[Center][h1]An Apology[/h1][/center]
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[Center] [color=8882be]Ingrid[/color] [@dragonpiece] & [color=86608E]Dorothea[/color][@jasbraq] [/center]
A few days have passed since the second day of the fair and Ingrid has not made any progress in much other than her schoolwork. She hasn’t apologized to Dorothea or Manfred for trying to kill them when she went aberration mad. Ingrid would like to say she was anguished over what she had done to Dorothea but in all honesty, she was more caught up in trying to process the event as a whole. What happened with Dorothea was just part of that. But soon guilt outweighed the other issues on her mind and she wanted to make amends with Dorothea. 

Ingrid didn’t want to admit it but she worried if making amends were even possible. Most people can’t simply forgive someone coming for their life, especially nobles. Even Ingrid doesn’t know if she would be capable. Ingrid pessimistically thought that the best would be that they would at least work together at the trials but that would be the extent of their relationship.

She had brought over some wine and the normal paraphernalia. Along with some spratz and snacks to replace what she used last time she was over, not being sure anymore that her using Dorothea’s own was okay anymore. Ingrid brightened herself up to try not to earn sympathy. She wanted them to speak equally, and with that, she knocked on Dorothea’s door.

[color=86608E]“Coming!”[/color] Dorothea opened the door with a bright smile before looking at the person standing in front of her. Her smile disappeared into a bit of a straight face as she was somewhat confused for the appearance of the Eskandr girl.[color=86608E] “Oh, it’s you. What do you want?”[/color]

Dorothea changing mood at the sight of Ingrid gave her valuable insight into how this might go. Ingrid gulped, [color=8882be]“Hello Dorothea, I wanted to know if you wanted to talk. I brought some wine and snacks,”[/color] Ingrid presented the fine bottle of wine. A sweet one at that.

Dorothea let out a somewhat heavy sigh before pointing towards her room. [color=86608E]“Come in. I will keep the bottle even if this won’t lead anywhere.”[/color] She walked back into her own room before looking back at Ingrid. [color=86608E]“Be sure to close the door.”[/color]

[color=8882be][i]Okay, you are through the door Ingrid, that is a good start,[/i][/color] Ingrid thought then smiled when Dorothea turned. Ingrid shut the door behind them and followed Dorothea. Ingrid had been in here not too long ago yet somehow it seems slightly alien now that their relationship had been strained or cut. She set the bottle down and waited to see what Dorothea wanted to say first. 

Dory would look at the bottle before crossing her arms and looking Ingrid into her eyes with a soul piercing stare. [color=86608E]“What did you want to talk about then? Better make this good, miss fireball”[/color] Dorothea might try and get the true intentions out or she is just still bitter from the faire.

Her stare was quite intense and it was effective at the moment with how Ingrid currently felt. Ingrid took a breath out and tried to maintain eye contact, [color=8882be]“I wanted to apologize Dorothea. I know I put you in harm's way but I didn’t mean to hurt you.”[/color] Ingrid tried to continue eye contact but she was facing someone that she hurt and it was becoming growingly difficult 

Dorothea couldn’t help but sneer at the apology. [color=86608E]“Didn’t mean to hurt me? Then what do you call that blazing inferno heading towards me? A nice ball to warm me up?”[/color] There wasn’t a moment that she lost eye contact with the other as she walked towards her.

Ingrid had secretly hoped that Dorothea would be more forgiving but it made sense. [color=8882be]“I know that you have every reason to be upset but I wasn’t myself. I was momentarily insane”[/color] Ingrid stepped back as Dorothea got closer. Ingrid was nervous and started to panic but kept it tightly wrapped up.

No words phased the Feskan any longer as she just kept on slowly walking toward Ingrid. Those eyes almost seem to be hate filled. [color=86608E]“So many words and I have yet to hear what you want to say to me.”[/color] Now practically leaning against the taller woman with intent for violence. [color=86608E]“Say it!” [/color]

Ingrid had rarely been hit outside of sparring but she was growing from nervous to fearful. Ingrid was up against the wall now with Dory still approaching. Ingrid let out one last, [color=8882be]“I came here to apologize!”[/color] Ingrid held her arms up to protect herself, believing Dory would assault her because that was the reason she came and she already said it.

With a sigh, Dorothea lunged her fist into the other’s gut. [color=86608E]“For someone so smart... You’re an idiot..”[/color] As the fist was still making contact Ingrid could feel the Feskan shaking. [color=86608E]“Such a damned idiot sometimes..”[/color] Dory walked away towards her bed. [color=86608E]“A simple sorry would’ve been enough..”[/color]

Ingrid had been hit in the stomach and it hurt. She didn’t want to fight back, not yet. As Dorothea moved away, Ingrid stayed where she was, no longer making eye contact anymore. Ingrid looked towards the door, wondering if she should leave and it didn’t take long for her to decide. Ingrid gave a slight bow, [color=8882be]“Thank you for hearing my apology… I’ll be on my way.”[/color] Ingrid started to leave for the door. 

Dorothea in a moment of panic threw her cloak towards the Eskand woman. [color=86608E]“Don’t you dare leave!... You have to pay me back for burning my cloak.”[/color] a heavy voice rang through the room. [color=86608E]“Listen here, I just want you to say one damn word. Are you that noble to say it to me plainly?”[/color] Dorothea asked with an anguished look. Why did she have to be so damn formal? They are friends, right? 

Ingrid overreacted to the coat being tossed at her and smacked it to the side. She was just trying to leave. Dorothea was getting more and more aggressive and if this continued then they would actually have to fight. Ingrid tried to keep her voice steady but it was a pitiful attempt at best with her voice getting quieter, [color=8882be]“If you want me to pay you back for the coat, I will. If you want me to pay you back for the spratz I used, I will. But I don’t know what else you want. I apologized, I brought a gift, I even let you berate and hit me but if none of that can satisfy you then I don’t know.”[/color] her voice was trembly, with just a small drop of anger in it.

[color=86608E]"I don't care about the monetary part of it all! Paying me back is by just being here! I want to see you smile, you imbecile!"[/color] Dory's facade couldn't withstand Ingrid's trembling voice. Did she go too far? [color=86608E]"Ingrid… I knew you were under the influence of Aberration madness… I.. know what it's like… I was never mad at you for that… because it was my choice to try to restrain a girl way out of my league."[/color] A little chuckle came from the Feskan. [color=86608E]"You would've gotten me good if not for Manfred saving me."[/color] She knew she was starting to wander off with her words and sighed. [color=86608E]"My dearest friend. Don't be fancy with your words, just say sorry once and I will give you something for that punch."[/color]

Ingrid was still fearful but she was calming with Dorothea easing her beratement. [color=8882be]“Sorry, Dorothea,”[/color] her voice was distant still, from either how Dorothea got so enraged by a proper apology to the fact she had struck her. Still, she put these feelings away. Ingrid just stood there waiting for whatever Dorothea was going to say next.

Dorothea sneakily stood back up. [color=86608E]“Then close your eyes, otherwise I can’t give you the thing!”[/color] She said in a fake angered voice as she walked towards the Eskand woman. Her regret from her act might have taken quite the toll on her. 

Ingrid was not yet trusting of Dory but she still closed her eyes because she wanted to leave and playing along was hopefully the best way of doing that. 

After a few more footsteps Ingrid could feel a couple of arms coming around their waist. [color=86608E]“I’m sorry for hitting you… I did not mean to hurt you..”[/color]


Ingrid thought that a hug may have been coming knowing how Dorothea can be, and it wasn’t welcomed at the time. It was like a child profusely apologizing after doing something wrong but Ingrid knew rejecting Dorothea’s apology would only sour their relationship further. Ingrid embraced Dorothea, saying [color=8882be]“It’s alright, I should have came by earlier”[/color] in a much warmer tone with some unsteadiness in the background to give it a more natural feel. 

[color=86608E]“I was the one that should be sorry. I tried to restrain you.”[/color] She truly did not know what to do any longer but losing Ingrid as a friend was not something she could take.[color=86608E] “I know I acted out. But you’re the only person that has even tried to put up with someone like me.”[/color] Her voice couldn’t help but become somewhat shaky.

Ingrid was somewhat confused, maybe the intense emotions have gotten to her but she just feels out of it. Dorothea needed comforting and Manfred, her supposed boyfriend, never seemed to be around to do so. [color=8882be][i]I know that Dorothea can be a little much but that doesn’t mean you only date when the time are good. But what do I know, I’m not privy to their relationship status,[/i][/color] Ingrid thought this as she decided it was time for action.

[color=8882be]“Up we go,”[/color] Ingrid said as she lifted Dorothea and then carried her to the bed. Ingrid laid her down gently, [color=8882be]“Dorothea I thank you for trying to stop me. Without your assistance, I would have maimed or even killed someone.”[/color] Ingrid laid next to her, still facing her, [color=8882be]“And your not someone I put up with, your someone I enjoy. You think you would still have all your teeth if I didn’t?”[/color]


[color=86608E]“Well, then at least I almost died for something.”[/color] Dorothea snorted as she didn’t let go of Ingrid, somewhat nuzzling in their frame. [color=86608E]“You really know how to make me feel better, huh? I rather like keeping my teeth after all. But I do not think that I would’ve only lost my teeth if you really did not like me.”[/color] A somewhat teasing poke into the side of the Eskand woman. [color=86608E]“I think I would be ash by that point, miss prodigy.” [/color]

Ingrid held onto the Feskan girl, letting Dorothea rest on Ingrid if she wished, [color=8882be]“I don’t think I am that much of a prodigy, Maybe in RAS but their was so many things I realised that I cannot do.”[/color] Ingrid seemed reserved is speech before continuing, [color=8882be]“Maybe things I shouldn’t try to do. We are young Dorothea, we have so much to do and learn.”[/color] Ingrid said it like she was suddenly an old person. [color=8882be]“Anyway,”[/color] Ingird moved her hand up to Dorothea’s face, [color=8882be]“Did I leave any marks on you?”[/color]

Dorothea smiled warmly. [color=86608E]“Only a couple light burn marks. My cloak took most of the burn.”[/color] She looked the other in the eyes. [color=86608E]“Yes but Ingrid.. You have so much that you can do in the future. You might even be able to rule over your home Eskand!”[/color]Dory was thinking big like usual before going back on her words. [color=86608E]“Or maybe become like a great atomic mage.” [/color]

Ingrid caressed her cheek and smiled with relief, [color=8882be]“Thank Oraff that pretty face was saved or Ipte would have sent me to hell.”[/color] Ingrid seemed wrapped in thought before speaking,[color=8882be] “I would like to say that I would settle for just a simple life with a few loved ones but I tend to find my greed pushing me forward. Maybe thinking big wasn’t that bad,”[/color] Ingrid said before asking Dory her goals, [color=8882be]“What of you Dory, do you plan on taking over Feska?” [/color]

[color=86608E]"Pretty face? I don't think I look all that nice for a noble."[/color] She could barely contain her glee from such a comment. [color=86608E]"Greed is a good way to push yourself forward. Think big, dream big!"[/color] Dory's smile faded as she heard the question. [color=86608E]"I just want my people to live better lives…"[/color]

Ingrid chuckled, [color=8882be][i]You’re easy to read Dory,[/i][/color] Ingrid thought. It wasn’t a bad thing, not here at least. Ingrid could sympathize with Dory, [color=8882be]“That is indeed a big goal. Quite an ambitious one too.”[/color] Ingrid wasn’t sure what to say. Dory was usually so meek that Ingrid didn’t believe that the current her could lead a country in the future. But Dory had also done a kindness to Ingrid, even if it was rocky and a tad violent. So she pulled Dory in closer and sighed, [color=8882be]“An ambition like that needs allies to achieve it, so let me just say that as a friend I will be there when you call.”[/color] Ingrid was quite embarrassed, blushing even. Dory had her flaws but they were on display, she even could open up at times when Ingrid had desperately hid herself. She had a strength that Ingrid didn’t, she just needed to mature in Ingrid’s mind.  

“Allies?...” Dory’s voice was wavering somewhat at the thought of it. Until now she has thought she was all alone in her goal, never involving others as she thought nobody would take her seriously. After thinking about it a bit, she couldn’t help but snort. “I didn’t think the trade heavy Penderson’s would help me ruin the trade balance in the whole southern continent.” Dorothea pulled herself closer as the other pulled her closer. “But thank you… I really needed to hear that.”

Trying to assuage Dory of the uncertainty, [color=8882be]“My family deals more in ores, metals, and gems than we deal in luxury goods such as spratz.”[/color] Dory and Ingrid were very close, like physically. It was a bit intimate for Ingrid’s liking if she wasn’t going to do anything else. [color=8882be]“Besides,”[/color] Ingrid said, [color=8882be]“I’m learning that not everything needs to be purely profitable.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“Not everything needs to be profitable? What do you mean?”[/color] The mercantile mind of the Feskan tried to comprehend the comment her friend just said. Not profitable? How would that be a good thing? [color=86608E]“Well, if I rule Feska I can involve your family more in the trade of Spratz.”[/color]

[color=8882be]“What do you think this is?”[/color] Ingrid asked sarcastically, [color=8882be]“I could be friends with you without having to be here for you. But I want to. You can say that this is networking but I don’t see it as that”[/color] Ingrid was a bit more blushed, [color=8882be]“I’m here with a friend, intimately cuddling her for no other reason than because I want to.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“Because you want to? So you don’t want anything from me?...”[/color] This truly is the first time she heard something like that. [color=86608E]“So you aren’t going to use me for my claims or name?....”[/color] She clung onto Ingrid like a scared child, seems like she really had to mature in some places. 

Ingrid could see Dory had been taken advantage of like most noble girls. She put her head to Dory’s, [color=8882be]“Let me state this one final time. I am and have never been here for your name or for your claim. I see you as a friend.”[/color] Ingrid was making eye contact, pulling just inches from her face, [color=8882be]“So do not doubt that Dory.”[/color]

It was still somewhat hard to believe her words but since Ingrid was her best friend and if she does not try to believe her… who would she believe? [color=86608E]"Then I will try my best to believe you… I'm sorry if I'm still a bit doubtful…"[/color]

[color=8882be]“Thank you,”[/color] Ingrid replied sincerely. [color=8882be]“I know how hard it can be to trust. Besides, I can’t be the only one you trust, you are dating Manfred,”[/color] Ingrid was trying to hide that she was interested in their relationship. The why was a question though.

[color=86608E]"Well, I trust Manfred… but I do not know if I'm ready yet to tell him everything.." [/color]She smiled brightly at Ingrid. [color=86608E]"That's why I have you! I can tell you everything!"[/color]

Ingrid smiled, [color=8882be]“Of course.”[/color] Ingrid felt an internal oof and moved on. Ingrid continued to talk to her about all the random things. 

[color=86608E]"You really are the best, you know?"[/color] She couldn't help but laugh.[color=86608E] "If Manfred did not need me so much… I think I would have completely fallen for you."[/color] She tightened her grip. [color=86608E]"Just don't tell anyone else I said that, okay?"[/color]

Ingrid kept that outward smile and thought on the inside,[color=8882be][i] Oh god Dory, why do you tempt me so?[/i][/color] Ingrid raised an eyebrow, [color=8882be]“Are your people not that accepting of a woman loving another woman?”[/color] Ingrid was curious.
 
Dorothea would look somewhat annoyed, [color=86608E]"My mother would kill me if I would love a woman. She doesn't even consider Manfred as a partner as she thinks he is just a poor duke… Stupid Mutti.."[/color]

[color=8882be]“I see… My family is a bit more accepting. As long as I produce a child, then I may love as I please.”[/color] Ingrid kinda smirked, [color=8882be]“You could love whoever you want if you took over your family quickly.”[/color] It was a genuine suggestion as Ingris was secretly plotting the same.

[color=86608E]"Take over my family?... But I'd have to kill my father for that. I do not know if I can do such a thing…"[/color] Dory looked somewhat conflicted about what all of this would mean. [color=86608E]"Will you take over your family?"[/color]

Ingrid put away the topic of killing Dory’s father for now, [color=8882be]“I thought about that. I made nice with the Segonia queen and have favor from her, one seen by a Parrench princess,”[/color] Ingrid meant to brag a little because it was cool, [color=8882be]“I thought I would just ask for land and establish myself as a lowly merchant if it meant escaping my family but I realized something.”[/color] Ingrid looked a bit more seriously, [color=8882be]“I might be able to do it. Take over my family and control it.”[/color] Ingrid looked at Dory again for another intimate moment, [color=8882be]“Would you taking over for your family be better for your people?”[/color]

[color=86608E]"Segonia? Where was that place again?"[/color] Dory wasn't too well known with the other side of the world. [color=86608E]"But to have a piece of land there… That might have something profitable. You might want to keep it just in case."[/color] Dory's tone became hesitant [color=86608E]"I do not know if it would… make it better."[/color]

Ingrid asked quickly, [color=8882be]“Then what do your people need to live better lives?”[/color] Ingrid assumed that removing her father from the picture would be a suitable solution to both but obviously, it’s not. Admittedly, Ingrid was ignorant in regard to most politics of smaller nations.

[color=86608E]"Remove the other families from power. My father has barely the political power to do anything. Our family is practically just a show dog."[/color] Dorothea smirked with a bit of annoyance. [color=86608E]"If not for us Feska wouldn't even exist… yet… yet… we are nothing anymore..."[/color]

Ingrid wasn’t quite sure what they lost, [color=8882be]“What did your family lose to become the show dogs of Feska?”[/color] Seemed like this was a sensitive subject for Dory, and Ingrid wanted to respect that but she couldn’t be very useful if she was unsure of what was going on.

[color=86608E]"Everything. Most of our land was taken. Most of my family was executed. Do you know how many people there are from my 'house'? You can count them on your hands."[/color] Her face grew darker as she retold her family history.

Surprise was all that Ingrid could muster but she held on as it seemed Dory needed it. [color=8882be]“That is quite tragic Dory,”[/color] Ingrid said sympathetically, [color=8882be]“how about removing a threat to your family one at a time? There has to be a noble who keeps watch of you if they didn’t remove you outright.”[/color]

[color=86608E]"There are five ruling houses in Feska. Although currently only one has true power and the others nothing more than leashed hounds."[/color] Dory snarled at the thought. [color=86608E]"They get what they deserve."[/color] Her mind was a bit lost before answering. [color=86608E]"No… if we would take one piece out the others would go crazy.. we need to hit them all at once.."[/color]

The more Dory spoke the more Ingrid questioned if this was simply her being pessimistic or her having carefully weighed the situation and came to a decision. Still, there was always a way, [color=8882be]“How about you start by planting informants in their domains? And gather information from there?”[/color] This was the best thing to do if they truly needed to take over all of it at once.

[color=86608E]"Informants?... What do you mean?"[/color] The one thing Dory never considered as someone that always tried to play fair. [color=86608E]"Why Would I have spies in there?"[/color]

[color=8882be]“Because no one in power openly flaunts their weakness. And everyone has something to get them to act in your favor.”[/color] Ingrid put a hand on her cheek, [color=8882be]“Battle is won by any means, and through information, you gain ways that they have to figure out to defend against. Information is the weapon of the clever. You have neither the power nor wealth to make moves against them. So you much use information.”[/color] Ingrid wasn’t a battle specialist but her family made her well aware that even with power you cannot always win. Maybe if Ingrid had been smarter, wiser then she could have outcompeted her cousins.

[color=86608E]"By any means?.. So would involving you be another of those means?"[/color] Oh Dory, ignorant Dory. To think she never tried a thing like that would be most absurd for most schemers. Perhaps she wasn't made to be the most sneaky of people. [color=86608E]"But if I rule Feska. Will you be with me? I need someone by my side after all."[/color]

Ingrid went blushed, [color=8882be]“Who knows, maybe by that time I will be ruling Eskand or something…”[/color] Ingrid was trying to calm herself, [color=8882be][i]Remeber Ingrid, she is dating someone. Don’t be an asshole. She is just accidentally teasing you…I think[/i][/color] Ingrid bumped their heads together, [color=8882be]“If I can be there to help, I will.”[/color]

Dory smirked smugly. [color=86608E]"Well if you rule Eskand and I fail. I guess I could live with being one of the great queen's concubines."[/color] She poked the other's nose with her own. [color=86608E]"But I am determined not to fail! I shall see my country freed to my breath."[/color]

Ingrid needed a drink. Dory’s teasing was a lot and hopefully breaking for a drink would be helpful. Ingrid sat up and asked Dory still laying in bed, [color=8882be]“Would you like a drink?”[/color]

[color=86608E]"A drink would be nice. Perhaps it would help ease the previous tensions between us."[/color] Dory smiled warmly. Not even knowing what it all might mean.[color=86608E] "What kind of wine did you bring with?"[/color]

Ingrid smiled as she brought over the bottle with liquid telekinesis to test herself, [color=8882be]“I know you like things sweet so I brought over a honey wine.”[/color] Ingrid popped the cork off as she poured 2 glasses of it, chilling it slightly to what would be the ambient temperature she remembered from Eskand. [color=8882be]“To friendship,”[/color] Ingrid raised her glass to toast with Dory.

[color=86608E]"Oooh, I didn't know about honey wine. We usually ferment spratz and turn that into wine. Oh, I could ask father to import that with the next batch if you'd like to try it!"[/color] It seems the opening of a bottle of alcohol has gotten the girl to speak her mind on the subject. [color=86608E]"To friendship!"[/color] Dory clang her glass against the other and took a sip. [color=86608E]"You know Ingrid, this wine isn't so bad."[/color]

Ingrid took a sip, [color=8882be]“I like it a lot but that is probably because I grew up with it. That spratz wine sounds interesting, I would love to try it with you.”[/color] 

The 2 girls continued to drink wine together, jumping from topic to topic. Sometimes it would be more serious and they would comfort each other, other times it was just light-hearted ramblings of 2 intoxicated nobles. Either way, both needed this comfort they found in each other, 1 more than the other. And the night ended with them sleeping together with an empty bottle between them. 

In the early morning, Ingrid had to leave to join Zarra and Desmond to continue their exercise routine. Ingrid found it difficult to get out of bed with a Dory grasping her. But Ingrid’s work ethic got her up. Barely managing to slip out without disturbing Dory. Ingrid wrote a note and set the empty bottle on top.

[color=8882be][i]Dear Dory,

[Indent]As much as I wished to have stayed with you until you awakened, I sadly have to work off the wine bottle we drink together. I hope the hangover isn’t too terrible for you, it fucking hurts already for me. I’ll be seeing you in Arcane class friend.[/indent][/i][/color]


Ingrid made her way out of the room and was mostly lying about the hangover. What was hurting her head was if they got too intimate and the guilt that comes with that. She is only glad that she doesn’t ever talk to that boyfriend of hers.