[FIN] An Unassuming Visit [Satra/Xenon]

[Dark]

Suha had decided, considering her ultimate goal, that a direct approach was, for once, the best option and with that in mind had prepared to visit the courts.

She honestly didn't expect to talk with anyone of significance--she herself was no one of consequence; yet--and was sure that any number of people over the course of a day tried to fall into good favor with the queens and kings of the court. She did not want to seem like she assumed too much in doing so, and would be content enough if she spoke to even an adviser on her first visit. This endeavor was to be taken slowly, after all.

Feathers groomed prettily, and expression demure, she arrived. The palace was a gaudy affair and not at all to her taste--it was too obvious--but it wasn't of particular consequence. It wasn't the building she was after.

[carcinoGeneticist]

There was something rather lovely to be said for spending a day outside, even when it meant that one was reduced to looking the part of a ham-fisted monster. Apocalypse was, despite that giant and rather irritating side-effect, enjoying himself. He sat on one of the large stone walls, legs folded and claws scraping against stone, orange eyes bright as he looked over the grounds once more.

The main purpose of being out here was, of course, to bother his friend. Enough time had passed since their fateful trip to the Purple Pussy that the man could look at Alaster again without feeling vaguely... itchy. That meant that it was back to business as usual. "Yeah, so if you do this thing where you kinda poke with this one -- no, dude, your pinky, like this -- yeah, it gets an amazing reaction. Liquid everywhere, but it's not pee." Alaster wasn't really paying attention, he was sure, but that wasn't the point. The point was that, while he was on guard, the man wasn't able to leave his station, no matter what Apocalypse said or did. It was a wonderful game, and the pale man's wide smile reflected how much fun he was having. "Are you doubting me? Don't doubt me, Bro, you know I know what I'm talking about."

Belatedly, the King realized that someone was approaching. A rather brightly colored someone. Apocalypse leaned back, folding his oversized hands in his lap, a golden brow arching loftily. "Hey, who's that?" he murmured, poking the lizard-bird with his foot. "Go do your job. Make sure she's supposed to be here."

He was assuming - and frankly, hoping - that the visitor was female. That would be a lot of fun. If the corvid looked at the King, he would give her a wide and, as he saw it, charming smile.

[]

[Satra]

While he was glad to have their friendship back intact, Alaster was, at the moment, regretting it. Did he really have to bother him while working? Really?!

"Yeah, so if you do this thing where you kinda poke with this one..."

Alaster stuck up what would be his middle finger (if he had more than two) up at the man. Really, did he have to be talking about this here? Now?!

"-- no, dude, your pinky, like this --"

Alaster rolled his eyes. Of course it went over his head. Ah well. No reason why he couldn't take note of this for later. He would never admit it, but he often found it amusing. The majority of the time there was nothing happening on watch and Pale was easily tuned out after his years of practice, so if he wanted to, he could depend on him for entertainment. This, however, was toeing over the line of very work-inappropriate.

Alaster went back to watching Pale out of his peripheral vision. As he did so, he saw the bright warm-colored Avian stick out against the green grass of the Highlands surrounding them. His lips curled as Pale told him to do his job. Honestly. It was Alaster doing his job loyally that prevented Pale from getting a black eye from that statement. He waited until the woman was close enough to call out to.

"Greetings, traveler! What business brings you to the court?"

[Eh, not the best, but it works. P: ]

[Dark]

Suha offered a small smile--so hard to manage with the fangs, but she had been practicing--to the guard who addressed her, "Greetings," before turning the same smile on his companion, which turned a little shy when she realized his rank, and bowed slightly in acknowledgment, "Highness."

She turned her attention back to the guard, since it was he who had addressed her, though she was loathe to do so; she hadn't dared hope she would run into a King. A Jack, perhaps, but never a King.

"I don't dare presume, but I had come to offer my services in whatever capacities might be of use," she paused, "I had hoped to talk to a clerk, perhaps, to see if such services would be welcome." There was no point in bothering with a lowly clerk if a King was present, but she didn't want to overstep her bounds. This was a time to tread carefully.

[carcinoGeneticist]

Was that a hint of shyness that Apocalypse saw, on that previously-fiery face? The bow was also a nice touch that lent itself well to an almost-cautious air. She had no idea if he was titled or not and yet, here she was, addressing him as Highness and bowing her head. Clever creature. His smile widened, became more genuine, and he shot Alaster a look. Then, carefully, the man jumped down from the wall, brushing his pants off as well as he could with the appendages he used to call hands. Damn things were nearly useless for all the things he used to do, all the things he liked to do.

Well. He could still fight, but that wasn't the point.

Since the woman seemed to be speaking to both of them, he didn't take much trouble with adding his thoughts to the conversation. "I must say, miss, you have excellent timing," he almost purred, voice silky-soft. "There's recently been a shift in power here, and we are looking for all the help we can get. Titled or no, there's almost certainly a job for you here, if you want it."

Was he getting ahead of himself? He may have been eager, true, but then it was hard no to be. New blood meant someone to take care of some of the paperwork, to give him more time for sex and bothering Alaster. Besides that, my, she was a pretty thing when seen up close, though her teeth were rather strange. "My friend here is Alaster," he gave the lizard hybrid a poke with his elbow, that shit-eating grin never once fading. "And I am Apocalypse, a King serving under Her Majesty Xiven."

[Satra]

Of course had to be present when someone came looking for a job. Alaster hoped that his first impression of the Bird from the way she carried herself was right and this encounter with the King would not go over poorly. Granted, she would have to deal with him anyway working here, but encountering him with no warning, especially him with his hands the way they were at the moment, could be intimidating.

Alaster stayed quiet as Pale spoke. When they were alone, it was becoming more common for Alaster to make comments to Pale that would normally be unthinkable considering the gap in their rank, either serious or in joking. He stayed quiet now, however, letting the King speak first.

"I could arrange an escort to take you to the hiring manager who takes care of non-titled jobs," he offered to the woman. Yes, Pale could take her, but Alaster really didn't like that option.

[Dark]

"A pleasure," she smiled, "My name is Suha Darzi." As far as first encounters went, this was going exceedingly well; Apocalypse wasn't just any king, but one serving directly under the Queen of Hearts. What luck to make such an acquaintance! He was rather strange looking, to be sure, but he had power, and that was all that really mattered.

She turned her attention back to Alaster, "If it's no trouble, that would be most helpful, sir." A lowly guard he might be, but a king had called him friend, and Suha wouldn't forget.

It was all working out rather nicely, really. Small steps towards her goal, falling nicely into line. She might not be entering the courts as anyone of significance, but for the time being she would be content with that. What better way to learn the inner workings of a place, after all? Servants were such chatty things.

[carcinoGeneticist]

Suha, eh? That was a pretty name. When Alaster began to speak, Apocalypse gave him a look, one that showed quite a bit more fang than normal. What the hell was the guard pulling, here? He knew what he was pulling, actually, but that didn't mean he had to like it. Alaster had no business in interfering with the pale man's game! He elbowed the man lightly, almost playfully, then turned his attention back to the pretty Morganberry. She was probably used to this kind of thing - men fighting over her.

"What my friend means to say, Miss Suha," Apocalypse said, eyes shining brightly. "...Is that I can escort you there myself. After all, there's no point to a guard leaving his station, especially not when I'm headed in that direction anyway. I'll be your escort."

So saying, the man took a step forward, inclining his head to the side as he offered an arm. "..It'd be my pleasure to help out." The man remarked, just in case the woman was concerned that she was, in some way, imposing on the King. Really, it just so happened that she'd shown up right around the point when he was getting bored of bothering Alaster and knew the other man's patience with him was wearing thin. It would be a good thing if he didn't end up with another black eye.

[Satra]

Alaster bristled for a moment as the other man's elbow gently nudged his ribs. That would not be a good idea at all. He did not like that look in Pale's eye. He'd seen it many times before and knew exactly what it meant.

Then again...

He knew Pale didn't make it a caveat for people to have sex with him to get it. He judged on competence, just like Her Majesty. By default, working in the court and being female, she'd have to deal with him and his antics at some point. If they would scare her away, best to know now before anything was set. Alaster smiled and nodded.

"That is a good thing, indeed, Your Highness. I was positive you were going to stay here. However, escorting Ms. Suha enables all of the guard to perform their duties to the fullest. My thanks for providing us with a win-win situation," he smirked at the man, then turned his attention down to the Bird, "Best of luck to you, Ms." Then returned to his post.

[You two may continue the thread without me. :3 ]

[Dark]

"Many thanks, sir," Suha nodded politely to the guard, and then demurely took Apocalypse's proffered arm, "Your Highness."

To be escorted by a king, and one of such great importance, was more than she had expected and she couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit thrilled as he led her into the palace. Suha had planned to gain notice and prove her worth through diligent work, and still would, but this chance meeting would elevate her among many of the untitled working at the court. She had a face and name, something to be recognized by, and she would use that to her advantage. But slowly; it wouldn't do to rush things.

"You needn't had bothered yourself, Highness, but I am thankful for the escort," Suha remarked, sparing him a small glance and smile.

She wondered at his reasons for doing it, honestly. Surely not just to be courtly; she herself did everything for a reason, and she couldn't imagine someone of his position not having something else going on behind his amiable mask. Something to ponder.