(Catch Claude after the investigation just flittering around, answering what he can and listening to what everyone else has to say but after awhile, he really needs to go and take care of his dang hand thanks to a certain rude squirrel encounter.
He's managed to clean it up and for now, he just has a cloth over it. Huh... this is weird. But anyway, he beckons at Soo-won,)
Can you lend me a hand? I'm trying to find a bandage or something.
when he returns, he has a few long, long strips of colorful fabric. at least they're of fairly sensible material so it's not like claude's gonna bleed all over silk]
Here - and I'll search for Archer later to see if he's made any development on using herbs for medicinal purposes. Show me your injury?
(Yeah, the last thing he's going to do is just run off without anyone around. The last thing he needs is
1. People worrying 2. People being suspicious.
So he sticks around, holding up his hand and just checking out that part where the thumb and index finger meet. It's always the worst spot, isn't it? No one ever gets hurt above their knuckle or somewhere more convenient.
When Soo-won returns, Claude lets out a small laugh at the fabric. He's unbothered and clearly amused.
Oh, that is the worst. Somehow a foul papercut tends to get me there now and again as well.
[tragic!!]
You've already washed it with water, I take it?
[once he gets an affirmative, he'll move to start helping to wrap it - he at least looks familiar with the process so claude will get a neatly wrapped bandage once he's done]
Yeah, I know a thing or two about taking care of myself.
(He watches Soo-won get to work! And when it's all finished and done, he holds up his hand to inspect it. It looks about as good as Manuela's work.)
Not bad... thanks. Hopefully it heals up pretty fast.
(He honestly??? Isn't sure how long this is going to take to heal? Hm. But he's just going to stretch a bit now that he's all taken care of and focus his attention on Soo-won now, )
[well that happened so much. soo-won is actually going to be walking around with a tray, a pot of tea, and a few sets of cups. it's probably as he's headed to his next destination that he notices claude
and offers up a smile]
Oh, there you are.
Shall we pick each other's brains over some tea as promised?
(Here he is just minding his own thinky thoughts when he here's the light clink of a tea set nearby. When he sees Soo-won, he grins and stretches his arms out, relaxing,)
Is it that time already?
(Well, he did say after they found Hajime's killer so yeah, now is the time.
He'll clear off a spot for them at a table so Soo-won can set down his tray,)
Your timing is incredible.
(This is just what he needs! Tea or the talk? He won't say.)
(He doesn't necessarily need tea to do that but tea as always an excuse to sit and chat away some the ideas running around in his head.
He looks down at the tea cup, noting the color and the immediate scent. It's pleasant and reminds him of something the tea that would often be prepared back home. Floral teas were popular in Leicester, especially among the nobility. Especially rose, Claude remembers, though, lavender was also a good choice. )
It smells delicious. (And he raises his cup, giving it a taste. Yes, this definitely reminds him of the Alliance.) It's fine, thanks.
(Just fine. It isn't particularly his favorite but he's accustomed to it. Soo-won will have to try again next time!)
[he smiles at that - it's a floral blend inspired by the wife of a general he'd met, and it's one of his preferred teas given how often the general would bring it with him to meetings.
the closest thing to a taste of home.]
So we did.
There are a few failings I can think of... but the primary one is the belief that it was a crime done in desperation, when it seemed as though the effort to obscure the truth and hide things was rather diligent.
I wouldn't rule it out exactly. If it's a desperate act of self-preservation, it makes sense for one to want to cover up the crime to the best of their ability.
(He taps his finger lightly against his cup, thinking,)
So you think this will all continue as well?
(That more people will die? He'd been thinking the same, as many others likely have but haven't spoken openly about yet.)
(After investigation! It's time to get together and start figuring out what happened. Also grieve a little. If that's your jam.
Claude is fine though. Of course, his demeanor is a little more down than usual. Most people are pretty down after finding out someone died! Especially someone they knew! But he's still carrying himself well, there's a more solemn sort of confidence to him and as usual, he's still giving off an aura focused determination. It's nice to know that despite being a schemer of sorts, he's been carrying those emotions genuinely since the beginning.
But there's something heavier in the air.
First, the scent of fish!! It's strong. Ugh.
And also Claude is just sad. It isn't surprising because, again, people are usually sad when people die! But the grief coming from Claude is heavy, especially when he thinks he's alone. Like right now.
He's at the top of the fort, sitting down on the ground next to the railing and just twirling an arrow between his fingers, looking lost in thought.)
[pcs technically need to happen in the fort so hansa and blanca will get to have theirs while soo-won is out and about!! he's going to actually be carrying a pillow, but he will look for claude!
and then he will sit down next to him - and claude will feel soo-won's matching concern, worry]
But what's up with that pillow, Soo-Won, weird? Anyway, Claude doesn't mind Soo-Won being here. If anything, he's one of the people he's more comfortable being around right now.
They're similar and they know it.
So there's no point hiding it.)
It's always heavy.
(This weight certainly isn't because he's hit particularly hard or anything!! Except, again, this is Soo-won so he knows he can only hide so much before they just figure things out,)
I've never really lost anyone before; not closely, at least.
(The closest in recent memory was Jeralt. They'd fought together a few times and Jeralt had helped save his life before. But they weren't exactly close. Then there was the professor who he'd thought he'd lost for a moment. He hadn't given up on her though and she did return. So really, this is his first time actually dealing with losing someone he was close to.)
[yea it's weird but it's the only thing keeping him from just straight up bolting and running back to the pillow fort. regardless he'll let it settle on his lap as he listens to claude speak and -
well. his emotions reflect his own sadness at that. the idea of losing someone for the first time - it's a scar that's long since been scabbed over for him. even still, the pain of it is fresh when sitting next to someone going through it for the first time.]
.... something that you normally don't regard as a blessing - but it makes the first cut even deeper.
(Something one doesnt regard as a blessing until it occurs or comes to close. It's something he'd thought of at Jeralt's service and this experience only confirms his thoughts. It cuts deeper, just like Soo-Won has said.
He glances over towards him, looking him over through this sad aura of his and laughs lightly, holding his head up as he speaks,)
Of course, someone doesn't become like us without going through something. (And now, they're just a little more similar, he thinks,) I'm sorry for yours, too.
(Whoever they were. However it felt. Whenever it was.)
You don't have to worry about me. I might be down now.... (He'll admit that much,) But I've never been the type of guy to sit still for long.
(This is just a break before he gets back up again.)
[the idea of constantly bouncing back, because you don't have an option otherwise. when people look to you, you can't remain on the ground. you have to brush yourself off and lead.
but still, he offers a smile, gentle and understanding.]
... but I won't worry you any more than a friend would - but as a friend, I am required to worry over you.
At the very least, you needn't force yourself for me.
(It was supposed to be a date. He would make them some tea and they'd have a nice little conversation over it! But alas, Claude von Riegan has managed to over brew this particular batch... and forgotten all about it so it's just extremely mediocre room temperature tea.
He takes one sip and just. HMMMM he'll set it back down without another comment and move on,)
What do you think happens when you die?
(Yes, this is a conversation they're having and it's not at all inspired by any curious notes that have appeared recently.)
Outside of the Realm? Some people think that you go to the heavens, and get to be with the other departed. Some may entertain the idea of cycles of reincarnation. Others still may presume that you simply return to the dirt that we all came from, and participate in the cycle of life and death in its most literal form.
[he doesn't mind the topic though, finding the thought experiment entertaining.
however.]
Here? Your soul is brought somewhere else, a place difficult even for the Leaders to reach without losing their memories, and apparently - you get to gossip and send messages around.
(The answer brings a smile to his face and he can forget this horrible cup of tea he's made.)
Yes, it depends on where you're from. Most people I know believe in going to the heavens or returning to the earth. I guess I'm more of the latter. Honestly, I've never really given it much though. Death is the end, as far as I'm concerned.
(There's nothing beyond it.)
... Which makes the dealings in this place a little difficult to wrap my head around at times.
I think relying too heavily in an afterlife or the belief that your spirit continues on.... can make it harder to move during the time on earth that you have. But I always like hearing what people think - and it'd be nice if I'm proven wrong.
[if you do get to go to heaven!! that'd be sick. but he's just not banking on it.
as for the question:]
Last week? A handful. This week? One so far, but I'm anticipating a few more if people are willing to notify me as they come in.
Mm, one of the few times I wouldn't mind being wrong.
(He picks up his tea cup! Because this is usually where he would sip his tea thoughtfully for dramatic effect and set it down to say something witty or interesting...
But he just sets it back down without a taste. Ugh. )
I've seen a couple. (...) Oh? Did you try to send a message through someone? Or are you just waiting for everyone else's answers?
I sent one yesterday - but since we can send two a week, I don't mind reserving my second one for anything pressing that might come up. I'm not sure when all of the removed send theirs and how soon we get them, after all.
In truth, I currently think all the removed can only send two as well - but given how many people have access to the app now, they must be rather inundated with questions.
So it's more a matter of seeing where all their messages end up, and what they can tell us that we don't already know.
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WEEK 0, POST-INVESTIGATION
He's managed to clean it up and for now, he just has a cloth over it. Huh... this is weird. But anyway, he beckons at Soo-won,)
Can you lend me a hand? I'm trying to find a bandage or something.
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Cutting clean cloth into strips might have to be the best remedy for a moment. Would you mind waiting?
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(He's being done a favor, after all.)
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[ - and off he goes!!
when he returns, he has a few long, long strips of colorful fabric. at least they're of fairly sensible material so it's not like claude's gonna bleed all over silk]
Here - and I'll search for Archer later to see if he's made any development on using herbs for medicinal purposes. Show me your injury?
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1. People worrying
2. People being suspicious.
So he sticks around, holding up his hand and just checking out that part where the thumb and index finger meet. It's always the worst spot, isn't it? No one ever gets hurt above their knuckle or somewhere more convenient.
When Soo-won returns, Claude lets out a small laugh at the fabric. He's unbothered and clearly amused.
He holds out his hand to Soo-won,)
Of all the places, right?
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[tragic!!]
You've already washed it with water, I take it?
[once he gets an affirmative, he'll move to start helping to wrap it - he at least looks familiar with the process so claude will get a neatly wrapped bandage once he's done]
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Right? I wonder why that is.
(Nodding,)
Yeah, I know a thing or two about taking care of myself.
(He watches Soo-won get to work! And when it's all finished and done, he holds up his hand to inspect it. It looks about as good as Manuela's work.)
Not bad... thanks. Hopefully it heals up pretty fast.
(He honestly??? Isn't sure how long this is going to take to heal? Hm. But he's just going to stretch a bit now that he's all taken care of and focus his attention on Soo-won now, )
Doing okay?
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week 0, post-trial
and offers up a smile]
Oh, there you are.
Shall we pick each other's brains over some tea as promised?
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Is it that time already?
(Well, he did say after they found Hajime's killer so yeah, now is the time.
He'll clear off a spot for them at a table so Soo-won can set down his tray,)
Your timing is incredible.
(This is just what he needs! Tea or the talk? He won't say.)
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[he'll move to join claude easily then, setting down the tray and pouring tea for them both. he'll move the cup in front of claude -
it's a very floral-scented tea]
Let me know if you're not fond of the blend - I can always find another.
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(He doesn't necessarily need tea to do that but tea as always an excuse to sit and chat away some the ideas running around in his head.
He looks down at the tea cup, noting the color and the immediate scent. It's pleasant and reminds him of something the tea that would often be prepared back home. Floral teas were popular in Leicester, especially among the nobility. Especially rose, Claude remembers, though, lavender was also a good choice. )
It smells delicious. (And he raises his cup, giving it a taste. Yes, this definitely reminds him of the Alliance.) It's fine, thanks.
(Just fine. It isn't particularly his favorite but he's accustomed to it. Soo-won will have to try again next time!)
We cut it really close today.
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the closest thing to a taste of home.]
So we did.
There are a few failings I can think of... but the primary one is the belief that it was a crime done in desperation, when it seemed as though the effort to obscure the truth and hide things was rather diligent.
We'll have to be prepared for that in the future.
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(He taps his finger lightly against his cup, thinking,)
So you think this will all continue as well?
(That more people will die? He'd been thinking the same, as many others likely have but haven't spoken openly about yet.)
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Week 2, post investigation
Claude is fine though. Of course, his demeanor is a little more down than usual. Most people are pretty down after finding out someone died! Especially someone they knew! But he's still carrying himself well, there's a more solemn sort of confidence to him and as usual, he's still giving off an aura focused determination. It's nice to know that despite being a schemer of sorts, he's been carrying those emotions genuinely since the beginning.
But there's something heavier in the air.
First, the scent of fish!! It's strong. Ugh.
And also Claude is just sad. It isn't surprising because, again, people are usually sad when people die! But the grief coming from Claude is heavy, especially when he thinks he's alone. Like right now.
He's at the top of the fort, sitting down on the ground next to the railing and just twirling an arrow between his fingers, looking lost in thought.)
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and then he will sit down next to him - and claude will feel soo-won's matching concern, worry]
The loss is heavy, isn't it?
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But what's up with that pillow, Soo-Won, weird? Anyway, Claude doesn't mind Soo-Won being here. If anything, he's one of the people he's more comfortable being around right now.
They're similar and they know it.
So there's no point hiding it.)
It's always heavy.
(This weight certainly isn't because he's hit particularly hard or anything!! Except, again, this is Soo-won so he knows he can only hide so much before they just figure things out,)
I've never really lost anyone before; not closely, at least.
(The closest in recent memory was Jeralt. They'd fought together a few times and Jeralt had helped save his life before. But they weren't exactly close. Then there was the professor who he'd thought he'd lost for a moment. He hadn't given up on her though and she did return. So really, this is his first time actually dealing with losing someone he was close to.)
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well. his emotions reflect his own sadness at that. the idea of losing someone for the first time - it's a scar that's long since been scabbed over for him. even still, the pain of it is fresh when sitting next to someone going through it for the first time.]
.... something that you normally don't regard as a blessing - but it makes the first cut even deeper.
[his empathy is strong.]
I'm sorry then, for your loss as well.
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He glances over towards him, looking him over through this sad aura of his and laughs lightly, holding his head up as he speaks,)
Of course, someone doesn't become like us without going through something. (And now, they're just a little more similar, he thinks,) I'm sorry for yours, too.
(Whoever they were. However it felt. Whenever it was.)
You don't have to worry about me. I might be down now.... (He'll admit that much,) But I've never been the type of guy to sit still for long.
(This is just a break before he gets back up again.)
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[the idea of constantly bouncing back, because you don't have an option otherwise. when people look to you, you can't remain on the ground. you have to brush yourself off and lead.
but still, he offers a smile, gentle and understanding.]
... but I won't worry you any more than a friend would - but as a friend, I am required to worry over you.
At the very least, you needn't force yourself for me.
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Week 4, Thursday
He takes one sip and just. HMMMM he'll set it back down without another comment and move on,)
What do you think happens when you die?
(Yes, this is a conversation they're having and it's not at all inspired by any curious notes that have appeared recently.)
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[he doesn't mind the topic though, finding the thought experiment entertaining.
however.]
Here? Your soul is brought somewhere else, a place difficult even for the Leaders to reach without losing their memories, and apparently - you get to gossip and send messages around.
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Yes, it depends on where you're from. Most people I know believe in going to the heavens or returning to the earth. I guess I'm more of the latter. Honestly, I've never really given it much though. Death is the end, as far as I'm concerned.
(There's nothing beyond it.)
... Which makes the dealings in this place a little difficult to wrap my head around at times.
(He taps at the table with his finger,)
How many messages have you seen, Soo-Won?
(Because he knows he's seen at least one.)
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I think relying too heavily in an afterlife or the belief that your spirit continues on.... can make it harder to move during the time on earth that you have. But I always like hearing what people think - and it'd be nice if I'm proven wrong.
[if you do get to go to heaven!! that'd be sick. but he's just not banking on it.
as for the question:]
Last week? A handful. This week? One so far, but I'm anticipating a few more if people are willing to notify me as they come in.
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(He picks up his tea cup! Because this is usually where he would sip his tea thoughtfully for dramatic effect and set it down to say something witty or interesting...
But he just sets it back down without a taste. Ugh. )
I've seen a couple. (...) Oh? Did you try to send a message through someone? Or are you just waiting for everyone else's answers?
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In truth, I currently think all the removed can only send two as well - but given how many people have access to the app now, they must be rather inundated with questions.
So it's more a matter of seeing where all their messages end up, and what they can tell us that we don't already know.
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