a lion among ladies

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea doesn't exactly love spending time in the cathedral of Garreg Mach's campus, as stunning as the stained glass windows and flying buttresses are to behold. She hasn't put stock in the Seirosi faith since she was six years old.

In spite of that, she can still be seen there often in the days following the mission to quell the Western Church's rebellion in Gaspard territory, her hand rubbing circles in Ashe's back. She understands what it feels like to lose a parent, though she doesn't speak of it; instead, she only listens as he very gradually works his way through the shock and pain. Sometimes the only comfort is commiseration.

It's draining, though. She has to step back eventually, to try and shake off the old familiar feelings that watching another orphan in mourning dredges up in her.

Standing on the bridge that leads to the cathedral, she inhales the fresh mountain air and releases a sigh as she looks out over the scenery. A flash of blue in her peripheral vision catches her attention, though, and she's back on stage, turning to face her new house leader. ]

On your way to pray?

Comments

[backstreetbard]

[ Oh no, is he blushing? How charming. She hasn't even done anything to earn such a response, in her estimation, but she's glad that he likes the nickname, and glad that she's gotten to see how cute he is when he's flustered.

She sits primly, hands folded in her lap and her ankles crossed as he takes his seat. The mention of Ashe has her nodding, though her face falls just a bit. ]

Oh! That isn't something you need to thank me for at all. [ Her hand briefly alights on Dimitri's forearm, like a butterfly landing on a flower only to take flight a moment later. ] The poor dear, I... I couldn't stand to see him trying to wear a brave face like that. Losing a parent is... well, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Everything becomes uncertain. I only wanted him to know that he isn't alone here--that there are others who know how he feels, and that we're here for him.

[hauntedking]

[ The touch against his arm doesn't make him start, but he does glance down at her hand before it's gone again, perhaps a little surprised that she's so easy with it. He's not used to that sort of thing - he keeps himself a little aloof, despite his better judgement at times. Casual touching isn't in his usual wheelhouse.

But he doesn't dislike it.

His attention returns to her face and her words after a moment. His expression falls a little. ]

Yes, it's... very hard to lose family like that. Especially when they're all that you have or when you look up to them so.

[ His lips purse. ]

I... hadn't realized you'd lost one as well. It seems there's more than a few of us in our House. [ Which is a grim realization, but at least they have one another for support? ]

[backstreetbard]

I... I suppose it wouldn't be very common knowledge in Faerghus, would it?

[ Which is refreshing, on the one hand, but this part of her history isn't one that Dorothea particularly enjoys rehashing, in spite of how much it was capitalized upon during her tenure at the Mittelfrank. ]

I'm an orphan. I lost my mother to a fever when I was six years old and I never knew my father to begin with, so our circumstances are different, but I can understand where he's coming from.

[hauntedking]

I, too, lost my mother when I was young.

[ Dimitri replies with soft little sigh, tone sympathetic. ]

And... then my step-mother and father. So, I also understand what he's going through.

[backstreetbard]

Dima, I'm so sorry.

[ This time she does take his hand, her dainty fingers slipping into his palm and squeezing in a comforting way through his gauntlet.

It isn't pity in her eyes, but a deep sympathy. She's heard of the Tragedy, of course, though she doesn't know as much about it as a citizen of the Kingdom would, nor does she hold any of the biases so common in Faerghus. ]

I know we're not that close, but I'm here any time if you want to talk about it. Or it's fine if you don't, of course--everyone has their own ways of handling those sorts of things.

[ Here she withdraws her hand. ]

I think it couldn't hurt for you to let Ashe know that you're there for him, too. Having his house leader's support would mean a lot to him, I bet.

[hauntedking]

[ Oh.

They're holding hands now. Is that appropriate? It must be or she wouldn't have done it, right? He can feel his cheeks starting to burn, but he holds his metaphorical ground and doesn't yank his hand away, which is probably a good thing. He tries not to squeeze, both because he doesn't want to make her uncomfortable and also because he's not sure if he'd potentially break something if he went too hard.

Give him a moment while he processes. ]

Ah - yes. Yes, you're right, of course. I've... tried to do so, but perhaps I should be more direct in saying so to him.

[ He pauses, thinks. ]

Er. Thank you. For that offer. I appreciate it and I extend the same to you - I realize you've only recently joined the house and it cannot be easy when most of us already know one another.

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea is pretty certain she's never seen a boy turn quite so red just from holding her hand before, and she can't say it does nothing for her ego. She doesn't want to torment him, though, so she threads her fingers together and sets her hands on her knees. ]

It was the same in the Black Eagles, if I'm being honest. Some of the others have known each other for years I was the only commoner in that class. Can you imagine how I felt when I learned I would be classmates with the imperial princess? I'm the odd one out, regardless. I considered transferring to the Golden Deer since I've known Manuela for so long, but this new professor is just so interesting, don't you think?

[hauntedking]

Well, here you are, talking to a prince, so things haven't changed that much.

[ There's a bit of a joke in there, his face splitting in a smile. Then it settles into something a little more thoughtful. ]

...they are. They're a little inscrutable at times, but they seem dependable. More than that, I think they actually bring a great deal of experience with them, despite not being that much older than must of us.

[ Something sly creeps into his expression. Playful, even. ]

Is that why you transferred? To get a better look at the Professor? Now I don't know if I should feel a little crestfallen or not.

[backstreetbard]

[ Hold on. Is he... is he flirting with her? Because it kind of sounds like he's flirting with her. A delighted smile spreads on her face, and she laughs, tossing her perfumed hair once before shifting slightly to cross her legs at the knees in such a way as to bring attention to her bare thighs. ]

Don't you let it worry you. I never said that was the only reason, and I did tell you earlier that I had all the moments you needed, didn't I? You're interesting, too.

[ She does wink at him this time, since the conversation has inched away from its more somber somber tone. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Oh no, she winked at him. There go his cheeks again - although probably not as bad as when she was holding his hand. He laughs and straightens up in his seat a little, a smile spreading over his face. A touch nervous, maybe, but definitely a smile and definitely genuine.

Also he doesn't want to stare at her thighs, that would be rude - but she is very pretty and attractive and- ]

Well, I hope I can - uh - hold that interest for as long as we're in a house together, then. I sometimes think there isn't much to me, but... if you say there is, I'll gladly believe it. You seem to have a discerning eye, after all.

[backstreetbard]

[ Now even her cheeks are beginning to grow warm. How is he this charming? Why is a legitimate prince even being so receptive to her flirtation? She's tempted to scoot closer, but she doesn't want to spook him and spoil the moment. ]

Not much to you? You don't give yourself enough credit. You're sweet, and you care about your classmates regardless of their social standing. That makes you leagues better than just about every noble I've ever met. I think it's safe to say you've got my interest as long as you want it.

[hauntedking]

[ Well, he's not about to get into the whole nobility thing. She's a commoner and that - that means something to some people, but right now he just feels like he's glowing from the inside out. He laughs again - a touch nervous - and works his courage up. ]

Well... in that case - ah. Would you like to join me for tea sometime? I've been told that socializing would be good for me, you see.

[ He's screaming internally. What is he doing? ]

[backstreetbard]

Tea?

[ Is he...? He's asking her out, isn't he? Or she's completely misreading the situation, but she doesn't think she is. He's asking her out. ]

I would be delighted.

[ Whoa, girl, rein it in. He's the house leader--getting to know his classmates is part of his job description, right? That doesn't not make it a date, though, right? Right. ]

What time is best for you? I'm sure you have a lot of responsibilities as house leader, and I have choir practice a few times a week, but outside of that, I'm all yours.

[hauntedking]

[ Oh Goddess, she said yes and now he's trying to think of what the proper way to do this whole thing is. How does he approach this, how does he not be insulting, a dozen other questions. Does this mean she's interested in him? Or is it just a friendly cup of tea? A date? Or not?

He can't think straight. ]

I can always find times in the late afternoon. My responsibilities aren't so heavy that I cannot find time for myself.

[ He smiles, broad and friendly. ]

So as long as it doesn't conflict with choir... what do you say about tomorrow?

[backstreetbard]

[ Not that she would tell him as much, but Dorothea would gladly skip choral practice in a heartbeat to have tea with someone as cute and charming as he is. That's the reason she came to Garreg Mach in the first place--not to sing uninspired hymns to a goddess that probably didn't even exist, but to secure a partner for her future. The thought of a prince taking interest in her had only been entertained in her most fanciful dreams, and the fact that she's sitting together with him here being asked to join him for tea is so thrilling that it makes her heart race.

She beams at him, biting her lip to try and contain the giddy laughter she can feel bubbling in her chest. ]

Tomorrow is perfect. Maybe... four o'clock? There's a lovely little corner among the rose hedges with a table that would be perfect for an afternoon tea. It's one of my favorite spots on campus.

[hauntedking]

I'm not sure I know that spot... but I would be happy to have you introduce me to it.

[ This? This he can do. He enjoys being helpful, being kind, pleasant conversation. It's just that most of his life is eaten up by other things. And the idea that he's been so bold as to ask out a girl on a date of some sort - well. Wouldn't Sylvain be surprised? He's practically glowing by now, his smile almost too wide for his face. ]

I'll look forward to tomorrow afternoon, then.

[backstreetbard]

I can show you if you meet me in the courtyard by the dormitories. It isn't hard to find once you know where to look.

[ Dimitri's happy smile is infectious, and Dorothea's certain her cheeks are bright pink by now, too. In a nearby tower, the bells begin to ring, signaling the start of the dinner service. She touches his arm just once more before standing. ]

Tomorrow afternoon. I'll be waiting.

[ The rest of the evening, and indeed, most of the next day pass by in that paradoxical way where the time seems both to crawl and to fly by.

After classes and the Professor's rigorous training exercises, Dorothea washes up and runs back to her room to get ready--to make sure her uniform is clean and crisp, that her hair is curled just so, to dab a rosy red balm on her lips and cheeks, and a little extra perfume on her pulse points. It's a few minutes before the four o'clock bell when she steps out into the courtyard and glances around for that familiar blue that would signal Dimitri's arrival. ]

[hauntedking]

Tomorrow afternoon.

[ Dimitri agrees, feeling a strange surge of giddiness, as if he could walk on air. That feeling lasts through most of the evening and into the next day, although by the afternoon it's accompanied by a sense of butterflies in his stomach. Nervousness. He trains and goes to class, but he's a little distracted - he accidentally breaks a training lance at least once. But then he has a chance to clean up and go out. He makes sure his hair is neat and his uniform is just so before he steps out into the courtyard. Fortunately, it looks like they're both on time (or early, rather) and he walks over with a smile and a slight bow. ]

Dorothea. It's lovely to see you.

[backstreetbard]

[ His courtly bow is met with an elegant little curtsy. She might not be nobility but she is a performer, and she's played enough princesses on the stage to know how to act like one. ]

Dima. I'm so pleased--I've been looking forward to this all day.

[ Without further preamble, she steps to his side and slides her arm through the crook of his elbow. There are enough students standing around to notice, but she doesn't care. Nothing could sour her mood today. ]

Shall we?

[hauntedking]

I'm glad to hear that, because I have as well.

[ He wasn't expecting her taking his arm, though. He looks flustered and for a moment he can't find words. But - no - he can do this. He finally clears his throat, looking both pleased and nervous in equal measures and then gestures. ]

By all means - please lead on. I'm interested to see this quiet little spot you've picked out...

[backstreetbard]

All right, let's go.

[ They swing by the kitchens first to pick up the things they'll need for their tea service: a kettle full of water and a few sachets of tea (chamomile and sweet apple blend), cups and saucers and a tiered tray of finger foods with a handle at the top to make it easy to cart out to the designated spot. Everything else is loaded into a basket with little containers for milk and sugar and jam.

Once they've procured their snacks, Dorothea leads them into the monastery's gardens, to a slightly less kempt corner where a small table sits under an arched trellis covered in blooming roses. ]

See? Isn't it beautiful?

[hauntedking]

Oh, this is beautiful.

[ Dimitri sounds absolutely delighted with the spot. He's been helpfully lugging the heavier items since he can manage it (and he doubts Dorothea minds). He sets the tray and kettle down and then starts to lay out cups and plates for their finger foods. The afternoon is perfectly warm and everything feels wonderful. He's never been happier. ]

What kind of tea would you like?

[ He's working on preparing himself a cup of chamomile. ]

[backstreetbard]

Now, I can't promise you that nobody else has discovered this spot, but it's been empty every time I've used it. It's a wonderful study spot, too--so peaceful and quiet.

[ She can imagine other uses for it, too, including sharing kisses with a special someone where they aren't likely to be disturbed. There's something undeniably romantic about the slightly overgrown foliage.

Her thoughts are brought back to the present at Dimitri's question. Dorothea grins at him from across the table and gestures to the apple tea. ]

The apple, please. It's my favorite.

[ And while he's busying himself with the tea, she'll prepare plates for them, selecting a sampling of little sandwiches and tiny tarts and arranging them on their plates. ]

Here you go.

[hauntedking]

It looks delightful.

[ Dimitri agrees as he goes about pouring the hot water into their cups and letting the tea begin to steep. He slides her cup across the table to her and then settles into his seat with a nod of thanks. ]

Thank you. And - thank you for agreeing to this. I wasn't sure if you would, honestly. But... I'm glad I asked.

[backstreetbard]

I'm glad you asked, too. You caught me by surprise, but... a pleasant surprise. You've been nothing but kind to me since we met, and I thought that it would be nice to get to know you better. I hope you enjoy getting to know me better, too. So... tell me a little about yourself?

[ She adds a few cubes of sugar to her tea, stirring it in gently as they chat. ]

Do you like music? Or the theater? What's it like in Fhirdiad?