[ Is it the smartest idea to disobey that 'friendly suggestion' of no one coming or going from the monastery at night unless it's on official business? Definitely not, but it's never stopped Claude before and it's not about to now either.
While looking at the calendar earlier, he'd finally remembered what was tugging at the edges of his memory about today's date. There was a small village on the fringe of Daphnel territory bordering the mountains that by all means, was nondescript; it certainly didn't look like anything special and rarely made it onto any maps as a place of importance. Save for the restaurant attached to the lone tavern there which boasted a chef who used to work in Derdriu and was known Alliance-wide for his cooking and seemingly infinite number of excellent dishes he created. And, once a year, said chef hosted an event which always packed all the rooms in the restaurant and tavern both: a dinner where he made both the classics and debuted brand new dishes, complete usually with live music and a pub atmosphere far and away from the stuffy atmosphere of nobles' events, and where the proceeds went towards funding the village school.
It was always an event to remember, and so it was with this in mind - and having standing tickets, thanks to House Riegan's long patronage of said dinner - that Claude casually began to feel out Ingrid's thoughts on breaking a few guidelines here and there. Some of it had been teasing, sure, because it was too hard to resist riling her up just a bit. But the more he'd thought about it, who better to invite to come along with? It wouldn't take long to fly from the monastery to the village in more or less a straight line, it's unlikely anyone will notice they're gone in the meantime, and (between the two of them) it'll mean the food is properly appreciated.
So here he is now in the wyvern tower while everyone else goes to Garreg Mach's dining hall, dressed rather simply to blend in with the crowds at their destination and having partially saddled up his wyvern. There's only a bit left to finish, but he's also waiting to complete the remaining preparations until he's sure whether or not he'll be the only one going. Claude's in the middle of fiddling with a stirrup to adjust it properly when he looks up to see who he's been waiting for and immediately shoots Ingrid a grin made brighter solely due to her actually being there. ]
Oh good, you made it! And before you ask: no, you don't get to know where we're going until we get there; no, it's not far; and yes, I am sticking to my promise.
[ Ingrid is still a little doubtful about this; she knows Claude likes to make trouble and to get up to all sorts of schemes. She tolerates it, though - or maybe more than tolerates. She does like him, despite all of the headaches he can induce in her. What's more, he seems interested in her company, so she can't really complain, can she? This whole mysterious business about his latest attempt at... whatever he's doing is dragging her in, but she'll see it through.
So she finds herself at the Wyvern Tower, wearing something non-descript and wondering what it is she's about to do. What is he going to get her into? She gives him a slightly concerned frown and folds her arms as she arrives. ]
...I suppose so. I'm going to have to trust you on this one - even if you are having me break the rules for the sake of whatever this is. But I won't ask questions. For now.
[ It takes a concerted effort for him to not chuckle at Ingrid's frown, let alone her folding her arms in what he just knows has to be some kind of disapproval. But Claude manages to keep it together, instead nodding very seriously in response before her shrugs like all of this is no big deal at all. Since it isn't, but he also recognizes that Ingrid doesn't know that yet so he's not about to push his luck. ]
Hey, I never said you couldn't ask questions. Ask away! Just know I'm not going to answer about any specifics since I think this is the kind of thing better seen than explained. It'll be worth it, I swear.
[ While talking, Claude does make sure to multi-task and zips through the last of what he needs to do to get the saddle ready. It brings him to another sort-of ground rule they should probably establish about going, so once he's finished he leans an elbow on his wyvern's side and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. ]
Do you want to take your pegasus? It'll be easier if we flew together to be honest, but since I'm also asking you to put a whole lot of trust in me I also want to make it clear you're more than welcome to fly yourself.
And tack on another promise to not ditch you anywhere in all of this, too, because the only rule we're breaking is about not leaving or making it back here before... well, whatever the curfew is. [ Now he does grin, because he can't help himself. ] Like I said, illegal was a bit of an exaggeration.
You really could stand to be more straightforward sometimes.
[ Ingrid sighs. It's pretty clear by now that he intends on sneaking out - and she's going with him. That's against the rules of course, but it's not that bad. Right? And she told him she'd go along with it, even if that was against her better judgement. She takes a few steps forward and eyes the wyvern. ]
...no, we don't need to take my pegasus. It'd take a little while for me to get him ready, anyway. And... it's not like I think you'll put me in danger.
[ Look, she admits that she has some regard for him. Of course, if she didn't, she wouldn't be here in the first place. ]
Technically, we're already breaking curfew by leaving the grounds, so... as long as we're back before dawn, right?
[ She sighs. But there's a hint of a smile in there somewhere. ]
Well, you're right about that. The only thing you're in danger of is having a good time.
[ This is, of course, said with a shameless grin. Not just because of the admittedly awful joke, but because even with her misgivings Ingrid is agreeing to go. With that he nods to the door and then motions back to his wyvern to follow them outside. ]
We'll definitely be back by dawn. I doubt anyone will notice if we're gone for a few hours, but even I don't wanna push that by being gone overnight. Plus I meant it about not going that far away.
[ Once outside on the simple stone runway used by wyverns and pegasi alike, Claude looks up at his wyvern who immediately looks back at him like she's aware of what's about to be said with another rider around. Especially because he'd forgotten to give the standard warning when it was just the two of them in the stable. ]
Now, time to be on your best behavior. We have a guest tonight, a very nice one, so you can show off but don't get any wild ideas, alright?
[ In response, the wyvern leans her face close to his and immediately snorts a rush of hot air at him. Claude lightly bats her away with a faux grimace to hide his fond amusement because this sort of exchange is normal for both of them. Walking back to the saddle he swings himself up into it in one motion after having done this what feels like a hundred times before. Once settled, he leans down to hold out a hand to offer Ingrid assistance if she needs it - as a courtesy since wyverns and pegasi are a bit different, not that he doubts her. ]
We'll see if I agree with your idea of a "good time"...
[ She sighs. But she's let herself get talked into this, so there's no back down now. She follows him out onto the runway and gives the wyvern a long look. She's used to the creatures - after all she has her own flying mount - and the bond that Claude clearly has with her is actually one of the things that she likes about him. Anyone who cares about their animal companion like he does can't be all bad... even if he is intensely frustrating at times. ]
Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine.
[ She takes the offered hand and then swings up onto the saddle behind him. She's not going to begrudge the hand up. She settles in a little and - after a moment of hesitation - wraps her arms around his waist and gets close. Simply out of necessity, of course. It wouldn't do to fall after all. No other reason for it. ]
[ Claude's about to signal to the wyvern to take off, assuming Ingrid is holding onto some part of the saddle for her grip - right up until a pair of arms find their way around him. Which is... unexpectedly nice, he decides, and in more ways than one though he forces himself to not dwell on it. In a rare moment of wisdom he chooses not to comment. Not verbally, anyway. Instead as Ingrid says she's ready, he reaches down to lightly put one of his hands over the back of one of hers for just a moment before he holds onto the saddle horn and nudges the wyvern into flight.
It's as they turn in the direction their destination where Claude thinks over his mental map of the continent for a bit, then leans back enough to be able to talk to Ingrid without the words getting lost in what wind is blowing by them. ]
We're heading to where Daphnel territory meets Gloucester, right up against the mountains. To a village, specifically, because it's the place that has this one-night-only thing happening. That's why it was important you were free now.
[ Of course, that's when his mind chooses to fill in the missing piece of the mental map he had going and he remembers something else important. Something that might mean Ingrid will know where they're going based on that, though he hopes not - maybe his luck will hold out. ]
Galatea borders Daphnel on the other side, doesn't it? [ An easy question and one he absolutely knows the answer to thanks to Judith (and Alliance history); it's only a flimsy way to feel out whether this surprise has been revealed. ] How are the roads through there? Judith used to tell me I'd have to come with her to visit Fhirdiad when I stayed with her sometime, but. Well. That's probably a long-term goal at this point.
[ That moment where his hand touches hers makes her face flush a little and her heart leap - and then she scolds herself for the thought. It's just Claude, right? And it's just a wyvern ride. She tries to focus, letting the wind ruffle her hair and chill her face, hopefully chasing away the flush before they begin speaking again. She has to raise her voice to reply. ]
A one-night-only thing? What is it all about?
[ Of course, he probably won't answer that. But the topic change is important and there's a spark in her eyes as he mentions Daphnel and then Galatea. ]
Oh, we do! I think I've been up to Daphnel before, but not for long...
[ As for the roads... ]
Well - they could be better. We don't exactly have a lot of wealth, so improving or maintaining them hasn't been easy. But they work. Better than not having anything at all, I expect. But - you should visit it sometime. I agree with your friend!
[ She's right, he's absolutely going to ignore her asking about tonight. At the mention of her territory's wealth in response about the roads, Claude's glad she can't completely see his face when a wince passes across it. He remembers her mentioning as much some other time in the past when they'd talked, and it definitely hadn't been his intention to drag that up. ]
Hey, roads are roads. I wasn't asking to know about their statuses, just that I was curious if there was actually a route through or if Judith was making that part up. It wouldn't be the first time I'd fell for something she said hoping that'd be the case.
[ There's some irony in that statement given that it could just as easily be turned around on Claude himself. And before it occurs to Ingrid to point that out - ]
Now that I think about it, it's gotta be the same road that cuts through Riegan to end in Derdriu. Or begin there, if you wanna look at it that way. But how about that, Galatea? We've only had a road between us this whole time.
[ Kidding, as always, but it is an odd thought to him that in some other time, they may have never known each other unless they quite literally crossed paths. Instead of scanning the horizon Claude looks down to the ground below, picking out a few landmarks here and there, and he nudges one of Ingrid's arms around his waist with an elbow before pointing off to their right side. ]
All this here is Gloucester - and unless you want to sit through a very long and very dull lecture from Lorenz, I advise against ever asking him about his lands - but if we kept heading north we'd eventually end up in Derdriu, speaking of it. Have you ever been there?
[ That's an interesting thought, really. That they've been so close but so far away. But, much like him, she ruminates on how odds are they likely never would have met if it weren't for their mutual attendance of the Academy. Funny how life works. Maybe she's fortunate. No - she is fortunate. She knows that. For all of the troubles that her family's territory has, her father loves her dearly and does what he can to help her achieve her dreams.
She just has to figure out how to fit herself into that. She's still caught between her own dream and her perceived duty. But her thoughts are shaken by the wya he nudges her and she glances up with a little 'huh' sound. ]
Don't worry, I'll keep myself well clear of that kind of thing. [ There's a flicker of a smile. ]
Derdriu? I don't think I have. Have you been? What's it like?
[ When Ingrid asks if he's ever been to Derdriu, Claude finally does crane his head over his shoulder to study her properly for a moment. Not long after he breaks into a genuine grin when she's serious, then turns forward again. ]
Well, I should hope so since it's where House Riegan's based. [ Now he is gently teasing her, just a little, but he quickly waves a hand to brush that away a second later. ] Not that I expect you or anyone else to know the Alliance's nine million different places of importance, mind you, because there really are about that many. And I know basically nothing about Faerghus outside of what I've read, so we're even there.
But Derdriu, it's...
[ Claude trails off, furrows his brow in thought in how to explain the sprawling city to someone who's never seen it. Never mind that not long ago he was in the same situation of reading about somewhere he'd never seen before arriving there and being overwhelmed by what it had to offer. It's that experience he draws on to find what to say. ]
It's like nowhere around Garreg Mach, really. The city itself is sprawling and borders the sea so there's all kinds of ships coming in and out all the time from all over, and people from everywhere, too. My grandfather liked to say if you can't find something you need in Derdriu then it doesn't exist in Fodlan, and he's probably right. The best part, though, is that all those travelers means there's all kinds of restaurants also from all over you'll have to try when you do visit.
[ If she can hear it over the wind, there's definitely a smile in his voice for that last part. ]
But I'm all about trading information, so now you've gotta tell me about Fhirdiad.
[ She really should pay more attention sometimes. But she's genuine, so that counts for something. Her cheeks flush and she settles a bit closer, turning her head so she can try to head her own embarrassment. Oops. ]
It sounds... very cosmopolitan. Very busy. A bit like the capital, but...
[ She makes a low noise as she thinks about her homeland. ]
Faerghus is a bit more isolated, I think. We have our borders, but most of our trade tends to come by road - so a lot of people don't get the opportunity to see peoples or goods from other lands, unless they live in one of the major cities. And Fhirdiad qualifies. It's a beautiful city, full of all sorts of crafters and gardens. The thing is, the land around Fhirdiad is very barren and isn't well-farmed, so the city needs to import most of its food - but that hasn't stopped our kingdom from founding a great school of magic there. One of the best in Fodlan - or so I'm told. I... never attended, obviously.
[ Claude listens attentively as she talks, having meant it about wanting to collect some information (as he always did) and what better way than from a Faerghus native? But it becomes less about potentially learning something new and more about listening to Ingrid herself, and he has to blink back to paying attention when she ends her explanation. ]
Ah- I've heard of the school, Lorenz went there for a bit. [ A thoughtful pause goes by, mostly so he can shuffle his thoughts back into order. ] It's interesting that there can be such a difference between capitals, considering with what I've heard of Enbarr, it could run laps around both Fhirdiad and Derdriu. I suppose it has the upper hand in being so much older, but still.
[ It's nearly the perfect opportunity to segue into talking about how - in a perfect world, if there was less bureaucracy, any number of things - the countries could work together instead of staying isolated. Fortunately for Ingrid, she's spared since it's also timed with arriving to the Daphnel outskirts with their destination just minutes away. ]
So, you wanted to know where we're going, right?
[ Another quick smile back over his shoulder for her benefit, considering they both already know the answer to that. This time, at least, he's not asking to just dangle the unknown in front of her. ]
The thing that's only tonight is a dinner put on by a chef who used to be in Derdriu. He moved out here a while ago and puts on this meal once a year to raise money for the village. And by meal I mean a real one because you don't order one thing and call it good. Everyone sits at big long tables, kinda like the ones in the dining hall, and shares platters of all kinds of food. Definitely worth breaking a few rules for.
[ It turns out 'as soon as he's able' and 'as soon as he wants to' are two very different things.
Not that Claude should have expected any less; if anything, it helps that he and Edelgard both have any number of responsibilities to juggle on any given day. Though his are certainly lesser, given that he isn't ruling an entire nation yet as she is but just heading that way. So there's talks he has to attend that can't be postponed, and projects and drafts to be reviewed, and meetings to sit in on at his father's side as part of that transition that's looming ever closer. For once, his current list of duties isn't something he's looking forward to when his mind is preoccupied with a different country.
During one warm afternoon where Claude is more fidgety and distracted than usual, meaning he has to reread the parchment in front of him several times with it still making no more sense than the last read-through, his father exchanges a look with his mother then finally looks at his son with a sigh, a barely hidden smile, and says, Just go. Maybe some part of Claude's mind should feel guilty considering with that 'blessing' he doesn't hesitate to stand up and rush out with a call back over his shoulder he'll make up for it when he gets back by working harder, promise! (He does not notice his parents' laughter as he leaves.) Making up for lost time on his schedule is an issue for his future self since after a rush job of packing, it doesn't take him very long to saddle up his wyvern and begin the long flight back to Fodlan.
And it is long - even with the weather cooperating, even if he's just traveling alone this time instead of with a delegation, it doesn't go by as quickly as he wishes it would. Enbarr seems so much further south than he remembers despite his shortcuts. During this time he's intentionally vague with Edelgard about his plans, hedges and says he's been detained by other ruling needs but still promising to make it there by their agreed upon date. Which isn't a lie, at least. He's not being wholly truthful about everything else in a convenient loophole.
When he does finally reach the palace, he's still ahead of schedule on that date and, if he's lucky, Edelgard is still none the wiser about his actual plan. It's nighttime when his wyvern lands as quietly as possible on the emperor's private balcony, well past sunset and dark enough that they'd managed to make it in (somehow) unnoticed by guards but not so late that Edelgard will already be asleep. Or so Claude hopes as he dismounts and lets his wyvern go off to find well-earned rest with the other Imperial wyverns she's befriended, and he himself goes to the closed windowpane doors that open to her bedroom to gently knock on the glass. ]
[At night she's not expecting him. Mostly because she fears that the guards would mistake him for a malicious intruder and it would be terribly unfortunate if his white wyvern got hurt. So the rap on the glass gives her a start.
Lightning fast she grabs for the dagger on her vanity — having been seated there going through the motions of her haircare routine before he arrived. The light in her room obscures his image due to the glare on the glass. Cautiously Edelgard approaches the double glass doors, and opens it.
She didn't have time to put on gloves. Tonight she wears a long sleeved nightgown in white with floral embroidery in pale violet that matches her eyes. Its soft and innocent visage is a far cry from the nasty purpled and marred skin of her hands. Sure, some of the lighter scars have turned pale, but the deeper cuts make the skin rough and uneven. It's so bad that sometimes she has difficulty discerning textures since scar tissue isn't as sensitive.]
...Claude.
[The way she exhales is part exasperation, and part relief.]
[ It's only when Edelgard's face doesn't match the smile on his that Claude realizes he may have made a slight miscalculation here. After all, he understands the extreme suspicion of someone showing up on your balcony when you aren't expecting them - let alone anyone showing up when you should be alone - and he possibly should have thought of that on his way here.
But lucky she didn't lunge first? He has a smart remark ready to go for that, until the lights inside glint off the dagger in his peripheral vision and he looks down to see it aimed his direction. Ah. Right. Unfortunately for Edelgard, that only swaps what he had in mind for something worse. ]
Why, Edelgard. Is that a dagger in your hand, or are you just happy to see me? [ No shame. Which the grin on his face says as much, but it's hard to get upset about yet another weapon being pointed his way or a potential, exaggerated brush with death when there's been so many in his life to date. Just add this one to the list. ] I'll take you holding a dagger over being on the wrong end of your axe. I'm not real eager to repeat that one any time soon.
[ When he's (reasonably) sure she isn't going to stab him anyway just for being obnoxious on top of interrupting what was hopefully a calm night for her, Claude reaches up to cradle one side of her face with a hand still in riding gloves he'd forgotten to take off in his haste to knock. ]
[It's not as if the dagger could do much harm anyway unless she really tried. It was a ceremonial blade more than anything, and given to her as a gift when she was a child. The same dagger she pulled out the night they met Byleth.
The moment Claude speaks her name that dagger lowers, and her eyes roll at his joke. For a brief moment Edelgard leans into that touch. A glimmer of softness as the tension seems to dissipate from her. However it doesn't take her long to return to her normally rigid and 'proper' posture as she steps back into the room to gesture he follow. Can't have a patrol guard spotting him and assuming he's up to something nefarious.]
And you, truly.
[She simply has to take a moment to calm down. After a majority of her life was spent under the exacting eye of her uncle, Edelgard is not one who finds calm easily.]
Feel free to get comfortable. I still have my hair to take care of.
[ By now Edelgard's adherence to formality just makes him smile fondly as he follows her inside, careful to shut and latch the door behind him. Leaning down, he goes about undoing his boots to set them out of the way and keep from tracking anything into her room, then follows her directions to drop down into an armchair with an exaggerated groan. ]
Gods. This has to be the best chair ever created.
[ Dramatic as always, though it really does feel much nicer to be reclining somewhat in a chair instead of spending hours upon hours of being in a saddle. Not that he has anyone to blame for that travel schedule besides himself, but still. Claude pulls off his gloves and tucks them into his bag next to his chair, then considers something briefly before standing up again. ]
I'm going to wash up a bit while you focus on your hair, if you don't mind.
[ As he passes the vanity, Claude leans over to kiss the top of her hair with a quick smile at her in the mirror then continues on his way to the bathroom. A quick rummage in his bag produces some clothes to change that aren't ones he spent a whole day in. Though something else crosses his mind as he pours some water into a wash basin and unwraps a bar of soap he brought with him to not impose on Edelgard's supplies too much, and he calls back over his shoulder in her direction: ]
On a scale of one to 'and he met with an incredibly unfortunate fate', how livid is Hubert going to be when he finds out I got past your guards? In general but also at me, specifically. And the guards though I guess that part goes without saying.
[Not to impose, as if Edelgard's typical floral and citrusy preferences wouldn't clash with his more woodsy smoke-like scent. Either way, the little kiss atop her crown gets Edelgard to smile ever so slightly, and it can be heard in her voice when she replies while brushing a scented oil through her hair to protect it.]
Livid? Oh, you misunderstand. I am sure he'll take it as a challenge to catch you next time. I believe he views you more as an esteemed rival than an enemy.
[Honestly Edelgard finds the banter between them both quite charming. Though she's not sure being in the middle of it would be any better than being in the middle of an argument between Ferdinand and Hubert.
The hair strengthening oil she brushes through her locks is mixed with essential oils. A little aromatherapy to try and keep nightmares from the past at bay. Lavender, chamomile, and tonka bean are the main notes. It's a soothing scent, but whether it works really depends on how stressful the day was as a whole.]
[ The proclamation that Hubert has an even vaguely positive view of him makes Claude pause with washcloth still in hand and wonder if he's heard Edelgard correctly. ]
If that's the case, tell him his jokes could use some work to sound more like actual jokes and less like threats where I should sleep with one eye open.
[ Amusement can be heard plainly in his words considering they're both well aware Hubert will continue to be Hubert in all his (mostly) menacing glory. And, because of that, with no changes whatsoever. Edelgard has a point it'll likely result in some obstacles lying in wait for him whenever he chooses to arrive in a decidedly unconventional way like tonight. Maybe it's unfair to whatever Hubert's future plans might be that she's even given him a heads up about it, but as he finishes washing up, changes clothes, and heads back out into the room he's certainly not going to point that out. ]
But so long as you agree there'll be a next time, that's all I care about.
[ It's tempting to distract her from her routine yet again, but Claude thinks better of it and instead sits back into the same armchair as before. This time he leans back after running a hand through his hair, then props his hand back behind his head while he watches her work. ]
[Does Hubert's "playful" banter really upset him? With the way they volley back and forth Edelgard wouldn't have been surprised if Claude came here for Hubert to challenge his intelligence rather than for her. Then again... it's hard to take anything Hubert does as playful when he has a voice like that and a face like that. Edelgard can only recognize it because she's known him for so long.
Once she's done combing the oils through her hair so that it's soft and shiny evenly all over rather than a greasy mess, Edelgard plaits her locks so that all that hair doesn't get tangled overnight. Only the bits of shorter hair that hangs around her face to frame it are left out.]
Long month, actually. There's a lot of work to be done before I can finally abdicate from this throne.
I'm guessing that means you don't want to talk about trade agreements tonight, huh.
[ If she happens to glance his direction, Edelgard will find a smile present on his face that makes it clear he's kidding. Well - mostly, considering his father had jokingly suggested Claude attempt something like this. To which Claude had promptly declined, but it won't stop him from joking about it. There's plenty of time to talk about their respective work in the future.
And the temptation to ask if that busy workload means no visits to Almyra any time soon is there, but he sets it aside. Better to focus on what time they do have now considering it's just barely started. ]
If you want a distraction, I brought a new board game for you to try. Not quite as complicated as chess in some ways, but still has a good amount of strategy. Which is to say, [ he adds with a grin, ] that I think you'll beat me at it in no time.
[Truly? He's much better at strategy than she is. It's frustrating at times, but just being able to keep up with Claude's clever and inventive mind is a feat in-and-of itself. She always welcomes the challenge to help her grow and get better.
Edelgard stands to join him by the chair, and settles herself by leaning on its armrest.]
Perhaps tomorrow. Tonight, just you.
[With one scarred hand she cups his cheek and turns his face toward her. A soft kiss on the lips is what he receives, but it's brief despite her continuing to linger close.]
[ Claude watches her approach, offers up a small smile as he drops the arm propped behind his head back down to his side. He reaches up to place a hand over the one she has resting against his face as he leans into her palm, eager to return that kiss. Short as it is, it still sends the same thrill through him as always and afterwards he murmurs, ] Oh, I like that answer so much more.
[ And because that first kiss was too short for his liking, he steals another brief one. With a quick squeeze to her hand before he shifts his grip to lace his fingers through hers, Claude pulls her forward gently to have her join him properly in the chair. However Edelgard chooses to, he'll wrap his arms around her waist to keep her close. ]
I missed you more than I can even say.
[ Because he for once has no words, or because there aren't any strong enough? Maybe both. Or maybe it's a minor vulnerability in his armor of always keeping things at arms' length, one he's willing to show only to her as he brushes his lips along her jaw. ]
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⋙ ingrid (luinknight)
[ Is it the smartest idea to disobey that 'friendly suggestion' of no one coming or going from the monastery at night unless it's on official business? Definitely not, but it's never stopped Claude before and it's not about to now either.
While looking at the calendar earlier, he'd finally remembered what was tugging at the edges of his memory about today's date. There was a small village on the fringe of Daphnel territory bordering the mountains that by all means, was nondescript; it certainly didn't look like anything special and rarely made it onto any maps as a place of importance. Save for the restaurant attached to the lone tavern there which boasted a chef who used to work in Derdriu and was known Alliance-wide for his cooking and seemingly infinite number of excellent dishes he created. And, once a year, said chef hosted an event which always packed all the rooms in the restaurant and tavern both: a dinner where he made both the classics and debuted brand new dishes, complete usually with live music and a pub atmosphere far and away from the stuffy atmosphere of nobles' events, and where the proceeds went towards funding the village school.
It was always an event to remember, and so it was with this in mind - and having standing tickets, thanks to House Riegan's long patronage of said dinner - that Claude casually began to feel out Ingrid's thoughts on breaking a few guidelines here and there. Some of it had been teasing, sure, because it was too hard to resist riling her up just a bit. But the more he'd thought about it, who better to invite to come along with? It wouldn't take long to fly from the monastery to the village in more or less a straight line, it's unlikely anyone will notice they're gone in the meantime, and (between the two of them) it'll mean the food is properly appreciated.
So here he is now in the wyvern tower while everyone else goes to Garreg Mach's dining hall, dressed rather simply to blend in with the crowds at their destination and having partially saddled up his wyvern. There's only a bit left to finish, but he's also waiting to complete the remaining preparations until he's sure whether or not he'll be the only one going. Claude's in the middle of fiddling with a stirrup to adjust it properly when he looks up to see who he's been waiting for and immediately shoots Ingrid a grin made brighter solely due to her actually being there. ]
Oh good, you made it! And before you ask: no, you don't get to know where we're going until we get there; no, it's not far; and yes, I am sticking to my promise.
So, you ready to head out?
no subject
So she finds herself at the Wyvern Tower, wearing something non-descript and wondering what it is she's about to do. What is he going to get her into? She gives him a slightly concerned frown and folds her arms as she arrives. ]
...I suppose so. I'm going to have to trust you on this one - even if you are having me break the rules for the sake of whatever this is. But I won't ask questions. For now.
no subject
Hey, I never said you couldn't ask questions. Ask away! Just know I'm not going to answer about any specifics since I think this is the kind of thing better seen than explained. It'll be worth it, I swear.
[ While talking, Claude does make sure to multi-task and zips through the last of what he needs to do to get the saddle ready. It brings him to another sort-of ground rule they should probably establish about going, so once he's finished he leans an elbow on his wyvern's side and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. ]
Do you want to take your pegasus? It'll be easier if we flew together to be honest, but since I'm also asking you to put a whole lot of trust in me I also want to make it clear you're more than welcome to fly yourself.
And tack on another promise to not ditch you anywhere in all of this, too, because the only rule we're breaking is about not leaving or making it back here before... well, whatever the curfew is. [ Now he does grin, because he can't help himself. ] Like I said, illegal was a bit of an exaggeration.
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[ Ingrid sighs. It's pretty clear by now that he intends on sneaking out - and she's going with him. That's against the rules of course, but it's not that bad. Right? And she told him she'd go along with it, even if that was against her better judgement. She takes a few steps forward and eyes the wyvern. ]
...no, we don't need to take my pegasus. It'd take a little while for me to get him ready, anyway. And... it's not like I think you'll put me in danger.
[ Look, she admits that she has some regard for him. Of course, if she didn't, she wouldn't be here in the first place. ]
Technically, we're already breaking curfew by leaving the grounds, so... as long as we're back before dawn, right?
[ She sighs. But there's a hint of a smile in there somewhere. ]
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[ This is, of course, said with a shameless grin. Not just because of the admittedly awful joke, but because even with her misgivings Ingrid is agreeing to go. With that he nods to the door and then motions back to his wyvern to follow them outside. ]
We'll definitely be back by dawn. I doubt anyone will notice if we're gone for a few hours, but even I don't wanna push that by being gone overnight. Plus I meant it about not going that far away.
[ Once outside on the simple stone runway used by wyverns and pegasi alike, Claude looks up at his wyvern who immediately looks back at him like she's aware of what's about to be said with another rider around. Especially because he'd forgotten to give the standard warning when it was just the two of them in the stable. ]
Now, time to be on your best behavior. We have a guest tonight, a very nice one, so you can show off but don't get any wild ideas, alright?
[ In response, the wyvern leans her face close to his and immediately snorts a rush of hot air at him. Claude lightly bats her away with a faux grimace to hide his fond amusement because this sort of exchange is normal for both of them. Walking back to the saddle he swings himself up into it in one motion after having done this what feels like a hundred times before. Once settled, he leans down to hold out a hand to offer Ingrid assistance if she needs it - as a courtesy since wyverns and pegasi are a bit different, not that he doubts her. ]
Don't worry, she'll behave while flying. Mostly.
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[ She sighs. But she's let herself get talked into this, so there's no back down now. She follows him out onto the runway and gives the wyvern a long look. She's used to the creatures - after all she has her own flying mount - and the bond that Claude clearly has with her is actually one of the things that she likes about him. Anyone who cares about their animal companion like he does can't be all bad... even if he is intensely frustrating at times. ]
Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine.
[ She takes the offered hand and then swings up onto the saddle behind him. She's not going to begrudge the hand up. She settles in a little and - after a moment of hesitation - wraps her arms around his waist and gets close. Simply out of necessity, of course. It wouldn't do to fall after all. No other reason for it. ]
Ready when you are.
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It's as they turn in the direction their destination where Claude thinks over his mental map of the continent for a bit, then leans back enough to be able to talk to Ingrid without the words getting lost in what wind is blowing by them. ]
We're heading to where Daphnel territory meets Gloucester, right up against the mountains. To a village, specifically, because it's the place that has this one-night-only thing happening. That's why it was important you were free now.
[ Of course, that's when his mind chooses to fill in the missing piece of the mental map he had going and he remembers something else important. Something that might mean Ingrid will know where they're going based on that, though he hopes not - maybe his luck will hold out. ]
Galatea borders Daphnel on the other side, doesn't it? [ An easy question and one he absolutely knows the answer to thanks to Judith (and Alliance history); it's only a flimsy way to feel out whether this surprise has been revealed. ] How are the roads through there? Judith used to tell me I'd have to come with her to visit Fhirdiad when I stayed with her sometime, but. Well. That's probably a long-term goal at this point.
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A one-night-only thing? What is it all about?
[ Of course, he probably won't answer that. But the topic change is important and there's a spark in her eyes as he mentions Daphnel and then Galatea. ]
Oh, we do! I think I've been up to Daphnel before, but not for long...
[ As for the roads... ]
Well - they could be better. We don't exactly have a lot of wealth, so improving or maintaining them hasn't been easy. But they work. Better than not having anything at all, I expect. But - you should visit it sometime. I agree with your friend!
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Hey, roads are roads. I wasn't asking to know about their statuses, just that I was curious if there was actually a route through or if Judith was making that part up. It wouldn't be the first time I'd fell for something she said hoping that'd be the case.
[ There's some irony in that statement given that it could just as easily be turned around on Claude himself. And before it occurs to Ingrid to point that out - ]
Now that I think about it, it's gotta be the same road that cuts through Riegan to end in Derdriu. Or begin there, if you wanna look at it that way. But how about that, Galatea? We've only had a road between us this whole time.
[ Kidding, as always, but it is an odd thought to him that in some other time, they may have never known each other unless they quite literally crossed paths. Instead of scanning the horizon Claude looks down to the ground below, picking out a few landmarks here and there, and he nudges one of Ingrid's arms around his waist with an elbow before pointing off to their right side. ]
All this here is Gloucester - and unless you want to sit through a very long and very dull lecture from Lorenz, I advise against ever asking him about his lands - but if we kept heading north we'd eventually end up in Derdriu, speaking of it. Have you ever been there?
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[ That's an interesting thought, really. That they've been so close but so far away. But, much like him, she ruminates on how odds are they likely never would have met if it weren't for their mutual attendance of the Academy. Funny how life works. Maybe she's fortunate. No - she is fortunate. She knows that. For all of the troubles that her family's territory has, her father loves her dearly and does what he can to help her achieve her dreams.
She just has to figure out how to fit herself into that. She's still caught between her own dream and her perceived duty. But her thoughts are shaken by the wya he nudges her and she glances up with a little 'huh' sound. ]
Don't worry, I'll keep myself well clear of that kind of thing. [ There's a flicker of a smile. ]
Derdriu? I don't think I have. Have you been? What's it like?
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Well, I should hope so since it's where House Riegan's based. [ Now he is gently teasing her, just a little, but he quickly waves a hand to brush that away a second later. ] Not that I expect you or anyone else to know the Alliance's nine million different places of importance, mind you, because there really are about that many. And I know basically nothing about Faerghus outside of what I've read, so we're even there.
But Derdriu, it's...
[ Claude trails off, furrows his brow in thought in how to explain the sprawling city to someone who's never seen it. Never mind that not long ago he was in the same situation of reading about somewhere he'd never seen before arriving there and being overwhelmed by what it had to offer. It's that experience he draws on to find what to say. ]
It's like nowhere around Garreg Mach, really. The city itself is sprawling and borders the sea so there's all kinds of ships coming in and out all the time from all over, and people from everywhere, too. My grandfather liked to say if you can't find something you need in Derdriu then it doesn't exist in Fodlan, and he's probably right. The best part, though, is that all those travelers means there's all kinds of restaurants also from all over you'll have to try when you do visit.
[ If she can hear it over the wind, there's definitely a smile in his voice for that last part. ]
But I'm all about trading information, so now you've gotta tell me about Fhirdiad.
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It sounds... very cosmopolitan. Very busy. A bit like the capital, but...
[ She makes a low noise as she thinks about her homeland. ]
Faerghus is a bit more isolated, I think. We have our borders, but most of our trade tends to come by road - so a lot of people don't get the opportunity to see peoples or goods from other lands, unless they live in one of the major cities. And Fhirdiad qualifies. It's a beautiful city, full of all sorts of crafters and gardens. The thing is, the land around Fhirdiad is very barren and isn't well-farmed, so the city needs to import most of its food - but that hasn't stopped our kingdom from founding a great school of magic there. One of the best in Fodlan - or so I'm told. I... never attended, obviously.
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Ah- I've heard of the school, Lorenz went there for a bit. [ A thoughtful pause goes by, mostly so he can shuffle his thoughts back into order. ] It's interesting that there can be such a difference between capitals, considering with what I've heard of Enbarr, it could run laps around both Fhirdiad and Derdriu. I suppose it has the upper hand in being so much older, but still.
[ It's nearly the perfect opportunity to segue into talking about how - in a perfect world, if there was less bureaucracy, any number of things - the countries could work together instead of staying isolated. Fortunately for Ingrid, she's spared since it's also timed with arriving to the Daphnel outskirts with their destination just minutes away. ]
So, you wanted to know where we're going, right?
[ Another quick smile back over his shoulder for her benefit, considering they both already know the answer to that. This time, at least, he's not asking to just dangle the unknown in front of her. ]
The thing that's only tonight is a dinner put on by a chef who used to be in Derdriu. He moved out here a while ago and puts on this meal once a year to raise money for the village. And by meal I mean a real one because you don't order one thing and call it good. Everyone sits at big long tables, kinda like the ones in the dining hall, and shares platters of all kinds of food. Definitely worth breaking a few rules for.
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⋙ edelgard (crimsonflower)
[ It turns out 'as soon as he's able' and 'as soon as he wants to' are two very different things.
Not that Claude should have expected any less; if anything, it helps that he and Edelgard both have any number of responsibilities to juggle on any given day. Though his are certainly lesser, given that he isn't ruling an entire nation yet as she is but just heading that way. So there's talks he has to attend that can't be postponed, and projects and drafts to be reviewed, and meetings to sit in on at his father's side as part of that transition that's looming ever closer. For once, his current list of duties isn't something he's looking forward to when his mind is preoccupied with a different country.
During one warm afternoon where Claude is more fidgety and distracted than usual, meaning he has to reread the parchment in front of him several times with it still making no more sense than the last read-through, his father exchanges a look with his mother then finally looks at his son with a sigh, a barely hidden smile, and says, Just go. Maybe some part of Claude's mind should feel guilty considering with that 'blessing' he doesn't hesitate to stand up and rush out with a call back over his shoulder he'll make up for it when he gets back by working harder, promise! (He does not notice his parents' laughter as he leaves.) Making up for lost time on his schedule is an issue for his future self since after a rush job of packing, it doesn't take him very long to saddle up his wyvern and begin the long flight back to Fodlan.
And it is long - even with the weather cooperating, even if he's just traveling alone this time instead of with a delegation, it doesn't go by as quickly as he wishes it would. Enbarr seems so much further south than he remembers despite his shortcuts. During this time he's intentionally vague with Edelgard about his plans, hedges and says he's been detained by other ruling needs but still promising to make it there by their agreed upon date. Which isn't a lie, at least. He's not being wholly truthful about everything else in a convenient loophole.
When he does finally reach the palace, he's still ahead of schedule on that date and, if he's lucky, Edelgard is still none the wiser about his actual plan. It's nighttime when his wyvern lands as quietly as possible on the emperor's private balcony, well past sunset and dark enough that they'd managed to make it in (somehow) unnoticed by guards but not so late that Edelgard will already be asleep. Or so Claude hopes as he dismounts and lets his wyvern go off to find well-earned rest with the other Imperial wyverns she's befriended, and he himself goes to the closed windowpane doors that open to her bedroom to gently knock on the glass. ]
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Lightning fast she grabs for the dagger on her vanity — having been seated there going through the motions of her haircare routine before he arrived. The light in her room obscures his image due to the glare on the glass. Cautiously Edelgard approaches the double glass doors, and opens it.
She didn't have time to put on gloves. Tonight she wears a long sleeved nightgown in white with floral embroidery in pale violet that matches her eyes. Its soft and innocent visage is a far cry from the nasty purpled and marred skin of her hands. Sure, some of the lighter scars have turned pale, but the deeper cuts make the skin rough and uneven. It's so bad that sometimes she has difficulty discerning textures since scar tissue isn't as sensitive.]
...Claude.
[The way she exhales is part exasperation, and part relief.]
You're lucky I didn't lunge first.
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But lucky she didn't lunge first? He has a smart remark ready to go for that, until the lights inside glint off the dagger in his peripheral vision and he looks down to see it aimed his direction. Ah. Right. Unfortunately for Edelgard, that only swaps what he had in mind for something worse. ]
Why, Edelgard. Is that a dagger in your hand, or are you just happy to see me? [ No shame. Which the grin on his face says as much, but it's hard to get upset about yet another weapon being pointed his way or a potential, exaggerated brush with death when there's been so many in his life to date. Just add this one to the list. ] I'll take you holding a dagger over being on the wrong end of your axe. I'm not real eager to repeat that one any time soon.
[ When he's (reasonably) sure she isn't going to stab him anyway just for being obnoxious on top of interrupting what was hopefully a calm night for her, Claude reaches up to cradle one side of her face with a hand still in riding gloves he'd forgotten to take off in his haste to knock. ]
It's good to see you too, by the way.
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The moment Claude speaks her name that dagger lowers, and her eyes roll at his joke. For a brief moment Edelgard leans into that touch. A glimmer of softness as the tension seems to dissipate from her. However it doesn't take her long to return to her normally rigid and 'proper' posture as she steps back into the room to gesture he follow. Can't have a patrol guard spotting him and assuming he's up to something nefarious.]
And you, truly.
[She simply has to take a moment to calm down. After a majority of her life was spent under the exacting eye of her uncle, Edelgard is not one who finds calm easily.]
Feel free to get comfortable. I still have my hair to take care of.
[And maybe the routine will help her wind down.]
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Gods. This has to be the best chair ever created.
[ Dramatic as always, though it really does feel much nicer to be reclining somewhat in a chair instead of spending hours upon hours of being in a saddle. Not that he has anyone to blame for that travel schedule besides himself, but still. Claude pulls off his gloves and tucks them into his bag next to his chair, then considers something briefly before standing up again. ]
I'm going to wash up a bit while you focus on your hair, if you don't mind.
[ As he passes the vanity, Claude leans over to kiss the top of her hair with a quick smile at her in the mirror then continues on his way to the bathroom. A quick rummage in his bag produces some clothes to change that aren't ones he spent a whole day in. Though something else crosses his mind as he pours some water into a wash basin and unwraps a bar of soap he brought with him to not impose on Edelgard's supplies too much, and he calls back over his shoulder in her direction: ]
On a scale of one to 'and he met with an incredibly unfortunate fate', how livid is Hubert going to be when he finds out I got past your guards? In general but also at me, specifically. And the guards though I guess that part goes without saying.
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Livid? Oh, you misunderstand. I am sure he'll take it as a challenge to catch you next time. I believe he views you more as an esteemed rival than an enemy.
[Honestly Edelgard finds the banter between them both quite charming. Though she's not sure being in the middle of it would be any better than being in the middle of an argument between Ferdinand and Hubert.
The hair strengthening oil she brushes through her locks is mixed with essential oils. A little aromatherapy to try and keep nightmares from the past at bay. Lavender, chamomile, and tonka bean are the main notes. It's a soothing scent, but whether it works really depends on how stressful the day was as a whole.]
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If that's the case, tell him his jokes could use some work to sound more like actual jokes and less like threats where I should sleep with one eye open.
[ Amusement can be heard plainly in his words considering they're both well aware Hubert will continue to be Hubert in all his (mostly) menacing glory. And, because of that, with no changes whatsoever. Edelgard has a point it'll likely result in some obstacles lying in wait for him whenever he chooses to arrive in a decidedly unconventional way like tonight. Maybe it's unfair to whatever Hubert's future plans might be that she's even given him a heads up about it, but as he finishes washing up, changes clothes, and heads back out into the room he's certainly not going to point that out. ]
But so long as you agree there'll be a next time, that's all I care about.
[ It's tempting to distract her from her routine yet again, but Claude thinks better of it and instead sits back into the same armchair as before. This time he leans back after running a hand through his hair, then props his hand back behind his head while he watches her work. ]
Long day today?
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Once she's done combing the oils through her hair so that it's soft and shiny evenly all over rather than a greasy mess, Edelgard plaits her locks so that all that hair doesn't get tangled overnight. Only the bits of shorter hair that hangs around her face to frame it are left out.]
Long month, actually. There's a lot of work to be done before I can finally abdicate from this throne.
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[ If she happens to glance his direction, Edelgard will find a smile present on his face that makes it clear he's kidding. Well - mostly, considering his father had jokingly suggested Claude attempt something like this. To which Claude had promptly declined, but it won't stop him from joking about it. There's plenty of time to talk about their respective work in the future.
And the temptation to ask if that busy workload means no visits to Almyra any time soon is there, but he sets it aside. Better to focus on what time they do have now considering it's just barely started. ]
If you want a distraction, I brought a new board game for you to try. Not quite as complicated as chess in some ways, but still has a good amount of strategy. Which is to say, [ he adds with a grin, ] that I think you'll beat me at it in no time.
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Edelgard stands to join him by the chair, and settles herself by leaning on its armrest.]
Perhaps tomorrow. Tonight, just you.
[With one scarred hand she cups his cheek and turns his face toward her. A soft kiss on the lips is what he receives, but it's brief despite her continuing to linger close.]
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[ And because that first kiss was too short for his liking, he steals another brief one. With a quick squeeze to her hand before he shifts his grip to lace his fingers through hers, Claude pulls her forward gently to have her join him properly in the chair. However Edelgard chooses to, he'll wrap his arms around her waist to keep her close. ]
I missed you more than I can even say.
[ Because he for once has no words, or because there aren't any strong enough? Maybe both. Or maybe it's a minor vulnerability in his armor of always keeping things at arms' length, one he's willing to show only to her as he brushes his lips along her jaw. ]
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Causing the most chatty man on earth to go speechless? Perhaps my greatest accomplishment yet.
[The laughter that bubbles up from her is light, and increases when he starts touching his lips to her jaw.]
I am glad you could make it. There are some parts of Adrestia that are most lovely this time of year.
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