[ Technically, Dorothea is taking a breather. She's already been spun around the dance floor half a dozen times when Claude approaches her, so she takes the champagne that he offers as he sidles up to her. There are rumors about him, naturally, just as there are rumors about so many students here at the academy (including her), but the ones about him tend to run a bit nastier, a bit more hateful.
She heard that he's the purveyor of ((supposedly) relatively harmless) stomach poisons, but she doubts that he'd be spiking the drinks at the ball in spite of what people say about him, and there'd be no point in incapacitating her now since the White Heron Cup is over, so she meets his eyes as she takes her first sip. ]
Claude. [ Spoken in the same droll, polite tone he used to address her. ] The music is fine, if a bit amateur. [ It's a student band, though, so that's to be expected. Be nice, Dorothea. ] What isn't to my taste is the line of noblemen waiting for their turn to paw at me.
[ She arches her eyebrows at him in a way that asks, "Are you in that line?" But, now that she's thinking on it, has he shown even a sliver of interest in anyone who wasn't named 'Byleth Eisner' since the start of the school year? He flirts, certainly, but none of the rumors she's heard have spoken of the hearts he's broken. He isn't Sylvain, or Lorenz. ]
It's a shame, because I love to dance, but one can only stand so many waltzes in a row. I'd like something with a little more pep to it, you know?
(It's true, the best time to poison someone would be when their guard is completely down like at a ball like this... but that isn't necessary. There aren't any mock battles or competitions for them to worry about right now. And if he's being honest, he suspects the professor would be disappointed in him if he caused that sort of trouble here tonight. (It's interesting. He's never really cared for anyone's opinions about him before.) )
I suppose the Garreg Mach Ensemble is nothing compared to the symphonies in Enbarr.
(What was her troupe called again? Professor Manuela had been a part of it too... Mittelfrank?
She raises a brow and he only raises his own glass to take a sip, placing one hand on a table behind him and leaning back to watch the floor. It's only a matter of time before some etiquette professor or Lorenz comes over to scold him for practicing sitting on the table.
"Everything has a purpose and a table is not meant to be sit upon!" --Lorenz, probably
But no, it doesn't appear that he's here to ask her to dance. If anything, he only looks mildly interested in all of the dancing. Something like an outsider looking in. Someone pretending to not look affected. He hasn't shown much interest in anyone at school besides his professor who is now being spun around the floor by Hilda.
He sets his glass down and turns his attention back to Dorothea, grinning boyishly, that signature sparkle in his eye,)
I'm the same. If everyone keeps doing the same thing over and over, it gets boring. You'd almost think this was the only dance in Fodlan...
(Interestingly, no one seems to approach Dorothea while he's talking to her. Is it out of respect for the Riegan heir? Or wariness?)
[ That's an interesting way of putting it, Claude, almost like you don't know all that much about the culture of Fodlan. Hmm, how odd, how strange. Even Lorenz knows about the peasant dances, if only so he can sneer at them. ]
But it isn't. It's just the most popular dance among the nobility because it's easy to learn and is a staple at balls in all three capitals. I could teach you some of the jigs they dance at parties that the commoners throw in Enbarr--you'd like those, I think. It's lots of twirling and clapping.
[ Actually, it's not an option now.
She throws back the champagne in one long draught and sets the flute aside on the table, then steps away and twirls with a flourish. Her hand is extended to him then, in such a way as would be dreadfully rude to refuse. ]
My lord. The music isn't quite right but we'll make do.
(To say he doesn't know about them wouldn't be entirely true. It's best to say he knows of them but hasn't actually seen them for himself. He's only been in Fodlan for a couple of years and much of that time was kept hidden away in the Riegan Estate, away from Derdriu proper while he was prepared for his public debut. He had to impress the nobles so why would his tutors fuss over the more common traditions?)
I think I would do.
(He thinks learning about the regular people of Fodlan would have been more interesting than reading about another classical tragedy during literature class.
What he doesn't expect is for Dorothea to suddenly hold out her hand to him. He raises a brow, clearly surprised, and looks down at her palm. It would be rude to refuse and to be honest, he doesn't really want to. Maybe the others will stare but so what? He's used to having eyes on him.
He lets out a laugh, light and bright, and raises an arm to his chest to offer her a bow as customary in Fodlan,)
Miss Dorothea Arnault, (He's being dramatic. He's having fun,) The pleasure would be mine.
(He takes her hand in his, guiding her out to the floor. Of course, she'll have to take the lead with the dance itself but... well, he'll be a gentleman where he can.)
[ The music has switched from the smooth 3/3 time signature of the waltz to a livelier 4/4, the upbeat tempo perfect for the dance she has in mind. She takes the lead without hesitation, using her body to guide him, slight presses of her hands or spoken instructions when touch alone isn’t enough.
The dance is a rollicking thing, their arms around one another a little more thoroughly than Seteth would approve of as they spin together around the dance floor. She twirls once, twice, thrice under his arm, laughing with giddy pleasure at the sight of scandalized nobles watching them down their noses.
By the time the music ends, they’ll have made a full circuit of the dance floor, wildly careening at times past the couples whose dances were more sedate. Dorothea’s cheeks are flushed, her laughter musical as they wind to a stop. She gives an appropriately grandiose curtsy, eyes twinkling. ]
Thank you for the dance. That’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.
( He’s a good student and a fast learner, following along with Dorothea’s instruction easily. Though he trips at times, he takes it in stride, making sure to not make the same mistake again. This dance is close he thinks, one that requires him actually hold her in his arms instead of the measured distance of the waltzes he’s been taught. He sees Seteth and some of the other nobles balk at them but he doesn’t mind. Hilda, ever the good friend, lets out a squeal of delight and also joins and soon, he and Dorothea aren’t the only ones dancing like this.
But no one else looks as good.
The music ends and Claude’s expression is alight, smiling and bright eyed. He bows, shoulders shaking as he laughs with joy, )
I should be thanking you. You’re amazing.
( Somewhere, someone yells at the band to “do it again!” The mood on the floor has shifted, something has broken in the air. There’s a new life to the party.
He turns slightly, offering his arm to her, )
Shall we take a break? Give the others a chance to shine?
( In the background, Leonie barks orders to Lorenz, telling him to relax so they can dance properly. Lysithea makes some observation out loud about how she should raise her arms this way so she doesn’t hit Ignatz the next time they spin. Cyril mutters to Hilda that he doesn’t really remember the dances back in Almyra; that he didn’t really have much reason to dance back home. Marianne squeaks when Raphael turns her a little too quickly and he apologizes with a laugh.
... Interestingly, it’s the Golden Deer class that seems to dominate the floor right now. Though, it makes sense when one considers it’s the house with the most commoners. Nearly half of them are commoners and when everyone is studying and fighting alongside each other, it seems that the Leicester aristocracy is more receptive to mingling.
Claude will lead Dorothea away from the crowd, past the more uptight nobles and more nervous commoners. Over towards the wall, by one of the arched doorways leading to the gardens. It’s quieter, they can observe the ball, and they can talk without fighting against the music, )
It looks like people are really starting to have fun now.
[ Claude's praise is enough to widen her grin, but she gives a wave of her hand, graciously deflecting as another upbeat song begins and a handful of students attempting to emulate the far less-dignified dance push to the front and center of the dance floor. There's something viscerally satisfying about watching the orderly ball morph, at least for a few moments, into something much closer to the sort of party one might stumble upon in Enbarr's poorest quarters. ]
A break sounds perfect. I could use another drink, too.
[ Dorothea snags two tall glasses off a passing tray as she follows Claude to a more quiet corner of the room. Handing off one of the glasses to him, she clinks them together before taking a sip. ]
You're a fast learner, but that's not that surprising. I know you're one of those eternally-curious types.
[ Leaning casually against the wall, a warmth fills her expression as she takes in the sight of the students froclicking about, even though most of them are making a complete mess of things--they're obviously having fun, and that's really the point of a ball, isn't it? Unsurprisingly, Leonie seems to have the best handle on the steps, though she introduces whatever variations are most common in Liecester. ]
Even nobles can figure it out if someone shows them how, apparently. Having fun isn't something they teach at a military academy, sadly. [ She chuckles. ] The Golden Deer has rather a different atmosphere than the Black Eagles, I think. Look over there--I think Linhardt figured out how to sleep standing up.
[ Hubert was lurking around, too, visible looming in some dark corner. On the other hand, Petra had joined in with the dances, dragging a scandalized Ferdinand onto the floor with her and demonstrating the steps of a dance that must be Brigidian in origin. Caspar has done the same with Bernadetta, though Dorothea isn't sure if what they're doing could rightfully be called dancing. ]
Oh? (Claude smiles, canting his head just slightly to one side and feigns ignorance. ) I'm just lucky to have good teachers, that's all.
(But she's right. He's curious, much smarter than he lets on, and much brighter than anyone really gives him credit for.)
I was pretty excited about the ball. I thought we'd finally get to have some fun... (Another sip and a glance at Dorothea,) It looks like things are picking up now, though.
(He watches the ball shift from coordinated and practiced to what he might even consider a real party. Mercedes and Sylvain have taken to the floor and they can probably hear Dimitri stammer objections to Annette who begs him to come join them. Still, it's the Golden Deer that outnumber the other classes by far.)
Between the three houses, we have the most commoners. And while we have noble houses we aren't as... refined as the Empire or Kingdom.
(They're a mixed bunch, always quarreling with each other, relying on House Riegan to mediate and keep them together. Houses fall from favor and gain favor. While they have their own militaries and a sort of knight class, they have their equal share of mercenaries and militias in their number.)
Honestly, we're kind of a mess. It's a wonder we're even together sometimes. (And he laughs fondly,) But we make it work and I'm glad. It's more fun, don't you think?
[ In the face of Claude's modesty, Dorothea simply hums and sips from her glass. She's not fooled, but there's no point in pressing. They're all here to have fun, after all. ]
The winter ball is the social highlight of the year at Garreg Mach, or so I'd heard. I've been looking forward to it since I arrived. It's not quite what I expected, but I'm having a good time.
[ It isn't always easy to walk that line between being her most genuine self and being someone that the upper-crust students at the Academy could find agreeable, desirable... Tonight she'd intended to be more of the latter, but the former keeps peeking through.
She considers the students on the dance floor, thinking about the Deer and the Eagles, how she's the only commoner in her house, how exhausting that can be. Would it hurt her chances of finding a spouse if she wasn't surrounded by the nobility at all hours? ]
It does seem fun.
[ Her voice is pensive as the seed of an idea takes root in her mind. ]
(He catches her tone and chances a glance at her as she watches the floor. He knows that look. She's thinking about something and given their conversation...
Looking back at the floor,)
It is. (He can say that certainly, with confidence.) Why don't you join us some time?
(Attention on her, a friendly smile,)
Teach won't mind. (And he wouldn't either but that much should be a given considering he's the one inviting her,) And hey, you might even like it. In fact, I know you will.
[ She's a little surprised he would just come out and ask her, but it's really not that surprising, is it? She did just win the White Heron Cup, and having a dancer on the field could make a huge difference in combat.
Even if he only wanted to recruit her for her skills, she was still having fun, wasn't she? A little change of scenery couldn't hurt.
But, she isn't going to jump to accept his invitation immediately. There are other factors to consider; Edelgard wouldn't take it well, she imagines, even if the younger girl would pretend it didn't sting that one of her Eagles was leaving the nest. ]
I'll think about it.
[ She winks at him, then, just the same way he winks at people when he talks to them. It's a noncommittal answer, but it isn't an outright no, and there's a grin tucked into the corners of her lips that makes it seem more favorable than that. ]
Why not? Try us out! Commitment free. You can come and go whenever you want.
(He says, sounding more like a merchant than a nobleman trying to promote his house. )
And if you want, I can even talk to the princess for you.
(He already has a plan; the perfect way to frame it. Call it culture exchange, a way to promote good relations between their classes... he feels like framing it that way would appeal to the ever serious Edelgard. Who would he offer in exchange though, he wonders? Well, he'll think about that later if (if he even has to).
Meanwhile, something has caught his eye across the dance floor. A certain dark haired mercenary finally gets a moment to herself and slips out the exit...
Ah.)
Hey, sorry, but I gotta go. (He gives Dorothea an apologetic smile, something that almost looks... a little sheepish? They'd been having a good conversation and now he's ending it to follow someone else. Even he knows how that looks, especially after he'd just tried to bring Dorothea over to his side,) But I mean it! If you want to try us out some time, we'd gladly welcome you.
(He passes his empty glass off to a servant making the rounds and takes a few steps backwards,)
Oh and-- (A skip and a bow,) Thanks for the dance.
(Before he turns on his heel to follow after Byleth, he raises a finger to his lips. Don't tell anyone where he's going. He can trust her to keep a secret. Right...? )
[ It's an interesting thought--one she hadn't yet entertained before now. She could transfer over, maybe experience a different way of doing things than the arm-length cordiality of the Black Eagles. As much as she likes Edie and a few of her other classmates, she's not especially bound to Adrestia in the way someone like Ferdinand is--the Empire is her homeland, but that means very little to an orphan like her. ]
Edie might take it better coming from me, but if you'd like to talk it over with her, be my guest.
[ It isn't difficult in the next moment to follow his eyes to the Professor, and she nods in understanding. Looks like someone has a little crush, but she won't tease him for it. ]
I'll come for a visit, I promise. But you promise to dance with me again, sometime.
[ She mimics the gesture, pressing her finger to her lips and winking at him. She's a veritable vault of secrets. No one will find out from her. ]
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no subject
She heard that he's the purveyor of ((supposedly) relatively harmless) stomach poisons, but she doubts that he'd be spiking the drinks at the ball in spite of what people say about him, and there'd be no point in incapacitating her now since the White Heron Cup is over, so she meets his eyes as she takes her first sip. ]
Claude. [ Spoken in the same droll, polite tone he used to address her. ] The music is fine, if a bit amateur. [ It's a student band, though, so that's to be expected. Be nice, Dorothea. ] What isn't to my taste is the line of noblemen waiting for their turn to paw at me.
[ She arches her eyebrows at him in a way that asks, "Are you in that line?" But, now that she's thinking on it, has he shown even a sliver of interest in anyone who wasn't named 'Byleth Eisner' since the start of the school year? He flirts, certainly, but none of the rumors she's heard have spoken of the hearts he's broken. He isn't Sylvain, or Lorenz. ]
It's a shame, because I love to dance, but one can only stand so many waltzes in a row. I'd like something with a little more pep to it, you know?
no subject
I suppose the Garreg Mach Ensemble is nothing compared to the symphonies in Enbarr.
(What was her troupe called again? Professor Manuela had been a part of it too... Mittelfrank?
She raises a brow and he only raises his own glass to take a sip, placing one hand on a table behind him and leaning back to watch the floor. It's only a matter of time before some etiquette professor or Lorenz comes over to scold him for practicing sitting on the table.
"Everything has a purpose and a table is not meant to be sit upon!" --Lorenz, probably
But no, it doesn't appear that he's here to ask her to dance. If anything, he only looks mildly interested in all of the dancing. Something like an outsider looking in. Someone pretending to not look affected. He hasn't shown much interest in anyone at school besides his professor who is now being spun around the floor by Hilda.
He sets his glass down and turns his attention back to Dorothea, grinning boyishly, that signature sparkle in his eye,)
I'm the same. If everyone keeps doing the same thing over and over, it gets boring. You'd almost think this was the only dance in Fodlan...
(Interestingly, no one seems to approach Dorothea while he's talking to her. Is it out of respect for the Riegan heir? Or wariness?)
no subject
But it isn't. It's just the most popular dance among the nobility because it's easy to learn and is a staple at balls in all three capitals. I could teach you some of the jigs they dance at parties that the commoners throw in Enbarr--you'd like those, I think. It's lots of twirling and clapping.
[ Actually, it's not an option now.
She throws back the champagne in one long draught and sets the flute aside on the table, then steps away and twirls with a flourish. Her hand is extended to him then, in such a way as would be dreadfully rude to refuse. ]
My lord. The music isn't quite right but we'll make do.
no subject
I think I would do.
(He thinks learning about the regular people of Fodlan would have been more interesting than reading about another classical tragedy during literature class.
What he doesn't expect is for Dorothea to suddenly hold out her hand to him. He raises a brow, clearly surprised, and looks down at her palm. It would be rude to refuse and to be honest, he doesn't really want to. Maybe the others will stare but so what? He's used to having eyes on him.
He lets out a laugh, light and bright, and raises an arm to his chest to offer her a bow as customary in Fodlan,)
Miss Dorothea Arnault, (He's being dramatic. He's having fun,) The pleasure would be mine.
(He takes her hand in his, guiding her out to the floor. Of course, she'll have to take the lead with the dance itself but... well, he'll be a gentleman where he can.)
no subject
The dance is a rollicking thing, their arms around one another a little more thoroughly than Seteth would approve of as they spin together around the dance floor. She twirls once, twice, thrice under his arm, laughing with giddy pleasure at the sight of scandalized nobles watching them down their noses.
By the time the music ends, they’ll have made a full circuit of the dance floor, wildly careening at times past the couples whose dances were more sedate. Dorothea’s cheeks are flushed, her laughter musical as they wind to a stop. She gives an appropriately grandiose curtsy, eyes twinkling. ]
Thank you for the dance. That’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.
no subject
But no one else looks as good.
The music ends and Claude’s expression is alight, smiling and bright eyed. He bows, shoulders shaking as he laughs with joy, )
I should be thanking you. You’re amazing.
( Somewhere, someone yells at the band to “do it again!” The mood on the floor has shifted, something has broken in the air. There’s a new life to the party.
He turns slightly, offering his arm to her, )
Shall we take a break? Give the others a chance to shine?
( In the background, Leonie barks orders to Lorenz, telling him to relax so they can dance properly. Lysithea makes some observation out loud about how she should raise her arms this way so she doesn’t hit Ignatz the next time they spin. Cyril mutters to Hilda that he doesn’t really remember the dances back in Almyra; that he didn’t really have much reason to dance back home. Marianne squeaks when Raphael turns her a little too quickly and he apologizes with a laugh.
... Interestingly, it’s the Golden Deer class that seems to dominate the floor right now. Though, it makes sense when one considers it’s the house with the most commoners. Nearly half of them are commoners and when everyone is studying and fighting alongside each other, it seems that the Leicester aristocracy is more receptive to mingling.
Claude will lead Dorothea away from the crowd, past the more uptight nobles and more nervous commoners. Over towards the wall, by one of the arched doorways leading to the gardens. It’s quieter, they can observe the ball, and they can talk without fighting against the music, )
It looks like people are really starting to have fun now.
no subject
A break sounds perfect. I could use another drink, too.
[ Dorothea snags two tall glasses off a passing tray as she follows Claude to a more quiet corner of the room. Handing off one of the glasses to him, she clinks them together before taking a sip. ]
You're a fast learner, but that's not that surprising. I know you're one of those eternally-curious types.
[ Leaning casually against the wall, a warmth fills her expression as she takes in the sight of the students froclicking about, even though most of them are making a complete mess of things--they're obviously having fun, and that's really the point of a ball, isn't it? Unsurprisingly, Leonie seems to have the best handle on the steps, though she introduces whatever variations are most common in Liecester. ]
Even nobles can figure it out if someone shows them how, apparently. Having fun isn't something they teach at a military academy, sadly. [ She chuckles. ] The Golden Deer has rather a different atmosphere than the Black Eagles, I think. Look over there--I think Linhardt figured out how to sleep standing up.
[ Hubert was lurking around, too, visible looming in some dark corner. On the other hand, Petra had joined in with the dances, dragging a scandalized Ferdinand onto the floor with her and demonstrating the steps of a dance that must be Brigidian in origin. Caspar has done the same with Bernadetta, though Dorothea isn't sure if what they're doing could rightfully be called dancing. ]
no subject
(But she's right. He's curious, much smarter than he lets on, and much brighter than anyone really gives him credit for.)
I was pretty excited about the ball. I thought we'd finally get to have some fun... (Another sip and a glance at Dorothea,) It looks like things are picking up now, though.
(He watches the ball shift from coordinated and practiced to what he might even consider a real party. Mercedes and Sylvain have taken to the floor and they can probably hear Dimitri stammer objections to Annette who begs him to come join them. Still, it's the Golden Deer that outnumber the other classes by far.)
Between the three houses, we have the most commoners. And while we have noble houses we aren't as... refined as the Empire or Kingdom.
(They're a mixed bunch, always quarreling with each other, relying on House Riegan to mediate and keep them together. Houses fall from favor and gain favor. While they have their own militaries and a sort of knight class, they have their equal share of mercenaries and militias in their number.)
Honestly, we're kind of a mess. It's a wonder we're even together sometimes. (And he laughs fondly,) But we make it work and I'm glad. It's more fun, don't you think?
no subject
The winter ball is the social highlight of the year at Garreg Mach, or so I'd heard. I've been looking forward to it since I arrived. It's not quite what I expected, but I'm having a good time.
[ It isn't always easy to walk that line between being her most genuine self and being someone that the upper-crust students at the Academy could find agreeable, desirable... Tonight she'd intended to be more of the latter, but the former keeps peeking through.
She considers the students on the dance floor, thinking about the Deer and the Eagles, how she's the only commoner in her house, how exhausting that can be. Would it hurt her chances of finding a spouse if she wasn't surrounded by the nobility at all hours? ]
It does seem fun.
[ Her voice is pensive as the seed of an idea takes root in her mind. ]
no subject
Looking back at the floor,)
It is. (He can say that certainly, with confidence.) Why don't you join us some time?
(Attention on her, a friendly smile,)
Teach won't mind. (And he wouldn't either but that much should be a given considering he's the one inviting her,) And hey, you might even like it. In fact, I know you will.
no subject
[ She's a little surprised he would just come out and ask her, but it's really not that surprising, is it? She did just win the White Heron Cup, and having a dancer on the field could make a huge difference in combat.
Even if he only wanted to recruit her for her skills, she was still having fun, wasn't she? A little change of scenery couldn't hurt.
But, she isn't going to jump to accept his invitation immediately. There are other factors to consider; Edelgard wouldn't take it well, she imagines, even if the younger girl would pretend it didn't sting that one of her Eagles was leaving the nest. ]
I'll think about it.
[ She winks at him, then, just the same way he winks at people when he talks to them. It's a noncommittal answer, but it isn't an outright no, and there's a grin tucked into the corners of her lips that makes it seem more favorable than that. ]
no subject
(He says, sounding more like a merchant than a nobleman trying to promote his house. )
And if you want, I can even talk to the princess for you.
(He already has a plan; the perfect way to frame it. Call it culture exchange, a way to promote good relations between their classes... he feels like framing it that way would appeal to the ever serious Edelgard. Who would he offer in exchange though, he wonders? Well, he'll think about that later if (if he even has to).
Meanwhile, something has caught his eye across the dance floor. A certain dark haired mercenary finally gets a moment to herself and slips out the exit...
Ah.)
Hey, sorry, but I gotta go. (He gives Dorothea an apologetic smile, something that almost looks... a little sheepish? They'd been having a good conversation and now he's ending it to follow someone else. Even he knows how that looks, especially after he'd just tried to bring Dorothea over to his side,) But I mean it! If you want to try us out some time, we'd gladly welcome you.
(He passes his empty glass off to a servant making the rounds and takes a few steps backwards,)
Oh and-- (A skip and a bow,) Thanks for the dance.
(Before he turns on his heel to follow after Byleth, he raises a finger to his lips. Don't tell anyone where he's going. He can trust her to keep a secret. Right...? )
no subject
Edie might take it better coming from me, but if you'd like to talk it over with her, be my guest.
[ It isn't difficult in the next moment to follow his eyes to the Professor, and she nods in understanding. Looks like someone has a little crush, but she won't tease him for it. ]
I'll come for a visit, I promise. But you promise to dance with me again, sometime.
[ She mimics the gesture, pressing her finger to her lips and winking at him. She's a veritable vault of secrets. No one will find out from her. ]