Catharsis Night (Sess)

GEAR

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#21
"It is not your concern any further, James."

A hand reached out to gently touch his back, as she rose and followed James to the case.

"The Custos will see to Gerart." She said, quietly. "You shall remain here, and prepare to assume the role of leadership once the ritual is complete. The people will need a sovereign to guide them through what may be troubled times."

Selene lapsed into silence, reflecting on the extent to which she and Gerart had always endeavored to protect the boy. It was not entirely because of his innocence - he had a darker side to him, well suppressed, that occasionally showed itself, and which made him a perfect candidate for the Sphere... a fact Ganeden never needed to be made aware of. Even if she could not save herself, she hoped... She could at least save him.

"...It is unfortunate." She murmured; "I would have preferred to spare you from all this. You... are too kindhearted for this role, as I once was. But it is my duty, my responsibility, to see to it that Luna is preserved... no matter the cost. I can only hope... you will not resent me for it."
 

Hitura Rael

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#22
He relaxed slightly, but did not let up his guard. She could still see his rightful place to be within a dungeon. This was still a dangerous situation. He could not slip up here. "You mean to bring me out of hiding then." He closed his eyes. He didn't have much time to get away at this rate. It would take days to prepare properly, but at this rate... he had to go after the sphere before Selene announced him.

"I need time before you do that Selene. I have an apartment, a room mate. Unless you want a half naked tiny woman walking around you need to give me time to find her someone to take over my half of the lease. One she'll tolerate. And I owe it to her to NOT let her live alone." That was definitely true. The woman couldn't feed herself and not burn down the place. Plus she was spoiled on having him cook for her.

"AND. I think you owe it to me to tell me what a Custos is. If I am to take over, do I not need to know that? It sounds like some kind of dessert or surname from a crappy ancient movie."
 

GEAR

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#23
"A suitable tale will be spun to the masses for your coming coronation." Responded Selene levelly, "You need not concern yourself with the theatrics."

Of course, she had been prepared for such a thing for many years... Just in case. There was no telling, after all, when her number would come up, and then it would be his responsibility to lead, whether he was ready or not. This way, at least, was better. At the mention of his roommate, her voice hardened, and she gripped his arm suddenly, eyes flashing dangerously.

"...That woman is not your true family, James. She does not know who you really are, or have any idea of the burden you shoulder." She said; "It is time for you to shed this false life you have been living, and embrace who you really are."

This being said... she relaxed, exhaling as she folded her arms, closing her eyes in concentration. She was already thinking ahead to the appropriate incantations for awakening the three from their slumber, and the preparation it would entail.

"The Custos are the servants of Ganeden: the three noble guardians of Luna." She explained. "Kanaf, Keren, Zanav... heaven, sea, and land. Divine beasts that are an army unto themselves. We make use of their strength sparingly, and only when the future of the Kingdom is at stake..."

Her eyes opened, like two merciless dark pools on a moonless night.

"But they have never failed."
 

Hitura Rael

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#24
He frowned at her, his eyes flicking down at her hand with a hard cast. His muscles tensed with the restraint to not to pull away from her or otherwise retaliate. "I never said she was family. She is my friend and a good friend at that. She doesn't deserve being ghosted or poor treatment when she's helped take care of me." He frowned, eyes tightening before softening his expression to a smile. "Besides. Maybe she's your only hope at the blood line continuing. About the only woman I'd ever think of marrying I think."

He gently put his hand over hers to pry her fingers off. It was definitely time to change the topic before she got riled up again thinking of Gerart or her mind going anywhere near his possible interference. "And I have things at the apartment I need to retrieve. Sentimental things that would make the transition easier. I can't just drop my life and pick up a new one like that."

He reached up to brush her hair back. "What harm is there in taking care of things before I am to learn from you?"
 

GEAR

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#25
Selene looked into James eyes. Despite his emotional appeal... there was skepticism lurking in her gaze, though she seemed not yet to act upon it. Her hand closed about his own as he touched her neck, affectionately.

"Gather your things, and say your farewells." She said, smoothly. "I shall send the Guard to have your belongings relocated here in the morning."

She paused, gently, before continuing, saying:

"You would do well to forget her, brother. She is... not like us."

Coldblooded as it sounded, she thought... allowing him to mingle among the lower classes for too long had been a mistake, especially after he started getting attached. Gerart had never seen issue with it - something which they had locked horns over many times - but her own mother had drilled it into her: their bloodline was too precious to be squandered on the unworthy.

"I shall find you... a suitable bride. One who can be trusted with our secrets, and who will support you as needed." - she gave a small chuckle, seemingly pleased with the sequence of events.

"After all... who would know your tastes better than me?"
 

Hitura Rael

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#26
He thought a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will gather everything important and move in as soon as I can. The rest the guard can pack and bring by in the morning." It was best to agree with her for now. He intended to hold to that. Everything important. The sphere was important. Though he doubted he'd be back tonight. And Merida was important. "I trust you have a room for me?" He bit back remarks regarding his room mate. Let it lie for now, she wouldn't understand. She'd never been through the things he had. She didn't know the importance of a close friend.

James laughed when she proposed the arranged marriage. It was hard not to. How could she know his tastes? She barely knew him, apparently. And Enfield hadn't told her! He was damn sure the man would just to soften the blow when James actually founded someone he liked.

"Selene. I hopehe has a good personality and a nice ass if you plan on finding one right for me." Really, he had chased the girls away from him all his life. Did she think he would settle for some noble woman hussy after position and power?
 

GEAR

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#27
"Of course." Said the Queen in response to his question about a room.

In truth there were quite a few unused rooms in the palace, she thought. It wouldn't take long to have one prepared where he could be... monitored. Though he seemed deflated, her guard was not yet completely down - after all, he could still get cold feet. Her guiding hand would need to be firm - in time, he would come to appreciate it.

At his joke, she rolled her eyes and sighed, picking at her fingernails in irritation as the subtext of his remark - perhaps thankfully - made a whistling noise as it passed over her head.

"Very funny." She said dryly, giving him a smile;

"I shall have the Knights escort you back, and don't hesitate to call if you need anything more."
 

Hitura Rael

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#28
"Sure. Joke." He chuckled. Woman would never know him. She simply refused to see the real him and clung to fantasies. Perhaps, if he had grown up as sheltered and cloistered as she... For once, the jealousy of her being the favorite child was gone. He much rather would have been raised by the Steelhearts. It made him human.

"Well. I'll see you later then." He waved to Selene, not bothering with the normal hug and fanfare he would give her when he didn't know when next he'd see her. That would give him away. He had a long enough drive back to figure out how to get him and Merida to the Genion and out of Lunar airspace...without getting caught.