Fine Food(?) and Music(???) Await You

[indulgently]

[Well that was truly a heartbreaking matter, to say the least. But what follows will be important. If they crack now, there will be no telling what their future holds. So now, more than ever, it is important that they hold together.

Few seem prepared to rise to the occasion, so it is left to Olivert to prepare something truly spectacular.

As the room is prepared, he hums and serenades himself quite happily. It's a good amount of work but he doesn't seem to mind doing it himself, although he would never turn down a few extra hands if they wanted to assist.

The important thing is that the Opera House has been decorated with lights and tables and rose petals aplenty. Enough to brighten up their little gathering. Amongst the tables there is food, but considering at least some if not all of them were the prince's doing, perhaps a little caution may be in order. There is at least probably a fifty/fifty percent chance of it being an edible dish!

Outside there is a sign made up to draw their numbers in.]

Tonight, a Grand Feast, to be shared amongst friends.
Everyone is highly encouraged to attend, though it need not be mandatory.
In the darkest hours it is important for the brightest lights to shine.
If necessary, tonight that light shall be me.
Wonderful music and food will be provided, you only need bring yourself.


Prepared by Olivert Reise Arnor.

[Trust nothing about this.]

Comments

[bawcock]

I haven't had a chance to do it in a while, but it's not like I've never picked up a mop or broom before either.

[ That's mostly an answer. He's Good Enough at cleaning, but... ah, what the heck. Walking to the other end of the table to start stacking plates. ]

This what you wanted?

[soumettre]

Yes, I hope I'm not asking for much.

[ As long as Erik doesn't start making ambitious saucer architecture, they're all good. ]

Do you find it odd I enjoy this?

[ Stares right at someone are hard to not notice, but he isn't the first to do that. ]

[bawcock]

Are you kidding? This doesn't even scratch the surface of asking for "much."

[ In fact, this might be closer to asking too little. He continues on with making his tower, definitely not getting too ambitious because somebody has to carry this later.

When posed, the question takes him by surprise. ]

Kind of, but it's not as though everyone hates cleaning. There are probably plenty of people out there who like it. [ Like, he's never really met them? But they must exist somewhere. ]

[soumettre]

Good. It's a bit rude to stare, but I can understand if it's just me.

[ Your new task Erik, is to dispose of the food on the larger plate with something deemed "inedible" by everyone. ]

I'm servant, so it's better I like it. Otherwise this would be a pain for everyone come next morning.

[ Does this place have pests? He doesn't want to know. ]

[bawcock]

[ A cruel task, truly. But, wait.

Did he hear that right? ]

Wait, what did you just say?

[soumettre]

My daily profession, among other things is that of a butler. I've been born and raised as one.

[bawcock]

[ A butler...? ]

And you actually enjoy it?

[soumettre]

I haven't really known what it was like to not be one, if that makes sense. But I have grown to like it. There's something satisfying in tidiness.

[ He has a full, genuine smile. ]

It's nice having some control over our circumstances, and this is fairly harmless.

[ He shows dirt no mercy. ]

[bawcock]

Not knowing any other life, huh.

[ He's not too sure what to say to any of this. ]

I can't say I get it, but if it doesn't bother you then it doesn't really matter.

[soumettre]

[ Yuzuru can sorta pick up on that awkward feeling in the air, at least. ]

What do you do to pass the time? Or perhaps what would you do normally?

[bawcock]

Depends on what I need at the time. [ Well, no. That's not quite true anymore. He hasn't had to worry too much about that stuff in a while. ] I don't have a lot of routine in my life, or at least I didn't until recently.

These days I spend most of my time helping the Luminary.

[soumettre]

A jack of all trades isn't a bad thing at all. That explains it though, our livelihoods are quite different.

[ He clears his throat. ]

I apologize if I'm not the first to ask, but what is the Luminary?

[bawcock]

I wouldn't call myself that. If anything, I've got a very specific set of skills that help me get what I need. As long as I'm willing to put the effort in, that is.

[ That aside, their livelihoods and outlooks are pretty different. Maybe there's some overlaps but, well, without talking more about it it's hard for him to tell.

Regardless, he's not about to say more to a complete stranger. Not when he hasn't even told his best friend. ]

Actually, you're the first to ask. I haven't mentioned him too often though, I guess I haven't had much need to. [ Placing his hands on his hips. ] The Luminary is... well, he's Yggdrasil's chosen champion.

[soumettre]

I think I understand, and I suppose that's enough.

[ The atmosphere says that's what hes going to get without more prodding... Nah, not today. ]

I appreciate your help, so I hope that he feels that way as well.

[bawcock]

[ Huh? That's—a really strange comment. Hold on, he's a little taken aback by it. ]

I think he does. [ Knitting his brows together and crossing his arms. ] Though, I'd say he's helping me more than I'm helping him. It's kind of the same way you're doing more work here than I am.