A Favor (Mature Theme)

[Roland]

As Aria responds to his comment about not being human he nods and looks at her again trying to reassess exactly what she was. “You mentioned you were a phoiric angel before, I was wondering if you've figured out I'm something different.” He comments dryly before moving on and listening to her response to his request on the price.

He replies after seeing Aveline's head shake. He really did think that this whole thing would be easier if they had her help, but if Aveline wouldn't trust her then he would accept that. Though as he thinks he figures he should at least establish what they were dealing with first.

“While not quite related to the favor, if you have any information on Claire or the person in black armor I would appreciate it. Any information you can give me will make it easier to track them down and take back the sword.” He explains before taking a deep breath. He wasn't really sure what to do about the other request now, he felt they could probably get Aria to be an excellent distraction, but it would very much depend on what happened.

“Either way if you go to the mage guard quarter master and give him this he should let you take your pick of the weapons.” He explains, passing over a black stone with a white tree engraved on it. "I will keep you equipped until we can get your sword back." He assures her. Then after a few moments he asks.

"Aria, I know you have some illusion capabilities, could you do something like look like another person? Like...Aveline perhaps?" He asks with a clear indication he'd like to see it if so.

[Deleted]

”I have my guesses based on our interactions …you certainly don’t smell human…and yes I’m a phioric the last phioric in my time. Long story to what happened to the other phioric….”

Aria thought a bit about his request, she didn’t see the intruders so she didn’t know what person could be in the black armor….

”In my escapades I usually run into people at the springs; if you’re looking for someone chances are they will show up there eventually. As for the woman in armor….may I have permission to examine your office. While the scents may be stale I should be able to gather some information via that way. Did you see their face? As for information on Claire, put something small and seemingly helpless in her path without shoes…like her for example”

She pointed over to Ave.

”She’ll suddenly seem to have a need to kidnap her and force her into footwear.”

As he passed the black stone to her with the white oak she picked it up and inspected it. There was a curious expression on her face as she studied the engraving.

”Your family crest I assume?”

Aria nodded when he asked about her illusions.

”I can do anyone of I studied them long enough, like Garrett for example I could do perfectly….Ave give me moment”

Aria walked over to Ave and studied her face, figure, height, and any other detail. A few moments later there was a slight shift in the air around Aria as her form grew a little taller, her skin darkened considerably and her hair disappeared under a wrap. In only a few moments Aveline’s identical twin stood next to her; with a similar expression of unease.

”But what possibly could you need this for?”

Arias voice had changed as well mimicking Avelines with surprising accuracy. In a moment the air shifted again and another Aveline seemed to step out from Aria’s version of her. So now there was three Avelines.

”The illusions more realistic if the image is painted on a living body; however I can create an image just the same”

The image walked over to Roland and laid its head on his shoulder, he would actually feel the image give off something like body heat, and the weight of a head on his shoulder.

”Of course for it to be truly accurate, I would have to study Aveline’s behaviors. That and I do males better then females....I'm not exactly the most girlish person around. Males are just easier to imitate for me.”

With that the Illusion disappeared fallowed by Aria’s appearance returning to normal.

[severine]

Aveline didn't give much of a start when Aria's appearance changed before her eyes. She stared at Aria, brows furrowed, then took a small step forward to the woman. She reached a hand up, touching the cheek of her duplicate. Would this work? There was a chance, if her mother didn't look closely enough. She pulled back her hand, nodding to Roland.

"There are no promises here but if she keeps a broad enough distance it could work."

[Roland]

Roland nods as Aria explains that she often runs into people in the springs and decides sometime in the future he would start setting watches there. Though when she asks to have a run of the office he nods, there was no reason to stop her from looking around. “If you think that will help, I could certainly use any information you can provide for me. I saw Claire's face, I took off her mask.” He explains.

When Aria looks at the coin and makes a comment about his family crest Roland pauses and then shakes his head, he founds himself wondering how much she knew.

When Aveline gives him the go ahead he lets out a breath and nods. Though the image that comes up to touch him suddenly vanishes as Roland's eyes burst into light. He frowns, but his eyes return to their brown color and he stares at Aria then takes a deep breath.

“Alright Aria, I am going to trust you with this, but please do not talk to Severine about it. If you do the situation will get a bit out of hand.” He explains before closing his eyes again. “Alright I will make this simple, Aveline and I are getting married, we are not telling Severine until after the fact, but during the first evening of the upcoming Festival I need you to impersonate Aveline so that her mother does not start causing a panic before we have time to make it back and make the announcement officially.”

“Is there anything else you need for, and are you willing to do this?” He asks with a serious expression.

[Deleted]

[b}”What about the one in the armor? Did you notice anything familiar about her?”[/b]

She would make a note tomorrow to explore his office, it would be on one of the first things to do. Her blue green gaze watched his reaction to the family crest question. Her attention turned back to Aveline as she came to inspect her work. For such brief contact with the girl she would say her ability to copy her was alright. It would fool people at a distance like she said, but Aria would have to spend more time with the jumpy girl to make it more convincing. When she touched her cheek, the side of Arias horribly scared face she would just feel smooth skin. Aria was fairly detailed when it came to her impersonations. After all; taking another’s form was second nature to her.

As soon as Roland turned serious again and specified that specifically Severine was not to know of their conversation her eyes lit up with amusement. Whatever was going to come out of his mouth next would be gold. However she was NOT expecting the news that came next. Her mouth dropped open in surprised and she turned to stare at Aveline incredulously.

”You’re marrying that!”

She pointed to Roland, and then stared back at him…..

”Wait wait wait…..either this girl has some really quirky tastes or the stick you usually have up your but is removable and nobody knew about it……….”

Aria stopped and ran a hand over her face, her features taking on a more thoughtful and serious look. What they were doing was serious…So any playfulness that was about her normally was gone for a rare moment.

”Roland….this will have consequences even after you two are married….she is likely to lose her dowry, respect, social status, there will be rumors…. For you there could be even more consequences….there’s the legal matter of the dues due to her mother for her marriage…This situation will get out of hand whether or not Severine finds out before or after.”

Arias gaze softened as she looked between the two; wondering what feelings had to be between them for her to get the grumpy guard, break no rules at all costs, type to actually consider elopement…. Though frankly already telling her all this, even without her willing to participate in this was already risky. More so doing so while just moments before she had been pissed off beyond words.

”…your hypothetical question was inaccurate, this could still get my in trouble with his majesty. I will be directly participating in an act that would humiliate a high member of his court. My only saving grace on that is the fact her mother insulted me on multiple occasions; even while knowing what you told her Roland…. Fortunately for you, Saden is all about bringing balance….You have my silence”

Aria’s gaze turned stern as she looked at Roland, her arms still crossed in front of her chest.

”This job with its risks and time it will take, is worth a lot more than a simple sword from an armory… You of all people should know how his majesty feels about magic, I can’t imagine he’ll be happy that it’s playing a part in making havoc in his court….As for am I willing to do this?...”

She thought for a bit; this was a fairly large risk for more reasons than one.

”To be frank I have little knowledge or reason to trust that I will not be thrown to the wolves for this…I would be breaking the law impersonating a noble…you would be an accessory to a crime for hiring me to do it.”

She raised an eyebrow in a silent question of how important was this to him that he would be breaking the laws in order for it to happen.

[severine]

Aveline was quiet during Roland’s explanation but when Aria turned to stare at her, she simply raised her eyebrows. “Is it that surprising?” As Aria continued to speak Aveline took in a deep breath and let it out closing her eyes. Her back straightened and when she opened her eyes she looked much more serious- it would be clear to Roland that she was channeling her mother again.

“Do you really believe that I would risk it if I did not know the consequences? Do you truly think I agreed to this flippantly?” Aveline’s voice was calm, even. “Leave your personal concerns with our relationship to us, we will deal with them.

“As for your concerns to impersonation, I can offer an alternative. All you must do is keep my mother distracted. And I will supply you with the means to do so. The first ball will be masked and she will not recognize you regardless of what disguise you take. My mother is a very suspicious woman, so you should approach her as a woman. Compliment her and offer her a drink and I will supply you with the means to incapacitate her and an antidote for yourself. You will want to drink the potion I give you as well in your own cup. She will not recognize you and the party will be too massive for her to hunt you down. However, if you choose to impersonate me instead and you are caught, you may blame me entirely.”

Aveline looks sidelong to Roland, a warning look not to interrupt yet. She looks back to Aria. “Tell them I asked a special favor of you as a joke on my mother and used your good graces to run away and elope. I am positive his Majesty will not object if it is simply a joke.”

Aveline’s expression broke into a pleasant smile. “Are there any further objections?”

[Roland]

When Aria tells him it was going to have a tremendous number of repercussions he raises an eyebrow. "Aria, you do realize I am the brother of a Count who has recently been welcomed back with open arms. I am not in desperate need of a dowry." He points out.

Then as Aria asks Aveline why she was marrying him Roland lets out a soft chuckle and shows a genuine smile. "To be honest with you Aria, I find myself asking that too."

[Deleted]

Aria looked at Roland like he had two heads, he was a noble?

”….Kudo’s for you….I admire your fashion sense…. “

Aria’s tone was serious….it was hard to tell if that was actual sarcasm or if she was actually fully serious about admiring the sensible clothes when he had access to nicer ones.

”But a woman’s dowry, can include things like linens, house things, family heirlooms ect. Sentimental things…I wasn’t implying you wanted the money. You don’t strike me as the type that’s too concerned with coin.”

Really Aria mentioning that was giving Roland’s character more credit than it seemed. She wasn’t questioning his concern or feelings for this woman; more questioning if he knew what she could be giving up. Aria knew she felt feelings of loss for her mother’s things, their family home in the second district, the carefully placed beginnings of a wedding dowry. It wasn’t finished but there was still some hand embroidered blankets her mother had started. But being fated over, she had lost all of that….

An amused look crossed her features as Roland’s guard melted as he looked over at Aveline….she looked back and forth between them. When Ave asked if it was that surprising Aria nodded.

”It is, but you seem to see a different perspective then most…”

She raised an eyebrow as Aveline corrected her on her warnings. Her face became very calm, and her gaze patient.

”I generally assume people act without knowing all the consequences, for often not all consequences can be seen when one is close to the situation. I’m not the type of person to stand by at let someone do something with severe consequences do so without some knowledge. What they choose to do with that information I let them decided…..Look at it this way, your about to trust me to help you two get the chance to have a relationship together….A major life decision that will last you two for your lifetime. Would you really want someone involved who would happily watch you dig yourselves into a hole or would you rather someone who was concerned for your wellbeing from the get go?”

Really Aria may be a pain in the ass but she generally was a caring pain in the ass. Aria listened with interest as Ave suggested her plan. Aria couldn’t help but think that the whole drugging of wine thing was being really over played as of late. That and there was a large possibility that any drinks would be well watched.

”Before going forward with any plan, I would like to get to know you more Lady Aveline. Along with more information on your mother. The more I know the better, plus the conversation will allow me to get your mannerisms down better. As a champion my presence at any of these events are likely to be required…Saden will be present; as will the rest of the pantheon. Barring the ones who are incapacitated…. If I am to help it will be a complicated illusion precast layered with listening spells and such in order for it to interact. However I will need you to supply me with the necessary information to make it believable.”

Aria did like the idea of the sounds of pranks; a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Oh she would certainly have to act up a little in the fallowing days to make that seem believable. But really her pulling stunts like that was bound to happen eventually.

”I am all for pranks, that will be fairly believable however I have been on my best behavior since getting out of my lovely little jam. However it’s fairly exaughsting…. I believe I just may have to relapse into horrible old habits.”

Aria sighed dramatically.

”So much for turning over a new leaf…”

[severine]

A brief look of annoyance passed over Aveline’s face as Aria tried to explain what Aveline would be giving up as far as dowry went. She looked sidelong to Roland and then back to Aria, nodding. “Of course. But for now, there are other matters I must attend to today. If you join me for luncheon tomorrow, I can show you my habits and how I hold myself- I will simply tell my mother that I have been tasked with your education.”

Aveline put on a small smile. “I think you will do fine in the end. Is there anything else you needed to add?” she looked over to Roland.

[Roland]

Roland watches Aria with a calm expression and he closes his eyes to think for a moment after she and Aveline speak. “I am going to let that fashion comment sit, I am not interested in the flaunting of wealth and enchanted clothing is far more useful if I was.” He replies and then considers his options.

“Lady Wurud, for your help, I will also offer you learning, I will teach you several spells, of my choosing, and in addition I will vouch for your admission to the Arch of Ages if you desire it. I will also agree to be your escort on one occasion of your choosing in place of another noble or guard.” He offers, clearly trying to think of what would be valuable to Aria herself.

“I will also tell you Lady Wurud, there is more going on than you realize, and I hope you will take my word for that.” He asks, his expression serious. Roland was not one to lie, or to not consider the consequences of his actions. He takes a deep breath and follows on with, “Aria, this is not a simple prank, I swore an oath to this kingdom to protect its people and that has been my life for the past twenty years. Now I have sworn an oath of marriage to Aveline, and even if it is not before a priest it binds true.”

Roland rises to his feet and with an earnest expression that seemed cut from stone he bows his head low. “I need your help, no legal law negates or forbids our union,” he declares, and at some point during his speech Aria would feel something new from the Captain, for the first time she would feel divine power, and one that was not from any member of the pantheon she knew.

[Deleted]

”Actually I was serious; you make yourself more relatable by not overly dressing yourself. It something common people appreciate in my experience. Plus I fully agree with comfort and practicality over being fancy.”

Really it was one of the rare times there was no insult attached to her comment. She was literally offering him a genuine compliment. She was surprised when he offered more even after she agreed to help, in spite of the payment. That and he offered her payment that her little curious mind would always have a hard time refusing. Her eyes lit up at the aspect of learning something new, she was a lover of knowledge that much was for sure.

”Thank you, that’s actually greatly appreciated. However I don’t think the admission to the Arch would be necessary. Adrian was my teacher when I was sixteen; well sort of. Most of my classes ended up with him getting a wedgie…along with awkward advances towards me…as much as the knowledge at the arch pulls me towards it I think I should keep my distance…that and I pissed off Jeon somehow.”

She also had Adrian’s tiger in her room right now, he had been keeping an eye on her while she was in the castle. The fact she also had Roland as a possible escort could also be useful. Her expression turned more curious as he went on to say there was more going on then she realized. As he continued her expressions softened, and she gazed at Roland with some respect. A person who fallowed their oaths was something she valued in a person greatly. It was part of the reason why she had fallen for Garrett. His loyalty to his people and the lengths he went to keep his word, it was the reason why Aria had unwavering trust for that man. Aria looked over at Aveline with a look of slight understanding. She was starting to see why someone would like Roland. There was more to him then the image he usually gave off. When she looked back over to him an alarmed expression came across her features. WTF was he bowing at her?? More alarming was the feeling of power that came from him, a type that she recognized. This man was like her…. She ran a hand over her face and took a deep breath and stepped forward placing her hand on his shoulder.

She silently walked over to the table and took a scrap piece of paper, and wrote

‘I Aria Wisteria Wurud, in respect to my deities , write this as my oath to aid Roland Walker in this pursuit of marriage. If they are discovered it will not be by my doing or lack of trying’

Aria held up the paper to show him, then let it burn out of existence in her hand. By writing her oath she swore it to Saden. He would know she was fulfilling at least a part of her promise to not attack Roland walker. That included making sure that this information did not get out to the wrong people. If they were found out, it would not be by her doing. It was also the most meaningful thing she could swear by, after all no one seemed to think her word was worth much. For Aveline the fact Aria could write at all might come as a surprise. Considering most commoners were not educated, most didn’t know how to read never mind write. That was with the male population to… It was one of the first signs Aria actually had shown that she was educated in any way.

Aria turned to Aveline with a small smile.

”Lunch would be lovely, I look forward to it. If you have any books that you think will be beneficial to me beforehand I would like to read them. If not I’ll be on my way to the library tomorrow morning. Where would you like to meet?”


Aria turned back to Roland with a smile.

"I would like to have the opportunity to spend time with you as well, at your convenience of course....also congratulations to you both, may Ai bless your marriage. Though I believe if my memory serves me correctly she may have already has blessed your union has she not?"

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, as she remembered the list of names from the blossom festival. 

[severine]

Aveline looked over to Roland as he spoke, her face suddenly tinging with a very dark red. The facade of a serious woman melted off her face and the shyness returned, fidgeting with her skirts when she realized she couldn’t fiddle with her hair. She walked to Roland, reaching out and taking his hand and standing beside him. It felt silly to have this much attention directed at her and her actions but seeing Roland like this was strange still.

Aveline nodded to Aria, squeezing Roland’s hand. “I can meet you in the castle library, in fact. We can proceed from there.” she sunk again a little in shyness, her fingers sliding up to the edge of the wrap that hid her hair, fingertips smoothing over the edge of it.

“We thank you. I will see you then.”

[Roland]

As Aria agrees and forms the oath Roland nods in thanks. Though as she makes the oath a power seems to emerge from Roland and swirl around her without the man even knowing. This was not something he was doing consciously.

Though as Aveline comes over and takes his hand he squeezes back and places a hand around her shoulder in a caring manner he had not shown to others before. Then he gives Aveline an encouraging nod as she talks about meeting up with Aria. “Alright Aria, I trust you.” Roland assures her with a calm expression, he wanted to say something protective, but that kind of posturing was pointless.

[Deleted]

Aria offered Roland a smile; and a nod to Aveline. There secret would be safe with her. She bowed; her eyes glowing gold as another stipulation to the spell was added to the room.

”The magic will fade from this room in an hour, no trace will be left. With that I wish you luck, have a pleasant evening.”

Roland would find when the magic did fade, even he wouldn’t be able to tell it ever existed. The subtle magic was designed to mold right back into the natural flow of manna and dissipate. Not even a gorge hound could track it. It also meant that if someone were to inspect the room after his use they wouldn't find anything suspicious. Thus she started the first part of there deal. She turned and left the room, intent on finding where a girl could get a bath to wash off this make up.

[Deleted]

Aveline sunk a bit against Roland once Aria left, turning her head into his side. She groaned a little, looking up at him. She suddenly looked very, very tired. It had been such a long day already with the princess and the errands and now this. A sort of tired sigh escaped her and she wrapped her arms around his middle, burying her face in his chest.

“Please tell me that no one can hear us.” she asked weakly, her voice muffled against his chest. “I may say something treasonous.” she looked back up at Roland, her chin resting against his chest. “I need a favor as well, if you can manage it.”