Fic: The Raven And The Nightingale Book III: Cherry Blossoms (17/22)
Title: The Raven And The Nightingale Book III: Cherry Blossoms (17/22)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, Franz Ferdinand, Josef Mayer, Josef Markov, Selina Kyle
Genres: Angst, AU, Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Rating (this chapter): G
Warnings (this chapter): None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: Bruce and Dick get caught up in political intrigue during a business trip to Washington City.
Chapter Summary: Bruce and Dick attend a reception at the Austrian-Hungarian Embassy.
Date Of Completion: May 2, 2020
Date Of Posting: May 27, 2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1261
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The entire series can be found here.
XVII
GLITTER PALACE
Froth and frills
Provide the thrills
As music plays
And dancers sway.
Gold in glasses,
And jeweled lasses,
With men and sashes
As love dashes.
Countess Maria
von Schlossenberg
“Court Life In Vienna”
1888 C.E.
The reception at the Austrian-Hungarian Embassy was a glittering affair. Crystal chandeliers sparkled and wall-length gilt mirrors reflected women in silk gowns and dazzling jewels while the men wore fancy evening clothes and gleaming cufflinks and cravat stickpins. A chamber trio provided music, specializing in Strauss waltzes. Champagne flowed and delicate Vienna pastries were brought around by waiters dressed in livery.
Bruce and Dick were dressed ‘to the nines’, as Alfred would have said. Bruce wore a sapphire stickpin that flashed and glittered and his gold cufflinks were engraved with the Wayne crest. Dick wore a dark-green jacket with gold piping and a ruby stickpin on a yellow silk cravat. His vest was gold brocade and he wore ruby cufflinks. His green pants were tight and clearly showed a dancer’s legs.
Bruce was amused. Dick had declared that an Austrian-Hungarian reception demanded more than basic black. “The Austrians know their glitter,” he had said.
I’ve got to admit he’s right. The Embassy personnel are certainly not dressed as plain as Quakers.
There was a bevy of military uniforms with gold epaulettes and yellow sashes with tunics covered with elaborate medals and ribbons. Boots gleamed with polish and mustaches were waxed.
“Austrians never met glitter they didn’t like,” Bruce drawled.
“My kind of people. The Hungarians, too,” said Dick.
“Goulash included.”
Dick laughed. “You’re right.”
“There’s the archduke.”
The reception was being held in honor of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the throne of the Ottoman Empire. A man of medium height, his mustache was thick and full. His brown hair was thinning, but he stood ramrod-straight and possessed more energy than most European royalty. He was talking to a man in full military regalia.
“Let’s go introduce ourselves,” said Bruce.
Ferdinand looked up at their approach. Bruce said, “Bruce Wayne and Richard Grayson, Your Highness.”
“Hello, Mr. Wayne.” The mad had a pleasant voice. “Mr. Grayson. I saw you dance in Vienna.”
Dick bowed. “A charming city. Your entire country is like a glittering soufflé.”
“A fine description, sir.”
Dick smiled. “And how do you find Washington, Your Highness?”
“A rather unusual city.”
“Not as fancy as an European capital, is it?”
Ferdinand smiled. “Rather pedestrian.”
“Not a bad description,” Bruce said.
“My apologies for my lack of manners. Gentlemen, this is General Josef Mayer.”
“Hello, Gentlemen.” The general was tall and thin with graying hair and piercing blue eyes. His gray handlebar mustache was waxed and he stroked it with a white-gloved hand.
“What’s your opinion of the city, General?” Bruce asked.
“Pedestrian.”
The four men laughed.
“Forgive us, gentlemen. We mean no offense,” apologized Ferdinand.
“None taken,” Bruce said.
“I’m glad.” Ferdinand smiled, and Bruce realized that the royal had human qualities. He found himself liking him. “Now, may I say that it was a fine performance by you, Mr. Grayson.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I remember that night in Vienna very well.”
As Dick reminisced with the archduke, Bruce checked out the crowd enjoying the reception. He was getting good at identifying Washington’s Elite. He also saw a fellow Cannon Committee member, William Bradford. Other senators and congressmen drifted by, most of their women enraptured by the party.
“Ah, General Mayer. Good to see you.” The clipped voice belonged to a man with close-cropped gray hair and a set of medals on his military uniform. He wore a monocle and a ceremonial sword glittered at his side.
“Good to see you, Count Markov.”
Markov smiled, his gray eyes taking measure of Bruce and Dick. Introductions were made, and Mayer said, “The Count of Schlossenberg is a Prussian noble whose father served with honor in the Franco-Prussian War.”
“Bismarck decorated him personally.” Markov sipped a glass of champagne.
“My grandfather was in Paris during the Siege,” Bruce said. “It was similar to the one here in Vicksburg during the War.”
“The war that split your nation in two.”
“Yes, but we managed to come back together.”
“I’ve studied the campaigns. Lee ran circles around the Union Army.” Markov’s voice sounded smug.
“Until Grant was given overall command,” Bruce said easily.
“You’re a Northerner.”
“Through-and-through.” Bruce’s chin tilted upward.
Markov’s smile was faintly contemptuous. “Do you think the conflict was worth it?”
“I’d say so.”
“Well, the New World has a way to go before it matches up with the Old.”
“I suppose you’re right about that. We have no permanent alliances.” Bruce took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“You think that makes your nation strong?”
“It’s less entanglement.” Bruce sipped from his glass.
“Entanglements can bring power,” Markov said firmly.
“That’s an interesting statement.”
“And why is that, Mr. Wayne?”
“Because entanglements always trip you up.”
Dick listened to this exchange while he drank his own champagne. It amused him no end. Bruce was willing to criticize his own country, but non-Americans better watch out!
“Entanglements can get messy,” Ferdinand agreed. “Sometimes I forget who we’re allied to this week.”
“Ha, ha,” Mayer said. He looked amused. He seemed to have more of a sense of humor than Markov.
“Your Highness! Welcome to Washington.”
A high-placed Society matron captured the archduke’s attention. Dick drifted away, mingling with other guests. He reached one of the sets of French doors and gazed outside at the spring beauty on display.
“Hello, Dick.”
He turned in delighted surprise. “Selina! When did you get into town?”
“Oh, not long ago. You look lovely, darling.”
“So do you.” Dick admired Selina’s beauty. Lavender was definitely her color.
“Thank you. You fit right into this glitter palace.”
He laughed. “What a nice compliment. Always with the silver tongue, eh?”
She smiled slyly. “I suppose you’re here with Bruce.”
“Yes. Are you solo tonight?”
“No, I’m here with Senator Daystrom.”
“Really?”
“Don’t look so surprised.”
“He seems rather dull for you.”
“Oh, darling, senators aren’t dull, just challenged when it comes to charm.” Selina smiled coyly.
“Well put.”
Selina adjusted his lapel. “Of course we in the arts have more than enough charm for dozens of politicians.”
“Well, some politicians have charm. Look at the current President.”
“True, I admit that Theodore Roosevelt is not your typical politician.”
“You’d like him.”
“I bet I would.”
“It’s so good to see you, Selina.”
She smiled. “Same for me, my friend.”
They chatted for a few minutes, then Selina excused herself and left the ballroom. Dick went back to mingling.
“I hear the archduke brought along some of the Crown Jewels,” said a young lady with an ivory fan.
“Oh, I doubt it. Too valuable to risk an ocean crossing but I’m sure he brought some personal pieces that are worth quite a lot.”
“Isn’t that exciting!” She fanned herself coquettishly.
Dick smiled. He enjoyed flirtation, and she was a pretty woman. “Very. Royal jewels are always interesting. I wouldn’t mind a few myself.”
She laughed. “And you would do them justice!”
Dick bowed. “Thank you.”
& & & & & &
The reception was a success, and Bruce and Dick left around one in the morning. On the way to the hotel they discussed what they had seen, and Dick said cheerfully, “Selina was there. She looks great.”
Bruce’s face was in shadow. “Oh?”
“Yes, she’s with Russell Daystrom, of all people.”
“Doesn’t seem her type.”
“I know.” Dick shook his head. “Who can figure some women’s taste in men?”
“Who, indeed?”
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
This chapter can also be read on AO3.
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, Franz Ferdinand, Josef Mayer, Josef Markov, Selina Kyle
Genres: Angst, AU, Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Rating (this chapter): G
Warnings (this chapter): None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: Bruce and Dick get caught up in political intrigue during a business trip to Washington City.
Chapter Summary: Bruce and Dick attend a reception at the Austrian-Hungarian Embassy.
Date Of Completion: May 2, 2020
Date Of Posting: May 27, 2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1261
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The entire series can be found here.
XVII
GLITTER PALACE
Froth and frills
Provide the thrills
As music plays
And dancers sway.
Gold in glasses,
And jeweled lasses,
With men and sashes
As love dashes.
Countess Maria
von Schlossenberg
“Court Life In Vienna”
1888 C.E.
The reception at the Austrian-Hungarian Embassy was a glittering affair. Crystal chandeliers sparkled and wall-length gilt mirrors reflected women in silk gowns and dazzling jewels while the men wore fancy evening clothes and gleaming cufflinks and cravat stickpins. A chamber trio provided music, specializing in Strauss waltzes. Champagne flowed and delicate Vienna pastries were brought around by waiters dressed in livery.
Bruce and Dick were dressed ‘to the nines’, as Alfred would have said. Bruce wore a sapphire stickpin that flashed and glittered and his gold cufflinks were engraved with the Wayne crest. Dick wore a dark-green jacket with gold piping and a ruby stickpin on a yellow silk cravat. His vest was gold brocade and he wore ruby cufflinks. His green pants were tight and clearly showed a dancer’s legs.
Bruce was amused. Dick had declared that an Austrian-Hungarian reception demanded more than basic black. “The Austrians know their glitter,” he had said.
I’ve got to admit he’s right. The Embassy personnel are certainly not dressed as plain as Quakers.
There was a bevy of military uniforms with gold epaulettes and yellow sashes with tunics covered with elaborate medals and ribbons. Boots gleamed with polish and mustaches were waxed.
“Austrians never met glitter they didn’t like,” Bruce drawled.
“My kind of people. The Hungarians, too,” said Dick.
“Goulash included.”
Dick laughed. “You’re right.”
“There’s the archduke.”
The reception was being held in honor of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the throne of the Ottoman Empire. A man of medium height, his mustache was thick and full. His brown hair was thinning, but he stood ramrod-straight and possessed more energy than most European royalty. He was talking to a man in full military regalia.
“Let’s go introduce ourselves,” said Bruce.
Ferdinand looked up at their approach. Bruce said, “Bruce Wayne and Richard Grayson, Your Highness.”
“Hello, Mr. Wayne.” The mad had a pleasant voice. “Mr. Grayson. I saw you dance in Vienna.”
Dick bowed. “A charming city. Your entire country is like a glittering soufflé.”
“A fine description, sir.”
Dick smiled. “And how do you find Washington, Your Highness?”
“A rather unusual city.”
“Not as fancy as an European capital, is it?”
Ferdinand smiled. “Rather pedestrian.”
“Not a bad description,” Bruce said.
“My apologies for my lack of manners. Gentlemen, this is General Josef Mayer.”
“Hello, Gentlemen.” The general was tall and thin with graying hair and piercing blue eyes. His gray handlebar mustache was waxed and he stroked it with a white-gloved hand.
“What’s your opinion of the city, General?” Bruce asked.
“Pedestrian.”
The four men laughed.
“Forgive us, gentlemen. We mean no offense,” apologized Ferdinand.
“None taken,” Bruce said.
“I’m glad.” Ferdinand smiled, and Bruce realized that the royal had human qualities. He found himself liking him. “Now, may I say that it was a fine performance by you, Mr. Grayson.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I remember that night in Vienna very well.”
As Dick reminisced with the archduke, Bruce checked out the crowd enjoying the reception. He was getting good at identifying Washington’s Elite. He also saw a fellow Cannon Committee member, William Bradford. Other senators and congressmen drifted by, most of their women enraptured by the party.
“Ah, General Mayer. Good to see you.” The clipped voice belonged to a man with close-cropped gray hair and a set of medals on his military uniform. He wore a monocle and a ceremonial sword glittered at his side.
“Good to see you, Count Markov.”
Markov smiled, his gray eyes taking measure of Bruce and Dick. Introductions were made, and Mayer said, “The Count of Schlossenberg is a Prussian noble whose father served with honor in the Franco-Prussian War.”
“Bismarck decorated him personally.” Markov sipped a glass of champagne.
“My grandfather was in Paris during the Siege,” Bruce said. “It was similar to the one here in Vicksburg during the War.”
“The war that split your nation in two.”
“Yes, but we managed to come back together.”
“I’ve studied the campaigns. Lee ran circles around the Union Army.” Markov’s voice sounded smug.
“Until Grant was given overall command,” Bruce said easily.
“You’re a Northerner.”
“Through-and-through.” Bruce’s chin tilted upward.
Markov’s smile was faintly contemptuous. “Do you think the conflict was worth it?”
“I’d say so.”
“Well, the New World has a way to go before it matches up with the Old.”
“I suppose you’re right about that. We have no permanent alliances.” Bruce took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“You think that makes your nation strong?”
“It’s less entanglement.” Bruce sipped from his glass.
“Entanglements can bring power,” Markov said firmly.
“That’s an interesting statement.”
“And why is that, Mr. Wayne?”
“Because entanglements always trip you up.”
Dick listened to this exchange while he drank his own champagne. It amused him no end. Bruce was willing to criticize his own country, but non-Americans better watch out!
“Entanglements can get messy,” Ferdinand agreed. “Sometimes I forget who we’re allied to this week.”
“Ha, ha,” Mayer said. He looked amused. He seemed to have more of a sense of humor than Markov.
“Your Highness! Welcome to Washington.”
A high-placed Society matron captured the archduke’s attention. Dick drifted away, mingling with other guests. He reached one of the sets of French doors and gazed outside at the spring beauty on display.
“Hello, Dick.”
He turned in delighted surprise. “Selina! When did you get into town?”
“Oh, not long ago. You look lovely, darling.”
“So do you.” Dick admired Selina’s beauty. Lavender was definitely her color.
“Thank you. You fit right into this glitter palace.”
He laughed. “What a nice compliment. Always with the silver tongue, eh?”
She smiled slyly. “I suppose you’re here with Bruce.”
“Yes. Are you solo tonight?”
“No, I’m here with Senator Daystrom.”
“Really?”
“Don’t look so surprised.”
“He seems rather dull for you.”
“Oh, darling, senators aren’t dull, just challenged when it comes to charm.” Selina smiled coyly.
“Well put.”
Selina adjusted his lapel. “Of course we in the arts have more than enough charm for dozens of politicians.”
“Well, some politicians have charm. Look at the current President.”
“True, I admit that Theodore Roosevelt is not your typical politician.”
“You’d like him.”
“I bet I would.”
“It’s so good to see you, Selina.”
She smiled. “Same for me, my friend.”
They chatted for a few minutes, then Selina excused herself and left the ballroom. Dick went back to mingling.
“I hear the archduke brought along some of the Crown Jewels,” said a young lady with an ivory fan.
“Oh, I doubt it. Too valuable to risk an ocean crossing but I’m sure he brought some personal pieces that are worth quite a lot.”
“Isn’t that exciting!” She fanned herself coquettishly.
Dick smiled. He enjoyed flirtation, and she was a pretty woman. “Very. Royal jewels are always interesting. I wouldn’t mind a few myself.”
She laughed. “And you would do them justice!”
Dick bowed. “Thank you.”
& & & & & &
The reception was a success, and Bruce and Dick left around one in the morning. On the way to the hotel they discussed what they had seen, and Dick said cheerfully, “Selina was there. She looks great.”
Bruce’s face was in shadow. “Oh?”
“Yes, she’s with Russell Daystrom, of all people.”
“Doesn’t seem her type.”
“I know.” Dick shook his head. “Who can figure some women’s taste in men?”
“Who, indeed?”
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
This chapter can also be read on AO3.