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GT: *Its been a long time- a skirmish that bloomed quickly into a vicious war had kept them apart for far too long. But this shindig to celebrate a peace treaty between prospit and derse would put an end to that distance. [br] all in all, the age suited jake. He wore it well- he had begun to gray earlier than most, and by now had a full head of salt and pepper hair- and a matching mustache. Other than subtle crows feet, he had not wrinkled much- but he did have a large scar which cut across his face diagonally. Previously at shin digs like this, he would have been the heart of the party, but he is much more subdued- hanging back near the balcony and watching the crowd carefully. * 05:26:05
TT: *Dirk wasn't thrilled to be in a room with this high a quantity of pretentious assholes, if only for the fact that it called his own status as the most pretentious asshole of all into question. He strode through the crowd as was expected of him- a nod here, a handshake there- but kept an aloof distance. He couldn't decide if he'd been looking forward to this day or not, and hell if he wasn't a bit annoyed that he didn't have more time to mull the question over before he was smack dab in the middle of a gala bumping shoulders with the Prospitian elite. The royals themselves, he could stomach. He knew how to talk the game, as it was. But the royals didn't make his carefully constructed stone cold expression twitch with uncomfortable recognition at the sight of a familiar presence. He noticed Jake first, and cursed silently under his breath at his newfound dilemma. Should he approach? It was surreal seeing the way Jake had grown into himself, sure, but it didn't for a moment hinder Dirk's ability to recognize him under his mustachioed countenance. Dirk had grown, too- he was brawner now, his hair a bit longer- but still in the same pompous royal garb as before. He'd been a prince his whole life, and his older brother didn't seem to be showing signs of kicking the proverbial bucket any time soon. Jaw clenched nervously (but nigh imperceptibly), he attempts to catch Jake's eye as he makes his way over.* 05:44:18
GT: *Unlike much of the rest of the prospitian whos-who attending this shin-dig, jake wasnt wearing loose, brightly colored silks and a littany of gold adornments. In his youth, he had enjoyed that sort of thing- liked how they caught the eye and seemed to charm folks before he had to say a thing. But tonight, the powers that be had insisted he wear his uniform. Prospit didnt allow their heirs to fight in the war, and so john and jane had stayed safe and sound in the capital. Jade had remained on the island to look after the family estate. And so it had been left to jake to become the "hero of prospit"- and they certainly paraded him around as such. Stiff, mud green cloth and carefully shined shoes stood out among the flashy fashions of the upper crust. It makes him feel particularly awkward and out of place as he scans the crowd. dirk manages to catch his eye before he gets too close. He doesnt know why hes surprised to see him-- of course the crown prince of dirk would be here. he gives a bow of his head as dirk approaches, but nothing too formal. * 05:57:48
GT: Your highness. 05:57:51
GT: Its been quite a while. 05:58:02
TT: *Dirk cocks a carefully groomed eyebrow at Jake's respectful greeting. He shouldn't be offput- it's the polite thing to do, anyway. The [i]correct[/i] thing. But something about it (combined with Jake's militaristic, dulled-down apparel) shakes Dirk. It wasn't the greeting of two old friends. Something had stiffened with the passing of time. The obvious answer would be the war. The amount of lives claimed on both sides was enough to harden any individual who lived within the kingdoms, let alone those that had seen the frontlines of war. Dirk had led charges as he was trained to do, sword in hand, rushing in upon his steed. But it was never long before he was quietly pulled back behind lines. The Prince couldn't [i]actually[/i] risk his life, after all. The people needed leaders, and he was born to lead. That's what he'd always been told, at least. His eyes flicked nerously to scan the partygoers for his sister, Roxy, the crown princess. She was always better with this kind of shit than Dirk was. She would probably know what to say to a guy she hadn't seen in years, but had thought of almost every damn day in the meantime. There wasn't any more time to think him over, though, here he was: in the flesh. Better say something.* 06:18:14
TT: English. 06:18:17
TT: You look... different. 06:18:36
TT: I'm glad you could make it. 06:18:52
GT: *Jake didnt mean to be stiff or awkward. In fact, he had thought about what he might do in this instance for a long time. What he might say. He had missed dirk terribly- had thought of him often in the dire moments where he wondered whether or not he would come home. But this was nothing like he had imagined. This was a party. A full one. Where it seemed like plenty of eyes were on him- and dirk. Well, it wasnt by a ton, but he looked different. Of course he did. Neither of them were the same chap as they were when war broke out. He doesnt want to cause a scene or worse, make a fool of himself in front of someone he thought so highly of. * 06:29:32
GT: Thank you. 06:29:37
GT: I am too. 06:29:43
GT: You also. Uh. 06:30:01
GT: Look different. 06:30:03
TT: *Dirk's eyes are firmly set on Jake now. Seeing a man this grizzled off his game is more than a bit amusing, and a smirk already begins to pull at the corner of Dirk's mouth. Right. So, this is what was so endearing about him. It's not as though Dirk has forgotten, so much as he's tried to forget; neither one of them knew what awaited them on the other side of war, in life or death. It was best to cast any prior feelings aside- comraderie or... otherwise. He gives Jake one more look over for good measure, then crosses his arms over his chest. It wasn't necessarily a digified posture befitting of a prince, but the Dersite royals always had a rebellious streak. Not to mention, this was Jake. Just Jake. He could afford to let his guard down a bit, even if a nagging voice at the back of his mind told Dirk it might come back to bite him. But in this moment, he didn't care. He'd missed his friend.* 06:38:57
TT: Funny how that works. Passage of time and all. 06:39:25
TT: Some goddamn incredible stuff. 06:39:30
TT: Uh, anyway. How have you been? 06:39:58
GT: *Its good to hear dirk talk. Even when they were young jake always thought he was so- damn chic. The smirk, his dry tone. He knew he had missed the fellow but hes realizing just how much. Its- nice. Seeing the fellow open up some of that rebellion for him really emphasized that- whatever distance they had to put between them for the sake of the war was finally coming to a close. It draws a slight smile out of him, the first earnest one of the evening. It was good to be back in derse under such different circumstances. Good to see dirk looking- well. * 06:54:03
GT: Ive- been. 06:54:15
GT: Well. 06:54:16
GT: Busy, i suppose. 06:54:24
GT: And you? 06:54:25
TT: *That smile. It brings memories flooding back quicker than Dirk would frankly like to deal with in a party this packed full of big wigs. He blinks, a meager attempt to banish the memories away for now. He'll return to them later- he always does. With a small, slightly awkward cough, he straightens out his spine and stands tall. His head his still cocked inquisitively, however.* 07:00:10
TT: Busy? That's it? 07:00:19
TT: I've never known Jake English to be a man of few words. 07:00:34
TT: Am I speaking with the right person? 07:00:43
GT: Oh old bean im sure you dont want to hear me prattle on. *its- gentle, even a little sheepish. Hes always been good at seeming lighthearted even when he isnt. Very few people in the world could see through the veil, but he knows dirks better at it than most. Hes hoping he doesnt press. What hes been up to wont make good chit chat. Its- uncomfortable. Often gory. Not at all the adventure he had been hoping for, and more blood and guts and close calls than just about anyone could ask for. Particularly when it was all against dirks own men* 07:04:02
TT: It's been ages since I've heard you "prattle on". Some might say I miss it. 07:08:55
TT: *Dirk offers a shrug. It's coy, even a bit teasing. In a way, he's testing the waters. Seeing how much has really changed after all this time, and the war in-between.* 07:09:01
TT: We're all just here to talk and pretend we weren't all just cutting off heads a few months ago, aren't we? 07:09:07
TT: But suit yourself. 07:09:16
TT: Have you been offered a drink yet? 07:09:21
GT: Offered, but i- 07:11:54
GT: Uh. You wouldnt happen to having something lying about without any proper bite to it would you? 07:12:17
GT: I hate to bother the staff but i dont um- partake anymore. 07:12:29
GT: *He offers an apologetic smile as he leans back against the wall, trying to appear much more casual than precisely felt. * 07:14:02
TT: All we've got is champagne and ale, man. It [i]is[/i] a celebration. 07:20:47
TT: Even if it doesn't feel like one. 07:20:49
TT: But I can make an exception since you asked so nicely. 07:20:53
TT: *There's a sardonic curl to his voice, but nevertheless he waves over a nearby cupbearer. The young woman scurries over- undoubtedly nervous to be on anything less than her best behavior in the presence of the Prince- and Dirk leans in to ask for water to be brought their way. She hurries off, and Dirk turns back to address Jake once more.* 07:20:58
TT: You look like you're about to pass out, Jake. It's fine. Seriously. 07:21:06
TT: I'm not about to attack you if that's what you're worried about. Physically or verbally. 07:21:12
GT: Oh- hah. 07:23:28
GT: Gosh. No. 07:23:31
GT: Sorry. I suppose im just a tad out of pratice. 07:23:50
GT: I havent been among the court in- 07:24:12
GT: In a very long time. 07:24:21
GT: No sooner than i arrived back in the capital did they announce we were due back here in derse. 07:24:48
GT: Ive always been a tad rough around the edges but at this point im a little worried all the formalities have slipped my mind completely. 07:25:29
TT: Fuck the formalities. 07:29:12
TT: I'm just trying to have a conversation. Not like there's anything else to do around here. 07:29:25
TT: Unless schmoozing with big wigs is your cup of tea. 07:29:36
TT: But judging by the way you're sticking to this back wall I'm guessing you don't want to be here. 07:29:52
TT: Which is fine. You're not going to get in trouble if you head out. I'll make sure. 07:30:12
GT: Its just- uh. 07:30:38
GT: A tad unnerving, isnt it? 07:30:45
GT: I mean cripes! Beyond the fact that we were all at each others throats a few months ago... *he trails off, unsure precisely how to phrase it. * 07:31:55
GT: I dont know. The crowd and the noise and whatnot are all giving me the heebie jeebies. 07:32:52
GT: Even if i am glad to be back in derse under better terms. And to see old friends. 07:33:14
TT: Nah, I get it. Didn't expect this many people to be here, that's for damn sure. 07:34:09
TT: I hear the kitchen is practically tearing itself apart trying to provide. 07:34:23
TT: Would you rather head out to the balcony? Might be good to get some air. 07:34:35
GT: I would love to get some air. 07:34:44
TT: Cool. Hold on. 07:34:53
TT: *The cupbearer returns with two glasses of water- served in champagne glasses so as not to cause any embarrassment. Dirk accepts them with a grateful nod and passes one over to Jake.* 07:35:32
TT: Guess I'm drinking with you. Or, not drinking. Whatever. 07:35:45
TT: To old friends. 07:35:59
TT: *He holds up his glass towards Jake with a polite nod.* 07:36:10
GT: *Jake does the same once he has in glass in hand- raising it for a polite tap * to old chums. 07:38:50
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GT: And peacetime. We are all due for some peace i imagine. 07:42:07
TT: No arguments here. 07:46:09
TT: *He raises the glass to his lips and takes a sip.* 07:46:35
TT: So, balcony? Or do I have to make it a royal decree? 07:46:59
GT: *He sips too, then nods- heading for the balcony. He relxas pretty much as soon as they step out, taking a deep breath of the cool night air* 07:54:20
TT: *Dirk follows closely, his eyes more on Jake than on their surroundings. It's a good thing he's always keenly aware of everything (or at least he'd like to think so), as he manages to avoid bumping into anyone on the way out. He does, however, have to offer a few customary handshakes on the way. Once outside, he moves to lean forward onto the railing.* 08:01:34
TT: So, we've established that it's been a while. 08:01:51
TT: Anything interesting happen in that while? 08:02:01
TT: Other than the war. 08:02:05
TT: And the mustache. Nice, by the way. 08:02:24
GT: Thank you! 08:02:36
GT: At least someone likes it. 08:02:40
TT: Oh? 08:02:46
GT: Good grief. Everyone wants me to shave it. 08:02:59
GT: Say it makes me look out of touch. 08:03:05
TT: It's not that bad. 08:03:13
TT: Uniqueness is a good thing. Makes you stand out in a crowd. 08:03:20
GT: Pfft. Pretty sure this blasted uniform is doing that for me. 08:03:47
GT: I look like a jerk, showing up to a party for peace all done up like fighting is about to break out. 08:04:09
TT: Yeah, uh. I was gonna ask. 08:04:18
GT: Not my idea. 08:04:25
GT: In fact. I said it was a very bad one. 08:04:40
TT: Why are they parading you around in that shit? I was wondering if it was you trying to silently tell me to fuck off. 08:04:46
GT: No no. 08:05:10
GT: Theyre trying to- 08:05:19
GT: I spent the whole war you know. 08:05:30
GT: *He gestures. * 08:05:36
GT: Away from home. Serving. 08:06:06
GT: Theyre trying to make it seem like prospit is more than just wealthy merchants and weathier blue bloods. 08:06:38
TT: Makes it kind of hard to forget what you spent the war doing. No offense. 08:07:58
TT: Party it up a little, English. 08:08:05
TT: *He's straightfaced, clearly [i]not[/i] partying himself.* 08:08:15
TT: Guess we're not here to talk about that though. 08:08:34
TT: I said other than the war, so. How's the family? 08:09:02
GT: Well enough. 08:09:12
GT: Or so im told! Its been a while since ive seen them too, to be honest. 08:09:26
TT: Damn. You really haven't caught a break, have you? 08:09:49
GT: Oh i dont mean to sound like a downer! We caught up plenty on the journey from prospit to derse. 08:10:25
TT: That's something. 08:11:38
TT: Did they let you bring books, at least? 08:11:48
TT: *He cracks a small smirk at the recollection of Jake's eclectic interests.* 08:12:02
GT: Oh id like to see them try and stop me. 08:12:42
GT: I brought plenty. 08:12:45
TT: Ha. That's the spirit. 08:14:14
TT: How long are you going to be in town? Nobody told me to expect you. 08:14:34
TT: I would have ditched the poofy asshole pants for something cooler. 08:14:46
GT: Aw. I like the poofy pants. 08:16:23
GT: I think they make you look very princely. 08:16:33
GT: But um- actually. 08:16:41
GT: Ive heard rumor theyre going to suggest that i stay. And i- um. 08:16:54
GT: Im all for it. 08:16:56
GT: If you think your court has room for an amabassador from prospit. 08:17:08
TT: *Dirk's eyes widen, his face showing obvious signs of a mental short circuit. He gulps, taking a moment to collect his thoughts before responding.* 08:23:51
TT: Oh. 08:23:52
TT: That's, uh. 08:23:58
TT: Intriguing. They don't tell me shit around here. 08:24:12
TT: I haven't heard of any ambassador appointments yet, but if you want it, I'll give my recommendation. 08:24:44
GT: Much obliged. 08:29:04
GT: I was warned on the way that i may stay longer than expecting and i got nosey enough to press the matter with the folks i know are loose lipped. 08:29:31
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TT: Hm. 20:35:53
TT: Longer than expecting, that's for damn sure. Sounds like they're keeping you on your toes. 20:36:34
TT: If you'd rather spend your time wasting away on an island, I get it. 20:37:14
TT: Sounds like you've more than earned it. 20:37:18
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GT: *He shakes his head * i think i would go round the fucking bend if i didnt have something to do. 22:17:16
GT: *That much, at least. Hasnt changed a lick* 22:17:25
TT: You sure shaking hands and attending a fuckton more of these soirees is what you're looking for? Because I'm pretty damn sure that's what's in store if you take the ambassadorship. 22:23:06
TT: Not that I'm trying to convince you otherwise. 22:23:14
TT: I just uh. 22:23:19
TT: I know you. 22:23:22
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GT: I’d shake a thousand hands if it meant i could keep my hide out of prospit for a spell. 01:24:39
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TT: Really now? 01:52:42
TT: Something goin' on back there? 01:53:01
TT: *He stops for a moment, eyebrows raised inquisitively, then has a moment of clarity. They're practically strangers now.* 01:53:35
TT: Uh, sorry. Don't mean to pry. 01:53:46
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GT: Oh. No- don’t worry. It’s alright. 02:43:33
GT: It’s just a lot of… *he trails off. How to explain would forcing it all upon- yes, a near stranger at this point. * 02:44:04
GT: Hullabaloo to be honest. 02:44:09
GT: Either i’m smiling and shaking hands and attending soirées here. 02:44:24
GT: Or i’d be doing the same thing there. 02:44:38
TT: You really missed it here that much? I don't blame you, man. 02:45:48
TT: Prospitian cuisine's got nothing on us. 02:45:56
TT: *A small smirk is offered.* 02:46:54
TT: Let me know if you need another tour. Not much has changed, so I'm guessing you probably still know your way around. 02:47:17
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GT: I should. 02:48:44
GT: And if anything, these last few years i’ve spent more time in derse than prospit. 02:49:11
GT: It’s practically home now. 02:49:16
TT: Shame we didn't bump into each other. 02:50:20
TT: Guess that's probably for the best. Who knows what would've happened. 02:50:31
TT: But for what it's worth, I probably wouldn't have stabbed you. 02:51:07
TT: Probably. 02:51:08
GT: Well i wouldn’t have put a knife in your back. 02:51:42
TT: I hope not. I'd rather you look me in the goddamn eyes when you do it. 02:52:47
GT: *He has decided early on. He hasn’t been out on the front lines the rangers led ambushes, assassinations 02:52:47
GT: , scouting parties. There had been plenty of bloodshed, but in the shadow of the woods or an abandoned alleyway as opposed to the field of battle. He had decided early on that if he had ever received orders against dirk or his close family, he would find a way out. * 02:53:51
GT: I’m not dense enough to let you see me coming within swords reach. 02:54:42
GT: Best just call the whole thing off entirely. 02:55:01
TT: Really now? You talk a big game, English. 02:56:27
TT: Last I remember I could have you out cold in a few seconds flat. 02:56:38
TT: What was the running tally from our sparring? 8000 to 0? 02:57:10
GT: Oh no i know. That’s what i mean. 02:57:15
GT: I’m not talking any kind of game. If you saw me coming you’d have a blade at my throat as quick as i could draw a knife. 02:58:04
GT: I’d have to take you out from afar or from behind. 02:58:16
TT: You're making a lot of assumptions. I never said it'd be at your throat. 03:00:00