eidolonic | You never go full Robin Hood

[So one thing that Krile has learned during her brief association with one Drividot Nicot: he is a vain. In fact, that is one of the first things she learned about him.

Normally she finds it very entertaining. The Warrior of Light, famous in three city-states and probably more, fighter, craftsman, naturalist... popinjay. But today, it's become a considerable concern. Because lo, not an hour after they arrived in Limsa Lominsa, was a fashion show announced! Open to all comers from around the city, and hosted by none other than the Baroque Brigands of the SS Brummell.

She might not be well-versed in all the sociopolitical complexities of Eorzea, but you don't travel with a pirate for months without learning a few things. She doesn't know that they're after Drividot specifically (though she's picked up here and there that his being so generally heroic has made him unpopular with certain persons) but she does know that pirates trying to gather a bunch of fancy rich people on their ship probably won't end well for anyone but the pirates.

Which is why she is spending their preparation time at the inn trying to talk him into not doing this. Really into doing anything at all besides this.]

I know they seem like they're actually fashionable pirates, but they're still pirates. You really think they're putting on this little show just to give out ribbons to a bunch of dandies?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Bluntly: Yes, Drividot is a very vain man. Most of the time, he has the advantage that comes from knowing and admitting one’s weaknesses, biases; he is self-aware. Usually that means he can compensate for it. Sometimes, however…]

Oh, of course it’s a trap. [He’s not looking at Krile as he redoes the knot to his necktie until it comes out exactly perfect.] All the more reason for me to be there.

[Sometimes, however… he’s like this.]

[ She looks up from fidgeting at her waist sash, trying to make sure the fancy green satin doesn't wrinkle, to stare at Drividot in disbelief.]

It sounds like a reason to not be there! They're going to hit you on the head, weigh anchor, and take your money. Or hold you for ransom.

[and, you know, her into the bargain, but she's not a princess here.]

Edited 2021-07-20 22:14 (UTC)

[He’s finally satisfied with his tie, and instead turns to a jar of pomade to touch up his hair (styled in a short braid, with some strands near his face loose just so).]

They will try, [Drividot corrects her.] They will try and they will fail, because I’m there, not just a crowd of helpless rich fools.

[Really, this is a public service he’s performing here.]

You're awfully sure of yourself.

[It's true that she's Heard Things about Drividot's various exploits, many of which seem to have involved going up to godlike beings and hitting them very hard until they stop existing.

Strangely enough, that doesn't help, not in his present mood of vainglory. She picks up the jar of pomade once he's done with it and pokes at it.]

And why are you being this fussy over impressing pirates that we're going to have to beat up anyway?

I’m not being fussy, [he fusses, because he doesn’t really have an answer to her charge of being sure of himself.] I’m blending in. By standing out.

[Yes. Exactly. And he’s almost finished anyways.]

If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

We could blend in by posing as caterers. But then you wouldn't be able to get yourself all dandied up, right? They're not allowed to out-peacock the guests.

[just saying. you're a touch transparent right now, drivi.

she's got a little bit of pomade on her finger, so she twists it into her curly bangs.]

...I hope I can blend in. They don't do this kind of thing where I'm from.

[When you’re caught in a corner, there’s no salvation like a change of topic.]

What kind of thing? I mean, surely some people show off their wealth and beauty, even if it’s not in pageants like this.

[That’s why wealth and beauty exist, honestly.]

[She is noticing that Drivi is an expert in shamelessly abandoning a subject he doesn't want to pursue]

[But really she is... trying to think of anyone from her world who is vain in the same way Drividot is. That is, in Bal before the two planets got stitched back together.]

I know some soldiers who cultivated really fancy mustaches, and women who could braid their hair right up against their scalp. [she means French braids but there is no France] But as far as frills and velvets and all, we just didn't have a lot to spare.

[She's aware it sounds a little dramatic, but it really is just a fact for her. The fanciest bit of clothing she's usually ever had was a hair ribbon.]

[He gives her a quizzical look. The kind that belongs framed and preserved in a hallway labeled “Moments Before Disaster,” because he follows that up with:]

Well, yes, but what did the ruling class do?

[He’s figured out by now that Krile was someone special… just not how much.]

[OH. uh. okay.

so this is the thing she's kind of not been talking about. because she became aware as soon as she got to Tycoon that anyone not from Bal, Surgate, or Quelb immediately takes her (and took Grandpa) for a commoner... which has carried through to eorzea.

This doesn't bother her, exactly, and she's not been in a hurry to explain her actual status to Drividot, because she doesn't know how he's going to take it. Also she's fine with not talking about the fact that the ruling class of Bal is presently Krile Mayer Baldesion, and that its sole other member is now a ghost.

Well, it was going to happen sooner or later.]

Um... You've already seen how she dresses.

[Dot. Dot. Dot.

Then:]

Seven hells—

[Abjectly horrified by both his own manners and the implications of Krile’s words, he has his hand over his mouth before he can say anything else extremely stupid. Like “You’re alone” or “What about your home” or… really, anything that’s not:]

I’m sorry. [Muffled, spoken through his fingers; he’s still processing.]

[OKAY SO THIS IS HOW. she waves her hands hurriedly as the horror overtakes him.]

No, no, not all seven! Or even one. [she grins.] I know most people here wouldn't think I'm the epitome of princessliness. Even people who have their own princesses don't think that.

[like the chancellor of tycoon ushering her and Bartz away as "acquaintences."]

You never go full Robin Hood

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject