[Thread; Closed] Friendly Alliances

[dynast_king]

Characters: Doctor Cid, Vayne, Garnet (open to Steiner and Beatrix)
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Vayne comes a callin' on the queen, and brings a friend along for introductions.
Location: Alexandria
Date: January 1804
Warnings: Vayne? Cid? idek

Vayne stood at the gates of Alexandria Castle, this time as a returning visitor, rather than the full stranger he

Comments

[nethi_cite]

During their adventure to Alexandria, the good doctor managed to keep his comments about the crude landscape to a minimum but as they approach the lagoon that surrounds the palace, such ill praise slowly vanished from Cid’s tongue. The Alexandrian palace, though still outside of his reach, captured Dr. Cid’s attention as soon as he caught a glimmer of the shining crystal that sat in-between it. The doctor’s eyes were transfixed upon the mystical crystal with a look of total awe. He was spellbound for a few moments as they crossed on ferry, perhaps a tad humble now that he could view this national treasure with his own eyes rather than staring at a poorly made picture

[crowned_jewel]

It would appear that Cid was to get the answer to his question sooner than he expected. Word had been sent ahead 'Lord Vayne' had come to pay a visit once more and Garnet, eager to see a familiar face, had immediately rushed down to meet them. As the ferry docked at the entrance to Alexandria's palace,her queen emerged

[dynast_king]

With a single clap on Cid's shoulder, Vayne leaned in just enough to reply in a tone of rather smug satisfaction, "Judge for yourself, my friend."

Preening settled Vayne strode forward, collecting Garnet's hands within his own and bending for a chaste peck upon the queen's cheek. Innocent enough, and certainly within the bounds of propriety. "It is a delight to see you once more, my dear. I pray you will forgive the intrusion, but I have brought an old friend of mine."

With a motion to the good doctor, he announced the older gentleman, who bore a marked resemblance to the sky pirate who had been brawling at the ball. "Garnet, this is the Doctor Cidolfus Demen Bunansa, the most brilliant mind I have ever known, and a dear friend and confidant. Cid, this is Her Royal Majesty, Garnet til Alexandros XVII. Although I prefer to call her sublime."

Then, he bent in to murmur for Garnet's hearing only, "And if you are not too furious with me for coming with a miniscule cortege, I would be delighted for a private moment with you later."

[nethi_cite]

Doing just that once the young queen arrived, Cid couldn't help but be floored by how stately this beautiful young maiden is. Unlike the horrid shrew that hails from Dalmasca, this young queen certainly possessed a beauty that outshines the allure of any Dalmascan bloom. It was almost a shame compare the two queens to each other, especially since Lady Alexandros XVII seemed to possess a more womanly visage unlike that Dalmascan girl. These two were as different as night and day, Garnet being the night and Ashelia being the day

Sometime later in the week... (private to Garnet and Vayne)

[dynast_king]

Finally Vayne had managed a sliver of time alone with Garnet, without all the formalities of state, the ongoing gawking of others, and her time being occupied with issues pertaining to ruling a country. Well, there were yet a few guards, as they were taking a turn through the castle, since the weather was too cold to allow for an outdoor stroll. At least they were not being too nosy, aside from a few unmistakable knowing smiles, which they masked nearly immediately

[crowned_jewel]

"There's nothing to forgive," said Garnet, who was doing her best to pretend she did not notice the looks they drew. It was not the same sets of eyes that followed her every move for her protection... she was beginning to feel that the guards were perhaps becoming more lenient with Vayne's presence.

"We all do need some time to ourselves now and then, don't we?" she smiled knowingly, remembering the time he had said something similar to her.

[dynast_king]

That drew a shared smile from him, and inwardly, he was pleased that she remembered what he'd said to her before. In fact, it served to support his confidence that this was indeed the best course of action.

"Yes, we do," Vayne replied. "Although there are subtle differences in time spent in solitude and that spent in the company of a close friend." With that, he placed a hand on the small of Garnet's back, to draw her into the semi-privacy of an alcove just off the hallway. Secluded enough to be shielded from prying eyes, yet still accessible, should the guard feel the need assure themselves of the queen's safety. There would be no cause from the Solidor's quarter to cause them concern. "While I certainly do not object to the former, of late, I find myself more drawn to the latter."

[crowned_jewel]

Oh. What was he doing, touching her like that? It was... very familiar, and it was not as if they were on the dance floor. It was unexpected, but all she could do was allow him to lead her that way, speechless. What was he doing?

Coming back into focus, she caught the tail end of his statement. It took her a moment to unravel the webs of formers and latters, Garnet lifted her chin so that she may look up at him.

"Well... I suppose it makes sense. I know, that I am always more content in the company of friends."