['Fun'? What is this 'fun' you speak of? She might have had it once, but it was awful and she's never going to do it again-]
Loosen...up?
[Constance will definitely take that proffered glass of champagne (how...how does Hilda get all these men to just do things for her, it's honestly really really impressive); she doesn't take a sip just yet, but she promises she will drink it. Really.
For a start, she'll mimic Hilda's earlier movements and swish the liquid slowly back and forth, watching the bubbles rise as if it's the most fascinating thing she's ever experienced.
It means she doesn't have to look her friend in the eyes when she answers, because it's....ugh....]
How exactly does one achieve this 'loosening up'? I assure you, I'm perfectly relaxed.
[Oh, boy. Well, mimicking her champagne move is good; plenty of people approach her when she pretends to look bored and/or sad, so she's going to chalk this up as win number one. Relaxed, though...]
Are you?
[Constance screams Uptight, in Hilda's opinion, but as Hilda smooths her hands over her gown, she decides to come at things from... a new angle: Flattery. Her classique standby!]
You know, Constance, you have such amazing posture. I'm always slouching, but you hold yourself so well. [Truth!] But why not... relax your shoulders a bit? Ooh, and smile.
[That compliment towards her posture is clearly appreciated, if the way her cat ears fly up excitedly says anything about it. Of course Hilda would notice her frankly fantastic poise! She's been working on it for years, after all!
That second comment, however...]
Relax my shoulders? Surely you can't be implying that I should slouch, Hilda! That would simply not do!
[Quelle horreur!
...although you did just. say that you do it all the time, um-]
A-Ah, not that there's anything wrong with you doing it! It's just that...well, for me, I...
[...have a terrible case of foot-in-mouth disease, apparently-]
I...there's a lot of pressure on me to be perfect, that's all! I can't reinstate House Nuvelle if I'm not perfect. But that's my burden to bear, you shouldn't...
[right can she just. trail away pathetically and take a (large) sip of that champagne while she tries to put her thoughts together, this is EMBARRASSING...]
[How can Hilda possibly be offended by anything Constance says when her adorable ears are right there? Or: Hilda doesn't care about her posture, really. What Hilda does care about is someone feeling stifled by ~expectations~, because ooh, boy, if that doesn't sound awfully familiar...]
It's a heavy burden. [Hmm, should she—yes, she should.] You've heard about my brother, right? Everyone expects him to be perfect—and he is! He tries harder than anyone I know. I'm tired just thinking about it.
[Really! Look at how her shoulders are slumping now, Coco. This is an art.]
But even he has to have fun sometimes. Usually when I remind him, [she admits, exasperated—yet clearly fond. Hilda loves her big bro! And Hilda appreciates Constance, which is why she claps her hands together.] So I'm here to remind you, too! Just follow my lead—and finish your drink.
[Constance listens quietly as Hilda speaks, trying not to berate herself too harshly for being so open. Just mentioning the pressure she places on herself is enough to make her feel...uncomfortable, so having to really talk about it...
....
....she will finish that glass of champagne, alright. She might even doing it in a not-so-ladylike manner!]
Goodness, that's strong-
[-at least, when you knock it back it is...probably should've sipped it-]
-anyway, ahem, I...one can admit that you're probably onto something, Hilda.
[It's very kind of her, really, to equate her to her to Holst. Under other circumstances, Constance would be flattered by the association; that is to say, she's still very flattered, but talking about all of this is so...ugh. It's far easier to keep up her usual act and pretend like her mission is simple, destined, going to happen only because of her hard work! There's no time to slack off! Even after their 'television' sessions in Lorenz's apartment, she'll still head back to her own with every intention of continuing her magic practice. Spare time is only earned through hard work.
...]
...if I were to allow myself some...fun, what would be your recommendation?
[Nothing is too difficult for Hilda to talk about? Or, well, that isn't entirely true; of course there are things that make even a chatterbox like herself feel a bit, mmm, awkward, so she recognizes that champagne chug for what it is—and hey, she said what she needed to say! There's no need to linger on this topic, so it's time... to get back to Operation Flirt.]
Enjoying another drink, to start with—but we are not getting one ourselves. Lesson two: no work allowed.
[Because if there is anything Hilda is sure of, it's that two pretty girls standing side-by-side will draw attention... and as she turns her head to scan the crowd? Aha. A dark-haired Prismal hurriedly looks away, lifting his glass to his lips before slyly ("slyly") looking back her way. Hilda smiles, of course, allowing her eyes to linger on him for just a second before she shifts her attention back to Cosntance.]
Do you see the tall man over there? The one with the cute ears? [Hilda helpfully tips her head in the man's direction. His ears are kind of like Constance's ears, actually, but shh.] He keeps looking over at us, so why not give him a smile? Just to be polite.
[He is once again Looking, ma'am, so do your best.]
[...oh, he's...definitely looking, isn't he. Um. Right, surely this can't be too difficult? Although she's never put so much thought into a smile, so....hopefully this will work.
...unfortunately the result is a bit too much of a smile; the result looks...quite forced, instead of natural (or, goddess forbid, flirty). The fact that she's trying to talk to Hilda at the same time, like some kind of particularly inept ventriloquist, probably isn't helping.]
[Hilda chances a glance back his way, and—well! He is indeed looking, although there is something, ah, slightly puzzled about his expression. This fish is about to slip free from the line...]
Okay. Let's try a new approach, shall we? A practical lesson. [She slips her arm through Constance's before Constance can say a word, tipping her a wink before gently tugging her along.] Just let me do the talking.
[So over to the man they go! He seems rather flattered by this forwardness, truth be told, and Hilda is quick to do what Hilda does best: flatter him. Compliment him on his amazing outfit, because did he pick it out himself? The fit is exquisite. The cut of the coat really accentuates his broad shoulders, and—oh, listen to her go on. She asks for his forgiveness with a wave of her hand, saying that champagne just has a way of loosening her right up. Such a shame, really, that she sat her glass down somewhere and forgot all about it, and that her friend's glass is totally empty, because the bar is so far away...
And is it any surprise, really, when the man tells them to stay right where they are? That he needs another drink, anyway, and so he would be pleased to bring them new ones? Hilda fawns over him for another minute or so, thanking him profusely, but soon he's cutting through the crowd—and Hilda turns back to Constance, pleased as punch.]
[...oh. Oh no. Oh no, we're going over to this man and it's too late to pull away because Hilda has her arm (and it would be frightfully rude, anyway, the thought of insulting her friend in such a way is traumatizing) and...
...and there he goes, off to fetch them drinks, and it all happens so fast and yet so delicately that Constance isn't quite sure what to say. Hilda hadn't even stopped to think, she'd just launched into this perfectly styled series of compliments and before she or their new friend could react, he was completely and utterly charmed.
If she didn't know better, she'd say Hilda had put him under some kind of spell.]
Ah...
[Is it possible to learn this power?]
...you just. He's gone. He's actually going to fetch us beverages, isn't he?
[Give...give her a minute to get her head back together, because that was just...]
[That is indeed where that gullible man has gone, hence Hilda's laugh.]
You saw how I did it! People enjoy compliments.
[Especially from a pretty girl, but that's just a given, isn't it? So moving right along:]
But only compliments that you mean. He did have broad shoulders, didn't he? And his coat fit him very well, so... I meant what I said, and he could tell! That made him happy. [She reaches out to pluck that empty champagne glass from Constance's hand, waggling it at her before setting it on a nearby table.] Everyone has something worth complimenting; you just need to find it.
[That...does actually sound so simple, and yet so brilliant? She may have a newfound respect for you and your abilities, Hilda. That champagne glass will be happily relinquished; at this point she could definitely use a refill. Thank goodness for the fellow with the tight-fitting coat...]
So you just need to make sure the compliments sound...genuine, is it? Like they could be true? That's the secret?
[Seems...straightforward enough. Point out traits that actually exist - such as the aforementioned broad shoulders - and...
....wait wait, hang on, she might. she might not be getting this as much as she first thought-]
But it...it has to be done in a complimentary way, doesn't it?
[That casual...flirtiness, if she might. Hm.]
You make it look so easy, Hilda. When I try it I simply feel silly.
[Being (mostly) genuine is, in fact, key, hence Hilda's eager nodding—that gradually, you know. Slows to a stop, because ah, Coco. Dear Coco. In some ways, flirtiness is just... an innate ability? Hilda is fairly good at reading people, and thus she's fairly good at tweaking her approach to capture their attention—but how in the world does one explain that! Whew. Better to stick with the absolute basics, she thinks.]
You're worrying way too much, [she says, bluntly but not unkindly.] Try only thinking about the person you're trying to compliment. What will make them happy? You want to make them feel like the most important person in Fód—in the room!
[Sometimes it's hard to remember that they're not, um, where they should be, but she waves that slip-up away. Hey, hi, don't stress about that.]
Why don't you try it out on me? Pretend we've just met.
[And there's so much to compliment, in Hilda's opinion, so she will just. Stand here. Clasp her hands before her as she gives Constance a sweet smile.]
[There is so much to compliment, which is a problem in itself - what should she choose? Her hairstyle? Her dress? Her choice of make-up? Her general air? Are you supposed to innately know which feature the person will prefer to have highlighted? What if you choose something that they're actually not all that confident about and then everything is ruined? Goddess, why is this so difficult-
...
...right. Overthinking it and worrying. That's what Hilda said she needed to stop doing, isn't it? So....
....this still feels incredibly embarrassing but she will. try her best-]
Ah, your....your dress is so lovely! It truly highlights your...
[Complimenting her dress? A solid start. Hilda feels a spark of hope, really, even if she can hear the gears grinding in poor Constance's head—but the conclusion! Ah. It isn't quite what Hilda would have chosen...
...But Constance isn't Hilda. They've different approaches to, um, these sorts of things—and honestly, it wasn't a bad way to end it. The long pause is what killed it, and as the long pause was almost certainly the result of nerves, Hilda thinks it's better to build Constance's confidence up as best she can. Let her sway in place for a moment, humming thoughtfully.]
"Vivacity,' [she slowly repeats, almost as though she's sounding the word out.] Well, no one's ever given me that compliment before. I like it!
[Vivacious Hilda! Yeah! She can work with that, especially as she smiles—vivaciously—and brings a hand to her cheek. It's time for a practical lesson.]
You really do have such a way with words, Constance. Sometimes it's hard to find the right ones... [A tiny sigh.] Like when I'm trying to describe someone's eyes! Yours are a beautiful shade of blue, but that just isn't enough. I can hardly look away...
[She's practically oozing charm. That special, Hilda-brand, "oh dear, I am a delicate maiden, alone and helpless" charm.]
[What is killing Constance so much, right now, is that she knows she has a way with words; her vocabulary is suitably advanced, exactly what one would expect from a woman of noble stock. So why is she finding herself so damn tongue-tied when it comes to this?
Particularly when Hilda starts turning on the charm...it's like she's pressed some kind of internal switch, and bam! Perfect flirting! She's feeling compelled to get her a drink herself...]
Well, that's...that's very nice of you to say, Hilda...
[Is this another test?? It is, isn't it? Wait, should she be flirting back? Is such a thing appropriate?
Will she ever stop overthinking absolutely everything?]
That is to say, ah! Mine couldn't possibly compare with yours! Blue eyes are so dreadfully common, yet the exquisite shade of pink in yours is a rarity!
[Okay, that's....hmm, that's not too bad, let's try to keep following this path...]
No wonder a simply bat of your eyelashes is enough to compel even the surliest of gentlemen to do what you wish!
[Their vic—I mean, the nice man helping them is probably still fighting his way through the crowd by the bar, and so Hilda is free to focus on this. And honestly, Constance? Not bad? Hilda's smile widens in spite of herself.]
Oh, stop. You'll make me blush!
[And maybe there is, in fact, a hint of color to her cheeks. The champagne's fault—but she will use it to her advantage. School is in session.]
But now I'm curious, [she admits, seeming somewhat shy as she leans a tad closer, blinking up at Constance through those famed eyelashes of hers.] If that's true, does it also work on... the sweetest of ladies?
[Rather on the nose! But as this is precisely the kind of uninspired nonsense that, like, 90% of men will throw back at Constance, so.]
[Said uninspired nonsense has absolutely worked, unfortunately, if the way Constance's cheeks immediately go red has anything to say about it. To pass Level 1, but trip instantly at Level 2...how terribly embarrassing...]
You are...too sweet, Hilda...
[As much as she would love to insist that that was flirting, definitely, that was definitely her responding to that flirting...
...not quite. It's enough to get Constance to step away for a moment, to try and get herself back under control.]
Oh, I completely fumbled it, didn't I! You're far too good at this!
[She's always been a firm believer in practice makes perfect (unless you're already perfect, which in many ways she is!), so it would make sense that a woman like Hilda - who makes all this look so easy, you'd think she sprung from the womb ready to charm the midwives - would be incredibly good at it. But still! Why is it so simple to master complex spells from complicated textbooks, but this...something that should be so straightforward and easy is causing her to completely unravel?!]
that typo in my last tag... pours one out for good grammar
[Ah, yes. It's every bit as effective as she'd thought it would be—and that's cute, really. Hilda can't help but to smile as she settles back into a more natural stance, but she manages to (just barely) keep her humor in check. It has everything to do with how she was raised? She knows this? Nothing was ever expected of her; all eyes were on her older brother, except for those eyes that just so happened to wander her way... and, well, the rest is history. She's had years of practice, ie years of avoiding responsibility! Constance, however...]
Maybe, [she concedes,] but that doesn't mean you're bad. You just need more practice! That's all.
[Because practice does, in fact, make perfect, even if the thought alone makes Hilda break out into hives.]
When our new friend comes back with our drinks, you should thank him! Try telling him something nice—and don't worry about fumbling it. I'll be right here if you need me.
[Meaning she'll step in with a save if she needs to, because it's all about girls helping girls! YEAH!]
i pretend i do not see it (no i really didn't see it!!)
[She did manage to keep up with that initial comment of Hilda's, didn't she? Alright, perhaps she fell apart a little bit on the follow-up, but! No skill that was worth mastering would ever be easy, would it? And this one is essential! If she's going to re-enter noble society, it's imperative she can play this game.
Besides, as far away as it is, she will need to obtain a suitable husband at some point...a political marriage isn't out of the question, but it would be nice to be able to banter with one's paramour...]
I really do appreciate you taking the time to do this with me, you know.
[And for once, there's no forced noble airs or smugness in her voice; it's almost....genuine.
Stranger things have happened.]
You're a lot more talented than people give you credit for, Hilda.
[Some people might interpret that compliment as being, ah, somewhat back-handed? Hilda, however, is fully aware that people are rarely aware of her talents—and that's just how she likes it, thank you. Under-performer 4 life.]
Oh, I don't know about that. [Don't expect anything from her, Coco!!!] But I'll admit, it is flattering to hear such praise from the talented heir to House Nuvelle.
[Another well-tailored compliment to buoy Constance's confidence—and it isn't a lie! It's, mmm, kind of nice to be praised for this thing she does indeed excel at... but it isn't about her, really. It's Constance's night to shine, so.]
I'm always happy to spend time with you. We're friends!
[Constance has been officially adopted by the Deer, no take-backs allowed.]
[It was definitely meant to be a compliment! Constance just...isn't all that good at subtlety and/or not being uncomfortably candid with her opinions.
(if it wasn't. completely obvious)]
It's genuine, I assure you. I've very much enjoyed our time here. You, and the other Golden Deer, you...
[ooohhhhHHHH let her stop for a moment...there's a Feeling caught in her throat and it's kind of uncomfortable, just give her a minute to work it out...]
Well, you've...basically taken me in when you didn't need to and I'm...well, I'm very grateful. I only hope I can make it up to you one day.
[This is why she would never agree to take-backs...who is she supposed to watch awful TV with and drink awful wine with in the Black Eagles? Hubert? She has to laugh.]
When my house is restored to its former stupendous glory, I will simply have to have a feast in your honour!
[Can we just ignore any awkward 'Coco there's going to be a whole-ass war' thoughts? Good.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Loosen...up?
[Constance will definitely take that proffered glass of champagne (how...how does Hilda get all these men to just do things for her, it's honestly really really impressive); she doesn't take a sip just yet, but she promises she will drink it. Really.
For a start, she'll mimic Hilda's earlier movements and swish the liquid slowly back and forth, watching the bubbles rise as if it's the most fascinating thing she's ever experienced.
It means she doesn't have to look her friend in the eyes when she answers, because it's....ugh....]
How exactly does one achieve this 'loosening up'? I assure you, I'm perfectly relaxed.
[/laugh track]
no subject
Are you?
[Constance screams Uptight, in Hilda's opinion, but as Hilda smooths her hands over her gown, she decides to come at things from... a new angle: Flattery. Her classique standby!]
You know, Constance, you have such amazing posture. I'm always slouching, but you hold yourself so well. [Truth!] But why not... relax your shoulders a bit? Ooh, and smile.
[Naturally. Smile naturally, dear Coco.]
no subject
That second comment, however...]
Relax my shoulders? Surely you can't be implying that I should slouch, Hilda! That would simply not do!
[Quelle horreur!
...although you did just. say that you do it all the time, um-]
A-Ah, not that there's anything wrong with you doing it! It's just that...well, for me, I...
[...have a terrible case of foot-in-mouth disease, apparently-]
I...there's a lot of pressure on me to be perfect, that's all! I can't reinstate House Nuvelle if I'm not perfect. But that's my burden to bear, you shouldn't...
[right can she just. trail away pathetically and take a (large) sip of that champagne while she tries to put her thoughts together, this is EMBARRASSING...]
no subject
It's a heavy burden. [Hmm, should she—yes, she should.] You've heard about my brother, right? Everyone expects him to be perfect—and he is! He tries harder than anyone I know. I'm tired just thinking about it.
[Really! Look at how her shoulders are slumping now, Coco. This is an art.]
But even he has to have fun sometimes. Usually when I remind him, [she admits, exasperated—yet clearly fond. Hilda loves her big bro! And Hilda appreciates Constance, which is why she claps her hands together.] So I'm here to remind you, too! Just follow my lead—and finish your drink.
[All of it, ma'am. She is waiting.]
no subject
....
....she will finish that glass of champagne, alright. She might even doing it in a not-so-ladylike manner!]
Goodness, that's strong-
[-at least, when you knock it back it is...probably should've sipped it-]
-anyway, ahem, I...one can admit that you're probably onto something, Hilda.
[It's very kind of her, really, to equate her to her to Holst. Under other circumstances, Constance would be flattered by the association; that is to say, she's still very flattered, but talking about all of this is so...ugh. It's far easier to keep up her usual act and pretend like her mission is simple, destined, going to happen only because of her hard work! There's no time to slack off! Even after their 'television' sessions in Lorenz's apartment, she'll still head back to her own with every intention of continuing her magic practice. Spare time is only earned through hard work.
...]
...if I were to allow myself some...fun, what would be your recommendation?
no subject
Enjoying another drink, to start with—but we are not getting one ourselves. Lesson two: no work allowed.
[Because if there is anything Hilda is sure of, it's that two pretty girls standing side-by-side will draw attention... and as she turns her head to scan the crowd? Aha. A dark-haired Prismal hurriedly looks away, lifting his glass to his lips before slyly ("slyly") looking back her way. Hilda smiles, of course, allowing her eyes to linger on him for just a second before she shifts her attention back to Cosntance.]
Do you see the tall man over there? The one with the cute ears? [Hilda helpfully tips her head in the man's direction. His ears are kind of like Constance's ears, actually, but shh.] He keeps looking over at us, so why not give him a smile? Just to be polite.
[He is once again Looking, ma'am, so do your best.]
no subject
...unfortunately the result is a bit too much of a smile; the result looks...quite forced, instead of natural (or, goddess forbid, flirty). The fact that she's trying to talk to Hilda at the same time, like some kind of particularly inept ventriloquist, probably isn't helping.]
Is it working? Is he looking?
[Casual Flirting Attempt #1 - Failure]
no subject
Okay. Let's try a new approach, shall we? A practical lesson. [She slips her arm through Constance's before Constance can say a word, tipping her a wink before gently tugging her along.] Just let me do the talking.
[So over to the man they go! He seems rather flattered by this forwardness, truth be told, and Hilda is quick to do what Hilda does best: flatter him. Compliment him on his amazing outfit, because did he pick it out himself? The fit is exquisite. The cut of the coat really accentuates his broad shoulders, and—oh, listen to her go on. She asks for his forgiveness with a wave of her hand, saying that champagne just has a way of loosening her right up. Such a shame, really, that she sat her glass down somewhere and forgot all about it, and that her friend's glass is totally empty, because the bar is so far away...
And is it any surprise, really, when the man tells them to stay right where they are? That he needs another drink, anyway, and so he would be pleased to bring them new ones? Hilda fawns over him for another minute or so, thanking him profusely, but soon he's cutting through the crowd—and Hilda turns back to Constance, pleased as punch.]
See? It's that easy.
no subject
...and there he goes, off to fetch them drinks, and it all happens so fast and yet so delicately that Constance isn't quite sure what to say. Hilda hadn't even stopped to think, she'd just launched into this perfectly styled series of compliments and before she or their new friend could react, he was completely and utterly charmed.
If she didn't know better, she'd say Hilda had put him under some kind of spell.]
Ah...
[Is it possible to learn this power?]
...you just. He's gone. He's actually going to fetch us beverages, isn't he?
[Give...give her a minute to get her head back together, because that was just...]
How did you do that?
no subject
You saw how I did it! People enjoy compliments.
[Especially from a pretty girl, but that's just a given, isn't it? So moving right along:]
But only compliments that you mean. He did have broad shoulders, didn't he? And his coat fit him very well, so... I meant what I said, and he could tell! That made him happy. [She reaches out to pluck that empty champagne glass from Constance's hand, waggling it at her before setting it on a nearby table.] Everyone has something worth complimenting; you just need to find it.
[It's a simple as that!]
no subject
So you just need to make sure the compliments sound...genuine, is it? Like they could be true? That's the secret?
[Seems...straightforward enough. Point out traits that actually exist - such as the aforementioned broad shoulders - and...
....wait wait, hang on, she might. she might not be getting this as much as she first thought-]
But it...it has to be done in a complimentary way, doesn't it?
[That casual...flirtiness, if she might. Hm.]
You make it look so easy, Hilda. When I try it I simply feel silly.
no subject
You're worrying way too much, [she says, bluntly but not unkindly.] Try only thinking about the person you're trying to compliment. What will make them happy? You want to make them feel like the most important person in Fód—in the room!
[Sometimes it's hard to remember that they're not, um, where they should be, but she waves that slip-up away. Hey, hi, don't stress about that.]
Why don't you try it out on me? Pretend we've just met.
[And there's so much to compliment, in Hilda's opinion, so she will just. Stand here. Clasp her hands before her as she gives Constance a sweet smile.]
no subject
...
...right. Overthinking it and worrying. That's what Hilda said she needed to stop doing, isn't it? So....
....this still feels incredibly embarrassing but she will. try her best-]
Ah, your....your dress is so lovely! It truly highlights your...
[
no thoughts head empty]
...your...vivacity!
[.......]
no subject
...But Constance isn't Hilda. They've different approaches to, um, these sorts of things—and honestly, it wasn't a bad way to end it. The long pause is what killed it, and as the long pause was almost certainly the result of nerves, Hilda thinks it's better to build Constance's confidence up as best she can. Let her sway in place for a moment, humming thoughtfully.]
"Vivacity,' [she slowly repeats, almost as though she's sounding the word out.] Well, no one's ever given me that compliment before. I like it!
[Vivacious Hilda! Yeah! She can work with that, especially as she smiles—vivaciously—and brings a hand to her cheek. It's time for a practical lesson.]
You really do have such a way with words, Constance. Sometimes it's hard to find the right ones... [A tiny sigh.] Like when I'm trying to describe someone's eyes! Yours are a beautiful shade of blue, but that just isn't enough. I can hardly look away...
[She's practically oozing charm. That special, Hilda-brand, "oh dear, I am a delicate maiden, alone and helpless" charm.]
no subject
Particularly when Hilda starts turning on the charm...it's like she's pressed some kind of internal switch, and bam! Perfect flirting! She's feeling compelled to get her a drink herself...]
Well, that's...that's very nice of you to say, Hilda...
[Is this another test?? It is, isn't it? Wait, should she be flirting back? Is such a thing appropriate?
Will she ever stop overthinking absolutely everything?]
That is to say, ah! Mine couldn't possibly compare with yours! Blue eyes are so dreadfully common, yet the exquisite shade of pink in yours is a rarity!
[Okay, that's....hmm, that's not too bad, let's try to keep following this path...]
No wonder a simply bat of your eyelashes is enough to compel even the surliest of gentlemen to do what you wish!
no subject
Oh, stop. You'll make me blush!
[And maybe there is, in fact, a hint of color to her cheeks. The champagne's fault—but she will use it to her advantage. School is in session.]
But now I'm curious, [she admits, seeming somewhat shy as she leans a tad closer, blinking up at Constance through those famed eyelashes of hers.] If that's true, does it also work on... the sweetest of ladies?
[Rather on the nose! But as this is precisely the kind of uninspired nonsense that, like, 90% of men will throw back at Constance, so.]
no subject
[Said uninspired nonsense has absolutely worked, unfortunately, if the way Constance's cheeks immediately go red has anything to say about it. To pass Level 1, but trip instantly at Level 2...how terribly embarrassing...]
You are...too sweet, Hilda...
[As much as she would love to insist that that was flirting, definitely, that was definitely her responding to that flirting...
...not quite. It's enough to get Constance to step away for a moment, to try and get herself back under control.]
Oh, I completely fumbled it, didn't I! You're far too good at this!
[She's always been a firm believer in practice makes perfect (unless you're already perfect, which in many ways she is!), so it would make sense that a woman like Hilda - who makes all this look so easy, you'd think she sprung from the womb ready to charm the midwives - would be incredibly good at it. But still! Why is it so simple to master complex spells from complicated textbooks, but this...something that should be so straightforward and easy is causing her to completely unravel?!]
that typo in my last tag... pours one out for good grammar
Maybe, [she concedes,] but that doesn't mean you're bad. You just need more practice! That's all.
[Because practice does, in fact, make perfect, even if the thought alone makes Hilda break out into hives.]
When our new friend comes back with our drinks, you should thank him! Try telling him something nice—and don't worry about fumbling it. I'll be right here if you need me.
[Meaning she'll step in with a save if she needs to, because it's all about girls helping girls! YEAH!]
i pretend i do not see it (no i really didn't see it!!)
[She did manage to keep up with that initial comment of Hilda's, didn't she? Alright, perhaps she fell apart a little bit on the follow-up, but! No skill that was worth mastering would ever be easy, would it? And this one is essential! If she's going to re-enter noble society, it's imperative she can play this game.
Besides, as far away as it is, she will need to obtain a suitable husband at some point...a political marriage isn't out of the question, but it would be nice to be able to banter with one's paramour...]
I really do appreciate you taking the time to do this with me, you know.
[And for once, there's no forced noble airs or smugness in her voice; it's almost....genuine.
Stranger things have happened.]
You're a lot more talented than people give you credit for, Hilda.
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Oh, I don't know about that. [Don't expect anything from her, Coco!!!] But I'll admit, it is flattering to hear such praise from the talented heir to House Nuvelle.
[Another well-tailored compliment to buoy Constance's confidence—and it isn't a lie! It's, mmm, kind of nice to be praised for this thing she does indeed excel at... but it isn't about her, really. It's Constance's night to shine, so.]
I'm always happy to spend time with you. We're friends!
[Constance has been officially adopted by the Deer, no take-backs allowed.]
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(if it wasn't. completely obvious)]
It's genuine, I assure you. I've very much enjoyed our time here. You, and the other Golden Deer, you...
[ooohhhhHHHH let her stop for a moment...there's a Feeling caught in her throat and it's kind of uncomfortable, just give her a minute to work it out...]
Well, you've...basically taken me in when you didn't need to and I'm...well, I'm very grateful. I only hope I can make it up to you one day.
[This is why she would never agree to take-backs...who is she supposed to watch awful TV with and drink awful wine with in the Black Eagles? Hubert? She has to laugh.]
When my house is restored to its former stupendous glory, I will simply have to have a feast in your honour!
[Can we just ignore any awkward 'Coco there's going to be a whole-ass war' thoughts? Good.]