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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

[pyrighteous]

[ Smaller library is good, at least. He's going to find a spot to sit and ... uh... ]

What kind of library is this? I've never been here before.

[neonleon]

A library for those who can't get access to the emperor coven library.

[So. y'know. The library for Everyone Else Ever.]

A lot less academic books in here.

[pyrighteous]

... Oh. I definitely haven't been in here then.

[ He sets the guard book down for a moment to go investigate the shelves. ]

[neonleon]

[Leo just picks the book up so it doesn't get lost or misplaced. Doing his job of keeping up with the Golden Guard.]

It's pretty quiet t-b-h. Doesn't get talked about much so you gotta know somebody to know about it.

[pyrighteous]

[ Good Leo. Hunter doesn't notice just yet. ]

Is it a secret?

[neonleon]

...In not so many specific words.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter laughs a little as he takes a book off the shelf. ]

Why are there so many pictures?

[neonleon]

Because sometimes they help you visualize what's going on better! Especially if there's a lot of action.

[pyrighteous]

Can't you do that with words already?

[neonleon]

Sure, but sometimes the pictures are fun. And some witches aren't that great at visualizing.

[pyrighteous]

I mean, I guess. But that's what practice is for.

[neonleon]

Yeah! And the pictures can act as training wheels.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter takes down a comic book to flip through it. ]

This ... would have been nice to have when I was younger, yeah.

[neonleon]

It can still be nice now, if you want.

[pyrighteous]

The Emperor will think I'm a child if he sees me reading children's books.

[neonleon]

Okay gonna not take it personally that you're calling this comic a kid's book, but also maybe just don't let him see it then.

[pyrighteous]

..........

[ He opens his mouth to object to that too ... then glances over at the guard book that Leo has. ]

I - I guess he doesn't need to know everything.

[neonleon]

Up to you.

[He doesn't want to be manipulating the new Golden Guard, but... he's so... easy believing.]

But your secrets are my secrets.

[pyrighteous]

[ HE'S SO EASY. So naive. ]

Do you HAVE secrets?

[neonleon]

Bringing you to that room and then here for starters.

[pyrighteous]

... Oh yeah, I guess that's not exactly what you're supposed to be doing. You could get in trouble for that.

[neonleon]

Absolutely could. So that's my secret.

[pyrighteous]

...

I-I'll protect it! I don't want you to get in trouble with Belos! N-not like the last one.

[neonleon]

[Leo blinks at that. a little surprised by the earnestness. No one ever really cares what happens to him.]

...Yeah. Thanks.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter rubs at his own shoulder a bit. ]

I mean it. You really should be careful. Belos doesn't like me having friends.