[center][h1]The House Leaders Meet[/h1][/center]

[center](An Obscene Symphony, Scribe of Thoth, and POOHEAD189 collab)[/center]

[hr]
Auberon looked between the two professors with momentary confusion displayed clear across his face at Professor Ka- [i]Michail’s[/i] insistence on calling him by name. He caught on quickly that the two were related; he hadn’t noticed prior. Not that he’d seen much of… female Professor Kalonic to begin with. It explained why she was so comfortable whacking his teacher with a stick, in any case.

As far as names went, though, Auberon couldn’t say he was fond of ‘Little Galatea’. At least ‘young Lord Galatea’ or even just ‘Auberon’ if Michail wanted to veer away from the strictly formal. (Un)fortunately, his irritation didn’t last long; any displeasure at Michail evaporated once [i]Cousin von Riegan[/i] started getting handsy. Was this what passed for proper decorum in the godless wastes of Leicester? No wonder his ancestors made the wise choice of splitting from their house and swearing vassalage to the Kingdom of Faerghus. He was so preoccupied with the arm fondling his shoulder he almost didn’t catch his fellow House Leader’s explanation of their duties. This was considered a respectable peer that he needed to work with? The Goddess continued to test him, it seemed. Thankfully, nothing Jorah had described seemed beyond his abilities, and if [i]this guy[/i] was deemed fit for the task, Auberon had no doubt he’d be up to the challenge. 

When Jorah finally released him, Auberon kept up his uncomfortably stiff posture for a few moments more before he cleared his throat and allowed himself to relax. Now Jorah wanted to try this stunt on the other House Leader? Goddess above, the Riegans were either managing a zoo in place of a family or this guy had a very odd method of politicking. Auberon’s first thought was to answer with a decisive ‘no’, but he had to admit, getting acquainted with the Black Eagle leader was probably prudent. If he didn’t find an island of sanity to cling to during their House Leader meetings, he’d at least have fair warning in the unlikely event their third compatriot and House Riegan’s court jester got along swimmingly.

[color=ffd700]“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting anyone outside my own house yet, I’m afraid. I’m Auberon Casimir Galatea. It’s been… an experience meeting you,”[/color] The blond finally answered. It was probably the nicest way he could put it; he didn’t realize any among the nobility allowed themselves to act with that much eccentricity in public until they were old and half-mad. He sent a longing gaze toward Kellen and that ashen haired girl briefly before continuing. This was his punishment for putting duty first, it seemed; if he’d tended to his housemates first, Jorah might’ve already walked off by the time he approached Michail. [color=ffd700] “Which classroom belongs to the Eagles?”[/color]

Oooo, [i]Auberon[/i] didn't like that, did he? Focused as he was on his performance, Jorah was a little delayed in noticing the subtle air of distaste coming from his new fellow leader, and had to contain his grin. The other boy almost felt like his father, in a way; a little quieter about it, but the same energy of shock and disapproval at his antics. Jorah wasn't sure how he felt about that, but decided to take it in stride. Much like with his father, if he couldn't loosen Auberon up, he could at least enjoy “surprising” him further. 

At the question, Jorah spun on his heel, making a show of appraising the classrooms at the edge of the courtyard. He already knew The Golden Deer room was on one far end - apparently with a bit of a crowd gathering in front of it, he should probably check that out at some point before Clarissa dragged him over by the ear - and judging by the banners hanging next to each doorway, the Blue Lions room was right in the middle. Only one left then, and even he could manage the process of elimination. 

Turning back to Auberon, Jorah pointed to the room at the other extreme of the courtyard. [color=FFAB66]“Probably the one with the red and black banner,”[/color] he offered innocently, though his grin betrayed his amusement. Contrary to the other two, no one was really collected around the Black Eagles classroom; with any luck that meant most of them were still inside, and there'd be an audience to their introduction. The more the merrier! 

[color=FFAB66]“Hopefully our fellow leader is still home,”[/color] Jorah commented absently, not waiting for a response  before strutting off in the direction of the classroom. 

Rather than enter, however, he simply hung off the door frame, sticking his head into the room. Jorah recalled the Empire being touchy about their borders; it wouldn't do to [i]impose[/i]. Inside, a few students were still in their seats (aside from one who was standing and looking full of herself), and judging by the queer combination of tension and haughty disinterest in the room, something awkward was transpiring. What an excellent time to interrupt!

[color=FFAB66]“Afternoon!”[/color] Jorah announced cheerily, completely defying the uncomfortable feel of the room, [color=FFAB66]“By any chance, would your illustrious leader be in? His or her [i]humble[/i] contemporaries--”[/color] he punctuated the word with a weird sideways bow, [color=FFAB66]“--request an audience.”[/color] 

[color=4851AA]”So anyway, I just told the priest ‘if you’re going to be like that then just get out of here.’”[/color] The Prince remarked to the three Black Eagles who had given him their attention. He’d already agreed to go and have lunch with two of them. But everything seemed to shift when Veronica walked up to him and cooly announced she was to be his future bride. Needless to say, Kayden’s face went stark white, and he looked around for any means of escape before his salvation had appeared at the doorway. 

[color=4851AA]“Yes!”[/color] He cried in a broken voice to Jorah, pulling at his collar. [color=4851AA]”You can uh, my...yes we can speak.”[/color] 

The Prince stood out of his seat as smoothly as he could, giving a bow to his fellows and Veronica, before all but scrambling out of the classroom and into the hallway, closing the door behind him like a caged bull had been at his heels. Once he was outside, his voice was noticeably more measured, his manner as fine as silk, though his foot stayed on the door.. [color=4851AA]“Yes, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Who might you be?”[/color]  

The spike of excited relief that shot through Jorah as the dark-haired boy jumped to his feet was nearly enough to make him jump himself, and once more he had to resist the urge to laugh as the apparent final addition to their leadership trio tripped over himself in his haste to get out of the door. Judging by that and the pallor that covered his face like a shroud, Jorah ventured a guess that this was probably the source of that discomfort he’d been feeling. Weird, he would totally have bet it was the stiff one standing at attention or the girl shrinking into her chair, but apparently the Eagles were already full of surprises. He could only hope this awkwardness stemmed from some off-colour conversation he’d interrupted; one uptight peer he could have fun with, but two would just turn into a chore. 

[color=FFAB66]“Jorah von Riegan, at your service,”[/color] he declared grandly, punctuating his introduction with another theatrical bow. Goddess, at this rate he’d have his brain stuck to the top of his skull by the time the afternoon was done, but the flair was definitely worth it. Gesturing back toward Auberon, he added, [color=FFAB66]“and my stately-paced friend there is the esteemed Auberon Galatea. It looks like the three of us will be the acting House Leaders this year.”[/color] 

Crossing his arms, he couldn’t resist a little bit of teasing, raising an eyebrow at the man. [color=FFAB66]“Not nervous, are you? You’re looking a little wan.”[/color] 

Auberon, to his credit, didn’t even flinch at Jorah’s theatrics this time. The introduction wasn’t horrible, though the last bit could do with some changing - Jorah was the only one [i]acting[/i] House Leader, Auberon was fairly certain he and this other guy simply [i]were[/i]. As long as he didn’t become obnoxious the moment he came out of his shell a bit, at least; the Eagles leader was looking a bit tense even before he’d approached them.

[color=ffd700]“Don’t mind him. It’s nice to meet you,”[/color] he tacked on to Jorah’s prodding in an attempt to distance himself from… whatever the Riegan was playing at. 

[color=4851AA]“House Leaders?”[/color] Kayden echoed, drawing himself to his full stature and actually giving the two a proper look. They could have been snake oil salesmen and he would have shot off with them, but this meeting seemed to be one he needed to be a part of. Taking stock of the two, he felt it made sense they were of their station. Their pedigree, or at least their manner was evident, and they were [i]nearly]/i] as handsome as he was. 

[color=4851AA]“No I’m fine, I just saw someone that didn’t agree with my stomach.”[/color] He stated, not caring to further elaborate. Perhaps he would get to know her later, but having the future queen appear in the midst of his class without prior knowledge to it was not what he expected. His father had to have known, the bastard. [color=4851AA]“It is an honor to meet you two as well. I see you’ve already gotten acquainted with one another. How do you two feel on your houses this year? I haven’t spoken to many of my classmates, though...that is my own fault at this moment.”[/color]  

Jorah really did burst into laughter that time, doubling over at the as-yet-unnamed Eagle’s comment. ‘Saw someone who didn’t agree with his stomach’? Oh, he was [i]absolutely[/i] stealing that. Maybe for the next time he was forced to meet with Duke Riegan. 

Ah, but this was more like it! Still a little stiff, still a little worried about something, but thankfully loosening up by the minute. Maybe Auberon would take the hint and let his hair down a little too, but Jorah wasn’t in much of a rush to see him change. He did need [i]someone[/i] to ground the group for those monthly meetings, lest his every spare moment be filled with Clarissa’s voice in his ear, probably accusing him of converting his fellow House Leaders to his indolent, lecherous ways. 

Oh, but the new guy straightened up soon enough, quick to put a damper on Jorah’s fun with formalities. Jorah still couldn’t quite wipe the joyous grin off his face, but he did deign to straighten up, stretching his arms up over his head. Hm, these two each had a few inches on him; maybe that’d make him easier to miss when he tried to shirk his meetings. 

[color=FFAB66]“I can’t claim I’ve met all my housemates either, but there’s plenty of time for that. Rushing around shaking hands and administering greetings isn’t much of a first impression anyway,”[/color] he reasoned, wrinkling his nose. He was a people person, yeah, but he wasn’t about to parade himself around like some Councilman at his debut. Besides, Clarissa would eventually drag him around to each student anyway. Speaking of… 

[color=FFAB66]“Still, I’m confident the Golden Deer will shape up quite nicely,”[/color] he added smugly, glancing between the other two. Into what shape, he wasn’t sure, but it was a good saying nonetheless. [color=FFAB66]“Not because of me, Goddess knows, but luckily I have Fódlan’s most capable advisor to guide me.”[/color] 

Well, at least Jorah had honesty where he lacked respectability. Though it was beyond Auberon as to why this advisor wasn’t given the position of House Leader if they were to be the voice behind the throne, as it were. At least Auberon didn’t seem to be behind compared to the other two. If anything, he was faring better than they were. Nevertheless, the Eagle’s question bothered him. He spoke to exactly one of his housemates, which was hardly in line with his earlier speech of solidarity. Fortunately, he had faith and sentiment to spare where concrete assurances had yet to be found.

[color=ffd700]“The Goddess would not set a pious man up to fail. I’m certain all the other Lions will find themselves quite up to the challenges the professors put before us, or She would not have brought them here to begin with,”[/color] he answered assertively, as if he had already convinced himself of the truth in his words, [color=ffd700]“I’m sure everyone will get to know each other soon, though I hope no one is [i]too[/i] averse to cooperation. I think we’re responsible for inter-House mediation if an issue springs up.”[/color]

If Jorah was the norm for the Alliance students - or worse, a paragon of behavior by their standards - Auberon had a feeling he’d be involved in quite a few of those. At least he seemed relatively harmless; anyone that was feeling mad over words could just take swings at him during combat practice. The Eagle seemed a bit too uptight to be causing many issues - he was too frazzled to even introduce himself properly, it seemed - but he was by his own admission preoccupied with whoever ‘didn’t agree with his stomach’ in there. Definitely a good idea to establish a rapport with the Eagles quickly and hopefully pressure Jorah into falling in line, in any case.

The Lion’s Leader seemed a little put off by his question. Kayden had a tendency with being a bit too casual to people whom he just met. He always liked to appear as if he knew someone so they would feel more comfortable around him. It was how he was taught to interact with soldiers in the army. [color=4851AA]“Forgive me, I’ve a military mind and should not treat this academy at such, at least in every sense. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Kayden Von Hresvelg, Prince of the Adrestian Empire. And it truly is good to meet you both. I hear this is the first year the Academy is divvying up into our respective classes, which implies we’ll likely be in competition at some point. I’m glad to meet here rather than in some contest our professors pit us in.”[/color] 

He gave an easy-going smile, though as usual there was a fire in his eyes that spoke he wasn’t too put off by the prospect of a competitive arena. He looked Jorah’s way, referring to the fellow’s earlier statement. [color=4851AA]“Believe me, a good advisor is worth a hundred loyal swords. Count yourself lucky, my friend.”[/color] 

Despite it all, he was carefully watching their mannerisms and the way they moved and spoke. Kayden didn’t like to think he was paranoid, but he did have a healthy level of awareness. At least, that’s what he liked to think. Had any of his siblings survived the plague, he would have had a slightly less strict upbringing, but being the only child his mind had been sculpted to think of anything in either an administrative fashion, or a military one. Well, most things. Women, food, and nice music were generally when he let himself relax.  

Jorah nodded along with Auberon, even if he didn’t personally think much on either side of the matter of piety. It was good to see his initial appraisal of the boy was pretty close, but more at the forefront of his mind was that Clarissa would probably get along well with him; maybe he should try to introduce them before their first meeting. Unless they met in the Cathedral first, he supposed. 

But Auberon’s piety was quickly overshadowed by the new guy’s - [i]Kayden’s[/i] - introduction. Prince of the Empire? Jorah could have sworn all the imperial children died of the plague, though he supposed that was pretty silly in hindsight; even he knew that the Empire would have been consumed by civil war if the Emperor ran out of heirs, and it would have been pretty hard to ignore if the Alliance’s Western neighbour suddenly caught on fire. Still, this guy must have lost like, [i]all[/i] of his siblings, right? Did that make him the crown prince? Was he about to be having monthly meetings with the future Adrestian Emperor? 

Huh. Cool!

Jorah had to grin. He couldn’t wait to get home and tell his father all about drinking and singing with the next Adrestian Emperor. Maybe he’d finally learn there were other ways to network than over the Roundtable’s… well, table. Kayden’s whole “military man” outfit might get in the way of that sort of merriment, but it wasn’t like Duke Riegan could tell the difference. 

He was well enough aware of Clarissa’s value; he’d have considered her a friend first, but even the blind could see that she was the catalyst to every one of his rare “noble” successes. She was better at dragging him to his classes than any of his tutors ever were, but he wasn’t about to sing her praises any more; if it got back to her that he was lauding her as a saviour, she’d be so smug he’d never hear the end of it. 

Instead, he considered the comment on competition. [color=FFAB66]“You’re right; it’s much more fun to compete with people you know,”[/color] he agreed, donning a mischievous grin, [color=FFAB66]“though I must warn you, if it’s hunting we’re competing at, my fellows and I will put up one hell of a fight.”[/color] He shrugged, letting out a chuckle. [color=FFAB66]“Or dancing on tabletops, but I think that competition might have to happen off the record.”[/color] 

Auberon did a double-take toward Kayden at first. Well, that explained the lack of an introduction - he’d probably never needed one before in his life. All the more reason to ingratiate himself with the Eagles’ leader - this was quite the opportunity, even outside the Academy. Even more so if he managed to outclass the future sovereign. Not that he was one for boasting, but he’d seen that glint in Kayden’s eye when he brought up the competitive aspects of their education, and the blond was more than prepared to reciprocate. Honestly? He kind of wanted to take them down just for the experience.

[color=ffd700]“Apologies, Your Highness, I didn’t recognize you,”[/color] Auberon admitted, but made a point not to bow or make any other submissive gestures. A prince that was not [i]his[/i] prince was no man to cower before. [color=ffd700]“I hope your military mind won’t be too wounded when my Lions prove themselves the rulers of the animal kingdom in all our mock battles, though.”[/color] The boy gave the two a pleasant smile, just enough to make it clear the sly determination written across the rest of his face didn’t come from a place of malice. 

Surprisingly, Jorah was almost enjoyable when the prospect of besting him in combat was set before Auberon. At least his seeming disregard for every facet of his station didn’t apply to his position as acting general to his House in their metaphorical war against the other two - a neutered deer with no antlers was hardly a worthy adversary, and defeating the Eagles alone was only half of a full victory.

Kayden was amused at their different approaches to future contests. Not in a disparaging way, but it was nice to see neither of them were domineering about it. He shook his head and held a hand up at chest level to indicate apologies weren’t needed. He truly wasn’t used to introductions other than at peace summits, he needed to get more acquainted with such things. 

[color=4851AA]“You might be right,”[/color] He said to Auberon. [color=4851AA]“As you said, you don’t very much know your classmates and I’m only getting to know mine. Maybe yours are born for this and mine aren’t. Or maybe you’re a better leader than I am. I know something for a surety though…”[/color] He said, looking Auberon directly in eyes. [color=4851AA]“I intend to find out.”[/color] His easy smile had never left his face, and now both his arms were behind his back. He felt like he needed to leave soon, else the door behind him would open again and [i]she[/i] might pop up. He’d meet her on his own terms at some point. For now he was too hungry and in too good of a mood for that. [color=4851AA]“But that’s a worry for tomorrow, eh? It’s refreshing to meet you both. So, how do you like your teachers? Mine is apathetic to most everything and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”[/color] 

Jorah crossed his arms as competitive tensions rose, glancing thoughtfully between the two other leaders as they shared their little moment. He wasn’t sure if he’d call himself [i]competitive[/i] - Delia would probably sooner use the word “reckless” or “showoff” - but if there was really going to be competition between the Houses (which, by the sound of the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, there’d be at least one sizeable one), he wasn’t about to throw the match. He liked to think of himself as more of a lover than a fighter, but he [i]had[/i] been hunting ever since he’d learned to keep his balance on horseback; it was one of the very few skills of his that the Duke deemed “fitting of his station” or whatever such nonsense he always spouted on about. Maybe he could translate those skills into those mock battles, although he struggled to think of a way to convert arrows into something less deadly. Maybe the monastery had some proprietary magical method; maybe they just replaced the broadheads with feather puffs covered in chalk dust and tallied up the dots to choose a winner. He had to smile at the thought - and was suddenly very interested in finding out. 

[color=FFAB66]“Our teachers?”[/color] he interjected at their mention, nudging Auberon playfully with an elbow. [color=FFAB66]“Well, as luck would have it, it seems ours are siblings! I don’t know if you saw earlier, but mine was the captivating one beating a Knight of Seiros with a stick; his was the one receiving the beating.”[/color] Jorah laughed, giving Auberon a wink. [color=FFAB66]“If that’s the rivalry we have to look forward to, then dare I say it should be a very exciting year!”[/color]

Oh, Auberon was definitely not losing to the Eagles now. Kayden was clearly goading him and he was never one to turn down a challenge like that, even if he had to personally drag every Lion out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to train. Fortunately, Kayden moved on when it seemed everyone had made their point; no reason to let friendly tension become unfriendly. He let out a brusque hum as Jorah nudged him, clearly unamused with the resumption of his earlier touching, even if tame by comparison. The fact that the Riegan had the audacity to [i]wink[/i] sent Auberon into a state somewhere between mild revulsion, simmering irritation, and considering the ramifications of punching a fellow House Leader in the nose on day one. Of course, he’d only consider it - he was raised better than that even when the competitive spirit was overriding his higher thinking.

[color=ffd700]“Indeed, Professor Ka- erm, Professor Michail wasn’t what I was expecting from Garreg Mach, but I trust in a Knight of Seiros’ competence regardless of demeanor. Hopefully I’ll be able to say the same about Jorah at some point.”[/color] He met the Riegan heir in question’s gaze with a shit-eating grin unbecoming of his status briefly.

Laughter threatened Jorah once more at that, but he managed to retain a bit of composure and settle for an amused shake of the head instead. Auberon really [i]was[/i] like his father; that spike of irritation at the slightest step outside of propriety, that vaguely warning, vaguely disappointed tone veiled by a thin smile; of Auberon had brown hair, gold eyes and a sharper chin, he'd be ready to rule Derdriu by the end of the week. The similarities probably should have irritated him, but there was something fun in the idea of a proxy of his father kicking around to antagonize without consequences. At the very least, he wouldn't feel homesick. 

[color=FFAB66]“You and me both my friend, though we’ll certainly be waiting,”[/color] he chuckled, playfully grasping Auberon’s shoulder. This aversion of his to touch would certainly be interesting; he wondered if that ran down to the core or if there was any way to help him let his hair down. He’d find out sooner or later. [color=FFAB66]“I really should get you acquainted with my friend, you and her would get along splendidly.”[/color]

Kayden liked these two. They would certainly be fun to have as rivals and peers. As the prince went to speak again, the bell rang just beside them. He blinked, realizing he would certainly need to get used to that. It was only when he realized the class behind him was about to spill out that he got nervous though. He turned and faced the two leaders politely. 

[color=4851AA]“If you’ll excuse me, I need to get the fuck out of here.”[/color]