The Parade ((Open to all))

[Roderich Edelstein]

Roderich relaxed a little in relief.

For one, Alfred had answered the question about his own familiarity without realizing it and solved the mystery for Roderich. Two, Alfred wasn't someone he should know like a regular patient at the clinic or a relative of one of the med students or staff at the estate. Then he got that disappointed look from his father that said, 'How can you be my son and forget such simple things?' Thankfully, he was just a local he had seen a lot in passing, but had just never actually met. But he still had one nagging concern. He wanted Alfred to agree to the invitation to join him, but figured after that disastrous of an introduction earlier, any sane person would be itching to leave his company.

So he didn't really listen to Alfred's initial hesitant, but affirmative reply and simply assumed the opposite when he answered him back. Glancing down to the side, Roderich shrugged slightly as he answered in soft voice, "Oh, okay. I understand. I. . ."

Alfred interrupted, "That'd be...Nice.."

Startled as Alfred's answer finally got through to him, Roderich looked up to see Alfred's open face as he stood shyly waiting for him to answer.

"r,r,Really? You would?" He almost stuttered his response.

Alfred nodded. "If you don't really mind...."

Roderich shook his head, "No, not at all." His hand still gripping the last flask of water, he brought it up to his chest as he thumped it lightly in earnest, "I would really appreciate it, if you could." Then he gave Alfred a reassuring nod and smile in response and tucked the last container away in the bag before slinging it over his shoulder again. "Alright then! Let's go before we get left behind."

He took up the lead in a quick pace out of the alley towards the stand; happy at the prospect of getting to join the parade this year. Having a possible new friend join him was like icing on the cake.

[Alfred Jones]

A small smile was on his face at the other mans responses, faintly amused by them, but he followed with a nod as Roderich led the way. Blue eyes kept a look out, as well as a hand would reach out to steady the somewhat clumsy brunette occasionally. As it turned out, he was more of a help than he implied. Once they had refilled the flasks, he had taken a couple.

He would stay in range of Roderichs eyes though, not wanting to think he was stealing them, and he moved through the crowd rather swiftly, helping those that he spotted. This was actually much easier than his usual way of 'saving' people though, and by the time the crowd reached the train, they were easily keeping up, being able to follow the parade with Alfreds help.

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

Ludwig glanced over as Raivis was it..? Yes, Raivis as the boy relax slowly in his presence.

"I'm sorry about running into you again. I have to admit I was kind of worried you were going to hit me or something,"
He quickly looked over at Raivis surprised at what he said.

"I mean! Not that you don't look threatening or anything! Well, I mean you do a little ...wait, uh, I mean it's a silly think to think really..."

He relaxed as he understood what he meant. He have heard several times that he looked threatening compare to others even though he doesn't try to. He nodded as he replied,

"Don't worry. You aren't the first one who thought I would fight them. Some times people try to fight me even though I didn't do anything to them. It's honesty not silly at all. You can judge a book by it's cover, but you have to read it to understand it."

He lightly patted Raivis's shoulder as he looked back ahead of them.
"I'm not offended by your comment. So is it your first parade by yourself?" asked Ludwig hoping the change of topic help forget the other topic they were on.

[Raivis Galante]

Raivis listened intently, nodding along to his analogy. It was true, although in his case it tended to end badly. There were so many people who had looked nice at first who had ended up being worse than they appeared. Ludwig, while looking a little intimidating seemed rather nice. There was something in the way he spoke that made Raivis feel at ease.

The sudden pat on the shoulder made him flinch at first but he quickly relaxed. It wasn't heavy-handed and Ludwig didn't try and push down on him. He couldn't help but feel a little anxious still, he always did when meeting new people but Ludwig seemed nice. Not the saccharine nice he was used to that so quickly turned sour but genuinely nice. Maybe it was the fact he'd been so intimidated at first that it was clear he wasn't putting up a show of it.

"Yeah, this is my first time," Raivis nodded "My parents are here too but they went ahead of me. I said I didn't want to go but... well, I guess you can't really miss this," he finished with a quiet chuckle. "What about you, are you here on your own?" It wasn't until after he asked it that Raivis realized it might have been a silly question. He was on his own when he found him after all, it just seemed like the most obvious way to continue the small talk.

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

"Yeah, this is my first time,"
"My parents are here too but they went ahead of me. I said I didn't want to go but... well, I guess you can't really miss this,"

Ludwig nodded it made sense. It just call out to you the unity of Solus between the highlands and the lowlands. It was amazing at the peace it brought. He looked up ahead as the lanterns bobbed up and down at the pace of the people walking.

"What about you, are you here on your own?"
He knew he should of expected this question, but he still wasn't sure what to say.
"Well, I did come here with my parents, but I wanted to walk with my brother since I knew he would try to do the Parade by himself. I tried my best to find him, but...,"
He shrugged as he glanced down at Raivis.
"Someone was telling me he'll do fine on his own. I'll find him after the parade anyway. It won't be hard." As he mentally added 'He'll be the one shouting the loudest once he's gotten a drink or two in him.'

[Raivis Galante]

"Oh! Sorry, I hope I didn't stop you from looking for him!" Raivis blurted out. He'd really hate to mess up someone's plans, even if Ludwig said it was okay he couldn't help but feel a little guilty. As he eyed the people in front of him he mentally planned out a route or a system for looking for people. At least he would have liked to have done, it was actually quite surprising the number of people here. He'd been here before but with his parents it just always seemed to be their little bubble, he'd never truly paid attention to the others here.

He would have scurried through the crowd there and then, Raivis was small enough to push his way through without causing too much commotion. He wondered what Ludwig's brother looked like. Maybe he was tall as well, did he have the same same blond hair? Maybe the face would be the same but the light wasn't brilliant, it was hard to judge faces like this.
"What does your brother look like anyway? I might be able to find them."

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

He looked down at Raivis as he calmly told the boy
"Don't worry about him. He always could take care of himself. Knowing him he must some how munching on a sweet."

"What does your brother look like anyway? I might be able to find them."


"Hm? Oh he's quite different than you think. He has white short hair. Bright red eyes and not as built as me. He says he has more charm then me, but I think it make more people mad at him."
He shook his head as he made sure his tone is level so he wouldn't scare his companion as he continue,
"If you go look for him I would worry about you Raivis. I know you could take care of yourself unlike Gilbert I wouldn't be able to call you to check up on you. Who knows if we wait we might catch him along the road."

[Raivis Galante]

Ludwig's brother didn't sound anything like he'd imagined. Did he have albinism? Red was a strange eye colour to have. Studying the heads in front of him he couldn't quite make out the correct hair colours, it was difficult to survey a large area due to being so short. If he could find higher ground he might get better luck. As he listened to and memorized the descriptions Raivis poised himself to take of at a light sprint, only to shrink back when he heard Ludwig speak again.

"Why would you be worried, you only just met me?" Raivis asked, casting a questioning gaze up to him. The tone of his voice didn't sound sad but genuinely curious. For Raivis, getting attached to people quickly wasn't rare. If someone showed him a little kindness he'd almost immediately latch onto them as a friend even if they didn't think so. He'd always just figured it was a trait he and he alone carried due to being so outcast. For some one who had siblings and probably had friends he couldn't understand it.

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

"Why would you be worried, you only just met me?"

It slightly surprised him, but he knew about it. It wasn't exactly easy for him to say he has friends. He talked to some of his classmates and he did have the students he tutor, but they are more acquaintances. He does have a couple friends that he could easily count on his hand and Gilbert doesn't count since he's annoying *but loveable* brother.

"One: I would worry because I wouldn't be able to find you again if you run off. Two: You could get hurt and your parents wouldn't know. They would think you are home. Three: Almost the whole island is here in this parade." Ludwig said in a neutral tone not belaying on Raivis more like he was stating it to the young boy.
He remember his manners that his mother taught him.

"Ah well Thank you for being considerate when you didn't even have to."

Even though it didn't show Ludwig felt embarrassed that he was showing poor manners.

((*Gilbert's voice in Ludwig head.
Totally think that sometimes happens when you think about someone.))

[Raivis Galante]

Raivis was about to interject about how he'd be fine but he then recalled how he seemed to have an unnatural talent for getting into accidents, even when it wasn't his fault. Letting out a sigh he stared at his feet.

"I guess you're right," he mumbled, kicking at the ground. His foot slipped and he ended up catching the heel of the person in front of him. Raivis hoped that the hadn't noticed but they didn't seem to be angry at him. A dirty look but that was all.

"Thank you for being considerate when you didn't even have to." When he heard Ludwig speak he looked back up at him and smiled.
"It's okay, I mean you were concerned about me too..." he trailed off, picking at his sleeves and wondering what to say next. Normally he'd be able to think of something but for once his mind was coming up blank. "Still, sorry," was all he could think to come up with.

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

He relaxed as Raivis wasn't going to rush away to find Gilbert.
He watched as person in front jump and quickly get back into step. They went and gave a dirty look at Raivis as Ludwig glare at them. The person paled and quickly change their gaze back to the front.

"It's okay, I mean you were concerned about me too..." He soften as Raivis trailed off. He could tell Raivis is a good kid, nervous and shy, but good-hearted.
"Still, sorry," He shake his head as his gaze cover over the parade of lights. Thousands of lights bobbed up and down in a peaceful calm.
"Beautiful isn't it." He didn't even realize he spoke out those words.

[Raivis Galante]

"It really is," Raivis smiled, pulling his hooded jumper up against the cool evening air. He was glad he made the decision to go. There was something almost empowering about coming on his own, not that he didn't enjoy the company of his parents but for the longest time it felt like that was the only company he really had. The glow of the lanterns was warming and even among a sea of strangers he felt like he had made something of a friend. Even if it was just for the evening, he hoped it wouldn't turn out like the others.

"Thanks for walking with me by the way," Raivis started, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I know there are a lot of people here but it's not like they know me or anything and it's nice to have the company," he smiled.

[beilschmidt]

"The Highlands? No problem." He picked out a few cookies and handed Francis the money. His eyes glowed at the treats, and made a mental note to visit the shop as soon as he could. He could see it now: The yummy smells and pretty wallpaper.

Gilbert stuffed a few cookies in his mouth, and smiled some. At the question he answered with a full mouth. "Gilbert." He said confidently, though it came out more like "Gihbuh." He chewed quickly and wiped the crumbs from his cheeks and proudly stuck out his hand. "Gilbert Beilschmidt."

[france]

Francis lightly but firmly grasped his hand, Giving it a quick pump before letting it drop. He then reached down and pulled out the lantern he had been trying to light earlier and began to fiddle with it as they walked and talk. He really should have put it on earlier.

"A pleasure to meet you. " He said as he popped the lantern open with a deft movement. " Is this your first time walking the Parade ?" he said. Mind you he doubted there were people who like him had never had the chance, but he was hoping. He had always been forced to just watch by his father.

He reached back to pull a lighter from his jeans pocket, silver and shaped like a small bird in flight with wings that were made to flap. He reached for the white candle in his stock and held it up before pulling on one of the feet, making the bird flap and flames shoot out its moth with a small 'Peep'.

[Roderich Edelstein]

[Alfred- Sorry for making you wait for so long. I'm still not sure how the Highland part of the Parade goes, so I didn't want to try and guess on that. Thought I'd do a sort of flashback instead, since you left that option open. Thank you. You could either do your character's take of events or skip it and simply jump forward to the present time and reply to the question at the end to move us along. Whatever strikes your fancy.]]

As they waited to move on to the Highlands with rest of the crowd; lanterns in one hand already lit, bobbing on their poles to their movement, Roderich reflected on the last half hour of events.

He remembered how he had started to lead the way but soon found Alfred did remember the stand and also excelled at crowd navigation, slipping in and out of people like a wind-blown piece of paper down a crowded street. So Roderich gradually fell in step behind him instead. He soon found the other man's intuition was just as keen as he navigation skills. Whenever he would get bumped or make a misstep and stumble a little he always found a steadying hand at his elbow and then the other man would take a couple of loping steps and be back in the lead just like that, but still always just within earshot and never too far away that Roderich would lose sight of the tall blonde.

In no time at all they had arrived and finding his father busy, they quickly made themselves useful. Another water run and a couple of detours and stops to help the odd parade-goer in need, they arrived back at the stand. They discovered about fifteen minutes had passed and so had most of the people in the Lowlands, a majority of who had now migrated up to the trains. Due to this, business had finally died down at the booth considerably.

His father, finally free, came over to meet his son's new companion. Judging from the look on Alfred's face he hadn't really ever gotten a good look at the man or had mistook an assistant/volunteer to be the clinic head. True, father and son both had glasses, stood close to 6' tall, had wavy brown locks of hair, and a warm generous smile; but the similarities ended there. Roderich's musical talent wasn't all he'd inherited from his fine-boned mother. Most of his build and features, including his unusually colored eyes were inherited from her as well.

The good doctor, Markus Edelstein was a bear of a man in comparison to his son. Broad shoulders and a barrel chest tapered down to a slender waist and lean strong legs, giving him the classic male silhouette in ancient Greek statuary. His long face had a strong square chin hidden behind a short beard. Blue-gray eyes, lit up and smiled at meeting Alfred. Large palms with short thick fingers gripped Alfred's in greeting, the great strength in them held in check. Roderich's slender, long-fingered pianist's hands looked effeminate and delicate in comparison as he reached over to grab the last container of water that Alfred still held in his left hand before he dropped it in surprise. He pretended not to notice as Alfred did a bit of a double-take between him and his father.

“Alfred, was it?” Markus asked. “Thank you for your help today. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Alfred looked embarrassed flushing slightly as he mumbled something Roderich couldn’t make out as he humbly brushed off his father’s gratitude.

“No, I mean it lad. Here’s my card, feel free to drop by the estate if you need anything. Or if you’re looking to help out, I can definitely always use another par of hands around the place or at events like these.” Alfred nodded and took the card.

Roderich interjected then, “Father, are you about done then? I was hoping we could close up now and join the parade. I hope it’s alright, but I already invited Alfred to light a lantern with us as he is here alone today.”

Markus gave him a proud smile and a pat on the shoulder as he stated, “Naturally, in fact I insist he join us.” He looked over to where his crew of staff and volunteers were nearly finished packing things up. “Looks like everything’s just about packed up. Let me see that everything’s settled and then I’ll send them off and we’ll head out.”

“Markus, ho there!"

His father turned to face forward and Roderich saw the slight frown on his face. Two of the organizing officials were walking towards them.

As they came up he noticed that Alfred had taken that moment to disappear like a ghost into the crowd nearby. He thought he spotted him where he emerged a little ways off waiting at the far corner of the open space, his face turned away watching the flow of people. He glanced back every now and then still watching them. Roderich wondered about that but let it go.


The two men came up to his father and shook his hand remarking, “Markus, great job this year as always! We appreciate all you do for us every year.”

“Thank you. I enjoy it.”

“Will you join us over at he the Officials tables for a minute? We wanted to discuss a couple of changes for next year.”

“ Yes, of course. Just let me dismiss the staff first.”

“No problem, just meet us over there. We still need to grab Lee over on the other side too.”

As the two Highlanders turned and left, his father shook his head regretfully, “Duty calls - doesn’t look like I’ll be able to go with you Roddy. I guess it was good fortune you met your friend today.”

Roderich though disappointed, nodded in agreement and faked a smile. “Yes, I guess so. I’ll light the lantern for the both of us then.”

They walked over to the other volunteers and he put away his things and the containers that Alfred and he had been carrying, though he kept one small container that had a strap, which he slung over his head and shoulder. He grabbed the two lanterns holding them by their bottom frames in one hand, tucked in the small tea-light-like candles into their frames with the other and pocketed the small box of matches and the two cardboard fuel cells designed to replace the candles later. He grabbed the two poles in his free hand and walked over to see if his father needed anything else and say good-bye before he left.

As he turned to leave his father stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder. He whispered quickly into his ear, “Roddy, I couldn’t help but notice that your Lowland friend seems a bit nervous around Highlanders-best walk on the left side of the Parade route when you reach the Highlands.”

Oh, so his father had caught Alfred’s disappearing act too, still his advice had made no sense at the time. “Why?” Roderich had asked.

“Because Aunt Marie and your grandfather will be waiting for the Parade on the right-hand side. They aren‘t expecting us, so they won‘t be looking for you,. But, if they happen to see you . . . ” His dad trailed off with a knowing smirk as he sensed Roderich’s internal flinch as he finished the thought.

“Duly noted. Thanks for the tip.”

His father ruffled his hair, “Anytime, enjoy yourself.” And with that he turned to supervise the crew who were dismantling and packing the booth’s canopy at this time.

Roderich turned and left heading over to where Alfred was casually waiting.


And that brought Roderich back to the present where they had walked in silence for awhile, focused simply on catching up. As the crowd slowed and came to a stop, he opened his mouth to ask Alfred about one thing that had been troubling him, Alfred's disappearing act earlier when the two Highlanders had come by. Did Alfred not realize he and his father were technically Highlanders too? Surely, he had to have guessed by now. But still if he hadn't, would he leave if he suddenly realized that?

“Alfred? . . .” he began.

“Hm. . .”

Suddenly he changed his mind and instead asked, “Um, do you mind if we keep to the left when we get to the Highlands?”

_{Edit: Ugh, I hate when I mistype stuff.}

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

"It really is,"

Ludwig was really enjoying this. Gilbert would be loud and obnoxious while they walk to the highlands. This was nice to enjoy the peace that the Parade holds for the people.

"Thanks for walking with me by the way," said the boy as Ludwig looked over. Raivis started, slipping his hands into his pockets as he continue "I know there are a lot of people here but it's not like they know me or anything and it's nice to have the company,"

"Well, you make a great company Raivis."

((Sorry it's super short.))

[Alfred Jones]

( xDDD You got Al's reactions down well pfft )

The walk itself to the Highlands tram didn't seem to bother the young man, actually he kind of seemed rather used to it.Really he was contemplating the differences from Roderich and his father...But he decided he liked the man. He'd found that men like that usually turned out to be the nicest of souls.

Glancing over when Roderich said his name, a small lopsided smile was given.

"Hm..."

The request struck him as a little odd, but he nodded anyway, an easy smile on his face. "Yeah, it's no problem...Mind if I ask why?" Maybe there was someone there that he was not wanting to see. However he had seen that Mr. Edelstein hadn't been able to join them, so he felt a little bad for Roderich. One should spend as much time with their parents as possible, in his opinion...Ahh, and it looked like Roderich had a few questions of his own.

[Roderich Edelstein]

^{[Whew! Thanks, I'm glad to hear that.]}

Roderich had hoped Alfred wouldn't ask, but well it was a natural response to an odd request. Though the answer would require explaining about his family and could possibly lead to reciprocal questions that Alfred may not want to answer. He didn't want to come off rude and ruin things when the day was going so well.

He paused a moment, trying to carefully choose his words. "Let's just say there's... a ... 'storm' predicted in the opposite direction and I'd like to have a little distance and...um, blocked sight lines between us."

Yes, that would do. No one having met his great aunt would disagree with the statement that she was a force of nature. She could be a one woman hurricane and he didn't have the energy to stand up against her and his grandfather's bickering or nitpicking. The only thing worse than when the two siblings were arguing with each other was when they were in agreement, because it never meant anything good for Roderich.

[Alfred Jones]

Cocking his head as blue eyes remained on Roderich, listening, a brow slowly arched. Ahhh. "I don't mind, don't worry." Faintly he did think it a bit odd that the 'storm' stayed on one side of the parade, but, what ever suited someones fancy he supposed.

"It's been a long time since I followed the parade all the way up to the top though, this is a little exciting." Smiling to himself, Alfred generously allowed Roderich entry first, and then followed after onto the tram. By this time the thing was practically empty, so he took a seat, his bag resting under the seat.

"So...Aside from helping your dad out, do you have any interests?" Alfred asked suddenly, curious. Plus he couldn't stand silence.

[Roderich Edelstein]

"Thanks."

Alfred stood aside to let Roderich enter first as he looked up towards front of the tram and on ahead to it's destination. Excitement tinged his voice as he commented with a smile, "It's been along time since I followed the parade all the way up to the top though, this is a little exciting."

As Roderich stepped up, he rejoined, "Agreed. I know this is a solemn affair, and should be treated as such. But.." He leaned down closer to Alfred and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, "Honestly, I feel the same. It's like being a kid on holiday all over again."

He gave a toothy grin to Alfred before ducking inside and taking a seat at the back of the nearly empty tram. Roderich was glad that Alfred let him enter first so that he could take the window seat. It made it much easier to deal with the lanterns' long poles. He set them partially upright with their tops leaning against the window and the bottoms balanced on the chair seat. As he sat down, he effectively pinned them with his shoulder between him and the window so that they couldn't fall over. The fragile lantern he carefully set in his lap.

He held Alfred's lantern as the other man got settled and then as he handed it back, Alfred conversationally asked, "So....Aside from helping your dad out, do you have any interests?"

"Yeah, actually I love music; playing, studying it, teaching it, composing, the whole works. Name a piece; popular or classical, I probably know it and can play it."

"In fact...." he reached for the pendant at his neck and pulled the chain up and over his head. Flipping it over to show the holes beneath, he turned it around to hold the hidden mouthpiece up to his mouth. He double-checked around them. There were only a couple volunteers and workers sitting up at the very front. He wouldn't bother them. He blew a couple notes. Then he looked up at Alfred. "I dare you to stump me."

When Alfred looked a little puzzled, he explained. "It's a game my friends and my students like to play with me. They try to come up with a tune they know that they think I won't know. Of course sometimes, they will also give me a tune I know and dare me to play it in a different style. I rarely lose."

He gave Alfred a confident cocky half grin as he leaned back against the window. Roderich beckoned to him with his first two fingers egging him to rise to the challenge. "So come on boy wonder, name a tune."