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

[sagramore]

"If he didn't I'd have to add taking gods to task to my repertoire."

[untamedantinous]

Should Enjolras manage to catch Magnus’ attention a bit later, he will give him a brief shoulder clasp and a smile. “Thank you for coming. I am aware this is…likely not something that holds much interest for you; but I appreciate your presence.”

[futaille]

"Seems it will have to wait for the next god. Alas, I would have been amazed to see it."

[wickedwit]

Claudius smiles appreciatively. “Well, we won’t have a better chance to discuss contingencies than right now, with the people gathered in this room.”

[timebethine]

"But I would have us know, with certainty, that we aim to depose a tyrant," says Laertes with a sigh. "I'll seek out SecUnit again. It may have made progress since last we spoke."

[untamedantinous]

“I do not think so; but surely living within the bounds of polite society implies that there are at least some structures. If it should get out of hand—to the point that one notices it regularly; certainly something should be done about it. What are your thoughts, Claudius?” He sprawls back on his couch and nods towards it, inviting.

[lightbearinglord]

Ah, the one with the pipe music, who has students of his own. Lan Wangji returns the nod, adding a polite little seated bow as well. Because he has offered tea to everyone who's come to join him thus far, he does the same for Kade, lifting a cup toward him in a silent question.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina is present, grabbing a pastry or two and listening in on the conversations. While she has been political and involved with schemes, discussions of morality, espionage, and other debates in the past, she usually wasn't the one talking in those situations. For all her charm, she was always more of an enforcer. In Ketterdamn, Kaz told them what to do while she and Jesper bickered in the background. In Ravka, her status wasn't high enough that she worked directly with the crown and his advisors.

In any case, in the spirit of discussion and following her conversation with Susan, if anyone greets her and starts chatting with her, she'll probably ask them, "So... did you want to get involved with the play?"

[untamedantinous]

“Mm. Thank you, I had quite a bit of help.” If it was up to him, there would likely be the bare minimum of food and alcohol. “I did not expect you.”

[ravkanwitch]

"Hi! I don't think we've met yet." Nina has a pastry in one hand and coffee in the other. "I'm Nina."

[timebethine]

"Ay," says Laertes, who has risen from his own chair to give her a hug in greeting. "Didst ask for someone to help build sets, didst thou not? I may be able to help with that."

[wickedwit]

Claudius laughs. “We’ve been assuming a plurality of spirits instead a single entity — perhaps they have debates even amongst themselves. Perhaps we’ll inspire some. What question would a contrarian ask a group of mysterious and playful spirits who contrive meetings between their favorite characters?”

[aflashbastard]

"The dragon? Really?"

[futaille]

"Oh, now that's an interesting question." Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is wondering how on earth he could be anyone's favorite¹, but there is no accounting for taste, even among spirits. He takes a thoughtful sip of his wine. "If I got one question, it would be... All right. On the assumption that we are all from stories, and Dionysus himself says I'm from a play, so I have no reason to really discount the theory, why choose the stories they did? There's quite an interesting variety, even though some are thankfully duplicated."


¹ R. Come on. You're delightful. And we know you're squishy (not so) deep down. EVERYONE knows that.

[futaille]

"Why not? He's a protégé of Enjolras and it could be interesting. You could try Susan if you'd prefer, but I don't think you'd win that one to your satisfaction."

[wickedwit]

“Ah, fair enough. Still,” he says, letting his voice lower to more intimate tones, “I believe it’s Grantaire’s aim to create a space where everyone feels free to speak on any matter that moves them. Whether or not it’s to any practical end — preferably not, I think, in his case. You needn’t be certain to start a discussion. Contingencies are contingencies. They’re what-ifs, and thus uncertain by necessity.” In his musing tones, he asks, “Do you think it would excite any interest if I went about the room and asked if you had to depose a hypothetical tyrant here, how would you go about it? Or is that too confronting?”

[ravkanwitch]

"One of the most important parts of a play," Nina says, with a smile. "Do you have any plays that you like? Genres?"

[sagramore]

"If it has to happen I'll send thee an invitation."

[timebethine]

"My friend, I will counsel thee to unhappy ends here," says Laertes. "I think thou shouldst."

[timebethine]

"Tragedies move me," says Laertes, "but I would not have us play tragedies here. Something like Lysistrata, perhaps."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Resource management," Susan says, immediately, ticking items off on her hands as she goes. "Inventory, infrastructure, organization, cataloguing supplies and changes in supplies, making an accounting of the shifts in this world... conducting and interpreting censuses, identifying skills, interests, and strengths, narrowing down the possible and impossible, seeking to understand the gaps in all of the above." She stops there, though she could keep going, because she has run out of fingers.

[futaille]

"Oh good. I'd hate to miss it."

[forgethertoo]

There was an open invite for the meeting posted in a public area and Aornis was intrigued, so... she's there, slipping in a little later. She's wearing a black Armani pantsuit today with contrasting neon pink nails and will nod politely at anyone who makes eye contact with her. For the most part, she's content to sip at a cup of tea and listen.

[aflashbastard]

Crowley is about to protest that he could win that one, if he really wanted to; he is a demon, after all. He looks over at Susan for a moment. "Nah, I'll take the dragon."

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm not familiar with that one," Nina says, taking a sip of her coffee. "What's it about?"