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[NOT THAT THERE'S A LOT OF ROOM TO SLEEP RIGHT NOW OR TELL WHAT TIME IT IS... but eventually, people start losing energy and petering down to corners and beanbags.
Guy? Guy doesn't seem to be all that tired.
The bar is his seat of choice, an empty glass in hand, looking at it as though it might contain all the answers in the world and he's just deciding whether he's foolish enough to take a sip.
He'll start a bit when he hears the sounds of another behind him, though, straightening up.]
Hey. Didn't see you there.
I thought most people would be out cold by now.
Guy? Guy doesn't seem to be all that tired.
The bar is his seat of choice, an empty glass in hand, looking at it as though it might contain all the answers in the world and he's just deciding whether he's foolish enough to take a sip.
He'll start a bit when he hears the sounds of another behind him, though, straightening up.]
Hey. Didn't see you there.
I thought most people would be out cold by now.
[ The bar has some decent seating, which makes it ideal when so many of them have to sprawl across the floors and in the corners. It's a nice space to stay out of the way. Seems like he isn't the first to think so, though he wishes he were more surprised that there's somebody else who can't quite sleep. ]
I'm sure they all need their rest, but I've never had much luck sleeping at a time like this.
[ They're lucky that nothing catastrophic happened but... he's still unsettled. He tries to look calm when he steps over though, motioning to the chair beside Guy. ]
If you would prefer to be left to your thoughts, I am happy to oblige. But otherwise... would you mind some company?
I'm sure they all need their rest, but I've never had much luck sleeping at a time like this.
[ They're lucky that nothing catastrophic happened but... he's still unsettled. He tries to look calm when he steps over though, motioning to the chair beside Guy. ]
If you would prefer to be left to your thoughts, I am happy to oblige. But otherwise... would you mind some company?
[He'll laugh lightly, nodding his consent.] Sure, go for it. This music is horrible to listen to on your own.
Let me know if there's anything you want from around the counter. I'm nothing special for bartending, but I know most of the basics. Though... damn, you're a hard tell. [There's a weird pause as he sets his chin on his hand and takes a look at the stranger. A little older than Luke, maybe? There's a maturity in how he holds himself that makes it hard to gauge.
Tapping his chin for a minute.]
19, maybe?
Let me know if there's anything you want from around the counter. I'm nothing special for bartending, but I know most of the basics. Though... damn, you're a hard tell. [There's a weird pause as he sets his chin on his hand and takes a look at the stranger. A little older than Luke, maybe? There's a maturity in how he holds himself that makes it hard to gauge.
Tapping his chin for a minute.]
19, maybe?
Edited 2020-06-07 03:25 (UTC)
[ He smiles at that, a little slanted. Should he be flattered? ]
Close. 17.
[ Age doesn't really matter in this case for Fantasy Medieval Times, but he tries not to overdo it anyway. Guy is also very plainly old to drink, though Dimitri wants to play along too. ]
I don't imagine you're much older yourself... 21, perhaps?
Close. 17.
[ Age doesn't really matter in this case for Fantasy Medieval Times, but he tries not to overdo it anyway. Guy is also very plainly old to drink, though Dimitri wants to play along too. ]
I don't imagine you're much older yourself... 21, perhaps?
Almost got it yourself. 23, actually.
[He both wishes and DOES NOT WISH AT ALL that he was still twenty-one. But that's neither here nor there.]
You hold yourself really well for someone that hasn't come of age yet. I'm very surprised.
Mind if I ask your name?
[He both wishes and DOES NOT WISH AT ALL that he was still twenty-one. But that's neither here nor there.]
You hold yourself really well for someone that hasn't come of age yet. I'm very surprised.
Mind if I ask your name?
You flatter me too much.
[ Oh, this guy's surprisingly pleasant compared to some of the rowdier folks. It's nice to find good company at this time of night, though he waves off the compliment. ]
My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. [ It's a mouthful, but he rattles it off in a perfunctory way. ] And yourself?
[ Oh, this guy's surprisingly pleasant compared to some of the rowdier folks. It's nice to find good company at this time of night, though he waves off the compliment. ]
My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. [ It's a mouthful, but he rattles it off in a perfunctory way. ] And yourself?
Ahh, that would explain it. [Very casually, in an almost comedic contrast with how easily he slips into a formal bow of his head.] It's a pleasure, Your Highness.
Guy Cecil. I work under the reign of His Majesty Emperor Peony the Ninth, ruler of the Malkuth Empire.
Guy Cecil. I work under the reign of His Majesty Emperor Peony the Ninth, ruler of the Malkuth Empire.
[ He gets a medley of reactions to his name and title, but it's actually pretty rare that someone recognizes the noblesse oblige at all. He shakes his head quickly, used to this. ]
Ah, please—just Dimitri is fine. I am no prince to you. It's nice to be acquainted, Guy.
[ They aren't even from the same world, probably. Also, titles are lame. He does turn on his polite business mode, though. ]
I don't believe I'm familiar with the Malkuth Empire. Are you a retainer to your emperor? A knight, perhaps?
Ah, please—just Dimitri is fine. I am no prince to you. It's nice to be acquainted, Guy.
[ They aren't even from the same world, probably. Also, titles are lame. He does turn on his polite business mode, though. ]
I don't believe I'm familiar with the Malkuth Empire. Are you a retainer to your emperor? A knight, perhaps?
Likewise, Dimitri.
Mm... In a way. My exact role in the workings of the palace is a little complicated, but I'm definitely not one of His Majesty's personal guard. Really, I'm just an over-glorified errand boy most days. His Majesty does his best, but even he needs a helping hand. I'm sure you know that better than most. [He would not wish that kind of position on anyone, let's be perfectly real here.]
I'm well acquainted with Her Highness the princess of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear, so he likes to take me along sometimes for summits or treaty talks with her or her father, King Ingobert the Sixth. His Majesty always claims it's to keep tensions smooth, but I think he's just pulling my leg most of the time.
Mm... In a way. My exact role in the workings of the palace is a little complicated, but I'm definitely not one of His Majesty's personal guard. Really, I'm just an over-glorified errand boy most days. His Majesty does his best, but even he needs a helping hand. I'm sure you know that better than most. [He would not wish that kind of position on anyone, let's be perfectly real here.]
I'm well acquainted with Her Highness the princess of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear, so he likes to take me along sometimes for summits or treaty talks with her or her father, King Ingobert the Sixth. His Majesty always claims it's to keep tensions smooth, but I think he's just pulling my leg most of the time.
[ He can tell Guy is truly a member of someone's court from the way he speaks—how could anyone understand the ridiculous humor behind it all without being a part of it? Dimitri scoffs softly, amused. ]
Ah yes... even if we're from different worlds, that all sounds very familiar.
[ He's going to reach for a small water pitcher; he'd be up all night anyway, but that's especially true if they're going to get started on Royal Life. ]
You seem very well connected, to be trusted by so many high-born nobles.
[ Not just an Emperor, but a princess, a king... That's quite a menagerie or high ranking names. ]
Ah yes... even if we're from different worlds, that all sounds very familiar.
[ He's going to reach for a small water pitcher; he'd be up all night anyway, but that's especially true if they're going to get started on Royal Life. ]
You seem very well connected, to be trusted by so many high-born nobles.
[ Not just an Emperor, but a princess, a king... That's quite a menagerie or high ranking names. ]
Hahah - I guess so. It's just the cards that have been dealt to me, in a way. Long before I swore fealty to His Majesty, I was employed at the manor of one of the Dukes under King Ingobert. His son was the tertiary heir and poised to enter a political marriage with Her Highness when they came of age, so I was exposed to a lot of the upper monarchy by association.
[He just shrugs. Politics, man.]
Sometimes life just leads you elsewhere, and mine led me to the Empire. There hasn't been much bad blood for the decision. I think when the switch first happened, there was some talk of covert work on both sides. But it's been long enough now that I'd like to think we can try to move past it, you know?
I'm not about to fuel another pointless war over my choices in fealty.
[He just shrugs. Politics, man.]
Sometimes life just leads you elsewhere, and mine led me to the Empire. There hasn't been much bad blood for the decision. I think when the switch first happened, there was some talk of covert work on both sides. But it's been long enough now that I'd like to think we can try to move past it, you know?
I'm not about to fuel another pointless war over my choices in fealty.
People do tend to assume the worst with such things... But we have taken in plenty of refugees and the like without any incident. I'm glad to hear it resolved peacefully for you.
[ It'd probably have been a little more difficult to understand the tight weave of the political tapestry that Guy's rattling off, but he's used to this.
The detail that stands the most, though... ]
Pardon me for asking, but were you recently at war?
[ It'd probably have been a little more difficult to understand the tight weave of the political tapestry that Guy's rattling off, but he's used to this.
The detail that stands the most, though... ]
Pardon me for asking, but were you recently at war?
[Not a fun topic to focus on, but alright.]
Yeah. It's not the first time.
There's been repeated histories of skirmishes between Malkuth and Kimlasca for nearly a thousand years - normally it's over issues like access to natural resources, border disputes, or even religious differences. Sometimes they can resolve it without intervention, other times religious neutrals like the Order of Lorelei had to step in to help negotiations.
The Hod War happened when I was young, and the last large-scale war only ended about a year and a half ago, so tensions are still pretty high. But the situation was complicated, just like war is complicated.
Yeah. It's not the first time.
There's been repeated histories of skirmishes between Malkuth and Kimlasca for nearly a thousand years - normally it's over issues like access to natural resources, border disputes, or even religious differences. Sometimes they can resolve it without intervention, other times religious neutrals like the Order of Lorelei had to step in to help negotiations.
The Hod War happened when I was young, and the last large-scale war only ended about a year and a half ago, so tensions are still pretty high. But the situation was complicated, just like war is complicated.
I see... You have all been through a great deal of turmoil.
[ No matter how complicated war is, it's not really excusable. War is so much suffering that he can scarcely imagine it, nor does he want to. ]
I apologize. I feel I must ask if I am to learn how to avoid war in my own lands. Though it always seems to be for the same reasons: pride, or a parcel of land, or a mouthful of food. A clash at a border. A tyrant's will... [ ... ] In any case, I do not mean to dredge up any unpleasant memories for you, either.
[ No matter how complicated war is, it's not really excusable. War is so much suffering that he can scarcely imagine it, nor does he want to. ]
I apologize. I feel I must ask if I am to learn how to avoid war in my own lands. Though it always seems to be for the same reasons: pride, or a parcel of land, or a mouthful of food. A clash at a border. A tyrant's will... [ ... ] In any case, I do not mean to dredge up any unpleasant memories for you, either.
[He'll give an easy wave of his hand.] Don't worry about it. It is what it is, pleasant or not. Most people in my time have been affected by it in some way, so it's not like it's something we don't discuss now and again, especially among the House of Lords. We all know how much war makes the people suffer, even those that choose to turn a blind eye to it.
It's a difficult question to address. Even the ruler with the most peaceful of ideas can't prevent all skirmishes, and the variety and will of the people will mean that they won't always agree, especially when it comes to differences in culture and personal need. I think what's more important is how you as a leader choose to address your people and your country, should those difficult times arise. Even those determined for a violent solution still need someone they believe will take the country in a firm direction.
It's a difficult question to address. Even the ruler with the most peaceful of ideas can't prevent all skirmishes, and the variety and will of the people will mean that they won't always agree, especially when it comes to differences in culture and personal need. I think what's more important is how you as a leader choose to address your people and your country, should those difficult times arise. Even those determined for a violent solution still need someone they believe will take the country in a firm direction.
[ It's late, and for the most part no one should be out by the lake. Not after everything that's happened and how much trouble the black sands had caused them. And somehow, he's not surprised to see Guy there—he and Yu had some sort of connection, if trial was to be believed.
His boots clack against the wooden boardwalk as he approaches, announcing him. ]
Hello, Guy. I can go, if you'd prefer to be alone.
His boots clack against the wooden boardwalk as he approaches, announcing him. ]
Hello, Guy. I can go, if you'd prefer to be alone.
[Mmm. He hasn't heard that voice in a hot minute. He's cross-legged at the very end of the dock, sword on his lap, looking lost in thought until Dimitri's voice snaps him back.
He'll turn to the young prince, bowing his head polietly.]
Nah, you're fine. It's good to see you again, Your H-- ah, sorry. Dimitri.
[He'll gesture next to him, folding his arms against his knees, fingers draped together.]
That definitely could have gone better, huh.
He'll turn to the young prince, bowing his head polietly.]
Nah, you're fine. It's good to see you again, Your H-- ah, sorry. Dimitri.
[He'll gesture next to him, folding his arms against his knees, fingers draped together.]
That definitely could have gone better, huh.
[ ah, he remembered how he likes to be addressed. good work, guy. he answers with a polite nod, sweeping aside his capelet as he sits down beside him. ]
It certainly could have.
[ dimitri has known ogata for a while now, and while he wouldn't call their relationship friendly, it'd certainly. made for an unpleasant trial.
on the other hand... ]
I'm sorry for your loss. I wish more than anything I could have found him last night.
[ guy seemed connected to yu, somehow. ]
It certainly could have.
[ dimitri has known ogata for a while now, and while he wouldn't call their relationship friendly, it'd certainly. made for an unpleasant trial.
on the other hand... ]
I'm sorry for your loss. I wish more than anything I could have found him last night.
[ guy seemed connected to yu, somehow. ]
[his lips quirk up, a bitter laugh that doesn't quite emerge]
Nothing that can be done about that now, so I wouldn't go blaming yourself. Pretty sure this place is determined to make sure people can't interfere once something's been started, just like all the others.
[It's horribly unfair. But that's how it was in the temple. Why should this be any different?
...]
We wasted time, and we missed something crucial. It's a mistake I don't think we can't afford to repeat.
Nothing that can be done about that now, so I wouldn't go blaming yourself. Pretty sure this place is determined to make sure people can't interfere once something's been started, just like all the others.
[It's horribly unfair. But that's how it was in the temple. Why should this be any different?
...]
We wasted time, and we missed something crucial. It's a mistake I don't think we can't afford to repeat.
[ that does seem to be how all their previous 'games' function—but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. he looks out over the water, something hard and steeled in his eyes. ]
There's never enough time.
[ he's not even sure they missed something in their investigations, necessarily. maybe there was a connection they didn't see, a clue they didn't put in the right place. a person they didn't suspect. ]
There will be more mistakes, too. We will have to persevere through them, just as we will have to see the consequences of our crimes in the morning.
There's never enough time.
[ he's not even sure they missed something in their investigations, necessarily. maybe there was a connection they didn't see, a clue they didn't put in the right place. a person they didn't suspect. ]
There will be more mistakes, too. We will have to persevere through them, just as we will have to see the consequences of our crimes in the morning.
[ Dimitri leans against a small post along the boardwalk pier, the earlier iron in his voice melting away, letting his expression turn soft and open and sad. ]
He wasn't sure...? [ It'd be more confusing, but by now he's met plenty of people who were outright dead in their own worlds. It isn't so strange to imagine someone who was wavering between life and death. ] People have all kinds of cruel fates waiting for them, even after this.
He wasn't sure...? [ It'd be more confusing, but by now he's met plenty of people who were outright dead in their own worlds. It isn't so strange to imagine someone who was wavering between life and death. ] People have all kinds of cruel fates waiting for them, even after this.
Yeah. He didn't talk about it much. Not that I blame him or anything. But I guess something happened back home, and now he's not sure if he survived it at all.
...
He was the closest ally I had coming here. I'm not about to let his death become another mistake, or leave him to uncertainty.
[His grip tightens on the sword in his lap, before slowly relaxing.]
...Have you been able to speak to Ogata?
...
He was the closest ally I had coming here. I'm not about to let his death become another mistake, or leave him to uncertainty.
[His grip tightens on the sword in his lap, before slowly relaxing.]
...Have you been able to speak to Ogata?
[ it's not exactly something he enjoys doing, stepping back into this cabin a second time, but he owes it to guy to visit. the fact that he's willing to talk—much less asked him to—is something he has to respect.
he steps in quietly, silent until he's seated in front of the cell. his words are formal, but not lacking in softness. ]
—Guy. You wished to speak?
he steps in quietly, silent until he's seated in front of the cell. his words are formal, but not lacking in softness. ]
—Guy. You wished to speak?
[He's camping out on the top bunk of the bed in the cell, back to the bars, though he'll turn and give Dimitri a polite smile when he sees him enter.]
Yeah. I'm glad you decided to come. [He'll slip off the bed, walking over to kneel across from Dimitri, his posture just as formal as Dimitri's words, even if he can't match his own in inflection right this moment.]
Could I ask you why you said what you said, at the end of the trial?
Yeah. I'm glad you decided to come. [He'll slip off the bed, walking over to kneel across from Dimitri, his posture just as formal as Dimitri's words, even if he can't match his own in inflection right this moment.]
Could I ask you why you said what you said, at the end of the trial?
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