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Post by hobbsy on Jun 8, 2023 1:13:38 GMT -5
In the civilian district, on the corner of Pilgrim's Road and Keith Street, there is the Saint's finger Cafe. Before the conflict, the small Cafe was constantly abuzz with patrons as it would attract many passersby with its location on one of the main passages between districts and its specialties in hot brews and light refreshments. Now though it scraps by solely on being able to provide hot brews slightly above the standards of what most people were drinking.
Its iconic sign of a saints finger pointing has long since been requisitioned by a local PDF platoon to be the platoon banner. Though it is familiar enough without the sign, being a tall yet thin building with an iconic brick look which stood out from the usual plastcrete which most building are made out of. Both upper and lower levels are accessable to patrons, provided the options of open air seating at street level or slightly more secluded seating with a chance of a slight view depending on where one sat on the upper level.
It is on this upper level were a patron now sits,watching the day pass by below. He wouldn't stand out too much from most people in Haven, wearing an old and patched up suit which seemed a little to small in some places and a little to big in others. Though those family with the noble families of Haven and with sharp enough eyes would be able to note the features of a member of House Eurydice. Though without his makeup and costume, no one would guess that this was the one and only SGT. Slapstick.
Lochore Eurydice was nervous, but didn't really show it as he stared outside. It had come as a surprise to receive a letter from one of his relatives, especially after the coward's dash. It had been a while since he had been to the cafe too. Emperor bless the lady who owned the shop, she still knew how to make his tea exactly the way he like it. It was always the go when someone in the family wanted to talk. Meet at the top floor of the Saint's finger Cafe and for the Emperor's sake, wear something normal! And so here he was again after so long, waiting for that brief connection to his long departed past life to come walking up that now rickety stare case.
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 10, 2023 23:09:51 GMT -5
Lochore didn't have long to wait. His younger sister was almost annoyingly punctual, though she likely didn't realize it. Two and a half minutes before the appointed meeting time, Galen Eurydice made her way up the rickety stairs, clad in a suit of purest white with a small silver Olive Branch stitched into both sides of her jacket's notched lapels. She made her way to her brother's table with a graceful stride, pulling out the opposite chair and sitting down across from her sibling.
Eyes like relaxed honey surveyed her brother, taking in his appearance and ill-fitting suit and giving zero outward reaction. "Lochore," She said softly by way of greeting, her tone intentionally light, though with a undercurrent of steel layered within. "It's good to see you alive."
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 11, 2023 1:51:19 GMT -5
As his sister entered the top floor, Lochore stood up with a genuine smile. "Lil' sis!" he grin with his arms outstretched. Not in a loud or overly dramatic way, but with gentle sincerety.
But as his sister took her seat, he would once more remember how far his place away from his former House was. Taking a seat and a sip from his tea, he realizing he should offer to order her sister a drink. Yet before he could even speak, he was distracted by Galen's greeting with the added reality of their family.
"Indeed. I'm use to a solo act, but not to this degree." He replied jokingly, though suddenly becoming more sober as he continued. "It really is good to see you. Though please tell me, how much of our family is still alive?"
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 11, 2023 23:01:07 GMT -5
Was I supposed to hug him?
Galen pondered the query for a brief moment in her head, and decided it was marginally rude of her to have ignored his offer of companionship. But then, she had never really known Lochore well. He was ten years her senior, and in many ways her duties in their family had kept her from seeing most people, especially the proverbial black sheep of Eurydice. Their father had joked on multiple occasions that they had expelled a literal clown from the house. She looked across the table at the man who shared so many of her features, and in reality . . . looked quite a bit like their father. With a measure of sadness, she realized she didn't know this man very well. But still, this meeting had to happen.
With the usual tact and grace drilled into her from childhood, she gave a small smile and responded. "Skyla yet lives, though she was found in the mansion alone and the Guard held her in custody for several weeks. Her mental and physical health have been better." She took a breath, cautious in tone. "However, as far as records go, the rest of our family died in the Coward's Dash."
She watched him carefully as she uttered these words, waiting for signs of avarice, joy . . .anything. Did Lochore know the significance of the news? That technically, he was the first in line for rule of the House? His response might show her the details she needed.
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 14, 2023 2:28:12 GMT -5
In response to her words, Galen would only see sorrow upon her brother's face. It was clear that both the news of their sister's treatment and the fate of their relatives had upset him. "I had hoped it wouldn't be true. Even with the lack of any form of communication, I had hoped that what was left of the family had been busy to worry about an outcast like me in these trying times." he lamented.
As if realizing how much of a dampener these words were to their meeting, he seemed to lighten up a little as he continued speaking. "Well at least you Skyla are alive, praise be to the Emperor. Now this may be a bit earlier on my part and I hope you will forgive me if I'm overstepping the boundary. I mean no offense. But since I assume you have been running the house recently, I hope you would consider allowing me to be able to see you and be a little more in contact with the two of you from this day forward."
Before Galen could utter any words, Lochore continue to explain his view with a flurry of vivid hand gestures. "I know, I know. I've been kept away for so long that you two barely know me, but I must insist! Family is family, I do not care if anyone left in there will that I shouldn't be allowed back. I just want to be a part of your lives again. I also know that it looks a bit silly when a literal clown comes to the family estate. But do not fear! If and when I do come around to visit, I'll dress in clothes at least to the standard I'm wearing now."
At this moment and undoubtedly due to one of the many hand gestures he just displayed, a bouquet of colourful flowers popped out from his right hand sleeve. Somewhat surprised, Lochore removed the flowers. "With less surprises though." he sheepishly finished.
Look at the flowers, he suddenly offered them. "If I'm not mistaken, I do believe some of these are your favorites."
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 18, 2023 22:04:22 GMT -5
The response wasn't what she expected, feared even. But still, caution was the name of the game. "I---" she started to say moments before . . . flowers. Popped out of his sleeve.
What the hell?
Her face went carefully blank as she tried to decide how to respond. He was right about the flowers, of course. How he had remembered she liked the slightly macabre flowers . . .she wasn't sure. But a beautiful gathering of Mourner's Smile was proffered before her. A hybrid daisy local to the world itself, and so named due to the use on gravestones and similar markers as a sign of remembrance. But -- he had also used what amounted to a clown's theatricality in delivering them. After asking if he could come by the Estate. Galen Eurydice was nonplussed, baffled even.
Courtesy demanded she respond, and courtesy had been drilled into her. She reached out a hand and gently accepted the bouquet, giving them a polite sniff.
How long were they up his sleeve?
She gently placed the white flowers down on the table edge close to her and made a show of considering his question. "Father banished you," She said gently, reminding him. "Or as near to it as he could without making a show. Lochore, I would like to invite you back to the estate, Skyla would be thrilled to see a familiar face. I am however concerned about the survival of our house as well. Aside from seeing you alive and well, I wanted to speak to you on matters of inheritance." This could be tricky. He was the eldest living male heir, of course. And their father hadn't necessarily removed Lochore from the line of succession. She set her expression into one of determination. "I presume, as you did not try to return and care for the house's holdings, you want nothing to do with the actual leadership of the House?"
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 19, 2023 1:09:56 GMT -5
The elder brother frowned a little at the mention of being banished, though not in a spiteful way. It was clear that he was upset by the fact he never got to reconcile With their father. In contrast to Galen endocrinated concealing of emotions, Lochore seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve.
By the looks of it he did a lot with his sleeves.
Though as she continued, Lochore lit up at being invited back, though seemed to be befuddled as she carried on. Though as her words became more direct, he seemed to catch on. "Well, firstly you are right. The survival of the house is important, especially since you two are still alive! To answer that last question, I didn't return to the house because I didn't know who was alive or dead. Yes, I knew many of our family members were caught in the coward's dash, but what I didn't know was if I'd be excepted by who remained. Even worse, if everyone had died I wouldn't dare go back. There would be nothing for me!".
Lochore seemed deeply distressed as he talked about their deceased family members, though his next words were said with an iron that Galen hadn't ever seen in him before.
"Since you have been to the point with me, I will try to pay you the same courtesy now. If you two need help, then I will do everything in my power to help you. If that means you want me to take on such a position of leadership, then so be it! I will not lie to you though. I have no experience in any role of leadership other than leading an entertainment show, which I believe does not transition to leading a house. But a lot has changed since I left the family estate, and I will persist with all manner of will and fortitude.".
It is painfully clear, that Lochore has completely misunderstood what Galen was actually asking.
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 25, 2023 22:24:10 GMT -5
Galen watched her older brother's face as he responded. She must have misspoken, or not been clear enough. She needed to clarify her meaning. The fingers of her left hand drummed softly on the table edge as she took a breath. "I think we misunderstand each other, Lochore." She replied evenly, dark eyes locking with his. "The house is in shambles, and I believe I am the one to lead it. Though the standards of our house normally dictate the title goes to eldest male heir." There was a poignant pause as she considered her next words. Legally speaking she was in murky waters. Lochore hadn't been "fully" banished, and as such technically superseded her claim. But amongst the noble families, it was known that he had been deemed persona non grata by Eurydice. She could leverage that, and to her knowledge she was better in the arenas of politicking than he. She considered the odds of her winning a legal battle, deeming them at better than even, though not by much.
Still, she didn't want to hurt her brother. Or drag him through a public court system and squabble for control of the house in a time of war. "I would like to propose a compromise, especially as historically you have shown little interest in the focus of politics. Officially cede your legal claim to rule of the house to me. And in turn I will work to ensure that anything our father did to tarnish your name is undone and made null."
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 25, 2023 23:35:08 GMT -5
As his sister clarified what she was meaning, Lochore had to physically fight back the urge to do an overly dramatic palm to face action.
This wasn't the time for clowning around.
But as Galen layed down her proposal, Lochore reacted in a a manner she may not have expected. He smiled. A warm and genuine smile. "Dear little Galen. You don't have to offer to clear my name. If anything, it helps with my current way of life! My dear sister. If you wish to claim the House and all, all you need to do is ask and it will be so. The Emperor has given me a different calling. Though if you seek to offer me something, then give me this; let me help and support you and the house by whatever means I can. I know a clown can't offer the planet, but you'd be surprised in what ways I can be of assistance.".
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 29, 2023 0:15:07 GMT -5
Little? She withheld any outward reaction to the friendly term of endearment, or even perhaps a belittling remark. He had accepted, after all. She could stand to be called "Little" if it meant she didn't have to fight him in court.
Her expression was careful, still. But she nodded as he finished speaking. "It gladdens my heart to hear you agree, Lochore." She said, meaning every word. She might not know him well, but he was still blood. And there was precious little of that left in the house of Eurydice. "I'll have papers drawn up for you to sign, so the legality is cleared up. Our family lawyer is dead, but his daughter is an admirable replacement and can walk you through them so you are sure I'm not trying to trick you."
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Post by hobbsy on Jul 8, 2023 23:14:03 GMT -5
Lochore looks confused for a moment. "Trick me? Trick me out of what? Trick me into being the head of the House?" he jested. "Though don't worry, I know these things need to be done properly. I only joke." he said before his sister got the wrong idea. "Anyway, enough able busy. Can I order you a drink? The tea here is the best in Haven in my humble opinion."
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Post by Fate's End on Aug 8, 2023 19:40:10 GMT -5
How has he survived with such a---seeming lack of guile?
The thought crossed Galen's mind in an instant, and she immediately regretted thinking such things of her elder brother. Perhaps a better question would why she was so prone to such careful machinations whereas her sibling was believing the best of her intentions. Or at least, that is what he appeared to be doing. Flashes of memory from her time during the Rages, when the Bella's had turned on each other, blood siblings murdering each other in front of her. They'd also tried to kill her too.
They'd failed.
With a start she realized she'd been staring off into space for too long, her expression momentarily no longer one of quiet composure and rather one that could be referred to as a thousand-yard stare. "Yes," She said, half coughing out the word. "Tea would be lovely. I'll--- trust your judgement on what sort. What is your favorite here?"
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Post by hobbsy on Aug 13, 2023 3:26:27 GMT -5
"Me? I prefer a Pretorian breakfast myself. Though don't let my taste fool you, let alone be the standard. I have more milk and sugar than can ever be considered orthodox." Lochore answered.
After ordering the tea and alone once more, he lock eyes once more and spoke boldly. Galen, as much as you exceed in the noble art of concealing emotion, I can see you are confused by me. I don't want any walls between us as family. I've had to deal with more than enough of those. But I can understand why you are reserved. We have barely talk before now. So let me prompt you if I may. How much do you know of me and my 'exile' of sorts?".
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Post by Fate's End on Aug 22, 2023 23:14:43 GMT -5
Galen didn't have the faintest notion of what a "pretorian" breakfast was, and resolved mentally to look it up when she got home.
But his other words were easier to respond to, thankfully. "Not very much," She answered frankly. "Years and duties separate us. And while father railed on about how you were exiled, he did not mention actual specifics to me."
She was curious, of course. Eurydice didn't "have" black sheep, really. Or exiles. Not until Lochore. None of her family had ever filled her in, except for in vague and somewhat fantastical rumors.
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Post by hobbsy on Aug 23, 2023 20:10:30 GMT -5
"I thought as much." Lochore sighed. "Well at least we have the time now. Oh, but let's start with our tea first!". He said as the waitress return with two cups of fresh tea and a delicate tea pot.
Lochore prepared his tea, being true to his word as he added three cubes of sugar and a generous amount of milk. As he stirred the mixture, he continued where he had left off.
"As you would well know, our House is.. was known to excel in the arts. I myself had chosen to take up the performance arts since I only had the musical ability of singing. And to be honest, even that wasn't at the high level our house demanded. Due to my chosen course, much of our relatives scoffed at me. Looking at me as no more than a fool. A man pretending and only acting as something he should actually be.".
Taking a sip his tea, Lochore took a moment to savour the taste before he carried on. "I was at my wits end, failing to uphold the Eurydice name and barely keeping my composure as I crumbled interiorly. But then one day, I.. well. Looking back on it, I think I did finally crack."
"There was this little girl, of no status or importance. I was passing her mother and her on the street. I noticed her looking up at me with both the innocent inquisitively only a child has and the fear that those below us have because of the distance between our classes. At that moment, without even thinking, I began acting silly. To her mother's initial horror and the child's delight, I put on a small performance. Just for them. There was no applauds, no tears of wonder or thrown gifts. But the look on their faces. That joy I witnessed was the greatest prize I have ever received."
"It was then that I decided to be the clown. Our House already considered me one. So if I was so good at it, why not perfect it! From there I can up with a plan, and within the month I performed before a gathering of different Houses. It's safe to say that the Family was truly mortified, you should have seen their faces! My exile of sorts followed soon after, but I didn't mind. I was liberated, free from the chains of Eurydice to spreed joy and receive joy from it. Oh what a relief it was and still is!"
"These days my efforts now go towards the war efforts if you can believe. Keeping up moral and even taking part in the good fight! I could share a store or two with you, but they are no pleasant ones so I'll spare you the details and save it for another time if it actually does ticket your interest." he finished, taking another sip from his tea.
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