[color=gold][h3][b][u]Valorian Lionfury
Lightkeep[/u][/b][/h3][/color]

Valorian wasn't surprised at all when Vauch dropped to one knee. In fact, he would have been somewhat surprised if he didn't. There were only a hadful of people in the entire kingdom that had earned or had been born with the right to talk to him as an equal directly, even though even they would call him 'your grace' or 'majesty', not even his wife had been exempt of that rule. Someone as young and new as Cleo therefore had no right to presume to do any differently and behaved accordingly. Thankfully, Valorian didn't let him remain on the ground for long, stretching out his hand and flexing his fingers, gesturing for him that it was alright to rise so the king could look him in the eyes.

[color=8882be]"Yes sir! Everything is quiet in the halls, and the responsibilities and duties give me the great opportunity to better myself and my skill."[/color]

He gave a single nod in acknowledgement. His question had been an obvious one, but the last thing he could use was a Kingsguard who'd forsake his duties and be inattentive on the job or someone who couldn't give a clear answer. If something had truly been amiss, there would have been a good chance he himself would have detected it by now, yet he knew that he had to rely on the skills of others as well to rule his nation. No war had ever been fought or won by a single person.

He took a moment to study Vauch closer. Most often he was a good judge of character, but he felt that he was missing something to get a good read on the new Kingsguard member. What he did manage to deduce from what he had heard and seen earlier however, was that Vauch was aching to get into action. Possibly that would change when he really did experience the horrors that a true battle had in store for him. Either way, he probably didn't have to wait much longer. If the reports were true, incursions of the enemy had increased lately, and much like himself, they were preparing fr a more major movement.

[color=8882be]"May I ask, my king, what you are doing up? Its quite late, and a person like you should get your rest, correct?" [/color]

He smiled weakly before answering:
[color=gold]"A person such as myself knows no rest, sir Vauch. Every moment is filled with how to best solve the issues at hand at a time like this."[/color]
After that, he frowned a little. Perhaps he was a little too tired. Normally he wouldn't allow himself to say such a personal thing.
[color=gold]"Rest yourself when you can as well, sir Vauch. You'd best be ready when the storm comes." [/color]
With that, the king turned around, marching off without another word or look, back to his chambers in hopes of getting at least another few hours of sleep in.