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.

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[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.