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]

"I thought that one was obvious enough. If we're in the confines of one main building and its grounds, if nothing changed it would be absolutely dull and intolerable long-term. Yes, occasionally where you were going is in a new spot, but it's usually close enough to find easily and you get to have used your brain for a bit."

[peaklordshen]

Well, okay, how come now Shen Yuan, who had spent 90% of his first life in basically the same building and the majority of his second life begging off anything that would take him out of his cute little bamboo house where his favorite disciple brought him delicious snacks, is being forced to yet again consider that his experiences are not universal??? He was trying to change the subject!

But, wait, is this a chance to give Grantaire a taste of his own medicine? "It would be intolerable for you," he points out. "Others may prefer the stability of rooms staying where they are, or a more Logical—" borrowing the capital L from Kade, "—means of attaining food, and drink, and books, and games than vague wishes and guesswork. Can you really say it's objectively better?"

[futaille]

"Oh, of course not," he says with a delighted grin. "Everything I said was a potential topic for discussion. You're absolutely right. I'm sure there are some people who wouldn't like it at all. I'd disagree, but I'm also someone who liked going places before here." He considers. "Thinking on it, I did assign objective status to one of my topics, but you immediately agreed with me on that one anyway."

[peaklordshen]

Shen Yuan flips back through his notes, then nods. "Right. I don't even think I could fake an objection that humans are better than animals, because then it's like, better for what, and neither humans nor animals are good because they're good for something. They're just good."

[futaille]

"Although I will say that Mothwing disagreed with that particular point on the basis that humans were the ones who invented pancakes. So we're good for that, at least."

[peaklordshen]

"Pancakes are good," Shen Yuan allows. Grantaire keeps tricking him into agreeing with him about innocuous things, like, inside his arguments, which is a very frustrating way to argue. And then he's suddenly struck with an extremely adorable image. "Wait, Mothwing eats pancakes?"

[futaille]

"She had pancakes when she was caught up in the body switching, and apparently enjoyed them quite a lot. What an interesting event that was in general."