DrowsyPangolin

When the Flames Die

Jezin realized his interrogation had just began, but didn't feel affronted by this fact. He took another drink and spoke. "I started as a foot soldier in the Lyoki infantry. I was stationed near Veranthium. I fought for four years before I was recommended for the palace guard. I remained as a palace guard for less than a year before being offered a position in the Brass Hand for saving Princess Sophia Octavia's life from an assassination attempt by Tauran rebels. I have served with the Brass Hand ever since." He spoke more formally, trying to give Redwyne straight answers. He looked straight ahead towards the knight, taking the last swig of his wine and placing the goblet on the table. He considered thanking the man for the drink, but it seemed inappropriate, given the context.

When the Flames Die

Jezin leaned back in his chair, listening to Redwyne's tale. He was quite impressed by the man's story, deciding Thomas' description of the man had probably not been embellished in the slightest. He took a long drought from the goblet, again appreciating how good the wine was. He looked up from the drink towards Sir Redwyne, a bit of respect now showing through in his eyes. He could relate to Sir Redwyne's story, having fought out of pride and anger for years before he found something worth fighting for. He also pondered the fact that Redwyne had been a sellsword. He made no comment, but thought perhaps that was when he had learned about Lyok. "An impressive tale, to be sure, Sir Redwyne." He took a drink from the goblet, nodding to the knight. Perhaps he had misjudged the man. He was stern, to be certain, but not without cause, and his loyalty to his king was admirable to say the least. "I can see why you are so loyal to Keilaudrin, now."

When the Flames Die

Jezin looked down at the goblet of wine in front of him before glancing back up to Sir Redwyne. He already knew the Order had an impressive track record, but hearing it from the Morningstar himself somehow added some authenticity. He sighed and picked up the goblet, taking a sip. The wine was good, clearly quite expensive. "An impressive record, to be sure. And if what you say is true, and the Order can keep her safe, then all is well." He took another sip, the fire in his eyes remained, but it seemed dulled slightly. Redwyne ignored his second question, again avoiding mentioning what he knew of Lyok. It seemed that conversation was going nowhere fast. He listened to Redwyne's comment, and replied in a surprisingly calm voice. "It wouldn't be the first time my pride had caused some problems, but without the means to defend her I am of little use as a bodyguard." The comment was merely an observation, and the venom and sarcasm in Jezin's voice had all but died out. He took a third sip from the goblet and placed it on the table. He looked at Redwyne with what seemed to be a bit of curiosity. "So what changed that, then?" He decided as long as he was stuck in the room with the knight he might as well find out something about him.

When the Flames Die

Jezin looked unconvinced by Redwyne's reply, following him into the room and pulling back a chair. He took a seat, resting his elbows on the table, still keeping his eyes locked on Redwyne's. "But can you be certain of that? Beyond a shadow of a doubt?" Jezin's voice had gotten more serious, the previous sarcasm had faded. He folded his hands together. He remembered what Lexine had said earlier, and his worry for Sophia grew the longer they were separated. If someone were to try something, the king would be the Order's first priority, he knew that much. "You seem to know a bit about Lyok. So, you must have some idea of what would happen if anything were to happen to the princess while she's in a foreign land." His eyes locked with Redwyne's again. "I suppose you know what happened the last time a Lyoki royal fell?"

When the Flames Die

Jezin followed along with the group of knights, remaining silent as they led him into the palace. Redwyne turned, and immediately began speaking of the Brass Hand. The bodyguard was surprised with Redwyne's knowledge of the Brass Hand, and Lyok in general. Jezin raised his eyebrows. Frankly, he'd been expecting rougher treatment. He looked at the older man, the flames behind his eyes subsiding, at least for the moment. His hands still hung at his sides. "I apologize, I suppose I took it a bit too far, but what good is a bodyguard if he has nothing to defend his charge with?" Jezin's previous sarcasm had faded. "Also... I understand I am in no position to ask questions, but you seem to know a great deal about Lyok... Have you always lived in Keilaudrin?"

As Jezin and the knights left, Sophia's eyes widened. She watched as they led her bodyguard into the palace. For a brief moment, she forgot all her court training. "Stupid prideful bastard..." She had mumbled the words to herself, not noticing that Thomas and Gareth had arrived. "Oh, oh my, I'm so sorry. Such speech is unfitting of a princess..." She still shook. Gareth didn't seem happy about Redwyne taking Jezin, but Sophia could hardly blame the knight for doing his job. "No... Thomas is right. Jezin just had to let his pride get in the way." Her hand continued shaking until Gareth grabbed it, assuring her things would work themselves out. "T-thank you." She took a deep breath and looked towards Thomas. "I hope so." Jezin might've been an idiot, but he was an idiot that she knew full well would die for her if the need arose. She hoped he'd be okay.

When the Flames Die

Jezin's sarcastic smile twisted into a frown. It seemed he wasn't going to talk his way out of his predicament. His eyes narrowed when Cole accused him of hiding behind Sophia, but he made no retort. He'd dug a deep enough hole already. The Morningstar claimed the Order of the Thistle members would provide adequate protection for Sophia. 'For all our sakes, you better hope so,' the soldier thought, still biting his tongue. He slowly lowered his hands to his sides, though he kept them open, still making it obvious he had no intention of resisting. After a few moments he spoke. "Well then, I suppose if there's no avoiding this then we should be on our way. Lead the way gentlemen." Despite acknowledging the other two knights, he kept his eyes locked with Redwyne's. He took a step forward slowly, intending to follow the knights wherever they led him. Being separated from Sophia incensed him, but putting up any resistance would just make matters worse.

Sophia stood silently. Jezin's sharp tongue had proven entirely useless, if not detrimental, to the situation. The shaking in her hand intensified, but she remained silent. She had fully intended on having a peaceful night and enjoying the feast, but Jezin had managed to derail things almost completely. She felt her cheeks grow hot with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, but she kept her mouth shut, unable to even begin to describe her frustration.

When the Flames Die

Jezin turned on his heel in an instant at the sound of a blade being pulled. It seemed his little taunt had caused more backlash than he'd planned. Still, he wouldn't be intimidated. He faced Sir Redwyne, immediately noticing the partially drawn blade. He sidestepped in front of Sophia and raised his hands, showing he had no intention of violence. His eyes met the knight's, and a faint smile crossed his lips. The court training and his own pride were wrestling within him. "Oh, Sir Redwyne. I apologize, I just had to make sure the king's gift had made it here in one piece." The same slightly sarcastic smile remained on his lips. He didn't like the idea of leaving Sophia, but he'd be damned if the princess had to spend the rest of the night being interrogated along with him. "The woman behind me is Sophia Octavia, Princess of Lyok and daughter of Empress Angelica Octavia, I kindly ask that you would not deprive her of her bodyguard."

Sophia's eyes widened as Redwyne reached for his sword. She hadn't realized what Jezin was doing until it was too late. Curse his pride. For the second time that day she wished Jezin could just let things go smoothly. Jezin stepped between her and the knight, so she couldn't see Redwyne's face. Her hand shook slightly at her side. She hoped desperately that Jezin could talk his way out of his blunder. She looked over to Thomas and Gareth, who seemed to be getting as far away from Jezin's escapades as possible. Her eyes seemed to plead for help, though she knew there was nothing either of the men could likely do in the situation.

When the Flames Die

Sophia frowned when Redwyne motioned to the gift table. She had really hoped to present the king with his gift directly, but it couldn't be helped. She walked towards the table, motioning for Jezin to follow. Despite her disappointment, the feast still seemed like it would be quite exciting. As she reached the table, the princess gazed out over the sea. For a brief moment, she missed her home. The feeling quickly faded as she reminded herself of her duty to the Empire. Still, the sea was beautiful. She turned and faced Jezin and the others as the bodyguard made his way to the table with the gift.

Jezin nodded to Redwyne Cole as he left, quietly resenting the man for taking his only weapon. Protocol, he supposed. It was their duty to protect the king after all. He smirked, talking to Thomas as he walked. "He's all business, isn't he?" The bodyguard placed the long box on the table, when an idea occurred to him. He looked towards Sophia. "Princess, we should probably open the box and make sure the gift hasn't been damaged in transit. Sophia nodded, unknowingly giving Jezin permission to make a faint retaliation for his damaged pride. He knew damn well what was in the box, and that it was probably fine, but he couldn't let the opportunity pass. He unlatched the leather box, and opened it, revealing the gift within. A longsword in a sheath made of solid gold lay on a pillow of red silk. The hilt was made of heavily engraved ivory, and the pommel and guard were made of gold, encrusted with numerous rubies. A long tassel made of crimson silk was tied to the pommel. Jezin picked the weapon up, drawing it partially from it's sheath and cutting his eyes towards Cole and the Order knights nearby. It wasn't terribly difficult to get a weapon through security, it seemed. The blade of the weapon seemed to also be made of gold, though it was difficult to tell, as it was encrusted along the entire length with gemstones of various colors. The gems seemed almost like a scaly skin, protecting the weapon. The wealth of the Empire, the bodyguard thought to himself before replacing the weapon in it's sheath and closing the box. Longswords were not common in Lyok. The gift had been specially made for the King of Keilaudrin.

When the Flames Die

Jezin froze when Redwyne asked for his sword. He hated the idea of being completely defenseless. He stood still, staring at the man with a blank expression for slightly longer than was appropriate. He threw a glance back towards Sophia, who motioned for him to go along with the man's request. Noticing the half-elf next to him giving up his bow, the bodyguard sighed quietly and reached for his side. He removed the weapon, still in it's sheath, from his belt and held it out to Sir Redwyne, his eyes carrying a faint distrust. At the same time, he moved the box in his other arm slightly out of view, though it looked as though he were just adjusting his grip.

Sophia was impressed with the setup for the feast. The arrangement of the tables, the torches, and the sea shifting calmly in the background made the entire area seem quite pleasant. She came to a stop as Redwyne Cole approached them, asking for Jezin and Gareth's weapons. The bodyguard was visibly opposed to the request, as the princess knew he would be, but she motioned for him to give up the weapon. He wouldn't need such a thing at a feast anyway. Sophia watched as Gareth handed the knight his bow, noticing the shaking in his hand as he did so.

When the Flames Die

Sophia gave a slight bow to Thomas as Gareth as they approached. She smiled when Gareth complimented her. "Thank you very much, Gareth, you look quite handsome as well." Her voice was as cheerful and musical as always, floating through the air like a warm summer breeze. Thomas had proposed that they should head out early to prepare for the feast. The princess nodded, thinking it'd be interesting to get a look at everything the feast would entail before everyone else arrived. "Yes, that sounds like a lovely idea. Let's." She grinned.

Jezin gave a slight smile at seeing Thomas and Gareth. He followed the princess, holding the red wooden box containing the Empress' gift tightly by his side. He didn't look out of place in his clothing, though he certainly felt it. He thought of what his life would've been like if he hadn't become a soldier. He'd have been wearing clothes like these everyday. He cringed at the thought. Jezin gave Thomas a nod of acknowledgement and bowed slightly when Gareth complimented everyone. Hew noted the bow on the young man's back. It seemed a bit odd to be carrying such a thing into the feast, but the bodyguard reminded himself of the sword hanging on his side. "Lead the way then, Thomas."