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

[socialjusticedragon]

"Oh, yes, at home I am the size of a frigate-ship at least: here, why, I am scarcely bigger than a hatchling."

[vineleaves]

"Heavens! That must be why you keep mentioning a crew!" He pauses, a realization coming to him. "Do... do they treat you like you're a ship?"

[socialjusticedragon]

He huffs out a sigh and takes a sip of tea, shaking his head. "I am a part of the aerial corps, in England -- that is what is done with dragons there. In China, where I am properly from -- it is not so, Celestials such as myself are companions to the imperial family, and dragons are treated the same as men."

[vineleaves]

"...Yeah, that does check out for England, historically speaking," he responds, more than a little glumly. "I'm sorry you've had to deal with that, my friend."

[socialjusticedragon]

He gives the draconic equivalent of a shrug, but it's difficult to see since the majority of his body is outside. "My captain and I shall change it, do not worry."

[vineleaves]

"They sound like a truly good person then! With great taste in jewelry."

[socialjusticedragon]

"It is the first thing he bought me," Temeraire says with some fondness. "And he is the best of men, I am his as he is mine."

[vineleaves]

"How sweet!" A hand goes to his heart, touched. "I should like to meet him one day!"

[socialjusticedragon]

"Oh, I have been looking for him: he was lost overboard, before I arrived, but I shall find him." He is well aware of how naive that sounds, but he is determined regardless. "Laurence cannot be dead, I would know it."

[vineleaves]

Dionysus can feel his eyes starting to tear up. "May Poseidon bring him to safety. I know all too well the pain of losing a cherished partner."

[socialjusticedragon]

"Oh, I am quite certain he is all right. I must only find him; I have done it before."

[vineleaves]

"I wish you all the luck in the world, my dear."

[socialjusticedragon]

"Ah, thank you." He inclines his head graciously. "Though, I cannot get home; but perhaps he might arrive here."

[vineleaves]

"Oh I do hope so!"

The nature of this place to bring people back from the dead works in Temeraire's favor in this instance, he thinks. It's not unheard of for someone to survive being tossed overboard, but under normal circumstances it would definitely lower the likelihood of a reunion. Here though that doesn't seem to matter, all that matters is the whims of who-or-whatever is deciding to draw in new housemates.

"How are you faring in the winter weather, if I may ask?"

[socialjusticedragon]

It would, but he has thought Laurence dead before; and they came out alright in the end. His hope is not altogether that naive.

"Oh, I am quite fine, thank you. My pavilion has lovely heated floors, and there are tapestries upon the walls as well to keep in the heat."

[vineleaves]

"Good news then! I was worried for you, in my experience reptiles don't have the easiest time with colder weather. But it sounds like you've got quite the snuggly home to stay in!"