The Nascent Guardian
Yeul was not a fan of the loudness of the crowds, but she knew there would be rituals to follow soonafter their proper meeting. In a previous life, she'd seen him before as a young, young man in the out lands but thought nothing of him until she knew he was the successor to Nero. She remained still as a river with no mouth, staring down from where he was inside the square as Caius began to approach her from the side steps to where the throne area was. The people of Paddra watched the new guardian ascend the steps leading to the high-rise throne area and in the presence of the fairy-like empress herself, their eyes were wide with wonder to see a historical event unfold in their city.
Yeul, however, was not so happy and her inside were struck with a deep mourning that she refused to display. After a time, she heard the cheers turn to hisses and boos, this frustrated her to some degree because she thought they they crowd was ready to accept the new guardian. The idea that Nero's former body had dissipated into pyreflies had some how taken a moment to settle with the people who felt scorn that "their" hero was gone, but it seemed to be that way for most of the older people, the adults and elderly in the audience. She knew that it was not the lack of acceptance, but refusal to accept that a barbarian from the outlands could do a better job. Yeul grew more upset as Caius neared, but her expression steeled over as more time went on.
The silver-haired maiden stayed stationary as Caius moved closer until he bent down, submissively to her with his blade forced into the stone. The Priests from the Order of Paddra approached Yeul, a taller one had a sneer fixated on his mouth, speaking such ill words of the new guardian to Yeul. "Must we accept this, my Queen? He is a barbarian from the outlands, he is not one of us."
The law of the Farseer's that Yeul must have a guardian was absolute, she turned only her head in his direction and nodded. Suddenly, she rose her arm above her head to gain the attention of the crowd and waited until it was dead silence.
"Caius of the Outlands, you may not be of nobility or bred from Paddra, but you have proven yourself worthy. We may celebrate my new guardian." Yeul stated with despondence licking the softness of her tone, easily heard by all. She seemed mesmerized by Caius as he slowly rose from his spot beneath her, her eyes remained on him until he was at his full height that towered her own. Peridot eyes fell on his face as she motioned only with her head for him to follow her, she needed some space from the public eyes anyway, Yeul walked strangely, her left leg seemed to be a bit lame because her girlish sway seemed a bit off.
Yeul walked towards the large home for the Seeress and many who worked there. The moment they reached a long hallway towards a staircase, she allowed herself to express true sadness. "There will be a few rituals concerning your guardianship, I will explain them privately."
Caius walked past the sneering sect of priests, not even sparing them a glance in their direction. The new guardian cared not for their thoughts on him, so he ignored their caustic remarks and disapproving stares, and followed Yeul towards the house of the seeress.
"Very well." He replied to the young girl. He had witnessed the rituals of the people of Paddra before, and he was not looking forward to his true initiation. They were usually long and dull affairs, and Caius did not know if he could bear to suffer through any more. More importantly than that, however, was the tone of Yeul's voice.
Gone was the dignified and composed manner of the ruler. A deep sorrow was now present within her voice, and the emotion displayed itself openly upon her face. She did not allow a look long enough for him to analyze it further, but he could tell from a glance. The way she acted around Nero was far different than when she was within the large throng of people that usually surrounded her. Within Caius' presence alone, she apparently felt free enough to show what she felt.
They entered the building, and were immediately greeted by the many retainers and servants of Yeul. They bowed their heads, and she walked in the center of the two long rows they formed. Caius sneered slightly, amused by how servile and feeble each of them were.
"What rites must be performed before I can truly take the mantle of the guardian?" The guardian asked her. Caius did not know if she would answer in front of her servants, but he did not think it mattered if they knew what they two of them spoke of. They were only workers, after all. "Will a l'Cie brand be placed upon me, now that I have finally overcome the trials?"
