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]

Oh! Oh oh! Upon hearing her name, he excitedly sets the small plate of snacks he was working on down on a nearby table.

"Nina! Hello! Yes! I have been wanting to speak to you! I am Dionysus, I hear you are organizing a play?"

[ravkanwitch]

"Dionysus! It's great to meet you. Susan and I are organizing one. I'm assuming you have an interest in plays?"

[vineleaves]

"I invented them."

[ravkanwitch]

Nina’s brow furrows. “In your world, you mean?”

[vineleaves]

"...Huh." That's quite an interesting question. "I am the god of Drama, but I suppose I'm not going to be present in every world, though there have been several others here who have heard of me before, even though they're definitely from different worlds."

[ravkanwitch]

"Oh, Magnus taught me what gods were when I arrived. We don't have them where I come from. We only have Saints." Her expression should show the mixed feelings she has about Saints but it quickly pivots to something friendlier. "But as the god of drama, of course you'll have to be involved with the play."

[vineleaves]

Some other time he might be curious enough to ask what the deal is with these saints, but he’s kind of focused on other details right now.

“I will take part however you need me! I know you were inquiring about preferences, but I don’t suppose you’ve narrowed down to what sort of play we will be putting on yet, have you?”

[ravkanwitch]

"No, you'll have to take that up with Susan," Nina tells him, then gives him a little grin. "I'm just the hired muscle, bullying everyone into joining."

[vineleaves]

"Ah, yes, Susan! She's lovely!" Their meeting did not go as well as he would have liked, but he's hopeful that their next will be better. Especially if she's involved in the production.

"Does your job end once the cast and crew are finalized, or are you planning on taking part some other way?"

[ravkanwitch]

"Oh, I'm an actress," she tells him confidently, with a little grin. "Can't you tell from my effervescent personality?"

[vineleaves]

“I should have guessed as much! Hoping for the lead in whatever we end up selecting then?”

[ravkanwitch]

"We'll see. I'm mostly trying to stay busy and social!"

[vineleaves]

“As noble a pursuit as any other! I imagine things could turn rather boring here really quickly if we’re not all careful.”

[ravkanwitch]

"I've been turned into a 4 year old and a cat," Nina tells him brightly, then laughs. "You'll see."

[vineleaves]

“Which was better?”

[ravkanwitch]

"The cat," she says, without hesitation. "I was a little helpless as a child. It was so nice to just drink cream, catch fish, and nap in the sun all day."

[vineleaves]

“That does sound lovely! Though I’d argue you don’t have to be a cat for any of that, you know. You can go out and live your sun napping dreams whenever you’d like.”

A pause in which he glances to the window, remembering the season.

“Maybe wait until springtime first though.”

[ravkanwitch]

Nina looks outside. "I don't mind the snow too much. It's frequently cold in Ravka. Do you come from somewhere warm?"

[vineleaves]

“Oh, I’ve lived all over.” He shrugs. His childhood was a long time ago, and there have been several significant climate shifts worldwide since then. “I prefer not to be cold though, as often as I can help it.”

[ravkanwitch]

"Unfortunately, you came at the wrong time," Nina says, apologetically. "The weather was beautiful when I first arrived."

[vineleaves]

"Oh, I'm sure it will warm up soon enough! It usually does." Shout out to Persephone, what a pal. "I look forward to exploring the area once there's no more snow."

[ravkanwitch]

“Well, let me know if you need a tour,” Nina says, helpfully.

[vineleaves]

"That would be lovely!"

[ravkanwitch]

"Consider it done." Nina gives him a warm smile; they're currently entrenched in the meeting, but she makes a mental note to check in on him in a few days and offer that tour.