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.
I've never been to Enbarr, so I couldn't say. But... there's still history there, isn't there? A lot of history...
[ She trails off thoughtfully, but then there's a little announcement and it finally clicks as to where they're going and why. Or at least what Claude says. Her expression falls into something that's both puzzled and a little astonished. ]
...that's why we're sneaking out? Why didn't you just tell me it was going to be dinner?
[ There are gears turning over in her head, too. Wait, is this...? ]
Hey, I did say treating you to dinner was included in the plan! I just didn't say how that was part of it.
[ Ah yes, the ol' trusty loophole to sidestep whatever's actually being asked. Because Claude is pretty sure there's another question in there somewhere, but sticking to answering just the one voiced aloud feels exponentially safer. It is, after all, just dinner. It is definitely 100% normal to suggest breaking curfew to fly a short distance in order to have said dinner. Completely ordinary. Right? Right. ]
Besides, this one will be better than something in the dining hall or the towns by the monastery.
[ Well - okay, maybe that makes it decidedly less casual, but he's saved from having to dwell on that by nudging his wyvern into descending into a field where several others and a few pegasi are already hanging out. The tavern down at the other end of the path leading there is bustling just like he hoped it would be, and now not just because it'll add to the atmosphere but because it being crowded will make this whole dinner invitation far from formal... in his mind, anyway.
When they land, Claude dismounts first and with a smile extends a hand to Ingrid again to assist her down. ]
And I did say this wasn't a scheme, but I'm also ready for whatever lecture's coming my way for keeping this all top secret.
[ Ingrid's brain is putting things together. Give her a little bit while she puts the pieces in their proper places. ]
From where I'm sitting, it seems like taking me to dinner was the entirety of the plan.
[ She's not sure if she feels flattered or not. Or of this is anything more than an excuse for Claude to get out here and have dinner and she's been dragged along for company. Or is it...? Maybe she's overthinking it. She tries not to let her head get too wrapped up in it (it's Claude, after all). Besides, they're making a landing. She slides off of the Wyvern, brow still furrowed in through. ]
Honestly, it's just like you to keep me in the dark for as long as you can for your own amusement! You could stand to be more honest with your intentions, you know...
[ The smile on his face absolutely grows a little wider at that as they walk towards the tavern. Mostly as a way to tease her as Ingrid's already noted, but also because - if he's being honest with himself - Claude doesn't totally know what his intentions are. It'd seemed simple enough when he thought of it earlier, when it'd only taken a second for Ingrid to come to mind next, and despite his mildly obsessive desire to know the ins and outs of everything not immediately knowing what this is doesn't bother him. For now. ]
I suppose you have a point about taking you to dinner being most of the plan, though.
[ Would it kill him to admit this was, in fact, a hastily thrown together idea all because he wanted to spend some time with her? Probably not, but it feels like it might. Agreeing with her will have to do. As they reach the door to the tavern Claude reaches out first to hold it open for her, glancing inside briefly when the dull roar of activity from inside filters out to them before he looks back to her. ]
After you, of course. And you pick which table we're going to sit at - I don't think anyone will mind where we go or if we sit with whoever's already at any of them.
[ She doesn't know what to say. Or, well, she does, but she's not sure if vocalizing her thoughts will absolutely torpedo the rest of the night and she's not sure she wants to do that when Claude seems to actually be pleasant for once. Or at least less frustrating. She sighs and shakes her head at him as she follows to the door. ]
I'll tell you my thoughts on your intentions later.
[ She'll just put that off and step inside instead. The dull roar of the people inside is pleasant, honestly - and so are the smells of the food! Her eyes widen a little and then she glances back at Claude. ]
I'll be waiting for your thoughts then. Don't forget you still have the chance to increase your demands based off of them, too.
[ The last part is added cheerfully - because he has the feeling there might be something else added on here for giving Ingrid just a little bit of a run-around in getting here. But now here they are, and he watches her take in the sights with a smile that he doesn't bother to hide (and same for that he was looking in the first place) when she looks back to him. Before he has a chance to say anything, Ingrid's put her hand out and now it's Claude's turn to be caught off guard. Not that he shows it; his only response is to take her hand in his with an even wider smile that's infinitely less plastered on and something a little closer to genuine. ]
Probably not a bad idea, because I'd hate to come all this way and then have to end up hanging out by myself.
[ That's as close as he's willing to get to admitting anything about his 'plan' for the night. Claude follows along behind Ingrid to wherever she chooses as their table, then (reluctantly) lets go of her hand in order to pull out a chair for her to sit before dropping into the one next to her himself. With a nod in greeting to what looks to be a grizzled mercenary sitting on the other side of him, Claude then reaches for the water pitcher to fill glasses for both of them. Of course, as he hands one to Ingrid he also can't resist leaning into her space slightly, voice lowered conspiratorially. ]
One of the other best parts of being here is all the people watching you can do while guessing where everyone's from. Like, look over there - [ said with a subtle nod of his chin in the direction of a couple halfway down their table dressing matching outfits and eating in total silence without looking at each other, ] - maybe they work at a nearby church and took a vow of silence.
[ But she's still here with him all the same. As they settle down at their table, she takes another look around. There's so many people here and a lot of them seem different from what she's used to. It's kind of impressive, honestly. She follows Claude's little gesture and arches a brow. Matching outfits? That's... different. ]
...maybe they're just not that talkative. They certainly don't look like any Church members I've ever seen, though.
[ She furrows her brow. ]
Maybe they just like to match? Or it's some other kind of organization.
True, they could just really enjoy... the same shirts... and pants... maybe same everything? Though I guess if we'd showed up tonight wearing our academy outfits like from back in the day, anyone who noticed would be saying the same about us. And we'd probably stand out for it.
[ Not that they won't anyway - there's a good chance someone local to the territory is quietly cataloguing who's not from the village, which seems like it'll be a long list as the front door swings open again both as some diners exit and more sweep in to be seated. Claude's attention is pulled back to the table when a server drops a bread basket in front of them and he perks up, reaching out to pull it closer so they can browse its contents and especially when the rest of their table's diners don't seem as interested in its appearance. ]
You can't go wrong with anything in here but if you're looking for a recommendation, I'd go for that one covered in seeds and looks kinda like a knot. Everything in the basket is from all over the Alliance, and that bread is from Gloucester. You'll never hear me admit this around Lorenz, but, [ just for theatrics' sake and in hopes of making Ingrid smile, he makes a show of looking over his shoulder as if half-expecting the man in question to leap out from somewhere, ] it's definitely the best one.
[ For himself, Claude picks up a slice of Edmund rye bread for himself then pauses when he remembers something else important. ]
Oh, and there's usually a fruit basket or too around here so we can grab a couple apples for your pegasus on the way out. How's he doing, by the way?
[ The bread grabs her attention and she seems intensely interested in it - or trying it out anyway. She sorts through the various rolls and breads as she listens to him, nodding, and then finally does pull out that one he recommended with a little laugh. ]
I'll make sure not to tell him. Even you don't deserve to have to listen to him gloating.
[ She offers him a little smile and then takes a bite of the roll, chewing thoughtfully. ]
...oh, my pegasus?
[ She comments after she finishes chewing. ]
He's doing great! I think he would like a little more free time to just fly around, but don't they all? I'm sure your wyvern wishes she had more space some times.
You're definitely right about that. She's been known to terrorize the stablehands just a bit if I don't get her out regularly. Which, really, is all the more reason to take a break now and then and get away for a bit since it helps clear my mind at the same time. At least she'll enjoy hanging out with the other wyverns while we're here for a change of pace.
[ Claude taking a bite of his own bread is timed with the first of many courses (or the option for them) being dropped off. This time it's a tray with several covered small, personal serving size soup crocks and after promptly singeing a fingertip on the lid of the nearest one, he manages to open it to reveal the steaming hot Daphnel stew inside. ]
Here, do you want one of these?
[ If she accepts Claude places one before her before picking up one for himself - moving faster this time to avoid burning himself yet again - before sliding it down the table to the next group of diners. As he unwraps his napkin to place it in his lap before retrieving his spoon, he also takes that chance to shoot another mischievous look Ingrid's direction. ]
Alright, Ingrid. You're not escaping my million questions over the course of tonight, but here's an easy one to start off with. If you had to eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
[ He's not storing this information for use later. Definitely not. ]
[ Ingrid is apparently very happy to dig into the stew as it arrives. She helps him get both platters onto their table and a few moments later, she's eagerly digging in. She really does appreciate a good meal, apparently - having some bread to go with the stew certainly helps as well. She pauses, spoon partway to her lips when he speaks up and she furrows her brow.]
If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life? Well...
[ She actually has to think about this. She could name her favorite dish, but would that be healthy? Hmm. Her brow furrows. ]
...there's this delicious spicy fish and turnip stew that I really like. I think I could put up with that for the rest of my life. [ Her eyes glint. ]
That's a good answer. Especially because if you ever got bored of one fish or spices then you could easily swap those out. Loopholes are important for this kind of thing, you know.
[ Claude sends a shameless grin Ingrid's way, like she hasn't already noticed his penchant for finding any technicality he can in just about any situation. Including hypothetical ones like picking one meal for the rest of one's life, but still. He's in the middle of taking his own bite when his question is turned back on him - something he should've figured would happen, but Claude pauses for a second and takes a large bite of bread to (semi-metaphorically) chew that over. ]
If I'm going with my own loophole here, and you know I'm gonna, then I'm picking a good old meat pie to go with. Same reasoning as the stew where you can swap most things out to make it basically endless, but I won't deny I'm pretty fond of Garreg Mach's version. I wouldn't say no to this though either, as long as it also comes with basically unlimited bread.
[ A point of his spoon at his bowl to clarify this stew in particular. He figures it's best to give them both a chance to eat for a bit, given that he has plenty of time to continue pestering Ingrid up close and personal, so Claude watches as a new trio of musicians with varying instruments sets up by the fireplace near where they're sitting to play what'll undoubtedly some classic drinking songs beloved in the Alliance. With that he lightly nudges Ingrid's arm with one elbow to get her attention - after checking he's not going to make her spill anything. ]
I should've mentioned, once dinner wraps up a bit they'll start moving tables around for more room to dance. Nothing too rowdy and just for fun. Any chance you have a demand already in mind for letting me drag you into that later too?
[ Ingrid sighs, but there's no real venom in it or any real sense of reprimand. It's more... well, it's Claude. What else does she expect from him? She listens to his response. It makes sense! Although she's not sure she could stand living on pie her whole life. Still, she's happy to focus on eating for a bit. She really does enjoy a good meal, after all.
Then he springs something else on her. Of course. ]
Wait, dancing...? [ She blinks at him. She doesn't mind dancing, but it's not something she puts a lot of thought into, either. ]
...I guess I'm already here, so there's not really a point in trying to extort something out of you, is there? [ SIGH. ]
[ He watches as Ingrid processes his not-really-a-question when it comes to dancing, that ever controlled smile of his growing a little wider when he can hear the sigh in her words, seemingly resigned to her fate. ]
C'mon, Galatea. You've gotta think a little bigger when it comes to getting someone to do what you want. Like outside of right now to add it to a list of future demands. You might find I'm a willing victim to extortion at the right hands.
[ Is he insinuating there could be some part two to this where she wills him into doing whatever it is she's asking? Yes, but it'll stay an implication and nothing more if there really isn't something she has to ask in return. When the man next to him nudges him to pass over the bread basket, Claude does, but he also retrieves the lone Gloucester roll left to plunk it onto Ingrid's plate first. ]
You don't have to answer now if you'd rather think about it. Instead you can tell me about what celebrations in Faerghus are like, because I'm guessing they're- [ a pause when an uproarious cheer from a different table happens, and he glances over to see glasses raised before looking back to Ingrid with an eyebrow raised, ] maybe a bit more restrained than how we do things in the Alliance.
Claude, you're a lot of things, but I don't think you'd ever want to be or let yourself be a victim. I can tell that much.
[ The roll is... well, it's a nice little peace offering. She tears off a chunk and eats it as she considers him and lets the sound of the celebration wash over her. ]
...a little bit, yeah. We have music, you know - it's not like we sit around staring at one another - but I think it feels more structured, at least at the beginning. Once things get going we can loosen up a little, I guess.
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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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[ She trails off thoughtfully, but then there's a little announcement and it finally clicks as to where they're going and why. Or at least what Claude says. Her expression falls into something that's both puzzled and a little astonished. ]
...that's why we're sneaking out? Why didn't you just tell me it was going to be dinner?
[ There are gears turning over in her head, too. Wait, is this...? ]
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[ Ah yes, the ol' trusty loophole to sidestep whatever's actually being asked. Because Claude is pretty sure there's another question in there somewhere, but sticking to answering just the one voiced aloud feels exponentially safer. It is, after all, just dinner. It is definitely 100% normal to suggest breaking curfew to fly a short distance in order to have said dinner. Completely ordinary. Right? Right. ]
Besides, this one will be better than something in the dining hall or the towns by the monastery.
[ Well - okay, maybe that makes it decidedly less casual, but he's saved from having to dwell on that by nudging his wyvern into descending into a field where several others and a few pegasi are already hanging out. The tavern down at the other end of the path leading there is bustling just like he hoped it would be, and now not just because it'll add to the atmosphere but because it being crowded will make this whole dinner invitation far from formal... in his mind, anyway.
When they land, Claude dismounts first and with a smile extends a hand to Ingrid again to assist her down. ]
And I did say this wasn't a scheme, but I'm also ready for whatever lecture's coming my way for keeping this all top secret.
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From where I'm sitting, it seems like taking me to dinner was the entirety of the plan.
[ She's not sure if she feels flattered or not. Or of this is anything more than an excuse for Claude to get out here and have dinner and she's been dragged along for company. Or is it...? Maybe she's overthinking it. She tries not to let her head get too wrapped up in it (it's Claude, after all). Besides, they're making a landing. She slides off of the Wyvern, brow still furrowed in through. ]
Honestly, it's just like you to keep me in the dark for as long as you can for your own amusement! You could stand to be more honest with your intentions, you know...
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[ The smile on his face absolutely grows a little wider at that as they walk towards the tavern. Mostly as a way to tease her as Ingrid's already noted, but also because - if he's being honest with himself - Claude doesn't totally know what his intentions are. It'd seemed simple enough when he thought of it earlier, when it'd only taken a second for Ingrid to come to mind next, and despite his mildly obsessive desire to know the ins and outs of everything not immediately knowing what this is doesn't bother him. For now. ]
I suppose you have a point about taking you to dinner being most of the plan, though.
[ Would it kill him to admit this was, in fact, a hastily thrown together idea all because he wanted to spend some time with her? Probably not, but it feels like it might. Agreeing with her will have to do. As they reach the door to the tavern Claude reaches out first to hold it open for her, glancing inside briefly when the dull roar of activity from inside filters out to them before he looks back to her. ]
After you, of course. And you pick which table we're going to sit at - I don't think anyone will mind where we go or if we sit with whoever's already at any of them.
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I'll tell you my thoughts on your intentions later.
[ She'll just put that off and step inside instead. The dull roar of the people inside is pleasant, honestly - and so are the smells of the food! Her eyes widen a little and then she glances back at Claude. ]
Well - here -
[ She holds her hand out for him. ]
So we don't separated in the crowd.
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[ The last part is added cheerfully - because he has the feeling there might be something else added on here for giving Ingrid just a little bit of a run-around in getting here. But now here they are, and he watches her take in the sights with a smile that he doesn't bother to hide (and same for that he was looking in the first place) when she looks back to him. Before he has a chance to say anything, Ingrid's put her hand out and now it's Claude's turn to be caught off guard. Not that he shows it; his only response is to take her hand in his with an even wider smile that's infinitely less plastered on and something a little closer to genuine. ]
Probably not a bad idea, because I'd hate to come all this way and then have to end up hanging out by myself.
[ That's as close as he's willing to get to admitting anything about his 'plan' for the night. Claude follows along behind Ingrid to wherever she chooses as their table, then (reluctantly) lets go of her hand in order to pull out a chair for her to sit before dropping into the one next to her himself. With a nod in greeting to what looks to be a grizzled mercenary sitting on the other side of him, Claude then reaches for the water pitcher to fill glasses for both of them. Of course, as he hands one to Ingrid he also can't resist leaning into her space slightly, voice lowered conspiratorially. ]
One of the other best parts of being here is all the people watching you can do while guessing where everyone's from. Like, look over there - [ said with a subtle nod of his chin in the direction of a couple halfway down their table dressing matching outfits and eating in total silence without looking at each other, ] - maybe they work at a nearby church and took a vow of silence.
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[ But she's still here with him all the same. As they settle down at their table, she takes another look around. There's so many people here and a lot of them seem different from what she's used to. It's kind of impressive, honestly. She follows Claude's little gesture and arches a brow. Matching outfits? That's... different. ]
...maybe they're just not that talkative. They certainly don't look like any Church members I've ever seen, though.
[ She furrows her brow. ]
Maybe they just like to match? Or it's some other kind of organization.
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[ Not that they won't anyway - there's a good chance someone local to the territory is quietly cataloguing who's not from the village, which seems like it'll be a long list as the front door swings open again both as some diners exit and more sweep in to be seated. Claude's attention is pulled back to the table when a server drops a bread basket in front of them and he perks up, reaching out to pull it closer so they can browse its contents and especially when the rest of their table's diners don't seem as interested in its appearance. ]
You can't go wrong with anything in here but if you're looking for a recommendation, I'd go for that one covered in seeds and looks kinda like a knot. Everything in the basket is from all over the Alliance, and that bread is from Gloucester. You'll never hear me admit this around Lorenz, but, [ just for theatrics' sake and in hopes of making Ingrid smile, he makes a show of looking over his shoulder as if half-expecting the man in question to leap out from somewhere, ] it's definitely the best one.
[ For himself, Claude picks up a slice of Edmund rye bread for himself then pauses when he remembers something else important. ]
Oh, and there's usually a fruit basket or too around here so we can grab a couple apples for your pegasus on the way out. How's he doing, by the way?
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I'll make sure not to tell him. Even you don't deserve to have to listen to him gloating.
[ She offers him a little smile and then takes a bite of the roll, chewing thoughtfully. ]
...oh, my pegasus?
[ She comments after she finishes chewing. ]
He's doing great! I think he would like a little more free time to just fly around, but don't they all? I'm sure your wyvern wishes she had more space some times.
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[ Claude taking a bite of his own bread is timed with the first of many courses (or the option for them) being dropped off. This time it's a tray with several covered small, personal serving size soup crocks and after promptly singeing a fingertip on the lid of the nearest one, he manages to open it to reveal the steaming hot Daphnel stew inside. ]
Here, do you want one of these?
[ If she accepts Claude places one before her before picking up one for himself - moving faster this time to avoid burning himself yet again - before sliding it down the table to the next group of diners. As he unwraps his napkin to place it in his lap before retrieving his spoon, he also takes that chance to shoot another mischievous look Ingrid's direction. ]
Alright, Ingrid. You're not escaping my million questions over the course of tonight, but here's an easy one to start off with. If you had to eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
[ He's not storing this information for use later. Definitely not. ]
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[ Ingrid is apparently very happy to dig into the stew as it arrives. She helps him get both platters onto their table and a few moments later, she's eagerly digging in. She really does appreciate a good meal, apparently - having some bread to go with the stew certainly helps as well. She pauses, spoon partway to her lips when he speaks up and she furrows her brow.]
If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life? Well...
[ She actually has to think about this. She could name her favorite dish, but would that be healthy? Hmm. Her brow furrows. ]
...there's this delicious spicy fish and turnip stew that I really like. I think I could put up with that for the rest of my life. [ Her eyes glint. ]
And what about you?
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[ Claude sends a shameless grin Ingrid's way, like she hasn't already noticed his penchant for finding any technicality he can in just about any situation. Including hypothetical ones like picking one meal for the rest of one's life, but still. He's in the middle of taking his own bite when his question is turned back on him - something he should've figured would happen, but Claude pauses for a second and takes a large bite of bread to (semi-metaphorically) chew that over. ]
If I'm going with my own loophole here, and you know I'm gonna, then I'm picking a good old meat pie to go with. Same reasoning as the stew where you can swap most things out to make it basically endless, but I won't deny I'm pretty fond of Garreg Mach's version. I wouldn't say no to this though either, as long as it also comes with basically unlimited bread.
[ A point of his spoon at his bowl to clarify this stew in particular. He figures it's best to give them both a chance to eat for a bit, given that he has plenty of time to continue pestering Ingrid up close and personal, so Claude watches as a new trio of musicians with varying instruments sets up by the fireplace near where they're sitting to play what'll undoubtedly some classic drinking songs beloved in the Alliance. With that he lightly nudges Ingrid's arm with one elbow to get her attention - after checking he's not going to make her spill anything. ]
I should've mentioned, once dinner wraps up a bit they'll start moving tables around for more room to dance. Nothing too rowdy and just for fun. Any chance you have a demand already in mind for letting me drag you into that later too?
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[ Ingrid sighs, but there's no real venom in it or any real sense of reprimand. It's more... well, it's Claude. What else does she expect from him? She listens to his response. It makes sense! Although she's not sure she could stand living on pie her whole life. Still, she's happy to focus on eating for a bit. She really does enjoy a good meal, after all.
Then he springs something else on her. Of course. ]
Wait, dancing...? [ She blinks at him. She doesn't mind dancing, but it's not something she puts a lot of thought into, either. ]
...I guess I'm already here, so there's not really a point in trying to extort something out of you, is there? [ SIGH. ]
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C'mon, Galatea. You've gotta think a little bigger when it comes to getting someone to do what you want. Like outside of right now to add it to a list of future demands. You might find I'm a willing victim to extortion at the right hands.
[ Is he insinuating there could be some part two to this where she wills him into doing whatever it is she's asking? Yes, but it'll stay an implication and nothing more if there really isn't something she has to ask in return. When the man next to him nudges him to pass over the bread basket, Claude does, but he also retrieves the lone Gloucester roll left to plunk it onto Ingrid's plate first. ]
You don't have to answer now if you'd rather think about it. Instead you can tell me about what celebrations in Faerghus are like, because I'm guessing they're- [ a pause when an uproarious cheer from a different table happens, and he glances over to see glasses raised before looking back to Ingrid with an eyebrow raised, ] maybe a bit more restrained than how we do things in the Alliance.
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[ The roll is... well, it's a nice little peace offering. She tears off a chunk and eats it as she considers him and lets the sound of the celebration wash over her. ]
...a little bit, yeah. We have music, you know - it's not like we sit around staring at one another - but I think it feels more structured, at least at the beginning. Once things get going we can loosen up a little, I guess.