2- Alaric Butts Heads with a Ram

                                        

                                              
There are certain benefits to being the eldest born, Alaric always knew his place in the world, he had clear guidelines and goals to strive for, and unless he died no one could take his eventual rank from him but the Queen. However, there were drawbacks. He was considered responsible for each of his seven younger siblings while his parents were on the Queen's Northern Island Expedition, and at least three of his siblings seemed determined to age him prematurely while they have a chance. 
Currently it was Blair, Derbie, and as always, Farran. "Blair, do you know what time it is?" he demanded as his sister came home AFTER the sun rose. 
"Too early to bear one of your tired lectures," she squinted at him, smelling of sweat and alcohol. 
"You do realize your actions affect the reputation of this Family, yes?" he ignored her insult.
"Unless I try to assassinate the Queen our Family will be just fine," Blair's voice went harsh. "I am more than a bargaining chip or a reputation to maintain Alaric. You have to get married, you have to carry on the Count Briggs lineage; I can enjoy the fact that I'm old enough to go out and have a life. Anyone in a rush to marry me right now wants something while all I want is to experience life before I have to act like a responsible adult." 
Alaric flexed his fingers to keep from balling them into fists, "you've finished schooling, you refuse to participate in the Marriage Market, you don't have a vocation despite working with the Alchemy Bureau occasionally, and you have nothing of value to fill your time with; so what is it you're experiencing? Endless hangovers and the lingering stench of the gambling houses?" 
"I've never lost a coin at those establishments, and you know it," Blair's brag had less effect than she likely intended, Alaric knew she funded her gambling by using her magical ability to refill a cup. 
"Blair," Alaric sighed, "I'm not asking you to get every part of adulthood right all at once, but I do wish you'd give yourself the respect of trying to get at least one thing right." 
"You first, dear elder brother; maybe if I see how well you manage finding a partner I can follow in your graceful footsteps," she saluted him with a heavy air of disrespect and stomped up to her room. 
"I take it Blair will not be joining us at the tailor's today," Derbie asked casually, dressed in simple clothes that would facilitate the day's endeavours. 
"No, she seems to have once again elected to absent herself from the Social Events this year," Alaric confirmed.
They had been given the list and dates of each Social Event hosted by a Debuting Family, and with a month still until the first garden party it was the best time to pick a new suit. With Blair removing herself from the attendance list, it'd be Alaric, Calvin, and Derbie this year.
"Are you ready to go?" Calvin was waiting by the entrance, and Alaric had no clue when his younger brother had arrived. 
"Quite, it'll be the gentlemen today," Alaric confirmed, "Edwina is with her mentor in the drawing room, Farran will be going with Gavin and Eniola to the library under Lady Brissa Sikali's care, and Hida is attending training so if we complete our fittings quickly, I shall reward you two with a special day out." 
They loaded into the carriage, the journey from the Residences to the Cloth District fairly short. Given that the early March weather was still somewhat blustery he was grateful to get indoors swiftly. Tailor-street had a shop suitable for every purse and party, but Alaric's preferences had always been for Abernathy's. The entire family participated in the tailoring, and each garment was practical as well as aesthetically appropriate. He'd never be called a leader in trends, but Alaric was always classic, and it would suit his two brothers to emulate that style.