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It starts with Dorian carrying Laudna to the roof. It starts there, but it doesn’t end there. Laudna already has feelings for Imogen, but here is this dapper and charming guy who is nice to her. Who goes above and beyond even with how weird she is.
Just like when she first met Imogen.
So it’s natural to Laudna that she develops a crush on him.
But she can see the way he has interacted with Imogen. He carried her, they even pulled each other close in front of the security guards who came up to the room they were fighting the dwarf in at the Weary Way Tavern. And sure, it was so they wouldn’t be caught, but it still made Laudna feel…soft but left out all at once.
They both deserve to be happy, and who is she to stand in the way of their budding relationship. After all, who wants to be with the creepy girl who died thirty years ago but hasn’t aged?
But then Imogen would be close to her at night. She would be kind and sweet, cuddling close in their shared bed and confiding in her. Even seeking her out for comfort after nightmares.
It makes Laudna feel so many things.
She loves Imogen. Is in love with Imogen. She knows it. So why isn’t she jealous?
——-
Dorian is stuck between a rock and a hard place, or that is to say that he is stuck between Laudna and Imogen and has no idea what to do about it. He likes them both so very much, and could see himself being with both of them.
The problem is, he doesn’t know who would be a better fit. Sure Laudna is creepy, but she is also so very sweet and considerate. The Bertrand doll was gross, but heartfelt. Dorian keeps it in his bag still, not wanting to part with the gift that has been given to him.
And Imogen is just as kind, just as considerate of him.
He feels a strong connection to both of them, and a physical connection as well. Carrying Laudna was…an experience. But not one he would willingly give away. He would carry her as much as she would let him. He loved being able to feel like he could keep her safe and support her.
And carrying Imogen was just as great in a different way. Feeling her curl into his touch while he carried her was an exhilarating feeling.
And the girls obviously have a connection to each other. They care deeply, and fiercely protect each other.
They probably wouldn’t even care for him the same way, and even if they did he can’t just come between two people who care so much for each other.
——-
Imogen has a plan.
She’s seen the looks Dorian and Laudna give her, has heard (accidentally) the thoughts of longing from both her companions. They’re always aimed at each other and herself.
She knows that if she leaves it up to fate then nothing will happen, or someone would end up sad.
So she has a plan. And it starts with inviting Dorian to her and Laudna’s room in the Spire By Fire.
———
Dorian is nervous to say the least. He received a message from Laudna while he was laying awake in his shared bed with Orym, who was deeply asleep. She had said to come to her room so they could talk, but talk about what? He’s not sure. And that makes him nervous.
So he stands in front of the door to her room for a moment and collects himself before knocking. As soon as his fist raps on the door, Laudna pulls it open. “Oh, Dorian. Imogen said that you would be stopping by. Come in, come in.”
He smiles and steps inside, “Ah, yes. She mentioned that she wanted to talk to me. Do you know what about?” He asks hopefully.
“You know, I can’t say I do.” Laudna pauses for a breath before saying, “Oh Imogen. Dorian is here.”
“Wonderful.” Imogen says with a smile, crossing her legs on the bed and acting as if this isn’t a smaller room where she can clearly see and hear what’s happening by the door. “Come have a seat, both of you please.”
Laudna looks confused for a moment, but brushes it off because she trusts Imogen completely. As they settle into the bed Laudna and Dorian look around at the others’ faces and settle on Imogen after a moment of back and forth.
“So,” Imogen begins, “I may have picked up some thoughts from both of you that you may have wanted to keep private. But, seeing as how we have all been thinking and feeling the same things, I thought I’d be…proactive with this information for once. I know that you both like each other in a more than just friendly way, and I know you both like me that way as well. It just so happens that I like both of you. So, I think we should have a talk about possibly moving past friendship. Together.” She finishes with a smile, switching her gaze between the two.
Dorian and Laudna are absolutely shocked. They’re trying to grasp everything that has just been dropped on them, but it feels an awful lot like trying to catch a fireball without taking damage. Impossible.
“So what you’re saying,” Dorian begins slowly, “is that you like Laudna, but you also like me. And Laudna likes me, but also likes you?” He asks as if this was a complicated arcane spell that was being explained to him.
Imogen nods confirmation. “So then, do you really like us Dorian?” Laudna asks in that breezy flowy way of hers.
Dorian clears his throat, “Y-yeah. Yes, I do.”
“Wonderful.” Laudna declares while clasping her hands together. “Then we should all go on an outing together. I believe dinner is the most common form of a date, and may just be the easiest to accomplish. Oh, are you hearing this Pâté?” Laudna pulls out her rat with a Raven skull and starts peppering him. “Of course I am, and I have to say that it’s about time.” She speaks for him in the voice she’s given him. “Silly Pâté, things happen when they happen.”
Dorian chuckles awkwardly, “We’ll, dinner sounds great. Maybe we’ll have a day to go out soon.”
Imogen nods, “I agree, it sounds just lovely. Maybe a place that isn’t too crowded though. Perhaps a picnic?”
They all start to plan out the details before going to bed, Dorian in his room with Orym.
Yes, this could work. And it is indeed lovely.