006 » how to turn back the time

[royalist]

fanart by tamaon2525.bsky.social.
for louis at archdaemon.

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[archdaemon]

[ Louis's gaze does not falter. It lingers over Wilhelm, unerringly keen, as the boy runs through a few motions, each strike perfectly precise. Honed, at the very least—the type of motion that bespeaks proper training. Even bereft of his memories, his body remembers the motions of combat, even if they are clean in a way that suggests he has had little field training.

Once again, the boy never ceases to rouse Louis's curiosity. And as he is now, unaware of the cutthroat politics of the capital, he does not fully grasp the weight of it. Right now, the only thing Louis sees in his clear eyes is that consistent, earnest eagerness. ]

Then it will suffice for your first weapon. And when you hone your skills further, we will see to something even better.

[ If the tinge of magla that follows Wilhelm like an ever-present mist is any indication, they will have need of something that can amplify his magic eventually. That, though, will be something to decide on once Louis has had more time to gauge the boy's capabilities for himself, beyond what his instincts are telling him now.

The corners of Louis's mouth curl slightly in an expression that isn't quite a smile, but approving nonetheless—a reward for Wilhelm's knack for being a source of intrigue no matter what he does, where he's taken, or whatever is requested of him. ]

We will take this one.

[ With only a few words to the shopkeeper, barely batting an eyelash over the price, Louis pays for the sword without taking it from Wilhelm's grasp. A sword should remain with its master, after all. ]

[royalist]

[ Will is still untainted by the world, really. He knows enough to know that the things he is buying are expensive, but he doesn't know what that coin could buy him instead, and he also doesn't fully understand Louis is being so kind to him. Certainly it was never his intention to rely on Louis's fame and wealth and influence to further his own ends. And yet — somehow, knowing that Louis values him enough to ensure that he receives the finest of everything makes Will happy, all the same.

Louis may not be openly smiling, but Will is as they leave the blacksmith's shop and turn towards the apothecary's. He walks a little closer to Louis, emboldened perhaps, or maybe only more comfortable and confident that he is valued by his savior. At one point, when no one else is around to see it, he even dares to tuck his arm into the crook of Louis's elbow.

They go on in this vein for some time; they spark a few rumors as they do it, too, given that Louis attracts attention wherever he goes. By midday, the city's taverns are abuzz with gossip.

Did you hear? Count Louis has taken an elda into his retinue. Spent lavishly on him, too.

An elda? Blimey, what's an elda going to do for him?

Can't say. Streetwatchers say he took some lad 'round all the stores in Grand Trad and bought him the finest of everything. A sword, clothes... even a little medicine kit, like he expects the moppet to need first aid.

I heard someone say that the boy was a little too close... Do you know anything about that? I'm a Junah fan, so I've got to know...

Can't say. Didn't see them myself. Heard the Count spent quite the sum on the little devilspawn at the emporium, though.

I didn't even think the elda really existed. Thought they were fairytales the Church tells us to keep us in line.

Maybe it's true what they say, then. That the elda know curses the other tribes don't. Louis would want something dangerous like that on his side, now wouldn't he?

Oh, I wish I could go around town being spoiled by Lord Louis...

Will hears none of this gossip, but by the time they head back to the Charadrius, perhaps it has already reached the ears of the soldiers stationed there. Some are visibly startled by the sight of their lord returning with an elda in tow; others look on with a resoluteness that seems almost knowing past their helmets.

"Attention!" yells one superior officer, perhaps a quartermaster of some sort. "Count Louis has returned!"

The man's loud yell seems to startle Will; he jolts visibly, scurrying a little closer to Louis again, though he seems to realize that he is in formal company, and so he does not cling to the nobleman's arm as he did in the quieter streets of Grand Trad. ]

[archdaemon]

[ Louis Guiabern has long been the subject of rumors and murmurs. He suffered the indignities of them since he was a child newly arrived in the city, since he first began the arduous trial of rising among the ranks of the army despite ridicule and opposition. The last time he flinched over such trivial matters was too long ago to recount. Today, as they finish their trip around town, he deigns not to listen either, focused instead on their purchases and Wilhelm's subtle reactions as they accumulate items for his use.

It is a rewarding excursion. Louis allows the closeness—does not even move away when Wilhelm dares to tuck his arm into the crook of Louis's elbow, as though amply prepared to escort his new charge. He cares not to address the newly forming rumors on anything but his own terms. A man who cared more for the concerns of the masses would tread more diligently, but for Louis, his actions will speak for themselves, especially his lack of hesitation in letting himself be seen with an elda by his side.

Frankly, all the better if gossip winds its way to Forden's ears and that treacherous serpent has to stomach the knowledge that one of the elda he so despises is in the capital.

Louis is in something of a good mood as they return to the Charadrius, mouth set in a subtle expression that would seem neutral to those who don't know him well. He strides easily past the soldiers who part to make way, saluting their lord, his steps brisk and measured. For the superior officer, he spares a brief moment. ]

Inform Fidelio and Basilio that they are to report to me upon their return from their assignment.

[ The man snaps a salute as well. "Yes, sir!"

With a toss of his cape and no explanation to the murmuring soldiers, Louis heads for the end of the corridor, keeping a pace that ensures Wilhelm stays by his side despite the chaos of the room and the distractions surrounding them. Introductions will come at a later time, after he has further assessed the boy's worth and had the opportunity to settle more arrangements.

No doubt Wilhelm will be curious about the skyrunner as well. Though Louis has been aboard countless times already, it still makes for an impressive sight from afar.

Just a single swipe of his card, and the doors part to allow them passage. Louis guides Wilhelm to the elevator. ]

Magnificent, is it not? You stand aboard the Charadrius, the first skyrunner to grace Euchronia's skies. The Charadrius's maiden voyage is scheduled to take place soon, and soon, no corner of this kingdom will be beyond our reach.

[royalist]

[ Perhaps it's only a measure of how little young Wilhelm has seen of the world, but Louis certainly has a knack for showing him sights that are entirely and achingly new to him. First, it was the fine boutiques hawking their exquisite wares; now, the luxuries of wealth and privilege have given way to the count's magnificent gauntlet runner, with its fineries and the private army of soldiers that are loyal to Louis and Louis alone. A lesser creature would be swayed by such things, perhaps even cowed by them, but Will only looks around at Louis's things and people with wide-eyed interest. More often than not, he finds that same wide-eyed interest directed back at him.

Will stays close, even as he and Louis cross the throngs of soldiers into the interior of the ship itself. As they enter the elevator together, Will looks around quizzically, as if not sure where to go next. ]

It's very beautiful... and so grand.

[ Comically, as the elevator lurches upward as elevators are wont to do, Will sways a little, his eyes still wide as he experiences the mild surprise of going up for the first time. Still — he's had a lot of first times in the last few days, so he doesn't comment on it as he rights himself, staying close to Louis as if in hopes that the man will catch him if he falls. ]

But... a ship like this.... it must require a lot of power to operate.

[ The boy frowns, unexpectedly contemplative. ]

Where is it all coming from?

[archdaemon]

[ Louis remains seemingly unmoved despite the boy's near-stumble, as though it is only a matter of course that Wilhelm caught himself, carrying the assurance that he will have no issues adapting to the onslaught of new stimuli at every turn. And it is true; he has carried himself well despite the myriad sights, eyes bright and curious without ever overstepping the leniency he's afforded. The soldiers may bear questions about him—his identity, his standing, his value—but the ones who are not fools will already have drawn the necessary conclusions. This is someone that Louis Guiabern has deemed a meaningful resource, enough to warrant individual attention. Daring to openly treat him as anything less will invite consequences they can ill afford to take.

At the question, Louis's gaze settles on Wilhelm. The elevator continues moving, steady now, without any pauses. This one will carry them directly to the floor of his quarters, as well as the rooms designated for Wilhelm's use, which are not far from there. Also needing introduction are other intermediate locations, like the commissary and training rooms, though those will come after. ]

The propulsion system contains a network of igniters and magla accumulators to harness enough energy for flight. Where the accumulator proves insufficient, we maintain a separate supply of magla crystals.

[ The elevator comes to a stop, the doors gliding open before them, revealing the length of another lobby and hall. Louis's voice is steady, but there's a mild quality to it—something almost indulgent. ]

It is indeed a power-hungry mechanism. But with magla so rich in the air, we will not want for fuel.

[ His voice shifts, almost sardonic in those last words. This denizens of this kingdom bask in their ignorance and their anxieties, willfully dependent on the strengths of others. Is it any wonder why they will never lack for magla? ]

[royalist]

[ Despite the advanced nature of the answer to the question, Will seems to follow along with the explanation easily enough. He nods in response, looking around the elevator as though to assess the likely pattern of the igniter network through the runner's system. Some would absolutely consider this a reckless and wasteful use of magla, but Louis seems confident that the kingdom has more than enough to fuel his aspirations... and Will thinks it is highly likely that Louis is correct in his assessment of the matter.

The elevator stops. Patiently, Will allows Louis to exit first and then follows after him, once again eagerly taking in their surroundings as they walk. A wide bookshelf, stuffed to the brim with tomes of all sorts; a comfortable-looking couch; an imposing desk; royal flowers in a glorious porcelain vase. All luxurious things, all beautiful things, and yet, there is also a touch of emptiness to them...

Will peeks at what he can see of Louis's quarters, and then at an adjoining room on the other end of the office. He thinks he can guess at what Louis's intentions are... ]

...Am I to stay over there, Lord Louis?

[ They'll effectively have the floor to themselves, in that case. The Charadrius is massive, but in this respect, even if they technically have separate bedrooms, Louis and Will might be said to share this suite. ]