Wednesday Group Lunch

[latinumsbetter]

[Sometime mid-morning on Wednesday, the Eatery and Kitchen will suddenly be bustling with activity. First, the sounds of cookery start to trickle out into the hall, quickly followed by some delicious smells. If one peeks in, they might see Lebkuchen kneading dough while Cerejiera gives her some instructions on modern oven use. There are others chopping vegetables, and some point Ranma’s cooking something on the stove. Soon enough, food starts to come out and fill the table. Fresh bread and soup, various other dishes, as well as apfelstreudel and lebkuchen for dessert. To drink, there’s coffee (Vanity) and tea (Sayo) and some kind of fruity, delicious punch that combines peaches, grenadine and something almond-y, reminiscent of something familiar to at least one of you. At the same time, the table starts to be set up, plates and cups levatating through the air with alicorn magic while Aoi has been trusted with…the napkins. Once the table is mostly set, runners are sent out to invite (or strongly encourage, if needed) those missing to a lunch in the Eatery. Which is now for sure 100% safe from Rube Goldberg-esque accidents, courtesy of Alex.

So come in! Grab a seat, a drink, and some food. Time to get to know each other a little better.]


((BIG OOC NAVIGATION))

|| Introductions (Icebreakers) | World Basics | Investigation | Domains and Powers (Profiles) | Second Host | General Chatter ||

Comments

[latinumsbetter]

[there's a flicker in Quark's expression when Ferdinand explains that the war started when he was eighteen--a tightening at the corners of his eyes and his lips pressing together, a tension in his shoulders]

...a change in leadership. That would explain it. The position was open and you got it, did you?

[markofnobility]

[His pleasant expression mostly maintains, but there is a sudden grief in his eyes he is not capable of hiding. Masking is not a strength of his]

Not immediately, of course. I had to prove myself over the last few years. But I have earned my place at her side.

[latinumsbetter]

You had to prove yourself? And what did that entail?

[markofnobility]

[More of his facade crumbles, and he fidgets in a way that would be more fitting on Alex than the effervescent Ferdinad von Aegir]

While I have been training for leadership and battle most of my life, I was untested. And there was the worry I may flee or join our enemies as retribution for said... sweeps.

[rockymountaindie]

[ HEY

LISTEN

you're right ]

[latinumsbetter]

[...frinx.]

You knew someone in those sweeps, huh.

[it's not a question.]

[markofnobility]

[he chews his lip, pondering not answering directly. But like his conversation with Zvei, being honest was the safer choice. Better that than vagueness others could speculate over in ways he didn't want]

My father, yes. But do not get me wrong: he was a traitor and a bastard who deserved everything that came to him. An insult to the title of a noble in all ways.

[latinumsbetter]

[His father.]

So they doubted your loyalty because of that.

[there's a tightness to Quark's jaw.]

Here's a question: was everyone else involved in carrying out these sweeps your age?

[markofnobility]

No, of course not. Some of... some of the noble houses swore allegiance to Emperor Edelgard when she took the throne without a fight. Houses Bergliez and Hevring especially so.

But... many of her closest generals are our schoolmates. Those who were too young to be involved in the original insurrection as well as commoners who had no blood or lands to tempt them to turn against her. Anyone who had reason to despise the crest system had a place in her forces.

[latinumsbetter]

And Emperor Edelgard, is she a schoolmate of yours also?

[markofnobility]

[He nods]

We are nearly the same age.

[latinumsbetter]

So the lot of you are fighting a war. After throwing a coup when you were still in school.

[markofnobility]

[He flushes a bit. It sounds crazy when you say it like that!!]

In short, yes.

[latinumsbetter]

...right.

Which is why you almost died.

[markofnobility]

[he fiddles his fingers, looking like a chastised child even though he wasn't the one actually doing the soft coup]

Yes.

[latinumsbetter]

What would've happened to you, if you hadn't joined them?

[markofnobility]

I... well, I doubt it would be safe for me to stay in Adrestria. Hubert, the Imperial Spymaster... well, I doubt he would have suffered me to live long. We are friends and confidants, but his loyalty will always be to Edelgard's safety first.

I have allies in the Alliance. I suppose I would have plead for sanctuary there.

[he's clearly thought about this before]

[latinumsbetter]

So you were out of options.

[markofnobility]

...

Please, do not make it sound like I was forcibly conscripted or the like. I was there because I believe in her goals. I am not the kind of man to be easily cowed.

[latinumsbetter]

No, don't worry, it didn't cross my mind that you're someone that's easily cowed.

[God of Loyalty indeed. Frinx. Quark almost wishes there WAS some alcohol in the pantry. He takes a sip of his punch instead.]

Obviously you threw yourself into it whole-heartedly.

[markofnobility]

Of course! Ferdinand von Aegir does nothing by half measures!

[latinumsbetter]

[*Quark will remember this.]

Believe me, that much is pretty obvious.