▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 16, 2021 20:26:38 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 16, 2021 20:26:38 GMT -5
Honestly, Cato could be done with school for all he cared. Of course, that wasn't always the plan. They were supposed to do group projects, like who the hell thought of that shit anyway? It was definitely not his thing, and when their teacher started, it was like a collective groan that echoed across the room. The class was just too big, too diverse, for people to even hope they'd be matched up with their friends. It was something practicing magic with one another; Cato just knew that whoever he'd be paired with was probably no match for him in the first place.
He was a Rotherhithe after all, and despite the school being known for its well-to-do citizens, there were still rankings among them. Perhaps lords and nobles did mix with some of the...middle class, but it was clear that there was a difference in magic levels, at least for most of them.
"God can you think of anything worse?" the boy sitting next to him snickered, "imagine getting paired up with Antigone over there." The lads snickered, glancing to the poor girl they were making fun of.
"Glad she's not an air fairy, every time she sneezes she'll blow you away," another boy laughed, joking about her hayfever. Cato snickered, his eyes scanning across the room.
"All right, quiet down," the teacher commanded, as his hands glowed, a projection on the wall in front of them. "Find your partners and you can begin your project. You'll all be assigned a region and you'll be bringing up the problems and concerns during our class forum next week."
Cato glanced up, searching for his name. Ah! There it was. Cato S.....paired with an Elise? For a moment, he had no idea who that was, before looking around, only to see a pretty girl walking over. Oh, that was Elise? Huh, he smirked, maybe this project won't be so bad after all.
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Feb 16, 2021 21:56:54 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 16, 2021 21:56:54 GMT -5
"You must be Cato," Elise said, sinking into the chair beside him. She was a very pretty girl- with soft, curled hair pinned up in the most fashionable style, and bright green eyes that seemed alight with good humor. Her father had capitalized on her socialite nature throughout her early years, as she was a commoner-albeit a very rich one- and any advantage was crucial.
As such, she was used to schmoozing with the nobility at the school. After all, a marriage into the nobility was the goal. With her father's fortune, which outweighed even some of the meager lords, and Elise's looks and charm, it was entirely possible. It didn't mean Elise didn't want to have a bit of fun first, though.
"Did you pay attention to the instruction?" Elise asked, giving him a sheepish grin. "I was nearly dozing off back there. This class is the worst."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 17, 2021 8:04:36 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 8:04:36 GMT -5
Cato smiled brightly at Elise. He had never met her–he'd assume she wasn't one of the children of the nobles–but hey, he wasn't a picky guy, and she seemed fun. He immediately pulled a nearby chair towards his desk, patting it as he scooted over to make some space.
"I think we're supposed to...negotiate for trade deals? We're–" he glanced up at the projection, to their names once more, "ah we're supposed to be defending Nyre; at least it's not Guivre or something. Don't know what we can negotiate with snow and even more snow." Humour lit the boy's expression, his handsome smirk fitting for the usual jock he was.
Honestly, someone should record Mr. Anders' voice and play it for people with insomnia," he had an expression of mock seriousness, "I hear they have those out in Nyre? I've got to get my hands on one of those."
He chuckled. "Cato Rotherhithe," he spoke, holding a hand out, "I don't think I've ever met you before. Is this the only class we share? What a shame. You're Elise, right?"
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Feb 17, 2021 9:10:19 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 17, 2021 9:10:19 GMT -5
"Elise Monroe," she confirmed, after laughing at his snow quip, taking his hand and shaking it. His assumption had been right- she wasn't one of the inner circle, the nobility, but one of the wealthy outsiders they did business with. Elise was pleased to be paired with the son of one of the higher ranking nobles.
"Yeah this is the only class we're in together. At least Nyre should be easy, right? We can mostly goof off." Elise leaned back, smoothing down the rich red fabric of her skirt and giving Cato a faintly embarrassed gaze. "Though I'm sure you know more than me on the subject. Mr. Anders' voice makes me doze off so often I barely pay attention."
It was a fat, bald-faced lie. Elise liked school, and did well, but she knew what kind of a girl these rich men usually liked. It never bothered her to play dumb if it meant she got the fun she wanted of it. "We could meet up outside of school to discuss the project. Maybe at the bistro around the block?"
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 17, 2021 9:46:29 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 9:46:29 GMT -5
Monroe, huh? He had heard of the name; they had a sizeable trade in the city. Rich, certainly, but missing a title. He smirked; girls from these families were often raised to marry up, to offer their family's money for the exchange of a title. Perhaps some of the lesser nobles would easily fall for this trick, but the Rotherhithes were not lesser nobles. They had both the title and the money for it, after all.
Still, it mattered little to Cato. He wasn't of age anyway, and there were no consequences for fooling around for boys like him, after all. "You ever been to Nyre?" he chuckled, "compared to here? It's like sin city over there. Pretty sure they have alcohol that wouldn't even be allowed to cross Lacaille's border. Great place to see though. It's probably the easiest group to do anyway."
As much as he acted as if school didn't matter–and really, it didn't–his father had made sure he knew everything about the other nations. He'd have to be diplomatic, after all, if his father's plan truly succeeded. He knew their family was one of the strongest contenders for the position of the king consort; it was why his father wanted him to get into the royal guard too, to gain some accomplishments under his belt and prove that he'd be as adequate as a war general as he would be a peacetime king.
Still, he wasn't all too assed to prove how clever or educated he was; that shit wasn't cool in these situations anyway. He smirked, leaning back as he glanced over Elise once again. "You asking me on a date, Monroe?" he teased, "you know, usually it's the guy who asks first. You're putting me to shame."
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Feb 17, 2021 12:27:00 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 17, 2021 12:27:00 GMT -5
"I've never been- my family likes to spend time in Maline, in the summers. My father's a bit traditional, so I've missed out on some of the party scene there, and he would never let me near Nyre," Elise responded with a laugh, the grin on her own face implying she would love to spite him in that regard.
"Not a date!" Elise protested, laying a hand on her chest in mock affront. "Just two studious young fairies 'studying', with food and drink involved. I can never think when I'm hungry." She leaned a little closer, green eyes examining Cato closely. "It'd be way more fun that trying to do the project during class."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 17, 2021 13:08:30 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 13:08:30 GMT -5
He laughed. "Maline's nice I guess," he smirked, "if you're about to retire." He was teasing of course; after all, their family had a summer home in Mykos all the same. He had spent enough summers there to know the place like the back of his hand. A chuckle left his mouth as the bell for their next class rang.
"Date sounds good," he replied nonchalantly, "and how studious can we really get? Don't tell me you're going to sit me down and tutor me on history next." He bit his lip, raising a brow at Elise. "Actually, on second thought, I totally need a history tutor. My worst subject, and I'm sure if I had a tutor as pretty as you, I'd be able to learn something, at least."
Cato had always been a flirt, after all. Grabbing his books, he stood up, heading to his next class, "see you after school at the gate?"
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Feb 17, 2021 13:24:28 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 17, 2021 13:24:28 GMT -5
"A date it is," Elise agreed with a laugh, watching him go. He was fun, and a welcome break from the good girl persona she had to put up whenever she saw suitors her father picked out. She was at the gate promptly after school, books tucked against her chest as she waited for her handsome, rich, titled date to come meet her.
When he came into view, she flashed him her charming smile. "So where to, Lord Rotherhithe- the bistro, or someplace else?" If they didn't work on the project she'd do it on her own time.
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 17, 2021 14:09:43 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 14:09:43 GMT -5
He chuckled. "Ooh Lord huh?" he smirked, holding an arm out for Elise, "I like the sound of that. Don't worry, I know a much better place to work than the Bistro." If they were going on a date, he might as well treat her to a good time. Cato was a simple guy, after all. She was pretty and frankly, kind of fun, and as much as his father had nailed in that girls like this were only after him for what he could do for them–those who have, especially first born sons, do not flirt with the children of the have-nots, the man would say sternly–he was still far from any true courtship. This was all a bit of good fun, after all.
As he escorted Elise to the carriage, he quickly gave an address to the driver, before hopping on himself. "Have you ever been to L'azur? They have really nice outdoor tables, and you have to try the flambé peach and rhubarb tart. It's killer. " It was a well-known restaurant–an expensive one too–up on the hills overlooking the open seas. It was the kind of restaurant most would have to book months in advance, but hey, the rules for the peasantry were different from the rules for the gentry, after all.
He grinned at Elise. "So Elise, tell me a fun fact about yourself," the smirk on his face was light, full of humour, "if we're going to be partners, I might as well get to know you better."
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Feb 17, 2021 16:20:10 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 17, 2021 16:20:10 GMT -5
"We went once, for my birthday several years ago," Elise admitted- it had taken her father months to book it, so she was pleasantly shocked at how casually Cato declared they would be spending the afternoon there. It was always worth schmoozing to get these kinds of benefits.
"A fun fact?" She asked, smiling widely, before considering the question. "Let's see. I own two horses- riding is my favorite activity." A sly twinkle came into her eyes as she said it, a suggestive lilt in her voice as she look at Cato. He certainly was fun to talk to. "What about you?"
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 17, 2021 19:26:55 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 19:26:55 GMT -5
Hm, horse riding huh? He gave her a playful wag of his brows. "You know what they say about girls who like horse riding," he smirked, before giving her a faux-innocent look, "they have good posture." He was, of course, teasing her, but hey, she was the one who made the remark in the first place.
Something interesting, huh? He wouldn't describe a lot of himself as interesting–there were so just so many hobbies and duties that were expected of him, even things he excelled at were quite regular for someone of his position. "I'm pretty talented with a sword," he smirked in return, before giving her a shrug, "and I have a birthmark in the shape of Kama under my armpit. Is that interesting enough?" He had a lazy grin on his face as he leaned back, resting his elbow on the window of the carriage.
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Feb 17, 2021 20:24:42 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 17, 2021 20:24:42 GMT -5
"You'll have to show your swordwork some time," Elise said, folding her hands in her lap as she glanced out the carriage window, still grinning. "And I'll show you my riding." The armpit birthmark was an interesting fact, but she couldn't find a way to make that into an innuendo that wasn't obvious.
Elise knew girls like her were supposed to be virgins- especially if they wanted to marry into nobility without a title themselves. But hey, she liked having fun. No way was she going to go through the awkwardness of losing it on her wedding night.
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Feb 17, 2021 20:47:24 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 17, 2021 20:47:24 GMT -5
Cato laughed at that. "You're bold," he smirked, "I like it." Plenty of the lower-born girls were...well, not nearly as fun, from his experience. So many of them were looking for ways to move upwards in life, training to be the best heir or whatever in their debutante ball, but she certainly seemed more relaxed than the others.
They were nearing the restaurant, and soon enough, he was getting off the carriage and holding out a hand to Elise. It was easy enough getting a seat–after all, his family were excellent patrons of this place–and soon they were sat out in the veranda, the vines and the bright summer sun making it a rather lovely place to chat and eat.
He quickly ordered two sparkling waters and a snack platter, looking towards Elise as if asking whether she wanted anything else. Of course he had planned on drinking, but he didn't know whether she wanted to actually study first. Maybe that could come later.
"So, if we're going to present an argument for Nyre, I think we should focus on its key position in the bay," he mused, as if actually taking the assignment seriously, "Maline might have a great navy but they rely on trade and if, say Nyre suddenly had a way of block off the bay area, none of the territories around would have any choice other than to negotiate, which puts them at an advantage in cross-country relations."
His family did provide security for most of Lacaille's ports, not to mention his father had been training him for this role for so long. He was bound to know at least a little about diplomatic relations.
The sly smirk appeared on his face. "So are we done with the studying part?" he raised his glass to Elise, "I think we should move onto the date part."
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Feb 18, 2021 8:47:34 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 18, 2021 8:47:34 GMT -5
Elise could get used to this. Being rich was one thing, but it was already apparent that the nobility lived life on a level she couldn't reach alone. The sea-breeze and the sunshine made her pleasantly warm, and the snack platter was exquisite. Elise popped a few grapes in her mouth, considering his proposition.
"We're supposed to present concerns as well, I think. Maybe we could talk about their advanced technology and the secrecy that seems to surround it. They don't share their most advantageous magic and innovations, and I know that's a sore point for some trading companies around here." She took a sip of her sparkling water, looking out over the ocean before turning her gaze back to her companion.
The question made her laugh. "Sure, we can move on to the date part. Though that was the quickest study meeting I've ever had. We did at least decide on a topic or two. Do you take all your dates here, Cato, or am I getting special treatment because I'm your project partner?"
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 18, 2021 9:43:47 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 18, 2021 9:43:47 GMT -5
She had a point. The last time they had visited Nyre to meet with the governor, it had been like a strange dream. They had technology he could never imagine, and for once, he wondered what it'd be like if he hadn't been born as a Dark Fairy. He liked his powers, don't get him wrong, but what mind fairies could do was fascinating. Carina had showed even more interest in their technology; it had been amusing seeing a child speak with the scientists, asking so many questions that they seemed baffled she wanted to know it all.
"We could use our technological advancements as a bargaining chip," he suggested, "I'm sure if the stick doesn't work, the carrot will."
He laughed at her question. "Honestly? I don't think I've dated nearly as much as others think I have," he hummed, "I know it seems like plenty of girls save themselves for marriage, but man, noble girls might be more into hookups than even the boys." It was true that there was a bit of a status thing in being seen with Cato, but he was a rake. He didn't settle down.
"No offense, but you're probably the first non-noble girl I've had the pleasure of meeting and going on a date with," he leaned back, taking a sip of his drink, "not that it's a bad thing, but usually girls like you are a lot more shy. You're a bit different from the others, Miss Elise Monroe." Of course it didn't help that these groups didn't exactly mingle much. School was school, and if there weren't cliques, was it really high school?
"Have you dated any of the boys in our class?" he returned with a smirk, "any of them take you somewhere this nice? Actually, don't answer that. I might get jealous."
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Feb 18, 2021 11:00:14 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 18, 2021 11:00:14 GMT -5
"I'm honored," Elise responded with a grin. She didn't mind the studying portion, but it was more fun to sit and chat. "I'm also not surprised. My dad taught me to be shy and demure and well-educated to be good marriage material, but it's too stuffy for me to act like someone else all the time. I suppose I'm being a disappointment right now."
She almost resented it- if she had been a poorer commoner she could have lived without these expectations, and if she had been a noble girl, she wouldn't have to pretend so much. As it was, she was stuck in between, going behind her father's back just to go on a date. It was ridiculous.
"The boys I've gone out with have never taken me anywhere this nice," Elise said, laughing. "Nor were they anywhere near as handsome as you." Elise winked at him before turning to the waiter, ordering the peach and rhubarb tart he'd suggested.
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 18, 2021 11:49:20 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 18, 2021 11:49:20 GMT -5
He grinned at that. "Aw, I'm flattered," he teased, "is that what they teach you in those 'good marriage' classes these days? You know flattery won't get you anywhere." There was humour dancing in his eyes. "Trust me, you're anything but disappointing right now. I, for one, am very pleasantly surprised." His smile grew just a little wider as she ordered her tart. It was his favourite, after all; he hoped she'd like it just as much as he did.
"I know the feeling," he laughed, "either all of our fathers were born in the stuffiest generation ever, or they assume that just because we're in some fancy prestigious school, we have to end up like them, right?" As much as he loved his own father, the man could never take a joke. He bore the brunt of the family's expectations, of course, and while that meant his father often looked upon him favourably, it also meant he had to hold himself in a different way back home. Being the first-born was lonely at times, even if he'd never admit it.
"So tell me, little miss rebel, am I target practice for you?" he teased good-naturedly, "you know, I've always wondered what girls like you think of asshole noble guys like us. Do you really want to marry someone like me, or would you choose to do something else if your parents didn't make you?"
It was a question he had wondered himself. He already saw the path ahead of him, and while Cato never really considered anything else, there were times when he wondered whether he was so set on this path because he wanted to, or whether it was just because he had never seen any other choice.
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Feb 18, 2021 12:09:54 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 18, 2021 12:09:54 GMT -5
"I'm a realist, Cato," Elise said, after nodding in agreement of his assessment of their fathers' generation. "I can't marry someone like you. The richest and youngest nobles will get rich and noble wives- I'm only one of those things. All I can get from you, your friends- hell, most of the nobility- is a few dates, some hook-ups, or a longer term mistress situation. The best gentry marriage I can get is one with an old, poorer nobleman."
It was a bitter sentiment, but she laughed as she spoke. "The rest of my fellow rich commoner girls seem deluded into thinking they can win the hand of someone like you if they are pure and well-behaved. I suffer no such delusions, and I mean to have a good time instead of wasting my youth behaving."
"If I could choose, I'd go off to university and make my own way in the world before settling down. I want to be more than just a useless ornament to some geezer. What about you- what would you do if you could do anything? Is this the life you'd pick?"
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Feb 18, 2021 12:37:30 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 18, 2021 12:37:30 GMT -5
That was a pessimistic view of the world. He understood where she was coming from; that was how their world worked after all. She wasn't wrong about that; there were other nobles who were obviously eyeing the crown, but he knew his father and he knew how cutthroat the man was; in a couple of years, he'd probably be sitting on the said throne with a wife he had yet to meet.
"Damn girl," he snorted, "you don't seem like the type to need a sugar daddy." He bit his lip, before giving her a smirk. "I think you have a point, don't get me wrong, but I think you're definitely missing something there. I feel like you'd make an excellent trophy wife, but you're also a lot prettier than the other commoners and it looks like you have a pretty good brain on you too. I wouldn't underestimate you, if I was a poor old nobleman."
He was teasing, but it was clear that his words were not in jest. He mused on her answer. University, huh? It was a good place to start; scholars were often worth much more than society gave them credit for, at least that was what Carina would always say.
"You know, I never thought much about it," he rested his head on his hand, leaning on the table, "I'd do a year abroad and travel around, see the rest of the countries maybe. Don't get me wrong, Lacaille is great but I only travel with my father on diplomatic trips; I don't exactly get to see anything interesting half the time. It'd be nice to go on my own for a bit. I won't get much out of it but it'd be fun, you know? If you like the university in Columba...well, I hear there's one in Kama that has some pretty insane shit too."
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Feb 18, 2021 13:57:28 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 18, 2021 13:57:28 GMT -5
"Aw, you think I'm pretty?" Elise teased back, taking another sip of her water as she listened to his response. "I'd like to travel too. Aside from my retirement home in Maline, of course." She could imagine the pressure a first born son faced in carrying on the family legacy, and how that might squash some opportunities for fun.
Elise was distracted by the arrival of her tart, which looked and smelling sublime. "Insane shit like what?" She asked, after the waiter had disappeared. She was interested in Kama, truly, but she quickly got distracted by the tart, the first bite of which was melting in her mouth. "This is the best dessert I've ever had, by the way."
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