Jijo found himself in the palace chapel quickly. He wasn't sure how he got here; he'd obviously never been in the palace enough to know such winding halls by heart, but it seems he found it by instinct. He let out a large sigh, looking up warily at the massive stained glass picture of their God; all colors and glory. This was not the God he knew, and he dreaded what was to befall him this hour. Hastily, he pulled his hood up over his face before approaching the chapel's altar. Most prayed to the merciful, guardian-esque side of their God, which required nothing more than praise and prayer. However, to summon the Wrath he knew required a bit more effort. With a bite of his lip, Ji drew from his belt of weapons a small, ceremonial dagger. He drew it over the underside of his wrist with a tiny flick; nicking only a small area but allowing enough flow for a single drop of blood to befall the altar. The blood sizzled and hissed before evaporating from the stone deity all together, and darkness enveloped his mind as the God made contact.
You disappoint me, Jijo. The heavy, hollow and dark voice of Wrath slithered through his thoughts like a thick oil, making him shudder. Did you really believe you were the only one to receive my Gifts? They are rare, but you are not the only one. Make no mistake, and do not get a large head. You are my weapon.
Jijo nodded, head bowed as low as he could make it. Of course he was out of place to believe he was the only one with such gifts, but he still felt a sense of betrayal that he did not know. It is not your place to know, only do. The voice invaded his thoughts. Again he nodded, eyes watering from the disappointment and shame he felt.
Do not let the girl keep you from your mission. Twice today you have missed Marques which I have placed upon the late King's former counsel and you did not so much as look. The voice became venomous and angry then. Jijo drooped his ears and curled into himself, feeling all the worse. He had failed on so many levels this day. Since you seem to have become incompetent these last hours, I will name them for you. They are both the late King's treasurers. See to it. The voice threatened him with mental images of what should become him should he fail. Jijo's soul hardened with resolve; not out of fear of this Wrathful deity he served but out of duty and respect. This God raised him to be who he was and it was nothing but his own fault for straying from that path. But, was he to be punished for revealing the secret to the King..?
No. The voice came back, softer now. Still dark, heavy, and wholly unpleasant, but not angry anymore. Sympathetic, if anything. You've done well, there, at least. Tell no one else. Swear the King and his adviser to secrecy. And... A pause as the God sent more mental images; books, daggers, vials of poison. Train the girl.
Jijo shrank back at this command; the girl could not even stand his presence; how was he to train her? But the voice was gone now, and Jijo's eyesight returned as the presence faded from his mind. He was on his own, there, it seemed. With a renewed sense of duty, Jijo rose, placing his ceremonial dagger - one used solely for emergency communications with Wrath - back in its sheath and then covering the belt full of weapons and vials with the cloth of his robes around his waist.
He had work to do. With a sharp inhale and a slow exhale, Jijo set off, putting aside his love for the King and his duty there and replacing it with the mindset of a killer. His footsteps became lighter; silent against the tile as he shifted his weight. He kept to the late night shadows as he moved through the winding halls, letting instinct guide him to his first target.
He could only deal with one tonight; both going so fast and while the King did not know his whereabouts would bring immediate suspicion, especially since he left the King's side angry and after such a shocking turn of events revealing some of his secret about the time of peoples' deaths. No, even with just this one, he would have to take many precautions. As he maneuvered the corridors in silence, he made a mental checklist of his poisons and their symptoms. No bloodletting could be done today; he had to make this death look natural to keep guards away from the thought of a killer in their midst. Too many of his poisons left traces in their systems or caused exterior reactions - rashes, foaming, eyes rolling back in the head. These would not do. He paused at an intersection in the castle to retrieve a particular vial from his belt. It was tiny; no bigger than his pinky finger. He never used this poison because he never had much need to make a death look natural - commoners were the subjects of violent deaths probably more than the King realized, but this was just the nature of poverty. On top of this, this particular poison was damn near impossible to brew and required ingredients that could not be bought at the local bazaar. He huffed, a bit depressed he had to use such a masterful brew on a nameless accountant. He flicked the vial to activate the chemicals within, and watched with amusement as the liquid began to glow and swirl. He placed it back i his belt as he continued forward, not wanting its faint light to give away his presence.
Jijo came to his destination fairly shortly thereafter. Inside the bedchambers before him, his target snored loudly. The terrible sound of it made his nose curl up in disdain; he hoped the reason for this assassination wasn't adultery, because honestly, who'd want to be with anyone so loud in their sleep? However, based on the volume and pitch of the snore, Ji deduced it was a rather.. meaty.. bird he was dealing with, and he noted to adjust the dose of Adren's Rush accordingly. Then, without a sound, he picked the lock of the door with his tiny finger's talon and slipped inside. Three drops into the snoring traitor's gaping beak ensured a job done, and he was gone just as fast; vial re-hidden, belt concealed, and he was off down the halls back towards the King's chambers as though he had just gone for a stroll to clear his head. With Wrath on his side, the body would not be found until later in the morning when the fat brute was late for a meeting.
A smile played on his lips as he imagined the bewilderment of those who found him - Jijo couldn't honestly say that he didn't enjoy his work when it went well. As he was toying with these thoughts, however, he literally ran into the King, bumping himself onto his rear on the tile floor. Ow. "M-my lord!" He stuttered, immediately standing and bowing deeply to his King. "I apologize, I did not see you. I'm sorry for leaving as I did earlier .. I needed to consult. Our God was not happy with me." He frowned, because it was the truth, but said no more than that of what happened. "Is there a reason you're so far from your chambers so late? You must be exhausted, my King. Let's bring you back; tomorrow's your first full day as King and you can't be tired!" He chirped, back to his normal level-headed and definitely more pleasant self. He had gotten work done today after all, and his God didn't smite him on the spot for the divulging of half of his secret, so who was he to complain any longer?
You disappoint me, Jijo. The heavy, hollow and dark voice of Wrath slithered through his thoughts like a thick oil, making him shudder. Did you really believe you were the only one to receive my Gifts? They are rare, but you are not the only one. Make no mistake, and do not get a large head. You are my weapon.
Jijo nodded, head bowed as low as he could make it. Of course he was out of place to believe he was the only one with such gifts, but he still felt a sense of betrayal that he did not know. It is not your place to know, only do. The voice invaded his thoughts. Again he nodded, eyes watering from the disappointment and shame he felt.
Do not let the girl keep you from your mission. Twice today you have missed Marques which I have placed upon the late King's former counsel and you did not so much as look. The voice became venomous and angry then. Jijo drooped his ears and curled into himself, feeling all the worse. He had failed on so many levels this day. Since you seem to have become incompetent these last hours, I will name them for you. They are both the late King's treasurers. See to it. The voice threatened him with mental images of what should become him should he fail. Jijo's soul hardened with resolve; not out of fear of this Wrathful deity he served but out of duty and respect. This God raised him to be who he was and it was nothing but his own fault for straying from that path. But, was he to be punished for revealing the secret to the King..?
No. The voice came back, softer now. Still dark, heavy, and wholly unpleasant, but not angry anymore. Sympathetic, if anything. You've done well, there, at least. Tell no one else. Swear the King and his adviser to secrecy. And... A pause as the God sent more mental images; books, daggers, vials of poison. Train the girl.
Jijo shrank back at this command; the girl could not even stand his presence; how was he to train her? But the voice was gone now, and Jijo's eyesight returned as the presence faded from his mind. He was on his own, there, it seemed. With a renewed sense of duty, Jijo rose, placing his ceremonial dagger - one used solely for emergency communications with Wrath - back in its sheath and then covering the belt full of weapons and vials with the cloth of his robes around his waist.
He had work to do. With a sharp inhale and a slow exhale, Jijo set off, putting aside his love for the King and his duty there and replacing it with the mindset of a killer. His footsteps became lighter; silent against the tile as he shifted his weight. He kept to the late night shadows as he moved through the winding halls, letting instinct guide him to his first target.
He could only deal with one tonight; both going so fast and while the King did not know his whereabouts would bring immediate suspicion, especially since he left the King's side angry and after such a shocking turn of events revealing some of his secret about the time of peoples' deaths. No, even with just this one, he would have to take many precautions. As he maneuvered the corridors in silence, he made a mental checklist of his poisons and their symptoms. No bloodletting could be done today; he had to make this death look natural to keep guards away from the thought of a killer in their midst. Too many of his poisons left traces in their systems or caused exterior reactions - rashes, foaming, eyes rolling back in the head. These would not do. He paused at an intersection in the castle to retrieve a particular vial from his belt. It was tiny; no bigger than his pinky finger. He never used this poison because he never had much need to make a death look natural - commoners were the subjects of violent deaths probably more than the King realized, but this was just the nature of poverty. On top of this, this particular poison was damn near impossible to brew and required ingredients that could not be bought at the local bazaar. He huffed, a bit depressed he had to use such a masterful brew on a nameless accountant. He flicked the vial to activate the chemicals within, and watched with amusement as the liquid began to glow and swirl. He placed it back i his belt as he continued forward, not wanting its faint light to give away his presence.
Jijo came to his destination fairly shortly thereafter. Inside the bedchambers before him, his target snored loudly. The terrible sound of it made his nose curl up in disdain; he hoped the reason for this assassination wasn't adultery, because honestly, who'd want to be with anyone so loud in their sleep? However, based on the volume and pitch of the snore, Ji deduced it was a rather.. meaty.. bird he was dealing with, and he noted to adjust the dose of Adren's Rush accordingly. Then, without a sound, he picked the lock of the door with his tiny finger's talon and slipped inside. Three drops into the snoring traitor's gaping beak ensured a job done, and he was gone just as fast; vial re-hidden, belt concealed, and he was off down the halls back towards the King's chambers as though he had just gone for a stroll to clear his head. With Wrath on his side, the body would not be found until later in the morning when the fat brute was late for a meeting.
A smile played on his lips as he imagined the bewilderment of those who found him - Jijo couldn't honestly say that he didn't enjoy his work when it went well. As he was toying with these thoughts, however, he literally ran into the King, bumping himself onto his rear on the tile floor. Ow. "M-my lord!" He stuttered, immediately standing and bowing deeply to his King. "I apologize, I did not see you. I'm sorry for leaving as I did earlier .. I needed to consult. Our God was not happy with me." He frowned, because it was the truth, but said no more than that of what happened. "Is there a reason you're so far from your chambers so late? You must be exhausted, my King. Let's bring you back; tomorrow's your first full day as King and you can't be tired!" He chirped, back to his normal level-headed and definitely more pleasant self. He had gotten work done today after all, and his God didn't smite him on the spot for the divulging of half of his secret, so who was he to complain any longer?
Gryph, surprised, let out a startled cluck as something had ran into his side. Not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to catch him off guard and freak him out some- this place was already eerily creepy at such an hour. As his cluck had echoed about, the male looked down, finding Jijo who quickly bowed and expressed his apologies to the king. Feathers that once stood on end now rested back in their place and Gryph gave a small nod to his keeper in understanding though felt a tinge bit guilty that the God had been angry with his companion.
Pointed ears took in the other's question and he gave a small sigh, looking away a moment before lips would form words, voice soft as not to echo about. "I wanted to apologize to you for making you angry earlier. I'm truly, and honestly sorry for causing such anger. I know and understand that I'm the king, I know that I am not obligated to apologize for the things I do and that I can do what I wish without reason but.." He paused, scarlet gaze looking back towards his friend and softened upon him, chest taking in a deep breath of the night air. "I had to apologize to you. I can't leave something with ruffled feathers and then hope to get a good night's rest- I'll.. have nightmares."
The king felt a bit sheepish, admitting something so childish to the other, but in all honesty he had been as sincere with his apology as he could, hoping Jijo would understand and accept the apology all the same. This was why the God had chosen gryph- Why his father was no longer the King the people needed. Compassion, and understanding. While the king had every right to give orders, to do as he pleased, there was also consequences in the God's eyes for such selfish behaviour. While Gryph himself knew not of the wrathful side of his God, he still had this purity about him that allowed him to connect with his people on a deeper understanding level. One the many people of this city within the clouds used to see in the King before him before the power had gotten to his head.
He'd give a gently dip of his head, showing gratitude to the other along with his apology before giving a look around. It was late, and his body was very much still exhausted not being able to sleep when he had wanted.
"Mm- yeah. Come, let us head back to the chambers. You're welcome to stay within mine for the night on my sofa. Tomorrow I'll get to work with assigning my new appointed staff to their own chambers and such." A small yawn escaped his lips, brain and body now feeling the effects of exhaustion as one and without much room for an answer, The king would begin in the direction he came and back into the hall to his room where he pushed past the drapes and flopped yet again, atop his cushioned bed where he would nestle himself comfortably in his pillows and blankets following the quick onset of slumber.
Morning
Sun's rays beamed through the window of the King's room, kissing gently at ash skin and warming it to the touch as it danced upon him. One crimson eye peeked open rather drowsily where it scanned before him, closed, and reopened along with it's twin. So bright. Gryph muffled a groan as he pushed with his arms up off his mattress into a sitting position, his pillows some how managing to scatter around him and onto the ground, blankets a mess. What on earth did he do in the night while he slept? A feathered hand would pull up to each eye, rubbing any sleep from them they may have had while jaw gave a morning stretch. He could hear the handful of birds in his temple twitter and squawk softy, talking about things and he could smell the sweet aroma of food being cooked in the kitchen. Not long after the king had awoken, Gryph was met with his adviser, Egret who happily cooed to him in greeting carrying with him a large tray that housed many different kinds of foods atop it.
"Good morning, Egret." The king spoke with soft words to his companion as the little white bird skipped up next to him and began to offer him some food, picking off a few of the ripe red grapes and gently feeding them to Gryph. As he ate, he thought a bit to himself, mindlessly accepting and chewing the grapes that were offered, then onto a few slices of rich, ripe peach. Today he had to see to the findings on his father's death- see to what concerns some of his people had with their city. He had to have the living chambers cleared of the old and replaced with the new of his appointed staff and to make sure the temple for the retired staff was acceptable for living and make sure they would adjust well. All these thoughts swam around within his mind, his eyes but a blank stare for a few moments.
If Jijo had accepted the king's offer to sleep within his chamber, Gryph would look over towards his sofa, a delighted coo sounding out and a hand raising towards Egret to signal that he was full.
"And good morning to you, Jijo." He'd voice over and smile softly, red eyes watching his friend a moment.
If Jijo had not accepted and instead went of on his own for slumber, the king would return gaze from his sofa back to his adviser before him, eyes watching fixing upon his face for a moment with a soft expression.
The white bird chirped at his king, watching him and waiting for orders before Gryph gave him a small wave of the hand "You may have the rest if you're hungry. You should know by now I don't eat that much." He made a face to his adviser, though playful, and gave a soft chuckle. As the King's son, Gryph was always pampered with the highest quality of food his land had to offer as well as the most delicate of dishes. It was a common occurrence that Egret would usually pick off what the other hadn't touched and who could blame him? A happy shrill would emerge from within the smaller one as he skipped over to the sitting area, tray upon the table where he'd then begin to nibble away at the rest of the grapes and peach slices. Gryph was never one to eat a whole lot- explaining his slim physique, and would rather eat for the nutrition than to indulge in just eating for pleasure, mostly anyways. He had his moments.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to have my morning bathe. Please do not hesitate to alert me if you hear any news"
The king shifted himself off of his bed and made his way towards his showering area within his room where he'd pluck off his poncho, hanging it along the counter and hand worked at the faucet. The water poured out warm to the touch within an instant steadily onto the kings extended hand and once it had reached it's warmest, Gryph would push his body beneath the water, letting it slide along from his head to his taloned toes, whisking away any dirt that clung to his feathers and skin along with the help of a rich lather of soap made from carefully selected ingredients. After rinsing, the king would tilt head back, the water hitting his face gently, eyes closed, and here he would have a few moments to himself to reflect on everything- Kingship hadn't fully sunken in. It felt.. so surreal. Was this what it felt like to become king for anyone? Thoughts would soon overpower the sound of his shower, and anything else around him giving him the personal time that he had needed to be within his own mind and at peace; a nearly meditative state as he stood beneath the water.
Pointed ears took in the other's question and he gave a small sigh, looking away a moment before lips would form words, voice soft as not to echo about. "I wanted to apologize to you for making you angry earlier. I'm truly, and honestly sorry for causing such anger. I know and understand that I'm the king, I know that I am not obligated to apologize for the things I do and that I can do what I wish without reason but.." He paused, scarlet gaze looking back towards his friend and softened upon him, chest taking in a deep breath of the night air. "I had to apologize to you. I can't leave something with ruffled feathers and then hope to get a good night's rest- I'll.. have nightmares."
The king felt a bit sheepish, admitting something so childish to the other, but in all honesty he had been as sincere with his apology as he could, hoping Jijo would understand and accept the apology all the same. This was why the God had chosen gryph- Why his father was no longer the King the people needed. Compassion, and understanding. While the king had every right to give orders, to do as he pleased, there was also consequences in the God's eyes for such selfish behaviour. While Gryph himself knew not of the wrathful side of his God, he still had this purity about him that allowed him to connect with his people on a deeper understanding level. One the many people of this city within the clouds used to see in the King before him before the power had gotten to his head.
He'd give a gently dip of his head, showing gratitude to the other along with his apology before giving a look around. It was late, and his body was very much still exhausted not being able to sleep when he had wanted.
"Mm- yeah. Come, let us head back to the chambers. You're welcome to stay within mine for the night on my sofa. Tomorrow I'll get to work with assigning my new appointed staff to their own chambers and such." A small yawn escaped his lips, brain and body now feeling the effects of exhaustion as one and without much room for an answer, The king would begin in the direction he came and back into the hall to his room where he pushed past the drapes and flopped yet again, atop his cushioned bed where he would nestle himself comfortably in his pillows and blankets following the quick onset of slumber.
Morning
Sun's rays beamed through the window of the King's room, kissing gently at ash skin and warming it to the touch as it danced upon him. One crimson eye peeked open rather drowsily where it scanned before him, closed, and reopened along with it's twin. So bright. Gryph muffled a groan as he pushed with his arms up off his mattress into a sitting position, his pillows some how managing to scatter around him and onto the ground, blankets a mess. What on earth did he do in the night while he slept? A feathered hand would pull up to each eye, rubbing any sleep from them they may have had while jaw gave a morning stretch. He could hear the handful of birds in his temple twitter and squawk softy, talking about things and he could smell the sweet aroma of food being cooked in the kitchen. Not long after the king had awoken, Gryph was met with his adviser, Egret who happily cooed to him in greeting carrying with him a large tray that housed many different kinds of foods atop it.
"Good morning, Egret." The king spoke with soft words to his companion as the little white bird skipped up next to him and began to offer him some food, picking off a few of the ripe red grapes and gently feeding them to Gryph. As he ate, he thought a bit to himself, mindlessly accepting and chewing the grapes that were offered, then onto a few slices of rich, ripe peach. Today he had to see to the findings on his father's death- see to what concerns some of his people had with their city. He had to have the living chambers cleared of the old and replaced with the new of his appointed staff and to make sure the temple for the retired staff was acceptable for living and make sure they would adjust well. All these thoughts swam around within his mind, his eyes but a blank stare for a few moments.
If Jijo had accepted the king's offer to sleep within his chamber, Gryph would look over towards his sofa, a delighted coo sounding out and a hand raising towards Egret to signal that he was full.
"And good morning to you, Jijo." He'd voice over and smile softly, red eyes watching his friend a moment.
If Jijo had not accepted and instead went of on his own for slumber, the king would return gaze from his sofa back to his adviser before him, eyes watching fixing upon his face for a moment with a soft expression.
The white bird chirped at his king, watching him and waiting for orders before Gryph gave him a small wave of the hand "You may have the rest if you're hungry. You should know by now I don't eat that much." He made a face to his adviser, though playful, and gave a soft chuckle. As the King's son, Gryph was always pampered with the highest quality of food his land had to offer as well as the most delicate of dishes. It was a common occurrence that Egret would usually pick off what the other hadn't touched and who could blame him? A happy shrill would emerge from within the smaller one as he skipped over to the sitting area, tray upon the table where he'd then begin to nibble away at the rest of the grapes and peach slices. Gryph was never one to eat a whole lot- explaining his slim physique, and would rather eat for the nutrition than to indulge in just eating for pleasure, mostly anyways. He had his moments.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to have my morning bathe. Please do not hesitate to alert me if you hear any news"
The king shifted himself off of his bed and made his way towards his showering area within his room where he'd pluck off his poncho, hanging it along the counter and hand worked at the faucet. The water poured out warm to the touch within an instant steadily onto the kings extended hand and once it had reached it's warmest, Gryph would push his body beneath the water, letting it slide along from his head to his taloned toes, whisking away any dirt that clung to his feathers and skin along with the help of a rich lather of soap made from carefully selected ingredients. After rinsing, the king would tilt head back, the water hitting his face gently, eyes closed, and here he would have a few moments to himself to reflect on everything- Kingship hadn't fully sunken in. It felt.. so surreal. Was this what it felt like to become king for anyone? Thoughts would soon overpower the sound of his shower, and anything else around him giving him the personal time that he had needed to be within his own mind and at peace; a nearly meditative state as he stood beneath the water.
Jijo's eartufts lowered in embarrassment as the King admitted to having nightmares on unfulfilled nights. He knew the feeling all too well - and though he would never say so aloud, the fact he deals in death daily meant his nightmares had quite a lot of possible content. "I understand, my lord. Thank you for your apology.. You did nothing wrong, though." He smiled gently up at his friend, sincerely grateful to have someone so compassionate both as his companion and his leader. "We're all strung a little tight after a day like today, no?"
As the King offered to let him stay within his chambers, Ji started slightly. He should've expected such an offer from Gryph, given both his nature and Ji's new position, but it was still very foreign. "Of course, my Lord. Thank you very much." He bowed deeply, ensuring that his movements made no noise against the multitudes of metal strapped to his waist. He'd have to find a safe place to hide his tools once the King was asleep. He made a note to hide them in the kitchen, his go-to place back at the temple - what's so odd about a bunch of knives and bottles in a kitchen, even if they look a little pretty?
Until then, though, Ji followed the King back to his chambers and nestled himself snugly within the sofa, letting out a pleased coo when he got comfortable. He hated he'd have to get up again to hide his daggers, but for now, he could enjoy the peace.
--Morning--
Ji awoke to the scent of food. At the temple, bread and jam were the staple diet, and this smelled so much better. He perked immediately, sinking into the sofa as he shot his too-tiny body straight up like a board. "Food?!" He squawked loudly, before realizing the King may not be awake yet, and clamping his hands over his mouth. He looked over, seeing the King had already awoken, and blushed with a bit of embarrassment over his obvious desire. "M-morning!" He chirped back as the King greeted him, unused to having company first thing in the day.
He eyed the tray of food that Egret now picked at a little mournfully, though did his best to hide it; as the King moved to bathe, he gave a quick nod. "I'll alert you should anything happen. Enjoy your bath, milord." He smiled again, popping out of bed and leaving the food all but forgotten; he could get something later if needed. He was not unaccustomed to skipping meals, either because of the temple's lack of food or because he spent time out staking out "jobs." Hastily, he popped around the room to make sure everything was in its place - he may not be official security, and he may feel fairly certain the King was safe, but one could never be too sure. After that was done, he tik-takked back to Egret. "I've got to check on some things with the temple here very quickly. I'll be right back, I promise." He bowed to Egret, respectfully and apologetically for his quick departure, then slipped out the doorway to the kitchen, just as a guard - surely bearing news of the accountant's death - entered.
--Mina--
Mina nearly dropped her bread when the sage came into the kitchen. She was in the process of stealing some leftover foodstuffs when the incompetent fool barged in; she was so focused on her food that she had not noticed the approach of a soul, much less one so bizarre as his.
"W-what are you doing?!" The annoying priest squawked, plucking the bread from her tiny hands. "Don't steal from the palace, are you insane?!"
Mina made an extremely irritated face, reaching for the bread again by its smell. "Well, I don't know about you, oh mighty priest, but I don't get food every day and it smells too good to pass up!" She hopped up to try to reach the bread in Ji's outstretched arms, but came short, resulting in puffed out cheeks and a look of pure hatred aimed in Ji's direction. Then she felt the atmosphere lessen in tension, and found a half of the loaf she was trying to steal placed in her hands. She felt it, warm and soft, and stared at the orb of Ji's soul. It pulsed slightly, the light on the inside of its hard shell attempting to reach outward. "Why are you giving me this?" She asked accusatorily.
"Because I understand." There was no hesitation, which both flared Mina's compassion and irritated her beyond reason. He then continued, "also, I'm really hungry too, and I didn't want to take any of the King's food. Problem?" She could feel him smirking, and relaxed slightly, taking a giant chomp out of the bread with her beak and enjoying its warmth. "My God that's good!" She whined, ravenously devouring the remainder of her share. "Why can't everyone have food that good?" She pouted, looking blindly up at Ji.
"I agree," he mused, somewhat thoughtfully. "I'm sure it's not so simple, but I'm sure the King would hear your complaints and do his best to see to it." She felt his compassion then, and felt a tiny bit guilty for her hatred of him.
"Wait.. what are you doing here?" She suddenly blurted. "If you weren't here to get food - which you're not, since you so quickly stole that bread from me, what in the God's name are you doing in here?" The room got eerily quiet, and then Mina saw the dark orb move across the room to the side of the kitchen lined with cabinets (Mina had spent a good while rustling through them to try to find food). Curiously, she followed him, before something cold and hard was placed in her hand.
A dagger.
"W-what the..?" She stammered out, but Ji quickly covered her mouth, suddenly paranoid.
"You mustn't speak of this to anyone. Not even the King... not yet." He sounded mournful, and yet something about his tone made her believe that if she told anyone, her life would be up for grabs. He continued before she could reply. "I am an assassin for this land's God, trained and honed for Him alone. Last night, after I revealed my ability to see Marques to you and the King, I sought his counsel and he instructed me teach you what I know." His voice softened almost imperceptibly. "That dagger was my first, a blessed blade that our God bestowed upon me when I was first given my Vision. It is too small for me now, and I have kept it only out of sentiment, but it will suit you well as you train, should you be willing to learn under me."
Mina's mind reeled. The God had people killed? Is this some kind of sick joke? No, it couldn't be. He was far too serious. And, upon further inspection with her tiny taloned hands, she could tell this blade was old indeed. Used, a bit dulled, but still incredibly sharp. She could feel various symbols etched into the blade itself, and had to admit they seemed beautiful. Based on the texture she felt under her fingers, it felt as though it was made of ebony, a metal associated with darkness and death already. Something inside her stirred, and she somehow felt sure that if she could see her own soul right now, it would start to blacken as Jijo's did. If his soul was a result of the God's training, perhaps darkness wasn't all bad. She gave a tiny nod, hoping Jijo - now her mentor - saw it, because she felt the strength of her knees weaken at the thought of what she'd be learning.
Jijo's aura softened noticeably, and he places a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Thank you for not fighting me on this." He sounded beyond relieved, and her hatred of him started to melt, if even slightly. Then, his voice hardened. "First lesson. The clothes you wear now may not be comfortable, but they are practical. Wrap the dagger in the cloth of your waistband like such -" he grasped her hand lightly, then placed a strip of cloth in it, probably from his own robe. He tied a knot securely around the hilt of the dagger, making it so it would not move an inch unless a certain flap was tugged roughly to release the dagger into her hand, all while doing so in a way she could feel step-by-step with her hand in his. When he was done, she tugged the release, then tied the dagger securely to her own waist, resting snugly against her thigh.
"Very good," Jijo cooed, impressed. "You have a knack for this, at least. For now, we must return to the King. He should be done bathing about now." He clapped her on the back lightly, leading her towards the King's chambers, and she felt a mixture of calm purpose and frantic tension. "We will teach you further next time the King dismisses me from my duties. We will see how well you can wield that old thing."
As the King offered to let him stay within his chambers, Ji started slightly. He should've expected such an offer from Gryph, given both his nature and Ji's new position, but it was still very foreign. "Of course, my Lord. Thank you very much." He bowed deeply, ensuring that his movements made no noise against the multitudes of metal strapped to his waist. He'd have to find a safe place to hide his tools once the King was asleep. He made a note to hide them in the kitchen, his go-to place back at the temple - what's so odd about a bunch of knives and bottles in a kitchen, even if they look a little pretty?
Until then, though, Ji followed the King back to his chambers and nestled himself snugly within the sofa, letting out a pleased coo when he got comfortable. He hated he'd have to get up again to hide his daggers, but for now, he could enjoy the peace.
--Morning--
Ji awoke to the scent of food. At the temple, bread and jam were the staple diet, and this smelled so much better. He perked immediately, sinking into the sofa as he shot his too-tiny body straight up like a board. "Food?!" He squawked loudly, before realizing the King may not be awake yet, and clamping his hands over his mouth. He looked over, seeing the King had already awoken, and blushed with a bit of embarrassment over his obvious desire. "M-morning!" He chirped back as the King greeted him, unused to having company first thing in the day.
He eyed the tray of food that Egret now picked at a little mournfully, though did his best to hide it; as the King moved to bathe, he gave a quick nod. "I'll alert you should anything happen. Enjoy your bath, milord." He smiled again, popping out of bed and leaving the food all but forgotten; he could get something later if needed. He was not unaccustomed to skipping meals, either because of the temple's lack of food or because he spent time out staking out "jobs." Hastily, he popped around the room to make sure everything was in its place - he may not be official security, and he may feel fairly certain the King was safe, but one could never be too sure. After that was done, he tik-takked back to Egret. "I've got to check on some things with the temple here very quickly. I'll be right back, I promise." He bowed to Egret, respectfully and apologetically for his quick departure, then slipped out the doorway to the kitchen, just as a guard - surely bearing news of the accountant's death - entered.
--Mina--
Mina nearly dropped her bread when the sage came into the kitchen. She was in the process of stealing some leftover foodstuffs when the incompetent fool barged in; she was so focused on her food that she had not noticed the approach of a soul, much less one so bizarre as his.
"W-what are you doing?!" The annoying priest squawked, plucking the bread from her tiny hands. "Don't steal from the palace, are you insane?!"
Mina made an extremely irritated face, reaching for the bread again by its smell. "Well, I don't know about you, oh mighty priest, but I don't get food every day and it smells too good to pass up!" She hopped up to try to reach the bread in Ji's outstretched arms, but came short, resulting in puffed out cheeks and a look of pure hatred aimed in Ji's direction. Then she felt the atmosphere lessen in tension, and found a half of the loaf she was trying to steal placed in her hands. She felt it, warm and soft, and stared at the orb of Ji's soul. It pulsed slightly, the light on the inside of its hard shell attempting to reach outward. "Why are you giving me this?" She asked accusatorily.
"Because I understand." There was no hesitation, which both flared Mina's compassion and irritated her beyond reason. He then continued, "also, I'm really hungry too, and I didn't want to take any of the King's food. Problem?" She could feel him smirking, and relaxed slightly, taking a giant chomp out of the bread with her beak and enjoying its warmth. "My God that's good!" She whined, ravenously devouring the remainder of her share. "Why can't everyone have food that good?" She pouted, looking blindly up at Ji.
"I agree," he mused, somewhat thoughtfully. "I'm sure it's not so simple, but I'm sure the King would hear your complaints and do his best to see to it." She felt his compassion then, and felt a tiny bit guilty for her hatred of him.
"Wait.. what are you doing here?" She suddenly blurted. "If you weren't here to get food - which you're not, since you so quickly stole that bread from me, what in the God's name are you doing in here?" The room got eerily quiet, and then Mina saw the dark orb move across the room to the side of the kitchen lined with cabinets (Mina had spent a good while rustling through them to try to find food). Curiously, she followed him, before something cold and hard was placed in her hand.
A dagger.
"W-what the..?" She stammered out, but Ji quickly covered her mouth, suddenly paranoid.
"You mustn't speak of this to anyone. Not even the King... not yet." He sounded mournful, and yet something about his tone made her believe that if she told anyone, her life would be up for grabs. He continued before she could reply. "I am an assassin for this land's God, trained and honed for Him alone. Last night, after I revealed my ability to see Marques to you and the King, I sought his counsel and he instructed me teach you what I know." His voice softened almost imperceptibly. "That dagger was my first, a blessed blade that our God bestowed upon me when I was first given my Vision. It is too small for me now, and I have kept it only out of sentiment, but it will suit you well as you train, should you be willing to learn under me."
Mina's mind reeled. The God had people killed? Is this some kind of sick joke? No, it couldn't be. He was far too serious. And, upon further inspection with her tiny taloned hands, she could tell this blade was old indeed. Used, a bit dulled, but still incredibly sharp. She could feel various symbols etched into the blade itself, and had to admit they seemed beautiful. Based on the texture she felt under her fingers, it felt as though it was made of ebony, a metal associated with darkness and death already. Something inside her stirred, and she somehow felt sure that if she could see her own soul right now, it would start to blacken as Jijo's did. If his soul was a result of the God's training, perhaps darkness wasn't all bad. She gave a tiny nod, hoping Jijo - now her mentor - saw it, because she felt the strength of her knees weaken at the thought of what she'd be learning.
Jijo's aura softened noticeably, and he places a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Thank you for not fighting me on this." He sounded beyond relieved, and her hatred of him started to melt, if even slightly. Then, his voice hardened. "First lesson. The clothes you wear now may not be comfortable, but they are practical. Wrap the dagger in the cloth of your waistband like such -" he grasped her hand lightly, then placed a strip of cloth in it, probably from his own robe. He tied a knot securely around the hilt of the dagger, making it so it would not move an inch unless a certain flap was tugged roughly to release the dagger into her hand, all while doing so in a way she could feel step-by-step with her hand in his. When he was done, she tugged the release, then tied the dagger securely to her own waist, resting snugly against her thigh.
"Very good," Jijo cooed, impressed. "You have a knack for this, at least. For now, we must return to the King. He should be done bathing about now." He clapped her on the back lightly, leading her towards the King's chambers, and she felt a mixture of calm purpose and frantic tension. "We will teach you further next time the King dismisses me from my duties. We will see how well you can wield that old thing."
Gryph's blood-red eyes reopened after many long moments passed and the King worked a feathered hand at the nozzle of the faucet, turning it as far to the right as it could go while the water that once poured slowly began to fade into a slight trickle and then ceased flow all together. Water that clung to the King's slim figure beaded together while it trailed along his frame, tumbling off of him and landing upon the wet ground in small droplets. Bloop, bloop. It was silent within his chambers- having an open floor plan allowed him to hear what was going about from every inch of his room and with the silence, the King had assumed that he was alone for the time being. Clawed foot lifted one after the other, clicking talons against the now misted ground around his shower as they carried the young bird to a counter with neatly folded towels that held his fiery gold mark embroidered with perfection, the edges hemmed with a golden trim against a red background. Soon enough, everything that had once boasted his father's symbol would be replaced with his own. The old blue, green, and purple colours that once clung to every inch of the city would be swept away just like the evil they represented had.
King's hands worked at the towel, and it danced over his body, soaking up the droplets of water that still remained before it engulfed the top of his head, resting there where it embraced white locks. Body was moved over to a large mirror where Gryph would stand for a moment, eyes scanning over himself a few times before narrowing slightly. His face- so neutral and emotionless; Most of his emotion was shown through those beautiful ruby eyes of his and had such, been that way most of his young life. Gryph would give a quick glance behind him, double checking no one was within the confides of his personal bathing room before attention was given back to himself in the mirror where lips began to tug a bit at each corner, a little awkwardly, as the male had attempted to force a smile. After a hesitating moment, the King sported a genuine smile though, much like the one that was painted against his neutral features when the God had transferred the late King's powers to him though it quickly disappeared as he was overcame with a sheepish feeling. How silly. Shaking his head, Gryph couldn't help but let out a chuckle over himself. While vanity was something that he did enjoy, he felt rather .. funny practicing smiling before a mirror- what king does that.
Upon emerging from the bathing area, eyes fixed upon the small white bird who had stationed himself outside of the king's draped door. Such loyalty. The tray of food was left upon the table, however all the food ad been picked away at and left with nothing more than the inedible scraps. A grape vine here, a few pits scattered about, and a messy cloth. The king had turned into his closet now, grabbing at another one of his ponchos and slipping it over his head and shoulders, letting it trail down over the rest of his body, then allowed hands to unwrap his snow-white hair from the towel, letting it fall upon the ground before walking out into his room. Hair naturally assumed it's spiked looked, the bottom of which soon reforming with his neck fluff, still a little damp. He had noticed his keeper gone as head swiveled slightly, scanning the room a few moments before his pointed ear caught the sound of voices beyond his chambers. Jijo?
Egret turned his head and gave a gentle squeak to the king, smiling back at him with that same, whole hearted and happy smile he always wore when he was around the young King, though didn't budge from his post and instead turned focus back on his work until Gryph would walk past him, quickly shuffling alongside him while they walked up together past the late king's chambers to a group of palace guards who were warbling about something.
"What's going on?" Gryph's voice sounded, questioning the others and upon hearing his voice, they all turned and gave a deep bow. Most of them anyways..
"My lord! One of the late King Rukaia's treasurers was found dead within his chambers today." They paused a moment, awaiting their new king's response.
"Has an investigation happened upon the matter yet?" Voice was a bit demanding now and slightly laced with concern. First real day of king and already some poor soul was dead- this didn't make him settle well though as another guard spoke, he eased some.
"Aye- though the nurses have determined the cause of death to be of natural causes, my lord. It couldn't have been avoided." A few nods were given amongst the guards, one scoffing under his breath towards the back of the group who stood against the wall a ways away, eyes narrowed as they looked the young king over in disgust while he had given an agreeing nod with the majority.
"He wasn't that old, you fools. A bit of a glutton, but not any older than the lot of us- those who had served loyally under our late king." The rough voiced bird shifted his weight a bit to another shoulder against the wall while eyes locked with the young king's own. This bird was much older than him; rather rude too, a foot or two shorter, and looked as though he had seen a few fights in his glory days though it didn't intimidate Gryph. Something about this one however, did ruffle his feathers and besides him, Egret had puffed his cheeks and chest, fluffing up and giving an angry warble to the disrespectful bird before them while the guards cleared a path and all bowed to the King as if apologizing for this old bird's out of place demeanor, some letting out a few gasps. How dare he..
"You may be the new King, Gryph, but my loyalty lies with your father and everything he stood for. I'll be damned if I let some young tyke ruin what he worked his life for; what he promised his people. The king's murdered, you take throne, and now one of his most trusted birds has fallen suit and you're gonna' play it off like it was natural. Pluh. So arrogant. Have you not found the one who murdered our King?" He'd spat his words through a chipped beak, taking a few steps towards Gryph, his milky gaze still hooked in a lock with the burning ruby of the other.
"What I do within my kingship is not of your concern nor your business to oversee. You were released of your previous duties with the fall of my father and now, you're forgetting your place in the hierarchy, soldier. I ask that you stand down or I'll be forced to use my power against you. Please." Gryph's eyes narrowed back rather daringly at the other that squawked while a gentle hand placed against his adviser's shoulder as if to keep him from launching at the opposing being. While it hadn't looked good for Gryph that another had slipped away into the afterlife, given the state the rather.. bulbous bird was in, and his lifestyle, Gryph would trust his nurses to have made a fair assessment on the cause of death and in turn, hoped his people would come to the same rational conclusion as he. No need to further investigate and with his words, the older one would scoff again, grunting as he drew away, storming off in the opposite direction and taking along with him a few other guards. Odd..
"Hmm.." A gentle hum was given within his throat; an audible sign of the King's thinking before words would push over lips steadily. "I'd appreciate it if one of you would keep a watchful eye on him for me; report anything suspicious to either my keeper or me. Understood?" The king had ordered, and the loyla guards gave a nod, bowing again to their King in respect before branching off, returning to their duties while one skipped along in the direction the old bird had went. Egret let out a grumpy exhale, feathers stull up in full fluff making him look a bit ridiculous at this point. He couldn't believe how rude this one had been yet he respected Gryph's behaviour and admired his cool state. Oh how silly he had felt now as he gathered his bearings and with a surpised squawk, worked to flatten down some of his feathers, clucking sheepishly from embarassment.
King's hands worked at the towel, and it danced over his body, soaking up the droplets of water that still remained before it engulfed the top of his head, resting there where it embraced white locks. Body was moved over to a large mirror where Gryph would stand for a moment, eyes scanning over himself a few times before narrowing slightly. His face- so neutral and emotionless; Most of his emotion was shown through those beautiful ruby eyes of his and had such, been that way most of his young life. Gryph would give a quick glance behind him, double checking no one was within the confides of his personal bathing room before attention was given back to himself in the mirror where lips began to tug a bit at each corner, a little awkwardly, as the male had attempted to force a smile. After a hesitating moment, the King sported a genuine smile though, much like the one that was painted against his neutral features when the God had transferred the late King's powers to him though it quickly disappeared as he was overcame with a sheepish feeling. How silly. Shaking his head, Gryph couldn't help but let out a chuckle over himself. While vanity was something that he did enjoy, he felt rather .. funny practicing smiling before a mirror- what king does that.
Upon emerging from the bathing area, eyes fixed upon the small white bird who had stationed himself outside of the king's draped door. Such loyalty. The tray of food was left upon the table, however all the food ad been picked away at and left with nothing more than the inedible scraps. A grape vine here, a few pits scattered about, and a messy cloth. The king had turned into his closet now, grabbing at another one of his ponchos and slipping it over his head and shoulders, letting it trail down over the rest of his body, then allowed hands to unwrap his snow-white hair from the towel, letting it fall upon the ground before walking out into his room. Hair naturally assumed it's spiked looked, the bottom of which soon reforming with his neck fluff, still a little damp. He had noticed his keeper gone as head swiveled slightly, scanning the room a few moments before his pointed ear caught the sound of voices beyond his chambers. Jijo?
Egret turned his head and gave a gentle squeak to the king, smiling back at him with that same, whole hearted and happy smile he always wore when he was around the young King, though didn't budge from his post and instead turned focus back on his work until Gryph would walk past him, quickly shuffling alongside him while they walked up together past the late king's chambers to a group of palace guards who were warbling about something.
"What's going on?" Gryph's voice sounded, questioning the others and upon hearing his voice, they all turned and gave a deep bow. Most of them anyways..
"My lord! One of the late King Rukaia's treasurers was found dead within his chambers today." They paused a moment, awaiting their new king's response.
"Has an investigation happened upon the matter yet?" Voice was a bit demanding now and slightly laced with concern. First real day of king and already some poor soul was dead- this didn't make him settle well though as another guard spoke, he eased some.
"Aye- though the nurses have determined the cause of death to be of natural causes, my lord. It couldn't have been avoided." A few nods were given amongst the guards, one scoffing under his breath towards the back of the group who stood against the wall a ways away, eyes narrowed as they looked the young king over in disgust while he had given an agreeing nod with the majority.
"He wasn't that old, you fools. A bit of a glutton, but not any older than the lot of us- those who had served loyally under our late king." The rough voiced bird shifted his weight a bit to another shoulder against the wall while eyes locked with the young king's own. This bird was much older than him; rather rude too, a foot or two shorter, and looked as though he had seen a few fights in his glory days though it didn't intimidate Gryph. Something about this one however, did ruffle his feathers and besides him, Egret had puffed his cheeks and chest, fluffing up and giving an angry warble to the disrespectful bird before them while the guards cleared a path and all bowed to the King as if apologizing for this old bird's out of place demeanor, some letting out a few gasps. How dare he..
"You may be the new King, Gryph, but my loyalty lies with your father and everything he stood for. I'll be damned if I let some young tyke ruin what he worked his life for; what he promised his people. The king's murdered, you take throne, and now one of his most trusted birds has fallen suit and you're gonna' play it off like it was natural. Pluh. So arrogant. Have you not found the one who murdered our King?" He'd spat his words through a chipped beak, taking a few steps towards Gryph, his milky gaze still hooked in a lock with the burning ruby of the other.
"What I do within my kingship is not of your concern nor your business to oversee. You were released of your previous duties with the fall of my father and now, you're forgetting your place in the hierarchy, soldier. I ask that you stand down or I'll be forced to use my power against you. Please." Gryph's eyes narrowed back rather daringly at the other that squawked while a gentle hand placed against his adviser's shoulder as if to keep him from launching at the opposing being. While it hadn't looked good for Gryph that another had slipped away into the afterlife, given the state the rather.. bulbous bird was in, and his lifestyle, Gryph would trust his nurses to have made a fair assessment on the cause of death and in turn, hoped his people would come to the same rational conclusion as he. No need to further investigate and with his words, the older one would scoff again, grunting as he drew away, storming off in the opposite direction and taking along with him a few other guards. Odd..
"Hmm.." A gentle hum was given within his throat; an audible sign of the King's thinking before words would push over lips steadily. "I'd appreciate it if one of you would keep a watchful eye on him for me; report anything suspicious to either my keeper or me. Understood?" The king had ordered, and the loyla guards gave a nod, bowing again to their King in respect before branching off, returning to their duties while one skipped along in the direction the old bird had went. Egret let out a grumpy exhale, feathers stull up in full fluff making him look a bit ridiculous at this point. He couldn't believe how rude this one had been yet he respected Gryph's behaviour and admired his cool state. Oh how silly he had felt now as he gathered his bearings and with a surpised squawk, worked to flatten down some of his feathers, clucking sheepishly from embarassment.
Jijo was roughly bumped to the side as an old fart of a bird shoved past him, his feathers ruffled in anger. He exchanged a glance with Mina, who had nearly been trampled by the man. They shook their head in mutual distaste, laughing lightly between them. Jijo looked again at the angry bird, and nearly gasped when he noticed a dark slash in between his shoulder blades. A Marque. Quickly and quietly, Jijo pulled Mina off to the side, kneeling to her height so he may speak softly and be heard. "That bag is Marqued," he whispered, semi-urgently. "Must be a traitor in the court. I think he was one of the late King's people." He eyed the procession of guards that followed the old bird closely, noting his findings out loud for Mina, his new apprentice. "He has loyalties here. The guards here.. a fair number of them were either under the influence of Rukaia's dark arts, or paid to not notice. As long as the late King has followers in the court, his old guard will remain disloyal to Gryph." He looked back at Mina then, who seemed thoughtful.
"Is this my first mission, then?" She chirped, almost too-happily. "His soul oozes. It's gross. I really wouldn't mind." Jijo chuckled, ruffling the youngling's hair and soliciting a dagger of a look from her. Oops, not all hatred was gone yet, then. Noted.
"Yes, that's right. But that doesn't mean you can just trot off and stick him like the pig he is. I need to train you further, first. Let the old bag enjoy his last few days, mm?" He patted her on the shoulder, then stood, leading them back to the King.
They both bowed before him, and Jijo spoke. "Is something the matter, my lord?" He looked over his shoulder as a we saw that vulture gesture. "I'm sorry I left your chambers, my King. Something else required my attention momentarily." He shot a look at Mina, who shrugged innocently.
"What? You guys have so much food around here. Who's gonna notice a little roll or two missing?" She blinked with doll-like (though creepily white) eyes. Jijo was impressed at her ability to lie - or, rather, tell half-truths. "That reminds me!" She chirped suddenly and loudly, making Ji startled and putting some of his feathers on edge. He patted them back down as she continued, "Why do you guys have so much food? The rest of the city is fightin' like rats!" Her commoner dialect shone strong as she became passionate over the matter; Ji couldn't help but find it a bit cute. "That was the best bread I ever had, n' you guys got pounds and pounds of it, right?" She let out a whistly whine. "All the bread I had outside this place was hard as a rock. You could sharpen a knife on it!"
Jijo lightly whacked the back of her head then, telling her to remember her place. "It's true the food in the city is subpar at best, but I doubt you could sharpen knives on it.." I've tried, he mused to himself. The bread really was terrible. "Of course, we know you have many things to attend to as it is," he said, pointedly at Mina but to the King. "It's your first day as King, after all, so we'd be better to not overload you."
Idly, Jijo wondered if the King could detect the change in atmosphere between the two of them. He'd have to fabricate some kind of reason for that to happen so fast, he realized. It was very suspicious.
"Ah!" Jijo started as he remembered the fact he had told the King some of his secret yesterday, and he flushed lightly. "My lord, I realize yesterday was a hectic day - you know, beyond the coronation and things.. With.. Mina's and my Sight. Now that we're all a bit rested after such a crazy day, please know we'd be more than happy to answer any questions about it." He gave a pointed look to Mina again. "Right, Mina?"
Mina grunted and puffed her cheeks. "Yeah, right. Not like you had to tell me, birdbrain."
"Is this my first mission, then?" She chirped, almost too-happily. "His soul oozes. It's gross. I really wouldn't mind." Jijo chuckled, ruffling the youngling's hair and soliciting a dagger of a look from her. Oops, not all hatred was gone yet, then. Noted.
"Yes, that's right. But that doesn't mean you can just trot off and stick him like the pig he is. I need to train you further, first. Let the old bag enjoy his last few days, mm?" He patted her on the shoulder, then stood, leading them back to the King.
They both bowed before him, and Jijo spoke. "Is something the matter, my lord?" He looked over his shoulder as a we saw that vulture gesture. "I'm sorry I left your chambers, my King. Something else required my attention momentarily." He shot a look at Mina, who shrugged innocently.
"What? You guys have so much food around here. Who's gonna notice a little roll or two missing?" She blinked with doll-like (though creepily white) eyes. Jijo was impressed at her ability to lie - or, rather, tell half-truths. "That reminds me!" She chirped suddenly and loudly, making Ji startled and putting some of his feathers on edge. He patted them back down as she continued, "Why do you guys have so much food? The rest of the city is fightin' like rats!" Her commoner dialect shone strong as she became passionate over the matter; Ji couldn't help but find it a bit cute. "That was the best bread I ever had, n' you guys got pounds and pounds of it, right?" She let out a whistly whine. "All the bread I had outside this place was hard as a rock. You could sharpen a knife on it!"
Jijo lightly whacked the back of her head then, telling her to remember her place. "It's true the food in the city is subpar at best, but I doubt you could sharpen knives on it.." I've tried, he mused to himself. The bread really was terrible. "Of course, we know you have many things to attend to as it is," he said, pointedly at Mina but to the King. "It's your first day as King, after all, so we'd be better to not overload you."
Idly, Jijo wondered if the King could detect the change in atmosphere between the two of them. He'd have to fabricate some kind of reason for that to happen so fast, he realized. It was very suspicious.
"Ah!" Jijo started as he remembered the fact he had told the King some of his secret yesterday, and he flushed lightly. "My lord, I realize yesterday was a hectic day - you know, beyond the coronation and things.. With.. Mina's and my Sight. Now that we're all a bit rested after such a crazy day, please know we'd be more than happy to answer any questions about it." He gave a pointed look to Mina again. "Right, Mina?"
Mina grunted and puffed her cheeks. "Yeah, right. Not like you had to tell me, birdbrain."
While Jijo and Mina happened upon the two, Gryph would soften gaze on the shorter birds, his body easing and feeling more comfortable now while he had some trusted companions to surround him and upon Jijo's asking, Gryph would give a bit of an audible exhale, squinting a bit into the distance.
"I have some.. curious suspicions that sparked within me thanks to an old soldier's behaviour against me. He cause a bit of a scene and I feel that there may be something dangerous about him. I have ordered a guard to keep an eye out and report back to me if he had news." Narrowed eyes redirected onto Jijo and Mina who seemed to be getting along white a bit better than the night before and he gave a gentle nod and a slow blink, acknowledging their behaviour towards one another. They hadn't seemed as if they'd become friends, but there was an understanding between them perhaps?
"No need to apologize, my friend. You're free to roam about my castle as your duties permit and as you will. To be honest.." He paused a moment, chuckling if only slightly. "I've never fully explored this place myself; As a boy, Egret and I were mostly confined to the court, my chambers, and a few places in between." Has he had ended his admitting to not knowing ever inch of his home, his attention was now turned towards the white eyed beggar besides Jijo who spoke before him of the food in the city. He of course knew parts of the city would thrive more than others but was this an issue that affected all of his people? Curiousity and concern had made their way into the King's thoughts and while he had taking note of what his keeper had spoken of, he wanted most of all a happy kingdom. But how was he to respond to an issue he had only just found out about? When his whole life he was pampered and kept well fed, the finest and freshest of foods offered to him whenever he pleased. He felt a sort of black gap between them; the beggar and the King. Both on opposite levels of the Hierarchy of each other- the only thing under would be a Stray.
Clearing his throat, Gryph's eyes held a questioning look while body lowered more to the girl's level as he spoke "I.. apologize, Mina. While I can't answer for my father's rule and why the city has no food before my reign, I can give you my word that I will see to it as best I can and to the best of my abilities. You have my promise as your King." Even the way they spoke, the differences, were so far opposites of one another, though it was refreshing to his pointed ears to hear something so our of the ordinary for him. Upon finishing, body straightened back out, tall and regal before turning attention back to Jijo who spoke again.
"I'm glad to see the two of you getting along more today than last night though I don't place the blame on anyone in particular, the atmosphere and the days events had all of our feathers in quite the ruffle." So it was true, the two had come to an understanding of each other- accepted each other. Something about the situation had made Gryph feel an inwardly happiness and from it, he'd give a gentle nod while crimson pools softened upon them. As Mina's voice grunted out after Jijo, he couldn't help but relay a humoured chuckle at the two; they were quite the entertainment.
"Mm.. Questions." He repeated, thinking aloud while mind worked to choose his next words and after a moment, relayed them to tongue to decipher and translate. "Recalling that our God was not pleased with you, Jijo, I wouldn't wish to anger him more by attempting to place myself in business that wasn't meant for me. I know that our God speaks individually with whom he trusts and that it's a very rare occurrence for him to directly speak to others besides the King. While you are a Sage and that may be more common in your place, I will not pester you to tell me any secret the God may have told you himself." He paused, giving a nod in agreement before continuing.
"That said, however, I would like to know if you could inform me if anyone in my counsel obtains a marque. Not for the sake of stopping what's to come, but for the sake of learning and to investigate what about them would bring about such a thing." Genuinely curious, the king would give a quick glance around. His voice was quiet as he spoke about this gift Jijo had, and after confronting Jijo, he'd begin to Mina.
"And Minda- you have the power to see other's souls. If it's allowed, I'd like to know if anyone within my counsel's soul starts to look out of the ordinary.. It's obvious that I am not familiar with gifts or powers so forgive me if I seem ignorant on the matter because I really am." His voiced trailed off a bit and Egret gave a soft coo as if empathizing with his King as he himself knew nothing of the sort either and couldn't have taught him about it himself.
"Of course, if the God doesn't wish me to know any of this, I understand completely.. He has a plan for us all and I can respect that." While he wasn't aware of the God's wrath, he wouldn't meddle in a subject that may invoke any such hostility the God may be able to dish out at will and so, he'd take what he could get from the two, if anything.
"I have some.. curious suspicions that sparked within me thanks to an old soldier's behaviour against me. He cause a bit of a scene and I feel that there may be something dangerous about him. I have ordered a guard to keep an eye out and report back to me if he had news." Narrowed eyes redirected onto Jijo and Mina who seemed to be getting along white a bit better than the night before and he gave a gentle nod and a slow blink, acknowledging their behaviour towards one another. They hadn't seemed as if they'd become friends, but there was an understanding between them perhaps?
"No need to apologize, my friend. You're free to roam about my castle as your duties permit and as you will. To be honest.." He paused a moment, chuckling if only slightly. "I've never fully explored this place myself; As a boy, Egret and I were mostly confined to the court, my chambers, and a few places in between." Has he had ended his admitting to not knowing ever inch of his home, his attention was now turned towards the white eyed beggar besides Jijo who spoke before him of the food in the city. He of course knew parts of the city would thrive more than others but was this an issue that affected all of his people? Curiousity and concern had made their way into the King's thoughts and while he had taking note of what his keeper had spoken of, he wanted most of all a happy kingdom. But how was he to respond to an issue he had only just found out about? When his whole life he was pampered and kept well fed, the finest and freshest of foods offered to him whenever he pleased. He felt a sort of black gap between them; the beggar and the King. Both on opposite levels of the Hierarchy of each other- the only thing under would be a Stray.
Clearing his throat, Gryph's eyes held a questioning look while body lowered more to the girl's level as he spoke "I.. apologize, Mina. While I can't answer for my father's rule and why the city has no food before my reign, I can give you my word that I will see to it as best I can and to the best of my abilities. You have my promise as your King." Even the way they spoke, the differences, were so far opposites of one another, though it was refreshing to his pointed ears to hear something so our of the ordinary for him. Upon finishing, body straightened back out, tall and regal before turning attention back to Jijo who spoke again.
"I'm glad to see the two of you getting along more today than last night though I don't place the blame on anyone in particular, the atmosphere and the days events had all of our feathers in quite the ruffle." So it was true, the two had come to an understanding of each other- accepted each other. Something about the situation had made Gryph feel an inwardly happiness and from it, he'd give a gentle nod while crimson pools softened upon them. As Mina's voice grunted out after Jijo, he couldn't help but relay a humoured chuckle at the two; they were quite the entertainment.
"Mm.. Questions." He repeated, thinking aloud while mind worked to choose his next words and after a moment, relayed them to tongue to decipher and translate. "Recalling that our God was not pleased with you, Jijo, I wouldn't wish to anger him more by attempting to place myself in business that wasn't meant for me. I know that our God speaks individually with whom he trusts and that it's a very rare occurrence for him to directly speak to others besides the King. While you are a Sage and that may be more common in your place, I will not pester you to tell me any secret the God may have told you himself." He paused, giving a nod in agreement before continuing.
"That said, however, I would like to know if you could inform me if anyone in my counsel obtains a marque. Not for the sake of stopping what's to come, but for the sake of learning and to investigate what about them would bring about such a thing." Genuinely curious, the king would give a quick glance around. His voice was quiet as he spoke about this gift Jijo had, and after confronting Jijo, he'd begin to Mina.
"And Minda- you have the power to see other's souls. If it's allowed, I'd like to know if anyone within my counsel's soul starts to look out of the ordinary.. It's obvious that I am not familiar with gifts or powers so forgive me if I seem ignorant on the matter because I really am." His voiced trailed off a bit and Egret gave a soft coo as if empathizing with his King as he himself knew nothing of the sort either and couldn't have taught him about it himself.
"Of course, if the God doesn't wish me to know any of this, I understand completely.. He has a plan for us all and I can respect that." While he wasn't aware of the God's wrath, he wouldn't meddle in a subject that may invoke any such hostility the God may be able to dish out at will and so, he'd take what he could get from the two, if anything.
Jijo beamed happily at the King's promise to provide better food to the city. Of course the King had no idea the true affair of things outside these palace walls - things the way they were as a result of Rukaia's corruption. But even so; even with no idea of how bad it was, the King promised himself to the cause, and it made Ji restore a bit of faith in this somewhat lost kingdom. He glanced down at Mina, searching a reaction from her about this matter, and was pleased to see she was not only seemingly overjoyed, but teary-eyed.
"Y-you.. Your Majesty, you're the best!" She threw her arms in the air in celebratory flair, dancing a little circle in place. How cute. Ji smirked, though inwardly, he could only pray that the way of life he was about to impart upon this little girl would not corrupt her easy-to-please personality. He knew it would; even the God could not prevent such things. Seeing death daily and dealing with the grief it leaves behind, even on those who are truly evil, tends to make one calloused to the smaller joys.
His ears perked as the King noted that the charge of the Sages was none of his business, but that he'd like to know when people were Marqued. It made sense, and frankly, it was more than he expected - he truly was baring himself for an inquisition of sorts; 'why did the God give such weird gifts?' and the like. However, giving out the information about the Marques seemed tricky. Especially now that he'd taken an apprentice, surely Marques would be more common. Gryph would come to see that a Marque lead to an assassination.. That his father had a Marque.. that Jijo did not tell the new King about this Marque, and thusly raising suspicion about his involvement. Subconsciously, he bit his lip, worrying at this realization. He would have to deceive the King further, which made him wildly uncomfortable. He would, however, tell the truth when he could.
"Of course, my King. Then, as part of my duty to you, I must inform you that the pompous bag you just ran into has a Marque." He looked down at Mina, who was now biting her lip as well; it seemed she realized that telling the King of the Marque would make her job more difficult. She was taking this very seriously. Good. He considered telling the King of the location of the Marque as well, but realized that would make it infinitely more harrowing on the tiny apprentice, so he decided against it.
Instead, he tried for a different route: "If I may, my lord. I have noticed a pattern myself in the Marques... They seem to follow a certain trend of those who.." He paused, searching for a better way to put what he was about to say, but finding no such solution. "..who.. followed your father's footsteps." He looked at the floor, embarrassed not for himself but rather for what the King must feel hearing these words. However, they were a necessary truth.. He realized now that this was the time to tell the King what his father did. "I do not know how much your knowledge of your father's rule extends, but the God Himself told me many years back that your father dabbled strongly in the dark arts." He paused, more to let this sink in for the King than anything else. "He was particularly fond of manipulating peoples' minds.. for power in the court. He would put them under his influence, siphon their funds from them, and use them to make his lifestyle all the more lavish." He glanced up at the King, then back at the floor. "It is why the rest of the city is in such despair while those in the court grow fat with food and beer."
Beside him, Mina shuffled from one taloned foot to the other. Meekly, she spoke up. "I saw his soul once," she cooed quietly. "It was a dark unlike I've seen since. Blacker than black. I saw it when he gave a speech once. Every time he spoke, thick drops of corruption spilled from his soul and seemed to puddle beneath him.. He scared me.." Her voice got quiet as she finished speaking, and unconsciously she found herself hiding partially behind Ji's robes. While normally he would've been flattered by such a gesture, he simply felt uneasy. If even Mina, this poor - literally and figuratively - child had seen the King's effects on the kingdom, how much did the others in the commons feel? Those who had to work in such a terrible economy at their King's bid? Also, the fact that anything could scare a child who so boldly infiltrated the palace without thought made Ji shudder.
He was glad he'd never met the King prior to his assassination.
"Y-you.. Your Majesty, you're the best!" She threw her arms in the air in celebratory flair, dancing a little circle in place. How cute. Ji smirked, though inwardly, he could only pray that the way of life he was about to impart upon this little girl would not corrupt her easy-to-please personality. He knew it would; even the God could not prevent such things. Seeing death daily and dealing with the grief it leaves behind, even on those who are truly evil, tends to make one calloused to the smaller joys.
His ears perked as the King noted that the charge of the Sages was none of his business, but that he'd like to know when people were Marqued. It made sense, and frankly, it was more than he expected - he truly was baring himself for an inquisition of sorts; 'why did the God give such weird gifts?' and the like. However, giving out the information about the Marques seemed tricky. Especially now that he'd taken an apprentice, surely Marques would be more common. Gryph would come to see that a Marque lead to an assassination.. That his father had a Marque.. that Jijo did not tell the new King about this Marque, and thusly raising suspicion about his involvement. Subconsciously, he bit his lip, worrying at this realization. He would have to deceive the King further, which made him wildly uncomfortable. He would, however, tell the truth when he could.
"Of course, my King. Then, as part of my duty to you, I must inform you that the pompous bag you just ran into has a Marque." He looked down at Mina, who was now biting her lip as well; it seemed she realized that telling the King of the Marque would make her job more difficult. She was taking this very seriously. Good. He considered telling the King of the location of the Marque as well, but realized that would make it infinitely more harrowing on the tiny apprentice, so he decided against it.
Instead, he tried for a different route: "If I may, my lord. I have noticed a pattern myself in the Marques... They seem to follow a certain trend of those who.." He paused, searching for a better way to put what he was about to say, but finding no such solution. "..who.. followed your father's footsteps." He looked at the floor, embarrassed not for himself but rather for what the King must feel hearing these words. However, they were a necessary truth.. He realized now that this was the time to tell the King what his father did. "I do not know how much your knowledge of your father's rule extends, but the God Himself told me many years back that your father dabbled strongly in the dark arts." He paused, more to let this sink in for the King than anything else. "He was particularly fond of manipulating peoples' minds.. for power in the court. He would put them under his influence, siphon their funds from them, and use them to make his lifestyle all the more lavish." He glanced up at the King, then back at the floor. "It is why the rest of the city is in such despair while those in the court grow fat with food and beer."
Beside him, Mina shuffled from one taloned foot to the other. Meekly, she spoke up. "I saw his soul once," she cooed quietly. "It was a dark unlike I've seen since. Blacker than black. I saw it when he gave a speech once. Every time he spoke, thick drops of corruption spilled from his soul and seemed to puddle beneath him.. He scared me.." Her voice got quiet as she finished speaking, and unconsciously she found herself hiding partially behind Ji's robes. While normally he would've been flattered by such a gesture, he simply felt uneasy. If even Mina, this poor - literally and figuratively - child had seen the King's effects on the kingdom, how much did the others in the commons feel? Those who had to work in such a terrible economy at their King's bid? Also, the fact that anything could scare a child who so boldly infiltrated the palace without thought made Ji shudder.
He was glad he'd never met the King prior to his assassination.
The King couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, trying out a faint smile down at the girl as she twirled a bit with excitement. The happiness emitting from her was powerful and it struck a chord within the young King that made him feel happy in turn. Attention directed at Jijo, the King's smile faded and head bobbed in a nod, understanding the other, though as he carried on and began to speak of the trend the Marques seemingly took on, he could feel his feathers rise ever so slightly while body tensed and as the words were spoken of the Dark Arts, Gryph found it hard to swallow. His father, a once respected and strong Prince turned King upon being chosen by the God before him had become corrupt with power? While it hurt, and in some childish part of his mind he wanted badly to argue and defend his father the rational, mature part of his brain had presented him with the seemingly odd things that had happened yesterday as well as the soldiers who felt so strongly against him.
Silent, the King's eyes shifted from the ground up to Jijo while within his own mind he was hashing out any argument that came about. Jijo wouldn't lie to the King, would he? But the people at the ceremony; most of which didn't hide the sighs of relief when Gryph had announced his father's death. And this.. old soldier who had shown him so much hostility. It all fit perfectly like puzzle pieces, only a few were still missing. Then Mina began to speak, describing the soul of his late King which hit almost like daggers to his heart. It felt as though they were talking of a completely different bird.. this wasn't his father.. Shaking his head a bit to silence his inner voices, the King gave a gentle clear of his throat.
"I hope that you understand that I hold within you both a deep sense of respect and trust. " He was silent a moment, words trailing off the tip of his tonge as he shifted uneasily, hands being placed behind his back while chest puffed out slightly. Inside, the young King was hurting. He could feel the effects of losing his father, his king, and now finding what he had thought he had known was all wrong all meld into one big mess within him and he attempted as best as he could to not let it escape- to be seen by others. Egret warbled lowly, pushing himself closer to the King and placing a gentle hand upon Gryph's arm while eyes looked up into the others, trying to read what he was feeling. He didn't withdraw this time and instead, exhaled deeply and clicked a talon against the palace tile before words continued their flow.
"While I've not seen such a side to my father.. I cannot argue with the fact that at my ceremony yesterday I was surprised with the oddity of many relieved at such terrible news that was given to them. While you speak of widespread hunger, Mina, And Jijo of the dark arts, it all is becoming rather clear to me that my father and our late king were not of the same. You see.." He'd pause and give a look down to Egret then back to the other two birds. "As my father he was gentle. He had been there for me to teach me to be strong, but also fair and when I was old enough to start my training he hadn't stopped supporting me with his love and kindness.." Again, another hard gulp would be given as the King spoke, trying to convey to the two before him how it was possible he had not seen such corruption before his eyes.
"As a King, however.. He was strict in his rule. He got angry, and scolded everyone for small mistakes and almost secretive about everything having to do with being a King. I'm seeing now that there's a connection here.. and admittedly, only just seeing the connection." Gryph would cease his storytelling, finding himself laying out parts of his childhood that he hadn't shared with anyone beyond Egret and he gave another exhale outwards while eyes watched a few palace maids waddled their way passed, bowing kindly at the king before entering the late king's chambers behind the group.
"I trust in the both of you to help me see the damage that's been had on my kingdom under our late king's reign. It's a big responsibility but currently, you're the only two that I know I can trust.." A low dip of his head would be given before the King released his grasp from behind his back and placed hands back at his sides; a few feathers gently gliding to the palace floor where they delicately kissed the tile. "We can start surveying the kingdom tomorrow. For now, I wish to check on the temple for the retired staff of the late King and make sure everything is the way it should be."
Gryph gave a turn towards the direction he had came, Egret following suit. He'd allow the others to follow if they pleased, and welcomed them with a soft look to each. He had things to do today, he had to make these first few weeks of being king mean a whole lot to a broken Kingdom- one that more than likely had little to no faith in this new King. He had to show them otherwise. The temple for the retired staff was where the appointed members in the palace before the ceremony the previous day were to be moved to. It wasn't anything as grand as a castle, but it was said to be just as pleasant- a token of respect the new kings would give to the old staff of their king before them to let them live out their days in tranquility.
Alongside his adviser, Gryph made is way down the steps and through the court, out the entrance and down some more steps into the streets of his kingdom where he'd round to the left and continue on a ways. The temple wasn't too far, definitely not far enough to need a cart ride. Talons scraped along the dusty ground below and over broken cobblestone while sharp spurs glistened like obsidian in light . Eyes watched below him for a few moments as they walked along, taking a mental note of the damaged trail before they were fixed back in front of them. As they made it over the hill and up a few steps into the entrance of the old temple, Gryph gave a rather pained look. Everything looked old, dusted, and worn down. Only a few still lived here from the previous King before Rukaia and they were very old. The stone pillars the held the structure were chipped, the paint stripped off on the inside in patches while the tattered banners of their late king hung poorly from the walls. What a depressing sight. This place certainly had gone downhill in the few years it had been since Gryph had been here last.
"Good morning, elders." the King would call out in greeting to the few who still called such a place home, their old bodies shifting from the couches in living area to get a better look at the young one, all of which welcomed him with gentle smiles.
"Well if it isn't our good boy, Gryph." A hoarse voice from the closest couch called back and from it, the elder female bird would attempt to sit up a bit, signing for him to come forth to get a better look at him and obediently, the king would make his way before her. With a surprised gasp as nostalgia began to flood through the older woman before him, she would grab both of his hands, milky gaze scanning him up and down. "My my my, how you've grown! The last time I saw you, you were but a boy; and now, King!" she made a few rough clucks through a dried beak and smiled warmly up at him. "So tall and handsome- you've grown into quite the dashing man."
Gryph couldn't help but blush at the older bird's teasing him while the corner of his lip pulled in a smirk. It was almost rejuvenating to be around the Elders. Upon letting go of Gryph's hands, the woman had reached towards Egret who, of course, was hot on the King's heals and right besides him in an instant, though reached back at the older woman who began now to wrap arms around the smaller white bird in a gentle embrace. From within his little body, Egret gave the happiest of coos, nestling in close to this other bird. "And you, my son." she clucked, nuzzling her old beak against his own. "Always so wonderful to see you again. I trust you've been keeping the new king out of trouble, yes?" She'd joke, teasing at Gryph yet again. While the temple had looked so warn and aged, the atmosphere within had a gentle and welcoming sense about it. These Elders from king before Rukaia were from a simpler time and most of which, while knowing of Rukaia's corruption, were sworn to secrecy and forced to hold their tongues in the matter of the late King's rule or be banished from the Kingdom- leaving them no chance for survival against the Stray beyond their city.
Silent, the King's eyes shifted from the ground up to Jijo while within his own mind he was hashing out any argument that came about. Jijo wouldn't lie to the King, would he? But the people at the ceremony; most of which didn't hide the sighs of relief when Gryph had announced his father's death. And this.. old soldier who had shown him so much hostility. It all fit perfectly like puzzle pieces, only a few were still missing. Then Mina began to speak, describing the soul of his late King which hit almost like daggers to his heart. It felt as though they were talking of a completely different bird.. this wasn't his father.. Shaking his head a bit to silence his inner voices, the King gave a gentle clear of his throat.
"I hope that you understand that I hold within you both a deep sense of respect and trust. " He was silent a moment, words trailing off the tip of his tonge as he shifted uneasily, hands being placed behind his back while chest puffed out slightly. Inside, the young King was hurting. He could feel the effects of losing his father, his king, and now finding what he had thought he had known was all wrong all meld into one big mess within him and he attempted as best as he could to not let it escape- to be seen by others. Egret warbled lowly, pushing himself closer to the King and placing a gentle hand upon Gryph's arm while eyes looked up into the others, trying to read what he was feeling. He didn't withdraw this time and instead, exhaled deeply and clicked a talon against the palace tile before words continued their flow.
"While I've not seen such a side to my father.. I cannot argue with the fact that at my ceremony yesterday I was surprised with the oddity of many relieved at such terrible news that was given to them. While you speak of widespread hunger, Mina, And Jijo of the dark arts, it all is becoming rather clear to me that my father and our late king were not of the same. You see.." He'd pause and give a look down to Egret then back to the other two birds. "As my father he was gentle. He had been there for me to teach me to be strong, but also fair and when I was old enough to start my training he hadn't stopped supporting me with his love and kindness.." Again, another hard gulp would be given as the King spoke, trying to convey to the two before him how it was possible he had not seen such corruption before his eyes.
"As a King, however.. He was strict in his rule. He got angry, and scolded everyone for small mistakes and almost secretive about everything having to do with being a King. I'm seeing now that there's a connection here.. and admittedly, only just seeing the connection." Gryph would cease his storytelling, finding himself laying out parts of his childhood that he hadn't shared with anyone beyond Egret and he gave another exhale outwards while eyes watched a few palace maids waddled their way passed, bowing kindly at the king before entering the late king's chambers behind the group.
"I trust in the both of you to help me see the damage that's been had on my kingdom under our late king's reign. It's a big responsibility but currently, you're the only two that I know I can trust.." A low dip of his head would be given before the King released his grasp from behind his back and placed hands back at his sides; a few feathers gently gliding to the palace floor where they delicately kissed the tile. "We can start surveying the kingdom tomorrow. For now, I wish to check on the temple for the retired staff of the late King and make sure everything is the way it should be."
Gryph gave a turn towards the direction he had came, Egret following suit. He'd allow the others to follow if they pleased, and welcomed them with a soft look to each. He had things to do today, he had to make these first few weeks of being king mean a whole lot to a broken Kingdom- one that more than likely had little to no faith in this new King. He had to show them otherwise. The temple for the retired staff was where the appointed members in the palace before the ceremony the previous day were to be moved to. It wasn't anything as grand as a castle, but it was said to be just as pleasant- a token of respect the new kings would give to the old staff of their king before them to let them live out their days in tranquility.
Alongside his adviser, Gryph made is way down the steps and through the court, out the entrance and down some more steps into the streets of his kingdom where he'd round to the left and continue on a ways. The temple wasn't too far, definitely not far enough to need a cart ride. Talons scraped along the dusty ground below and over broken cobblestone while sharp spurs glistened like obsidian in light . Eyes watched below him for a few moments as they walked along, taking a mental note of the damaged trail before they were fixed back in front of them. As they made it over the hill and up a few steps into the entrance of the old temple, Gryph gave a rather pained look. Everything looked old, dusted, and worn down. Only a few still lived here from the previous King before Rukaia and they were very old. The stone pillars the held the structure were chipped, the paint stripped off on the inside in patches while the tattered banners of their late king hung poorly from the walls. What a depressing sight. This place certainly had gone downhill in the few years it had been since Gryph had been here last.
"Good morning, elders." the King would call out in greeting to the few who still called such a place home, their old bodies shifting from the couches in living area to get a better look at the young one, all of which welcomed him with gentle smiles.
"Well if it isn't our good boy, Gryph." A hoarse voice from the closest couch called back and from it, the elder female bird would attempt to sit up a bit, signing for him to come forth to get a better look at him and obediently, the king would make his way before her. With a surprised gasp as nostalgia began to flood through the older woman before him, she would grab both of his hands, milky gaze scanning him up and down. "My my my, how you've grown! The last time I saw you, you were but a boy; and now, King!" she made a few rough clucks through a dried beak and smiled warmly up at him. "So tall and handsome- you've grown into quite the dashing man."
Gryph couldn't help but blush at the older bird's teasing him while the corner of his lip pulled in a smirk. It was almost rejuvenating to be around the Elders. Upon letting go of Gryph's hands, the woman had reached towards Egret who, of course, was hot on the King's heals and right besides him in an instant, though reached back at the older woman who began now to wrap arms around the smaller white bird in a gentle embrace. From within his little body, Egret gave the happiest of coos, nestling in close to this other bird. "And you, my son." she clucked, nuzzling her old beak against his own. "Always so wonderful to see you again. I trust you've been keeping the new king out of trouble, yes?" She'd joke, teasing at Gryph yet again. While the temple had looked so warn and aged, the atmosphere within had a gentle and welcoming sense about it. These Elders from king before Rukaia were from a simpler time and most of which, while knowing of Rukaia's corruption, were sworn to secrecy and forced to hold their tongues in the matter of the late King's rule or be banished from the Kingdom- leaving them no chance for survival against the Stray beyond their city.
Jijo gulped as he watched his King take the news of his father. The turmoil inside him was plain on every one of his features, and it took all of his restraint to not do as Egret had - reach out and comfort. It was not his place, and he was aware of it.
Mina, on the other hand, had no such manners. Before a talon could be raised to stop her, Mina latched herself to the massive King's legs in a tight hug. A choked, strangled sound leaked out of Ji's mouth, and he quickly wrapped his arms around the young girl's waist and pried her off of him, with her flailing the whole way.
"Mina! You don't just -- you don't just tackle Kings like that!" He whined, getting an elbow to the face for his efforts. He dropped Mina and rubbed his now-sore nose, making pitiful sounds in the process.
"That's so cold, though! If he's hurt he should be comforted, right?! No matter the position!" Mina's cheeks did her indignant puff, and Ji balked at her bluntness and volume. He hardened his stare at her while rubbing away a thin trickle of blood beneath his nose. You'd do well to keep your attitude in check - if you can't keep calm now, you have no chance as an assassin. He prayed that his thoughts and emotions behind this reached her; he obviously couldn't say it out loud.
Somehow, it seems she felt his stare, because she stopped her rapid flapping and finally stilled beside Ji. She looked forlorn and resigned, but ah well; it was a necessary lesson.
When the King stated his desire to visit the temple, Ji nodded briskly. He shot a look at Mina - stay put, stay quiet - before grinning at the King and bowing. "Of course. While I'd love to accompany you, I feel a bit of time away from us two might do you well after such grim news. My apologies for being their harbinger." Another bow was given before he gently reached for Mina's shoulder, turning and leading her back down the hall.
Ji finally found an unoccupied guest room in the palace and set about making it Mina's. He would ask for confirmation on this matter when the King returned, but he was sure that it would be all right to move Mina here as a palace sage (assassin). She had next to nothing by means of material goods; just her clothes and the dagger he gave her that morning. He showed her the best places in a room to hide weapons, but was not overly worried; who would search a little blind girl's room for the tools of a killer? Nobody, he hoped.
She settled in quickly. She was obviously not fond of peasant life, based on how quickly and easily she slid into the comforts of the palace. After asking around, Ji was able to find girls' clothing for her, and quickly stepped out of the room to let her change. He stood outside her door, leaned against it in an overly relaxed manner - something he was about to learn was not wise around his new apprentice.
THUNK
A blade poked out next to his face, so close it shaved off a feather. Jijo squawked loudly, scrambling from against the door and examining the blade. It was the one he gave Mina. Of course. Anger swelled in him; was she trying to kill him just now? What in the God's name did she think she was doing? He flung open the door to the room and ripped the dagger from the door, holding it aloft in case Mina might try to reclaim it from him and actually start slashing him up. Instead of the viciousness he was expecting, though, he found the girl laughing. Laughing! What nerve!
"You made the funniest sound, I'm so sorry!" She apologized, and though he wanted to believe she was being sarcastic as usual, she did seem a bit sheepish. Which was confusing. Why was she apologizing if she just failed trying to kill him? "I wasn't trying to kill you," she cooed, as if reading his mind. "I was just wondering how good my aim was.. And where in the body the soul is located." She pointed at her own chest, drawing a circle there nearly shoulder-to-shoulder. "I thought it would be here, but turns out it's in your head. Good thing, too! If I was aiming for your chest I probably would have hit a rib or something." She giggled, as if the thought totally pleased her. Jijo shuddered, putting his feathers on edge. What a scary girl.
"Alright, yeah, I get it. You're a natural, a great shot. Whatever." He took her hand and planted the blade back in it, but not without pinching her roughly first, making her squawk. "Don't throw daggers at your teacher. You might find yourself Marqued," he threatened, but with a joking tone to it, putting smiles on both of their faces.
"All right then, let's get serious."
Mina, on the other hand, had no such manners. Before a talon could be raised to stop her, Mina latched herself to the massive King's legs in a tight hug. A choked, strangled sound leaked out of Ji's mouth, and he quickly wrapped his arms around the young girl's waist and pried her off of him, with her flailing the whole way.
"Mina! You don't just -- you don't just tackle Kings like that!" He whined, getting an elbow to the face for his efforts. He dropped Mina and rubbed his now-sore nose, making pitiful sounds in the process.
"That's so cold, though! If he's hurt he should be comforted, right?! No matter the position!" Mina's cheeks did her indignant puff, and Ji balked at her bluntness and volume. He hardened his stare at her while rubbing away a thin trickle of blood beneath his nose. You'd do well to keep your attitude in check - if you can't keep calm now, you have no chance as an assassin. He prayed that his thoughts and emotions behind this reached her; he obviously couldn't say it out loud.
Somehow, it seems she felt his stare, because she stopped her rapid flapping and finally stilled beside Ji. She looked forlorn and resigned, but ah well; it was a necessary lesson.
When the King stated his desire to visit the temple, Ji nodded briskly. He shot a look at Mina - stay put, stay quiet - before grinning at the King and bowing. "Of course. While I'd love to accompany you, I feel a bit of time away from us two might do you well after such grim news. My apologies for being their harbinger." Another bow was given before he gently reached for Mina's shoulder, turning and leading her back down the hall.
Ji finally found an unoccupied guest room in the palace and set about making it Mina's. He would ask for confirmation on this matter when the King returned, but he was sure that it would be all right to move Mina here as a palace sage (assassin). She had next to nothing by means of material goods; just her clothes and the dagger he gave her that morning. He showed her the best places in a room to hide weapons, but was not overly worried; who would search a little blind girl's room for the tools of a killer? Nobody, he hoped.
She settled in quickly. She was obviously not fond of peasant life, based on how quickly and easily she slid into the comforts of the palace. After asking around, Ji was able to find girls' clothing for her, and quickly stepped out of the room to let her change. He stood outside her door, leaned against it in an overly relaxed manner - something he was about to learn was not wise around his new apprentice.
THUNK
A blade poked out next to his face, so close it shaved off a feather. Jijo squawked loudly, scrambling from against the door and examining the blade. It was the one he gave Mina. Of course. Anger swelled in him; was she trying to kill him just now? What in the God's name did she think she was doing? He flung open the door to the room and ripped the dagger from the door, holding it aloft in case Mina might try to reclaim it from him and actually start slashing him up. Instead of the viciousness he was expecting, though, he found the girl laughing. Laughing! What nerve!
"You made the funniest sound, I'm so sorry!" She apologized, and though he wanted to believe she was being sarcastic as usual, she did seem a bit sheepish. Which was confusing. Why was she apologizing if she just failed trying to kill him? "I wasn't trying to kill you," she cooed, as if reading his mind. "I was just wondering how good my aim was.. And where in the body the soul is located." She pointed at her own chest, drawing a circle there nearly shoulder-to-shoulder. "I thought it would be here, but turns out it's in your head. Good thing, too! If I was aiming for your chest I probably would have hit a rib or something." She giggled, as if the thought totally pleased her. Jijo shuddered, putting his feathers on edge. What a scary girl.
"Alright, yeah, I get it. You're a natural, a great shot. Whatever." He took her hand and planted the blade back in it, but not without pinching her roughly first, making her squawk. "Don't throw daggers at your teacher. You might find yourself Marqued," he threatened, but with a joking tone to it, putting smiles on both of their faces.
"All right then, let's get serious."
Gryph allowed himself to relax around the few elders within the temple. He had visited this place many a time as a boy, learning all he could of how the kingdom that would be once his used to be. Learning the history, listening to stories, and enjoying the company of those older and wiser than he. Feathered rump would meet with an old cushioned seat across from the Elder women, her white and tan feathers now a dull grey and silver with age. Scarlet eyes would watch her caress and nuzzle her son, cooing happily and stroking at his tan cheeks a while before they'd lock with her own as she spoke.
"So, what brings us the pleasure of seeing you two today? It's been a while." It pained him that he hadn't seen the Elders in a few years as his training had marked its end and the pain had shown quite well in those captivating eyes of his- guilt. Even Egret had been kept from seeing his loving mother for some time and it was none other than Gryph's fault.
"I apologize for-" He was interrupted by the old bird as she shushed him and waved a shaky hand.
"Shush-sh sh sh. You don't have to apologize for anything." She'd give a gentle smile unto him and cluck some, as if giggling to herself on the matter. "But that right there, is what will make you a great King. Your compassion and empathy- your fairness. My boy.." She sighed softly a moment before continuing. "You really have grown so fast.. Your mother and Father would be proud."
Gryph shifted a bit, leaning his weight on an arm while palm pushed into the cushion and eyes watched at the cracked cobblestone floor while he took in her words. Would his father be proud of him? After what he had learned today- was the man capable of feeling honest pride in seeing his heir take throne the way that he was? A clear of the throat was given as he redirected his gaze, not wanting to cause an awkward silence in the air.
"I've come today for a few reasons. I wanted to see if this temple was ready to move in your new neighbours- however the condition of this place.. It's.." Eyes wandered around the court while mind took in his surroundings, trying to find the words to describe just how awful the place looked now. "It looks terrible." Rather blunt and to the point, he didn't want to sugarcoat it. "I had no idea how bad it was over here; in just a few short years.. "
An elder from a few feet away clucked at the mention of neighbours, curiously eying the king. "Neighbours? From Rukaia's staff, I presume?" The old one knew that was how tradition of the Kings and his staff was handled, but something about it had caused him to tense up and express worry upon his facial features. Gryph would take note, though dip his head in agreement.
"Yes, neighbours and yes, they were from my father's appointed staff. I can sense your weary, Elder, and that actually leads into my next reason as to why I'm here.. Our late king. I was informed today of some startling news- That Rukaia was using dark arts and spells to manipulate his people and strayed from god's path as King. I was informed by a trusted source and as you fine birds are the wisest, most experienced in my Kingdom, I have come to you to ask of what you know about this subject. Please, do not feel the need to hide any information you may have. As long as it's truthful, I want to hear." His possible disappointment had caused him to refer to his father by name, not something he would have done prior to learning his fathers corruption. It almost made him sick in his stomach, but the news had caused him to lose some respect for the late King- a man he had wanted to become when he himself was crowned King.
The temple was now dead with silence, each elder giving one another a concerned glance while they directed their attention away from the king, looking guiltily at the floor. No one wanted to bear the terrible confirmation the King was requesting. The female bird released her son from her gentle caress, shifting her weight onto shaky legs that carried her a few feet in front of Gryph where she'd wrap arms around him tightly, providing him with physical reassurance, holding him steady and then resting rump besides him.
"I'm sorry, Gryph.. Your father was a great King at one time, but he had been turned towards corruption and there, it had taken over his soul and clouded his judgment. We were sworn to secrecy here in our Temple, son.. And it has been a decade since we were given the freedom to speak of such corruption. " The female would tighten her hug a moment before resting her head on the young bird's shoulder, eyes closing before clucking the rest of her words. "I am deeply sorry that you only just learned of this news today- on your first day of Kingship.. But do know that we do not tell you this information to hurt you, no not at all.. but to give you the truth- Now, however bad that he had became, he obviously had loved you greatly. Don't forget about that part.
Gryph welcomed the elder's affection. He was used to them touching, hugging, tugging at him from when he was younger and growing up and he had felt as if missing piece of his life filled as she had held onto him, causing a gentle coo in satisfaction to rumble within his throat and a soft lean of his head against the top of her own. "Thank you.." He'd sit for a moment, the other last few elders making their way towards him, ruffling up his white hair with their dried feathers, touching against his shoulder with loving reassurance. These Elders were like family to him- in a place where he could feel comfortable to express himself openly, and he did just that even if subtlety. Eyes watched at the others as they had playfully messed his hair up, childish grin painting over his features while hands worked to straighten it out and flatten it back to normal all the while, the elders smiled down at him and as the grey and silver female let go of their new king, Gryph would allow himself to stand before them, Egret at his side clucking up at him as if amused at the attention that was given.
"Ahem- Anyways. As King, I promise that this temple will be restored to its former glory. I will see to it that this place will feel like a home again for all of you and send some of my trusted palace maids to live here alongside you and tend to your needs. I promise that those I move here to be your new neighbours will be specifically selected. I cannot enclose full details at this time, but not all of my father's staff will be living here. While it breaks from tradition slightly, I feel that for the safety of you all and your peace of mind, that this selection be overseen individually by myself. I must return to my palace now, thank you.. I will send a group of renovators here when I get back to fix up your home. I apologize for how long you have lived in these terrible conditions; but I intend to fix it in any way that I can." He'd speak, standing tall and proud before them as they looked up at him, their eyes beaming with pride and newfound admiration in the young boy while heads gave soft, understanding nods. A wave of his feathered hand was given towards the balcony that stretched above a crumbled fountain that only trickled water from its cracks.
"I will also have changed out our late king's mark and banners for my own by the end of day today.." Something about those dark colours started to make sense now; the dark blue, purple, and green that stained the tattered fabric that hung lifelessly against the stone.
The elders smiled from ear to ear, thanking the young king for his word before seeing him off back on his journey to his palace where he'd walked, one spurred leg in front of the other along the pathway and out of side. Egret hurried along besides him, skipping slightly to keep up as the king's pace quickened up to the palace steps, talons scraping against the tile and from within the palace entrance, Gryphs powerful voice boomed within the palace walls, echoing down the halls and into the rooms as it carried his demands.
"As your king, I call upon the palace renovators to see to the retired temple at once. Report back to me in two days time with a status update." Many birds scurried about, gathering things and rushing out of the temple, bowing deeply in hurried respects before they disappeared over the hill towards the old temple where they would get to work with the king's orders and after, Gryph would make his way through the court and towards one of the guards from earlier that morning who was sitting at a glass table, nibbling away on a small snack between shifts where the two would converse silently together, the guard exchanging with the King his findings on the old brute who acted so harsh with Gryph.
"So, what brings us the pleasure of seeing you two today? It's been a while." It pained him that he hadn't seen the Elders in a few years as his training had marked its end and the pain had shown quite well in those captivating eyes of his- guilt. Even Egret had been kept from seeing his loving mother for some time and it was none other than Gryph's fault.
"I apologize for-" He was interrupted by the old bird as she shushed him and waved a shaky hand.
"Shush-sh sh sh. You don't have to apologize for anything." She'd give a gentle smile unto him and cluck some, as if giggling to herself on the matter. "But that right there, is what will make you a great King. Your compassion and empathy- your fairness. My boy.." She sighed softly a moment before continuing. "You really have grown so fast.. Your mother and Father would be proud."
Gryph shifted a bit, leaning his weight on an arm while palm pushed into the cushion and eyes watched at the cracked cobblestone floor while he took in her words. Would his father be proud of him? After what he had learned today- was the man capable of feeling honest pride in seeing his heir take throne the way that he was? A clear of the throat was given as he redirected his gaze, not wanting to cause an awkward silence in the air.
"I've come today for a few reasons. I wanted to see if this temple was ready to move in your new neighbours- however the condition of this place.. It's.." Eyes wandered around the court while mind took in his surroundings, trying to find the words to describe just how awful the place looked now. "It looks terrible." Rather blunt and to the point, he didn't want to sugarcoat it. "I had no idea how bad it was over here; in just a few short years.. "
An elder from a few feet away clucked at the mention of neighbours, curiously eying the king. "Neighbours? From Rukaia's staff, I presume?" The old one knew that was how tradition of the Kings and his staff was handled, but something about it had caused him to tense up and express worry upon his facial features. Gryph would take note, though dip his head in agreement.
"Yes, neighbours and yes, they were from my father's appointed staff. I can sense your weary, Elder, and that actually leads into my next reason as to why I'm here.. Our late king. I was informed today of some startling news- That Rukaia was using dark arts and spells to manipulate his people and strayed from god's path as King. I was informed by a trusted source and as you fine birds are the wisest, most experienced in my Kingdom, I have come to you to ask of what you know about this subject. Please, do not feel the need to hide any information you may have. As long as it's truthful, I want to hear." His possible disappointment had caused him to refer to his father by name, not something he would have done prior to learning his fathers corruption. It almost made him sick in his stomach, but the news had caused him to lose some respect for the late King- a man he had wanted to become when he himself was crowned King.
The temple was now dead with silence, each elder giving one another a concerned glance while they directed their attention away from the king, looking guiltily at the floor. No one wanted to bear the terrible confirmation the King was requesting. The female bird released her son from her gentle caress, shifting her weight onto shaky legs that carried her a few feet in front of Gryph where she'd wrap arms around him tightly, providing him with physical reassurance, holding him steady and then resting rump besides him.
"I'm sorry, Gryph.. Your father was a great King at one time, but he had been turned towards corruption and there, it had taken over his soul and clouded his judgment. We were sworn to secrecy here in our Temple, son.. And it has been a decade since we were given the freedom to speak of such corruption. " The female would tighten her hug a moment before resting her head on the young bird's shoulder, eyes closing before clucking the rest of her words. "I am deeply sorry that you only just learned of this news today- on your first day of Kingship.. But do know that we do not tell you this information to hurt you, no not at all.. but to give you the truth- Now, however bad that he had became, he obviously had loved you greatly. Don't forget about that part.
Gryph welcomed the elder's affection. He was used to them touching, hugging, tugging at him from when he was younger and growing up and he had felt as if missing piece of his life filled as she had held onto him, causing a gentle coo in satisfaction to rumble within his throat and a soft lean of his head against the top of her own. "Thank you.." He'd sit for a moment, the other last few elders making their way towards him, ruffling up his white hair with their dried feathers, touching against his shoulder with loving reassurance. These Elders were like family to him- in a place where he could feel comfortable to express himself openly, and he did just that even if subtlety. Eyes watched at the others as they had playfully messed his hair up, childish grin painting over his features while hands worked to straighten it out and flatten it back to normal all the while, the elders smiled down at him and as the grey and silver female let go of their new king, Gryph would allow himself to stand before them, Egret at his side clucking up at him as if amused at the attention that was given.
"Ahem- Anyways. As King, I promise that this temple will be restored to its former glory. I will see to it that this place will feel like a home again for all of you and send some of my trusted palace maids to live here alongside you and tend to your needs. I promise that those I move here to be your new neighbours will be specifically selected. I cannot enclose full details at this time, but not all of my father's staff will be living here. While it breaks from tradition slightly, I feel that for the safety of you all and your peace of mind, that this selection be overseen individually by myself. I must return to my palace now, thank you.. I will send a group of renovators here when I get back to fix up your home. I apologize for how long you have lived in these terrible conditions; but I intend to fix it in any way that I can." He'd speak, standing tall and proud before them as they looked up at him, their eyes beaming with pride and newfound admiration in the young boy while heads gave soft, understanding nods. A wave of his feathered hand was given towards the balcony that stretched above a crumbled fountain that only trickled water from its cracks.
"I will also have changed out our late king's mark and banners for my own by the end of day today.." Something about those dark colours started to make sense now; the dark blue, purple, and green that stained the tattered fabric that hung lifelessly against the stone.
The elders smiled from ear to ear, thanking the young king for his word before seeing him off back on his journey to his palace where he'd walked, one spurred leg in front of the other along the pathway and out of side. Egret hurried along besides him, skipping slightly to keep up as the king's pace quickened up to the palace steps, talons scraping against the tile and from within the palace entrance, Gryphs powerful voice boomed within the palace walls, echoing down the halls and into the rooms as it carried his demands.
"As your king, I call upon the palace renovators to see to the retired temple at once. Report back to me in two days time with a status update." Many birds scurried about, gathering things and rushing out of the temple, bowing deeply in hurried respects before they disappeared over the hill towards the old temple where they would get to work with the king's orders and after, Gryph would make his way through the court and towards one of the guards from earlier that morning who was sitting at a glass table, nibbling away on a small snack between shifts where the two would converse silently together, the guard exchanging with the King his findings on the old brute who acted so harsh with Gryph.
By the end of the afternoon, Ji and Mina were wiped. They exchanged blows in practice for hours, and while assassination typically - ideally - would not involve combat, it was a place to start. During the training, Ji had instructed Mina (through very tough lessons involving exploiting the weak points in her defenses and then pinning her) on the vital points of life in a gryphon's body: the important arteries to sever life quick but messily, the muscles on the back of the legs to cut to immobilize a target, and ways to incapacitate even the largest bird without even drawing the blade. Mina was a quick learner - extremely quick. Ji reasoned that this was part of her Gift, and he was grateful, because as much as he knew, he was not used to teaching. He'd always been a follower.
However, in poisons and potions, Mina fell short. Very. While successfully managing to brew a tiny amount of the airborne drug Ji had used to put the guards to sleep, Mi had inhaled it in her excitement and passed out for half an hour. After that, an attempt to brew a metal-eating corrosive resulted in an unsightly hole in the floor that Ji would have to make an excuse for to the guards later. Either from the fumes of failed poisons or from the frustrating lack of talent Mina possessed in this area, by the time the sun set Ji had a migraine bigger than King Gryph was tall.
"Enough. God, please, that's enough." Completely, staggeringly tired, Ji plopped into a chair that sat in the corner of the room. He poked idly at a stain that was now there; a yellow on the purple from one of Mina's failed brews. "We're done for today. You're amazing with a blade, but.." He poked the stain again, which crumbled beneath his touch and left an unsightly hole in the fabric. "But I don't know whether I should train your potion skills or not even try."
Mina was too exhausted herself to argue with him, but she did puff herself up in an obstinate manner. "Hey, don't give me that. It's your first day and I'm just messing with you. ... Kind of." He was rewarded for this remark with a couch cushion to the face, which spurred on an entire pillow fight of its own lasting all of a few minutes before the two small birds lay exhausted on the floor, room strewn about all around them.
For what seemed both an eternity and not nearly long enough, they lay there on the tile floor. "We should check on the King," Ji muttered tiredly, forcing himself to a sitting position. "Put away all your supplies. We'll resume tomorrow.. I'll try to think of a way to teach you poisons better, since you can't, you know, see to measure your ingredients. I think that's the main problem, anyway.. But it's not like you can touch the stuff to hand-measure it. You'd lose your... well, everything." Mina grunted agreement, clanking the glass vials in their container before stuffing it deep within her closet. "Maybe I'll just stick to the bloody stuff," she whined loudly. "It's more fun anyway."
Jijo chuckled but shook his head. "Our God will often call upon assassinations that need to look as natural deaths, not a pig slaughterhouse. And I will not always be around to take those on for you," he chirped in a sing-song voice, as though the thought of him dying was preferable to trying to teach Mina potions. "Come, come. I don't know how long Gryph has been back from the temple; I'm sure he was alarmed at the state of the place, though." When Mina gave him a puzzled look, he simply shrugged, leading her by the hand down the hall to the King's chambers. Though Mina didn't require his aid moving around, of course, even a master of death needed a bit of physical comfort now and then. "I've visited the temple a few times over the years to maintain what little there is left to maintain. It's in utter shambles; Rukaia hated the place because it stood for all the things he was destroying with his arts." Mina's face fell, and Ji ruffled her hair comfortingly. "But there is a new King now, and you should know better than anyone that he's something special."
However, in poisons and potions, Mina fell short. Very. While successfully managing to brew a tiny amount of the airborne drug Ji had used to put the guards to sleep, Mi had inhaled it in her excitement and passed out for half an hour. After that, an attempt to brew a metal-eating corrosive resulted in an unsightly hole in the floor that Ji would have to make an excuse for to the guards later. Either from the fumes of failed poisons or from the frustrating lack of talent Mina possessed in this area, by the time the sun set Ji had a migraine bigger than King Gryph was tall.
"Enough. God, please, that's enough." Completely, staggeringly tired, Ji plopped into a chair that sat in the corner of the room. He poked idly at a stain that was now there; a yellow on the purple from one of Mina's failed brews. "We're done for today. You're amazing with a blade, but.." He poked the stain again, which crumbled beneath his touch and left an unsightly hole in the fabric. "But I don't know whether I should train your potion skills or not even try."
Mina was too exhausted herself to argue with him, but she did puff herself up in an obstinate manner. "Hey, don't give me that. It's your first day and I'm just messing with you. ... Kind of." He was rewarded for this remark with a couch cushion to the face, which spurred on an entire pillow fight of its own lasting all of a few minutes before the two small birds lay exhausted on the floor, room strewn about all around them.
For what seemed both an eternity and not nearly long enough, they lay there on the tile floor. "We should check on the King," Ji muttered tiredly, forcing himself to a sitting position. "Put away all your supplies. We'll resume tomorrow.. I'll try to think of a way to teach you poisons better, since you can't, you know, see to measure your ingredients. I think that's the main problem, anyway.. But it's not like you can touch the stuff to hand-measure it. You'd lose your... well, everything." Mina grunted agreement, clanking the glass vials in their container before stuffing it deep within her closet. "Maybe I'll just stick to the bloody stuff," she whined loudly. "It's more fun anyway."
Jijo chuckled but shook his head. "Our God will often call upon assassinations that need to look as natural deaths, not a pig slaughterhouse. And I will not always be around to take those on for you," he chirped in a sing-song voice, as though the thought of him dying was preferable to trying to teach Mina potions. "Come, come. I don't know how long Gryph has been back from the temple; I'm sure he was alarmed at the state of the place, though." When Mina gave him a puzzled look, he simply shrugged, leading her by the hand down the hall to the King's chambers. Though Mina didn't require his aid moving around, of course, even a master of death needed a bit of physical comfort now and then. "I've visited the temple a few times over the years to maintain what little there is left to maintain. It's in utter shambles; Rukaia hated the place because it stood for all the things he was destroying with his arts." Mina's face fell, and Ji ruffled her hair comfortingly. "But there is a new King now, and you should know better than anyone that he's something special."
Gryph and Egret rounded their way up the steps and down the hall, skipping past the King's chambers and instead making their way into Rukaia's. The tick-tock of sharp, obsidian talons echoed within the now lifeless and empty room as they scratched against the tile, the sound jumping from the walls and slithering its way back into the ears of the two. It was eerie, this room; it seemed as though the release of the late king's soul had leaked with it the darkness and corruption that flooded upon the ground and reached up along the walls where it clawed against the paint, chipping it away in parts while it tried to climb towards the ceiling. Granted- these were just shadows cast within the room thanks to the setting sun..But in his mind, Gryph could see a symbolism. The dark clawing its way heavenward in hopes to corrupt the pure, but being pulled back hellward, back into the depths where corruption bred and thrived. Blood red eyes scanned the room over while pillars carried his body around the edge of the room and into a closet where hands picked their way through old cloth robes, banners, and jewelry that once clung against the body of his father.
The white bird stayed behind a ways, dual coloured eyes watching around the dark room while he noted the sun setting and recalled the King's mention of the cremation of his father as well as the "spreading of the ashes" ceremony that would be held tomorrow evening and gave a coo. As Gryph had returned, hands full with a few items, he exchanged a look with his adviser and together they would make their way out of the room and down the hall, passing up the room in which Jijo had given Mina and then around the corner to where the palace maids gathered.
"My King!" The group would squawk, dipping their heads in greeting, a few ceasing their work to present themselves before their new King who nearly towered over them. "Sorry it's a little crazy down here- What brings you?"
Gryph gave a gentle nod as the birds showed their humble greetings and respect before eyes met with the one closest to him, hands presenting a neatly folded robe, a sash, and a rather heavy necklace that boasted the colours of his father as well as his own.
"I've come to bring you the items I wish to be added to the urn of my father. " His voice was stern and with a deep breath, he would release them to the female who gave him a soft look and nodded, accepting the items before waddling off to set them in a safe place.
"Yes of course, my King! The remains of the late King are still being examined, but we assure you that things will be ready for tomorrow's ceremony!" The female would give another bow before fixing herself up straight "Was there anything else we could do for you?"
The King was silent, as if lost in thought, leaving the other hens to give a soft cluck to break the silence and after a few moments words would escape his lips while upper body offered it's own sort of dip, thanking them. "No, that's all. Thank you ladies."
The two birds returned to the main hall that stretched towards his chambers, their eyes fixing on the two figures before them. A rather fiendish smirk would dare tug at dark ash lips before voice, vivid and bright sounded about, calling off to them.
"Well, it seems you two are getting along quite famously." He'd remark, teasing Jijo and Mina as they had continued upon them, meeting them at the entrance to his chambers. Eyes narrowed down at the other two while daringly, from within his belly and up through his chest, the sound of a rather amused chuckle would make it's way into the air. He couldn't help it, seeing the two getting along now had almost given him a sense of hope for his own kingdom and how they must see him; how they might fear him, or dread his reign. Egret would give a returning clucking noise at the King's words, watching him tease the others was so out of the ordinary and it about made the little white bird tear up if only slightly to see such a thing. He was getting comfortable with these two..
The white bird stayed behind a ways, dual coloured eyes watching around the dark room while he noted the sun setting and recalled the King's mention of the cremation of his father as well as the "spreading of the ashes" ceremony that would be held tomorrow evening and gave a coo. As Gryph had returned, hands full with a few items, he exchanged a look with his adviser and together they would make their way out of the room and down the hall, passing up the room in which Jijo had given Mina and then around the corner to where the palace maids gathered.
"My King!" The group would squawk, dipping their heads in greeting, a few ceasing their work to present themselves before their new King who nearly towered over them. "Sorry it's a little crazy down here- What brings you?"
Gryph gave a gentle nod as the birds showed their humble greetings and respect before eyes met with the one closest to him, hands presenting a neatly folded robe, a sash, and a rather heavy necklace that boasted the colours of his father as well as his own.
"I've come to bring you the items I wish to be added to the urn of my father. " His voice was stern and with a deep breath, he would release them to the female who gave him a soft look and nodded, accepting the items before waddling off to set them in a safe place.
"Yes of course, my King! The remains of the late King are still being examined, but we assure you that things will be ready for tomorrow's ceremony!" The female would give another bow before fixing herself up straight "Was there anything else we could do for you?"
The King was silent, as if lost in thought, leaving the other hens to give a soft cluck to break the silence and after a few moments words would escape his lips while upper body offered it's own sort of dip, thanking them. "No, that's all. Thank you ladies."
The two birds returned to the main hall that stretched towards his chambers, their eyes fixing on the two figures before them. A rather fiendish smirk would dare tug at dark ash lips before voice, vivid and bright sounded about, calling off to them.
"Well, it seems you two are getting along quite famously." He'd remark, teasing Jijo and Mina as they had continued upon them, meeting them at the entrance to his chambers. Eyes narrowed down at the other two while daringly, from within his belly and up through his chest, the sound of a rather amused chuckle would make it's way into the air. He couldn't help it, seeing the two getting along now had almost given him a sense of hope for his own kingdom and how they must see him; how they might fear him, or dread his reign. Egret would give a returning clucking noise at the King's words, watching him tease the others was so out of the ordinary and it about made the little white bird tear up if only slightly to see such a thing. He was getting comfortable with these two..
Jijo bowed deeply before his King, Mina following suit as she saw his soul dip. Once he stood straight again, he awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck through his hood. "Yeah, well.." He hesitated, shooting a glance at the torn-to-pieces room that he had given Mina before squawking, suddenly remembering he had not even asked for permission for this room yet. "Aaahh!! My lord, I apologize! I gave her this room thinking it was okay - I mean, she's under my care now, so says Wr- I mean, Xehn! Xehn said I had to take care of her! And then I walk away and I come back and the room is utterly destroyed! Kids, right? -- Ow!" Mina had jabbed Ji in the side, making him grasp at his ribs in half-mock pain. "See what I mean, Highness?! A-anyway, the guards are cleaning it up and I promise it won't happen again!" He bowed twice, very deeply, hood almost touching the floor. Still, though, he smiled, the mirth of the day spent training Mina having lifted his spirits greatly.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the fat politician that served under Rukaia and had disrespected Gryph so blatantly. His anger flared momentarily, before he caught glimpse of the Marque again, which calmed him. He would pay soon enough. He smiled again, ruffling Mina's hair almost subconsciously as he thought of her being the one to end the miserable brute's life. "Having weird gifts tends to bring people together, no matter how different the upbringing, I suppose." Mina made a discontented face at him, as though being 'together' in relevance to Jijo was about as appetizing as a week-old lukewarm carcass, flies and all. Ji simply snorted, though; it was just how she was.
"If it's alright with you, my lord, I would take her to the palace temple tomorrow morning to commune with Wr-... Xehn." He coughed. He really needed to work on his cover-ups. Mina jabbed him again, too, which didn't help. "Ow! What gives?!" His voice got whiny, reflecting his truly peasant upbringing though he usually spoke in a refined way around the King. "B-but yes, I want her to speak with Xehn. She needs to understand the extent of her gifts that He gave her, if He would speak to her."
Mina shuffled awkwardly at this thought; not even two days ago she shunned the God the entire kingdom worshiped, having felt forsaken. Then to be told her Sight was a gift from Him and that there were two sides to the being - it was overwhelming. She was also extremely nervous about meeting the 'dark' side of such a massive and influential God. Ji patted her head comfortingly. "He's just like a father, Mina. He's nothing to be afraid of," he cooed. But, he knew, what he just said was pretty much all a lie. Wrath was terrifying in every sense. "Right, my Lord?" He looked up at Gryph hopefully; surely the God that Gryph sees is all glory and magnificence and not at all fearsome like the one he knew, and that would be comforting to Mina.. in a sense.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the fat politician that served under Rukaia and had disrespected Gryph so blatantly. His anger flared momentarily, before he caught glimpse of the Marque again, which calmed him. He would pay soon enough. He smiled again, ruffling Mina's hair almost subconsciously as he thought of her being the one to end the miserable brute's life. "Having weird gifts tends to bring people together, no matter how different the upbringing, I suppose." Mina made a discontented face at him, as though being 'together' in relevance to Jijo was about as appetizing as a week-old lukewarm carcass, flies and all. Ji simply snorted, though; it was just how she was.
"If it's alright with you, my lord, I would take her to the palace temple tomorrow morning to commune with Wr-... Xehn." He coughed. He really needed to work on his cover-ups. Mina jabbed him again, too, which didn't help. "Ow! What gives?!" His voice got whiny, reflecting his truly peasant upbringing though he usually spoke in a refined way around the King. "B-but yes, I want her to speak with Xehn. She needs to understand the extent of her gifts that He gave her, if He would speak to her."
Mina shuffled awkwardly at this thought; not even two days ago she shunned the God the entire kingdom worshiped, having felt forsaken. Then to be told her Sight was a gift from Him and that there were two sides to the being - it was overwhelming. She was also extremely nervous about meeting the 'dark' side of such a massive and influential God. Ji patted her head comfortingly. "He's just like a father, Mina. He's nothing to be afraid of," he cooed. But, he knew, what he just said was pretty much all a lie. Wrath was terrifying in every sense. "Right, my Lord?" He looked up at Gryph hopefully; surely the God that Gryph sees is all glory and magnificence and not at all fearsome like the one he knew, and that would be comforting to Mina.. in a sense.
Gryph watched the other as he spoke, his grinning features fading not too long after and while Jijo had explained to him everything, a hand would raise and rub two fingers against his chin in thought before giving the other an understanding nod.
"Mm.. I see. You're right, Jijo. It will be much more convenient for her to be living here within the palace as well- not to mention with you two having important roles under my wing a well, it makes all the more sense." The king spoke deep while body still held this in-thought stance, his red gem-like eyes fixing upon his keeper as if searching for something within him. He kept correcting himself and it intrigued the King causing him to stand silently and watch the other two interact- trying to taking in from it every little bit he could for silent clues. Was Jijo lying to him? Were Mina and him hiding something from him or possibly plotting something they didn't want the King to know?
Concentration was broke as Jijo had questioned him, causing eyes to shift to Mina now and hand removing from his chin, resting upon her small shoulder where the soft, silky feathers would gently kiss at her clothing and cheek, the rest of himself lowering to be more at her level. "Ah, the great, almighty Xhen is nothing to fear Mina. He's a beautiful creature that gives us life and makes each individual bird their own path to live. He guides us when we are lost and brings those loyal to him fortune and good health. He gives us his protection and his love. I have shared many a meeting with him in my life as a boy and in fact, I think I was about your age when I made my first temple visit to see him. I was scared too, yes, but you can do it.. I know you can, you're strong." The King's words were soft while his eyes watched within her own, regardless of the fact she lacked the gift of sight, he would show to her the same respect he'd show any bird in his kingdom. After waiting a steady moment, and without much warning, the King's gentle touch to the young girl's shoulder would be replaced with a full wing that pulled her in a little closer to him, the other soon following suit to hold the girl in a gentle, and probably awkward embrace. He could feel his heart beating crazily within his chest as if it were about to pop out of his chest any second though he attempted to hold it back as best he could, holding the other close for just a moment more before releasing her and allowing her to scoot back from him if she so chose. Ash lips pulling in a soft smile that only peeked it's way to the surface, though he had hoped she could sense it.
"That was for earlier. Thank you, Mina." His voice was a gentle coo while he had thanked the girl for her latching onto him when he was feeling distressed. Sure it was out of the ordinary for him to receive that kind of support from another, but it warmed him, and he quite enjoyed the feeling.
Now Gryph's attention would turn to Jijo, body straightening itself out and a soft nod was given as well as a similar, gentle touch to his keeper's shoulder. "Thank you for teaching Mina. While Xhen has a plan for you and has spoken to you about what he want's done, I would like to thank you on his behalf as well. Please don't hesitate to bring anything to my attention that requires it. I will do my best to help in any way that I can." Hand would draw back and the king would take a few steps closer to his chambers, Egret hot on his heels chirping up at Gryph who would exchange a look with his adviser.
"Living in the palace, you get three meals a day plus a snack in between the first and second, and then the second and third meal. You both will be honoured with the same food that I myself would eat. I ask, please, that you take advantage of this offering while you live under my wing, the both of you. The meals are prepped by my cooks in the kitchen and delivered on the mark at the same time each day with dinner usually accompanied by a sweet pastry." The King would begin giving them a rundown of how things worked for those who lived directly under him and with a gentle nod towards the entrance before him, Gryph would continue. "In fact, the dinner should be delivered not too much longer now. I extend an invite to the both of you to eat within my chambers if you wish- And Jijo... I have a few things I'd like to speak with you about. They can wait until daybreak if you're too tired from teaching your new apprentice."
The King's eyes would lock upon the other once more before he'd slip behind the thick curtains that shielded his room into the clearing before him, legs carrying him towards his balcony and from it, eyes now scanned over his Kingdom below while mentally, Gryph would jot down notes and check things off an invisible checklist that only he could see. Below the palace, the homes and buildings that stretched along were lit with torches and lanterns and within them, those crimson eyes could make out figures acting out their nightly rituals; possibly dinner with their families- a couple trying to get their little ones to sit still while waiting for their meals.
The tanned face Egret watched his King a few moments before peeping out a tiny yawn, skipping to sit fluff rump atop a pillowed cushion where feet would sway below him idly, allowing Gryph time to himself.
"Mm.. I see. You're right, Jijo. It will be much more convenient for her to be living here within the palace as well- not to mention with you two having important roles under my wing a well, it makes all the more sense." The king spoke deep while body still held this in-thought stance, his red gem-like eyes fixing upon his keeper as if searching for something within him. He kept correcting himself and it intrigued the King causing him to stand silently and watch the other two interact- trying to taking in from it every little bit he could for silent clues. Was Jijo lying to him? Were Mina and him hiding something from him or possibly plotting something they didn't want the King to know?
Concentration was broke as Jijo had questioned him, causing eyes to shift to Mina now and hand removing from his chin, resting upon her small shoulder where the soft, silky feathers would gently kiss at her clothing and cheek, the rest of himself lowering to be more at her level. "Ah, the great, almighty Xhen is nothing to fear Mina. He's a beautiful creature that gives us life and makes each individual bird their own path to live. He guides us when we are lost and brings those loyal to him fortune and good health. He gives us his protection and his love. I have shared many a meeting with him in my life as a boy and in fact, I think I was about your age when I made my first temple visit to see him. I was scared too, yes, but you can do it.. I know you can, you're strong." The King's words were soft while his eyes watched within her own, regardless of the fact she lacked the gift of sight, he would show to her the same respect he'd show any bird in his kingdom. After waiting a steady moment, and without much warning, the King's gentle touch to the young girl's shoulder would be replaced with a full wing that pulled her in a little closer to him, the other soon following suit to hold the girl in a gentle, and probably awkward embrace. He could feel his heart beating crazily within his chest as if it were about to pop out of his chest any second though he attempted to hold it back as best he could, holding the other close for just a moment more before releasing her and allowing her to scoot back from him if she so chose. Ash lips pulling in a soft smile that only peeked it's way to the surface, though he had hoped she could sense it.
"That was for earlier. Thank you, Mina." His voice was a gentle coo while he had thanked the girl for her latching onto him when he was feeling distressed. Sure it was out of the ordinary for him to receive that kind of support from another, but it warmed him, and he quite enjoyed the feeling.
Now Gryph's attention would turn to Jijo, body straightening itself out and a soft nod was given as well as a similar, gentle touch to his keeper's shoulder. "Thank you for teaching Mina. While Xhen has a plan for you and has spoken to you about what he want's done, I would like to thank you on his behalf as well. Please don't hesitate to bring anything to my attention that requires it. I will do my best to help in any way that I can." Hand would draw back and the king would take a few steps closer to his chambers, Egret hot on his heels chirping up at Gryph who would exchange a look with his adviser.
"Living in the palace, you get three meals a day plus a snack in between the first and second, and then the second and third meal. You both will be honoured with the same food that I myself would eat. I ask, please, that you take advantage of this offering while you live under my wing, the both of you. The meals are prepped by my cooks in the kitchen and delivered on the mark at the same time each day with dinner usually accompanied by a sweet pastry." The King would begin giving them a rundown of how things worked for those who lived directly under him and with a gentle nod towards the entrance before him, Gryph would continue. "In fact, the dinner should be delivered not too much longer now. I extend an invite to the both of you to eat within my chambers if you wish- And Jijo... I have a few things I'd like to speak with you about. They can wait until daybreak if you're too tired from teaching your new apprentice."
The King's eyes would lock upon the other once more before he'd slip behind the thick curtains that shielded his room into the clearing before him, legs carrying him towards his balcony and from it, eyes now scanned over his Kingdom below while mentally, Gryph would jot down notes and check things off an invisible checklist that only he could see. Below the palace, the homes and buildings that stretched along were lit with torches and lanterns and within them, those crimson eyes could make out figures acting out their nightly rituals; possibly dinner with their families- a couple trying to get their little ones to sit still while waiting for their meals.
The tanned face Egret watched his King a few moments before peeping out a tiny yawn, skipping to sit fluff rump atop a pillowed cushion where feet would sway below him idly, allowing Gryph time to himself.
Jijo gaped awkwardly as the King took Mina into a hug. It was, truly and honestly, the last thing he expected, and it was both heartwarming and cringe-worthy. The poor King had never been one for physical contact, he was sure, and yet it was obvious that he meant it. A smile played across his lips, almost gleeful that such a compassionate bird would lead their kingdom. Mina had happily returned the hug, clinging back to the King like he was her older brother.. And for some reason, Ji had to admit to himself he was a little jealous.
Ji nodded as the King went through the daily routine in the palace, his mouth watering lightly at the thought of such meals provided to him daily instead of just on very special holidays like at the commoners' temple. He exchanged a look with Mina, both of them screaming internally, No more stale bread! with goofy grins on their faces.
Mina took her leave then, bowing deeply before the King and playfully whacking Ji on the back of the head, making him grimace. "I'm whooped! This guy keeps making me do things... I just wanna sleep all day! I can't wait to eat dinner without this codger!" She cooed jokingly, walking back to her now-fixed chambers with her arms behind her head in an overly relaxed, aloof manner. Ji sighed, annoyed but still affectionately.
Ji then turned his attention to the King as he spoke of wishing to speak with him alone. He grew slightly worried then; had the King heard his verbal slip-ups about Wrath? It wasn't so much that Wrath was a secret that nobody else could see him as Ji did, and it was scary to people to learn such a dark side existed to their perfect deity. He bit his lip lightly, trying to come up with how he'd explain this entire situation to the King, though he knew in his heart it would be all right; the King had taken his news of seeing peoples deaths quite well, but this was a different matter entirely.
Jijo steeled his resolve. This needed to be cleared up sooner rather than later, and honestly Ji had done much more than he had done today - trained harder, killed more. He still felt rather light on his feet, if only a bit hungry. However, he knew the King must want time to himself after such a long day. "I'm ready to speak with you whenever you wish tonight, my lord. I will stay here outside your chambers until you are ready for me." He bowed then, allowing the King to retreat to his chambers until he called upon him. All he could do now was figure out how, exactly, he would break such a terrible secret to his King without further angering his wrathful god.
Ji nodded as the King went through the daily routine in the palace, his mouth watering lightly at the thought of such meals provided to him daily instead of just on very special holidays like at the commoners' temple. He exchanged a look with Mina, both of them screaming internally, No more stale bread! with goofy grins on their faces.
Mina took her leave then, bowing deeply before the King and playfully whacking Ji on the back of the head, making him grimace. "I'm whooped! This guy keeps making me do things... I just wanna sleep all day! I can't wait to eat dinner without this codger!" She cooed jokingly, walking back to her now-fixed chambers with her arms behind her head in an overly relaxed, aloof manner. Ji sighed, annoyed but still affectionately.
Ji then turned his attention to the King as he spoke of wishing to speak with him alone. He grew slightly worried then; had the King heard his verbal slip-ups about Wrath? It wasn't so much that Wrath was a secret that nobody else could see him as Ji did, and it was scary to people to learn such a dark side existed to their perfect deity. He bit his lip lightly, trying to come up with how he'd explain this entire situation to the King, though he knew in his heart it would be all right; the King had taken his news of seeing peoples deaths quite well, but this was a different matter entirely.
Jijo steeled his resolve. This needed to be cleared up sooner rather than later, and honestly Ji had done much more than he had done today - trained harder, killed more. He still felt rather light on his feet, if only a bit hungry. However, he knew the King must want time to himself after such a long day. "I'm ready to speak with you whenever you wish tonight, my lord. I will stay here outside your chambers until you are ready for me." He bowed then, allowing the King to retreat to his chambers until he called upon him. All he could do now was figure out how, exactly, he would break such a terrible secret to his King without further angering his wrathful god.
Gryph's red eyes continued to watch upon his people below and as the sun finally set behind the mountain, the sky fading from a beautiful blazing orange and yellow to a dark purple and navy, he would adjust himself so that his weight now rested upon on hand and body had turned to face back into his room. A small jingle could be heard and the kitchen servers made their way through his doorway with a small cart that carried upon it trays and platters of foods, clucking happily to Egret and giving their deepest of bows to the king who now stood like a light against the darkness behind him. "Your dinner, my King! We have prepared for you an herb and vegetable soup tonight accompanied by some sea salt bread and vinegar. How will you take it?" The bird would present the king with a platter of food, resting it on the table before Egret then turned his attention back to Gryph who thought for a moment.
"I'll take it with cider, thank you." He'd warble back, pushing himself gently off the edge of the balcony to tick-tock his way to sit across from Egret, rump resting softly on the padded cushion below and hands folded neatly one atop the other while scarlet eyes watched the server pour a tall glass of bubbling cider, pointed ears taking in the satisfying popping and fizzing of the drink. "I'm expecting some company- could you make it for three?"
"Certanly, sir. Anything else that I may do for you this fine evening?" While replying, the male wasted no time plucking from his small cart another glass, filling it to the top before working to place three plates upon the table, then the utensils, then the clothed napkins which were folded and presented with elegance atop each plate. This preparation was done quickly, but neatly. Obvious signs this bird had done this many times before and as he poured two bowls, one with soup one with vinegar, he'd place them each besides the corresponding plates, leaving the platter of bread in the center.
"That will be all- Oh.. On your way out, please send Jijo in. Thank you, this looks beautiful as always." The king's warm voice sounded out to the others who gave a big smile back and bowed before taking their leave, pushing before them the small cart rounding out of the room but not before relaying the king's message to the older bird who awaited outside the King's room. Within his chambers, Gryph would take an eye to the meal before him and then to the bubbling drinks only to soon find eyes fixed on Egret who looked as if he was mentally drooling over the sight of the food alone. The bread smelled fresh- the sweet aroma wafting in through their noses making even Gryphs stomach give an audible low growl as it demanded food and with it, Egret's ears would flick at the sound, eyes watching his king eagerly while body nearly bounced in its place with anticipation which caused Gryph to chuckle softly at his friend.
"Let us wait for our friend." He'd coo softly while hand plucked itself softly from the other, fingers wrapping around the base of the glass and supporting it with a few tips before picking it from the table, eyes watching into the honey coloured beverage as he sat deep in thought. He'd tell Jijo about the temple, what he found there, what he had heard.. He'd confront the other on his decision with the place and remind the other of his father's cremation ceremony tomorrow night. And on top of all that, the King would be sure to ask the other the real story behind what Mina and him had planned for tomorrow. There would be no secrets kept from him so long as it didn't anger his god in any way.
"I'll take it with cider, thank you." He'd warble back, pushing himself gently off the edge of the balcony to tick-tock his way to sit across from Egret, rump resting softly on the padded cushion below and hands folded neatly one atop the other while scarlet eyes watched the server pour a tall glass of bubbling cider, pointed ears taking in the satisfying popping and fizzing of the drink. "I'm expecting some company- could you make it for three?"
"Certanly, sir. Anything else that I may do for you this fine evening?" While replying, the male wasted no time plucking from his small cart another glass, filling it to the top before working to place three plates upon the table, then the utensils, then the clothed napkins which were folded and presented with elegance atop each plate. This preparation was done quickly, but neatly. Obvious signs this bird had done this many times before and as he poured two bowls, one with soup one with vinegar, he'd place them each besides the corresponding plates, leaving the platter of bread in the center.
"That will be all- Oh.. On your way out, please send Jijo in. Thank you, this looks beautiful as always." The king's warm voice sounded out to the others who gave a big smile back and bowed before taking their leave, pushing before them the small cart rounding out of the room but not before relaying the king's message to the older bird who awaited outside the King's room. Within his chambers, Gryph would take an eye to the meal before him and then to the bubbling drinks only to soon find eyes fixed on Egret who looked as if he was mentally drooling over the sight of the food alone. The bread smelled fresh- the sweet aroma wafting in through their noses making even Gryphs stomach give an audible low growl as it demanded food and with it, Egret's ears would flick at the sound, eyes watching his king eagerly while body nearly bounced in its place with anticipation which caused Gryph to chuckle softly at his friend.
"Let us wait for our friend." He'd coo softly while hand plucked itself softly from the other, fingers wrapping around the base of the glass and supporting it with a few tips before picking it from the table, eyes watching into the honey coloured beverage as he sat deep in thought. He'd tell Jijo about the temple, what he found there, what he had heard.. He'd confront the other on his decision with the place and remind the other of his father's cremation ceremony tomorrow night. And on top of all that, the King would be sure to ask the other the real story behind what Mina and him had planned for tomorrow. There would be no secrets kept from him so long as it didn't anger his god in any way.
Jijo started nervously when the foodserver told him to meet the King inside. He was so busted, and he knew it; his feathers stood on end nervously. While he had been waiting outside the chambers, he could hear Mina in her room down the hall no doubt slaughtering a poor, innocent feather pillow in preparation for her assassination on the fat politician. He was proud, but scared; what if she was caught maiming an inanimate object? He trusted her as well, though; she could see better than he could in many ways, and would have to believe her judgment. She was young, but very mature.
Ji slipped inside the chambers, anxiety piling high. Once inside, he found Gryph and Egret around some food, which would have looked delicious if he weren't so nauseated from nerves. He moved stiffly across the room to them, bowing deeply like a wooden toy and then sitting all too formally in a nearby chair. He twiddled his thumbs, pulled and straightened his feathers - anything to avoid eye contact. He imagined this is what it would feel like to be scolded by parents, if he had had any to do so - no, he just had Wrath, and he was more along the lines of an overly strict schoolteacher than a parent. He looked up at Gryph, finally, though - and realized he'd been incredibly selfish. The King had been to the old temple earlier and it was obviously weighing on his mind. It was written all over his face. Ji felt terrible for having thought this all revolved around him and his secrecy; he relaxed immediately upon realizing this and let out a tiny sigh.
"I would ask how your visit to the temple was, King, but I'm afraid I know the answer." He frowned and tilted his head slightly while pulling his robe around him a bit, out of a need for security. "Those elders.." He sighed again, deeper and laced with sorrow for the old birds. There were no words he could say here, but now was his time to instead listen to what the King had to say; he relaxed further into his chair and fell silent, awaiting the King's opinion on the state of the temple.
Ji slipped inside the chambers, anxiety piling high. Once inside, he found Gryph and Egret around some food, which would have looked delicious if he weren't so nauseated from nerves. He moved stiffly across the room to them, bowing deeply like a wooden toy and then sitting all too formally in a nearby chair. He twiddled his thumbs, pulled and straightened his feathers - anything to avoid eye contact. He imagined this is what it would feel like to be scolded by parents, if he had had any to do so - no, he just had Wrath, and he was more along the lines of an overly strict schoolteacher than a parent. He looked up at Gryph, finally, though - and realized he'd been incredibly selfish. The King had been to the old temple earlier and it was obviously weighing on his mind. It was written all over his face. Ji felt terrible for having thought this all revolved around him and his secrecy; he relaxed immediately upon realizing this and let out a tiny sigh.
"I would ask how your visit to the temple was, King, but I'm afraid I know the answer." He frowned and tilted his head slightly while pulling his robe around him a bit, out of a need for security. "Those elders.." He sighed again, deeper and laced with sorrow for the old birds. There were no words he could say here, but now was his time to instead listen to what the King had to say; he relaxed further into his chair and fell silent, awaiting the King's opinion on the state of the temple.
Gryph would watch the other walk in and sit awkwardly next them both and he could see in the poor bird's auctions something was working him over. He looked distressed- even ill though as he spoke the King would give a soft nod before lips pressed against the frosted glass that tipped upwards to allow the caramel coloured liquid to slip within and rush over tongue before it retreated leaving Gryph to savour the bubbling apple taste before giving a swallow. Upon sitting the glass back down on a coaster, Gryph would wave a feathered hand at the meal, eyes locking with Jijo. "I told the servers that I was expecting company. Please, help yourself." He'd invite the other to indulge in the food before the two birds and pointed at the third empty plate before nodding towards Egret, giving the okay for his adviser to have at the meal. He wasted no time, grabbing at a few chunks of bread, dipping them into the vinegar dip and then sipping away at his soup. Gryph would swear this one acted as if he was starved half the time.
Turning his attention back to Jijo, the king would release a heavy sigh, head hanging slightly.
"The temple is a disaster- a disgusting disgrace to this kingdom. My heart hurts for the elders for having to be forced to live in such terrible conditions and under such a heavy and equally disgusting silencing promise." His words sounded cold as they spilled from lips; no passion, no feeling. They were almost haunting within the air around and the King's choice of words wouldn't sugar coat how he truly felt about the matter.
"I conversed with them. There's only about three or four of them left.. They spoke to me and they told me about my father; confirmed. They fear now, about the retired I intend to move in with them and I told them I would make sure not to let the corrupted followers of Rukaia live within the temple alongside them. But.." Words trailed off and eyes met with the smaller bird besides him. "I'm going to need help. I have a few that I am confident about who shall be allowed to live with the Elders, but there are also a few birds who I sense corruption in. I can feel it, Jijo. The way the look at me.. it hurts."
The king spoke honestly, gripping at his chest as if the scornful eyes of his father's people were burning a hole within him physically. It wasn't often that he talked so openly about feeling anything to another besides his silent companion. Maybe it had been a trust thing with him, knowing Egret couldn't speak to another about anything the King had said; or maybe he just knew he could trust Jijo.. Another sigh would sound and he took another sip of his drink and then fingers worked at a chunk of bread that glistened with the oil and fruity vinegar mixture, plopping a bit within his mouth. Mmm, delicious!
"With that aside. Tomorrow is my father's ceremony to spread his ashes and to place his urn within the temple of the fallen. I wanted to remind you about it so that you could plan your day with Mina to be back in time for it. While he was corrupt.. we will honour the good that was once within him. I know he was good once and I'm sure my people will respect that part of him. Which leads me to another topic." He was silent now, watching the other with those crimson eyes that looked like beautiful rubies- the lighting within the chambers giving them a daring gleam. "You said you were going to meet Xhen tomorrow with Mina. Was there something else you two had planned after that?"
Turning his attention back to Jijo, the king would release a heavy sigh, head hanging slightly.
"The temple is a disaster- a disgusting disgrace to this kingdom. My heart hurts for the elders for having to be forced to live in such terrible conditions and under such a heavy and equally disgusting silencing promise." His words sounded cold as they spilled from lips; no passion, no feeling. They were almost haunting within the air around and the King's choice of words wouldn't sugar coat how he truly felt about the matter.
"I conversed with them. There's only about three or four of them left.. They spoke to me and they told me about my father; confirmed. They fear now, about the retired I intend to move in with them and I told them I would make sure not to let the corrupted followers of Rukaia live within the temple alongside them. But.." Words trailed off and eyes met with the smaller bird besides him. "I'm going to need help. I have a few that I am confident about who shall be allowed to live with the Elders, but there are also a few birds who I sense corruption in. I can feel it, Jijo. The way the look at me.. it hurts."
The king spoke honestly, gripping at his chest as if the scornful eyes of his father's people were burning a hole within him physically. It wasn't often that he talked so openly about feeling anything to another besides his silent companion. Maybe it had been a trust thing with him, knowing Egret couldn't speak to another about anything the King had said; or maybe he just knew he could trust Jijo.. Another sigh would sound and he took another sip of his drink and then fingers worked at a chunk of bread that glistened with the oil and fruity vinegar mixture, plopping a bit within his mouth. Mmm, delicious!
"With that aside. Tomorrow is my father's ceremony to spread his ashes and to place his urn within the temple of the fallen. I wanted to remind you about it so that you could plan your day with Mina to be back in time for it. While he was corrupt.. we will honour the good that was once within him. I know he was good once and I'm sure my people will respect that part of him. Which leads me to another topic." He was silent now, watching the other with those crimson eyes that looked like beautiful rubies- the lighting within the chambers giving them a daring gleam. "You said you were going to meet Xhen tomorrow with Mina. Was there something else you two had planned after that?"
Jijo frowned as the King described the conditions of the temple. He knew, of course, how bad it was, but it must have been beyond startling for the young royalty to see such poverty in person. Ji had been as recently as a few months ago, sent by the higher sages of the public temple to clean some of the filth from the place, and the scent of mildew and rot still lingered with him to this day. If anything, the retired persons' homing was worse than the rest of the poverty-stricken nation as a result of the late King's hatred for the light and righteous. Jijo swallowed, remembering so vividly that he felt like the bread he'd picked up had gone bad in his grasp. As if to combat this, he took a large bite, delighting in the warmth and freshness of the bread, unlike his mind's expectations.
As the King spoke of moving the newly retired to the temple, the frown returned, with an added crease between his brows. He knew all too well how this would be difficult for the King to choose who to send, and even he couldn't help there.
But he knew who could.
It came to him so quickly and felt so obvious he couldn't help but lay a dumbfounded look across his face. "Mina!" He chirped as the realization hit. "Mina sees souls - sees corruption! If you can bring the entire former staff before her, she can tell you who is pure." While he was extremely happy for his new apprentice to have a righteous and non-murderous task set to her, he worried about what the King would do to those deemed unworthy. Technically, those were Wrath's charges unto him and Mina, and having that territory taken away wouldn't be good. "It might be best to do it so that they aren't aware of it, though," he added slowly, rolling the thoughts around before he spoke. "If they knew they were being judged, it would not be safe for you, my King." It was true enough, though his real concern lay deeper.
He then froze mid-bite as the King addressed his earlier awkwardness. His feathers puffed in an oops, busted! manner, and he blushed, knowing that if his job was related to anyone he didn't know so well, he would've been so easily able to lie and brush it off. With Gryph, he was on edge because he truly wanted to be trusted.. And with part of his secret already revealed, it made it all the more difficult to balance his loyalties between Wrath and the King.
Appetite suddenly soured, Ji put the bread he was holding back on his plate and then placed the plate on the table. He folded his hands in his lap and looked at them, thoughtfully and in a resigned manner. How easily the King managed to draw the deepest secrets from him was greatly unsettling. He had to fight it.
"We are not meeting Xhen." He stated flatly, raising his eyes to meet the King's. "The Xhen you know is only one aspect of a larger being.. a larger deity. There is another facet to him.. A much less pleasant one." His gaze darkened as he remembered the many times he had been in Wrath's presence; a shudder ran through his spine. "I .. I cannot tell you more than this. Please have faith in me, my King; what Mina and I do is purely in your interest, and in our God's." He looked back down, feeling defeated and exhausted. "If you do not believe me, there are .. tomes. I'm sure you have a copy of them in your royal library. The most famous record of what I speak is in a book called Divine Wrath." He kept his gaze on his lap, twiddled his thumbs. "I.. would not read it if you are faint of heart or believe in only the goodness of man, because you will find nothing of the sort in that book's pages."
The book was an account of a criminal - a traitor, a murderer - who had come face-to-face with Wrath. Wrath had shown himself to this traitor to teach him the harshest lesson possible - not death, but a long, long life full of agony. The man was rendered blind, but able to recall only the sight of Wrath when he looked upon his memories. He was crippled. He was estranged from those he knew. But he was charged by Wrath to write his account as a sort of fear tactic to keep others from betraying and murdering unjustly. Obviously, it was very old, and nobody but Ji seemed to even know of this book's existence - its moral was long lost to the ages and was now 'fiction' at best. Ji knew of only two copies to exist at all: one he owned, and one in the court's library.
"I do not have any plans tomorrow aside from this meeting I have scheduled," he started again, slowly and almost fearfully. "But I know from past experience that these meetings .. they take a toll on you. Physically, spiritually, emotionally. No matter how prepared you think you are, you are not. And often, I am left with things I must tend to immediately after these meetings.. I don't know if this will happen tomorrow." He looked up at the King, sheepish. "But I assure you that regardless of our charge we will attend your father's ceremony on time. Anything we must do we will wait to do, but we will both be... very tired."
As the King spoke of moving the newly retired to the temple, the frown returned, with an added crease between his brows. He knew all too well how this would be difficult for the King to choose who to send, and even he couldn't help there.
But he knew who could.
It came to him so quickly and felt so obvious he couldn't help but lay a dumbfounded look across his face. "Mina!" He chirped as the realization hit. "Mina sees souls - sees corruption! If you can bring the entire former staff before her, she can tell you who is pure." While he was extremely happy for his new apprentice to have a righteous and non-murderous task set to her, he worried about what the King would do to those deemed unworthy. Technically, those were Wrath's charges unto him and Mina, and having that territory taken away wouldn't be good. "It might be best to do it so that they aren't aware of it, though," he added slowly, rolling the thoughts around before he spoke. "If they knew they were being judged, it would not be safe for you, my King." It was true enough, though his real concern lay deeper.
He then froze mid-bite as the King addressed his earlier awkwardness. His feathers puffed in an oops, busted! manner, and he blushed, knowing that if his job was related to anyone he didn't know so well, he would've been so easily able to lie and brush it off. With Gryph, he was on edge because he truly wanted to be trusted.. And with part of his secret already revealed, it made it all the more difficult to balance his loyalties between Wrath and the King.
Appetite suddenly soured, Ji put the bread he was holding back on his plate and then placed the plate on the table. He folded his hands in his lap and looked at them, thoughtfully and in a resigned manner. How easily the King managed to draw the deepest secrets from him was greatly unsettling. He had to fight it.
"We are not meeting Xhen." He stated flatly, raising his eyes to meet the King's. "The Xhen you know is only one aspect of a larger being.. a larger deity. There is another facet to him.. A much less pleasant one." His gaze darkened as he remembered the many times he had been in Wrath's presence; a shudder ran through his spine. "I .. I cannot tell you more than this. Please have faith in me, my King; what Mina and I do is purely in your interest, and in our God's." He looked back down, feeling defeated and exhausted. "If you do not believe me, there are .. tomes. I'm sure you have a copy of them in your royal library. The most famous record of what I speak is in a book called Divine Wrath." He kept his gaze on his lap, twiddled his thumbs. "I.. would not read it if you are faint of heart or believe in only the goodness of man, because you will find nothing of the sort in that book's pages."
The book was an account of a criminal - a traitor, a murderer - who had come face-to-face with Wrath. Wrath had shown himself to this traitor to teach him the harshest lesson possible - not death, but a long, long life full of agony. The man was rendered blind, but able to recall only the sight of Wrath when he looked upon his memories. He was crippled. He was estranged from those he knew. But he was charged by Wrath to write his account as a sort of fear tactic to keep others from betraying and murdering unjustly. Obviously, it was very old, and nobody but Ji seemed to even know of this book's existence - its moral was long lost to the ages and was now 'fiction' at best. Ji knew of only two copies to exist at all: one he owned, and one in the court's library.
"I do not have any plans tomorrow aside from this meeting I have scheduled," he started again, slowly and almost fearfully. "But I know from past experience that these meetings .. they take a toll on you. Physically, spiritually, emotionally. No matter how prepared you think you are, you are not. And often, I am left with things I must tend to immediately after these meetings.. I don't know if this will happen tomorrow." He looked up at the King, sheepish. "But I assure you that regardless of our charge we will attend your father's ceremony on time. Anything we must do we will wait to do, but we will both be... very tired."
Gryph gave a dip of his head, nodding to the other as he had offered Mina for the job. He would sit, pondering on the words of his Keeper a moment before nodding his head again in agreement.
"Yes, you're right. Mina would be great for this job and it will be best to have those chosen in secrecy to avoid any arguments and suspicions. Not to mention if they are so loyal to our late king and his corruptions, then my own life could be in danger if they had planned to revolt against my decisions to not allow them to live within the retired temple. They could very well gather followers and riot through the kingdom; which is something I do not wish to happen at any cost." The King would pause, contemplating within his own mind the best possible solution. He would have to show Mina each bird who was within his father's staff and ask her to judge them on his behalf. He'd mark up plans; possibly taking a walk around his palace with the girl, telling her to give him subtle signs when she had discovered corrupted souls.. Something hardly noticeable. Eyes blinked while he brought himself back to reality, resting on Jijo as he began to explain to the King about his true plans for the next day.
Xhen wasn't the only deity in their world? It was almost unreal to him; his whole life was spent learning about this god and his practices, his trainings that was had in order for him to be granted the privilege to see this god face to face only to find out that everything he knew about this God was two sided. With all this new information, the King began to feel a tightening in his chest. A realization that there seemed to be two sides to everything- Good, Evil, merciful and wrathful. He couldn't hold back a hard gulp as the other spoke and shifted about nervously, watching the little bird caused his own bodice to fill with unease while feathers rising slightly. Gryph swore he could feel the darkness creeping up into his chambers, hanging over Jijo and himself as if it were the blackest of clouds that attempted to wrap itself over them. Such an ugly feeling.
With talk of the book that hid away the secrets of this other deity, the King would bite at his own lip, eyes still watching the other though almost blankly at this point. Would reading such a terrible book make him a better King to his people? Would it, in some way, help him understand everything about his God, his world, and the things he had no knowledge of in the beginning? He hadn't been king for too long but so much was already in the works that he felt himself change. He felt as if he had lost an innocence to himself and that it was only fading away more and more as he learned the truths about his world and it almost made him feel ashamed; silly and slightly ignorant. Why was he only learning of this now..
"Wrath..." Gryph would mouth in a gentle whisper, looking away from Jijo a moment and placing gaze to the meal before them, fingers working at another piece of the bread before dipping it into the mixture where scarlet eyes watched the oil bead and race atop the vinegar, attempting to break away from the mix to recoup with its other oil companions. A quick pop of the food within his mouth and he'd turn gaze back to Jijo, pointed ears listening intently as he spoke about how the meeting with his deity would leave him exhausted and with a soft hum, the king would dip head.
"I see.. Thank you for telling me the truth, Jijo. You know that I trust you completely and your secret is safe with me. I pray though that Mina will be able to handle this meeting. She has such a strong will though I worry with my words previously dealt upon her that it may have softened her expectations.. Quite a bit." Gryph would give a soft huff, relaxing only slightly and fluffed feathers beginning to rest against his skin once more while the darkness he felt began to dissipate as they changed subjects almost as if just talking about the deity was enough to begin the corruption of an individual and he didn't much enjoy it. "If something were to happen to her I would feel as though it was a direct reflection on my part so please do what you have to to prepare her the correct way- I trust that you will, and do not doubt you in your ways as being her mentor but do understand that I express worry for her safety." Feeling slightly sheepish now, he'd quickly add to his words, making sure not to leave Jijo feeling as if he wasn't equally cared about "And of course, I worry for yours as well, my friend; your being sound is greatly important to me."
He'd give up a few reassuring nods as if solidifying his words before taking a few sips of Cider and a few more nibbles at chunks of bread. He would silently decide to investigate this book sometime in the near future and make a mental note to do so when he had gotten the chance; possibly when he was alone. It almost felt rebellious in a sense, but he had to know. He had to understand the evil that came with the good and figured it would be much safer to do so in reading than through real life experience though his decision left him feeling tainted in a way, almost sickened by himself in his choosing to meddle in such things and quickly attempted to shake the feeling. He had to remember he was doing this for his people and to become a better, more knowledgeable King. He couldn't send his pawns to do everything for him. Eyes scanned towards his adviser a moment though quickly evaded contact as the other's met for a brief moment with his own. He'd have to do this without Egret as well as he feared the other might try and convince him otherwise. He would have to sneak out of his chambers while the other slept and given the fact the other almost always was awake before him proved to be another obstacle.
A clear of the throat and the king would grab at a napkin, patting his lips delicately and releasing a content sigh. "What a wonderful meal." He'd coo towards the two, expressing his delight for the food and his satisfaction with it while glancing down at his now fully tummy that pudged out ever so slightly.
{replied a week later because I'm trash :'D }
"Yes, you're right. Mina would be great for this job and it will be best to have those chosen in secrecy to avoid any arguments and suspicions. Not to mention if they are so loyal to our late king and his corruptions, then my own life could be in danger if they had planned to revolt against my decisions to not allow them to live within the retired temple. They could very well gather followers and riot through the kingdom; which is something I do not wish to happen at any cost." The King would pause, contemplating within his own mind the best possible solution. He would have to show Mina each bird who was within his father's staff and ask her to judge them on his behalf. He'd mark up plans; possibly taking a walk around his palace with the girl, telling her to give him subtle signs when she had discovered corrupted souls.. Something hardly noticeable. Eyes blinked while he brought himself back to reality, resting on Jijo as he began to explain to the King about his true plans for the next day.
Xhen wasn't the only deity in their world? It was almost unreal to him; his whole life was spent learning about this god and his practices, his trainings that was had in order for him to be granted the privilege to see this god face to face only to find out that everything he knew about this God was two sided. With all this new information, the King began to feel a tightening in his chest. A realization that there seemed to be two sides to everything- Good, Evil, merciful and wrathful. He couldn't hold back a hard gulp as the other spoke and shifted about nervously, watching the little bird caused his own bodice to fill with unease while feathers rising slightly. Gryph swore he could feel the darkness creeping up into his chambers, hanging over Jijo and himself as if it were the blackest of clouds that attempted to wrap itself over them. Such an ugly feeling.
With talk of the book that hid away the secrets of this other deity, the King would bite at his own lip, eyes still watching the other though almost blankly at this point. Would reading such a terrible book make him a better King to his people? Would it, in some way, help him understand everything about his God, his world, and the things he had no knowledge of in the beginning? He hadn't been king for too long but so much was already in the works that he felt himself change. He felt as if he had lost an innocence to himself and that it was only fading away more and more as he learned the truths about his world and it almost made him feel ashamed; silly and slightly ignorant. Why was he only learning of this now..
"Wrath..." Gryph would mouth in a gentle whisper, looking away from Jijo a moment and placing gaze to the meal before them, fingers working at another piece of the bread before dipping it into the mixture where scarlet eyes watched the oil bead and race atop the vinegar, attempting to break away from the mix to recoup with its other oil companions. A quick pop of the food within his mouth and he'd turn gaze back to Jijo, pointed ears listening intently as he spoke about how the meeting with his deity would leave him exhausted and with a soft hum, the king would dip head.
"I see.. Thank you for telling me the truth, Jijo. You know that I trust you completely and your secret is safe with me. I pray though that Mina will be able to handle this meeting. She has such a strong will though I worry with my words previously dealt upon her that it may have softened her expectations.. Quite a bit." Gryph would give a soft huff, relaxing only slightly and fluffed feathers beginning to rest against his skin once more while the darkness he felt began to dissipate as they changed subjects almost as if just talking about the deity was enough to begin the corruption of an individual and he didn't much enjoy it. "If something were to happen to her I would feel as though it was a direct reflection on my part so please do what you have to to prepare her the correct way- I trust that you will, and do not doubt you in your ways as being her mentor but do understand that I express worry for her safety." Feeling slightly sheepish now, he'd quickly add to his words, making sure not to leave Jijo feeling as if he wasn't equally cared about "And of course, I worry for yours as well, my friend; your being sound is greatly important to me."
He'd give up a few reassuring nods as if solidifying his words before taking a few sips of Cider and a few more nibbles at chunks of bread. He would silently decide to investigate this book sometime in the near future and make a mental note to do so when he had gotten the chance; possibly when he was alone. It almost felt rebellious in a sense, but he had to know. He had to understand the evil that came with the good and figured it would be much safer to do so in reading than through real life experience though his decision left him feeling tainted in a way, almost sickened by himself in his choosing to meddle in such things and quickly attempted to shake the feeling. He had to remember he was doing this for his people and to become a better, more knowledgeable King. He couldn't send his pawns to do everything for him. Eyes scanned towards his adviser a moment though quickly evaded contact as the other's met for a brief moment with his own. He'd have to do this without Egret as well as he feared the other might try and convince him otherwise. He would have to sneak out of his chambers while the other slept and given the fact the other almost always was awake before him proved to be another obstacle.
A clear of the throat and the king would grab at a napkin, patting his lips delicately and releasing a content sigh. "What a wonderful meal." He'd coo towards the two, expressing his delight for the food and his satisfaction with it while glancing down at his now fully tummy that pudged out ever so slightly.
{replied a week later because I'm trash :'D }
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