[It is no true secret, but it is not a kind tale, and probably not suited to a conversation about what to give a good friend. Dimitri is fine with not going into further explanation for now.]
Gifts are not uncommon during a harvest fesitval, though there is nothing in Fódlan quite like what is present here in the winter months.
[He pauses, wishing that she would not fret so over him — he doesn’t need a gift, not really.
But, with some deliberation—]
I do like horses, you know. [Not as much as Marianne, but horseback riding has always been a pleasure for him.] At home, I used to ride across the snow laden hills of the land surrounding Fhirdiad when I had the time. In my younger years, of course.
[ Horses, horseback riding. It's a start to get some ideas running. Taking a trip to the stables to get some inspiration might be in order for her now. Another thought crosses her mind. ]
It's very nice and snowy now. Have you ever asked about borrowing any of the horses from the stables? It probably won't be the same, but... you might enjoy it.
Yes. The name of the Kingdom's capital, and my home.
[He chuckles a little at her suggestion.]
I have borrowed a horse before, but for my own pleasure. [He took a trek across Moon territory, an uncomfortable notion, but that was for a matter of investigation and utterly necessary.] Perhaps I will consider it before winter is through.
[ Not that she can keep an eye on every little thing on what he or everyone else has been doing in Fellden, but he always seemed to be a hardworking person. ]
[It is, but it is difficult for him to accept. It always has been, old habits rooted in his bones for so long. So comes another: turning the conversation around while still adhering to the subject, the true test of royalty and a man bred for pretty words, indeed.]
[ A majority of her travels are either by foot or by airship. Her answer is kept short, seeming to revert to her far more reserved side. But she can sort of see what he's trying to do here. You're a stubborn man, Dimitri. A stubbornness that reminds her of Erste's current ruler (and by extension, herself.) With recent events and Fellden's current situation, she suspects he'll keep on with that hard work.
But she doesn't make an attempt to keep pushing her concerns, to get him to relax once in awhile. Instead, she offers her aid. Perhaps she doesn't need to say it, since she'd try to find a way to assist him either way. ]
Dimitri, if you ever need help with anything, I'll... I'll be here.
[ With Lloyd back in her possession, she has some added confidence about being less of a burden. Her own efforts have been a bit more low-key, but she wants to do more. ]
[He is stubborn and he does a terrible job of hiding it.
And Orchid has seen right through him, something he should feel worse about, probably. More cognizant of his own habit to deflect. For now, however, all he can do is acquiesce on the tail end of a sigh.]
I know. Thank you.
[He does mean that, gratitude present and sincere despite all else.]
The sentiment is the same on my side, as well. Please… do not mistake any of this for my being ungrateful.
[ That would be foolish of her to make that mistake. ]
I'm beginning to understand how stubborn you are.
[ She manages to smile, just a little, unseen over the Compass. Her tone is difficult to discern through audio only, almost as unreadable as her blank stares. If he pays close attention, there's a very faint noise that might sound like a short, airy laugh. ]
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Gifts are not uncommon during a harvest fesitval, though there is nothing in Fódlan quite like what is present here in the winter months.
[He pauses, wishing that she would not fret so over him — he doesn’t need a gift, not really.
But, with some deliberation—]
I do like horses, you know. [Not as much as Marianne, but horseback riding has always been a pleasure for him.] At home, I used to ride across the snow laden hills of the land surrounding Fhirdiad when I had the time. In my younger years, of course.
no subject
[ Horses, horseback riding. It's a start to get some ideas running. Taking a trip to the stables to get some inspiration might be in order for her now. Another thought crosses her mind. ]
It's very nice and snowy now. Have you ever asked about borrowing any of the horses from the stables? It probably won't be the same, but... you might enjoy it.
no subject
[He chuckles a little at her suggestion.]
I have borrowed a horse before, but for my own pleasure. [He took a trek across Moon territory, an uncomfortable notion, but that was for a matter of investigation and utterly necessary.] Perhaps I will consider it before winter is through.
no subject
[ Not that she can keep an eye on every little thing on what he or everyone else has been doing in Fellden, but he always seemed to be a hardworking person. ]
You deserve to have fun and relax a little.
no subject
[It is, but it is difficult for him to accept. It always has been, old habits rooted in his bones for so long. So comes another: turning the conversation around while still adhering to the subject, the true test of royalty and a man bred for pretty words, indeed.]
What of yourself? Have you ever ridden a horse?
no subject
[ A majority of her travels are either by foot or by airship. Her answer is kept short, seeming to revert to her far more reserved side. But she can sort of see what he's trying to do here. You're a stubborn man, Dimitri. A stubbornness that reminds her of Erste's current ruler (and by extension, herself.) With recent events and Fellden's current situation, she suspects he'll keep on with that hard work.
But she doesn't make an attempt to keep pushing her concerns, to get him to relax once in awhile. Instead, she offers her aid. Perhaps she doesn't need to say it, since she'd try to find a way to assist him either way. ]
Dimitri, if you ever need help with anything, I'll... I'll be here.
[ With Lloyd back in her possession, she has some added confidence about being less of a burden. Her own efforts have been a bit more low-key, but she wants to do more. ]
no subject
And Orchid has seen right through him, something he should feel worse about, probably. More cognizant of his own habit to deflect. For now, however, all he can do is acquiesce on the tail end of a sigh.]
I know. Thank you.
[He does mean that, gratitude present and sincere despite all else.]
The sentiment is the same on my side, as well. Please… do not mistake any of this for my being ungrateful.
no subject
[ That would be foolish of her to make that mistake. ]
I'm beginning to understand how stubborn you are.
[ She manages to smile, just a little, unseen over the Compass. Her tone is difficult to discern through audio only, almost as unreadable as her blank stares. If he pays close attention, there's a very faint noise that might sound like a short, airy laugh. ]
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...So many have told me before. I am almost inclined to agree with them.
no subject
See? Stubborn...
no subject
You may have a point.