Making Music (Aria)

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A world of dead things; that is all that can be seen, or thought of. The long winter had claimed the earth for its own and breathed icy winds over the plant-life, causing wither and then a standstill. It was white on white with black skeletons of trees. A few ever-greens permeated the alabaster landscape, and their jade foliage lent the only remaining shout of Mother Gaia’s natural symphony.

It wasn’t entirely normal for Jose’s brain to be blackened by decaying thoughts but the recent uprising of the dead with the horror and numerous causalities that came with them, had left him sick and foul. But he was prepared to brace himself and shake off the visions terror, and the physical torments that had racked his body none too long ago-if he were to remain a superb guard he would need to hold a better grasp upon his power’s consequences. With self-healing in mind –and with a causal attempt to stray from boozy vices- Jose had strolled upon the snowy grounds of the Royal Gardens, seeking quiet solace from the limited nature and self-made music.

Jose crossed a little white bridge as he made his way toward a select spot of his within the gardens, all the while absentmindedly fingering the small silver flute he always kept within his jacket. Outfitted in a dark brown leather trench coat and a deep green jerkin with silver linings, that and his black slacks made him a dark speck against winter’s white. His burnt-grey guard boots crunched over the snow and their silver buckles shimmered against the dimming sunlight, the day about to near dusk in an hour or so.

Jose reached into his left breast pocket, releasing the metal flute to reveal a copper cigarette pack. With hardly any thought put into his actions the smoke appeared lit in his pink lips and the copper pack was back within its resting spot. The idea of smoking tobacco came from the use of it in his absent mother’s shamanic rituals and the ideal to roll them into travel friendly sizes was of his own design.

Jose then came upon a small pond, frozen over by the cold, and just on the opposing side was a small alcove with stone walls and dead vines clung to the rock face. Bare branches made a small overhang over this niche, two trees had opposite each other and grown enough for their branches to intertwine and interlock. He slipped below their semi-coverage to sit upon a chiseled stone bench and huffed largely on his cigarette, sighing with the exhale. Being able to see the future and all its travesties to come was nothing light upon a mind, and it was often more of a hindrance than of help, but it was his “gift” to bare and so he would manage. He must.

Flinging the burnt out smoke to the snow, Jose plucked the small instrument from his coat and gazed upon it for a while. It was a tiny thing, a little more than the middle finger’s length but there was so much detail embossed upon the metal it was incredible. Small winding vines with budding roses wrapped around the silver flute, and words in a strange language were engraved in-between. A smile lit up his tan face and he pressed the metal to his lips.

The notes that poured out from the tiny flute did not seem to come from this world; it hummed and wailed like a wretched soul, spinning in and out of both rapture and agony. Jose was a skilled player of this, he had been making it sing since he was a young boy, and it was a gift from his mother to calm his nerves and set his demons at bay. As it served its purpose then, it did so now as a wave of nirvana crested then spilt over Jose. The sad notes to this melody faded ever so slightly to the background, allowing a more joyous overtone to the piece-like a grand evil and anguish had been suffered but then the promise of a rising sun had made itself known, and thus the person was whole once more.

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The gardens; they were pretty especially in the spring time, but she found it so orderly. The plants were trimmed to be just so. Even now the bare branches showed a uniformity not found in nature. However even with the uniformity it did hold a type of beauty; and it was surely one of the more interesting parts of the castle. At least it was in her opinion; though there were several other interesting locations within the castle. Her boot clad feet padded along a well walked path; the smell of the sea air mixing in with the crisp bite of the cold winter day.

Her day had been relatively routine; she continue to do morning and evening trainings with the drakes; fallowed by freshening up after each practice. Which meant a long hike out to the springs, and a long hike back up. However the trip was made short by a port now and then. Today being one of those days; she decided to swing by the market place to pick up some nice fabric for her handmaiden Serenity; along with supplies for herself. Aria also made small chatter among the locals; getting little bits of news and tidbits from all over the city. After most of her day spent chatting and shopping; she headed to the Moon Temple to see how things went over there and make sure everything was in order. After the moon temple she had gone back to Serenities to drop off her purchases. Then went off to do the evening training session with flight.

Now the flight of drakes trainings were split between the mornings and evenings; the only ones who got off were the ones on patrol duty around the outskirts of the city. However as things became routine and the riders more comfortable with their mounts. Their exercises wouldn’t need her direct supervision soon. She could leave someone else in charge. Which was ideal in the long run; eventually she would oversee just the new drakes that came in for Palico.

The evening training ended just an hour before sunset; leaving her time to freshen up. She had gone to the springs and taken a full bath and came back feeling refreshed and smelling of lilac and roses. Her wet hair was braided into a long braid and slung over her shoulder. White crystals forming on the wet strands as they crystalized from the cold. She wore a high collar light blue silk shirt with embroidered with darker blue stitching at the hems; her skirt was a dark blue and came to her ankles; at the hem of the skirt a lighter shade of blue arched up in a reverse scalloped design; fallowed by four tiny dark pink diamonds above each point. She wore a decorative black vest like corset over her silk blue shirt; the vest was hemmed with gold ribbon. The vest was cut in a sweet heart neckline and had a beautiful flower and vine patter embroidered on the front. A warm knitted black shawl was wrapped around her shoulders.

Aria walked at a brisk pace through the gardens; the shawl no longer giving her much warmth as her hair froze over. Her fast walk paused when her delicately pointed ears picked up the sound of music. She stopped; tilting her head trying to pinpoint which direction the music was coming from. Sure enough her curiosity overpowered her need for warmth; as she turned on the path to go down a more secluded one. Fallowing the sound; it led her to a man. She recognized as a part of the guard but had not spoken to. Aria would say she frequented the civilian guard more so then the one Roland use to command. The fact she recognized him from the Royal Guard made her stop a fair distance away. Her memories of the Royal Guard was not a positive one. Though she did not think he was one of the ones that mistreated her so; which was why she hadn’t turned back around. Instead she stayed to listen to the sad but beautiful melody.

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At the sound of someone approaching, Jose's fingers quivered upon the flute producing a trilling sound like a sweet songbird. From that note the melody began to die out, however at the viewing of the beauty approaching, it changed to a rising crescendo that seemed to embrace the airwaves. Every bit of sound became like sunshine, outputting radiance and hope and from that it ended, the song complete.

Jose's eyes had shut at sometime when he was playing and had only fluttered open briefly when he heard the crunch of snow crushed underfoot- seeing just a lone woman he had shut them again for no fear of safety.
Now that he finished his song, their deep auburn depths opened fully to intake the new arrival.

She was not a tall woman, in fact she boarded on being tiny, but her presence demanded a quiet authority that none were to ignore. She was draped in some fabulous hues of blue, accented here with black and there with deep pink and it was never a doubt she was a part of the higher society.

Without intention, -it hardly ever was- Jose was drawn into this woman Aria's mind. He had not been told her name but he knew it, like prophet's do, nevertheless. She was recalling a memory of mistreatment, and because Jose was gifted to see the memories of all those who thought upon them, he came to view flickers of her past. It had seemed she ran into a few of his fellow guardsmen whom manhandled her beyond need and that she had suffered some trials in the dungeons. Chains, pain, and magic were what came through and his eyebrow arched high. This is no ordinary woman.

Blinking back to the present and swallowing the small amount of bile that had arose from the visions aftershock, he turned his eyes once more upon her.

She had a nasty scar blazed against her face, something he had ignored at first glance but her eyes held a light and the good side of her face was fairly stunning. It wasn't strange for Jose not to personally know to this woman, despite him being a part of the royal guard he kept mostly to himself and the shadows, and this past year he had not been in the capital -his commander had sent him to escort some Duke of something to Palico and from there he had requested a period of absence to refresh his head and brush up on his fighting skills within his homeland.

" You are a precious jewel now aren't you?" he smiled a charming smile.

"I deeply hope that there is something of which you need assistance with, m'lady?"

Upon these words Jose bowed with respect, he may have a hard time keeping his tongue in check but his actions nearly always made up for the etiquette that his speech lacked.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity had finally started the job that she had been promised and already it was going wrong. She couldnt find Aria anywhere! When she hadnt returned from training right away she had gone looking, roaming the castle halls idly until she came upon a random servant, who said hed seen a woman with red hair in the gardens. That being her only lead, she headed out.

Serenity was dressed in a bright white gown with long sleeves and a barely blue floral pattern across the enitre thing. The neckline was square, and higher up so as not to "embarrass" her boss, but cleavage was inevitable for her. Before going outside she fetched her cloak, a sheer blue in colour, but it was really quite thick and warm, tying around her neck with a thin string. Her thick hair was up, as usual, in an intricate braided bun on the back of her head, with stray strands curling around her face and neck. Under her dress she wore brown boots, prepared for the snow.

The cold hit her like a wall, causing her to tighten the cloak around her shoulders as she walked through the gardens, looking left and right for Aria. The sound of her feet crunching against the snow filled her ears, and she barely caught the sound of an instrument before it died out. Then she vaguely heard a voice, and before she knew it, Aria was in front of her, and man bowing in front of her.

Lady Aria! It's about time I found you! Serenity walked forward, ignoring the man in front of her, and stopping next to the red head. Not that I need to know, ut where have you been?... And whose this? She turned her body to face the man, looking at him curiously, but annoyed all the same. Her accent was as thick as ever, revealing her identity as a Fated.

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It was a pretty melody; Aria listened to the song change. While she listened she studied its player; clothed in deep black a striking contrast to the white snow. The song ended on a lovely note; that brought a small smile to her face. Aria had always been drawn to music and stories; ever since she was little. Years later it wasn’t any different. Alas Palico did not have the same pretty melodies that wafted through Nova often. As the melody ended the man looked up at her; he was the second man to stare at her for an uncomfortable length of time….she was beginning to think something was wrong with her face. She was about to say something when she felt another presence slide into her subconscious. She step back surprised; not use to it being the other way around…and by a mind she could not access. He was not a phioric…and she could not tell what he had done or had been looking for; causing her eyes to narrow suspiciously.

The man stood and spoke; raising her eyebrow as he called her a precious jewel. He was not the first man to call her such. She half way expected a dagger to come out of the woodwork any minute for that comment. A small chuckle was pulled from her lips however when he announced that he deeply hoped there was something he could help her with. ”No; I was heading back to the palace when I was distracted by your music; what kind of instrument was that?” It looked like a flute but it didn’t hit the same notes as the ones she was used to seeing. Perhaps his flute was like her opal one; enchanted to match her voice.

Her attention was soon pulled towards the sound of approaching footsteps. The footsteps belonging to none other than her handmaiden Serenity. Aria raised an eyebrow as Serenity called out to her; she wasn’t aware that Serenity had been looking for her. But then again…she supposed she was her handmaiden. Aria was still getting use to the idea and often did things on her own; like she was often ought to do…and rather much preferred to do. Aria took in Serenities appearance; her face remaining blank as she noticed the low cleavage. Serenity proceeded to ask where she had been and then ask whom the gentleman was. Aria turned her attention back to the man. ”Good question; may I ask your name? Mine is Aria Wurud, Duchess of Palico and this is my handmaiden Serenity.”

As Aria made introductions she casually grabbed a handful of snow; and stuffed it down Serenity’s open cleavage. Seriously; it was cold out; dafuc was she doing with her boobs out. Hell she had little ice crystals forming in her wet hair; and the tips of her delicately pointed ears were long past numb. Aria turned back to Serenity as she had asked where she had been. ”Just now? Well after I finished the evening training with the drakes I hiked down to the springs to freshen up. I’m just returning now. Earlier I spent my time in the market place; caught up on some local chatter and I also picked up some lovely fabrics for you and left them in your home. Does that answer your question?” Aria really was the type of person to never stay in one place for long. She could see how Serenity would have problems fallowing her.

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“It is pleasing to hear my song is like a siren, it is not meant to lure so much as to banish and soothe. This is a flute made of metal and things not of our world; forged by my father and crafted and blessed by my mother. Beyond that, is a truth I do not possess, but I know it not to be mundane.”

To Jose’s grand delight yet another beauteous female had entered his vicinity, and she too bore locks of fire, so vivid against the white surroundings. A funny grin passed along his handsome face as he thought to recant his earlier statement of not being a siren-his world was full of lovely redheads. And they just keep getting lovelier! This woman-whom he came to know as Serenity-nearly faded into the snow if it weren’t for her bright hair and the blue cape she held close to herself. Despite the weather, her chest was slightly more bare than one would expect and Jose desired to drink her image in fully but he was in the courts after all so he averted his gaze quickly.

Crossing the pond towards the two woman with movements that were both graceful and apologetic- for he had seen the way Aria had reacted towards his unintentional probe- he came to rest a few feet in front of them. Jose seemed to tower over the two woman at his height of six feet three inches, and despite his slender form his broad shoulders and overall frame suggested he held great strength.

Jose bent his right arm into himself and bowed once more, this one sweeping and little lower towards the ground but this time towards Serenity, looking up to lock eyes for a moment, his twinkling with secret mischief. He also then gave another bow towards Aria but kept the playfulness to himself- her earlier reaction to his comment radiated taken- as he introduced himself:

“ Oh I do beg your complete pardon your Duchess! I am Jose Herrera, member of the Royal Guard and prophet of a distant village. I have been absent of late but I have returned to serve our King Noku-or anyone in need of my services.” With the last comment he held a sincere look in his eyes regarding Aria, but sent a devilish look towards Serenity at the last moment.

Jose’s eyebrows rose with shock at Aria’s actions-how brash for a duchess! Regardless the whole ideal and image was not horrific to the man.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity looked to the man as Aria asked his name, and bowed her head as she was introduced. If she’d met this man in a tavern or somewhere like it, well, anywhere other than their current situation, she had no doubts that she would be flirting up a storm. But alas, they were in the palace gardens, a place she had to be quite formal and appropriate. Serenity held in a sigh, and allowed her eyes to glaze over his beautiful face, and take in his attire. As she was looking so studiously at his face, she didn’t see Aria grab a handful of snow, and she certainly didn’t see her bring it up towards her chest. Yet, suddenly there was a burst of cold and wetness down her chest, causing the taller redhead to jump and a small scream to leave her throat.

Aria! What the hell! She dropped the formalities on instinct, not able to react as gracefully as she may have had to. She stuck a hand between her breast and took out any of the solid snow left, shaking her hand out. The rest was stuck down her dress, making her quite cold and unpleasant. Aria went on without a beat, explaining where she’d been, to which Serenity glared at her. Yes, it does. Thank you for the gifts, I greatly appreciate it. However I do have one favour to ask; can you keep your hands a good distance away from my breasts? Especially when there’s snow around? Or anything cold for that matter? She really did appreciate the gifts, and would state so better later, but for the time being, she was cold and her breasts were very very unpleasantly wet for the time being.

Serenity turned her eyes back to the man whom she now knew as Jose. Her eyes narrowed for a moment, a feeling of deja vu washing through her. She knew for fact she’d never met this man, but she felt as though she had before. Perhaps in a past life? When his eyes darted to her on his last words, a flirty/knowing smile spread on her face out of reflex, but she quickly caught herself and dropped it, turning her face to cough instead. When she was able to control her facial features, she looked back at him, her eyes curious. Prophet? She asked, wondering what he meant. It was all too possible that he meant it quite literally, as the magic in this world was vast. She felt a chilly wind blow through the area, causing her hair to fall a bit from its intricate pattern, not meant for the outdoors, and caused goosebumps to spread on her skin. She tightened the cloak around her once more, covering her chest this time with a wary glance to her liege.

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Aria was intrigued by the flute; Nova had plenty of magical properties, but the metal he spoke of; well she wonder if it came from Adrains home planet. She wasn’t a stranger to understanding there were other worlds out there. Now she was just curious to where the metal hailed from. A smalls mile gracing her face when he said it was something that his parents had made. When he came over and used her title she wanted to wave him off; in situations like this she wondered if it was appropriate to do so. She wasn’t one for titles; but until she knew this man better she would have to put up with it…at least within the castle. His last words caught her interest; he wanted to leave Noku’s service? ”A Pleasure to meet you Mr. Herrera; if you don’t mind me prying are you looking to leave his majesties guard?”

She hadn’t missed the flirtatious interactions between him and her handmaiden which made her smile in amusement. As Serenity reacted to the sudden change of temperature in one of her lady regions; Aria maintained a look of complete innocence and ignorance. Even as Serenity yelled at her; she raised an eyebrow at the woman. A straight look still plastered on her face as Serenity requested her hands stay away from her breasts. ”I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about but dully noted.” Arias mock ignorance was likely to frustrate the red head; but alas the woman was fun to tease. Serenity would likely get her back later. But for now this was highly amusing.

As Serenity raised a question to Jose’s claims of being a prophet; Aria nodded in agreement. She too would like to hear a bit more elaboration. As it was a rare gift. However she did wonder if they should move the conversation where it was warmer; as she was sure Serenity's nipples would be trying to cut through there bindings if left out in the cold much longer. ”Shall we take this conversation where it’s warmer? There is a lovely little green house further into the gardens. It’s sure to be warmer there yes? I do not think Noku would mind if we use it. Perhaps the blankets are even still there from our luncheon a couple weeks ago.”

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A breakaway grin covered Jose’s chiseled face as the women bickered-such behavior was not seen among the Royals, Aria must be new to the ranks of the higher class and Serenity was obviously not of his world. This was amusing for him; he hated the stuffy attitudes most upperclassmen bore, they were much too concerned with the opinions of others and being so rigid was not the style Jose carried his life with and so it was relaxing to be in the company of others whom acted the same.

When the discussion started to focus on breasts, any man should have blushed but Jose held little reservations about the body and thus he laughed in the stead of berating them for such intimate talk. With a grand gesture, Jose slipped out of his leather trench coat and draped it over Serenity’s shoulders-she may have been taller than her employer but the ends of the garment brushed her ankles, whereas they came just past the knee for Jose. It was a warm coat, the outer was of dark brown hides, and the lining was of black silk, panels of cotton were sewn in-between the silk and leather as a type of insulator and being that he was nearly always warm the cool that cut through his remaining clothes was most welcome.

“ For the time at hand-just to ensure such a perfect piece of the human form remains intact.” These words he spoke to Serenity as he placed his jacket over her, a kind smile inching upon his lips. Normally he would not be so forthright with his flirtatious behavior in the courts but no one else was around and she was just a handmaiden, no way to piss off prudish sensibilities if you didn’t have them-and besides, she seemed to be fairly receptive towards his advances.

When Aria spoke to him again he inclined his head slightly, a longish strands of his deep brown locks fell into his face.
“ I do believe that serving and protecting our king is of the upmost importance, however standing about waiting for something to befall him can be quite boring. I have thought upon leaving to where my abilities would be of better use but that position has not made itself known to me yet. ” with a steady gaze he appraised Aria, and thought back to this earlier idea that she was no ordinary woman-could she be what he was waiting for? He then looked to Serenity and a wave of emotion washed over him but he did not know what to call it; desire played a part of course but a deeper string of longing- was it cosmic?- pulled at him.

“ Is there a reason you inquire? ” Mostly people did not seem to ponder on a strangers doings unless they wanted something from it, and it was a hope Aria did in fact require something of Jose.

Finding Aria’s idea to get out of the snow aggregable he nodded and said:
“ Come, I will tell you all about myself but first I think we should avoid freezing our skin any further. ” With this he turned in the direction of the greenhouse Aria had spoken of but let her lead the way.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity crossed her arms over her chest, trying to keep herself safe from the evil Aria tended to do, but it didn’t matter much, as she didn’t have enough arm to cover her “gifts”. She bowed her head slightly to Jose again, as he introduced himself this time. Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. She agreed with Aria, it was a pleasure indeed. Her eyes narrowed once more as Aria denied ever coming close to her.

Oh sure, play the innocent. You know, lying doesn’t suit you very well. She retorted, all but sticking her tongue out like a child. Aria sure knew how to push her buttons, but Serenity knew that she would get her back somehow, when they were alone and out of public eye, were she could act out of her position a bit more freely. She was then pleasantly surprised as Jose came closer to her, draping his long coat over her shoulders. He spoke to her, his voice like music to her ears. Why thank you. She responded, her voice reverting to the flirtatious tone she used in taverns when drunk. Once again she caught herself as they began speaking about the king, and stood straighter, pulling the coat more but not completely, closed around her, and dropped the look she’d had when he was closer to her. She knew she’d never hear the end of this encounter with Aria, but honestly, she had other things on her mind. She hadn’t been so freely able to flirt since Rivers left, so this whole situation was surprising her left and right; not that she had any complaints.

When Aria suggested they move, Serenity was more than agreeable. Oh that would be lovely. My toes feel like ice, let alone other parts of me. She glared at Aria at the end of her sentence, swearing in her head that she would get her back. I'm curious to hear your story Mr. Herrera, you seem very intriguing indeed. She commented, following Aria as she began walking. She knew she was speaking far more than a handmaid should, but she just couldn't help herself.

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Aria blinked and tilted her head when Serenity said that lying didn’t suit her; a confused expression on her face. The look on Arias face clearly indicating she though the woman insane. Aria turned her attention back to Jose whom laughed at their bickering and covered Serenity with his coat. To which Serenity gladly accepted; the two well matched in there flirtations. ”Well aren’t you just the charmer.”

Aria listened to his reasons for wanting to leave the guard, her eyebrow arching when he mentioned there was the lack of opportunities to use his skills. Aria thought and held up her hand and began counting off the times in which his abilities would have been useful. ”Hmm, just in the past year there was let’s see…the winter ball last year, the blossom festival, the fact the kings cup was tampered with during the fated execution, the mid-summer festival, and in the last few weeks the Helena attack. Sooo one, two…five times that your skills would have been put to use just in the past year. I still don’t believe they’ve even done a thorough investigation on who touched the cup. Then again unfortunately the head of the Royal Guard has been severely lacking in his duties.” Aria highly doubted it was a lack of use; then again Roland probably did not employ his men well enough to put them to the best of use…that and he was missing. She could see how the Royal Guard right now would be frustrating to be a part of. Really if his men hadn’t a clue that the king’s life had been threatened as much as it had, it was horrifying to think…Did Roland try to do all the work himself? Hardy efficient or effective.

Aria tilted her head when he inquired whether or not there was a reason they wanted to know if he was a prophet or not. ”Curiosity; prophecy is a rare ability; Serenity I believe came from a world where there was no such thing as magic. So I would assume learning about the different types would be of interest to her.”

Aria smiled when everyone agreed to move the conversation somewhere warmer; Aria held up the tip of her braid. When she moved it her hair crunched, “I believe my hair fully agrees with your sentiments….it’s now crunchy” Aria lead the way to the green house; on the way she waved over a servant and asked nicely if they could bring some supper from the kitchens. Tossing a coin their way for their troubles. Aria opened the doors to the green house and held it open for the two to enter. The green house wasn’t what one would say toasty; but out of the wind there was a noticeable difference of warmth. In winter gear one could be quite comfortable. The room was spacious with a stone floor situated in the middle, with planted plants surrounding the edges off the room. In the middle a table to which could fit the size of their party sat. Aria took a seat at the table which sat in the middle of the green house. ”Serenity now that we’re inside let me see your shoes please.”

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A warm sensation washed over Jose as a husky veil enveloped Serenity’s voice when she spoke to him-sure women usually became all fuzzy when he turned a smile in their direction but there was something about this particular lady that ensnared him like no other and it was rewarding indeed to have her welcome his presence. Only the Gods knew the power behind his intent to ravage her body but that would be for a later time, of course.

In turn to Aria’s and Serenity’s words he kept his mouth still until they had reached the small green house, he did not like to have his words carried by the winds if he could help it, where personal matters were concerned. So he kept his reactions to facial expressions; a devil-may-care grin here for the comment he was a charmer, and some frustrated furrowing there where the fouler of events of the past year were listed off. Sure, Jose had been informed of the follies that occurred in his kingdom, but they had been late in there coming for he had been absent from the capital this past year and thus had not been able to arrive in time to be of proper aid. Jose had foreseen quite a few of the actions against the king but again –and due to the certain confines his fortune-telling abilities held-he had not been able to get back in time to alter their outcome. The life of a prophet was highly taxing and vexing-what good could you do if you saw the king in harm’s way but could only let him know about these events and him alone, and being that Noku was a hard man to reach if you were abroad and didn’t trust letters.

Jose did however pipe up to correct himself:

“ I have mislead you Duchess, it is no surprise you are enthralled by my mind and ability, I had meant to inquire just why you asked if I may be leaving the guard. ” Was it just friendly chatter, a way to break the ice, or was there motives behind her questions? -That is what Jose had wished to know.

After the short walk to the greenhouse, they had entered the small building of stone and foliage and Jose held the door open for the two lovely redheads. Even though the air still held a chill to it, it was considerably warmer within than without and already the ice that formed upon Aria’s wet hair had begun to melt, and the snow that covered all their shoes followed suit. Wet marks from his soles imprinted upon the stone floor and Jose rolled up the coal sleeves to his green doublet, and in doing so revealed a tattoo that was inscribed against his left forearm. It was a large patch of ink, an illustration of a rose whose head rested in the palm of his hand, and the end of the stem came to stop at his elbow crease. The rose itself was done in black and grey scale with looping wines winding around and away from the flower, appearing to almost be growing from his skin itself. A slight silver sheen gave way to it when the lights hit it just right, allowing for the idea that it was more than just ink implanted there.

Jose then walked to the table and held out a chair for Serenity-he would have done the same for Aria but she was just too quick and too independent it seemed to rely on such forms of chivalry. A puzzled look passed before his face as Aria had asked for Serenity’s shoes-what an odd request!-but said nothing about it, awaiting for her to do whatever she had planned. He would speak of his himself in the time to come but wished to wait for everyone to be settled before delving into that pot of shiet.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity walked silently to the greenhouse from there, keeping her mouth shut for the time being. She didnt know why Aria was questioning him on his position, but it wasn't in her mind to ask. Aria did what she pleased anyways. Jose's coat was warm around her, his own body heat lingering within it for a few moments after he placed it on her.

When he held the door open for her she smiled her thanks, walking in behind Aria of course. She thanked him aloud this time as he held her chair out, noting how Aria sat without his assistance. She was so independent sometimes. She arched an eyebrow curiously as Aria asked for her shoes. Uhm... Why? She asked while lifting her skirts to unlace her boots, handing them to Aria. She glanced to Jose, seeing that he was just as surprised and she. Honestly her boss was so weird sometimes!

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It seems she had misheard him; however his questioning of her questioning was expected. After all she did have her reasons for being so curious. Because of this a smile spread across her lips but not to her eyes. ”I’ve grown fond of Noku over the past year; one could say I’m a bit protective over the people I care about. You can imagine why I would be concerned to know that after all that’s happened in the past year one of his guards is looking to leave, I’d be a little worried behind the motives behind it.” Noku had been treating her like family; and he was. But to say she was just a bit protective of the people she cared about was quite an understatement.

It was true Aria was concerned about Jose’s motives for leaving. The Royal Guard tended to know a lot about the kings personal life. Jose was sure after years of service to have information vital to the Kings safety. With Rolands loose lips it was hard to judge how the men under him was like. So it wasn’t hard to understand why she would take such an interest in the matter. However Aria was also the type of person to get to know someone before making a judgment on them. So she was at least honest to why she was inquiring.

Aria ignored the strange looks she received for asking for Serenity's shoes but offered an explanation when Serenity inquired. ”Well I could do this while they are on your feet, but this is more of a safety precaution.” Aria waved her hand over the shoes as her eyes flashed gold; the shoes began to steam as the water from the snow evaporated. The whole process only took a few moments before Aria handed them back. When Serenity placed them back on she would find her shoes pleasantly warm; certainly enough to help her icy toes.

[Deleted]

After Serenity had taken her seat Jose settled himself beside her taking the other end seat, opposite to Aria. His spine was straight like a rod as it lined up, erect with the chair and though his back was towards the door he remained slightly pushed away from the table so that if any unwelcome intruder were to enter he'd have swift access to his feet and thus ready to defend at any moment. It wasn't that he expected any form of attack but years in the service had hammered in the nature to always be alert and prepared.

As Aria spoke of His Majesty, a serious and yet soft expression came about his face, listening attentively.

" He is a good man and I never will him malcontent. I have vowed to protect him and all that he stands for-Nova and all it encompasses..." below the table where his left fist sat upon knee, it tighten together ever so slightly.

" At the time of all injuries sustained it had seemed I was more use being shipped away to escort a noble to a distant land or not being told of the circumstances. "
Jose cast his eyes to the grainy top of the table which previously had been locked to Aria's gaze with a somber pleading.

" The king has chosen his private company and even still I am never placed where I am in need...and although I had foreseen all the troubles that have befallen him I trust naught but my mouth to transfer personal matters." A sigh of regret fell from his lips:" The thought to leave his Guard is a flittering one- I only truly seek the path where I may protect our King Noku in a more direct manner."

In regards to Aria's display of magic use it only confirmed the earlier images he had of her and such subjects but he wondered just what exactly was the extent of magic she wielded? He also applauded the woman for her character- it was obvious life had dealt her a fair share of rough times- her scar and times as a prisoner attested to such- and yet her heart still held great compassion; such a small thing to dry out your handmaiden's shoes and yet such a large thing for one to do! Expending such care towards those whom served you was not typical in Jose's experience and this earned Aria many points in his book. The casual hiking of skirts and bosom displayed by Serenity however, eclipsed Aria in a entirely different sort of tally but Jose kept his desires and comments to his own mind for the time at hand.