2022-06-27: An Overdue Toast and a Familiar Uniform

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<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

The sitting room Eleanor has arranged is lovely, with warm walls in a pale pink and gilt at the baseboards and up parts of the walls. There are hardwood doors to other parts of the castle, and a nice seating area with a couple of couches and a table for the tea. There is not just tea; there are also little pastries, and a bottle of wine for a certain Seraph. The maid has just set these things down with a smile and a "Here you are, my Lady." Eleanor smiles back at her, "Thank you, Verna. That will be all for now. We can serve ourselves from here."

Verna doesn't see Seraphim; it would be... weird, to talk to the air with her around. "Yes, my Lady."

She starts for the door--which opens before she reaches it, though not into her because it's not that fast and she's not that slow. "Oh! My Lord!" Rather than an imprecation, this is Verna--a small woman with beautiful black hair--looking up at Tristan as he stands at the door. He nods to her, and steps back out of the way so that she can leave the room. "Good day, Verna." He nods his farewell, and steps in after she does. Tristan is a blond man with brown eyes, and looks notably similar to Eleanor. He's also wearing the same outfit Ashley usually does--a Musketeer's uniform.

"Hello, sister," he says, "And..." He is going to greet the others. But his eyes linger on Lanval for a moment. "Uh." Pause. "Good day, sir."

"Oh! Tristan! I was just having some friends over. Would you like to join us?" 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    THE SCALE OF WHICH LANVAL EARNS THE GREETING 'Uh.' TODAY: YES! REASON BEING: as per a solemn oath to never have to wear shoes, by not wearing shoes (serious business).
 
     This Greek Chorus-esque reprimand aside, Lanval is sitting upright and in a proper 'assigned' seat where he has been served a bottle of wine he already knows the scent of and is very eager to share it.
 
     Wine is meant to be shared with good friends (serious business).
 
     Both of Lanval's eyes open half-way towards Tristan, who - in spite of the fanciness of his robes - looks like and is built like every part of an overindulgent wastrel. (Not to say that he isn't.)
 
     (sometimes)
 
     "It ish a good day, ain't it! Ha ha ha!" He'll save the specifics for later, but he's all about the small joys in life like getting to have another good meal with loved ones. Or drinks. 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

For all of the time Ashley spends around rich folks these days, he still can't quite find it in him to get fully comfortable around the glitz and glamor of the most elegant and well-to-do homes in Filgaia. Even though he TECHNICALLY has lodgings at the Valeria Chateau, he spends most of his time back in Meria when he's in the area. It's a feeling of not-quite-belonging that he struggles with, regardless of the fact that the owner of this particular estate is a friend and comrade.

It's to the point that... until JUST THIS MOMENT, he had in fact been in the kitchens, preparing some of the very same pastries that now sit on the tea table. Doing something like that, repaying hospitality in whatever small shape he's able, helps to put his mind at ease.

"Sorry, sorry. I had to put away some of the ingredients," Ashley apologizes, sheepishly dusting the lingering flour on his palms and fingers across his ever-reliable denim jeans. Those jeans have seen enough flour to open a bakery of their own at this point. "Oh..."

There's... someone else here...!

And they can see seraphim, which is a surprise in and of itself.

"Howdy! That sure is a familiar uniform," Ashley says with a smile, "Don't suppose you're in the Merian Musketeers, are you?" 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

There are, for the record, multiple wineglasses. And the servants? They mostly love Ashley. Oh, there's a few who wish he'd sit down and get served like a good guest, but for the most part his easy charm and good baking has won them over; the head chef even lets him use the kitchens! Eleanor has given up on refusing his efforts to give back, generally; besides.. she does love his baking.

"Ashley! Welcome back. ...Now will you sit down and join us?" she asks, with a little laugh. She slides her glass over near Lanval so that he can pour the wine--and then, there's Tristan!

It's true, on the one hand, that Eleanor has a lot of strange friends. Tristan knows this. But Lanval surprises him all the same. But before he can inquire, Ashley notices him, and asks--

"Ah--" Tristan straightens, and nods. "I am. I joined recently, admittedly. ...You're Ashley Winchester, aren't you? It's an honor to meet youproperly, sir." He looks right for Ashley's eyes as he says it, and walks over to extend his hand.

"This is my brother Tristan," Eleanor explains. "He's been planning to join the Musketeers for a long time. I believe he missed meeting you at the wedding..."

"And this," she says, "is my other friend, the Seraph Lanval. He's one of the spirits who were at the wedding."

"The wedding at which you didn't get married," he confirms dryly.

"Yes, that's the one."

"Well," he says, "It's good to meet a friend of my sister's then. As she mentioned, I'm Tristan Klein. My older sister has told me a lot about both of you... Though the reality is different seeing for yourself." 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    When the motion is given, Seraph Lanval handles that bottle of wine like a most precious thing. The pouring is gentle and precise, as if a thing of both importance and pride alike. When the glass is filled, that's about the time he himself is being introduced. He sets the bottle of wine upright and waves a hand with a particularly dopey smile.
 
     "That'sh me~" He slurs as he typically does. "Nice ta meet ya, Tristan...! If ya like 'll pour a glassh fer ya too."
 
     "Toasht ta yer joinin' the Musketeers..."
 
     "...or the pashtriesh..."
 
     "...or any. Reashon. Whatshoeveeeer~!" Lanval laughs, and then in a lower voice. "'m in withdrawal. Not enough toashtin' lately."
 
     Beat.
 
     "'d even accept burnt bread~" 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

Ah yes, the wedding at which Irington Bakery produced The Ultimate Cake, which was happily (sadly!?) cut up and eaten not by the bride and groom, but by its bakers to serve a mixed crowd of despondent and jubilant attendees. Everyone agreed the cake was delicious though, and it absolutely did not spring to life and begin attacking the party goers like the legendarily infamous work of Torte and Torte. So for the bakery, it was still a massive success!

Ashley, beloved by many a servant (even by the fussiest of the maids), returns victorious from the slaying of hunger. "Ahahaha, if you don't mind, I think I will," he says with an easy smile. "Oh, uh. You don't have to be so formal with me, Tristan! Just Ashley is fine. After all, technically speaking I'm not in the Musketeers since I was transfered over to ARMS." Still, he shakes Tristan's hand! It's... a powdery experience, seeing as there's still some flour clinging to his palms, but Ashley gives a good, firm shake regardless. "It's too bad we missed you at the wedding. Did you have any of the leftover cake?"

(If Marivel and Eleanor didn't get to it first)

Beat.

"Oh, uh. I don't think we burnt any bread today," Ashley says, hesitantly peeking over at the pastries, all of which seem to sparkle in all their soft, flaky, buttery glory. 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

It was a wonderful cake and Eleanor has every intention of engaging the Irington Bakery once again. She also has every intention of drinking the wine that Lanval pours her. It's good wine!

"I don't mind at all," she says. And then Tristan nods to Ashley--he doesn't even mention the powder, because he's got manners. "Ashley, then. We hear a lot about you. It's even mostly good." His own handshake is good and firm; he's a bit taller than Ashley, and a little broader, too. But he doesn't go in for any 'try to hurt the other guy' stuff. But there's a beat, "I did. It was delicious. Probably the best cake I've ever had, and with Eleanor around I've had a lot of cake."

"I do like cake," Eleanor says, and he does not win the point.

Marina would have to worry about some of the maids and Ashley... if Ashley weren't as oblivious as he is, maybe. Maybe.

"I'll accept that," Tristan says of Lanval's toast. Though... as Lanval goes on... it's a little awkward until he laughs and mentions he's in toasting withdrawal. Then Eleanor laughs and he joins in. "That's fine," Eleanor assures Ashley quickly. "We like it better this way."

"To Tris and joining the musketeers, and these pastries!" Eleanor agrees, and she and Tristan both accept and sip at the wine accordingly. "Thank you," Tristan says. Then, "Would you like to join us?" Eleanor asks Tristan. "If so, please hand me that chocolate one over there..."

Tristan doesn't roll his eyes, but he thinks about it. "If your friends don't mind."

"I was going to discuss a little business," she admits. "But it's nothing you can't hear."

He pauses at that. No, not at that. At... "Eleanor, have you offered your friend some shoes?" Eyebrow lifted. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    "Oh nooooooo~" Lanval's voice trails off in playful(?) sorrow as Ashley talks about the lack of burnt bread. "All we got left are theshe divine treatsh...!"
 
     Okay, almost certainly playful.
 
     Toasting happens, and Lanval seizes the moment. He knows the exact amount of force needed to allow the wine the most sloshing within a glass without it breaking or falling out. There's something about the moment when glasses meet, that a wave of something pleasant washes over in the atmosphere around them. That little amplification of enjoyment of the little things in life.
 
     "Cheersh~!" Lanval smiles a good smile. "Thanksh, needed that."
 
     He waves Tristan over in response to 'if your friends don't mind,' he sure doesn't!
 
     "Shoesh?" Lanval asks. "Ashley's're fine!"
 
     Beat.
 
     "Oh. Y'mean me. Nope! Don't do 'em." Lanval shakes his head. "Took an oath on that one! It'sh, uh... a Seraph thing." 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

"Ahahaha, aw shucks. I'll be sure to tell Marina, then. She always likes to know just how much all our new customers like her work!" This has absolutely NOTHING TO DO with the fact that hearing Ashley's 'customer service reports' involves him coming home for a little whille. Nope, not at allllll. "'Best cake' is pretty high praise! Especially from the Kleins," they must, after all, get cake from all over Filgaia!

Or at least, Eleanor probably does, because she does in fact like cake.

"Cheers," Ashley chimes with a raise of his own glass. A little bit of wine can't hurt, can it? "So, what brought you to join the Musketeers? I would've thought that it'd make more sense to join the Sylvaland miitary instead of heading all the way out to Meria." It makes Ashley pause and consider for a moment: What is Sylvaland's equivalent to the Merian Musketeers, anyway...?" 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

"Ahahaha, aw shucks. I'll be sure to tell Marina, then. She always likes to know just how much all our new customers like her work!" This has absolutely NOTHING TO DO with the fact that hearing Ashley's 'customer service reports' involves him coming home for a little whille. Nope, not at allllll. "'Best cake' is pretty high praise! Especially from the Kleins," they must, after all, get cake from all over Filgaia!

Or at least, Eleanor probably does, because she does in fact like cake.

"Cheers," Ashley chimes with a raise of his own glass. A little bit of wine can't hurt, can it? "So what division have you signed up with? Someone like you looks like a pretty good fit for the vanguards!" That is, the people with the Stupid Big Sword Guns. Though honestly, Ashley's Bayonet is somewhat of an exception even among his former comrades' standard weaponry. "If you're going to spend much time around Meria City, you should stop by the bakery! I'm sure Marina would love to have another regular!" 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

"Good!" Tristan says of telling Marina. He, like Ashley, doesn't get how that works with Marina. Eleanor does, though, and she chimes in, "We should make a point of visiting when you go back! I'd love to see the bakery again." And be conveniently distracted by pastry while Ashley gets to talk to Marina... "It was very good," he retierates.

Eleanor absolutely gets cake from all over Filgaia, but Ashley's bakery is not only good but fairly fresh, being in the same country. But for Lanval....

"Ah." Tristan looks at Lanval for another moment, then at Eleanor, then says, "While I don't understand, an oath's an oath. I can respect that." He definitely doesn't get it, but it's not really his business anyway. "He's the one who was able to give me such good advice on rulership," Eleanor explains. "He's watched over human settlements before."

"I see," Tristan answers, and nods thoughtfully. He does get Eleanor her pastry, and takes a seat.

"The vanguards!" he replies, confirming Ashley's thought outright. "I wanted to be on the front, where I can see the difference I'm making. So far we've not lacked for things to do, between Odessa and the increasing number of monsters in the countryside." A pause. "I am going to be spending a lot of time there in my next posting. I'll go, since you invited me."

"They're already considering him for the knights," Eleanor says, "Not that he'd tell you that. But he's insisted on working his way up."

A smile, and then, "I wanted to ask the two of you--well, all three of you, I suppose--to be on the lookout for something for me. I'm looking for some kind of 'library', or else some texts on Ancient Elw dialects and jargon. But more eyes are better than two, right?"

Tristan is usually a little stiff around Eleanor's friends, but perhaps because of Lanval's influence, he's relaxed a lot more. It's a very nice moment. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    "Mmhmm," Lanval concurs with Eleanor's observations about the scandalously shoeless spirit's specialties, and enjoys himself on pastries and fine, fine drink in the interim as Ashley and Tristan both talk about assigned divisions and duties and all that, and it's okay that not every subject is one he can weigh in. That talkin' time can be redeemed for more foodstuffs.
 
     Eleanor is asking the two of them - all three of them, pardon - to keep a lookout for something. A library of some sort...
 5r "Mmmm... all right. 'll keep an eye out, though I'm nooooot... shure how I'd know it when I shee it." Lanval scratches at his chin as he considers as to whether or not he'd know what he's looking at or when. "Sho... 'm thinkin'... if we find shomethin' we don't know 'bout, maybe that'll be it!" Lanval has a laugh. He knows the Ancient Tongue which is practically identical to Zeboim and that's everywhere, so if they find something old and it makes no sense...!
 
     THE FATAL FLAW IN THE PLAN: If Seraph Lanval is ever privy to a modern legal document. 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

Seraphim oaths are strange things! Like, why would someone make an oath to never wear shoes? If you could just float around, would not wearing shoes really be that big of a deal? You'd save so much money on footwear!!

"Oh, good plan!" Ashley says, absolutely absent of even the faintest hint of guile. "I'm sure Marina would love to see you again! It's been a little while since you visited in person, hasn't it?" It's not her that Marina is going to be happiest to see, Ashley Winchester.

He'll get it... someday.

"Oh, great! Just, word of advice! Uh, be careful of ancient ruins. There's a decent chance you'll run into some kind of giant monster sealed away in the depths, and worst comes to worst you could end up court marshalled." He may be speaking from experience here. The legend of Ashley Winchester is truly a storied one, indeed. "I think you'll do great, though! Getting to knighthood was always something every kid in the neighborhood dreamed of doing, so if they're already talking about it, you must be doing something right!" Or he could be unwittingly reaping the benefit of his family name. Knighthood is much easier to bestow when you're not raising a commoner up into nobility, after all.

But then, Eleanor reveals... what it is she's after. "An Elw Library...?" Ashley asks, canting his head. "Uh, well, sure. I can keep my eyes open, but isn't there someone who might just... know where it might be?" Someone Mariel-shaped, that is. Or Marivel-shaped, for that matter. You never know with her. "Well, we'll keep looking, that's for sure! What books were you looking for specifically? Just, anything with the right writing?" 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Food is good! Eleanor also eats her pastry while Tristan and Ashley are talking. Though when Ashley replies... "Yes," Eleanor agrees, "I'm sure she'd be happy to see both of us." Eleanor's still going to make herself scarce, of course. Mysteriously. For some reason. "It has been a while; I've been busy here in Klein..." Well, that, and running around with Xiumei. Or not running around with Xiumei.

"Hmmm. They do tell your story an awful lot," Tris replies with a grin. "I'm not sure if it's a good story or a bad story to the higher-ups, though." Ashley is a hero--and very much insubordinate in being one. But perhaps a 'hero' can't be bound by such things...

"Thanks, though. ...Maybe that's true, about what they say, but I'll keep working at it in the meantime." He definitely thinks his name has something to do with it--but how much? It's impossible to know. So he'll just have to push harder.

"I'm not sure I'd know it until I see it either," Eleanor admits to Lanval. "But the prophecy is in ancient Elw, and it concerns the sun, the day and night, and a library." She rattles these off like she's thought about it a lot. Which she has.

"Between Marivel and Mariel, I've been able to translate a good bit of what I'm trying to understand, but it's apparently very technical--it uses specialized language. It might even be some kind of code."

"But that's right. Anything with the appropriate writing would help me translate, and if it doesn't, rare books are their own reward!" She beams at Lanval, and does not consider this fatal flaw, as true as it may be. "That's a fine strategy. Thank you, Lanval." And ten to Ashley, "I appreciate it. I'll keep looking as well, of course." 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    Eleanor highlights that the best experts available to them have already been consulted, which Lanval nods along with as he has another pastry. Tasty, tasty pastry, which he washes down with a sip of the contents of his drinking gourd.
 
     "Mmmm... all right, if I had ta take a guessh," Lanval takes a guess, "back when I firsht watched over Rylia -" he asides, "that'sh the name of the place I once looked over, it ain't been that fer a long time now -" and now back to the 'guessh' he was starting on, "the place might have... a buncha shtuff carved 'bout. I mean... the sun, the moon, maybe both of 'em together."
 
     "Or maybe shomethin' ta do with passhin' time? If it'sh 'bout night 'n day. Doeshn't matter what a mortal will call a day, a week, or a month... day 'n night are a thing no matter who ya are or where ya are."
 
     When he was very, very young there was another Seraph who was very into the mortal calendar to a degree obsessive, like he may have been privy to the time on the system clock. (What's the system clock? Uhhh...) 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

"Almost sounds like you could be looking for a library that only appears when the sun is between day and night. Or in other words, at twilight," Ashley says thoughtfully, because he is EXACTLY the kind of nerd who reads adventure books where the mysterious hidden temple appears only exactly at twilight. But then the question is, where is that hidden temple located? This doesn't help at all!!

"Ahahahaha, do they...?" Ashley asks, sheepishly munching at one of his own pastries to disguise his bashfulness. "I'm surprised that they remember me, I just did what any good person would have done." NO, SOLOING A GIANT MONSTER IS NOT A NORMAL THING TO DO, ASHLEY WINCHESTER. This is why Marina worries herself sick every time he goes off on adventure!! "Well, you tell them that I'm doing just fine! I'm sure the captain probably worries about me, heheh."

"A-anyway! Have you uh, tried checking with the library up at Sielje? They might have something about mysterious forgotten Elw temples that have something to do with those things! You could maybe ask Lilka to check things out for you?" Ashley is being helpful! Or trying to be, anyway. 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

The sun, the moon, maybe both together. Lanval has a few things to say, and an immortal perspective to give. "Passing time... That could be it," she says to him. "That makes sense. Even immortals note the passing of days." Ashley, meanwhile, has another perspective... and Eleanor has read those books, too. "Hmm. So the passage of time, and i should keep in mind that it may open at a special time... Yes, that's useful information." She even seems to mean it.

But Tristan listens to both. He nods to Lanval thoughtfully, and does not know of this other Seraph or the system clock, but, "I'll let them know. The Captain has mentioned you a few times himself." A pause, as he looks to Eleanor. "Well, we don't get to go to a lot of ruins like ARMS does these days, but I'll keep an eye out."

"Thank you." And a look to Ashley, "Hmm. Sielje is where I got the prophecy, but it's true that Lilka might be able to find something I missed; I've been gone for years..."

That subject can go on for a bit, but eventually Eleanor will turn back the conversation to each of the others in turn--but perhaps especially towards Tristan, before he leaves. While he might want to move out from under her shadow, it's easy to see that she's very proud of him already.

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