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]

Such heavy topics! "I will admit I'm new here, but has it been an issue? I would have hoped such a small group could innately work together without too much strife. Though I've been called naive before."

[timebethine]

"In truth," Laertes admits, voice pitched a little lower, "I only wanted to give Enjolras the gift of hearing his friends discuss politics. His friends in Paris were lively, and committed to the subject, and I'd hoped it would ease his heart." He smiles, and rises to bow. "My name is Laertes. What's yours?"

[vineleaves]

At once Dionysus' eyes light up. "The famous Laertes! I admit I've heard a lot about you." Since arriving, as well as before, but no sense in bringing... all that up right now. "Love your dog. I am Dionysus! I met your husband recently."

[timebethine]

Laertes can't help laughing. "Ay, my husband does me too much credit. Szarka deserves all of your praises, though. Forgive me, did you say your name was Dionysus?"

[vineleaves]

"I did! God of Drama, at your service." He gives a small, informal bow.

[timebethine]

"Then should I credit you for my existence?"

[vineleaves]

"In an extraordinarily roundabout way, though I believe more of the credit is due to Will."

His good buddy Will Shakespeare who he is close personal friends with.

[timebethine]

"Ay," says Laertes, lining the balls up for a joke in the corner pocket, "drama is an extraordinary effort of will."

[vineleaves]

He laughs, loudly and heartily, clapping Laertes on the shoulder. "You would make him proud! I don't know if anyone's told you, but your play is often considered one of the best ever written."

[timebethine]

"You're the first," says Laertes. "I've read so many plays about you that are among the best ever written--Euripedes's Bacchae is a singular work of genius."

[vineleaves]

"Ah! One of my favorites as well! Euripides was truly gifted! A shame he never got to see it performed." Dionysus realizes all too late that perhaps he should have tried to visit him when he went to Hades. Not much can be done about that now.

After a pause, he adds, "The events in that play were highly exaggerated, please don't hold anything you've read against me."

[timebethine]

"Did you not dress your cousin in women's clothes, and have his mother rip him apart in the belief that she'd slain a lion?"

[vineleaves]

"I have dressed many people in women's clothes, but that second part sounds so gruesome, why would I do that?"

[timebethine]

"I had many a debate at university on just that question," Laertes admits. "If you like seeing a man in a gown, my husband's collection grows by the day, and every one is lovelier than the last."

[vineleaves]

"I admit I'm jealous! My own carefully curated wardrobe was lost to me when I arrived here." He's still in mourning.

[timebethine]

"Ah! Has no one taught you about the closets here? They can produce anything you desire, should you merely think of it. They can be difficult to persuade, at times," he admits, "but the clearer your sense of what you want, the more responsive they are to it."

[vineleaves]

He lights up again. "This is absolutely such a relief! Why, I'm half tempted to go test it now!" He won't though, he'll wait until at least after the gathering has concluded.

[timebethine]

Laertes grins. "I shall look forward to your new habiliments with rapt interest. And should you require the services of a tailor, Kade--" he gestures with his cup of coffee in Kade's direction "--hath some skill."

[vineleaves]

"Is that so?" Truthfully, what he chooses to wear on a regular basis doesn't really require any tailoring. An occasional replaced hem, but there's a big difference in the structure needed in a chiton and a more 'modern' outfit. Maybe a new place requires a branching out of fashions though.

"What sort of outfit do you think I should try for first?"

[timebethine]

"Oh, that I know not," Laertes protests, with a laughing gesture at his t-shirt, jeans, and scuffed combat boots. "Fashion and I are not acquainted."

[vineleaves]

"Oh, no, don't say that! You wear it well!"

[timebethine]

"Thy flattery is very kind--but I know the worth of my body, and I would wear nearly anything equally well," says Laertes. "I have not the discernment to choose something singular."

[vineleaves]

“Maybe I’ll stick to my usual for a while longer… After all, if you find what works why mess with it, right?”

Besides, he’s fully aware he’s… well, he’s no Heracles.

[timebethine]

"It's a fine look," says Laertes gamely. "Very comfortable."

[vineleaves]

“Comfortable is precisely why I like it,” he responds, but suddenly he’s not sounding convinced. In his experience describing someone’s look as ‘comfortable’ is often a backhanded compliment.