open: don't let the wine go to your brains

[untamedantinous]

It shouldn’t be this hard to prepare for a meeting. He’s done it countless times before. However, this time, it somehow is difficult. He’s never really had to set things up at times like this; and he knows as well as anyone else that he is not the best at social niceties. Granted, this meeting is in a much more well-appointed cafe than any he had ever been accustomed to holding space in in Paris. At least they have the benefit of a larger space. Consequently, Enjolras has spent much of the day of the eighth of Menestheus preparing, a little uncertain of how to plan a social gathering that is not immediately centered around planning a revolution. He is trying his best, at least.

Most of the tables and chairs have been pushed a bit more to the center of the room; the couch is arranged off to the opposite side. There are even various pillows scattered about, should anyone choose to sit on the floor. Arranged on a few of the larger tables and the counter there is a modest spread of food: of course, some of Laertes and Galahad’s pastries; but Enjolras has also procured what amounts to a few charcuterie platters: sliced sausages and meats, a selection of (mostly French) cheese, and various sliced loaves of bread and crackers are laid out for perusal, and spreads to go along with them. In an effort to provide multiple options of entertainment, Grantaire has set up a table somewhat near the food, with an assortment of wines and liqueurs. Off to one side, there are a few pots of brewed coffee, cream, sugar, and whatever else anyone might like to add to their beverage of choice. If anyone is drawn to the liquor cabinet, they will find three cups filled with various pieces of paper sitting atop it.

Enjolras himself is lingering on the couch with a glass of wine and some bread. He’s not sure how many people were even informed about this gathering, though he had done his best to advertise. If no one arrives then perhaps he will try again another time; but at least a few in attendance other than himself and Grantaire would certainly be welcome.

Comments

[ravkanwitch]

"Or if we're in need of someone to perform a monologue?" Nina asks, with a little smile.

[forgethertoo]

"Oh, really?" Her tone isn't judgmental in the slightest, simply mildly surprised. "Do you have any favorite authors?"

[futaille]

He laughs. "There is that, although mine tend toward the extemporaneous, as opposed to the memorized. Not that I'm incapable of memorization."

[forgethertoo]

"A Rusty," Aornis repeats. "Interesting term. I'm from England in 1986 -- but it seems as though I'm from an alternate universe, based on other histories."

[vineleaves]

“We seem to be mostly in agreement tonight, I’m sorry if that throws off your plans to have arguments.” He laughs.

[vineleaves]

Some other time he might be curious enough to ask what the deal is with these saints, but he’s kind of focused on other details right now.

“I will take part however you need me! I know you were inquiring about preferences, but I don’t suppose you’ve narrowed down to what sort of play we will be putting on yet, have you?”

[tallyyoungblood]

"What kind of parties do you like?"

[tallyyoungblood]

"You're definitely a Rusty, then. Unless your version of society isn't totally obsessed with oil and destroying the planet?"

[timebethine]

Laertes grins. "I shall look forward to your new habiliments with rapt interest. And should you require the services of a tailor, Kade--" he gestures with his cup of coffee in Kade's direction "--hath some skill."

[timebethine]

"Few kings who claim divine right ever meet the author of their sovereignty," says Laertes. "It sounds awful."

[timebethine]

"I'll see thee soon," Laertes promises, and wanders back to his seat.

[timebethine]

"And how wilt thou take praises, my heart? Like a plant long starved of light, unable to raise its head and drink in what nourishes it? Or like a young creature that knows no purpose but to flourish?"

[timebethine]

"I fear I have not the skill for it," says Laertes, just as apologetic. "I can read a part cleanly, but not make it blaze with life and feeling."

[futaille]

"An agreement is just finding other people on your side in an argument, so that's perfectly fine."

[wickedwit]

"It's a risky gambit. But if you can manage the risk, why not? What's your favorite form of provocation?"

[wickedwit]

The back of Claudius's neck flushes at my heart, and he raises both eyebrows. "Wilt thou try it? Praise me."

[timebethine]

"Then let me tell thee how much I admire thy swift defense of those thou lovest--how willingly thou wouldst take any blow for their sakes," Laertes begins.

[wickedwit]

Ah, and there's that flush creeping up behind his ears. He takes a swallow of wine, since he can't really deny that, after the whole business with Hastur. "I am quick-tempered and prone to making myself a target, yes," he says loftily.

[wickedwit]

Claudius feels the same delight he did when Shen Yuan assigned both him and Crowley Dark type. "Well, tell me why," he says, with a playful nudge. "I want to hear your reasoning."

[timebethine]

"My withering chrysanthemum," Laertes laughs. "My sun-starved lily! We shall see thee learn to bear tending yet."

[futaille]

"Oh, am I not allowed to be inscrutable and mysterious?" he says, as if he's been inscrutable or mysterious a day in his life.

"Again, this does somewhat depend on similarities being part of the criteria, which is entirely speculative, as the mansion spirits are in fact inscrutable and mysterious. But similarities are also one of the things that help form friendships, so I'm sure you have some idea already on that score. But then, if you think more broadly, assuming that we are, in fact, favorite characters, then if you look from a lens of fiction, it's themes. If you do in fact share a spirit who brought you here, that spirit may be interested in looking at facets of virtue and vice, and see what spectra can be formed by your prisms. You'd be archetypal antagonists in very different ways but also both embody joy. It could be a compelling commonality."

[ravkanwitch]

"Really?" Nina asks, doubtful. "I find that surprising. You have so much feeling and passion when you normally speak, it's hard to imagine it wouldn't translate to the stage."

[ravkanwitch]

"No, you'll have to take that up with Susan," Nina tells him, then gives him a little grin. "I'm just the hired muscle, bullying everyone into joining."

[ravkanwitch]

"Well, we'll at least put you down for backdrop painting." She looks at him, curious for a moment, having overheard his earlier speech. "By the way, what's my food, drink, and animal?"

[timebethine]

"Hast never heard me lie," Laertes laughs. "I can't speak with feeling or passion when I feel no passion myself."