"You were born a leader, no crown or throne needed."
"Do you think they'll say yes?"
"I'm sure they will. This is what they're good at, Vala."
"I'm still a bit unsure. You know them better than I do after all. Within reason I suppose."
A peculiar pair was crossing through the courtyard just outside the Grand Cathedral just as the sun was rising into its eight in the morning spot in the cloudless spring sky. Stepping up to the door of the house tucked into the corner just beside the stone steps of the Cathedral and making up the pair was the white-haired, white-skinned with deep red facial tattoos and golden eyes of Valarosta with a red-haired elf known as Ilipharan. The pair glanced at each other, seeming to expect the other to knock first.
Letting out an annoyed breath, Ili stepped up and rapped firmly upon the wooden door. The pair listened intently as they heard, from within the house, voices as well as the scrambling of something or someone across the floor. And then footfalls were heard, the curtain to their right briefly opening and then closing before a lock was being heard shifted out of place.
The door swung wide and instead of their query, a shorter blonde-haired Ailor woman stood before the pair of Manathar and Nelfin. Dressed still in her sleeping clothes which consisted of one of her spouse's shirts and a set of pajama bottoms, Julienne von der Ebene tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. She studied the two who stood on her doorstep.
"Ili?"
"Good morning, Julienne."
"Hello."
"Julie, who's at… Oh."
"Julie, who's at… Oh."
A fourth voice spoke from behind the Ailor woman and the familiar hulking form of Seraphina came into view. Similarity dressed to their wife, the large being wore pajama bottoms, a sleeveless shirt and a frilly apron that merely read: Kiss the Cook.
Vala visibly blinked, taking a step back at the appearance of her friend. Opening her mouth slightly, she looked towards Ili, clearly startled by the attire the normally hardened warrior was wearing. Ili, meanwhile, was trying to contain her laughter.
"Friends of yours, love? I know Ili, but…"
"Ahem, yes. Please, come in you two. Are you hungry? Julienne and I were about to sit down for breakfast. But I don't mind making some more eggs."
Before either of them could properly give a response, they found themselves seated in the homey kitchen with mugs of tea before them. The duo exchanged a glance as they turned their eyes upon Sera and Julienne, sort of observing the couple with quiet interest.Or at least Vala was for that matter, as the Manathar had never quite seen the being known as Seraphina to be this warm and gentle. As she raised the mug of tea to her lips, she couldn't help but blink as she noticed the glance the pair exchanged as they continued cooking together. A familiar glance filled with such love and adoration that she couldn't help but smile.
"Vala, I'm sorry, where are my manners. Julienne, this is Valarosta. She and I used to work together. And you know Ili already. Vala, this is my wife, Julienne."
"Oh! This is Vala, Seraphina has told me quite a bit about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Oh?"
The Manathar looked towards the back of the Avant's head, squinting a bit.
"All good things. I promise."
There was a teasing tone to their words as they turned about, two more plates with an omelet each and what appeared to be home fries. Sera placed the plates before both of their friends and sat down beside their wife. The breakfast table, besides the glasses and plates that contained the foursomes omelets', also had a plate of piled with bacon and a basket of biscuits with two jars of jam beside them. From the basket, Sera snatched a biscuit and set to digging in.
Julienne merely snorted at her spouse's antics and shook her head, taking a sip from her own mug before following suit.
"I can't say I'm upset to find you both on my doorstep this early in the morning, but I will say I'm surprised. Is there something wrong? Judging by the confusio-"
"Sera, let them eat first before you begin asking questions."
"But-"
The large being was silenced by a singular glance from the petite blonde Ithanian woman. An annoyed huff escaped Sera, but there was a hint of a smile crossing their scarred features as they went back to their food. A comfortable, yet confused silence enveloped the group of four as they continued their meal in silence. However, there was the occasion mumble of something soft from the married pair as they exchanged glances. Almost if they were having a conversation with just looks alone. Perhaps they were, but Vala and Ili seemed oblivious, not understanding the conversation or a mix of both.
It was Vala who broke the silence, eventually, setting her fork down and addressing Sera.
"Sera."
"Hm."
"Do you recall Avainierial?"
"...Can't say I do."
"He was the Commander of the Greywitches before the Violet Order dissolved. He and I-"
"It dissolved again? Hm. Interesting."
"The Templars and the Greywitches have come together to form a new charter. It's called the Arcanum Order."
"Uh-huh."
"Hm."
"Do you recall Avainierial?"
"...Can't say I do."
"He was the Commander of the Greywitches before the Violet Order dissolved. He and I-"
"It dissolved again? Hm. Interesting."
"The Templars and the Greywitches have come together to form a new charter. It's called the Arcanum Order."
"Uh-huh."
Vala glanced toward Ili who was munching away at a piece of bacon. The Nelfin blinked before swallowing her bite and looking over to their almost lifelong friend.
"Sera."
"Mmm."
"We want you to join us."
"I'm retired."
"Sera, you were complaining about not having to do just yesterday. I think you should accept their offer."
Another annoyed huff escaped Seraphina and they crossed their arms over their chest. Looking up at the ceiling, they tapped a finger against their bare arm and mulled it over. Finally, they looked at Ili and then at Vala."Who else is in?"
"Taen. Abel. Nym."
"Molly's with us too."
"You two really are playing hardball."
"Would it sweeten the deal if I named you Officer as well?"
"Only if Ili's one too."
"Consider it done."
Silence from the large Avant before they popped the rest of their second biscuit into their mouth and chewed. A thoughtful expression was on their features before they just nodded.
"Alright. I'm in."
Ili and Vala exchanged a relieved smile as they went on back to their breakfast, clearly pleased with themselves.
"Retirement was never my scene anyway."
Seraphina remarked as they took a sip from their coffee mug, a mischievous smile spreading over their features while the rest of the breakfast table laughed. It was true, no matter how hard they tried, guarding in some shape or form always came back to grab them by the hand. Not that they minded, much. It was nice to know they were good at what they loved to do.
@Athelois @Nesstro
