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

[vineleaves]

Dionysus shrugs. "There's something to be said for confiding in a friend, that often helps too. I think the benefit of it being a professional is that first off, they're less likely to steer you in a... less than healthy direction, when you need advice. And secondly, if it's someone removed from your personal life you might be more inclined to speak openly."

[timebethine]

That much, at least, Laertes understands all too well. He tries to imagine confiding his deepest fears and insecurities to Ophelia--let alone to his father--and his mind rebels at it. Ophelia has burdens enough, and he knows full well that his father would have a great store of (often contradictory) advice that would bring him no ease. The mere act of needing something from them is horrifying. Repulsive.

"I see why such people are needful," he says, after a long moment. "Self-reflection can lead one down well-trodden paths, but seldom blaze new ones."

[vineleaves]

"It's useful, for certain."

[timebethine]

"Forgive me," Laertes says, with a wry look. "It seems I cannot meet a new friend without turning the conversation toward grim subjects. I swear to you, I am capable of other passions."

[vineleaves]

"Oh, psh, don't worry about it! Comedy and tragedy are equally important if you ask me. But if you want we can switch gears! I know you've read Euripides, what other sorts of plays are you a fan of?"

[timebethine]

"I've read so many," says Laertes with a laugh. "Aristophanes, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plautus, Terence, Seneca--and some few of mine own time, too, although they tended toward the same themes."

[vineleaves]

"So well read I could almost die! And the classics!" There's some part of him that knows he's maybe overreacting, but he can't help it. He gets so excited whenever meeting what he would consider a kindred spirit in this manner. "Would you be interested in any recommendations of playwrights from past your time? I think you'd like Shaw -- granted I think most people would like Shaw, the man was truly gifted. A bit of an -- please pardon my expression -- a bit of an asshole on a personal level, but meeting him did nothing to make me like his writing any less. What are your thoughts on musicals?"

[timebethine]

"... musicals? I like music well," says Laertes.

[vineleaves]

"It's a play where the dialogue stops and the plot is conveyed through song."

[timebethine]

A memory sparks. "I've heard that The Lion King is a musical," he offers.

[vineleaves]

He's ever so thankful he wasn't taking a sip of his drink at that moment, because he definitely would have choked. "Who told you about The Lion King?!"

[timebethine]

"Several people," says Laertes. "Shen Yuan most prominent among them--and someone told Claudius, who spoke on it with me."

[vineleaves]

"You haven't... seen it, have you?" Obviously not the stage musical, but maybe there's a copy of the film here somewhere? At least Nala survives to the end of the show, that's a relief.

Unless she dies in the movie?

He hasn't seen all of the movie.

Oh no.

[timebethine]

"Nay, never," says Laertes. "All I know of it is that I do not appear, as a lion or otherwise--and that Claudius's character has the best songs."

[vineleaves]

He tries not to make his sigh of relief too obvious. "I admit Scar -- that's the lion's name -- his main song is wonderful, but the best? I don't know, Hakuna Matata is probably my favorite, but there are too many to narrow it down too much. Shadowland is great, there's also They Live In You, ah! It's such a good musical. You should see the costumes!"

[timebethine]

Dionysus's enthusiasm is infectious; Laertes can't help grinning. "Speak to Susan and Nina," he says. "They mean to put on a play. And I know Kade has some skill with a needle--he may be able to recreate the costumes of thy memories."

[vineleaves]

"Oh, you -- you think we should do Lion King? Ahhhhhhh, well. I'm not sure we have the numbers for that show, it's quite a large cast."

And also it's probably just not a good idea. It's different enough, but still.

[timebethine]

"I do," says Laertes. "I think Claudius would love it."

[vineleaves]

Dionysus can't help but to laugh a little. "Do you think he'd audition for Scar?"

He still very much thinks this is a bad idea, but he has to indulge the humor of it all.

[timebethine]

"I want so much to hear him sing."

[vineleaves]

"Even if another play is chosen, we could always corner him with vocal selections to try out."

[timebethine]

"We should. He'll indulge me in this," says Laertes with great confidence. "And you? Have you a fair voice?"

[vineleaves]

"Me? Oh, oh no, I mean I'm not completely tone deaf or anything, but a triple threat I am not."

[timebethine]

"Triple threat?"

[vineleaves]

"Ah, someone who is a strong singer, dancer, and actor all at the same time."