fox among deer.

A yawn is stifled, Claude having been up rather late the night before and still feels tired even now, as the young noble pauses in his note taking. Being so tired, the teen does not look anything like one would think a noble should look, not sitting up straight, leaning on his elbow, and appears to only be half paying attention.

The exact opposite of what his neighbor in the class appears, Lorenz.

A note, folded in an elaborate manner, is passed to him as the stifled yawn ends, drawing Claude’s attention. In the moment that the professor turns their back to him, it is opened to be inspected. The handwriting makes it obvious who sent it, even though that had been missed in the moment.

“Should a noble really be passing notes in class Lorenz?” The reply is muttered while the professor’s back is still to him, a glance towards the obviously annoyed noble being risked in the moment. 

Abhorrent! Scandalous!  Lorenz’lips shape into a neat “O” as Claude deigns to speak during a lecture.  But Lorenz is far more obvious than his less-scrupulous house-leader, and when he leans towards Claude to reply, he covers his lips with his hand.  

               “ How rich! You’re one to talk. ”

He hisses.  The professor turns over their shoulder.  Lorenz gasps and clamps his hand over his mouth.  He shoots a nasty glare at his neighbor and scribbles another note.

             the upturning of rose petal lips, a smile carves itself onto her features.  his words may have been genuine and formed in saccharine but hilda is untouched.  she had a reputation to uphold, lest she actually need to put more effort in and have people genuinely rely on her.  much worse than that was judging by the amount of prying eyes attracted by his loud exclamations–  some people may think that she really had a talent in fighting !  how truly horrifying would that be ?! 

           ❛  oh !  you’re too sweet.  much more of this and i’ll start to think you’re trying to flatter me,  ❜  the smile fades, melting into a gaze of concern and her hand comes to rest upon the back of her neck.   ❛  although …  ❜  her statement and train of thought is soon cut off with a sigh,   ❛  i do think that i pushed myself a little too far.   i hate to say it but i believe i pulled something in my neck …  ❜  a tiny lie crafted by hilda herself but if that’s what it took then everything else was just a trivial detail.

Camaraderie becomes unbridled concern all to quickly—and Lorenz’ brows pinch together into the type of furrow that could cause wrinkles.  He’d perish the thought, but his worries are elsewhere.  

               “  Oh my  ---”

He wouldn’t dare examine her neck himself, not noble-like, not appropriate, not his place, but he lens forwards like some sloppy giraffe to at least get a closer look.

               “  This won’t do at all  …”  He clucks his tongue and folds his arms.                 “  I suppose I will have to fight on your behalf for a while longer—ah—not that I am incapable, I merely wish to express my confidence in yourself  .”  He reins it in, and sighs that it’s slightly too late.

“ … ” marianne stares at him, mouth curled up in something between disbelief and amusement. ( it could almost be a smile, but the change in expression barely affects the rest of their face. ) lorenz? of all the people on the hallowed grounds of the garreg mach monastery, committing acts of buffoonery in the wee hours of night- in the greenhouse. ( not that they had a better reason for being back. ) “ you did not. ”

“ i do not need to be escorted back, lorenz. ” they don’t want to be around him for longer than need be. ( he does not deserve the misfortune that they and their crest bring. ) “ it does not matter if i am out wandering at night or not. what happens, happens. ”

              “  I---suppose that is a relief.  ” Still started from an interruption to his –acts of buffoonery--, Lorenz finds himself uncharacteristically bashful in front of Marianne.  There is a character to their expression that unsettles him, he is only noticing it now.  But what follows makes him frown, it clearly affects the rest of his face; wrinkling his brow and scrunching up his nose.  

              “  At the very least, tell me what you mean by that. Of course it matters if something bad happens.  You should be cautious regardless of when you’re wandering !“  

While it’s a blow to his pride to do so, the clutter is worse, so Lorenz stoops to pick up his sheers and dust them off as he lectures.  He tucks them into his uniform pocket and at last steps out of the dirt with a (somewhat muddied) palm outstretched.  

It’s unbecoming of nobility to grumble about a task—accepted as a cornerstone to his station to take all duties seriously and in stride.  And it’s not like this Friday is any different.  Or at least it shouldn’t be.  A chore is a duty is a responsibility, and naturally, the Gloucester heir is obliged to assist—and gladly thus !  

Or so he would surely say if the chore hadn’t been so suddenly cast upon him such that Lorenz could not take his typical precautions. And once again, it seems, as he squats ungracefully in his uniform to avoid grazing the hay-packed floor of the stable, that his pesky penchant for cleanliness proves troublesome.  He winces again when his bare fingers graze against something soft—making the ‘oohs’, ‘aahs’ and ‘tsks’ of a man who is disgusted. Since conversation with Marianne has proven challenging, they’re the only sounds he makes as they work apart from his sudden protest.

She doesn’t look at him, sure, but Lorenz is certain her expression must be quite serene, peaceful and composed—the ideal of nobility as always.  This one simple gesture is enough to remind him that he must act his part too.  He tries to catch her eye anyway, as he takes the spare gloves and pulls them on.  

                 “   If you are offering then I will gladly accept.  I would not typically arrive to such an appointment without preparation but considering the circumstances—” He cuts off his babel with a sigh.  “  All to say I am grateful, but if I may impose on your kindness more with another question  ? “

Gloves pulled on, he feels invincible; even dirties his knees as his cleans the gunk out of one of the horse’s hooves.  

      HE  FAILS  TO  NOTICE  THE  OTHER  for  a  while ,  too  focused  on  the  varying  prices  of  the  merchant’s  goods .  that  being  said  when  he  finally  does  notice  it’s  a  bit  of  a  spectacle .  ashe  practically  jumps  out  of  his  skin  when  he  feels  the  hand  on  his  shoulder ,  letting  out  a  short  yelp  in  surprise .  he  quickly  turns  to  see  who  in  fact  was  garnering  his  attention .  ❛    ah ,  lorenz !  you  startled  me !    ❜ 

      THIS  NEEDN’T  BE  SAID  IN  TRUTH  considering  his  entire  reaction  a  few  moments  prior  but  he  says  it  all  the  same .  he  laughs  nervously  at  the  mention  of  his  bargaining  skills .  ❛    well  i  wouldn’t  call  it  extraordinary .  but  i’d  be  happy  to  show  you  the  things  i’ve  learned  if  you  would  like .    ❜  it  is  in  his  nature  to  be  humble  just  as  it  is  to  desire  to  help  others ,  even  those  he  doesn’t  particularly  know  well .  ❛    now  tell  me ,  was  there  something  you  wanted  to  purchase  in  particular  today  or  are  you  just  here  to  observe  what  i  buy ?    ❜ 

Of course, Lorenz hasn’t thought this far. Ashe accepts his company, as he should, relishes it, even, for one with a perspective as warped as Lorenz’.  He nods enthusiastically and for too long before picking up every single item at the merchant’s stand one at a time.  

               “  I should be grateful, Ashe, it is only natural to enjoy these things more with a comrade, particularly one with my all-around pleasant, elegant, and delightful demeanor. “

He holds a couple of UNFAMILIAR LEGUMES in front of him like they’re an alien species.  The owner of the vegetable cart protests his fondling but Lorenz pays her little mind.  

               “  There is nothing in particular I desire I simply wish to observe.  “

But his actions and his words are so disparate because Lorenz decrees the very same while loading Ashe’s arms with cauliflower.  For the briefest blink of eye contact, Lorenz sincerity, his near-embarrassment slips though in a frown.  

              “  It is merely the nature of my station that I am rather inexperienced when it comes from—um—buying things from a store.  It is my desire to learn as much as possible and to learn from the best.  “  

Hearing Lorenz admit defeat for once brought a smile to Sylvain’s lips - for once, he was right, and that’s all he cared about! However, later, he’d celebrate. For now, he’d offer the nobleman a careful smile, and a wink. The wink meant nothing, as he circled Lorenz.

“ Well… First off, fix the hair, “ He hummed, as he reached up to Lorenz’s hair, and gave a soft tug, being careful as to not pull too hard or yank anything out. Or was it a wig? He was curious. “ The ladies - or men! I don’t judge! - don’t find bowl cuts to be… What’s the word. Alluring? Sexy? “ Maybe he was using the wrong words, but those seemed close to what he was thinking of. Sylvain furrowed his brows and puffed out his chest, only to let out a heavy breath - man that hurt a little.

Sylvain could only shake his head. “ And keep the whole… ‘Woe is me, may I have a slice? I’m a nobleman, you know! The next leader of the Alliance!’ shtick to a minimum! People don’t like cocky men! “ Sylvain’s voice almost seemed to be imitating Lorenz’s, only to result in a soft cough. Is Lorenz taking notes? Sylvain sure hopes so!

Oh, he HATES this.  Lorenz hates being circled, examined, like some lone hart unaware of a hungry predator.  He HATES being the vulnerable party—the one asking for help.  But duty is more important than pride, so he stiffens, swallows and jerks away when Sylvain dare to TOUCH HIM of all things.  His hand comes up to stroke the violated stands of his so-called bowl cut.  Make no error, THIS WAS A HUGE MISTAKE.   

While he listens to the advice, it prods him in every conceivable way, and gradually, Lorenz grows tense, his fingers clench into fists and his teeth grind an anticipated response.  This?  This is an UNDERCUT, the height of fashion in Gloucester territory.  And cocky?  Why, Lorenz is nothing but forthcoming as to his status, and stature.  Honest, transparent, and noble.  

So rather than outright, unsightly argument, he folds his arms and shifts his weight onto one, very sassy foot.  

“  So, I suppose I should grow it out ?  Long and silky and tousled like some SCOUNDREL straight out of a lover’s bedroom  ?  “  It’s his turn to fondle Slyvain’s har, he flicks a lock out of his face and twists his wrists to point at Sylvain’s chest.  Lorenz, too, can imitate an accent, and he shifts to the best casual, cool, hotboy he can muster.  

@chevanoir liked for a starter

Generally, Hubert doesn’t care much for the students of the other houses. It’s less a matter of dislike, more one of indifference. There are some, though, he does generally try to avoid as a rule. However, he cannot always keep his distance. He can only hope the interaction will be mercifully brief. 

“Lorenz,” he says, already grimacing as he approaches, letter held in one hand. “I believe this is meant for you. It was delivered to Lady Edelgard by mistake.” 

The sound of his name makes him almost jump, and the sight of Hubert von Vestra approaching him is a chill crawling down from his bowl cut to his shoulders.  Lorenz would swear it’s one of surprise, rather than fear.  Because in truth, he’s heard more about Hubert than he seen.  

He accepts the letter with two spindly fingers and nods his appreciation.  

               “  You have my thanks for delivering it.  I am in your debt, it would seem.  ”

Message apparently received, Lorenz opens what he is certain must be another love letter from yet another admirer.  He unfolds it expectantly, only for his smug expression to visibly drop into a darkened scowl.  Another lady’s family asking him to kindly cease his advances.  It’s unfortunate.

  Before Hubert can leave, he sets the letter down and raises his chin.

“  Before you go—and I apologize, I must confess to knowing embarrassingly little about yourself  ”  

He winces, incredulous of what he’s just received and what he’s about to ask. 

@fierystardom  (thank you!)

               “  I can think of no higher honor, Ferdinand. “  

Thisis a welcome reprieve from the chaos of daily life—some stability in noble practicewith a man as conscious of station as himself.  Lorenz welcomes the request with a quick bow and moves to examine the box.   It is nothing short of a THRILL.  His heart races, his eyes sparkle like achild receiving a toy.  Lorenz runs hisfingers over the intricate lid, admiring its craftsmanship.  

               “  I must admit to some impatience to see the contents.  I am certain that a selection such as yourswill be rare and extensive indeed. Please—  “

And his eagerness isclear in his voice too as Lorenz at last pries his eyes away from the box tolook expectantly at Ferdinand.  

🧡 @chevanoir 🖤

“Hey, uh- Lorenz, do you mind if I hide out here with you for a few minutes?” Sylvain didn’t give the other student much of a chance to answer before sitting down next to him in the library, snatching up one of the books on the table and holding it up to his face to hide it. “There’s...a girl. She’s kinda mad at me because I dumped her, and I need to keep a low profile until she’s off the warpath. Thanks for the help.” He flashed Lorenz a grin, really hoping that his charming smile would be enough to convince the other to let him sit here for a while.

THIS WAS WHAT THE NOBLE’S CODE OF ETHICS MEANT BY HARD CHOICES.  And who better to test him than a nobleman—and a girl.  The story naturally caught his attention, Lorenz lifted his eyes from his spell book to Sylvain’s, frankly charming, grin.  He then stared past that grin for sight of the aforementioned angry girl.  

               “  I do not BELIEVE what I’m hearing.  You want me to--?“

                 THIS was the choice.  THE point of no return.  

Life is governed by codes, morals, and ethics; were it not for such things, society would shatter into anarchy.  And an unfortunate cornerstone, noble or not, is the age-old maxim—bros before h—women who may be eligible future partners.  The struggle was visible in Lorenz’ furrowed brow, in his wrinkled nose, in his repulsed grimace but at last, he yielded, sat up taller so as to obscure more of the vantage from the doorway, and reopened his book.  

              being the house leader, claude has put it upon himself to ease all and any worries of his fellow classmates. sounds fair, right? and typically, all the problems were minimal and he’s happy to oblige and fix them to the best of his capability. this time, however, it seems lady luck had abandoned him by giving him the most fickle student in the class, lorenz, and he did not look amused in the slightest. hearing his name called in such conviction he hesitantly turns around, only to have the other’s face several inches away from his own spewing scorn, much to his increasing discomfort. 

              he takes a few steps back to regain his personal space,before listening to lorenz’s “urgent” predicament. bluntly speaking, of all the problems he’s been presented with this is the most ridiculous one by far. he’s absolutely right, however will he manage to cope?

                 ❛ so, let me get this straight. you believe someone took your special socks? ❜ any irritability claude felt quickly dissipates and he poorly holds back an amused expression, managing to barely keep in his urge to laugh. all this wrath for a highly-valued pair of socks, what utterly boring lives fódlan nobles must lead. alright — he’ll bite.  ❛ do you have any prove of this theft? and you’re positive they just didn’t get mixed up in someone else’s laundry? ❜ he above anyone else should know he can’t do anything without a name, after all.

For all his faults—namely, impropriety, inexperience, and maladroitness for the Alliance’s leadership, Claude has proven himself a half-effective house leader.  Claude taking him ostensibly seriously is enough to quell Lorenz’ fiery, sockless rage into a lukewarm, sockless simmer.  He unfolds his arms and pushes his bangs away from his forehead.  

              “  That is correct, yes.  “  He clarifies.                 “ And I don’t simply believe someone took them but know, WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that they were coveted, sought out, and stolen.  There can simply be no other explanation.  “

And while Lorenz listens to another plausible explanation, his simmer quiets to a pout.  He opens his mouth to prove a point—to provide evidence or an absolute rebuke of any possibility of carelessness on his part, but the reasoning cannot come because Lorenz lacks it entirely.  

               “  Regardless, Claude, the fact remains that something important to me is missing and I require your assistance recuperating them.  “

Decision made, Lorenz sweeps around with a 180 degree turn and a hair flip towards the dorms.

               “  I cannot refuse an invitation you, Hilda.  I should be honored to join you !” Naturally, Lorenz is entirely unaware of and indifferent to an ulterior motive the lovely Hilda Goneril may have.  So, upon joining her at the tea table, he takes it upon himself to sort through the academy’s selection and choose one befitting of their meeting.  Rose Petal– as elegant as it is uncreative. 

As the tea steeps, Lorenz takes his seat and laces his fingers together.

          “darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always bring good.”

               @chevanoir       /       one-liner sc.

               “  true enough, Lysithea, I’d expect no less from one as apt as you.  “  This does not stop Lorenz from squinting into the darkness leading to the dormitory.  At this point, Lorenz outstretches an arm in front of her, protective from a threat too far away to do any harm. 

So this is what it feels like.  The CALL-OUT is scathing, and Lorenz reacts in (what he considers to be) equivalent melodrama.  He clutches at his chest, right at the spot where his heart used to be before Claude von Riegan, cruel and unforgiving leader of the Leicester Alliance TORE IT APART with unforgiving, unearned, and frankly, completely baseless criticism. 

               “  Not so DEFT  ?!”  

He can’t believe what he’s hearing.  The mere accusation alone that Lorenz lacks in ANY CAPACITY he has not already accounted for is unfathomable, shocking.  His mouth hangs open like a smelly carp before Lorenz closes it, swallows, and lowers his voice several decibels from it’s initial volume. 

               “  I simply elect to be truthful as it is a crucial quality of nobility.  Nothing more.  Honesty earns trust, trust builds loyalty, strength, and happiness on the part of the people one serves.  “ 

Still, the FLAGRANT INSULT has him in a huff–cheeks red and puffy; arms crossed; pout in full bloom.  Lorenz rubs the Claude-induced stress headache out of his temple and holds his chin up high.  

               “  If I chose to lie, Claude, you would not know it because I would be SO VERY DEFT AT IT that you would believe me to be entirely truthful–for example–”  

It takes about four seconds of vacant silence before Lorenz’ lips twist into a bitter scowl and he turns away.