Those are my thoughts, too. And far be it for me to stop you — I know if I say there is no need for one, you would bring it anyway.
[Hm.]
If you are free, you are of course welcome to visit as soon as you are able. I would have your opinion of the place.
[And, ah, maybe how to make it a little more... home-y.]
And you may stay for as long as you like, as well. It will be strange to leave you in Stars territory, otherwise, unless you prefer to remain there regardless.
... No, if you're willing to share your home with me, I'd like to accompany you.
[ Because Dimitri has always inspired loyalty in her. Because he was too kind, too caring, and she wanted to support him. Because she didn't like the thought of being here, among the Court, and knowing that he wasn't close enough to speak to in person-- much as it troubled her that Felix was in an entirely different territory. But also-- ]
Someone has to make certain that you eat and that you don't try to hide any wounds with an excuse that they're not that terrible, to say nothing of what you'll do without someone to help you with your attire from time to time.
[Ah. How simultaneously touching and calling him out. He expects nothing less from Mercedes, but it’s a warm feeling regardless — having that kind of familiarity close is reassurance, even if he was the one who asked for a new home.]
If I am so hopeless when it comes to my attire, then why not consider making it a permanent residence of yours so you may aid me wherever it pleases you? Goddess knows the place is big enough.
You would have to move your things over, of course, but I am more than willing to help with that.
[The pause makes him wonder if he was too bold in his offer — but it is a big house, he thinks, with so much room that they’d barely be considered housemates at all — yet her acceptance eases that doubt in his mind.
Curiosity takes its place.]
A companion? Yes, of course. Er, did you make a new acquaintance?
[Unbelieveable? Unbelievable, indeed, he thinks. Discomfort flits through him, suddenly uncertain; is he to expect a complete stranger to live with them, just because Mercedes has had a bout of love at first sight?
A smaller part of him wonders why this is suddenly so off-putting, when he had just welcomed an unknown companion seconds earlier. His overprotectiveness is flaring up, he can feel it.]
...Of course. I shall head there straight away. Wait for me?
[And he will meet her, without delay or distraction. The stables are easy enough to spot, since he has been there several times during his stay in Fellden, whether to merely see how the horses or doing, or to take one out for a ride for more important business.
When he arrives, he looks about to spot Mercedes.]
[ And there she is, located near the entrance and hurrying over to grasp his hand. ]
Here, this way. She's still somewhat skittish, so you'll have to approach her slowly.
[ And with no further fanfare, she's leading him carefully over to an open stall, where there's a beautiful grey mare standing there, knocking one hoof against the ground. The more surprising part might be the black and white speckled butterfly wings sprouting from her back. ]
[Suddenly Mercedes is approaching, and clasps her hand around his own before he can get a word in edgewise. He's led to an open stall, feeling conflicted and a bit like a child being led around by a friend, but maybe if Dimitri was SMART, the context clues would already make everything clear.
But for him, the realization does not sink in until he's before a lovely grey mare, eye widening as he tracks the way her wings flutter.]
You-
[It's quite a sight, yes, and one that would instill more awe in him normally. But he's in the middle of realizing that he had just felt vaguely threatened by a... horse.]
[ Unaware that Dimitri is having a crisis of sorts, Mercedes continued to beam as she releases his hand and offers her palm to the mare. It takes a minute before she'll deign to lower her head to rest her muzzle there, but to Mercedes, it's progress. ]
A flutter, actually... is what I believe she's called. I'd asked for a mount, in the event that the mirrors didn't work, but I hadn't expected this. She's slow to trust, so I wanted to work with her a bit before bringing her over.
[A flutter. He had been upended by a flutter all because he'd jumped to conclusions.
Relief uncoils in him, but Dimitri disparages himself a bit mentally, too. He feels a fool; what's wrong with him?]
I, ah... [He forces his focus back into place, not wanting to ignore Mercedes' excitement or her new friends.] She's very beautiful, Mercedes. I find myself jealous.
[He clears his throat, shifting a little.]
When you think she is comfortable enough, she is, of course, welcome to join us in our new home. Have you given her a name?
Once she's grown accustomed to people, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to take her for a ride sometime! [ Because she can't blame him for being jealous, this horse is gorgeous. ]
But I haven't named her yet, no. [ She'd thought, briefly, about naming her Emilia or something similar, but the flutter deserved a name that didn't contain bittersweet memories. ]
[He is more of a close-to-the-ground kind of rider, rather than a take-to-the-air rider. It’s not like any of the pegasuses back home would let him practice riding them. But that’s a thought for another time. Dimitri gives her a baffled look like it’s a mystery why she would ask him for advice after something so important.]
I suppose... off the top of my head…
[The thing is, Dimitri is also a man of sentiment and deep emotion. He would name his own steed something that harkened back to Fódlan, somehow.
His mind churns. Don’t hurt yourself, Dima.]
Her coloration reminds me of the snowfall across the high mountain peaks of Faerghus. [The mountain range in the upper northwest, dubbed Sacred Gwenhwyvar by Faerghus natives.] You might consider Gwenhwyvar as a name?
[ She remembers those peaks all too well-- the first thing her eyes had been drawn to, when she and her mother had fled the Adrestian Empire. A sign of something different, of knowing that things would continue to change.
Mercedes hums softly now, her eyes softening as she gazes at the mare. ]
When I was taken in by the church, that used to be the sight that greeted me when I gazed out the window. And you're right, her coat does bring to mind that view. I think Gwenhwyvar is a wonderful name, Dimitri.
[He appears pleased with himself for a moment, having offered a helpful suggestion, and his mouth curves into a smile.]
I am glad you like it, then. It is an elegant name for an elegant companion, but may it grant her strength, too. As sturdy as those mountains that greeted you from beyond your window panes each morning.
[He watches with interest as the honeycomb disappears as quickly as it appeared.]
I am eager to show it to you. I should warn you, though, that while it is very large, it only has the most basic furnishings. Otherwise it is fairly barren.
[But oh well. It’s fine.]
Still, you have free rein to pick whichever room suits you best. One with a grand view of the neighboring forest, no doubt.
That does sound like a very pleasant view, indeed. [ as she turns to face him properly. ]
… As for the furnishings, I can help with that much. You'll need to decide on a color theme and I'll want to see what kind of natural lighting it has...
Very well. Your stubborn nature supersedes mine. But I insist on leaving the color coordination to you. If you are going to that much work, I can at least trust you to coordinate well enough.
[And let's be real, Dimitri would just say "blue" if she asked what colors he'd like.]
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[Hm.]
If you are free, you are of course welcome to visit as soon as you are able. I would have your opinion of the place.
[And, ah, maybe how to make it a little more... home-y.]
And you may stay for as long as you like, as well. It will be strange to leave you in Stars territory, otherwise, unless you prefer to remain there regardless.
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[ Because Dimitri has always inspired loyalty in her. Because he was too kind, too caring, and she wanted to support him. Because she didn't like the thought of being here, among the Court, and knowing that he wasn't close enough to speak to in person-- much as it troubled her that Felix was in an entirely different territory. But also-- ]
Someone has to make certain that you eat and that you don't try to hide any wounds with an excuse that they're not that terrible, to say nothing of what you'll do without someone to help you with your attire from time to time.
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If I am so hopeless when it comes to my attire, then why not consider making it a permanent residence of yours so you may aid me wherever it pleases you? Goddess knows the place is big enough.
You would have to move your things over, of course, but I am more than willing to help with that.
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[ There's a soft hum as she considers this, drawn out perhaps a little longer than she needs to. But, finally-- ]
Well, if you're so certain that you'd like to lend your aid... I don't see how I could refuse.
But there's... ah. A companion of mine, that I'd like to bring with me. Would you be willing to meet me for an introduction?
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Curiosity takes its place.]
A companion? Yes, of course. Er, did you make a new acquaintance?
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You could say that! I have to say, it was more like love at first sight?
mercedes why do you hate him so
Love?
[Wait, what?] Surely you are overexaggerating now. [That's not much like her.]
the gloves are off
But you'll see for yourself. Can you meet me by the stables?
you can't fight him if he's already dead
A smaller part of him wonders why this is suddenly so off-putting, when he had just welcomed an unknown companion seconds earlier. His overprotectiveness is flaring up, he can feel it.]
...Of course. I shall head there straight away. Wait for me?
[And he will meet her, without delay or distraction. The stables are easy enough to spot, since he has been there several times during his stay in Fellden, whether to merely see how the horses or doing, or to take one out for a ride for more important business.
When he arrives, he looks about to spot Mercedes.]
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[ And there she is, located near the entrance and hurrying over to grasp his hand. ]
Here, this way. She's still somewhat skittish, so you'll have to approach her slowly.
[ And with no further fanfare, she's leading him carefully over to an open stall, where there's a beautiful grey mare standing there, knocking one hoof against the ground. The more surprising part might be the black and white speckled butterfly wings sprouting from her back. ]
Isn't she beautiful?
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But for him, the realization does not sink in until he's before a lovely grey mare, eye widening as he tracks the way her wings flutter.]
You-
[It's quite a sight, yes, and one that would instill more awe in him normally. But he's in the middle of realizing that he had just felt vaguely threatened by a... horse.]
Your newfound love is a horse?
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A flutter, actually... is what I believe she's called. I'd asked for a mount, in the event that the mirrors didn't work, but I hadn't expected this. She's slow to trust, so I wanted to work with her a bit before bringing her over.
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Relief uncoils in him, but Dimitri disparages himself a bit mentally, too. He feels a fool; what's wrong with him?]
I, ah... [He forces his focus back into place, not wanting to ignore Mercedes' excitement or her new friends.] She's very beautiful, Mercedes. I find myself jealous.
[He clears his throat, shifting a little.]
When you think she is comfortable enough, she is, of course, welcome to join us in our new home. Have you given her a name?
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But I haven't named her yet, no. [ She'd thought, briefly, about naming her Emilia or something similar, but the flutter deserved a name that didn't contain bittersweet memories. ]
I was wondering if you might have any ideas?
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I suppose... off the top of my head…
[The thing is, Dimitri is also a man of sentiment and deep emotion. He would name his own steed something that harkened back to Fódlan, somehow.
His mind churns. Don’t hurt yourself, Dima.]
Her coloration reminds me of the snowfall across the high mountain peaks of Faerghus. [The mountain range in the upper northwest, dubbed Sacred Gwenhwyvar by Faerghus natives.] You might consider Gwenhwyvar as a name?
[Or just Gwen for short.]
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Mercedes hums softly now, her eyes softening as she gazes at the mare. ]
When I was taken in by the church, that used to be the sight that greeted me when I gazed out the window. And you're right, her coat does bring to mind that view. I think Gwenhwyvar is a wonderful name, Dimitri.
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[He appears pleased with himself for a moment, having offered a helpful suggestion, and his mouth curves into a smile.]
I am glad you like it, then. It is an elegant name for an elegant companion, but may it grant her strength, too. As sturdy as those mountains that greeted you from beyond your window panes each morning.
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[ She pauses to reach into her skirt pocket, offering the newly-named flutter a piece of fresh honeycomb-- which is devoured within seconds. ]
But thank you for joining me to meet her. I have to admit, I'm very curious to see your-- well, our new home.
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I am eager to show it to you. I should warn you, though, that while it is very large, it only has the most basic furnishings. Otherwise it is fairly barren.
[But oh well. It’s fine.]
Still, you have free rein to pick whichever room suits you best. One with a grand view of the neighboring forest, no doubt.
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… As for the furnishings, I can help with that much. You'll need to decide on a color theme and I'll want to see what kind of natural lighting it has...
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...I cannot let you furnish the whole house, Mercedes. People are paid for less effort than that.
[That is a lot of house to provide decor for.]
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[ Fight her. ]
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[A lot of rugs, curtains, pillows, etc.]
And you know I cannot help you with any of it. [Unless she wants to start a collection of broken sewing needles and scissors.]
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Rather... I want to do this. So if you try to tell me not to, I believe I'll just have to ignore you.
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He sighs. He knows when he is defeated.]
Very well. Your stubborn nature supersedes mine. But I insist on leaving the color coordination to you. If you are going to that much work, I can at least trust you to coordinate well enough.
[And let's be real, Dimitri would just say "blue" if she asked what colors he'd like.]
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