"My King....I can't help but worry over the young light's need to have a silverwing of his own. Wouldn't it be dangerous for him?" c:
‘ he is quite entranced by the beasts, isn’t he? ’ an expression of mirth claimed the king’s features, a soft chuckle escaping the back of his throat. he couldn’t help but be amused by his son’s antics, the wide eyes made when a sharp keen echoed above the city followed by a rush to the nearest balcony or window, the frequent requests to visit the aerie. truly, he had not expected the prince would become so enthralled with them so quickly, but he seemingly had at a single glance. he had remained huddled by his father’s legs much of the time, well aware of the attentive hen watching the visiting party and her razor beak easily capable of cleaving a man in twain. but the look which claimed his young face at the reveal of the downy chicks huddled in the nest kept fondly in the king’s mind, and remembering such a sight always made saying no hard for him.
and perhaps his new seneschal was having similar troubles.
xin had quickly risen the ranks of his guard from the time of his arrival, risen in the guard and risen in the king’s regard of him. it had only taken a short while for jarvan to begin considering him as a good friend in addition to a stalwart guard, and then even briefer for the king offer him the positions of steward of his house and seneschal of his kingdom. truly, it had been no hard decision given the ex - reckoner’s dedication to him, his nation and his young son. jarvan iii had scrutinised the transition of position carefully and the king only found himself made certain of his judgement as he watched him rise to meet the challenge readily. taking on the roll of royal steward meant the affairs of the citadel were under his charge, a great task and no easy feat. the palace’s guards and her staff, organisation both broadly and also more closely with the royal family of father and son. and, yet, he found no complaints.
instead, the king found his royal home running as smooth as ever, or perhaps even more, much like the marble floors freshly cleaned and gleaming. not only that, but he also did note that his son seemed more focused when his steward oversaw his lessons, and whether that was by teaching style, garnered respect or interest in the current topic, it seemed to be working. that, and it seemed the steward had developed a shadow of sorts, trailing him when the young prince was not in lessons and seemingly very attentive when his seneschal trained in the courtyard. admittedly, it was very sweet. life in the court did not provide much for a youth in the way of suitable company or entertainment, so to see something brightening the day of his young son was something worth being grateful for, especially since he would make a fine role model for him.
and it seemed by the concern that xin showed for his son, that such feelings of endearment were mutual. it was obvious that he cared for the prince’s well - being, not just as that of a soldier to his post but also that of a guardian to his charge. it was realisations like this which reconfirmed his original assessment, oh so many months ago now, that this man was of a special kind and that noxus had truly wasted his talents in the arena. no, he would never regret permitting him to speak and tell his story, nor taking him into his guard. truly, he had touched his heart with his life and courage in ways which none had in a long time. it was strange, but warming. something which showed clearly in his eyes. ‘ silverwing raptors are proud beings, they do not let themselves be ridden by any they do not deem worthy of their companionship. though, once their partnership is earned, they are stalwart friends and loyal to a fault. ’
he spoke those words with great confidence, he had seen many raptor dive dangerous lines to retrieve grounded riders or fly for days with scarce breaks to carry their injured rider home. they were truly magnificent creatures. the king took a brief moment to allow himself to roam the memories of his mind, of both his and other’s fine feathered companions before clasping his hand on xin’s shoulder, pulling him just a bit closer as if to let him in on a closely guarded secret, an expression of both understanding and mirth coating his features. ‘ so, while i agree he is too young to have one of his own, i feel the raptors will decide that for us. he will either have to wait, or he will have little to fear. besides, he would have to sneak past the aerie guards first, and, as i am sure you have noticed, he is not the most stealthy sneak - thief to have ever roamed the citadel’s halls. ’
