text | un: blackcrown

[elight]

Greetings. My name is Edelgard von Hresvelg, Emperor of the Adrestian Empire.

Much like all I have the other “Moonblessed”, I have found myself falling victim repeatedly to the effects of the lunar cycle. Were the side effects merely physical, I would think nothing of the process, however...the mental imbalance that the moon stirs within me often invokes...irresponsible proclivities. While many seem to have accepted this status quo of life in this place, I will continue to reject it for the sake of having full control over myself and my decision-making.

Currently, I’m seeking any scholars on the subject that can offer insight into possible/potential counter measures to the ostensible curse of the moonblessed. Much the way that demichroma is a synthetic that can ease the need for chroma proper, I have to wonder if there is something artificial or otherwise that can assuage the monthly effects of the lunar cycle.

Anyone with pertinent information or willing to discuss this topic are welcome to join me for tea.

Thank you for your time.
~
Edelgard von Hresvelg,
Emperor of Adrestia

Comments

un: grimm

[hagrides]

Greetings, Edelgard. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last - Hubert has spoken of you warmly. [As warm as Hubert gets, anyway.] I am Grimm.

I have thus far kept Iris under control with practical arrangements with those similarly afflicted, but a more material remedy would be welcome. Sadly, I have little information to provide on this matter, but I do enjoy tea and meeting friends of friends.

[elight]

I would welcome you at the table, Grimm.

A friend of Hubert’s, then? Certainly rare, but I’m no less glad to hear it.

I’m interested in what you consider to be “practical arrangements.”

[hagrides]

He does seem the standoffish type, but he has been helpful to me and kind to my child.

Things not fit for public discussion, but most likely, exactly what you would expect from an Iris dealing with their heat. But if you have time to meet in person, I would happily discuss anything you like.

[elight]

[“In heat”...Ugh, this place.]

Any information is useful, and I’d be remiss to not be seeking it out on my own.

Seeing as you’re a friend of Hubert’s, I have no problem meeting in person. Allow me to send you a private message with my location.

[and moments later, she does just that – forwarding the location of a small café.]

Is there a particular confection you enjoy?

to action

[hagrides]

I must confess an ironic weakness for angel food cake.

[It's ironic for reasons Edelgard will soon find out. After arranging a time to meet at the cafe and how Grimm should identify her, Grimm arrives early, and Edelgard will be witness to the gothest six foot bug she's ever seen.

There's also a much smaller bug sitting on his shoulder.]

Emperor Edelgard, I presume?

[elight]

[Edelgard offers a polite smile and wave. She’s seen some strange things since she’s gotten here, so the impulse to tense up at six foot tall bugs has luckily faded by now.]

There’s no need to address me with that title - I have no power here. Using it myself has become a bit of a bad habit. [That said, she does enjoy it.

...Wait, is that his “child”?]

Please, take a seat. [You know, if sitting is a thing he does as a large bug person. You never know! What he’ll find however, is that there’s already two cups of tea at the table Edelgard has seated herself at. Not only that, but a slice of angel food cake sits opposite the young emperor.]

[hagrides]

As you wish, Edelgard. A pleasure to meet you.

[He bows, but then, he bows meeting everyone. He has a seat at the table, but the child flits off his shoulder to land on Edelgard's side of the table and lets out a nyah. They would normally just bump their face into her and demand pets, but Hubert had been skittish the first time they did that to him without warning. They're being considerate!]

My child is also happy to make your acquaintance.

[elight]

[Oh. This is...interesting. But it is rather cute, so Edelgard offers the child her index finger, as if “shaking hands”.]

Likewise.

...It must be difficult caring for a child in a place like this.

[hagrides]

[The child doesn't have arms or hands to shake with, so they lightly headbutt Edelgard's finger, meowing happily.]

It can be. Yet I am much relieved to have them at my side once again, rather than fretting for their wellbeing at home.

They are never in danger of running out of Chroma, besides - they like being pet.

[And who can resist petting this adorable child?\

[elight]

[Edelgard’s face is sure to hide just how cute she found that. So cute.]

They seem very friendly.

As do you. [Edelgard crosses her legs, taking a sip of her tea.]

Hubert has been helping take care of you, has he? [Directed at both him and the child.]

[hagrides]

Indeed. He is quite intelligent, and exchanging information here has been mutually beneficial.

[The baby nyahs.]

And he gives good pets.

[elight]

[That makes her cover her mouth and laugh out loud.]

Hubert gives good pets?

My, I didn’t know he had it in him.

Delightful.

[hagrides]

[Grimm wishes he had a picture of the soft expressions Hubert made at Grimmchild, so he could share it with Edelgard. She'd be even more delighted.]

He was a bit jittery at first - my child's usual way of asking for pets is nuzzling up to people, and I take it he is not used to sudden affectionate physical contact. I notice you did not do that today, my dear.

[An answering meow.]

Yes, it is good to be considerate with new friends. Well done.