perfectteatime | Amani Inbox

Almost without hesitation, Byleth looks back at Minerva and chuffs right back at her. Typical Byleth behavior. He gives a small bow back to Genesis.

"The pleasure is mine. Thank you." He steps inside, patting the large cat as he passes. "Well I hope you both enjoy shortbread at least. I don't know that she'll enjoy the tea but I suppose anything can happen here."

He looks around curiously as he follows the man, eyeing up the lavish interior. It's nothing new to him now, given his station as Archbishop, but there's a small part of him that is still curious.

"I've been told you're a bit of a thespian and poet?"

Minerva looks startled for a second, and then chuffs again. Okay, she likes this one, he gets it. She happily pads beside Byleth as they walk, leaning her huge fuzzy head into the pats.

"A bit? Now who's been selling me short?" He laughs low, and a flourish of his hand points to a tall, ornate bookcase. Each shelf is packed with various books, save for one. The middle shelf seems to be organized by files and stacks of papers instead. "In my world, I was the leading authority on a very prominent epic-turned-play, and ancient poetry in general. I've been steadily rewriting most of my thesis papers and published works in the hopes of adding them to the library here someday."

Satisfied with Minerva's approval, Byleth is happy to provide more pets as long as she's near. Byleth is the man talking to the dog in the corner at parties.

He perks at the mention of the papers though. He was never a strong reader himself, but he did take great pleasure in it now, after having so much practice.

"Oh- I'd love to read them someday. I mean, if you want to test on someone. I can't say I'd be a great editor but... what were they about?"

The tigress ends up leaning against Byleth while her master prattles on about silly things like poetry and papers. Though she does huff when Byleth encourages more of that.

Genesis himself seems to brighten though.

“It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a fresh pair of eyes on anything I’ve written. I’d happily accept that offer if you find the subject matter to your taste. My passion is for a very old, anonymous poem that tells the tale of three friends that go to war seeking a heavenly boon, and falling to different fates on their journey. It was a popular story, often made into plays and musicals each season. Though the final act had been missing since recorded history, and without an author to trace, so it became the subject of academic scrutiny.” He pauses, and then fishes into his inner coat pockets to pull out a white leather-bound book. Gold embossing spells out ‘Loveless’ on the cover.

“I keep this copy with me wherever I go. It is... an obsession, I’m sure some would say. But passions should not be stifled, in my opinion.”

It's enjoyable to listen to someone speak on a true passion. Genesis is absolutely dripping with enthusiasm for this subject, and Byleth soaks it in readily while he pats Minerva.

"I agree. We often learn and gain important things when passions are pursued by those who truly love what they do. As far as the world is concerned, loving a piece or writing is a benign thing compared to many do. So by all means- go on. I would be interested in reading it sometime, if you have a copy."

If he has a copy? Try a few a dozen. Of course, Genesis is very quick to offer up a spare that he plucks from the shelf. It's a small, leather-bound book that is simply marked with the title 'LOVELESS' in gilt.

"We're in agreement. Progress, passions, the very love of great things and their joys is a powerful force." He offers out the book for Byleth to take.

"Keep it. It's a good introduction to some working theories on the original context of the story, along with the source material. I had a large hand in cleaning up this edition's annotations for a study group back home."

"Keep it? Are you sure? It's a very fine cover and in such good condition..." He tucks it to his chest, bowing a small thank-you.

"You are too kind. I'm looking forward to being able to discuss it with you. I am... not the strongest reader, so please forgive me if I ask any foolish questions." Clearly, Genesis is VERY well-read, the last thing Byleth wants is to highlight his own paltry education.

"Literature is meant to be shared. All stories are. I'd be remiss not to gift it to you."

Genesis tilts his head at the admittance, and unnecessary apology. He holds up a hand to dismiss it with a little wave.

"No need, with subjective matter like poetry, there can't rightly be foolish questions. There will always be various interpretations, and what those words mean or what feelings they evoke will be different for everyone. If you worry of your literacy, know that I'm not unwilling to answer even more basic things as well."

"Your approach to that is quite refreshing. Thank you again, I will treasure this gift." He tucks the book close to his chest again, suddenly feeling a bit awkward at all the hospitality. He pauses and then adds;

"I will be sure to give you a thorough review upon completion." Remembering how Angeal spoke of how much Genesis loved to expound upon the play, he suspects that might be an enticing prospect.

If the way Genesis' eyes brighten is anything to go by, it certainly is. He suddenly has a new, interested audience to engage, and it delights him to no end.

"Please do. I'd love nothing more than to hear your thoughts on it. If you find it to your liking, there's no lack of other forms its been adapted to as well. Plays, musicals, movies, there was even a mini-series on it once."

Byleth's eyebrows raise just a fraction.

He knows most pf those things, but one thing gives him pause, and he does feel a bit foolish for asking but-

"What's a mini-series? Is it like... like a show but done very small?"

"Done very small..." Genesis repeats the words, like he's trying to make sure he heard that right. Yeah, that's about it. Okay, so it's an honest question, and he shouldn't laugh, but it does get him snickering behind his hand.

"Not quite," he says after a moment, "it's a term used for shows that are planned for a limited amount of episodes. As in, it has a very distinct beginning, middle and end, without openings for extra seasons or sequels. It works well for adapting finished works like plays and books. They're enjoyable, and usually less of a commitment than an ongoing series."

He struggles with the whole concept of episodes, seasons and things like that, though with what he knows of the modern world as Rosie and others had taught him, he manages to grasp it enough to make sense of what Genesis says.

"I see... fascinating. I wish I could see all of these things- but for now I suppose I ought to start with reading it."

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