phoenixstrut | (no subject)

(no subject)

Had it been any other news, she would have immediately rejoiced in being pulled away from yet another preparatory Council meeting, but word of a wounded angel left at the gate of the Archangel’s mansion was, by no means, reason to celebrate. News that it was an unknown angel was even worse, and despite the elders’ chiding, Dove felt it best to see the unfolding first hand.

Should Xander wake, he’ll find himself surrounded by a flurry of angels, some braver than the others and eyes aglow with healing Light. They part rather quickly, though, as a second group arrives.

While there’s a mix of skins and ages, they’re all shockingly beautiful and have wings that stand proudly from their backs. Most of the women seem wary, while the men are obviously on guard, particularly those surrounding the woman at the center of their group. Those closest to her have firm grips on the hilts of their swords.

All this for a wounded newcomer at the gate.

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He's learned as much as he can so far without talking to Dove herself. some of the younger Knights let him look at some texts, nothing too secretive. Some history, things to read when he's bored... which is a lot when he's recovering. At some point, he was given his own room, still guarded, but it was a nice place to start.

They gave him more roam of the place, and he often found himself in the gardens, relaxing there, or practicing swordless defense to keep himself in shape. Today though, there's a familiar face with a white stallion. He walks up, making sure to make some noise so he didn't startle her right at the end.

"Something bothering you, M'lady?"

She's aware of him long before he speaks, but waits until he's shuffled over to lift her head and give him her attention. He's met with a small smile that's quick to replace her weighted gaze. She shakes her head. "No, no... I'm fine. Just a series of extremely dull meetings," she explains, though there's a little more bitterness in it than she intends. "It's been a long few days."

The horse turns to look at the man, eyes bright gold and curious. It gives him a huff... but otherwise stays still under its mistress's loving strokes at its neck.

"I've heard you've exceeded Galen's expectations," she grins, looking him over. While she might not have been immediately around, she's kept up with Xander's progress through the eyes of her staff. It's no secret that the head of her personal Guard is impressed with Xander's skill... even if he's loathe to admit it.

"Dull meetings." A small smile, holding out a hand to the horse for a moment. he knew better than to try to pet a horse before it knew him. "I remember being in plenty of those."

"Galen. One of the guards?" He hadn't learned all of the names just yet. He was working on it. "I'm glad, even if I'm not trying to impress anyone."

The horse stares at him, eyes...much deeper than that of a normal animal. A moment later, and it bumps his fingers, huffing his approval.

Dove just keeps that smile up at him, until something appears to click in her mind. ...Hm. "That's right... you were a prince." It's a thoughtful observation.

"Head of the Royal Guard.... my own personal babysitter," she singsongs in a sigh, though she does smile. "He's stubborn, but an excellent knight. Even if you weren't trying, you've succeeded."

There's a pause, but she circles back around to his previous royalty. "Were you active, back home? As a royal, I mean." She shakes her head, unable to find the right word. "Politically." Maybe he can help her.

Xander gently rubs the nose of the horse as Dove talks. So, she was kept under eyes herself. He understood why he was, but not her.

"Politically, yes." He said, thinking about his...well, previous life. "I was the one who was going to become king, so I was learning and acting on my own near the end of my life. Father was... well, hands off on certain things."

And then there was the war, but he wouldn't mention that for now.

She studies him as he replies, and if he's careful, he might feel the quick sting of conflict as she tries to decide which course to take with this. She eventually settles on telling him a little. It's common knowledge amongst the other angels after all. He might as well hear from her, if he hasn't already heard from the other training Knights.

"I see... My brother was raised with the same intent- to become archangel after my grandfather, but they... I didn't have any of training myself," she explains, "I'm fairly certain I was just intended to give my mother something to fawn over while the men discussed the war." A much different life than the one she leads now.

She hesitates, but attempts a smile. It probably ends up a little shyer than she probably was going for. "....what are your mornings like, Xander?"

He senses something, but he's still working on that part, so he can't figure out what, exactly. He listens and realizes that she was what Camilla may have become now. Leo would take the throne though, Nohr was a bit old school.

"At the moment, waking up and training after breakfast. Then to the library."

She can't help but grin. "Strong and studious." Maybe this will work after all, if he agrees. "If I could arrange it, would you be willing to join me for breakfast? Just a few days a week," she clarifies, cheeks flushing a bit. She doesn't want to take up all his time. "I would, um... like to hear another perspective from someone who's been in a similar role." A mostly unbiased, not power hungry someone.

Edited 2018-05-31 04:01 (UTC)

"If my personal entourage doesn't mind." He meant his guards. It would be nice to see someone other than them during the day.

"I'm assuming you're getting stuck in what Leo and I called a politics game, hmm?"

Now she just looks apologetic. "It has been weeks," she agrees, looking over her shoulder toward the guards she knows are posted about them. "I'm sure I can negotiate something. Between myself and Era here, I'd say you'll definitely be well watched." She grins at the 'horse's' snuff at her comment. "If the Archangel can't hold her own, what good am I anyway?"
She's just... going to refocus past that hint of doubt there.

She shakes her head. "I'm not sure it's much of a game anymore," she sighs. "I've put quite a few of my own Council back in their place, but given I'm the only one left of my name, I don't get a lot of wiggle room. Fortunately, despite those who still want me removed, there's... really no getting around it."

It's not like she can just pass the Archangel's Gifts to anyone else.... unless she's killed. And then what?

"I see. Well, I may be able to help you with that, or at least try. Politics was something I was forced to learn due to father."

He smiles, kind of a smirk.

"Well, I also understand that, because I was an unexpected arrival."

She nods. "Let me speak with my Guard and see what I can do..."

Surprisingly enough, she's eventually able to convince them to allow her to meet with him in... semi-private for breakfast a few times a week, when she isn't busy with other diplomatic duties. Granted, it's lakeside in her private gazebo with security surrounding it entirely, but... they're at least able to talk in peace, and their meetings quickly become something she looks forward to, even if it technically is to study. It's...really nice, having someone to talk to that isn't entirely biased in one way or another, especially with his patience.

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