(After the initial investigation and everyone's found out the news, Claude lingers around a bit to learn what he can. Everyone has questions or something to say and Claude is no exception.
Eventually, he manages to grab someone from the group that found the body. He approaches him casually, trying to appear friendly despite everything that's going on and speaks lightly,)
(Honestly, bless all of these people who are handling things well? On one hand, it's pretty concerning how (seemingly) well adjusted everyone is. On the other, it makes it easier to talk to some of the people involved,)
What did you guys find exactly? When we heard what happened, we decided to go back and tell the others in case anyone noticed anything.
(A little more quietly,)
Of course, by then, that song was already playing...
Did you guys notice anything strange on the way up there? It looked like someone else was there before us but I guess that goes without saying. ... It'd be too easy if we happen to run into the killer anyway.
Naught out of the ordinary, unfortunately. Someone had walked the path ere our arrival, but that could have been anyone's doing. If you are hoping for a clearer sign as to who could have done this, I regret to inform you that you will have no such luck.
[ Alphinaud should have known better. It isn't as if this is his first time getting unwittingly dragged into a foreign new world, after all. ]
Should we manage to get most, if not all, to cooperate with us. We are... without much authority, and I cannot imagine everyone will think straight with the news broken.
(Ooooh no, that last part has Claude stretching wiiiiide. Just thinking about it makes him tired.)
To be fair, it's difficult even when you do have authority. (Speaking from experience.) I can barely get five families from the same country to see eye to eye so I'm not holding out for over forty people from all over the universe.
(He's being real here,)
If we can get the majority even by a little... I'd consider that win.
(Catch him by the port, looking out at the sea. It's when he thinks he's alone that he lets his guard down some, letting his shoulders drop some and the air around him to feel a little heavier with grief. He has his bow slung behind his back and an arrow in his hand, turning it thoughtfully.
As he feels someone get closer behind him though, he corrects his posture, setting his shoulders back, standing straight, and starts to refocus his thoughts. He gives the arrow a twirl in his fingers and catches it, turning back to see who it is,)
Just passing by or have you come to check on me too?
(He speaks lightly, the air starts to buzz with some sort of energy (resolution), and he offers a warm smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes.)
(He stretches, shaking off that tension even more,)
There sure are a lot of thoughtful people here. It seems like someone here is always worrying about someone. Not that it's a bad thing... it's admirable in its own way, really.
[ There's a hint of surprise on Alphinaud's face, but he curls a hand underneath his chin in thought nonetheless. ]
Ahem, well—while I do have a reputable family, 'tis been quite a number of moons since last I have been home.
[ Wherever that is, because he forgot lol ]
I do not look upon our circumstances from my background, but I can do so as a Scion, or even as just another man like any other, and what I see is something... horrible. What was briefly a peculiar situation in which we were called upon to save our worlds has since become truly abhorrent.
(For a brief moment, the feeling in the air is amusement. That feeling one experiences when they tell an inside joke. He's Claude von Riegan, heir to the Leicester Alliance in Fodlan
And he hasn't been home in a very
very
long time.)
A scion, huh? (Interesting word, though, he's interpreted it in a far less interesting way than it really means. He lacks the context to really get it,) Hmm..
A noble is supposed to protect the masses. It's a noble's duty to be compassionate but strong and to use that strength and ability to look out for others. That's what I've been taught, at least. In practice, it isn't quite that simple.
(Politics are messy, there's a corrupt and selfish system in place, and he's seen plenty of nobles cause more pain and harm than good.)
But in this place, I really do want to help everyone. How could I not when I see everyone living like this? Living with the expectation of death each week is no way to live.
(That feeling returns, the feeling of loss and grief, mixing with determination and hope, twisting into some complicated mess of emotions around Claude.
He truly wants to protect everyone. (Idealistically)
[ Alphinaud listens, of course, carefully and diligently. ]
'Tis not.
[ There's no disagreement there. Not in the least. ]
When you have made it your duty to protect the people... Aye, it is a great and heavy weight upon one's heart when you are faced with helplessness. I, too, bear this pain alongside you—what I would not do to bring justice for those who have been wronged...
Tomorrow, we'll have to find the ones responsible for what happened. Just like last week, we have two bodies but this time, let's get the right person. We made mistakes... and hopefully we've learned from enough of them.
I quite mislike we had to stumble first ere we could, potentially, make progress while lives are at stake... Yet there is naught we can do to change the past. I wholly plan to fix our mistakes on the morrow.
Same here. I couldn't really help much last time but I'll do what I can this time.
(Ask questions, check out evidence, all that jazz.)
I'm sure we'll keep making more mistakes but hopefully, we can all catch each other before we commit to them. To do that, we'll need everyone to work together and speak up.
Splendid. I shall wholly look forward to working alongside you, be it tomorrow or in the future. We have not an easy journey ahead of us... But I believe there is a chance for us, no matter how grim it may seem.
(I will let you pick the day! But Claude is at the book shop, turning through a few pages in a book of poems when Alphinaud catches him. It's annoying that these dark bubbles are floating around but luckily, they're slow enough to avoid.
When he reaches to take another book from the shelf though? A foggy orb comes along with it and hit his hand-- )
(Sunlight fills a grand chamber and people begin to fill in, gathering for some sort of ceremony. On the walls, tapestries lined in gold with images of deer and a certain emblem. Alphinaud won't recognize them but these symbols clearly reveal where they are.
The people wear their best clothes-- only the finest silks and latest designs for the event at hand. The women where their best jewels and the men wear all of their outstanding medals. It's a formal affair and it's clear that every person in this chamber possesses some status in society. As they filter in, some of their conversations can be heard.
"I didn't know the Duke had a grandson." "Neither did I. Sir Godfrey didn't have any children so it must be Lady Tiana's...?" "Impossible. She disappeared. No one's heard from her in nearly two decades." "So where on earth did they find this boy?" "Perhaps from another branch of the family?" "Maybe he's actually a commoner--" "No way! The Riegans produce dukes and duchesses that lead the whole alliance! Any child born with a Crest would be accepted immediately but no one knew this boy even existed until last year."
There's a trumpet, heralding the beginning of a ceremony and from a pair of grand doors and Claude arrives, pacing himself perfectly as he walks down the carpet towards the altar at the front of the hall. He's only a year or two younger than Alphinaud remembers him. He can't be older than sixteen or seventeen. As he walks--
"Honestly, I would have preferred the Count over some strange boy..." "Does he even have a Crest? I haven't heard anything about him having one!"
He holds his head up high, eyes facing straight ahead as he approaches an elderly man who looks down at him, regarding him with warm but serious eyes that match his own.
He repeats the words he'd been told to. He announces himself. He introduces himself. He proclaims himself to be Claude von Riegan, the grandson of Duke Oswald von Riegan. The descendent of the Elite Hero, Riegan and when the old duke calls on him to prove himself...
The hall goes completely silent. This is the moment they've been waiting for, the moment that would confirm everything once and for all. Claude turns towards the rest of the hall and holds out his hand. A golden light appears from his palm and in the air a crescent moon appears. From the crowd, someone bold or foolish whispers,
[ Damn, bubble, so eager they don't even get to say hi first!
But well, it bursts, thus playing out a scenario of the past for Alphinaud to witness. Admittedly, he is curious about Claude, so perhaps he doesn't ignore it as much as he should. And then, it ends. There's a short pause before Alphinaud breaks the silence. ]
A... Ahem, well. That wasn't how you intended on starting your day, I imagine.
(Compared to some of his other memories? This isn't the worst by far and he sort of just shrugs at the fact that Alphinaud has seen it. He doesn't seem bothered at all,)
I've had worse days. (Like, much worse days.) Yeah, so that's that. Another day, another ceremony.
And blame you I could not. When it comes to nobility, most are usually well aware of their lineage. 'Tis a surprise to hear you were kept in the dark for so long.
[ He could probably make some assumptions why, but it'd be best not to. ]
(Another very good point!! And Claude frowns, trying to make exact sense of why he was kept in the dark. What he recalls is... just enough.)
It's... complicated. (That's how he's going to explain it.) My mother is from Fodlan but my father is from... another place. And people in Fodlan don't think too highly of outsiders.
I don't think they ever intended for me to go to Fodlan in the first place but after my uncle died, my grandfather needed a new heir. My mother didn't want to go so I went instead.
What's a little more time to come around? I've made some allies back home. I'd even call some of them good friends but others? Not so much. You know how it is. Politics are messy and nobles weave a pretty tangled web of alliances.
... We're running out of time back home, though. The sooner everyone can get over their pride and prejudices, the better it'll be for all of us.
[ Alphinaud may not really be a noble, but he has involved himself with lots and lots of politics involving them and those in position of power. And hoo-freakin'-boy. ]
Much as I agree with you, it will be no small task—an impossible one, I am nigh inclined to say. It would be best to make the allies you are able and to focus on those.
Oh, trust me, I am. My friends from home... are precious to me.
(He's not embarrassed to admit this. He values all of them.)
I know people back home think I don't take my position seriously but I do. I'm their leader, but I don't think about our relationship as leader and subjects. We're friends. I rely on them as much as they rely on me.
But of course, it isn't that easy. Reflexively, he pulls Alphinaud closer once his weight hits and it's then that Alphinaud's shoulder or something might hit Claude in the chest...
And what follows is a sharp stabbing pain over the heart-- an arrow striking. But that isn't the worst part. What comes next is an intense burning sensation, like one's blood is on fire or carrying a hundred tiny sharp needles through out the body. Maybe it's both. It's a pain that takes one's breath away, causing the heart to beat faster, and there's an intense feeling of dread.
This is truly a terrible poison. One that makes you wish you were dead so you wouldn't have to live like this another second.
And yet, Claude doesn't drop Alphinaud. Instead, he stumbles, caught off guard by this intense feeling. He grits his teeth and though he tries to lower Alphinaud, his hands clench tightly at him. His eyes water but he doesn't make a sound or cry. He's endured this once and he can endure it again. It didn't kill him last time and it won't kill him now.
... And eventually, the pain fades and he lets out a heavy, shaky sigh of relief.)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK 0, POST-INVESTIGATION
Eventually, he manages to grab someone from the group that found the body. He approaches him casually, trying to appear friendly despite everything that's going on and speaks lightly,)
You were in the forest too. Have a minute?
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Aye, that I was. You may go ahead.
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What did you guys find exactly? When we heard what happened, we decided to go back and tell the others in case anyone noticed anything.
(A little more quietly,)
Of course, by then, that song was already playing...
(Thanks, he hated it.)
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It is as the message said. Hajime is dead, her body left along the path in the woods. It was there that we discovered her.
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He sighs, running a hand through his hair,)
Did you guys notice anything strange on the way up there? It looked like someone else was there before us but I guess that goes without saying. ... It'd be too easy if we happen to run into the killer anyway.
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Naught out of the ordinary, unfortunately. Someone had walked the path ere our arrival, but that could have been anyone's doing. If you are hoping for a clearer sign as to who could have done this, I regret to inform you that you will have no such luck.
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(He nods,)
It was more or less the same on our side. No real signs about anything... Looks like we have a real mystery on ours hands.
The best thing to do is probably get everyone together and find out what they were doing.
... Hah, things sure did change pretty fast, huh?
(From getting together for a good night of fun to getting together to solve a murder. It's cool.)
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[ Alphinaud should have known better. It isn't as if this is his first time getting unwittingly dragged into a foreign new world, after all. ]
Should we manage to get most, if not all, to cooperate with us. We are... without much authority, and I cannot imagine everyone will think straight with the news broken.
no subject
To be fair, it's difficult even when you do have authority. (Speaking from experience.) I can barely get five families from the same country to see eye to eye so I'm not holding out for over forty people from all over the universe.
(He's being real here,)
If we can get the majority even by a little... I'd consider that win.
Week 2, post investigation
As he feels someone get closer behind him though, he corrects his posture, setting his shoulders back, standing straight, and starts to refocus his thoughts. He gives the arrow a twirl in his fingers and catches it, turning back to see who it is,)
Just passing by or have you come to check on me too?
(He speaks lightly, the air starts to buzz with some sort of energy (resolution), and he offers a warm smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes.)
no subject
A spot of both. 'Tis on these nights that all could use some checking upon, I would say.
no subject
(He stretches, shaking off that tension even more,)
There sure are a lot of thoughtful people here. It seems like someone here is always worrying about someone. Not that it's a bad thing... it's admirable in its own way, really.
no subject
As it should be, especially now. People do have a way of coming together in their most trying times.
no subject
(And he loves people for that.)
I wonder... how does it make you feel seeing people in this sort of situation? From one member of high society to another.
(The way he speaks, the way he carries himself... Talented at diplomacy and politics. He must be affiliated with some sort of court.)
no subject
Ahem, well—while I do have a reputable family, 'tis been quite a number of moons since last I have been home.
[ Wherever that is, because he forgot lol ]
I do not look upon our circumstances from my background, but I can do so as a Scion, or even as just another man like any other, and what I see is something... horrible. What was briefly a peculiar situation in which we were called upon to save our worlds has since become truly abhorrent.
no subject
(For a brief moment, the feeling in the air is amusement. That feeling one experiences when they tell an inside joke. He's Claude von Riegan, heir to the Leicester Alliance in Fodlan
And he hasn't been home in a very
very
long time.)
A scion, huh? (Interesting word, though, he's interpreted it in a far less interesting way than it really means. He lacks the context to really get it,) Hmm..
A noble is supposed to protect the masses. It's a noble's duty to be compassionate but strong and to use that strength and ability to look out for others. That's what I've been taught, at least. In practice, it isn't quite that simple.
(Politics are messy, there's a corrupt and selfish system in place, and he's seen plenty of nobles cause more pain and harm than good.)
But in this place, I really do want to help everyone. How could I not when I see everyone living like this? Living with the expectation of death each week is no way to live.
(That feeling returns, the feeling of loss and grief, mixing with determination and hope, twisting into some complicated mess of emotions around Claude.
He truly wants to protect everyone.
(Idealistically)
But he knows he can't.
(Realistically))
no subject
'Tis not.
[ There's no disagreement there. Not in the least. ]
When you have made it your duty to protect the people... Aye, it is a great and heavy weight upon one's heart when you are faced with helplessness. I, too, bear this pain alongside you—what I would not do to bring justice for those who have been wronged...
no subject
(He speaks with conviction,)
Tomorrow, we'll have to find the ones responsible for what happened. Just like last week, we have two bodies but this time, let's get the right person. We made mistakes... and hopefully we've learned from enough of them.
no subject
I quite mislike we had to stumble first ere we could, potentially, make progress while lives are at stake... Yet there is naught we can do to change the past. I wholly plan to fix our mistakes on the morrow.
no subject
(Ask questions, check out evidence, all that jazz.)
I'm sure we'll keep making more mistakes but hopefully, we can all catch each other before we commit to them. To do that, we'll need everyone to work together and speak up.
no subject
[ Alphinaud gives him a pleased smile. ]
I see there is little cause for concern as far as your well-being goes. Good. We must needs keep our resolve strong.
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(Unfortunately. But it's only made him stronger.)
I might be down now... but don't count me out. I'll be ready.
no subject
Week 4, ???
When he reaches to take another book from the shelf though? A foggy orb comes along with it and hit his hand-- )
no subject
The people wear their best clothes-- only the finest silks and latest designs for the event at hand. The women where their best jewels and the men wear all of their outstanding medals. It's a formal affair and it's clear that every person in this chamber possesses some status in society. As they filter in, some of their conversations can be heard.
"I didn't know the Duke had a grandson."
"Neither did I. Sir Godfrey didn't have any children so it must be Lady Tiana's...?"
"Impossible. She disappeared. No one's heard from her in nearly two decades."
"So where on earth did they find this boy?"
"Perhaps from another branch of the family?"
"Maybe he's actually a commoner--"
"No way! The Riegans produce dukes and duchesses that lead the whole alliance! Any child born with a Crest would be accepted immediately but no one knew this boy even existed until last year."
There's a trumpet, heralding the beginning of a ceremony and from a pair of grand doors and Claude arrives, pacing himself perfectly as he walks down the carpet towards the altar at the front of the hall. He's only a year or two younger than Alphinaud remembers him. He can't be older than sixteen or seventeen. As he walks--
"Honestly, I would have preferred the Count over some strange boy..."
"Does he even have a Crest? I haven't heard anything about him having one!"
He holds his head up high, eyes facing straight ahead as he approaches an elderly man who looks down at him, regarding him with warm but serious eyes that match his own.
He repeats the words he'd been told to. He announces himself. He introduces himself. He proclaims himself to be Claude von Riegan, the grandson of Duke Oswald von Riegan. The descendent of the Elite Hero, Riegan and when the old duke calls on him to prove himself...
The hall goes completely silent. This is the moment they've been waiting for, the moment that would confirm everything once and for all. Claude turns towards the rest of the hall and holds out his hand. A golden light appears from his palm and in the air a crescent moon appears. From the crowd, someone bold or foolish whispers,
"He really is a Riegan.")
i piiiick... tuesday
But well, it bursts, thus playing out a scenario of the past for Alphinaud to witness. Admittedly, he is curious about Claude, so perhaps he doesn't ignore it as much as he should. And then, it ends. There's a short pause before Alphinaud breaks the silence. ]
A... Ahem, well. That wasn't how you intended on starting your day, I imagine.
no subject
I've had worse days. (Like, much worse days.) Yeah, so that's that. Another day, another ceremony.
no subject
no subject
(He's just a simple heir, a free teen,)
But I've seem my share. That was my first one in Fodlan, though. You could say... I wasn't too involved with most things until recently.
no subject
Didn't always grow up with the noble lifestyle, did you?
no subject
Nah, I wasn't always one. When I found out my grandfather was a duke, I thought everyone was playing a joke on me for a week.
no subject
[ He could probably make some assumptions why, but it'd be best not to. ]
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It's... complicated. (That's how he's going to explain it.) My mother is from Fodlan but my father is from... another place. And people in Fodlan don't think too highly of outsiders.
I don't think they ever intended for me to go to Fodlan in the first place but after my uncle died, my grandfather needed a new heir. My mother didn't want to go so I went instead.
no subject
[ He means that in the most good-natured way. ]
I am familiar with how it goes. No small wonder those folk were skeptical, but surely they would have come to understand.
no subject
(He shrugs,)
What's a little more time to come around? I've made some allies back home. I'd even call some of them good friends but others? Not so much. You know how it is. Politics are messy and nobles weave a pretty tangled web of alliances.
... We're running out of time back home, though. The sooner everyone can get over their pride and prejudices, the better it'll be for all of us.
no subject
[ Alphinaud may not really be a noble, but he has involved himself with lots and lots of politics involving them and those in position of power. And hoo-freakin'-boy. ]
Much as I agree with you, it will be no small task—an impossible one, I am nigh inclined to say. It would be best to make the allies you are able and to focus on those.
no subject
(He's not embarrassed to admit this. He values all of them.)
I know people back home think I don't take my position seriously but I do. I'm their leader, but I don't think about our relationship as leader and subjects. We're friends. I rely on them as much as they rely on me.
Do you have people like that?
wk6; friday (dw don't betray me again challenge)
I'm assuming Alphinaud isn't terribly high up, he looks down at Claude. ]
Could you?
no subject
(Arms out! He's ready!)
no subject
I will hold you to that.
[ He leaps. ]
no subject
But of course, it isn't that easy. Reflexively, he pulls Alphinaud closer once his weight hits and it's then that Alphinaud's shoulder or something might hit Claude in the chest...
And what follows is a sharp stabbing pain over the heart-- an arrow striking. But that isn't the worst part. What comes next is an intense burning sensation, like one's blood is on fire or carrying a hundred tiny sharp needles through out the body. Maybe it's both. It's a pain that takes one's breath away, causing the heart to beat faster, and there's an intense feeling of dread.
This is truly a terrible poison. One that makes you wish you were dead so you wouldn't have to live like this another second.
And yet, Claude doesn't drop Alphinaud. Instead, he stumbles, caught off guard by this intense feeling. He grits his teeth and though he tries to lower Alphinaud, his hands clench tightly at him. His eyes water but he doesn't make a sound or cry. He's endured this once and he can endure it again. It didn't kill him last time and it won't kill him now.
... And eventually, the pain fades and he lets out a heavy, shaky sigh of relief.)