musetuning | permenant open post

[This absolutely was the busiest Xander had ever seen the capital in a long time. Not since he was a small child could he remember such a crowd, not even for his own coronation ceremony. There was a small, nagging part of his mind that told him that people had precious little to celebrate during the latter years of his father's rule.

...No. No, that thing hadn't been his father. Not for at least a decade. That was a creation of Anankos, made to serve the insane First Dragon. Xander had made up his mind; he would mourn his actual father, and consider the man he knew for the past several years to not be his father.

But that aside, Xander has been enjoying himself today. It isn't often he gets a break from politics like this, and he was ready to make the most of it. On top of that, he had Aqua with him, which made the day that much better. He loved spending time with her, no matter the reason for it.]

I see; so it is. Let us excuse ourselves, then.

[Xander wraps up the transaction he was in the middle of, handing his payment to the vendor and taking the box of baked goods into his hands. They would be nice snacks for the next few days. With that, he turns around and, making sure Aqua stays with him, walks back toward the castle. He makes one stop along the way to bid the commoners farewell, then sets along the castle bridge. Xander then speaks to Aqua again once they're out of earshot.]

Did you enjoy yourself today?

[Aqua dutifully walks half a step behind on their way back, anticipating the need to clear the way and to dissuade any hopefuls (and there are many), and it is only when they reach the bridge that she relaxes, visibly exhaling as she rolls her shoulders and her perfect posture slackens, just a little.

She smiles, thoughtfully.]

It's nice to see the people so enthralled with you, Xander. They truly love their King. [That's not answering his question, though, and her smile turns sheepish.] Does that count as enjoying myself?

[It's a form of gratification, if naught else.]

Edited 2018-10-29 23:37 (UTC)

[Xander can't help but be just a tiny bit amused by that answer, so it doesn't really change his mood.]

It isn't quite the answer I was looking for, but I am glad that you were able to derive joy from others' jubilation.

[Even if it is a little embarrassing on his part. Xander thinks that the festivities are a bit too much, but he doesn't ever feel like he's worth the fuss people can make over him.]

If its citizens are happy, then the country [the world, even] are at peace. To see that sort of light... that's all I ever want.

[In a way, she doesn't need to linger here as much as she does. There are other worlds to save, other worlds that need her - but that sort of task is also never done. A world always needs to be consciously cared for and protected. She has confidence that Xander and his siblings will, but more than that, she swore to protect the country's King as her ruse. Or is that the excuse?

Something to wonder, later.]

What about you? Was it what you expected to be doing on your birthday?

[Xander listens to Aqua speak, not saying a word himself. Not until Aqua asks him a question.]

Me? Yes, to an extent. However, I had not foreseen the sheer number of people that would be here in Windmire today partaking in the festivities. That was the most unexpected part of things so far.

[So far...because he knows the day isn't over yet. Or maybe he suspects what his sisters have been planning.

Who knows?]

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