These unclean hands...

Duke Regal Bryant. President of the Lezareno Company. Assistant in the World Regeneration. Co-Founder of the Paw Pad Playmate Society. Still awaiting redemption... [Independent roleplay blog for Tales of Symphonia. Please read the guidlines.]

[ambimerc]

"Wonderful to see you too, Regal."

[bindsofredemption]

"Once again, I find you at the centre of some adversity. Mayhaps this is a habit of yours?"

[bindsofredemption]

"--Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised that Miss. Ally is causing some commotion.."

[ambimerc]

Ally couldn’t help but giggle softly at the other’s expression, interesting that he would try to hide his true emotions by being as deadpanned as possible. Regal proved to be one that did not back down easily. Interesting. She inwardly wondered as she gave Regal’s arm a squeeze when they were getting off the ferry if the male’s muscles were for show or that they were built for pure strength. She wouldn’t mind testing that theory out if the president was willing to.

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you though! But you’re welcoming it so I won’t say no." The mercenary pointed out with a laugh before directing his head to the hotel, "oh! It’s beautiful Regal, did you have it built yourself?" She wondered if the older had entire control of the island or just specific buildings. 

She then looked back to Regal tilting her head, “So this tour, is there something I should be considering on wearing for the occasion?” Didn’t wanna wear high heals if they were going to a rocky area. 

[bindsofredemption]

Regal had felt the gentle squeeze to his arm, instinct causing him to tense them in response. He hadn't intended to showboat them --not when how he became so built was for a reason he hadn't been particularly proud of. His gaze dropped a little, trying to subtly grasp Ally's reaction to such a thing. Hopefully, it might have passed unnoticed.

The nobleman gently smiled at her wonder, remaining ever the gentleman with his modesty. "Not exactly brick by brick, but I did what I could --it was my employees that we owe such beauty to." He replied, escorting her closer to the entrance.

Upon arrival, Regal slowed the pace down a little, allowing them to drink in the sights of the bustling city. It wasn't far to the hotel from this point, and perhaps his lack of haste was because he enjoyed his company, too. "There isn't a particular dress-code." He smiled with a small hum of laughter to himself. "You're most welcome to wear whatever you'd like --I shall send for you as soon as the evening strikes. Most of the attractions will be closing by then, so we may continue uninterrupted."

[nioritai-blog]

bindsofredemption

“Regal! Ah! It’s so nice to see you again!”

“Have you been arrested lately?”

[bindsofredemption]

"Ah --Chosen One. I can state proudly that my integrity remains intact from the last time we crossed paths --no prison visits, handcuffs nor degrading uniforms. But the pleasure is all mine, Colette. How've you been keeping?"

[bindsofredemption]

"Regal! Regal. Regal, man." Zelos approached his blue-haired friend, a purple drink held high in his left hand. "What're you doin' at this party if you aren't drinkin? Come on, bottoms up." He offered the cup to Regal with a wide grin, obviously already chugging a few of them himself. His eyes darted down to the gap in Regal's clothing, at those damn abs, and he smirked. "You have an amazing torso," he mumbled, leaning over and touching it. "I kinda wanna... lick your abs."

  It came as no surprise to the Duke that Zelos was making the most of the situation, a long, drawn sigh passing through the nobleman’s lips. “These event’s aren’t for the sole purpose of drinking, Chosen One.” He replied monotonously. “You’re making a fool of yourself.” Regal himself remained the wall-flower, leaning himself against the illustrious, velveted wall, eyes sliding closed as he willed the ache in his head away.

  However, at Zelos’ following comment, cerulean eyes opened once more, a single brow arching at the hand that was placed against his stomach. “…Do refrain yourself, Zelos —for your own benefit as well as mine.” Who knew that an intoxicated Chosen would be so much more difficult to handle?

[burnbabyeruption-archive-blog]

"Most events aren’t, for sure!" Zelos said with a laugh, clapping Regal on the shoulder. "But this one is! The hostess told me at the door that if I wasn’t gettin’ drunk, I was doin’ it wrong. And she said that if I saw anyone who wasn’t drinking, I should try to change that.” Once again, he pressed the cup closer to Regal. “Come on, it’s tasty. You can’t even tell there’s booze in it.”

As steadily as he could, he continued to run a hand over the duke’s abs, enjoying the firmness his fingers found. “No one’s lookin’, Regal,” Zelos muttered, stepping in closer. “Can I just… lick ‘em? Once. Maybe twice. It depends on how they taste.” His tongue darted out to wet his lips, gazing up at Regal with begging eyes.

[bindsofredemption]

  "Zelos..." He breathed, his gentle tone almost held a warning in it as he sighed in exasperation. Regal didn't want to be here particularly, and whilst the swordmage's enthusiasm would usually be a welcome change, it was somewhat of a task in such a scenario. After a while, Regal accepted the offered glass, taking a moment to scrutinize the contents before taking a small swig. It tasted as it looked, far too crude for his refined taste, and he offered it back to Zelos. "I'm afraid I wouldn't appreciate it as much as you would." Though in actuality, he should have probably not been enabling him to drink more, considering his current state.

  The movements of the Chosen's hands almost tickled despite the firm and yet somehow clumsy way he moved the digits over his taut abs. As the other stepped closer, Regal's hand came against Zelos' chest, restricting any further movement towards him, or indeed, his abs. "I'm sure there are many ladies that would appreciate that." He begun, his voice a little stern. "I am not one of them."

[bindsofredemption]

[ Serious Business ] Regal&Jude

[evasion-finalist]

Even with the bind in place, Jude had discovered he could still leave Sheena’s side and do other things within Aselia… The only problem was that he was unable to return back to his own world unless she came with him. So long as the link remained, he needed to be in the same world as her. Hopefully the link would be broken soon, as the faster it was broken, the sooner he could get back to Milla and his friends.

But the idea of splitting up sounded good. While he may have been stuck at her beck and call, he could venture off on his own and gather more intel that way— and Jude was a lot faster by himself.

Sheena did give him a good lead however! That one of her friends… a President of some sorts had easy access to a lot of information, so if any of the summoning releases were told in books, they might know where to look of them. And with that in mind, he took the directions she gave and made his way to Altamira… Which did surprize him on sight, as he had never seen a place ever like this before.

Though the spirit remained hidden from human sight as he searched for the person fitting the description she gave… and following the idle chatter of nearby civillians he managed to figure out the location the target would be located in. […Lezareno Company..? I’m going to need another notebook for all these new names and places, arent I..?]

It didnt take long, as after searching floor to floor of the building he came across a swimming pool with a person matching the discription the summoner had given. […well this is a private part of the building… and he does seem like the right one. I’ll have take it.] if it was the wrong person he would quickly disappear like a ghost. Making it out that he was an illusion from the heat.

So while he floated towards the blue haired male, he glanced down at the pool below, wondering to himself. […if I get a house with Milla. Maybe I should get one of these?] swimming with her sounded like a wonderful idea, and he was sure that Undine would appreciate it too.

"Are you Regal?" the voice echoed, before Jude’s figure became visible  and appeared on the ground about a meter away from where the other from resting. As easily disguised amber gaze fell on him, but he kept himself calm. Jude didnt want to make them feel threatened.

[bindsofredemption]

Regal was setting the glass back down upon the floor's surface when he felt the shift in the air. It was somewhat of an unpleasant sensation, a presence that he was unaware of. Cerulean eyes scanned the poolside area, noting that no maids or butlers should have been, nor were anywhere near. So what caused this feeling..?

The Duke set his hands on the side, about to pull himself from the water to have a look around when a voice rang in the air, his actions halting a moment as narrowed eyes scanned the area once more. The appearing figure had the other kick away from the edge, shock unhidden on his features.

"Y-Yes." He managed reflexively, not even thinking about what he was saying. After a moment, he composed himself, not feeling any hostility from the other he could make himself relax a little more. Fighting in swimwear was an experience he could do without. "Yes, I'm Regal Bryant." He reaffirmed. "And you.. made it past the security I have posted about my company." The nobleman added, more shocked than angry at the fact.

Then again, the being had just appeared from seemingly nowhere affront him.

[bindsofredemption]

"Hello dares has you seen my papa? We went to da park and I think he got losted..."

"Hm? I’m sorry, I don’t believe I h—"

"….Lloyd?"

[deleteingaccountok-deactivated2]

⊰✖⊱—;; "Dat’s funny. How do ya already knows my name, you a friend of papa?”

[bindsofredemption]

  By papa, did this child mean his dear friend Lloyd Irving? The boy was a spitting image of the blacksmith --though he was unaware that he had fathered any children.. "Yes, I suppose I am." He replied as kindly as he could manage with his gruff tone. "Your father is also Lloyd, correct?"

[bindsofredemption]

"Regal! Regal. Regal, man." Zelos approached his blue-haired friend, a purple drink held high in his left hand. "What're you doin' at this party if you aren't drinkin? Come on, bottoms up." He offered the cup to Regal with a wide grin, obviously already chugging a few of them himself. His eyes darted down to the gap in Regal's clothing, at those damn abs, and he smirked. "You have an amazing torso," he mumbled, leaning over and touching it. "I kinda wanna... lick your abs."

  It came as no surprise to the Duke that Zelos was making the most of the situation, a long, drawn sigh passing through the nobleman's lips. "These event's aren't for the sole purpose of drinking, Chosen One." He replied monotonously. "You're making a fool of yourself." Regal himself remained the wall-flower, leaning himself against the illustrious, velveted wall, eyes sliding closed as he willed the ache in his head away.

  However, at Zelos' following comment, cerulean eyes opened once more, a single brow arching at the hand that was placed against his stomach. "...Do refrain yourself, Zelos --for your own benefit as well as mine." Who knew that an intoxicated Chosen would be so much more difficult to handle?

[ambimerc]

"Well feel free to flex that muscle." Ally teased as she eyed the older with a playful grin on her face, "Among others you have…" 

She was happy enough that the other was giving her VIP access, but now she was getting a top floor room as well, “Regal hun if you keep this up you’ll never get rid of me.” She was half serious about that, she couldn’t completely stay in one place without rhyme or reason. 

As the boat approached the dock she held her arm out for Regal to take, “So I take it we’ll be heading straight to the hotel then? You’ll have to show me how to get there.” She tilted her head to her shoulder with a coy look, okay maybe she was flirting a little bit the other, purely for the fact that she just wanted to see the other’s reactions. 

[bindsofredemption]

Even to someone as painfully obtuse as Regal, the flirting did not go unnoticed, and he did little other than clear his throat at her comment, his features remaining as impassive as he could fabricate. He didn't do well with this sort of thing, and lips pursed into a thin line, not quite knowing how to respond.

When the vessel pulled to a stop, Regal took the arm she had offered under his own, giving a small smile as he did. "And they say you cannot buy friends." He jested, a light, baritone chuckle sounding in his throat. "No, please I do insist --and if the penalty is knowing you better, then so be it." Of course, it wasn't a penalty at all, really. He had no intentions of 'getting rid of her' in the first place --he rather enjoyed the mercenary's company.

The nobleman walked the other safely to land, that flirtatious tone of hers resurfacing as the Duke remained composed, giving a small smile in it's stead. The island's dock wasn't far from the town, they could see the large buildings, parts of the theme park, and Regal's finger pointed out the grandiose hotel. "That is where you shall be staying, tonight." He commented. "After you have settled, I'll take you on a tour of the entirety that Altamira has to offer."

[bindsofredemption]

"Hello dares has you seen my papa? We went to da park and I think he got losted..."

"Hm? I'm sorry, I don't believe I h--"

"....Lloyd?"

[bindsofredemption]

[T] Regal&Jude

The water was cool against the Duke's skin, the glassy surface upon the large body of water rippling as Regal slid himself into the pool. He had not had such an opportunity to use his private swimming pool in what felt like an eternity. In truth, it was before he gave himself up to the authorities all those years ago that he last felt the sensation of gliding through the water's surface.

It was relaxing to be here again.

Regal pulled himself against the resistance, strong arms tugging his surprisingly well-poised form through as strong legs kicked under the surface. The Duke was faster than he anticipated himself to ever be after all this time, and after a few laps across the length of the large pool, Regal stopped himself at the edge of once side, sliding thick, callous hands through his wet, disheveled hair as he reached for the drink he had left at one side.

His breath was light, yet frequent from the exertion, and when he had regained it, off he would go again.

[bindsofredemption]

Regal, you are the best, and you're not allowed to say you're not. But I've got a question. Were you this fit before you went to prison? Oh, and did they make you fight monsters in the Colosseum or is that something they stopped doing?

"Ah— If I am unallowed, then I will say no more on the matter." Regaining his composure, the Duke cleared his throat, cerulean eyes sliding closed as he considered the questions put before him.

"I kept myself in shape, certainly. I had a certain enjoyment for swimming laps in the mansion’s pool whenever I had a spare moment." He nodded once, a hand coming to rest upon his smooth chin as he put his attention to the following question. "It was abhorrent, the way they would use convicts for entertainment. Indeed, I was subjected to battling in the Colosseum —which is how that traitor Vharley found me.. To grant my pardon should I--"

[sstrawberrysshortcake-blog]

"Really?" Jude said with a bright smile; it was nice to hear his help was wanted and would be appreciated. That he would be needed in some sense. The boy was about to reach out to the other, to ask him not to leave on his account, that maybe they could talk a little more — but Regal hadn’t made too much of a move to leave.

Jude’s eyes sparkled even more at the prospect of visiting somewhere new. It wasn’t like he’d planned terribly important things today, and after all the journey alone might give him some insight into things he was curious about, or help him with his research.

"Oh, no" He said perhaps a little too loudly, coughing and steeling himself before continuing quieter than before. "No… none at all! I would be happy to go there right now!" He was bouncing in place a little, eager to travel to a place he’d never been. He stuffed the papers and broken gauntlets into a satchel that rested at his hip and nodded enthusiatically.

"I am ready to go! Lead the way."

[bindsofredemption]

To see the excitement in the young boy's eyes was refreshing, almost contagious as Regal sported his own smile. To have help from someone who knew more about these things than Regal, or likely, any of his team, would certainly be advantageous, and to see the other willing and eager only made things all the better.

"George." Regal called over the golden sands, where a well-dressed gentleman would approach them carrying Regal's belongings. The Duke would take them before thanking his butler kindly. "I'd like you to prepare the boat to return to Altamira, if you would please." He asked, and the older man simply bowed and left their company.

Regal turned back to Jude, adjusting the jacket his butler had brought over a little before giving him a smile. "I must thank you again for your help, Jude. It will be invaluable in this manufacturing --I feel like I'm simply not giving enough in return for your services."

[prodotis-deactivated20141109]

            he was already painstakingly aware of the fact that

            he was, for all intents and purposes, at regal’s mercy;             in truth, he’d simply forced the fact to the back of his             mind. for he knew the duke, and he knew him rather             well. while he could very easily deny the chosen of             his wishes, and subsequently, of his aid — he wasn’t             so terribly cruel. he could pretend to be so, sure, but             in the end, zelos would likely have his aid.

            at least, it would go this way in countless other situa-             tions. right now? well — the swordsman could not be             so sure, but he’d tell himself that things would go as             smoothly as he had already imagined them to. if for no-             thing else but the sake of his own peace of mind.

            as such, it almost comes as a relief to hear regal’s fin-             al answer. almost. because he still can’t be sure. but —

           ❝ i'm glad to hear we understand each other, then, duke             bryant. trust me; you’re doing a good thing! ❞

            likely not the most comforting words coming from the ch-             osen, who, in truth, was the epitome of impurity. still,              he had to try and reassure him, right? and there was al-             so the question of what he might want in return. a pause.             as, admittedly, he’d never actually considered that.

           ❝ so, wait. you’re just gonna pretend you don’t know what             i’m up to — and let me leave as i please. no questions ask-             ed, no nothing? what’s in it for you? ❞

[bindsofredemption]

Trust me were the Chosen's selected words. Regal did little but arch a solitary, cerulean brow, hands folding together affront his well-built frame as he wore that serious expression that seemed to be somewhat of a default to the Duke.  

He stayed silent for a time, thinking hard about his answer as one hand came to rest against his well-shaven chin. The doubt that Zelos gave him came as little surprise, and Regal had closed his eyes in pensive thought. Finally, lips curled ever so slightly at the sides into somewhat of a smile as he addressed his companion.

"You believe there is something to profit from this? I'm not a greedy man, Zelos. Your presence there, no matter how long that may be for, serves both the King's request, and my desire to deflect attention on to you. I merely suggest that when you leave, do so quietly."

That small smile that Regal wore only widened into somewhat of a grin, his hand slipping back down to rest at his side, mirroring the other. "Besides, I have a feeling you would try and do so anyway, with or without consent. I'll have George demand the attention of one of the guards when you wish to leave. Oh, and Chosen One? Do treat the lady well." And there was the off-handed comment to prove that he had see through his flowery words. 

[ambimerc]

-pokes cheek-

"W…What was that for, Regal?"

[bindsofredemption]

"Ah --Forgive me, I suppose that was rather rude of me. There was.. something on your cheek."

[bindsofredemption]

                                        HEADCANON ~~Singing~~

Regal can sing surprisingly well. He has a deep baritone voice that is soft as silk. He elects not to use it anymore though. He used to sing to Alicia all the time --she would ask him to sing her a lullaby as she went to sleep, and he would oblige. Whenever there was a noble party, he would sneak out into the hallway with her and just dance as though they could be together as part of the event. They couldn't hear the music, so he would sing instead, and they would dance.

As Alicia grew more and more sick due to the Ex-Sphere, he would sing to her more and more, remaining at her bedside for as long as his duties would allow him just singing to her. As he carried her up to the Sky Terrace upon her request, he sang all the way to the top, and that was the last time a tune passed his lips.

[prodotis-deactivated20141109]

            clearly not the sort of inquiry that the ex-convict had

            expected; the angel could assume as much by way             of the confused expression that promptly laid claim             to his features, and not a moment after the questi-             on had been posed. perhaps such a question did not             require zelos to wear such a solemn expression,             and — perhaps he had exaggerated slightly when he             had said that this particular thought had plagued him             for an extended period of time.

            but it troubled him nonetheless — perhaps because             it made him feel … threatened.

            lips would curl into a thin scowl as he regards the             blue-haired male; and he’ll cross his arms tightly ov-             er his chest, obviously annoyed with the way that             regal danced around the question. well, there was             that, and the fact that he’d unwittingly paid the other             a compliment. as regal had so kindly pointed out.

           ❝ i wasn’t complimenting anything — it was a serious             question! one that you said you’d give an equally se-             rious — and honest — answer to, if i’m remembering             correctly — ❞

           ❝ so quit messing around and tell me what the deal is!❞

[bindsofredemption]

The duke had never seen Zelos wear such a steeled expression in all his days, there was a part of him that somehow wanted to capture the moment. A thought he would not voice for fear of appearing ungentlemanly in his gentle teasing. In the face of the Chosen's scowl, though, Regal could only wear amusement upon his usually stoic features, one brow inclining slightly higher than the other as he considered the proposal.

Whilst it had been true that he pledged honesty, he wasn't exactly being dishonest, was he? However, he would not drag out Zelos' irritation much longer, knowing when to quit was a trait he had leaned rather well in his experienced years --and with someone as influential as Zelos, he had a rather short opening for such things.

No, instead Regal would remove the hand that had been stroking his chin, allowing it to fall casually back by his side (it somehow still felt rather strange, not having his hands fall in front of him as they used to when his wrists were bound).

"Very well." He conceded, the smile on his face more gentle and less amused than it had been.

"There are very limited activities to immerse yourself in when locked in solitary confinement, Chosen One." He explained, his expression slowly hardening into something a little more serious, more like himself. "I had to dedicate myself to something." Of course, there was very little stopping him breaking from his prison and finding something more entertaining aside from his own guilt, though that was besides the point.

"In serious honesty, as you requested, Zelos --no, my body is not a fabrication of any kind."