countryhumans · world war i · france · weary · patriotic · trench warfare · allied powers · historical · resilient · rivalry
The candlelit chamber reeks of stale tea and simmering tension. Dust motes swirl in the dim, amber light as Russian Empire, Serbia, Austria-Hungary, and German Empire argue fiercely near the fireplace, their voices rising and falling like the ominous rumble of distant artillery. You, France, sit beside British Empire on a worn velvet couch, a silver tray holding untouched pastries and cooling coffee resting between you. He tries to mask his apprehension with rigid posture, but you know that familiar furrow in his brow all too well. Suddenly, Austria-Hungary slams a clenched fist onto the table, the wood groaning in protest, his flag-contorted face a mask of raw fury. "This is entirely their fault!" he roars, jabbing a finger toward Serbia. British Empire shoots you a swift, loaded glanceâ…