Winter in Alexandria

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Characters: Marquis Halim Ondore IV & OPEN to whomever
Progress: Incomplete
Summary: After quitting Lindblum with the Onion Knight in tow, the Marquis finally makes his way to fair Alexandria.
Location: Alexandria, the town.
Date: January 1804
Warnings: None


While the journey to Alexandria may have been a long one, these two unlikely adventurers managed to reach the town just a minute after two. Riding from Lindblum to the South Gate proved to be arduous than the Marquis assumed, a pleasant surprise. With the Onion Knight towing along, this slightly boring trip turned out to be a tad more pleasant than it should have been if Ondore decided to venture alone. Grateful for the young knight's companionship, Ondore hoped that his nice wouldn't mind if he invited the young man to visit her and Lord Nabradia. Certain that the young queen wouldn't shun his newly made friend, the Marquis led the way towards the rural town thanks to the helpful guide of some of the wayfarers they met at the gate.

"Ah, so this is Alexandria?" Halim questioned aloud as he gawked at the whimsical scenery before him. While winter chill still clung within the air, this beautiful town reminded him a little of fair Bhujerba. Perhaps it was the more laid-back atmosphere that made him think of his homeland but whichever the case, the Marquis certainly felt at home here.

"Come now, we mustn't linger for lo-" Ondore's words were cut short once he realized his faithful companion seemed to have wandered off into the crowd. With a deep sigh, the Marquis decided to search for the nearest inn on his lonesome.

Comments

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Steiner continued to watch him as the man walked past. He had the arrogance of a nobleman, but even noblemen received short shrift from Steiner if they couldn't prove who they were. As far as Steiner was concerned, these Sky People needed to earn his respect.

But at the mention of Vayne, Steiner paused. "Did you say Vayne?"

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

When he was just about to wander away from this uncouth knight, the Marquis stopped cold once he heard the guard's question. A moment of intrigue as well as fear passed within his mind as he slowly turned to look upon this knight with a curious gaze. "Aye?" He answered hesitantly at first before adding a few more words. "In Ivalice, I knew of man who once donned the name of Vayne Carudas Solidor but surely such a name means nothing to a citizen of Alexandria." The Marquis had no idea what this villainous man has been up to since his arrive to Gaia for none of his companions dared to utter that tyrant's name.

There silence may have seemed to be forged by fear but the reason why these heroes opted to keep silent was that they desired for peace. The Lady of Dalmasca wasn't fond of the idea of reliving the conflicts that brewed within Ivalice and because of this, many of these stalwart heroes decided to hold their silence. That is until now...

"Excuse me but do you know of this man?"

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Steiner nodded. "I do! His name is known to many in Alexandria, as he has stayed at the castle before."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

That very answer was more than enough to make one's blood run cold but luckily, for Ondore he managed to wear his shock rather well. "Really now? Do tell." Wishing to hear more about what this knight had to say, the Marquis knew better than to speak too freely about Vayne to someone who could be a potential ally of his.

"I take it you are on good terms with Lord Solidor assuming that your queen is." He silently hoped his earlier comment about Vayne would be ignored since it seemed as if Alexandria favored the older Solidor.

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Steiner opened his mouth to retort, but couldn't quite decide whether to agree or not. The queen did get on with Vayne, so it wasn't Steiner's place to badmouth him in public. But privately Steiner didn't trust the Emperor.

He hid his confusion by blustering at Ondore. "Ah, I see your motive now! You won't be getting any information out of me. Now move along!"

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Blinking owlishly at the knight with rather confused glance, Ondore couldn't help but wonder as to why this man was so fidgety. By the way the Captain acted, it seemed as if Vayne Solidor owned all of Alexandria and not the courageous young Queen that the people adore.

"Sir." The Marquis' tone was friendlier than before, maybe because he found some humor in this discussion. "If you wish to talk, then you would do best without such paranoia. I am no ally of Solidor but I am no spy, either." Turning to take his leave, Ondore just hoped he could find Ashelia soon.