Weeks later, and the repairs to the monastery seemed to be coming along nicely. There was still a great deal of work to go, but the emptied buildings and halls were gradually beginning to fill with life once more. And with the Battle of Eagle and Lion approaching, there was even a faint spark of anticipation in the air.
It was as if they were regaining some small sense of normalcy...
If one could call battle normal. Diamant didn't think it should be, as much as a good fight did stir his blood.
The Brodian rolls his shoulder as he passes through the courtyard, muscles sore from a day of hefting around materials and supplies. Nothing a good rest couldn't fix, which was what he intended to do, before—
A familiar figure brings him to a pause. That black hair. The unique garb. Built arms, and that controlled, balanced gait...
"Kagetsu?" Diamant questions. With Ivy here, it would be no surprise to find her retainer far behind, and yet... "Is that you? It's been a while, my friend!" He can't help the smile that spreads across his face, eyes already wandering in search of the other man's sword. Spars with Kagetsu had always been some of the most challenging and thrilling.
"I take it you've come to check in on Iv—Queen Ivy?" His smile falls a bit, "I'm sure you've heard. The attack on the monastery was a... harrowing experience for us all, but rest assured: she, at least, came to no serious harm."
Soundless is Kagetsu, contrary to the great stir of his existence, how deeply his laugh fills the air like the space between heaven and earth is not enough to contain it. After all, a swordsman worth half his salts—salt? sugar? pepper?—must always step lightly. Invest too heavily in the wrong movement, focus, and pressure, and one will be too late to move - to dodge or retaliate as they should. Even a single mistake will cost them immeasurably, and Kagetsu of Pale Sands has never known defeat before he became Kagetsu of Elusia.
He has never made a mistake.
So lightly does he walk; at all times with footsteps few, measured, and calm. Then, at the call of a known voice and consequent turn of his body: measureless and abounding, as if hush lunar flowers might bloom with every step. "It is wonderful to see you once more, Prince Diamant! My friend! My prince! My friend!"
He jumps joyfully around the Brodian royal, attracting the stares of man and beast alike. A cat perched upon a half-broken stone wall looks up from its paw; a dog ceases to wag its tail; two squabbling squirrels abandon their feud over the same nut. Then he stills. Sudden sobriety hauls like a curtain over an illusive visage of youth and there is no trace of a smile.
"Ah. Forgiveness I beg. You are king now. It is King Diamant."
And the smile returns, equally friendly if more serene.
"That is indeed my reason, King Diamant, even if only half." Kagetsu of Elusia nods, observes the surrounding effects of destruction that his friend speaks of. He has discovered as much on his own and there is great cause for worry on Queen Ivy's behalf. ". . .The other half of my reason can wait. I seek for new lands and here is one before me! But it is not ready for my duels."
Fair; that is the spirit of conflict that Kagetsu seeks, opponents fought on equal footing and health. He will not strike at people plagued by misery. Instead he shall help. Equipped with the same bright, blinding grin as he wears now.
"But yes, yes. I am most pleased to hear that Queen Ivy is well. I shall see her next with my own eyes! And would give her two quizzes of joyous reunion. One from me, and another on your behalf!"