We were the kings and queens of promise

[Lifts her skirts enough that she won't trip as she moves, then yields to Lelouch's tug.]

...impossible dress.

From:

[Moves quickly through the hallway, which only seems to grow even longer as they run, until they reach the large double doors at the end. Lelouch reaches for one of the winding handles and pulls a door open with a considerable tug, motioning for Cornelia to do the same for the other one.]

From:

[Pulls without so much as a questioning glance.]

From:

[And now the banquet.

The doors open to the small reception halls at Aries, decorated with ribbons, flowers and balloons, tables and seating, coloured red, gold, white and black, and arranged in an atypical style that leaves no room for a dancefloor. As a result, the room feels immediately overcroweded by the hundreds of imperial family members, aristocrats and wait staff who are mingling over bars and buffets and the grand art displayed throughout the room.

At the direct center, nearly spotlit by a ten-foot crystal chandelier and donning a magnificent red gown, Lady Marianne stands in wait of her son and step-daughter; when she sees them, she eagerly waves them over to her. Though the crowd doesn't part -- though it, in fact, hasn't seemed to notice their arrival at all -- Cornelia and Lelouch move through it nonetheless unobstructed to stand before a beaming Marianne.]

Oh good, you're here! I was worried you'd be late and it wouldn't do to have the guest of honour miss a single moment of the party. Now, let me get a good look at you both— oh Cornelia, you look stunning; and my darling Lelouch, you're becoming a fine young gentleman, right before your mother's eyes.

From:

[Gives a shy but excited smile and releases Cornelia's hand to get closer to Marianne.]

I told you we wouldn't be late, Mother. But I had to make sure everyone else was on schedule. Elder sister Cornelia kept worrying about the flowers.

From:

[Laughs gently.]

I know, I know, you are such an honest and dilligent boy too, really, I shouldn't have worried, and... oh, I do hope you can forgive me, I am your only mother after all, and you my only son. Whatever would I do without you?

And what's this about flowers, Cornelia?

From:

[Laughs and leans on in a way that is clearly asking for a hug.]

I can always forgive Mother.

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[Suddenly looks and sounds a little unsure.]

Nothing, Lady Marianne. He only means the flower chains Nunnally made for us.

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Nunnally made those? My, she is talented, isn't she?

[Pulls Lelouch in for that hug and plants a kiss on top his head.]

Always and always? You make me feel so very blessed, but dear, you didn't comment on my gown. Don't you like it?

From:

[Smiles up at her.]

Yes, it's beautiful. Mother looks very nice in red, maybe better than anyone else in the court.

[Leans close to her ear, adopting a conspirator whisper.]

Elder sister Cornelia still doesn't understand what the party is for.

From:

You still haven't said a thing to her? [laughs] How mischevious! Maybe I'm a little bit of a bad influence on you, hmm?~

From:

[Giggles again.]

Maybe a little bit. But Nunnally got most of it.

From:

I think you inspire her. [tickles lightly] But we really must do something about poor Cornelia; what do you think that should be?

From:

[Laughing enough that it raises his voice back up to normal.

T-That would be bad.

[Manages to lower it again once the tickling lessens.]

How about a present?

From:

Hmmm, a present? I think I have just the thing in mind— let me go get it while you figure out just where Cornelia has gotten off to. We may have kept her waiting a slight bit too long...

From:

[Turns around and notices that, yes, Cornelia has moved on during their secret discussion.]

Elder sister?

[Turns back to Marianne.]

Don't worry. I'll find her long before you get back, I promise. It's not good when the guest isn't part of her own party.

From:

[Is walking around through the room, like she's searching for someone.]

From:

[Despite the enormous crowd, he has almost no difficulty locating his missing sister and quickly makes his way over to her, catching her cape as the first thing.]

Who are you looking for?

From:

[Distantly:]

Euphie, Clovis, father... I can't find elder brother Schneizel or Nunnally either.

From:

There's too many people for Nunnally to be here, and I wasn't sure if elder brother Schneizel said he was coming. But the rest should be here soon.

From:

[Whistles! It's loud and piercing, but doesn't disturb a single member of the crowd beyond Lelouch and Cornelia.]

From:

They'll catch up. Come on, Mother has something we want to show you.

[Tugs Cornelia back toward Marianne.]

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[Does follow, but is obviously reluctant.]

Are you sure about this, Lelouch? I don't think I belong here...

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Why wouldn't elder sister belong here? The entire family is going to be here.

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