How could he have known about this? Did he even know at all?
...And then Ferdinand makes the mistake of starting to gush about the tea, and Edelgard could swear that if her looks could kill, Ferdinand would be nothing more than a bloody pool on the ground. Edelgard's hands clench by her sides, anger starting to pool within her as she glares holes into Ferdinand, but the very second that Lorenz looks at her she calms, gently nodding her head.
This is hardly Lorenz's fault, after all, and she manages to mouth "It's okay" before he steers Ferdinand out towards the marketplace. It's then that Edelgard is left on her own, and she chances a glance to see that Hubert's finally made his way into town...
This is great. This is just lovely. For all of her planning and hoping that this would be a wonderful day for them both, it's only turned into a disaster by the end of it.
She's going to need to think of a far better plan for their next date.]