Royal Guard [Closed]

[Zenophoenix]

Exa had finally arrived by use of airship and landed safely near Eastern Rosinder. After handing a decent amount of gold to the Airship Pilot, he headed towards the nearby city of Daeor. As usual the regalia of the Floating Fortress City amazed him. He made his way, taking in the sights, along the dirt road and eventually ended up being ushered in by two of the Rosinder Guards and they led him to a magical column of energy that teleported him to the City Square.

He took in the city sights, the towering shimmering gold and silver spires, to the various stores and shops, and even to the Golden Doors of the castle itself. His eyes were fixated upon the grandeur of the place. He had an eye for beauty and prestige and he was glad that he had decided to make the move here. Maybe this place would help him get over the tragedies that befell him in Zenith. No, no, no, he wouldn't let thoughts like those hinder his prospects. A nice girl to settle down with, a noble job, a nice house, all of these were in his future, but first he wanted to present himself to the King. He liked to know the affairs of this new land and prepare himself for any threats.

He had a golden sword adorned on his white gold pouch, but only had 500 pieces of gold inside it. He would need a place to stay if he wanted to be a member of the Royal Guard. But he couldn't just pick up an application, he would need to find the Legion Commander. He quickened his pace and headed towards the beautifully elegant castle, his dreams coming into view even more vividly as he went.

[Aleksei]

The city of gold was a hustle and bustle with aristocratic talk and air. At times it could be suffocating considering the company that inhabited the city which had noses in the air or were too busy with their haggling. It was fun to see these people in their pristine robes of white and colorful jewels that adorned their person to speak, yell, and even threaten a person over the price of a banana. But this was life and home to many, so such things were very familiar. Below the city that was shrowded in the shadow of gold kept still and quiet for the day.

Alucuin had been gathering a basket of fresh flowers to place at the castle doors. It was a small tradition which offered peace and love to those that protected their home. In the back of her mind she was sure that they would much prefer gold and lavished silk, but they could only hold so much value. The things that they take for granted held a small meaning and peace, so that was her gift to the human gods that sit on their ivory thrones.

She paid the woman at the stand, adding a little more as a tip for taking her time. The roses were fresh and she had specifically asked the woman to pick them early, so it was only proper to reward her for the work.

The timing of the day made the crowd slightly intolerable. The more she swam through, the more she began to sink. Small strands of blond hair stuck to the sides of her neck and forehead as persperation freckled her skin. It was a beautiful day, but it was becoming an infuriating one as a man of unknown calibur rushed past her. He knocked her elbow, making her drop the basket of roses. She knelt down, her white robes becoming dingy as she quickly grabbed for her roses that were getting trampled on.

[Zenophoenix]

Exa had heard a thump against the city streets. His trained ear honed in on a woman who had stumbled across the ground, spilling a basket of roses. The aristocracy were very regal, but they also were very boorish. The streets were littered with flamboyant men, parading around with adorned robes and victorious soldiers littered with glistening medals. He was instantly disgusted with the people. Their boastful pride tainted the beauty and essence of the city. Being a gentleman, he quickly went over and helped the lady pick up the roses. How could people be so rude. Everyone was equal in his eyes and no one should be looked down upon or disrespected. I guess he would have to set an example.

"I'm sorry that this happened to you, milady. Such boorishness and idiocy shouldn't be tolerated. Where are the guards of this place when you need them!?"

He paused to sigh, placing the last of the roses inside of the basket. He dusted his clothes off and stood up to greet the woman that was standing in front of him. He was a stalwart practitioner of chivalry and he prided himself over his manners and his code of ethics. He removed his glove and extended his right hand, gesturing for her to introduce herself to him.

"Milady, I am Exa. I hail from the distant land of Zenith. I traveled in search of work and in search of a better life. I am vastly pleased to make your acquaintance." He said, kneeling in front of her. Man, he could lay it on thick.

[Aleksei]

"Thank you so much, Sir Exa."

She gave a weak smile as he knelt before her like a knight without his armor. She indeed appreciated his actions and would hold them in high regard as they were hard to actually come by. He had easily helped her with the roses without even asking if he had to do something, it was pure reaction. Alucuin placed a small hand upon his shoulder, needing him to stand on his feet so she could properly stare at him properly in the face. She wanted to properly acknowledge him.

"Zenith you say? I don't think I've heard of such a place."

The woman was a small creature at first glance, but beneath her milky skin was strong muscle and pride. She had a sense of royality in her air, but she refused to lower herself to become greedy and lost in wealth. Sadly, there was a seperation within the city that gave the appearance of promoting the difference of wealth and ... lack of.

She shifted the basket of flowers to her other arm, the rescued roses wilting a little which made her porcalin face frown. A quick look over her shoulder gave her sight on why the sudden rush, the guards had started making their rounds and for some reason most felt the need to see them walk.

"Pardon me, I didn't introduce myself. Alucuin Amai."

[Zenophoenix]

Exa had figured that his homeland wouldn't be known by the citizens, especially this woman. She had a regalia about her that enticed him to know more about her. He also noticed her body wasn't frail, but a tad muscular. There is nothing more satisfying or enchanting as a strong willed woman. He was instantly enticed by the scent of the roses that were in the basket. Yet another thing that that appealed to his senses. Her apparent attention to detail while pruning these flowers exemplified her care and meticulation. Traits that Exa had prided himself in as well.

"Now that you know about me, may I ask what brings you here?" He said, placing his glove back on his hand. "A lady like you shouldn't have to deal with the likes of these townpeople. Your cause must be of the utmost importance." He was glad that she accepted him, but he may have to hold the reigns on his personality. He seemed genuinely interested in her, but he didn't want her to shy away from him.

When he left his homeland, everything was lost. His faction, his livelihood, and most of all his love interest. He couldn't bear to think about loving again. He was unable to hold on to the things that he valued most and he wouldn't allow this woman to be lost to him. Even if it was just friendship, it was better than loneliness and despair. He didn't want to keep standing in the middle of the street awkwardly, so he invited her inside the nearest tavern. Of course, he didn't believe in drinking but his fine dining would have to wait until he found employment.

"I believe these streets are becoming much too crowded for my tastes. Shall we head into the nearest tavern and sit a spell, milady? I apologize if I'm being too forward."

[Aleksei]

"No, goodness, not at all. I would appreciate a sit down and especially a cold drink."

She gave a gracious smile towards his offer, feeling a little lighter in his presence and no longer feeling the hurt about the roses. At least the woman who picked would be there tomorrow and could eat another day fromt he ealier payment. Alucuin would make a mental note to return tomorrow for more flowers and to also reward the gentleman for his gallant rescue of her foliage. Everyone else had just walked around her to take a peek at the shiney guards. It was an odd little reaction, it wasn't as if they didn't see these guards every day. Though there were those frail women who hoped to have a knight wisk them away to a fairy tale land.

She started to walk slowly forward, hoping he would follow as she knew the right spot where they could relax and not worry about the busy crowd.

"Well, I come here about every day to get fresh flowers. There's only one woman I can really get them from, so I tend to travel in the deepest of crowds. The flowers I place on the palace gates as to show my appreciation, even if it's not noticed."

Where they were going was about a ten minute walk, and within ten minutes anything could happen. He appeared to be a sweet man and possibly someone she could easily become friends with.

[Zenophoenix]

Exa had followed behind her at a moderate distance as so not to invade her personal space. He was of course still new to the town's layout so he was more than glad that she knew a place where they could sit. He had spent the entire day walking through the town ever since he arrived on the airship. The guards were very adorned but that didn't mean he would shirk his gentlemanly duties. In fact, he would use the time to get to know her better. All he knew now was that she had a penchant for flowers and had a similar disgust with the braggart guards and the citizens drooling over them like rabid dogs. He kept his mind focused and tried to figure out what question he would ask first.

"Milady, may I ask you a few questions to pass the time?" He said, peering his head over her shoulder.

He would just start casually asking and then he would get to know her personally. She was one of the few women that were actually worth his time and attention. Many of the others just swooned around him, with no sense of respect or personality. They flock to the nearest aristocrat or nobleman and faint at the sight of fine jewels and embroidery. But not this woman, she had an air of self-repect about her. One that he respected and even admired. Even the fact that she places honor in the palace that he was so enamored made his admiration for her soar even more.

"You may stop me at anytime, if I begin to get too personal with my requests." He did have to make sure that he maintained his honor and upstanding stature.

He didn't plan on hounding her down like a dog. Nay, he wanted to treat her with respect and as an equal. Only few women behaved themselves like she did and her presence was a pleasure that he would not squander with meaningless and empty words.

[Aleksei]

"No need to worry, I'm an open book! Ask what comes to mind, it'll give us something to talk about."

Apricot eyes twinkled some as she wrinkled her nose. It was a little odd how he positioned his words to come out properly. The aristocrates were capable of doing the same thing, but not many chose to practice their preaching. When born the child was taught from the first day that crying was inappropriate and if you wanted something you ask for it. Women were held like trophies, the prettier and bigger they be, the value goes up. Men spoke politics and possible days where they dream to become knights of swords instead of words. Not everyone was like this, just a good majority.

She maneuvered through the crowd before stopping in front of a tavern, small and quaint. It was the better ones scattered about the city, and the most comfortable. The building carried two floors where the bottom fashioned tables where the merry could drink and eat; above where bedrooms where the weary could rest and have a warm shelter for the night.

Alucuin looked at Exa, hoping he enjoyed the scenery of the tavern.

"Serves the best wine and soup, especially during midday. We can relax here."

[Jennex]

Sitting in the corner away from most of the noise in a small tavern, Andria watched as all of the people inside consumed beverages and spoke loudly over one another. She was by no means shy, but the conversations taking place by others did not intrigue her. She preffered to spend her company with more civilized people when she was able to. As she gazed over to the main enterance she noticed a lady she'd seen in town many times buying flowers, and an unfamiliar gentleman stroll in and take a seat at the table in the corner across from her. Having lived here all her life, it was unusual for her to see someone she hadn't already met. As she watched the two talking to one another, she could tell that this young man was very proper. Listening closely she assumed by his speech that he was proud but not arrogant; a fine quality in an individual. She pondered the two of them for a few moments and thought that getting to know them better may be nice.

[Zenophoenix]

Exa had followed Alucuin inside and was astonished at the attention to detail that the place had. Although there were a few ruffians in the midst, he also glanced back at the chefs, deeply involved with their craft. And it showed too, Exa took a deep breath and caught various succulent scents. There were various meats and vegetable scents that he whiffed out, along with exotic spices which he favored in his past feasts with the nobility. He cast his gaze across the tavern, noticing the finish on the wooden tables and chair spread throughout. The gloss shone brilliantly as the sun cast its gaze on it. Their taste in music wasn't bad either, comprising of a symphony of harps and pianos, played by the most fairest of women. His focus then shifted to the stage in which the women played their instruments. The scene was adorned with red silk curtain, most likely covered during off-days, but in this instance they were spread open, revealing another wooden masterpiece, embroidered with the royal insignia. Gods, the citizens take pride in their city. He felt as if he had taken too much of the scenery in and followed Alucuin as she led him to a table near the back of the tavern. Nice choice of seating, somewhere not too exposed and yet not to secluded.

He had pulled the chair out for Alucuin, further exemplifying his gentlemanly nature. After both of them had taken their seats, he perused the menu, focusing specifically on the soups and salads. He picked the garden salad, not wanting to stuff himself but rather tie himself over until he found a place to stay for the night. As for his drink, of course, white wine. He had his order carefully ingrained in the back of his mind, for now though he would just talk to Alucuin some more.

"This place is breathtaking. It isn't like a regular tavern, this one is pure perfection, from the carpentry all of the way to the food. This place is absolutely exquisite. I applaud, no praise, you for taking me here! Please, show me more of these wonderful sights later! I implore you, milady!" He said, looking at Alucuin intently while holding her hands with his.

He took one last deep breath to calm himself down. It seemed that the grandeur of the tavern had gotten the better of his usually reserved personality. But he had a penchant for identifying things of a higher quality and he forgave himself of his own actions. Although, he wouldn't allow his interests to interfere with the conversation.

"I apologize, I've been callous in my admiration of this place. Now, where were we? Ah yes, I was about to ask about your hobby. Why did you decide to collect roses and place them at the palace gates? Is it a tradition that was passed down or is it an obligation you have imposed upon yourself?"

[Aleksei]

"A tradition that I have created at a very young age."

She ordered a white wine as well, wanting to enjoy the velvet sweetness of it. The day was still young and she didn't want to spoil it with a heavy liquor, not that she honestly enjoyed such things. With her drink she asked for some bread with drizzled honey, peppered with cinnamon. Later tonight there was a party of sorts, the usual masquerade to introduce a young girl to the world that she was ready to be picked. Every knight and eligable bachelore will be standing at the door in their best attire.

When the wine arrived she took a small sip from her own glass, enjoying the taste before swallowing it down. It was a refreshing take on a hot day.

"My brother is a knight in the royal guard and a way to pay tribute, as I can't join myself."

She admired her sibling a great deal and missed him just as much. There was conflict going on about the lands and he was sent out to join the rest of the persumably best. Her family had raised them both to be best at whatever skill they could squeeze out of their bodies. Alucuin knew how to needle a thread at a second thought, and sew quicker than most. Amongst those outstanding skills she was able to speak in various languages, but her deepest joy was the teachings of a near apocathary. It was amazing how simple weeds and shrubs could cure a common cold or close a deep wound.

[Jennex]

The more she listened to the conversation of the two across from her the more interested she became. She had heard the lady mention that her brother was in the Royal Guard. Her father held a high place in it as well and she knew those involved and their families were highly respectable people. This bit of information made up her mind that she wanted to know the girl as well as her friend. Once the guard was mentioned, he had an unmistakable look in his eyes of admiration as if he wished to be in it also. As she finished off her meal she brushed her light blonde hair away from her brilliant blue eyes, making sure she was neat, she walked over to the two across from her. Normally she wasn't nervous about meeting new people, she was slight and well dressed with a very approachable personality. This time however she couldn't help hoping these to would take to her well.

"Hello, my name is Andria, I don't mean to impose but I overheard that your brother is a member of the royal guard, my father is as well. Would you mind if I joined you?

[Zenophoenix]

[I'm switching to royal blue lol]

Exa was a bit startled that someone else had decided to introduce themselves to him and Alucuin. He delightfully accepted her offer, pulling up a third chair so that she could sit as well. He knelt before her as he did Alucuin and introduced himself.

"Milady, I am Exa and I hail from the distant land of Zenith. It would be a pleasure if you joined us. I don't think that Alucuin would mind." He said, standing and then returning his gaze to Alucuin, then back to Andria.

Also, her father was a leader amongst the Royal Guard, he gasped almost forgetting about his prospect of being employed in their ranks. Maybe he could use this as an opportunity to network and sell himself a little. But, in all of these ventures he still would maintain his stature and wouldn't grovel and beg like a dog.

"Andria, you said that your father was also serving with the Royal Guard and has a leadership position? Well, I am looking for employment. Also, I need a place to stay, because I do plan on living here for a long time. I might even be able to start a new life here.

The waiter had finally come and taken their orders and hurried back to the cooks. According to him, it would be a 30-minute wait. That was plenty of time for Exa to get to know his two new acquaintances.

[Aleksei]

"Pleasure to meet you Andria, Alucuin."

She graciously smiled at the woman as she took her seat. The more company the better, she thought. It was nice to have good conversation with people you've never met, as they were the best story tellers. Exa was proving himself as a reasonable friend who she could call upon either for a nice drink of wine or perhaps a little fun. He was awkward in his ways, especially when he bursted into joy about the looks and feel of the tavern. Later, she hoped he would show that side once again.

She lifted the glass of wine to her lips, sipping some in thought. It wasn't strange to know someone who had some member in the guard, because it was half the city. Husbands, brothers, and so forth flocked to the shine.

"What position is your father? We could could have met without knowing."

Just as Exa, Alucuin wanted to know about their new guest.

[Jennex]

"Thank you. I am pleased to meet you both."

Andria took her seat that Exa had placed next to himself and Alucin for her. Exa introduced himself in the way a proper gentleman would and Alucin seemed to be as kind as she looked. She was excited about this small group she had come upon and wondered if they were going to the event tonight, but that she would ask later. For now it seems her new companions had inquiries of their own.

"Yes my father was in the Guard before I was even thought of. He started out at the bottom and worked his way up quickly. He is a Commanding Officer. It's very possible for us to have met before Alucin, too bad we didn't get acquainted then if we had. Exa you seem like the type that would make a fine Guard, you remind me of my father, perhaps I could introduce you to him. Do you have any idea of where you are staying tonight?"

This man seemed harmless and respectful she didn't want him sleeping on the streets or in some overpriced room Maybe after talking some more she would offer him one of the extra rooms in her home. And introduce him to her father.