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[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Be on the lookout, Ondore. There is a none-too-pleased Dalmascan knight currently attempting to track you down within the walls of your own home.

Given Vossler's tendency to lash out at those who invoke his wrath, there is no telling what the unstable captain might do in such a state. If nothing else, The Marquis should consider himself lucky to have chosen such a spacious estate in which to take up residency.

But there are only so many hallways, and sooner or later Ondore's pursuer is going to catch up with him]

Comments

H-Hope you don't mind me crashing till Ondore gets there? XD;;

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Vossler had a few ideas--and he wasn't about to shy away, either. Spotting Genesis down one of the spacious hallways of Ondore's estate, the Dalmascan knight immediately made a beeline toward the unfamiliar figure. It wasn't Ondore, but it was probably the next best thing]

One of the Marquis' guests, I presume.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

I am. And you are a resident here, as well?

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Vossler was hardly amused by the smug reaction of the man. Apparently Genesis didn't know how things were done in Ivalice]

I have been charged to keep the Marquis safe from any potential threat.

[And right now, you and your comatose buddy were becoming very close to be considered as much]

You and your companion--you both served under Vayne Solidor to eradicate the pirate menace, did you not?

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

Ah, a bodyguard, then.



Yes, we did. What of it?

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

His excellency may be kind enough to see past such association, but I am not so easily convinced.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

The Marquis has deigned himself a friend to myself long before my contract with Vayne Solidor. I don't know what kind of man Vayne was nor do I particularly care at this point. The man is dead and he paid us to help eradicate a problem that plagued many.



The Marquis was kind enough to warn both Sephiroth and I once we were in contract and so, we were able to keep a watchful eye should the man decide to do to show his true colors, as it were. But, instead, he was killed and both Sephiroth and I have been afflicted by the dear scientist's inventions. At this point in time, dear bodyguard, I don't particularly care what you may think about my "association" with the late Solidor.

Just know that I am grateful of Halim's kindness.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Vossler recalls the situation quite well, as he was one of the first people to warn Sephiroth against placing any trust in Vayne and his self-serving policies. As he recalls, it didn't go as well as he had hoped it might]

So you say. But bear in mind that should any harm befall his Grace during your stay, that you and your companion will be the first sought out by my blade.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

Yes, because I have become so accustomed to my sudden loss of sight that I am still able to fight as I used to.



And Sephiroth is in a coma, I daresay much can happen with a man unable to even wake and a blind guest.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Your logic is ignored, Genesis. Vossler still can't see past the fact that you once willingly allied yourself with Vayne]

I would not put as much past an emissary of Vayne Solidor, nor will I make the mistake of trusting so easily again.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

I don't particularly care if you trust me or not. I don't work for Vayne Solidor, nor will I ever again. It is because of him and his scientist that Sephiroth and I are in the sorry state that we are in.

I will not be intimidated by an angry and irrational bodyguard who thinks he knows me because I assure you, you know nothing.



Assume what you will, but stay away from him and leave us be.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Vossler knew that he was being somewhat unreasonable, but he really didn't care. His duty was not to Genesis or Sephiroth--it was to Dalmasca's royal family, which included the Marquis by extension. Whether or not Ondore's guests received the warmest of welcomes mattered little in comparison to the potential threat to the Marquis' security]

Then I hope, for your sake as well as your friend's, that my concerns are unwarranted and you give me no reason to introduce either of you to my blade.

[recites-always.livejournal.com]

Hm.

"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water’s surface
The wandering soul knows no rest."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

[Completely unaware of the calamity that approaches, Ondore was idly jolting down a few notes in his memoirs until he heard the angry footsteps of a certain Dalmascan Knight. Already feeling slightly tense, the Marquis merely waited for Vossler to arrive at his studies as he sat behind his desk. Surely, this would become a heated argument between the two of them but Marquis Ondore was hoping that such an event wouldn't happen.

After being swamped with work for one too many days, the stately old Marquis only desired for peace within his humble manor.]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Sure enough, Vossler had found his mark. Forgoing the usual courtesy of knocking, the knight instead swung open the door to Ondore's study unannounced, his frustration with the Bhujerban readily visible upon his face]

Forgive my intrusion, your Grace--

[As if such a statement would allow Ondore to dismiss the rash actions of his sworn protector]

--but I cannot condone the presence of these men to whom Vayne Solidor himself kept under his employ.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

[Letting out a deep sigh once the door swung open, Ondore was quick to remind the knight of his place.] Sir Azelas, you forget yourself.

[Giving the knight a slight look, Halim reclined back in his chair as regarded Vossler's fearsome scowl. He could understand why Vossler was so upset with their current guests but with Vayne being long dead and General Sephiroth currently comatose, there was no need for such antics now.]

General Sephiroth and Sir Rhapsodos maintained friendly ties with me regardless of their employment under Vayne Solidor. It would have been rude of me to allow the duo to fend for themselves after such chaos took place in Wutai.

Surely, you can understand why I felt sympathy for the two.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Sympathy or not, I was tasked with protecting your life. These men have no loyalty beyond one another, and whatever agreement they made with Vayne Solidor.

[He'd know--Vossler tried to warn Sephiroth about Vayne's possible intentions, only to have his efforts be brushed aside, and filed away for later]

Surely you can understand my position as your protector. Their presence here is an unnecessary liability.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

I can truly understand your argument, Vossler and while it is a sound one, I cannot be swayed. Their loyalty is not what I wish to gain from my show of kindness but rather their respect instead.

[No matter how much he would like to employ both Sephiroth and Genesis, he knew that the two did not follow a Knight's Creed.]

If the day shall come that these two pose a threat to me, then they shall be cut down with little remorse. However, they have not bestowed such wickedness upon me as of yet, therefore I cannot fault them for crimes not committed.

[A slight smile appeared upon his lips.]

Since you truly wish to act upon the behalf of my guardian, then shall you company me to Lady Eiko’s Ball? If I were to miss such an opportunity to speak with the Regent, I would be labeled a fool. Thus why I have opted to attend this birthday bash with a gift in hand and diplomacy in the other.

What say you, Vossler?

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[While Vossler didn't agree with the Marquis' choice of action--or inaction as it were, he knew better than to further press the issue. His own opinions on the way things should be handled cost him more than his life the last time around. With this in mind, Vossler bit his tongue (albeit with a great deal of effort). He would just have to remain vigilant when it came to Ondore's house guests.

At the mention of a more formal engagement, however, Vossler managed to push such thoughts out of his mind for the time being]

Of course I will accompany you as your protector. An engagement such as that would provide the perfect opportunity for an attempted assassination.

[No doubt Vossler meant to attend in full armor, as Ondore's bodyguard--perhaps not exactly what the Marquis had in mind]