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

[futaille]

He laughs a little. "Yes, yes, and this is where you call me biased."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan blinks, surprised. "Is that what you think I'm doing?"

[forgethertoo]

"No, for health reasons. I believe the Cheese Duty Act started in ...1963?" She had gone out with someone who worked in cheese legislation once. He told her a lot about it until she became bored and had to ditch him. "The original reasoning was that sustained cheese abuse caused infertility, memory loss¹, tastebud destruction, and ...well, death."

¹Hmm.

[forgethertoo]

"Everything has a weakness, even so-called gods. Since this is all hypothetical, my answer is that hypothetically, the weakness of these... gods? Shall we call them that? -- is us." Aornis already knows what she would do to take down these gods or spirits, but unfortunately (or fortunately), it's nothing she can speak out loud to Claudius. That isn't what she wants, after all. She'd much prefer their full cooperation.

[untamedantinous]

He shrugs. "It remains true."

[futaille]

"Well, if that's the accusation I'm to be stuck with, at least I can think of worse."

[temnota]

"Indeed! It was only one dance, yes, but it was enough to let me see your sense of rhythm, your grace, your musicality... I see much promise." Aleksander was being a little ridiculous but he meant each word.

[sagramore]

"Sir! Thou'rt too kind. But I'll be thy diligent pupil for words like that."

[peaklordshen]

"He claims falafel is the superior food, when it couldn't be more obviously noodles."

[futaille]

"I see. Clearly the debate has come to no resolution yet."

[tallyyoungblood]

"Um, yes? You were all, just think of the best case scenario, and totally don't worry about it, because there's nothing we can do from here." Susan's talking like Tally's minders, or her parents, all gentle suggestion.

[tallyyoungblood]

"That's totally crazy!" Tally exclaims. "Just try some plant-based cheese. It's great."

[peaklordshen]

Shen Yuan grins. "He's gathering more information by eating more types of noodles. Which really proves my point, because there's only the one type of falafel, and a food you can experience the entire breadth of in one sitting just doesn't compare to one you need probably days for."

[futaille]

He laughs. "Possibly. Although I would be tempted to throw bread into the competition."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"When did I say 'don't worry about it, there's nothing we can do'?" Susan sounds a little affronted now. "If you don't want my help sorting out options I can stand down, but I'll thank you not to put words in my mouth. I asked you what you can do. I'd imagine the next step would be to find a way to do the things you can, rather than giving up."

[tallyyoungblood]

Tally sighs. "Maybe I'm just used to people telling me to give up," she admits, not quite an apology.

[forgethertoo]

"I'm sure I can find some here." Aornis eyes the coffee machine. "I think I might need something stronger than tea to get through this meeting, but it was good to meet you, Tally."

[tallyyoungblood]

"Good to meet you too, Aornis!" Tally lets her go, since she can't have a drink herself.

[temnota]

For a moment, Aleksander considered reaching for Sagramore's hand to give an ostentatious kiss but thought the better of it. "Unlike others, I have never thought cruelty or unkind words appropriate methods for teaching."

[sagramore]

"Thou wouldst train dogs well," with a little grin.

[wickedwit]

"Oh, that is fascinating," Claudius says in full appreciation. "How so? Hypothetically."

[untamedantinous]

"Yes, I -- well. There's no need for that."

[futaille]

"Perhaps that's the case, but what sort of a world would it be if everyone only did what there was need for?"

[forgethertoo]

"Please," she says, with a brittle smile. "You're intelligent enough. You can extrapolate."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan can empathize with that, and she simmers down. "Very well," also not quite an apology.