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|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
As the music ended, after the praise, Mercedes and Winter had a discussion to themselves where Mercedes sulked and Winter asked why she even bothered to save her. There was a rescue from the Vassals of Snow, apparently, who were not vassals in the slightest. Vassals were chosen by the Heirs, not the other way around, those foolish humans. "Did you remember to kill them? The Vassals of snow?" Mercedes looked surprised and shook her head., narrowing her eyes into slits. "No, I didn't have the time. My priority was to get Winter out as quickly as possible." And in doing so she handed her right into military hands. It was a miracle Winter managed to fight her way out and make it to Oliver's safety. Deep down, she still cared for them all. Why else was she still here?
Mercedes and Elise were like similar animals now. Both were from the outside looking in - the main difference was that the black eagle was less openly hostile than Mercedes so the others were happier to be closer around her than Mercedes. Serenity and Ezra teamed up to humiliate and harass her, resulting from a sudden chuckle from Mercedes, staring Elise in the eye. Elise stared back at her with a bit more of a knife's edge in her gaze. Lunch was announced and everone assembled at the table, ready to eat - or in Elise's case, drink - and with Winter on her left Claude ended up on her right. There was a large variety of courses, but of course for Elise there was just a not-appealing looking yellow drink waiting for her, even with a straw on top. "All your, my lady." Carter did a mini bow. "I bet you'll like it this time!"
She did not, of course. And she would make it obvious too. "Maybe next time." She said with a sigh, still drinking it regardless because she knew that she had to. Carter's smile remained on his face though. Why was he so determined to make something palatable to her? It was a mystery really. "Better than before though." She offered. At least it did not taste like sludge anymore. Carter nodded, happy. "Then I'm one step closer to success!" As he ate his food, it was so very clear that he was already brainstorming a new recipe to make it better. Winter gave a speech, nostalgia in her voice. Elise placed her left hand over Winter's own, an offering of support. "It was not your fault." The black eagle said in an uncharacteristic gentle tone. "It never has been."
Elise glowered at Claude, knowing that they would need to talk. "You are the last living Hresvelg." She said quietly and he was surprised, looking left at her. "Yes, I am. Jasmine and I will carry on the tree into the future." He and Jasmine planned to make sure the Hresvelg name lived on. "You represent the pride and honor of the family now. Those of us who have fallen will be watching you from above. He nodded, a tiny smile. "And I'll do my best, El, promise." She was reciting the speech most Hresvelg fathers would tell their primary Heir when it was time to hand successorship over. Jeralt never had a chance to say it, so Elise would say it for him. "Do us proud." She said, more softly this time. This time it was a wish from her. "I am sorry I could not be there with you in the end." He sacrificed his dream for the family's wellbeing. "It'll never be the same without you. Winter too." Claude added, taking her hand in his and squeezing it.
Chocolate cake was served then, Ezra happily deploying it once everyone was finished the main course. "It smells like sewage." Elise said simply, glaring at him. "You literally have no taste, El, no offense." Ezra grinned, cutting it into slices and distributing the cake around the table. "Well, except in men of course. Then you have the best taste of all the ladies here." Oliver grinned, almost mockingly at Ezra while Elise fought to keep the blush off of her cheeks. "Well." Oliver started. "I'm sure Winter would argue that her taste is the best, since she has this mysterious Zed person." Ezra pumped his arm then, full of machismo. "Well, Winter, was Zed ever willing to eat smores with you at the river?" Serenity giggled and rolled her eyes. "Since when was eating smores the way to compare goodness in men anyways?" Her eyes fluttered as she looked between Winter and Elise. "Those two are just as beautiful as the day they left us. It's like they never aged at all."
Ezra chuckled, slapping Serenity lightly on the arm. "Keep your lesbian attitudes out of this, they're both straight!" Serenity smiled brightly, gazing clearly at both "Heirs". "Hey, a girl's allowed to appreciate the sights!" It stung. They were just so casual with each other. If Elise did not know better, she would think that just maybe... There was no way, right? It was impossible, was it not?