ANY brave and assertive demeanor Raiya had before now had been completely lost. It was rare the Delcatty was made to feel so small and insignificant, but this Chesnaught, this Duke, had done just that. Covered by his silhouette, Raiya felt about the size of her daughter if not smaller. Her thin legs felt weak suddenly and they began to tremble. They brought her closer to the floor and it was hard to look him in the eye. There was no wondering why he had the title that he did. For once in her life, Raiya believed she bit off more than she could chew. Finally, her head had hung low, unable to look at him any longer. She was certain, that she had failed in her plea, and it was her own fault for letting her big head get in the way. She should have known things would be different away from home. Reality was slapping her hard in the face and it was a difficult pill to swallow.
HOWEVER, there was a silver lining in it all, as he had decided to help, if only for the sake of Melody. Despite how heavy it felt, Raiya managed to lift her head once again to look at him. The hope and gratitude sparkled easily within her feline eyes, however she spoke not a word until he had finished. True, despite his kindness, there was no doubt he was not one to vex. Even if the tables turned in her favor, it felt like sheer dumb luck.
"I understand.“ It was difficult to not show the shake in her voice. Her head lowered again, but this time in a bow, hoping it would show that she meant to give respect after her rather outbursts and rudeness. "I do not expect you to forgive me for my behavior. I was completely out of line and have no excuses. If I am to set an example for my daughter, this is not the way to treat others whom I seek assistance from. Nevertheless, your kindness is greatly appreciated and more. Thank you for showing compassion for our situation.”
SHE awaited his response before saying or doing anything else. After all, this was HIS domain. She must respect it.
MELODY, while still not saying a word, had followed in her mother’s actions and gave a small bow as well, even if it meant holding back her own tongue as she wished to give this giant Pokemon a piece of her mind. This was one time she knew to just let the adults do the talking.
The tremble in her voice, the resignation in her head.... It saddened him. All his life he had strove to be a man for the people, to the people. If someone was suffering then he would take his heart and give it to them if it meant sustaining them. If someone was in dire need of aid then he, the knight in shining and gruff armor, would march to their side without steed if it meant they struggled no longer. This Chesnaught was a ruler that had a heart befitting of a knight and one that was molded by knights, but it could serve him no longer. Despite his attitude and despite his power, he was no longer a knight-- he was a Grand Duke.
He could not face people like he could whe nhe was younger. Not anymore.
“Yeah, yeah,” spat Logan, is baritone harsh as if he was flogging himself for frightening her. Sitting back upon his lofty throne and fidgeting uncomfortably in its grandeur, the Grand Duke established eye contact and shook his head. “Don’t worry ‘bout it. I just ain’t in the mood lately. I’ve got lots of people on my doorstep daily. I’ve got brigands tryin’ to pillage my lands. I’ve got corruption in my court ‘n I’ve got a war for peace waitin’ at my borders. So long as you understand I’m just one guy, you’re fine with me.”
Still, there were more pressing matters at hands. As he looked ovwr at Melody and continued to see his own daughter in their place, Logan knew what had to be done. There was no home for her here outside of the mother at her side and he could tell that just by looking at them. That poor girl had nary a bag on her and Logan, heart clenched and eyes heavy, could tell that food was becoming scarcer for two lost Pokemon that did not the land which they were striding upon.
It hurt. It hurt to know that this could happen-- was happening-- right at his feet.
“Listen,” goaded Logan, himself now leaning in at the pair as he spoke. “I’ll help ya out in any what way I can. I’m not gonna let you guys just be stranded about with nowhere to go. Right now, sea travel has been hard. Pirates are out there right now lookin’ for this lost treasure that all these damn treasure hunters are lookin’ for. Gettin’ you outta the country by yourselves would be impossible. But I’m not lettin’ you go by yourselves.”
“I’LL get you home. No matter what happens ‘n no matter who thinks they own these waters. NOTHIN’ is gettin’ between that girl of yours ‘n her home, you hear me?”
Soft tremors from his nearby vassals and their chatter began to surround the throne room briefly, stopping only when Logan balled his fists up.Many knew that their Grand Duke was a bloke with a heart as big as the sun, but this was unfathomable to them. Even with himself stressed and his country in need of him and him alone, he could not-- and would not-- turn down the aid of a mother and her child. Some of his vassals saw this as a trait worthy of praise, but others were not so kind. Many, with their faces snaring and their teeth bore, loathed the Delcatty for not just her insolence but also for taking their leader’s eye off his main objective. They wished nothing more than to send her on her way and to rid Logan of her problems, but they remained quiet.
They knew that this was certain. They knew that Logan was willing to risk himself and his reputation to save them. And they knew that, above all else, they could do nothing more than prepare the immense amount of damage control in the worst case scenario of Logan, Grand Duke of Gronvall, falling in battle to mere pirates protecting some foreigner.
It made them sick. So, so very sick.
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