ever v i c t o r i o u s ;

Lord Commander Farwell. Damien. Thirty-two. Head of Her Majesty's Queensguard. words to live by: "ever righteous; ever victorious."

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

when we are all alone ♔ faye & damien

It had been an exhausting three weeks on Lady Nerissa duty. One wouldn't think that such a small girl could be so hard to keep an eye on but one would be wrong. Granted, the Lord Commander did not care that much as to keep a close eye on her but it was still rather infuriating to keep looking for her time and time again. The only good thing to come of his being on cat duty was that his nights were spent with Her Majesty and the two of them had become closer than ever-- drinking wine in the candlelight and talking about everything and anything until the wee hours of the night, his mood visibly improved in those late hours compared to his mood in daylight (something he would only admit to himself).

"Fancy meeting you here, Your Majesty," Damien grinned, approaching Faye slowly and offering his arm to her once she was within a few feet. After dinner, they usually either met in her chambers or in the garden and, given the beautiful weather outside tonight, he was glad they'd chosen the garden. "I trust your supper was great?" He questioned, his mood already tons lighter now that he'd seen the single most important person in his life (something he wouldn't even admit to himself). Nodding to the guards who surrounded them, he let them know that it was okay to take a few steps back from them. No need to crowd around Her Majesty when she was in the presence of the Lord Commander. His attention returned to the queen and he grinned again, his eyes scanning her already memorized features. 

[colettelavigne-deactivated20150]

… I don’t suppose you like children, do you?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

--I'm sorry, what?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

bad blood ♔ faye & damien

[fayemalaise-blog]

"Mmhmm." What an exasperating man. Faye was certain that Damien would be able to read it in the quirk of her smile, the fondness in her eyes— she thought he was being ridiculous, and was making absolutely no attempt to hide it. Though the wine was heady; perhaps she’d let a touch too much affection seep into her smile, and wouldn’t that be embarrassing? An soft huff of breath, almost a laugh, fell from her lips as he continued speaking, taking her hand in his own. 

His grip was not warm, though nothing at all ever truly felt warm against her skin. But his touch was solid, fingers strong and calloused but still cradling her hand with a finesse most military men did not possess. She liked it more than she should have, probably, twisting her hand in his grip and letting the pad of her thumb trace over the rough callouses of his palm. “Well,” she finally said, shaking her head, “far be it from me to suggest you step back from your life’s work.” An incredulous chuckle— because really, why would anyone ever want to devote so much of themselves to taking care of her, of all people— and the queen set her wine down, pulling Damien’s hand in to rest gently over her knee.

Her own fingers, long and delicate, opened his hand to trace over his palm and along his fingers, touch light and thoughtful. “And hard work it’s been,” she observed quietly, rubbing gently at a particularly rough patch of skin right at the base of his fingers. She could remember, distantly, half a lifetime ago when her own hands had been no softer than his. “I feel as though I do not tell you nearly often enough, but— I am blessed to have you by my side. Truly.”

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Damien could tell that he was frustrating Faye with his words but he couldn't help but grin at the gleam in her eye and the way her thumb traced over his palm. It calmed him. Her warm touch made him feel even warmer in the room and he found himself studying closely the features on her face. It wasn't rare for the two of them to be in such close proximity given his line of work but it was rare for the two of them to be in such close proximity in such an intimate setting. A chuckle fell from his lips and he nodded his head slowly. "I thought you would understand," He agreed playfully, a smirk lingering on his lips-- a smirk that turned into a genuine grin as her free hand rested on his knee.

His eyes stayed on her face as she traced his palm and all he could do was nod slowly at her words. It had been hard work but it was nothing he wasn't willing to do, it was an honor and he'd be lying if he said he could see himself doing anything but this. His expression turned grateful and he closed his palm, holding her hand gently, as his other hand rested over her own on his knee. "You give me far too much credit, Your Majesty. I am the one who is blessed-- bless with the honor of protecting you." Would it have been any other man muttering those words to his queen, it would have surely sounded ungenuine but it was clear that Damien meant every word. 

His eyes lingered on his as the words hung in the air and he was snapped out of the trance by her majesty's handmaiden knocking on the door lightly and letting herself in. "Your Majesty, your bath is ready." She informed her gently before bowing her eyes and excusing herself to give them some privacy but it was too late. Damien had already broken eye contact with the queen and found himself taking one last sip of his wine. "I should leave you to it then." He grinned, sitting up straighter before standing up. "Always a pleasure, Your Majesty." He nodded his head and gave her hand a squeeze, his eyes lingering on hers. After a lingering gaze, he excused himself from her bed chambers.

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

bad blood ♔ faye & damien

[fayemalaise-blog]

Faye pointedly did not let her eyes flick to Damien’s tongue as he licked his lips, though the sight was distracting. The Lord Commander had a generous mouth and stunning eyes, beautiful features that were hardly suited for a military man. It had struck her years ago, when they had first met in passing, just how lovely he was. But the years had hardened him, added lines to his face that gave him a sharper edge. He had grown into himself gracefully, she thought. Perhaps they both had. 

The words he spoke stirred Faye from her momentary lapse in attention, and her face immediately fell. That was why? It wasn’t particularly surprising— Damien was more devoted than any knight she’d ever known— but it still made her gut twist in guilt. It wasn’t her fault, what he had chosen, but still. The man only had one life to live. “That hardly seems fair,” she responded with a small frown, letting her thumb stretch out to trace the edge of Damien’s jaw. Such a graceful curve… “I have asked you for many things, but I would never request that you put your life on hold for the sake of my protection. That… would be too much to ask. In any case, it is nothing short of cruel to keep a man like you from the many women who would surely sell their souls to have your love.” 

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Damien's lips curled into a slightly bigger grin at her words, hyperaware of her thumb tracing his jaw. "I know that is not something you request of me but it is something I demand of myself, your majesty," He murmured quietly, leaning into her hand comfortably as he explained himself. How could he ever explain to her that his life, revolved around the safety of the one woman he loved above all else, was more than enough for him? He couldn't stop the chuckle that fell from his lips as she continued, shaking his head at him. "You are far too kind in your flattery," He started, his hand reaching for the one that was on his face and holding it gently.

Giving her hand a small squeeze, his eyes lingered on hers as his face slowly relaxed from the laugh. "It would be nothing short of cruel to deprive my queen of the safety she deserves," He told her, using her own words to remind her that her safety was and forever will be his number one priority. "The safety I have devoted my life to ensuring," He grinned, giving her hand another squeeze. It was then he realized that here he was, holding her majesty's hand in her chambers-- just the two of them. He tried not to think too deeply into what this may mean.

[suitedhunter]

[sirbastiencoupe]

Oh, I have no doubt about it - perhaps Miya would be ‘Lord Commander’ if Her Majesty thought otherwise.

Of course, it was merely a suggestion, although if you ever change your mind… Training is…well, they are improving, although we are taking things a lot slower than in the past. However, once they learn a basic technique, it does not take long before they master it. 

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

I'm glad to hear that. It always comes back to basic technique, doesn't it? I may pass by soon to take a look at the new recruits for myself. Give you and the guys a surprise visit.

Are you excited for Her Majesty's ball?

[jkbeauchamp-blog]

And what kind of girl ought I get myself involved with, Uncle? She’s of noble birth, wealthy, kind, and a member of the Royal family. Past that, she and I get along like no other; cut from the same cloth, I’d say.

It’s my intent to become her friend, Uncle; only, I’m not sure I’m anywhere near educated enough to entertain her interests. She likes poetry, and books, and I can hardly read.

And if I can’t spend time with Nerissa, why can you, then?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

I'm certain I can introduce you to a couple of ladies that you will no doubt be interested in, Kristien, but I assure you that Lady Nerissa is not the one for you. You need to trust me on this one.

It's my duty to look after Her Majesty and she has given me the job to look after her sister for the time being. Dear nephew, I beg you, please, look elsewhere for entertainment for both our sakes.

[nerissamalaise-blog]

"That rather depends on your definition of running, my lord. I’d rather call that a…a fast stroll.”

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

"...A fast stroll away from me."

[jkbeauchamp-blog]

I’m your only nephew, Uncle - unless my father’s been busier than I though, or Adam’s been dipping his wick where he shouldn’t be.

And I’m all right, I suppose; friendly with the Queen and the sister, so I’d say I’m better than most - Nerissa and I are learning to read, together. I think I might’ve managed to make myself a discomfort to the Princess, however. Girl’s rather skittish, isn’t she? Save that, Uncle, I’ve not done much but spend my days with a tutor and nights with a wineskin. And yourself?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Still my favorite though.

It's nice to hear you making friends but need I warn you again? Pauses. Her Majesty's sister is not.-- she's not the kind of girl you want to get yourself involved with, Kristien.

Her Grace is a little on the shy side, yes. She has been ever since the passing of her father. Poor girl, really. I feel for her but if you can manage to become her friend, I'd appreciate it. I hate to see her alone so much.

I've not been doing much either. I've been watching Lady Nerissa for most of my time and patrolling the courtyard.

[sirbastiencoupe]

I know things tend to slip your mind, but it’s a common side effect to having been hit on the head one too many times… But you make a fair point, I will agree to that much.

Well, yes, apart from perhaps the Queen herself? I’ve heard that I make better company, given that I don’t talk as much as some…

Perhaps I should ‘tail’ her, as you so eloquently put it, tomorrow, to give you both some breathing space - assuming you would rather take training, of course.

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

In your dreams, perhaps. Her Majesty thoroughly enjoys my company, I assure you.

While I appreciate the offer, I don't think Her Majesty would approve of slipping out of my assigned duties but thank you. It looks like I'm meant to tail Lady Nerissa for a little while more. How's training so far? Are the recruits promising?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

The invitation is left in Damien’s study, addressed to him personally by Faye’s own hand.

[jkbeauchamp-blog]

You’re the one looking for a cat, Uncle; maybe you’re the one looking to enjoy yourself, as well.

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Huh. I guess you have a point.

Anyhow-- how's my favorite nephew doing?

[sirbastiencoupe]

Perhaps to one with an untrained eye, but I have been around enough injured soldiers to pick out a ‘slight’ limp from a mile away. However, I will admit that I was surprised to hear that you were back on duty so soon - are you aware of the fact that the Queendom won’t fall if you take a few more days off to heal fully…?

She was fairing well when I left her in Miya’s care this morning. Yes, Damien, quite literally every little minute detail is under control, just as you taught me. How is the Lady Nerissa?

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

I-- yes, yes I am, Bastien. Thank you for reminding me but we both know that if you want a job done right... You have to do it yourself, am I right?

But nothing can keep the Lord Commander down for long. I'll be back guarding Her Majesty again in no time.

That's what I like to her. She's uh-- she's hanging in there. She's almost as annoyed with me tailing her - laughs - as I am.

[sirbastiencoupe]

Ah, most noble Lord Commander, I wondered when you would be limping in my direction.

It’s good to see you on your feet again, my friend. I was going to pay a visit to the infirmary, but I thought you would prefer me to keep an eye on Her Majesty…

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

On the contrary, I'm hardly limping these days. You know how fast I heal.

Yes, of course. How is Her Majesty these days? I, unfortunately, have been too busy tracking down her shifter of a sister to keep too close an eye on the Queen but I trust you have it under control?

[nerissamalaise-blog]

"Lord Commander! A— a very good evening to you as well."

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

"A very good evening, indeed. It seems like I lost you earlier... again. Or rather, you ran away from me."

[bilbo-baggins-blog]

[jkbeauchamp-blog]

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Enjoying yourself?