[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.]
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
(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.]