Albina nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Edgar’s words. “You make an excellent point, Lord Edgar,” she began. “The concept of moderation is indeed a valuable one, and it’s not just about avoiding excess in our pleasures but also about maintaining a sense of balance in our lives. It’s a principle that can be found in many belief systems, including my own Christian faith.” Albina had been reading about different religions however, and found this was something that returned in many religions.
She went on, considering the mention of gluttony. “Yes, gluttony is indeed one of the seven deadly sins in Christian doctrine. It represents excessive consumption and indulgence, often to the detriment of one’s well-being. It’s a reminder to practice self-discipline and avoid overindulgence.” She went on, considering the mention of gluttony. “This does not mean I should be any less enthusiastic about my favourite pastries however, they are heavenly.” She winked, playfully teasing Edgar while maintaining a light and friendly atmosphere.
Albina and her mother had argued the last season over Albina being more excited about the pastries present at the callings than any of the older gentleman who had called on her. Her mother therefore had forbidden any food this year in the sitting room where the calling were happening, something Albina had gotten a touch upset about, but well, at least she had broken her fast with a tasty breakfast and she sure hoped her mother would allow her a lunch break later. Not sure if she would, cause Albina had clearly made her angry with how she had interacted with Edgar. At the start of their calling briefly considering him as a romantic option. It was not fully ruled out yet, but she had decided to just focus on their conversation now. Not connect any expectations to this calling rather than just an enjoyable and thought provoking conversation.
“Lord Edgar,” she would begin with a warm smile, “I’m genuinely intrigued by the idea of learning more about Bavarian culture, and I appreciate your willingness to share. However, I must admit that there’s some history between our families that makes it a bit complicated for me to approach your father directly. I hope you understand.” There was a history between the families that was still quite painful for Albina, she did not hold Edgar accountable, as he had nothing to do with it, but his suggestion she might have to go to his father was quite tactless being aware of their history. A history only a handful of people were aware of, and her brother was not one of those people. She needed to protect him from the truth, so she knew they needed to move on promptly and discreetly.
She would then shift the focus back to Edgar, reassuring him that her interest in cultural exchange remains undiminished. “That said, I’m more than eager to learn from you and hear about your experiences and insights. We can continue to explore your culture through our conversations, and that, I believe, will be quite delightful.”
“Could you tell me more about Bavarian traditions and customs? Are there any unique rituals or celebrations that are a significant part of your culture?” she asked, "Oh, and are there any traditional dishes or delicacies that I should know about or maybe even try to prepare?" her excitement about food shone through as she asked. She knew she had already inquired a lot, but decided to follow up with one more question, “Are there any famous Bavarian artists, writers, or poets whose works are renowned in your culture?” This was something Albina was actually interested in, she had come across work of artists from different German states, but she couldn’t quite remember if any were from Bavaria, there were so many different states, she knew them all but to remember which artist was from which state was quite a lot to ask.
She nodded with genuine interest as he talked about learning from and understanding those different from oneself. “You’re absolutely right,” she replied, her tone filled with agreement. “It’s through embracing diversity and seeking to understand others that we become more compassionate and open-minded. The pursuit of knowledge extends beyond facts and figures; it’s about connecting with people and their experiences.”
As Edgar shared his observations about the case she had provided, Albina found herself impressed by his analytical skills. “I must say, you’re quite perceptive,” she remarked with a warm smile. “Your attention to detail would serve you well in observing human behavior. It’s amazing how our body language and subtle cues can reveal so much about our intentions. You have quite the potential as an astute observer.” In reaction to this, and him leaning in, Albina had an automatic physical reaction that opened up her body language.
“Spending time with family is indeed precious,” she agreed, knowing the importance of cherishing such moments. “And facing our fears to try new things can be incredibly rewarding. It’s the courage to step out of our comfort zones that often leads to some of life’s most memorable experiences. What would you be trying you are too afraid to try?” she inquired. Curious to find out his answer and see if she could maybe push him to just try it now without there being any need for knowing he would die.
She added a touch of encouragement, reinforcing the idea that life is meant for exploration and growth. “Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or embarking on new adventures, embracing these opportunities can make life truly shine and make one’s last moments memorable.”
@Ouijaloveletters - Edgar