A few days removed from his first meeting with Hubert, Zeri arrived at the Everhart estate where the formal ball was being held. Even though life was now moving quickly, he came prepared.
Zeri was a rather stoic person. He carried himself through his calm and collected nature, in which he placed logic and reason over emotions and irrationality. It determined whenever he would speak in a succinct or verbose manner. Behind those blue eyes, he wasn't without emotion and showed it like any other person would. Such was the case when he found out about his acceptance at Lanseal because he had been working toward that goal for so much of his life. A sense of understatement, just like his dry sense of humor.
All of these things were expressed through the tuxedo he wore for this night. He was as tidy as he could be, making sure there were no mistakes in his appearance. Everything had to look right, from the way his shirt was tucked, to the shine on his shoes. At the same time, the outfit flattered his physical finesse and athletic build, giving him a presence.
Zeri wanted to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. Two in particular. The first was to get accepted into Lanseal Royal Military Academy, which would prepare him for a lifelong career in the military. The second was to learn from the aristocracy and apply it to his own life, from the most influential within Gallian society. Both meant cultivating himself in both body and mind. He regularly participated in athletics at his high school, believing all that mattered on the field was ability, drive, and morale before anything else. He was studious in his academics because he knew how important it was with his interest in Lanseal, something he expressed well before he entered high school.
Outside of school, he spent much of time being around the aristocracy with the sincere interest of learning from them, both out of leisurely pursuits and professional development. Zeri quickly found acceptance through his knowledge of current affairs, economics, and society. Whether people were sincere in taking him under their wing or condescending toward him with the idea they were helping a lesser person was of no consequence to Zeri as he moved forward. He took up hobbies such as fencing and chess, both of which he loved. He was a much welcomed regular at discussions over tea. He even became familiar with some people there his age.
Through it all, Zeri never forgot his Darcsen heritage as he navigated the social climate. He wore a traditional cloth tied around his arm, near the shoulder, making a point of doing so, despite repeated suggestions that he should not. The formal gatherings, which were an important part of Gallian higher society, were the one place he conceded on the cloth. No matter the reason for these functions, often being only one of two Darcsens in attendance, he always brought a Darcsen-patterned handkerchief in its place. It was his way of carrying his pride, no matter what.
Going back to tonight, Zeri stood near the entrance gate to the Everhart premises. He immediately saw Hubert Brixham, just as planned.
Hubert was dressed in a pinstriped, dark brown suit. It was his outfit of choice wherever he went, whether it was meeting up with Zeri previously, or teaching in the classrooms of Lanseal Academy. The outfit was formal enough that he wore it to this function. It contrasted with his rather shaggy hair that spoke to his personality.
He could appear to be aloof, but it was the furthest from the truth. He was curious about most things and liked being around others. Whenever Hubert takes an interest in someone, he will find out everything he can about them. It was for this reason he was immediately drawn to Zeri. His manner of speech, which could emanate a sense of coldness and strictness, initially caused Zeri to address him formally, as his presence seemed to command, before being told to be at ease. The smile he often wore helped there. It was this contrast between perception and actuality that made him a great conversation partner with Zeri, through the sense of humor and wit they shared in common.
"Ah, Zeri, there you are. I knew you'd be here on time." Hubert quipped.
"I don't disappoint, Hubert," Zeri said with a slight smile.
"You'd think with a civil war going on, this place would look emptier." Hubert looked around. "You couldn't tell."
"For now, at least," Zeri added, "this ball will be the last one I'm attending for a while."
"That is, if you don't drop out," Hubert said back in response.
"I'm reassured by your confidence," Zeri replied with a slight smile matching Hubert's.
"Can't help it with how long I've been a teacher at this school," Hubert put his hand behind the back of his head.
"Better help yourself if I'm placed in your homeroom class."
"Last more than a week and I'll worry then."
"I'd rather remain a cadet than a failure of a guest at these social gatherings." Both laughed at this exchange.
"Speaking of guests," Hubert looked toward a gathering of people, "we should head over from the gate to the garden."
Zeri nodded in agreement. Both could tell right away this group was full of familiar faces. They were listening along to this one woman in particular.
"You should have seen me when I nabbed that one turkey. We were following it for a while, getting that good shot, y'know? I held my rifle like this," this woman pretended to hold a rifle in an air motion, "took a deep breath and… BAM!" She pantomimed the recoil. "The turkey made this loud sound… BAAAAAAAAWK, and I was like, YEAH, GOT 'EM!" She made a downward fist bump motion. "What a wonderful day it was… oh hey Zeri! I see you brought Hubert along."
"Nice to see you, Anisette. I always appreciate your presence, keeps these things from getting too stuffy for my own liking." Zeri liked how down-to-earth she was.
Anisette Nelson. An honest and hard-working young woman who is very much a country girl at heart. The sister of Edy Nelson, Anisette seeks to ride the fame of Edy and her exploits from the Second Europan War to launch her career. Her love for country music from the United States of Vinland inspired her to pursue her goal to become a country music star. Though one can say she's an embodiment of just because you have money doesn't mean it can buy you class, her charisma was a positive influence on others.
"Finally hear back from Lanseal? I was worrying a guy like you'd be forgotten. And then I'd start shouting at people, raisin' hell, I tell you what." Anisette was honest to her words.
"No need to do that, I heard from them thanks to yours truly," Zeri pointed with his thumb toward Hubert.
Hubert laughed a little. "You flatter me. I was just the messenger." Hubert smiled with those humble words. "Still committed to Lanseal, Anisette?" He glanced over to her.
"Of course! I want to make a name for myself, the army will be a great place to do so! I ain't no athlete, but you better not underestimate me. Just you wait! Someday, people will look at me and go 'There's Anisette Nelson, country music star!' OH HO HO HO!"
Another woman next to her giggled once the laughing quieted down. "If only I was there to see the rifle," she blushed, "the way you load the bullets into the chamber, the sliding, stroking the barrel, that sweet release once you pull the trigger, oh it is all so wonderful." She noticed the two men in the group. "My goodness, where are my manners," as she composed herself, "greetings, fine gentlemen."
"Greetings to you too, Marion," Zeri said in return. He was never the best with these things, deferring the better words to Hubert.
"I say the same as well, dear madam," the teacher quipped, "glad to see you hearty and hale."
"You have a way with words. My parents immediately took a liking to you for a reason."
Marion Siegbahn. The sole heiress to the longstanding Siegbahn house, she overflows with grace and etiquette. She applied to join Lanseal so she could be around weapons, for which she considers her secret love. Her weapons fetish was serious enough that her parents forced her to keep it a secret. Hubert convinced her parents to let her attend Lanseal, under the strict condition that she not let anyone know about her fetish, which they considered to be unladylike.
"It made convincing them to let you attend Lanseal all the easier. You'd bring so much life and I know a lot of students would really like you. I know how your parents feel about certain things, but I'll continue to reassure them. You have my word."
Anisette patted the woman on the back. "One of these days, Marion, when your parents wouldn't notice, I need to take you on one of these hunting trips. You'd be so much fun to have around. They need to loosen up for once."
"If only, Anisette. And you're too kind, Hubert. I would be flattered to have you as my homeroom teacher. You've been such a gentleman to my parents and I cannot thank you enough. I couldn't ask for better company, and that includes you Zeri. You're one of the few good ones I know. It's comforting to know some of them learn to be proper."
"Thank you for the kind words, personal ambivalence aside." Zeri was well experienced in keeping tact. While appreciating the compliments, he also knew the words carried the same kind of prejudice as the more direct ones aimed at him. These comments he anticipated would happen, with Marion being prejudiced against Darcsens due to her upbringing. Resentfully swallowing his pride, he chose not to make a scene. There was always a time and place. This was not it. "Anyway, I take it people are giving you the proper respect? It would be a shame to see you caught up with the wrong people."
"Of course!" Marion giggled. "Alexis keeps me safe. Isn't that right, my good sir?" She looked over to her friend, dressed in a tuxedo.
"I do what I can, nothing more. Being your male or female bodyguard, it doesn't matter, I'm glad to be of service," Alexis bowed slightly, something she did out of habit. "So far, I haven't had to do much, so I can simply enjoy your company. Need no excuse." She smiled. "Ah, Zeri, glad to see you around."
Alexis Hilden. A person bound by no gender, assigned a girl and raised as a boy, who considers themselves Alexis first. Her grace and reliability makes her popular among girls, who often go to her as a reliable companion to feel safe. Alexis is more than happy to take on the role of a bodyguard, to make girls not worry about the unwanted attention they may receive from boys. While far from the most talkative person and usually of few words, she is considered a reliable conversation partner.
"As am I." Zeri said.
"And I'm glad to see you too, Alexis," quipped Hubert. "One of these days, when I'm not so busy, I need to see you fence with Zeri. You have quite the reputation, after all."
"I look forward to what Lanseal has to offer with swordsmanship. I always believe there's a place for it, no matter what technology may bring. Speaking of which, did you hear back from the school, Zeri?"
"Just the other day, courtesy of yours truly." Zeri flashed a smile as he glanced over to Hubert.
"Congratulations. Lanseal must be really busy if it took them this long to get back to you. Need say no more, Hubert." This got a brief laugh out of everyone. "Even Magari received her admission letter sooner. Speaking of whom," she glanced over to her side, "no need to be shy, you can show yourself fully."
A small young woman appeared from slightly behind Alexis. "Zeri!" Her usually shy nature gave way to warmth and familiarity as she made her way next to him.
"Hey there, Magari. You look beautiful tonight," he pats her on the head.
"Thank you," she blushes, "the moment I heard you were coming, I gathered the courage to find a dress. I would've been too shy otherwise. Thankfully, the people around me made it easy."
Magari, a young Darcsen girl on the shy side. She prefers to be behind a book than to be in the company of other people, even more so with the prejudice against her kind. Her mother works at the Everhart estate and she often comes along with her. Magari spends most of her time in the Everhart's personal library, calling it a second home. Zeri is the only person she's opened up to, as he is often the only Darcsen around. They soon became very close friends, with Magari often staying near him for reassurance. Zeri's often cool exterior melts around her. A comfort in this sometimes cold world.
Whenever Zeri had his doubts about staying true to his heritage as a Darcsen, Magari's presence reminded him otherwise. He considered her his best friend and she could say the same. Zeri would meet up with her in the library to whittle the hours away, where they'd have the space to themselves.
It was for this reason Zeri smiled more than he usually would. "They should help you out more often. I'm going to miss going to these things if it means I won't be able to see you like this. I was starting to wonder where you were. But you can feel easy tonight. You can stick by me the entire time."
"I'll be more than happy to! I can forget about the library, as much as I like it over there. I'll do my best not to run away and hide tonight! Not after I got myself to look good for you!" Magari beamed with happiness.
"I'm proud of you, too," Hubert said with a warm smile to match her radiant presence. The library will always be there, but these sort of events only last a night," Hubert said. "I'll make sure you get placed with the right kind of people at Lanseal. Been pestering the school admins as soon as I found out you were in. For now, enjoy the ball."
"Of course!"
The conversations became lively with all six people around each other. Catching up with things. Zeri was already familiar with Magari, Alexis, Marion, and Anisette through the social space in which they shared. Hubert, while not one for these large gatherings, knew everyone on a more personal basis. This was the reason why he could ease himself with the incoming Lanseal cadets.
There was one person notably absent from this corner of the party.
"We should probably head inside, as nice as it is out here," Hubert politely interjected. "I have rather important business to attend to, so I want to enjoy the last few moments I have with all of you somewhere warmer."
"And that means eventually running into Juliana. Honestly," Zeri rubbed his temple, "I was putting it off as much as possible. Seems I can never escape her, no matter what." He glanced over to Hubert. "Not to worry, I saved all my words for tonight," he said with particular wit in his tone, before looking over to Magari. "I know she can be a rather scary woman. Trust me, even I feel intimidated by her, as much as I try not to show it. I can take her venom. It's me who she goes after anyway. Stick by me and everything should be fine. I got this."
Magari nodded in approval. "Thank you so much, I believe in you! I'm ready when you are. After you, Zeri."
"No time like the present." For the first time tonight, he didn't resort to those two words he defaulted to, you too.
Into the snake's pit, he thought, where Juliana Everhart was. A young woman he could never seem to avoid. The path he took in his social life meant she was always going to be there, the daughter of one of the largest noble families within Gallia, the heiress to the family name. Hubert only knew about the tension between the two from what Juliana told him. Magari knew all too well the tension, having seen it for herself in person. Tonight will be the same, just within a larger crowd.
