Spars and Scars

[font=Arial, serif]The meeting had gone on long enough. They had been at it for hours, even with the brief recess before the Sister and another advisor were nattering away. Someone would have been smacked in the mouth if it had been her in the middle of it all, so Leaf was grateful that cooler heads were prevailing some. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]His eyes betrayed him though, to hers anyway. Fatigue and the mental strain of biting his tongue was beginning to wane on him. From her spot across the way, leaned back against the wall, Leaf frowned, shifting her gaze to look between the two arguing officials. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif][color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Alright enough,”[/font][/color] she’d huff, body pushing itself off the wall to stride over. She positioned herself between the two spatting, hands gathering behind her back while her head regarded each respectfully. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“The Prince has heard your concerns. Given the length of time we’ve all had to hear them, I suggest we all let the words digest over an extended rest. The Prince has other appointments today.”[/font][/color] And eyeing the Sister specifically she smiled. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“And, given you were so eager to continue despite the request of a recess, he also hasn’t eaten.” [/font][/color][/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Turning her attention away from the infuriating woman, Leaf would smile warmly at the Prince. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“You do no-one any good on an empty stomach, distracted by hunger.”[/font][/color][/font]

Sebastian had come to learn a fine art of paying attention just enough to weigh in as needed, but otherwise gloss over all the nonsense. This was, also, the same conversation that had been had before. The Sister never saw eye to eye with any of his advisors. And despite how level headed he knew his general could be, often they'd fall into the trap of an argument. Maker, he had better things to do than listen to this.

His gaze had flicked over to Aoife, half expecting her to be napping in the corner. Surprisingly, she seemed more attentive than he felt. His eyes widened a little when she made the decision to intervene. He couldn't disagree with her words, at first, and then he had to bite back a groan. Sebastian's eating habits could be bad, on occasion, but it was usually Bodil giving him trouble for it. He'd not expected Aoife to fulfill that role today.

Clearing his throat, he offered a smile in return. Ah, yes... quite distracted by... hunger. He flicked his gaze to the other two, the Sister of which gave him one of her signature snotty looks. His general, however, seemed far more keen on the idea.

They stepped to the side, offering a grateful nod to Aoife. [color=#ffc95f]"I agree. We'll have this discussion again,"[/color] they gave a pointed look to the Sister, [color=#ffc95f]"tomorrow."[/color] Smiling and nodding to both Sebastian and Aoife, they departed.

With a scoff, the Sister was not far behind.

A heavy sigh and Sebastian was sinking into one of the chairs. They'd long been forgone at the beginning of the meeting and he was exhausted just having to listen to the Sister natter on. Never expected you'd be rescuing me from meetings, he commented, rubbing his temples. After a moment, he paused and looked up to Aoife with a smile. Thank you.

[font=Arial, serif]It took a great amount of effort not to smirk at the hoity toity Sister. This argument had already been going for a day or so, the woman had dug in and no amount of persuasion had been able to sway her out of it. Yet she’d come up against Hawke’s overly polite response to her jeering. It was a far cry from what she had to put up with Korr, and the demon found it amusing they riled the Chantry sister so. In that respect, mage and demon had allied some, Leaf pulling back on the demon’s desire to accidentally scald her hand when shaking. Too much, Korr, too much. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Eye softened on Sebastian as he agreed with her, unsure if that was the true distraction or not, but dismissed it for now. Aoife returned the General’s nod with a low bow of her own. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Tomorrow then,”[/font][/color] turning to show the infuriating witch the same but unwarranted courtesy, [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Messere’s.”[/font][/color] After the doors closed, she relaxed some. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“You were not kidding… I am going to have to be very, very well behaved if we ever have to dine with them at something.” [/font][/color][/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Chuckling, Aoife shook her head. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Don’t thank me yet, you still have to deal with her again tomorrow.”[/font][/color] Following his example, the Champion sank into a chair, her back resting deep into the back with a sigh.[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif] “Sorry to call you out on not eating, but it was better than telling her to wheest, or I’d be letting Korr take her tongue. A joke, I swear. I wouldn’t actually let him take her tongue..”[/font][/color] Perhaps trap her in something by her Sister hood and leave her to struggle herself free or, mercifully, tire herself out for the good of the rest of them. Maybe, it was an option.[/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Too much planning was involved in such a thing regardless. The thought abandoned, she turned her attention back to him. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“... Want to go hit some stuff? Wake us up a bit? I can’t promise I won’t imagine a certain Sister being blown to meet the Maker.” [/font][/color]
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Sebastian quirked a brow at her. Thinking ahead, are you? I wasn't planning on torturing you with that. He chuckled. He knew she'd had more than her fair share of this kind of horseshit over the years in Kirkwall. The last thing he wanted was to subject her to even more of it here.

His eyes followed Aoife as she sank into a nearby chair. Not his first choice... he shook his head briefly. That wasn't exactly the distraction he needed right now. Unfortunately, you are correct. I learned the hard way she doesn't forget anything or let anything go. He sighed, shaking his head again.

A short laugh escaped at her apology. You just reminded me of Bodil, is all. That reminded him, they still needed a more proper meeting. But perhaps another time. He was too tired from the meeting for any further antics that could lead to a headache. He was barely keeping this one at bay.

I thought I was 'distracted by hunger' and would do 'no one any good'? he asked, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. After a brief pause, he added: Does this mean I'm always good enough for you? Maybe you should raise your standards, Aoife. This time the smirk widened until it cracked into a laugh.

[font=Arial, serif][color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Where you go, I go. Part of the whole bodyguard deal, Seb,”[/font][/color] she shot back with a laugh. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Besides, you really think I’d let you suffer those things on your own? Pfft.”[/font][/color] Extravagant parties were not her thing, smaller ones perhaps, it greatly depended on the company and how relaxed they were. The few noble ones forced upon her were usually met with a great deal of trepidation, subtle and graceful Leaf was not and oftentimes she’d merely nod or shake her head politely. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Settling into her chair she just caught the end of his gaze. A light furrow of her brow soon replaced by the slightest of grins, before the conversation picked up again over the Sister. Aoife rolled her eyes. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“I foresee a great deal of Sister-sitting in my future… The second she turns nasty I will be marching her out, mark my words.”[/font][/color] A flash of irritation passed through her expression, people could be so pig headed and stubborn to change. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif][color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Well, you’ve a lot on your mind. Forgetting to eat is easy when you’ve a whole country to look after.”[/font][/color] Her smile was reassuring, Bodil only wanted him to take care of himself, just as much as she did. Then he used her own words against her, causing Leaf to sigh, lips twisting as she sucked them in thought. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif][color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Fine. New plan. We grab some food on the way out. You need some fresh air as well as some food.”[/font][/color] Shaking her head, Leaf began to pull herself out of the chair as he tossed that final remark. Her rise was awkward, the soft glow across her cheeks coughed aside an unintelligible mumble under her breath. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“...Alright, I'll bite… if you don’t pull your punches, or arrows.. whatever. I might answer you.”[/font][/color] Blue hues glinted mischief though it tempered with the softening of her smile. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“But we’re getting outside of these walls. I will obliterate your training space if we stay here.” [/font][/color]
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Sebastian shook his head. I appreciate that, but you don't need to make excuses for me. Besides, I've had a bit more than normal on my mind of late. There were a few things she might glean from his words, but he elaborated no further than that. She could assume what she liked... even if he'd be curious what that might be.

He wasn't even all that hungry, simply unable to help himself from poking fun at her words to end the meeting short. But he'd learned a long time ago not to argue with Aoife Hawke. Or any of the Hawkes. They could all be quite stubborn in his experience.

A smirk lit up his face at her reaction. Pull punches? he asked, mocking offense in his tone. How could you possibly suggest such a thing. Finally, he began to rise himself, pushing himself up and realizing how tired he really did feel. Maybe he was just a bit hungry. But maybe that could wait until after. He wasn't positive he wanted to fight on a full stomach... perhaps she'd let him get away with an apple or something simple.

I'll warn you though, he stepped closer, reaching to take her hand and pull it up toward his lips. I don't fight fair. He offered a grin as he planted a light kiss on the top of her hand. Then released her and headed toward the door as if nothing happened. No hint of the move except the slight flush of his cheeks he attempted to hide by scooting out the door first.

[font=Arial, serif]Her eyes narrowed a fraction of a second. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Excuses, he says. When he was the one who mentioned a tailor and dresses.” [/font][/color]One which she was technically still waiting on, but he’d been busy. Bodil had been able to suit her needs, regardless. The talk of normal though, nearly had her chuckle, the small curl of her lips the only indication that her mind was working over something. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Being the oldest sibling would do that. Aoife was constantly checking on her siblings, her friends were no different. Family looked after each other, even if their blood differed. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]She met that smirk of his with a quirk of her brow.[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif] “I’m just saying… It's been a long time since we’ve gone toe-to-toe.”[/font][/color] A layer of mirth slipped into her smile. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“You might not be able to catch me this time if you pull ‘em.”[/font][/color] Though sparring on a full stomach wasn’t the best idea, the mage could work it out as they walked. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]She was too busy thinking, distracted by an idea to wrangle a servant's aid when he stepped up closer. Eyes followed her captured hand, watching as he planted a soft kiss against her knuckles. Skin tingled at the contact, a jolt of electricity running from it, up her spine in a shudder. And then he was gone. Her hand dropped as he made his escape through the door. The bastard.[/font]

[color=#c14700][font=Arial, serif]Hehe. This will be fun. [/font][/color]

[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]Do. Not. Get involved with this, Korr. [/font][/color]

[color=#c14700][font=Arial, serif]How can I? When you do an excellent job at sinking it, every time. It’s most amusing. [/font][/color]

[font=Arial, serif]Leaf’s hand moved to gesture, but she snatched back the will. They weren’t wholly alone for her to use magic and haul him back, so instead Leaf took in a deep breath before following after him. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Ass,”[/font][/color] was all she’d hiss, catching up with him to lightly brush his shoulder with her own. Her voiced lowered to a whisper,[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif] “...I still have to get you back for earlier, now you’re just giving me more reasons to be rough on you.”[/font][/color][/font]

Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at bit at Aoife's commentary. Ah, so you think I've just been sitting pretty all this time? Boring meeting to boring meeting and never taking time to keep up my skills? He smirked a bit. Maybe he should have played up the lazy lord so he could have surprised her. But no, that wasn't as fun as the back and forth teasing.

Despite the flush over his cheeks, her reaction kept him smirking at her expense. Part of him liked to think if he'd known she was this easy to fluster, he might have done it sooner. But he knew better. Knew that he'd have always buried his interest in her for the better. For the good of them both, really. And yet so many regrets stemmed from it. So many what-ifs and things he could have done different.

Get me back? he asked, though didn't pause or glance at her. Instead, he was eyeing their path and considering his options on the food front. My lady, I still insist I've done nothing to warrant such a response. He damn well had. He knew it. He wanted to see how far he could push it.

Finally, Sebastian spotted a servant and whispered something to them before falling back in step with Aoife. The servant would reappear a short time later with an apple. He thanked them, taking a bite and eventually glancing over at his company. Sebastian offered a bit of a smile, waving the bitten into apple at her. Does this suffice for a meal in your eyes? Not that he'd do anything different. Especially not right before a training session with her. A grin lingered on his lips until he'd taken another bite of the apple.

[font=Arial, serif]Aoife appeared to think on his words, lips pursing in a teasing way. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“You’ve always been pretty, Seb, but no. I don’t think you’ve been sitting idle all this time.”[/font][/color] As for his skills… Leaf chuckled, brows shrugging. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Boring Chantry meetings don’t teach you how to undo knots.”[/font][/color] Side-eyeing him, she smirked gently. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“You kept that secret long enough from me.” [/font][/color][/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Dexterous, nimble hands would do that, but unlike he, Aoife had to watch her particular talents. Discernment was a talent she wrestled with. Sometimes it was easy, clear and obvious, but in the realms of politics it was best left to dealing with mortal danger, not unleashed on a whim. Since her arrival things had been… different, her heartbeat stilling and skipping forwards simultaneously whenever their hands touched. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Rolling her eyes as her head shook, Leaf would tut at his protest to innocence. Feigning annoyance, her eyes would narrow. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“I’mma wipe that smirk off your face, if you keep lying to me. You know damn well, what your delicate digits danced over.”[/font][/color] With a glance her gaze shifted, but she found the servant too late to ask her own question before he scampered off on the Prince’s whim. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Aoife stared at him, then the apple. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“...Wow. I came all this way to keep your ass safe, and you don’t even offer to get me one too?”[/font][/color] her tone sarcastic. Where he went, so did she, which meant she hadn’t eaten either. Chuckling a little, she’d reach out her hand, [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“I will, if you give me a bite or two?”[/font][/color][/font]

Sebastian offered only a smirk. What can I say? I've always been good with my hands.

He'd slipped away only for a moment, it did not take her long to catch up to him. Nor did he expect it to be otherwise. Just long enough to control his reaction, to tamp down on the flustered feeling. A hope the blush might have subsided in the brief time given.

Before he could offer much else of a reply, more of a tease, the servant's return distracted them both. Sebastian chuckled, flipping it behind his back to his other hand, then holding it out for her. My apologies, Aoife, can you ever forgive me? he asked, earnest smile quickly giving way to teasing grin.

Relinquishing the apple to her, his grin widened. As much as you like. He still wasn't enjoying the idea of eating anything ahead of a fight - even if the sustenance was necessary.

The trip to the training grounds wasn't overly far. And he paused as he picked up the bow and quiver of arrows he kept on premises. It wasn't his preferred bow, of course. But it was sufficient for the training he did - the draw strength was close enough.

Does this, he gave a slight, sweeping gesture, meet your standards, Lady Hawke? he asked in a teasing tone. Or did you have aught else in mind?

This back and forth, confined within the walls of the palace was almost suffocating. This wasn’t Kirkwall, where she could happily give him a dead arm during the course of their verbal sparring. A modem of decorum had to be maintained.

[color=#c14700]… You can be devious. Do it. haha. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]“That’s it. Chivalry is indeed dead,”[/color] she’d declare, lips struggling to keep it wholly serious.  He made to give over the apple, but Leaf took his wrist instead, drawing both hand and apple to her lips. Taking a large bite, lips would grin around the core before continuing, juices of the fruit slipping down her chin. Mouth full, Leaf would only answer him by nodding, releasing his wrist to reach instead to whip clean her face.

They’d soon come across the grounds, the short walk easing the tension in Leaf’s upper body. Staying cooped up all day didn’t suit her. The walls always felt like they were slowly creeping in. Some delightful trauma left behind from the Nightmare. Space had a vast amount had been her sanctuary, but things weren’t solved by hiding in the mountains.

Looking over the grounds, Leaf let a small smile form quickly turning into a sly grin with his tone. Something else in mind? Casting him a side glance, she’d look back over the ground, musing, feet padding lightly in place, testing the ground underfoot. [color=#0074d9]“Seems good. Less chance I’ll blow up something important…. Unless…” [/color]Dipping down, Leaf tugged at the quick ties of her boots, shedding them quickly by flicking out of them.

[color=#0074d9]“Unless you want to dance, instead of me beating your ass?” [/color]

Sebastian froze in an instant, only a sharp inhale of breath as he watched Aoife. He'd expected her to take the apple from his hand not... that... Maker. Not that at all. Awkwardly, he'd nod in return, letting his hand with the apple drop as he swallowed the odd feeling fluttering up the back of his throat.

He'd eventually set the apple down when they arrived, picking up his training bow and quiver instead. One last glance sent a shiver of memory though him before he looked back at Aoife.

Watching as she seemed to appraise things, test the ground and decide, Sebastian had a feeling something unexpected was coming his way. Such it would always be when she was involved in something. Even something so simple as a visit to the training grounds. Or what should have been so simple.

What did come next, while he thought he'd prepared himself for the unexpected, well... it still threw him off. Blinking, he soon chuckled as he regained what little of his composure seemed to remain.

Dance? he asked, musing the question as he set his gear back down. Oh, I don't know... he mused aloud, then offered a flash of a smirk. You think you can keep up?

[color=#c14700]I … I think you broke him. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]Doubtful and hush. [/color]

The smirk on her face struggled to keep itself in check. Too pleased that she’d managed to unsettle him so easily, enough to render him speechless for their remaining walk. If he glanced her way during the course of the short journey he’d only note a quiet air of amusement and teasing.

With her boots discarded, Leaf’s toes played in the soil, enjoying the coolness of the earth against her skin. The way he looked at her though, the slight challenge in his words had her scoffing. [color=#0074d9]“Oooh you… you shithead,”[/color] she’d tease back, shifting forward to shove him gently by the shoulder. [color=#0074d9]“Just cos you’re King.... Fine. I’ll spar barefoot then,”[/color] brows shrugged, she drew level, shoulder to shoulder but facing the opposite direction. Tilting her head, Leaf’s smirk grew lopsided, voice lowering to make her pont known, [color=#0074d9]“bet I still beat you though.” [/color]

With a last bump of her shoulder against his, she made to move away, abandoning the idea of a dance if he was going to make fun of her lack in grace.

Prince, he interjected, correcting her with a slight smirk. Perhaps with all the recent... annexes he might be able to take claim to the title, but it didn't feel right to him. None of it was about power. It was about protecting the people and it always would be. He could do that just as well as a prince.

The smirk only grew at her confidence. So confident, he remarked. Let's see if you can- Cut off midsentence, Sebastian spotted someone running nearly full tilt at them. One of the pages he employed in the palace. The young lad was nearly out of breath before skidding to a halt before smacking into either of them.

Sebastian's defensive posture dropped as he looked at the boy. Cecil? Is everything all right? It wasn't typical for any of the pages to run full tilt through the palace looking for him.

[color=#ffa339]"Sh-she said,"[/color] he panted, still trying to catch his breath even as he explain. [color=#ffa339]"Needed to find you immediately. Urgent matter, private."[/color] He looked around, then pointed in the direction he came. [color=#ffa339]"Follow me, she's that way. Needs you immediately."[/color]

A frown creased Sebastian's features. "She" could be any number of individuals. Two of which made him cringe a little that they had something so urgent, yet private for him. With a sigh, he looked over at Aoife. It seems we need a rain check - shall we? He gestured to follow after the page. He knew well enough by know that Aoife would ignore the private part of the message and insist on attending as well.

Her eyes rolled playfully as he tried to correct her. [color=#0074d9]“Mmm, I doubt for much longer. People are following you, they’ve chosen you to lead them.”[/color] Anyone else wasn’t worthy of it, that much was certain.

Her smirk mirrored his, though not quite as she turned. [color=#0074d9]“Not always,”[/color] her back to him offering a shrug, [color=#0074d9]“but tenacious? Oh! Certainly.”[/color] Yet just as their fun was about to begin, a runner came sprinting down the path. Leaf’s posture followed Sebastian’s relaxing her stance to approach the two.

[color=#0074d9]She? Which she?[/color]

Whatever it was had the lad panting near enough to faint, something serious then? With a nod, Leaf flashed him a grin. [color=#0074d9]“Guess I’ll have to put you in the dirt another day. Duty calls.”[/color] The brief respite that they had shared would have to do, set aside for the duties before them. Gods, she hoped this wouldn’t be a late one.