the lullaby of paddra-lo nero

[etroscript]

Who: Yeul, Nero & Caius Ballad
When: BF 609-600 or so.
Where: The Metropolis of Paddra, inside of the Castle building.
Summary: Yeul meets Caius for the first time, Nero dies and they are left with a lot of rituals and new issues.



The effortless sound coming from the crowd below the balcony of the castle of Paddra was all she wished to hear. On this day, she refused counsel of those of the Order that would try to have her handle other ordeals. Today was the day that she would be ripped away from her beloved guardian; Nero. She knew in his advanced age that it was only a matter of time, the new guardianship belonging to the violet-haired man would come upon Pulse today.

She knew that this new ownership meant many things would happen today, so she needed to be ready for it. Yeul shifted in her chair that hid her partially from the outsiders that hoped the see the Seeress at her perch several stories from the square. The silver-haired maiden heard a loud knocking at the door to her bedroom and she perked her ears a little; it was definitely Nero. Pressing her hands against the sides of the chair, she pushed herself up, smoothed her hair down and walked to the door. The golden handle was pulled down with a subtle ‘click’ and she opened it enough just to see who it was.

Of course, it was Nero.

She held herself exceptionally well considering what she knew, it took someone with incredible observation skills to see her subtle emotions. Yeul would have to be on her guard today, especially within the next few hours as they were the last in Nero’s long life. The man was incredibly special to her, he did not just cover the boundaries of fatherly love, but it included a type of love that only she could expect to feel for someone she would lose. Like most days, she greeted him with her slightest of smiles and the gentlest of curvatures of her eyebrows but today was different. Yeul greeted him with her arms wrapped around his firm waist, tightening a very little as if he would just disappear from existence in the wind.

Nero, shocked by Yeul’s behaviour, sought to comfort whatever ailed her with a large and gentle pat on the head. “Little Queen, did you miss me so? You know my quarters whereabouts and to disturb me even if I am asleep, yes?” Nero spoke plainly, a nostalgic smile placed on his tan visage. Nero was Paddra’s Hero, the Guardian of the Jewel to the Farseers and looked every bit the part -- although his disposition has regressed due to his age. The man stood six foot five, a solid two-hundred and six pounds of muscle with mid-length onyx hair that took no shine from the sun and sun-kissed skin from many days sought. Now that he was nearing the age of sixty-five, he was skin well-creased on his face from many expressions over the years but Yeul knew that he must have lived a enjoyed life to have as many as he had.

“Yes, I do know the location but I wish only for your companionship on this day of days. I suppose, I did wish to have a conversation about a time before myself.” Yeul said as she released his waist, took his hand and lead to him to the balcony where the two could be seen together overlooking the square. Yeul was happy that this moment was allowed to happen, even more so that she could speak with him before his passing.
“Ah, Yeul. My old heart has always been open to you and any question will be fully answered, if I know it.” Nero said. Yeul tilted her head in his direction, squinting one eye due to the direct sunlight hitting her face. “Do you ever wish that you could have had a family of your own? Do you wish that you had someone who could love you as I cannot?” Yeul said something that could be construed as cruel in words but she did not have the ability of wordly kindness sometimes. Nero could only shake his head of inky-soaked hair and shrug with heavy shoulders.

“Yeul, I was very young when I become guardian and I loved the first Yeul I guarded. I cannot express the feelings of a man who must watch several of the loves he had die. They were all Yeul, like you, but then they were not all you, do you understand? My Yeul was not easily found, her visions came very late and many of people in her original tribe were frightened of her. Taking her away from those people was like rescuing the princess from those books you read. I had fifteen years with her, even though I was only thirteen myself when I became guardian. I believe that I only beat Hawke because I was so young and he was much older than I am now.” He laughed to himself. Yeul never knew Hawke but she knew of him from memories of previous Yeuls and the diaries they often kept.

“I am sorry, I wish I could have released you to keep you from that torment.” Yeul’s guilt was displayed on her face this time, it was her only emotion that she generally emoted at all. Yeul laced her fingers with Nero and looked down to see if the violet-haired youth was anywhere in the crowd but she saw nothing. Nero furrowed his brow, seemingly suspicious about Yeul’s actions as she often acted this way when she had a unpleasant vision.

“Yeul, do not fret yourself about the life of a man who chose his position. I might have only loved one Yeul but I cared for three others, excluding you. In the days of prosperity and longevity, I am happy to still have this privilege even now. Are you worrying about what happens when I can no longer protect you?” Nero said the hard words that both of them did not want to say out loud. Yeul no longer could face him, she could no longer say anything due to how she felt about knowing his demise. Nero hated the distance that she often projected when she was upset, so he bent down on one knee and moved her face in his direction.

“Yeul, there will be a successor and that person will be different but he or she will take my place eventually. Do not be so sad about it, I have been ready for a successor for many years now.” Nero said plainly. Yeul was easily upset by emotional words and he sought to use very simple ones to keep her mood from deteriorating throughout the day. “Now, let us go do something else as the day is still young!” He grinned, even boyishly for an old man. Yeul did not reply directly, she only leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tightly to truly remember this moment.

Comments

[kaius]

It had been long since he last visited this place. It was faint in his memory, yet so clear. A parade, and a bead given to him by Yeul. He remembered that moment in time, specifically. It stuck with him, and now hung loosely at the end of his earring. It was his only reminder of that time beyond the memory itself. Here he stood again, in the streets of the city, walking in silence, with purpose, toward the Paddrean palace. It had been so long he had to take a moment, glancing up at the tall spires of buildings and pillars lining the streets. Though still vague in his memory, he remembered them well.

It had been lively during that visit, and Yeul had stood out the most out of all the commotion. The Seeress, The Queen... and his predecessor. Caius knew what he was there for. To succeed Yeul's guardian, and take his place. He knew it might not be easy, but that was never a cause of concern for him. Whether or not something was easy never influenced his decisions. He knew what he wanted and he was going to see it through.

The square was ahead. Caius would meet him there. He had made that decision. It was far more simple to approach the guardian in a common place rather than what was heavily guarded. He would challenge him, and defeat him one way or another. There was only room for one guardian, there had only ever been one. In order to become the guardian, he needed to kill the current. He was ready, and had been ready a long time ago.

There was nothing more he needed to know. Caius turned the corner, into the square, but remained out of sight. He wouldn't draw attention to himself, not until he spotted Yeul's guardian. The only business he had here, was with the guardian... and Yeul. Idly, he lifted a hand, touching the round, blue bead hanging from his ear. This was the day. He couldn't underestimate his opponent, despite his confidence.

[etroscript]

Nero wished for her mood to improve, especially because she seemed so melancholy for some reason. He, even in his old age, was strong enough to lift Yeul's feather weight in his arms and he hoisted her up. "Let us find something in the square to eat, alright?" Nero suggested. Yeul, on the other hand, was not pleased to leave the palace because she knew there was a danger lurking in the square that day.

"That is fine, let us go to your favourite place." Yeul said, flatly. Yeul looked over the balcony as she was hoisted up, her eyes over-looking the crowds for the man in the violet tresses but she did not see anything directly. The more she thought on the idea that the fated fight would happen in the square, the more she did not want to go there. Nero carried her through the halls undisturbed by the members of the Order of Paddra, the clergy of men who prayed to the Goddess Etro and hailed Yeul in her image.

Nero did not bother to ask her more questions as they left the castle, but simply went to the base of the long set of steps and set Yeul down. Many people knew that Yeuls were always born with the same deformity in the left hip, causing her gait to be ridiculously slow and causing her to run funny. Yeul brushed herself off and took his hand, her eyes apprehensively looked around for this man from the Outlands but she did not see him. The fact that she didn't see him meant that they could enjoy breakfast together, and she was able to take his hand with a release of some of her tension.

The two walked to the small restaurant that was in the back of the square, nearing the hanging gardens. Yeul was happy to eat there again and Nero was pleased that her mood had improved. "Do you know my favourite dish, Yeul?" A smirk crawled onto his sun-kissed skin, awaiting an answer.

"Mm, the Behemoth steak and Chocobo Eggs?" She stated clearly. Nero smirked and patted her head, making motion for his waitress to give him the usual. "And you wish to savor the fresh bread, wild berry jam and milk?" Nero leaned back, making a joke that the two had a constant when everything around them changed all the time. The reminder that some things were stable was very meaningful to Yeul, especially now.

Yeul was quiet during their breakfasts, like usual, but she still searched for this mysterious young man until her breakfast came. She dipped the fresh bread into the jam and ate it sparingly with Nero devouring his much larger meal. It wasn't until she noticed how barbaric he devoured his food that she giggled at him. "Were you taught no manners as a child?" Yeul shook her head.

Nero simply smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "I did not always live within the walls of Paddra as a boy."

[kaius]

There they were. Yeul and Nero. The two of them together as they should be. He remained out of sight, waiting for an opportunity. While there was one, with Yeul, he knew Nero had to die, which meant he had to take Nero from Yeul and she would see him die, before her. Caius knew it would be hard on her. She was a queen, and deserved the respect of one last simple thing with Nero. In this case, it happened to be breakfast. He allowed them to eat, waiting around the corner for them to finish their meal.

If they saw him, then the fight would be on, but he made certain to keep himself out of sight entirely. Whenever Nero stepped into his line of sight, then he would make himself known. He was ready, he would serve and guard Yeul. It had been circling his thoughts and desires, to do so. Though he mused, idly, about the aftermath of Nero's death. He would guard and shield Yeul from everything, but he wondered what he would gain or lose. It didn't matter, but it was a curiosity he would have answered after it was over.

As well did he wonder how Yeul would take the death of her guardian. He remembered her so clearly, yet felt baffled from the moment he saw her, before they had stepped into the restaurant. She had been older than him at the parade, yet it had been over a decade, and she still appeared exactly the way he remembered. Did she not age? It was the one thing out of the entire trip he had been unable to wrap his head around.

Perhaps he would get the chance to ask her.

He waited for several minutes, it took awhile, but they were eating. Caius waited until he heard the door, and finally stepped around the corner. His steps were calm, without any hesitation. Without a second thought or fear, he stopped before Nero when they emerged from the restaurant, but at a respectable distance. He wasn't tense or cautious, he stood confidently, and certain. Caius's gaze never wavered as he met with Nero's.

"I am ready, Nero." He spoke firm, yet quiet, his voice level, and icy. Face without expression, eyes focused. Caius reached for the large blade, held on his back, and pulled it free. He let his arm hang low, and the end of the blade touch the hard ground.

He was ready.

[etroscript]

Nero and Yeul had a delightful breakfast together, which almost made her forget that today was going to happen. She did not know the time frame, only that the day was this one and she had to be ready to see the violet-haired upstart. She worried very much but it was in the back of her head as the two left the restaurant and entered the square again. The youth walked idly behind Nero until he stopped completely, which caused her to run right into him and back up.

"Nero, what---" She become silent when she saw the man dressed in clothing from the outlands, in typical huntsmen garb. She put her hand over her mouth for a second, but there was so many people around them that she had to fight her composure and remain calm as people tended to look to Yeul's expression for whether they should panic or not.

Nero, on the other hand, was already ready for the fight to come to him. The youth he'd seen in Paddra once was the one he knew about. Caius Ballad of the Outlands, parentless boy from Mah'ha'bara. Nero looked down to Yeul and shook his blonde hair, pulling out his own swords from his sides. "Yeul, would you please find a place to safely watch from. This is a battle that you do not need complete protection from, count on Paddra to keep you from harm or pray to Etro for guidance." Nero stared at Yeul, it was the look that he'd only offer to her when he was not sure if a battle could be won. A hand with a small sword in it had gently rested on top of her head and stoked before Nero motioned for her to find a place to stay.

"Let us duel then, I hope that this is not a disappointment Caius of the Outlands." It was clear that Nero's status was very high considering his position as guardian, the people around the square pulled away and it was as if the whole town had stopped. Nero pulled his two short-swords out and walked out to the middle of the square, lowering his legs and readying himself for this battle. Nero would wait patiently for Caius to come at him, the chosen styles of each combatant were different due to the weapons that they both had.

Caius had a desperation, a fighting style that reeked of a man who only fought animals and sometimes people. Nero was a seasoned veteran of fighting humans as he was born straight from Paddra and was not bred for fighting the skin off of large animals. The two clashed swords, frequently missing one another but it was easy to see that Nero was not as young as he had once been even though he was in top physical shape. It only took the two of them nearly an hour of clashing sword before a flip of Nero's caused him to be impaled through his side.

The Hero of Paddra made a heavy groaned of agony as part of the large sword had nearly cut him right through. Caius had already known that pulling the sword out of his body would be a cause for definite death without a miracle in medical attention, but that was against the rules. A fatal wound meant that he would certainly die in the very square that Nero had succeeded his own predecessor. Nero felt the blade yank from his body and he fell to one knee, using his swords to keep him on one knee until he fell from his wounds.

He was finished.

Yeul, who was hidden from view, pushed passed some of the onlookers and raced to Nero's side on the ground. She did not even acknowledge Caius as the winner, but there seemed to be messengers already running to leave the city to let the other areas know of what transpired. A change in guardian was cause for a celebration on Pulse, since Yeul was a queen of the Paddra region. However, there might have been tons of people in the square either in silence or softly whispering to themselves. It was only midday, but it felt like the darkest of nights without daybreak ever coming.

She used her small hands and muscles to force Nero onto his back, even though it was a tough task she did not ask help to do so. Yeul, at that moment, forgot that she was in the middle of the square and started to openly cry beside Nero. "Please, I still need you. I love you." Yeul said as openly as she could, but these words were only audible to Caius as no one else dared to come close to the three of them. The blood coming from Nero had trickled into the tiles, running down the grout and his body began to glow with small pyreflies floating away from him. Nero could only groan as he moved his blooded hand, dropping the sword and resting it on her cheek.

"Ah, Yeul. Do not cry for me, I had a very long life with you and that is all I could have asked for. I cannot stick around forever --" He felt himself losing his ability to even move or speak, but he moved the bloodied hand from her face and yanked off a white bracelet and put it in her hands. "A gift." Yeul's small hands trembled with worry on what to do to help him when he was clearly dying in front of her. "I would gladly give my life again and again to keep you as guardian." Yeul leaned forward, pressed her lips against his and she wrapped her small arms around his neck.

Yeul felt the lasting sensation of his wet, bloodied hand on her back as he laid still in what was his passing moments. "Do not be so sad." Nero, even in his dying moments did not cry or do anything but comfort his seeress. Yeul did most of the crying, until she felt his body go loose and Yeul fell through him onto the blood pool he'd left behind. When his body expired, the glow had dispersed into thousands of glowing orbs and spread apart into the sky as the disappeared.

Although there was nothing left of his person, Caius could hear a voice in his head.

Keep her safe.

Yeul on the other hand heard nothing, she simply stared at the mid-afternoon sky of Pulse and would welcome the rain that would come in the evening. Now that Nero was gone, the crowd seemed to feel as if they were betrayed by the upstart from the Outlands and grew disgusted by him. They started to go about their business, but they did not come close to the middle of the square where to two of them were positioned. Yeul stayed where she was, still from shock tears rolling down her face; it was terrible to see a Queen emote so openly. The small girl lowered her eyes to the white bracelet and put it on her left wrist, tightening the white leather strap so it fit perfectly.

The death of a guardian meant that there was no grave, no body left to mourn or to grieve to. It was like there was no way for her to properly grieve than to just know that there was a replacement, it wasn't fair to her.

Caius had a few minutes before the priests from the Order of Paddra would be down from the palace to retrieve Yeul.

[kaius]

His blade had sunk into Nero easily once he found an opening; he didn't hesitate. Caius lingered, for only a moment, giving the man a moment to take in what happened, before the blade was pulled quick from the massive gash which now plagued Nero's body. His eyes followed the blood which rushed from it, as a result. He watched Nero collapse to the ground, blood still dripped from the blade he held firmly in his grasp.

The small queen ran forth, much to his astonishment. The Paddra Queen was known for her icy veil, but all shattered before him whilst he stepped back, giving the little queen room. He swung the blade, ridding it of some of the blood before he clipped it onto his back once more. Caius didn't move, only watched the little queen collapse by Nero's side. Yeul turned Nero onto his back, and tears fell from her eyes.

Yeul's words caused his stomach to turn. It was uncomfortable, to know he was responsible for the death of someone Yeul cared for so deeply. He hadn't known the type of relationship they had, but it was closer than he imagined. While he didn't regret his decision, if it had been possible without the death of the man, then perhaps things would have gone another way.

Caius listened patiently. They were allowed to say their good-byes and he wasn't going to intervene. Blood stained the hard ground, spreading in a pool around Nero's body until the moment he faded into a white explosion of orbs. They dissipated slowly until there was nothing left. It left him alone with the queen in the middle of the square with citizens ignoring the entire ordeal, but they didn't dare venture close.

The words which echoed through his thoughts were Nero's. Keep her safe.

He had challenged Nero with the intention of doing simply that.

He stepped forward, after a few moments, and knelt down at Yeul's side. One hand lowered and gently rested on her shoulder, his other took her hand with gentle caution. Caius knew he was the last person she would want to touch her, currently, but he couldn't allow her to sit there in her former guardian's blood. There had to be people coming own to get her, news of a guardian's passing had to travel fast, after all. He was careful, but he lifted her hand and looked forward, placing himself in her view, enough to motion with his head for her to rise up again.

[etroscript]

Yeul was stuck completely in her moments of shock, she knew that Nero was going to die and that this day had to come. She hadn't even noticed that she was still in the square after he had disappeared. She had only one person to blame and that person was Caius, but she could not blame him for doing what his fated duty was and she understood what that meant. The silence between them was bordering on uncomfortable because she did not acknowledge him right away, as she should have because he was the victor.

Instead, it took a sensation of warmth to bring her out of her deafening silence and her eyes blinked. Yeul knew of the other guardians before Nero, but she had not met them personally and so many of her past lives had loved Nero just as she had. Caius could not be allowed to be that close, it was forbidden for the Guardian and Seeress to be as close as those two had been. For a moment, she was stuck in her own head until that blink occurred and she saw Caius' knelt beside her with one hand on her shoulder and the other holding onto her hand.

It only took moments for her to understand that she could not remain where she was, no matter how she wished that she could do so. Yeul used his large density for support as she stood on her feet and looked herself over. Once she stood, she pulled herself out of his light grasp and just stood quietly facing him but not raising her eyes to his level. After all, it was rare that when the two spoke that she would have to arch her head way back to meet his field of view. "Thank you for that. The Paddraen Priests are coming for me, and they will show you to your new quarters. I know that Outlanders know nothing of the city life, but there will be a celebration, a festival and many tribe leaders to meet you. There is a ceremony that we must perform together tomorrow." Yeul stated softly, genuinely and remotely.

The icy exterior seemed present again, just as many would remember but her tears would be further shed in the privacy of her own room. Yeul seemed more distant than she was normally, which would be difficult to notice until one knew her very well. Unfortunately, that level of knowledge was exclusive only to guardians as no one was allowed to be closer to her than the guardian. The moments passed and a few women of the cloth, many men came down to the square to pull the two apart. The Head of the Order; Paddra-Eu Jovian appeared in front of Yeul and took her by the wrist in a way that a parent would remove a child, instead of the way one would do to respect a Queen of Paddra. Those in the closed area in the square could hear him speak to her.

"Look at you, my Queen. Covered in your guardian's blood, could you not wait until he disappeared to show your affections? It is unbecoming to have our queen cry out like a child would." It did not seem to be comforting, but very underhanded way of being told that she was not to do these things. Yeul simply nodded in agreement as he continued. "You must acknowledge your new guardian, even if he is a barbarian from the outlands. Are you sure that we can trust someone like him?" Jovian muttered again, trying to get her attention but it was lost on her and she just nodded.

"You must make an announcement after you are cleaned." She nodded as he pulled her a little to come with him, some of the women with him was trying to wipe some of the blood off of her face as she disappeared to the steps that went to the high palace area. On the other hand, Caius was met with various serious and unwelcome faces in the forms of men of the cloth. Paddra-Eu Tatius was a older man with dirty blonde hair in a ponytail, covered in robs and stood just underneath Caius in height. "Caius of the Outlands, I will show you to your quarters. You will be dressed and fitted for the occasion tonight for your acknowledgement, you cannot look like you have wrestled with boars." He said, turning abruptly and expected Caius to follow him.

[kaius]

Yeul had risen easily once he caught her attention. It was necessary to snap her out of the shock she had fallen into. Once she was on her feet, he let her step out of his grasp. There was no further need for him to invade her space, it wasn't called for but there was no other way to get her attention. Though when her chilly exterior returned, he was hardly surprised. He had heard she was known for being unexpressive; as queen she could not afford to show too much emotion, and her display was a shameful sight for the surrounding citizens and the like.

She explained Paddrean priests were on their way for her, and what would happen. He would be shown his new room. He really did know nothing of city life, but he could grow accustomed to it. It was a small price, in his eyes. There was a celebration to be held, and a ceremony the next day. They wasted no time at all for such things, it seemed, no matter how difficult for the Queen it was. He stepped back, putting space between the two of them, out of his own respect.

The priests appeared and they were separated, and they dragged her off. He noticed, it was much the way a child was treated. With disapproving eyes, he watched from a distance until unfamiliar faces appeared before him. He didn't move or speak. He was addressed by the title Nero used. Caius of the Outlands. Though the slight wasn't appreciated, an underhanded way of insulting him. They believed him to be a barbarian no matter what lay beneath where he came from. They were sheltered, fearful people, and despised his 'barbaric' kind.

"Very well." It was better to follow in suit for now. He paused a moment, gazing down at the blood slowly drying on the ground, but then he shifted to look where Yeul had gone. She was dragged off in a most unfitting fashion. A bunch of controlling cowards, they all were. Caius followed behind the man who expected him to obey. For now, he chose to.

[etroscript]

Yeul was taken to her chambers, the maids were there to clean her and purify her body for the ceremonial clothing that she was to wear tomorrow and the acknowledgment speech tonight. She did not want to admit that she did not feel safe now that she had no guardian, because she was aware of the plans for her demise and it was not her place to try to change fate unless fate changed itself. Nero stood between her and the Order attempting on her life, on her place on the throne and she knew this and a simple sigh passed through her lips.

The maids tried to engage her by insulting or complimenting the new guardian, in an effort to spring something from her but she did not respond. Yeul changed from her bloodied clothing into heavy robes for Paddraen royalty and waited as her hair was easily removed from her headset and braided on the sides of her head with long pieces coming down from each spiral on each side. Quietly, she moved a little as she slipped on her shoes and made herself comfortable.

"My Queen, it is difficult to accept the new guardian now but Paddra accepting him depends completely on you." An older maid said to Yeul, gently finishing her hair and helping her stand. Yeul coldly, yet angrily replied without the anger coming off her tongue but the heat was there. "It is up to the guardian to prove that he is worth being the people's hero, I do not wish to accept a replacement but you do not understand that. Now, please excuse me." Yeul waited for the last beading to be placed in her hair before she left her bedroom and walked out to the balcony, where the people of Paddra could see her standing.

Currently, it was nearly evening and special lights were being put up to light up the square and town for this moment. Yeul was still, stiff and distant more than she ever had been while she waited for Caius to come by her side and get the acknowledgment that he had been deserving.

Caius, on the other hand was given similar cerimonial robes but they did not fit him correctly. Caius, even as a young man, was broad, tall and lean with extremely long legs due to his towering height. The outfit was bright blue, dark brown with silver and light blue words written from Etroscript. It was heaved over his shoulder and across his chest with the other piece doing the same and a large leather belt that covered most of his waist. The robe that was fitted was a little shorter than he would have normally worn, but it was long enough for looks. The men helped with tailoring a new set of pants in deep brown that was fitted to him in the normal Pulsian trends of widened pant legs after the knees.

The time spent inside the former room of Nero was silent, they did not try to interact with him unless they had to by asking. Once he was fitted, they moved stand in front of him to lead him to Yeul's private quarters. When they met up with Tatius and the two men left Caius' side, so that he would lead Caius to the place where he would be in front of all of Paddra. "Act properly in front of the Queen, you will be given an opportunity to speak after she does. I can only hope that you do not cause embarrassment to Paddra with your ---" He made a disgusted tone. "Barbarish ways."

Tatius went silently afterwards, approaching Yeul's chambers and opening the large door to reveal a very large room. The room did not have a lot of things inside of it but there was an extra bed near the window, a extremely large bed with lavish Paddraen details and things like a in ground bath among other things. Yeul, however, just simply turned when she heard the door open and motioned politely for all the others who were not Caius or Yeul to leave. It seemed so strange, she did not need to ask for things but she was also extremely chained to the spot of Queen.

When she was sure that everyone was gone, she used her covered hand and motioned for him to stand beside her. There was nothing left of the girl from earlier this morning that he had seen vaguely expressing, even happy this morning but just a lone serious expression. "Come beside me." Yeul spoke it as a command, even though her tone was soft and emotionless.

[kaius]

The new guardian followed his guide to his chambers. It became quickly apparent he was not truly welcome, but they were forced to honor his skill and defeat of the previous guardian his predecessor. Nero had been a skilled man, but he had to end his life. Caius knew Yeul already resented him for it. Her cold exterior toward him told him so, though she had no reason to be warm. There was no reason the small queen would not be.

Upon entering, he was given proper clothes to wear, but they did not fit him properly. They were forced to fit them better to him, and he cooperated. He didn't quite care for the garb but since it was an important ceremony, he cooperated with them for the time being. Once he knew how everything fell into place, then he would decide his own rules, but only if the Seeress truly accepted him over all. He did notice their lack of conversation, but he did not care. His concern was with Yeul and no one else.

Caius followed his guide out of the room, and all the way to where Yeul waited, but on the walk there. There was no need to respond to the man, he really did not care what he said one way or another. They could be rude, but it did not change he bested Nero and was to be the new guardian should the Queen accept him. Tatius lead him to a large door, and opened it. He stepped within after the man. The room was silent as Yeul turned around to face them, and waved the men an women away.

Everyone was gone, and the door closed behind them. She did have a nice room, at least, though how they treated her was curious. She seemed more akin to a prisoner than a true ruler. A Queen was to rule. Caius waited patiently, until she motioned to him, and he complied without hesitation. He stepped forward, walking toward her until he stood beside her as she commanded.

From such a place, he could see the entirety of Paddra, it was astonishing. A gorgeous view, but he didn't allow himself to get distracted from the Seeress. Caius was stoic, his face straight, and unreadable, the same as hers. He was stern, and waited patiently by her side.

[etroscript]

Yeul waited for him to come by her side, where she was immediately dwarfed by his sheer size. A part of her thought that he might have come from Taejin, considering the warriors there always seemed so bold, so large in stature in comparison to the rest of the people in the surrounding area. That is when she remembered, that she did not formally ask for him name yet and she realized this a little too late. She could not admit to this embarrassment, so she would need to figure out a way to find that out without embarrassingly asking him the question.

Yeul was settled in positioning herself close to the edge of the balcony, using a small stone to step up so that she was easily viewable by the masses. Yeul raised her hands up and out to get the attention of the people, the masses stopped their activities to watch her when she did this. It was strange, she had so much power that she did not even need a verbal command to call upon her great city to give her their attention. Of all the tribes on Pulse, Yeul was the most well-known and well-loved as she constantly ruled the same way.

"People of Paddra, Nero of Fierce Spirit has perished by the hand of Caius of the Outlands. I acknowledge him as the successor to the title of Guardian. We shall perform the Eternal Rite of Etro tomorrow. I, now, give you my new guardian." Yeul did not step down, but she tapped the large stone ledge for him to come to, gesturing for him to speak, to gloat of his victory. Yeul spoke gently, quietly to him.

"They will wish to hear of your victory."

[kaius]

With patience, Caius waited beside her, his eyes staring down to the onlooking crowd below. They silenced whilst her arms raised up, it was a memorable sight, the power and respect Yeul commanded amongst the populace. He did not care whether or not she asked his name, she already knew it enough; there was no need to ask. At the same time, the small queen seemed strictly barred from doing as she pleased by those around her, influenced by their words. In the small time he had seen them interact with her, he had noticed it, and it was disgusting.

Yeul acknowledgeded him as the victor over Nero, and her new guardian. They were to perform the Rite of Etro, as he heard. All too soon, Yeul passed over the crowd to him. He noticed the tap on the stone ledge. Caius complied without any hesitation, and did not question what she wanted of him. It was obvious enough, even without her telling him to do so. They wanted to hear of his victory. His hands rested on the large, and he stared down at the crowd with an unreadable face.

"My predecessor fought admirably. He did not back down, did not falter before my blade; he fought honorably and fairly as is the way of the Guardian. My preseverence, and my skill exceeded his own, and he fell to my prowess, yet not without challenge. He will be remembered, and honored in my memory as I claim his place as Guardian. I vow to protect the Queen Seeress, as the new Guardian, and am honored to receive the title." Caius momentarily paused, but did not falter or avert his gaze. He stood proudly before the crowd, and at Yeul's side.

"Years ago, as my life as a hunter went on, I was given a message. Etro spoke to me, and gave me a purpose. I was given a reason to find the Guardian; to find, and succeed the Guardian. I am here as a result of the message, and task given to me by the Goddess Etro." Caius extended a hand out to the crowd, continuing, "I met the Guardian, and it was then I decided I would succeed him, and take his place as Guardian of the Seeress, and Queen of Paddra."

Caius lowered his hand again.

"I have completed this task proudly, and I will use all of my power to protect Paddra Nsu-Yeul, Jewel of the Farseers."

[etroscript]

The crowd listened intently to the new guardian as he slightly gloated his victory over Nero, along with the story of living away from humanity. Yeul never knew that he had to deal with the problems of living away from humanity or that Etro spoke to him. She placed her fingers against her lips, listening to him intently and she felt her heart pound a little when he brought up Nero the way he had. Unlike the crowd, Yeul was judging him a lot more harshly than they were and they were easily won over because they were basing their entire opinion of him on this new momentary speech.

Yeul heard what he said. Jewel of the Farseeres. It was something that she was rarely called, it impressed her and made her feel a sense of nostalgia for the word "Jewel." as it had been used as a word of endearment by a former guardian. Yeul almost smiled to herself when she thought of this.

When he lowered his hand, there was a silence before the the city erupted into the cheers and applause for Caius' story. By mentioning Etro, it was almost as if he was devoted to Paddra already -- even if he was an barbarian from the out lands. The music in the square played loudly for the new guardian, it was clear that the celebration had already begun before it even started. Yeul did not want to ruin the Caius' deserved praise, so she remained still as a statue until they were finished cheering and hollering at the two above them.

When she was sure that the cheering had toned down a little, she faced the crowd and raised only one hand to silence them again. She did not wish to brazen him with a new title until he earned it, but a title was indeed earned but Yeul would not refer to him as such. "As per the ritual, he shall be given a title suited to his guardianship. You may refer to him as Caius the Valiant, He Who Was Sought By Etro. May the festivities begin!" Yeul's voice reacted how it should with the emotion of excitement but he face did not emote this. Thankfully, she did not have to stand near the ledge much longer and she gently waved at the crowd before gesturing for Caius to do the same before stepping away. When they stepped away, she walked into the bedroom and went to the large seats that were there for Yeul and Nero to enjoy the cool air on the warm evening.

Now that seat would be occupied by Caius. She moved to remove the heavy robe and reveal her petite frame underneath it, even though she had a much small robe underneath the large ceremonial one. "You have come far, considering you are a barbarian." She crossed her right leg over her left, rested her elbow on the armrest and her hand held her face as she watched him. It was weird how put together she was considering the fact surrounding her guardian having disappeared, those that knew nothing of Yeul might consider her to have something wrong emotionally or mentally for being so emotionless after the loss of someone she loved.

"What is your tribe name?" Yeul asked, moving some of her hair out of her face.

[kaius]

The crowd uproared in applause and he remained there before them, watching the masses in their excitement of his victory. Despite his origins, they were impressed with his tenacity and determination, as well as his surpassing of Nero. His ascension to Guardian was exactly what he wanted, and he had achieved his goal. It was what he was meant to do. There was music and cheering for some time before Yeul faced the crowd again.

Her hand raised and the crowd silenced to listen to their Queen's words. Caius listened in silence, as well, following their example whilst the Seeress spoke of the ritual, and a title he had earned. Caius the Valiant, He Who Was Sought By Etro. He did not expect such a title; he hadn't known what he would receive, but the crowd erupted again once Yeul started the festivities below. Then she stepped down at last, and Caius followed her when she gestured him to do so.

He followed behind her, watching her approach large seats in the bedroom and settle herself down upon them. She shed the robe over her small body, she sat and addressed him again. Even she mentioned his barbarianism, but he was hardly surprised. He would not forget he had killed Nero, who had been so important to her. She asked him his tribe name. His face remained unreadable, for the time being.

"My tribe name is Mah'ha'bara-Ute Caius." He had some questions of his own, but for now he decided to wait until she was done questioning him, but he did step forward and move to the other chair there, and sit himself down across from her. It had been a tiring day already. His eyes did not leave her, however.

[etroscript]

Yeul could only speak the truth; she had known of his ascension a long time ago, just as she had known that his intentions were very pure in heart. It was difficult for Yeul to have all these pent up emotions and it did not help that Caius was equally as unemotional as she appeared to be. Nero had been easy to figure out, easy to suggest what he was feeling and she would miss that as she was unsure if this man was even better than Nero at all. Her thoughts were focused on this as she waited on baited breath for him to answer, until she saw him move into Nero's chair.

She set up straight when she saw this, taking a quick breath in to hold her unpleasent thoughts sorting themselves in her mind. Yeul found this very upsetting that he chose to sit down in Nero's chair, she did not emote her sadness but she simply looked from Caius and to the planet of Cocoon that was easily seen from her window. Yeul frequently looked there when she wished to be someplace or doing something else that held not obligation like this situation did. Yeul's hand started to move to easily undo the various braids in her long hair and ponder on her own problems until she heard Caius speak his tribe name.

She shot her head in his direction, and she bit down on her lip as she remembered the incident that happened with the seige on Mah'ha'bara from Haerii and how they killed for a new location. She also remembered that many clan names were completely removed from the map, one of which she knew to be the Ute clan; the one that Caius was borne from. "How is that possible, I thought the siege lay waste to that clan specifically. Are you the last of that tribe?"

[kaius]

Caius hadn't any idea he was sitting in the same chair Nero used to; there was no way to know. He knew of Nero but did not personally knew him, or his relationship to Yeul. From what he had seen, Yeul treasured that man, and he was not going to disrespect someone he had felled. To disrespect the dead was unforgivable, and it was not something he would do.

Though when he spoke of his tribe name he noticed her change in disposition. She seemed very surprised, but it was no shock to him. The tribe had been wiped off the face of the map, and he was, as far as he knew, the only one left. He leaned back slightly in the chair, but his eyes did not leave her. A small breath parted him, and he gave the Seeress a faint nod in confirmtion.

"As far as I am aware, I am the last of the Ute tribe. I have not heard of, nor seen another." If there were others, they had gone into hiding and remained hidden to this day. It was not his business to search for them, as he had made his own life until Etro had spoken to him. Caius relaxed, though faintly. Though he did not know the Seeress well, he knew she was no danger to him, thus there was no reason to exercise caution.

"Seeress, might I ask you something about your former Guardian?" If she was not willing to disclose anything about Nero due to the pain of his loss, he would not pry into it.

[etroscript]

The guardians of Yeul were given a very special sort of love, a love that lasted longer than their body and mind were able to hold out. After all, she had all the memories of every guardian and it lasted forever in her own mind. The men and women who stayed by her side were someone she genuinely loved in every way a person could be loved. So, each life that protected her was also a scar upon her own chest that she had to bear for all eternity. These type of deep thought plagued her mind, but she tried to keep that on the back burner whenever she spoke to other people.

Yeul solemnly watched the man in the chair across from her, watched his mannerisms and listened to him as he spoke of a tribe that no longer existed. She knew that the Mue clan tried to take over Mah'Ha'Bara for the sake of land and usefulness or jealousy of working with Atmos, but she did not know a single sole lived. Yeul felt pity for Caius, she had seen that very vision of the Ute clan being demolished over land a long time ago and it bothered her to know that now.

She brought her hand to her lap, then the other hand rested on it as she lowered her eyes from Caius and to the smooth, yet colorful, tile floor beneath them. Having these prophetic visions put her in a place of sadness that she could not express without giving away what she felt, it was important that only she feel these things. The slightest twist of her mouth frowned, however, it was so small that it might go unseen.

"You may ask me whatever your heart desires." Yeul was not angry anymore, at least not for now, so he could get more information than he could have at any other time.

[kaius]

Caius was curious about Nero. He had been since the moment he saw the man, but there had been no opportunities to ask questions. What had been done was done, and there was no turning back. He had taken his place and there was no point in dwelling on it, but the Seeress knew Nero well, and he could learn about his predecessor through her. Perhaps more about their special relationship. Yeul hid things well, as he was learning quickly, even with her display in the square.

"What kind of man was your former Guardian?" It was a vast question, but something to start with. Caius remained still in his seat, but there was a hinted softness to his words; his voice had lowered in firmness and took on a more casual, mindful tone. He did not wish to cause Yeul more grief with his questions, but there was no avoiding asking about Nero if he wanted to know the type of man who had protected Yeul for so long.

Caius didn't need to say Nero was special to Yeul, it had been made obvious when he passed on. He had stood back for her and allowed her to have final moments with him before she had been corralled back to the palace. Once he had his official place as her Guardian, and finished the required ceremonies, it was the first thing he intended to change. Caius didn't believe the Seeress and Queen of Paddra should be pushed around so easily.

[etroscript]

In a world of color, Yeul's representations of her guardians were the most vivid things that she had to offer. Yeul knew the insides, the outsides and the innerworkings of all of her guardians as they spent so long with her that nothing was secret with exception of her own self. The question brought a softer, more gentle disposition to her and she slowly raised her peridot eyes to focus on Caius more intently. She brought her finger up to her lip, as if to make a motion for silence but she pondered on how to explain this answer to Caius.

"Nero was a man of many faces as he aged. When I first met him, he defeated his predecessor at age 13. I was close in age, he was so full of life as a young man and the youth never left him. Nero put himself in the way of harm for me, consistently. I believe that he had fallen in love with me, and I returned those feelings. Nero's honor was important to him, and as such he frequently allowed others to contest him when they wished to dual him." Yeul thought fondly, but she had an incredible ache in her heart where Nero should have been. The ache was so prominent that she placed her hand against her heart, wishing that she could have halved it with him to continue his existence.

"As he became older, I could see his wish for more than I could offer due to my situation. He wished to be my husband, but the Order of Paddra forbid it and suggested that he was beneath me as Queen. I have deep regret for allowing that to happen between us, but he never pushed me to change the decision. Nero was my everything and I was his, but my short life has always been a burden that he carried. I knew that he had conflicting feelings for me as he had become my love interest, a father, a brother, a friend and my guardian." Yeul's disposition wavered slightly as she felt a single tear falling down her face, she wiped it quickly before continuing.

"He was a person that every person should aspire to be. Today, I knew of your appearance and I was in a poor mood. It was Nero who brought me down into the square, in hopes of bringing me out of my mood." Yeul grew silent after explaining, she replayed the scenario of him being struck down in front of her and Caius emerging the victor as Nero disappeared. The Order had been so quick to usher her from the square and separate Caius and Yeul too, it seemed strange that the Order would separate them when they were to not be apart.

[kaius]

It seemed Nero was a very impressive individual. To have defeated his precessor at such an incredibly young age was no small feat. It was an accomplishment not easily matched by anyone else. Yeul had been in love with him and cared for him on a very deep level, beyond what had been deemed appropriate. The Order of Paddra raised his concerns. They pushed the young Queen around as though they were the ones in charge. Even going so far as to usher Yeul away from him in the square when the Guardian and Seeress were never supposed to be apart.

While he hadn't yet been accepted at the time, he found it incredibly odd how eager they were to separate them. It was something else he wanted to ask her about. Caius's face had slightly softened whilst the Seeress spoke of Nero, and her short life. Though, it concerned him more to hear of it. Nero himself had conflicting feelings about their relationship, and a tear strained Yeul's young, round face. She had known of his appearance and Nero was trying to cheer her up.

"Nero was an important man to you." Caius stated, but with care. He did not wish to offend Yeul or upset her, she had suffered enough in one day from his loss. "I do have another question, about the Order." Caius nodded once, faintly, "I find it questionable they were quick to separate us in the square. Why exactly was that? My understanding is the Guardian and Seeress must never be apart."

[etroscript]

Nero would be a long-time touchy subject for Yeul until she could speak about him without a choke in her breath. His death was so fresh to her, so real and even though she knew the moment he would be struck down that did not make it any easier to accept. Yeul thought about his death and the tears that came were quickly wiped by the edge of her index fingers; this was an attempt to keep composure. She could not think about how hard it was to deal with the loss of Nero, especially when no one would or could mourn him like she would.

In her almost deaf silence, Yeul heard Caius' bellowing, yet gentle, voice speak again in her direction. She lifted her head, her strays strands of silvery stuck to her face and then swayed when she moved a little. Yeul did not make any sort of emotional face when Caius mentioned the Order of Paddra, she had long since disliked what the Order had become but could do little to help herself.

"The Order wishes for me to keep my composure, they see the guardian as nothing more than a title these days. They do not believe that the guardian is necessary to keep me safe, but that is why I need one. I am unable to protect myself and must allow things that happen to happen. I might be the Queen of Paddra, but I am the least protected person on Pulse. I am able to control the territory of Paddra, but I am forbidden to go against my visions and may not change anything in time to help myself. Nero was forced under their thumb a bit, mostly because we were the same age when he came into his guardianship. It is possible that they aim to do the same to you." Yeul leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, she needed to relax before she became upset over this other situation.

[kaius]

Unable to protect herself, unable to stop herself from catastrophe should it occur. She could do nothing to save her own life even if she knew death was coming. Yeul needed a protector but the Order of Paddra sought to control her actions and movement, so they tried to control Guardians when they surfaced. Nero was one of them, and had been forced under their rules, but he had no intention of allowing the same to happen to him. He was not under their laws or belief, and he came from another region.

They wanted her to keep her composure, which was ludicris when it came to the death of a man she loved. There should have been no reason for her to conceal her mourning for someone she cared so deeply about, but the Order believed differently. She was Queen of Paddra yet lacked power over her own territory. The fact disturbed him. He didn't care for such a two-faced group of people. Yeul deserved better, and he intended to bring it to her.

"I see." His eyes momentarily closed, and he appeared to be lost in thought for a moment. Then he stood again, and rounded the table, approaching Yeul's side. Caius came to a halt beside her chair and lowered himself down, one knee resting on the floor whilst his other bent while his foot rested beside his knee. An arm crossed over his chest, diagonally, hand resting on his own shoulder whilst the other fingers touched the floor. Caius's head bowed to the seeress.

"I will listen only to you, in however long I am your guardian, no other will command nor direct me. As I am here to protect you, and no one else."

[etroscript]

Caius would have to be the sword, the shield and the quick-witted if he were to be a long-lasting guardian and keep her from death before the time comes. Yeul could only agree with things to keep it simple between the Order of Paddra and herself, she was not allowed to meddle in affairs that she knew would eventually change the course of time. Caius, however, was not barred from this and neither was her former guardians but being controlled by the Order meant control for Yeul to some degree. The only power she held was the power of freedom and the power of war to her people, the Order could make no such demands and thus why she sought to allow people innocently condemned to leave the prisons.

Strangely, in Paddra, there was little crime and even smaller amount of criminals. Yeul ran a tight ship, keeping food and jobs aplenty so that the people of Paddra would want for nothing but to live their lives. Those that were criminals, were dealt with or removed from Paddra entirely. For now, however, she thought of how she was unable to live life as a person but she had her guardian, or -- she had Caius. The thought of the new guardian bothered her, she could only focus introspectively until Caius started moving from his seat across from her.

Yeul's eyes simply watched him move from the seat and into his knee in front of her and she scooted forward to observe him. Her peridot eyes widened slightly at his sudden and complete submission to her, even so much that she could not hold the grudge she had in her heart. For her to see this, she needed Caius to go a mile before she would go a millimeter towards him. Yeul raised her eyes to Cocoon for a moment, then back to Caius and she raised her small hand and gently rested it on top of his hair as violet as verbena flowers.

"I am glad for your submission and servitude, I hope for a great --- " She paused for a moment, then answered. ".. companionship between us."

[kaius]

There was something melancholy about the seeress. He couldn't imagine what she lived with, and the heavy burden on her shoulders. She appeared so young, and already suffered the loss of one she loved dearly. There was nothing more he wanted than to protect her; he knew it was what he was meant to do. He had already experienced the control over Yeul. Caius felt disgust with the Order of Paddra for leading her in a single direction, deciding what she had done and what she could display. Barred from even mourning her former guardian.

Caius hadn't any idea of the magnitude of her place nor everything she had to do in a day, or what was expected of her all in the end. He waited patiently before her, keeping his head bowed down before her to let her hand rest on his hair. Her touch was beyond soft, harmless, and without any ill intent. Sadly, he doubted she could do him harm if she wanted to. He wasn't anxious or uneasy in his submission to her. It was where he belonged. Below and beside her, to protect her from whatever force dared threaten her.

Though, her choice of words was interesting. Companionship. Perhaps it was a companionship of sorts, but he wondered if it was truly the case with the way she seemed conflicted within herself. It was understandable. Whatever lay in the future for him, and for Yeul, he had no intention of allowing the Order to control him and tell him how to behave. He wasn't under their jurisdiction. He wasn't going to bow down to them.

"As do I." Caius didn't move, he didn't lift his head. He merely waited for her to do at she pleased.

[etroscript]

Caius was so eager to please her, to coat her sadness in something that resembled a replacement for the only person she truly loved to herself -- other than her people. The man was built of mass, so much mass that she knew that he would definitely be a source of not only respect, but fear in those that wished to steal her life from her. Yeul's vibrant, green eyes stared at him in the same solace that she had earlier, but she tried to hide that by standing up and motioning for him to do the same. "Tomorrow will bring us a new day, and on that day the people will celebrate you. I apologize for the inconvience of not removing things from Nero's room, I am not able to enter the Guardian's chambers at the moment."

Yeul did not want to admit that she wanted to spend her final night reminincing about him, in his room that was now going to be shaped by Caius. There was also the unmentioned rule that she should not be seen in the Guardian's chamber for fear that he might do something to sully her name, not that Yeul would have minded that as she had been in love with her previous guardians as well. "I will show you to your quarters, you will need sleep. Many people will be coming for the celebration tomorrow." Yeul used her hand to smooth out her clothing, her eyes only directing towards the floating moon known as Cocoon in the sky.

"Do you speak Pulsian?" She murmured to him, hoping that he knew the mother tongue of the homeland -- as some people did not know it at all. Yeul walked slowly towards the large door and pushed it open, waiting for Caius to exit before she let it release to shut it.

[kaius]

The burden Yeul lived with was a heavy one, he knew she had to pay the price for being able to see the future, but he wondered if she deserved such a curse. It was unfair for her alone to face the consequences of a gift she had not asked for. She was merely a young girl, forced to grow up quickly, to rule a kingdom. Despite her young age, she was not without experience, which was a small blessing. Yet she didn't have the chance to experience life the same way another young woman would. Caius knew this, and his heart went to her. He was willing to do whatever was necessary to make her life easier, and happier.

Tomorrow was another day, and there would be a celebration to commemorate his ascent into guardianship at Yeul's side, whether or not the Order of Paddra wished it. He had defeated Nero, and they could not stop him from rising up to be Yeul's protector. Caius wanted to serve her with all his heart, he had from when he was young. "It is alright, don't worry about such things." After all, she had been forced to give up her guardian, and face his demise. It would have been easier if there could be more than one guardian, but that was not how things went, and never would be. The only way to succeed was to kill, but he did not relish such a tradition.

"Ah, yes I do." Caius responded, in the same tongue. He wondered if the Order knew such a language, "Does the Order know it?" He had no idea. There were many things he needed to pick up on; he asked before the door had been opened. A hand lifted and pressed to the door so Yeul didn't need to hold it open for him. He stepped out, and into the hall again, before he let it fall to a close behind him again.