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[neonleon]

[The changing of the Golden Guard happened every few years or so. One would be doing fine, then gradually disappear and fade only for a new Golden Guard to be sworn in. Leo had seen it happen a few times as castle staff and security, working on becoming part of the guard team himself under the emperor's coven. It was slow going though, something about him "not being ready" despite having been ready for four years now.

But the newest Golden Guard being sworn in is the youngest yet. Not that Leo can tell behind that mask, but he was shorter, lankier. His voice sounded a lot younger than the previous Golden Guards.

So maybe he'd do some snooping. If he found out a kid younger than him became a Golden Guard, he'll start fighting his superiors. Leo makes his way through the castle like he's on a mission, carrying a box of food to where he knows the previous Golden Guards always ate. He knocks on the door once.]

Delivery.

Comments

[neonleon]

Hm. Well, good thing I'm neither.

And I can fraternize with scouts and servants and the other staff.

[He just grins and pulls out a carefully wrapped krillsant pastry to start munching on himself.]

Nahmth Leo. Lohwer guard.

[pyrighteous]

I ... I guess you're not. Huh.

[ A loophole? The guard will take it for now. The second trapjack disappears into his mouth as he considers whether to eat the third and last one now - or save it for later. ]

I'm - um. Well, you know. I'm the new Golden Guard. Technically that makes me your boss.

[neonleon]

Iiiit does, yeah.

I could list my skills, but honestly I'm amazing at everything I do so that's irrelevant. [He takes another bite to munch in for a minute or so.]

I'm also here to walk you there, but figured I'd come a few minutes early.

[pyrighteous]

Oh. I mean, I can walk on my own.

[ a pause. ]

But it’ll look more official with a guard of my own, won’t it.

[ and also Belos doesn’t want this one escaping at the last minute, ]

[neonleon]

Exactly. New Golden Guard being sworn in, he wants an escort. [Finishing his breakfast up, just folds the napkin and puts it back in his pocket.]

It's a formality thing, don't think too much about it.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard carefully wraps up the last trapjack and stashes it under his bed. For later! as a post-swearing in treat. That’s reasonable too, right? ]

R. Right. Definitely not the Emperor treating me like a kid! I’m a prodigy.

[ he’s really trying to convince himself of this. ]

[neonleon]

[Is he trying to convince himself of this?

Leo won't judge, not really. But he just watches for now.]

Right. He wouldn't do that, he expects his guards to all act independently. Mostly.

[pyrighteous]

Mostly?

[ Wait. Something occurs to him. ]

… Did you know the previous Guards?

[neonleon]

A few of 'em, yeah.

Most of the time he wants guards to act on their own, except the times he doesn't. I could never really figure it out.

[pyrighteous]

… That’s confusing. I’m supposed to do EXACTLY what he says. Nothing else.

[neonleon]

Huh.

Maybe because you're younger...

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard pinks again. ]

I’m a prodigy. That’s all that means! I’m the youngest because I’m the best!

[neonleon]

[He holds both hands out, placating and backing up.]

Didn't say you weren't the best! Just making a note. You're the youngest so maybe he's a lil protective. I dunno.

[pyrighteous]

O. Oh. I - guess. Maybe?

[ It gets him to decoil a little. ]

I don’t know what happened to the last one either. Maybe something dangerous.

[neonleon]

I dunno either. I just... know I suddenly stopped seeing him around less and less until I didn't see him anymore at all.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard brightens a little? Curious but trying not to LOOK curious. ]

Did … you know him?

[neonleon]

Ssssort of? Like, we weren't on first name basis or anything, but he let me hang around and talk some.

[pyrighteous]

Yeah? What did he talk about? Was he strong?

[neonleon]

He was pretty strong. Most of what he talked about was just day to day irritations and guard stuff.

[pyrighteous]

... That's surprisingly normal.

[neonleon]

I-...Yeah? Did you think it wouldn't be?

[pyrighteous]

I - I don't know! He's a legendary figure, right? And I have to REPLACE him.

[neonleon]

...Replace, huh.

[Leo definitely thought of it more as 'taking up the name' but maybe that's a more succinct way to say it.]

I dunno, just be yourself and try hard. Don't worry about it.

[pyrighteous]

Too late, I'm EXTREMELY worried about it.

[neonleon]

Oh.

[Welp.]

I'll be right there with ya?