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Post by Elcie on Aug 23, 2014 14:12:50 GMT -5
Right now, Xavier Lynn was on top of the world. Someone who had known only the timid young man he'd been several years ago might not have recognized him for the wide, excited grin on his face as he walked the familiar streets to the Stallions' manor. He had to resist the urge to run instead of walk; he couldn't wait to get to the manor and share the good news with Ambrose. He grinned at the maid who opened the door, and it was so infectious that she couldn't help but grin back. Xavier's close friendship with Ambrose Stallion had made him a familiar figure at the manor, and most of the servants knew him by name. "Good morning, Lord Xavier," she said with a curtsy. "Here to see Lord Ambrose, then?" "Yes," Xavier said, too happy to really be unnerved much by her use of his title, as he usually was when the servants addressed him as a noble. "Would you mind taking me to him, if it's not too much trouble?" "Of course not," the maid said, smiling at him. Xavier could never get into the habit of issuing orders to anyone, and tended to be just as polite to servants as he was to anyone else, nobles and commoners alike. "He's in his office." She led him up to the office that had once been Alain's. After the maid showed him in, Xavier didn't even wait to exchange pleasantries before bursting out with his news. "Ambrose, Elin and I are getting married! I - I asked her last night, and she said yes, and-- and good morning, by the way." He grinned at Ambrose, a little sheepish, but his eyes shining with happiness. A few years after the events of the game, Xavier rushes over to Stallion Manor with some exciting news for Ambrose: he and Elin are getting married.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 23, 2014 14:59:09 GMT -5
Ambrose had been sitting at his desk, poring over several reports from Albion about the state of the King's navy, when Xavier had almost burst into the office. As soon as he looked up, it was very easy to tell that his friend was greatly excited about something. The grin on his face and his seemingly boundless energy was a good enough indicator of that. As unusual as it was, Xavier's happiness was always welcome. Ambrose smiled back at him but before he could even say anything, Xavier burst out with his news: he was going to be marrying Elin. At this, Ambrose's smile grew even wider. Immediately, he pushed aside the reports from Albion. Those could wait. Right now, there were far more important things. "Good morning and congratulations!" he said happily, "Elin is a wonderful person and you are perfect for each other. I'm just a little surprised it took you two this long." Ambrose got up from his chair and started walking towards Xavier, not wanting to have the desk between them. He caught himself at the thought before he could begin figuring out what he could make as a wedding gift for Xavier and Elin. One step at a time "Either way, I'm very happy for you and I know you're going to be very happy with her too. Have you thought about when you're getting married?" he asked. "Though if you asked her last night, it might be a bit early to begin planning." Ambrose is doing some advisor stuff when Xavier bursts in. He is so happy to see him happy even before Xavier breaks the news, at which point Ambrose is even happier. He congratulates Xavier and asks him when the wedding is so he can get on with making them a useful gift.
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Post by Elcie on Aug 23, 2014 15:50:09 GMT -5
"We haven't decided on a date yet," Xavier said. "Soon, I hope... though we still need to get word to her family in Kine. And for me to let the rest of House Jade know." He grinned. "But I had to come, I wanted you to be the first to know. Well, one of the first," he added. "Ilsa knows about it too. I think she's already planning what to serve at the reception. She's, uh, a little excited." Which was a bit of an understatement - Ilsa had been thrilled. He hesitated. "And I also wanted to ask..." Xavier trailed off and looked away from Ambrose self-consciously. "W-well, maybe it's a little soon to be thinking about it," he said. "But I was already talking to Elin, and I'd... if you wanted to, I mean, we'd be honored to have you in the ceremony." Xavier talks about all the planning they need to do, and awkwardly asks Ambrose if he's willing to be in the wedding.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 23, 2014 20:30:41 GMT -5
"I suppose it is best not to rush these things, especially since you have not told everyone who needs to know yet. Though I doubt that should be a problem," Ambrose smiled at him as he stopped in front of Xavier. Hearing his words, however, Ambrose felt his mood lift even more. "It's...well, I'm certainly honoured that you'd want me to hear about it first. Though you should not have been surprised, nothing escapes Ms. Wright, especially concerning you two. She was very keen that you get together." Ambrose waited patiently while Xavier gathered the words to say what he wanted to say. However, when it finally came out, he was genuinely taken aback by the request. He expected to recieve an invitation to the wedding at least but to be part of the ceremony itself... "Xavier, I would be honoured if you would have me as part of the ceremony...assuming Elin doesn't mind, of course," he gave a small laugh before looking back at Xavier. "But, if I may ask, why? You are a very dear friend to me, don't get me wrong, and I am so glad to be given this honour. I still want to know why of all people, you choose me?" Ambrose tells him not to rush and isn't surprised by Ilsa's enthusiasm at all. He is surprised by the request, if very flattered. He accepts, as long as Elin's fine with it, before asking Xavier why he deserves this honour.
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Post by Elcie on Aug 23, 2014 22:18:55 GMT -5
Xavier was silent a moment. "Because... because you're one of my closest friends, and I--" Then he stopped himself, shaking his head. "No, not just that. I may have been adopted into House Jade, but you're still..." He bit his lip, looking down at the floor. He knew why, really, but it was suddenly very difficult to find the words. It was a thought he'd never voiced to anyone before, not even Elin, and now that he was about to it seemed almost a childish one. "The way I was when I first met you, I still didn't really trust anyone. There was Ilsa, of course, and Elin, but... I didn't let myself get too close to anyone, especially if I thought they might figure out what I... where I came from. But you were so kind, and you believed in me even when you'd learned about my past, and..." Realizing he was starting to ramble, Xavier stopped, embarrassed. "I... didn't really have a family in Courdon," he said, slowly. "I don't even remember my parents very well. And so after the coronation, when you stayed, and we talked more and I realized I really trusted you, I kind of... wondered if this is what it's like to... to have a father." On those last words he looked back up at Ambrose, meeting the older man's eyes and awaiting his reaction. There was no taking it back now that he'd said it, and with that private sentiment out in the open he was suddenly feeling so vulnerable that a bit of his old wariness had crept back into his expression. Xavier starts out by saying that it's because Ambrose is a close friend, but stops himself, and in a roundabout way winds up explaining that Ambrose is like a father to him. Having never expressed this before, he feels vulnerable after he's said it, and waits cautiously for Ambrose's reaction.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 24, 2014 11:14:15 GMT -5
As much as Ambrose wanted to hear what Xavier had to say, he did his best to contain it and not seem impatient, instead giving the young man time to gather his thoughts and explain himself. He didn't say a word to interrupt Xavier, not wanting to disturb his train of thought, but quietly nodded in encouragement with each thing he said. But as Xavier kept talking, Ambrose could not help but look at him with surprise and even a little bit of shock. The last word, father, however, left him stunned. He cared deeply for Xavier and he knew that Xavier did the same for him but at the same time, he had not expected this...and yet, now that he thought about it, it was no surprise at all. "I'm glad, and somewhat honoured, that you trust me so much. Even though you've known me less time than either Elin or Ilsa," he said, not managing to bring his voice up louder than a murmur. "You know, even when we first met, I didn't care about your past. You were a person who was willing to show kindness to a mad old man and that's all that mattered to me. I didn't think I would see you again until I saw you at the feast. You were so miserable though, I didn't want you to suffer like that. But then, when Duval came, when he threatened you, and at the coronation..." Ambrose shook his head, not wanting to bring up the memory of that day. "I realised that while I don't want anybody to suffer, it's you who I explicitly wanted to protect. Even though you were more than capable of it yourself, I still wanted to defend you from harm." He caught himself before he began to ramble too much and shook his head dismissively. But at that, Ambrose smiled widely and put a hand on Xavier's shoulder, trying to meet his gaze. "I never had any children of my own so I don't really know how it feels. But I imagine it's the same way that I feel about you, Xavier," he said quietly. "If I'm right and you think of me as your father then...it's safe to say I think of you as my son." Ambrose is very startled that Xavier thinks so highly of him and cares for him that much. He tells him about his desire to protect him from harm during the events of the main roleplay, which went above and beyond what he feels for other people. This is probably what you feel for your kids and Ambrose makes the connection, telling Xavier that he thinks of him as his woob-son. <3
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Post by Elcie on Aug 24, 2014 14:15:45 GMT -5
At Ambrose's words, Xavier was relieved. He trusted Ambrose and had become much more open with him over the past years, but even so there'd been a part of him that was worried he would find this... foolish, somehow, or unwanted. But... Ambrose had only confirmed what Xavier had understood well before he'd put words to it. It had always been there, in the way he'd treated him all along. Long before Xavier had been in a place to expect such kindness and respect from someone else. Hearing him say it, calling Xavier his son, brought tears to his eyes. "I'm glad you stayed in Medieville," Xavier said quietly, meeting his eyes with a small smile. "I... when I first came here... I was only trying to hide. I never expected to find a family." There were a lot of things he had never expected. His smile broadened, and he reached up to grip Ambrose's arm. He was going to marry the woman he loved, and he was going to celebrate it with his family. He'd gained so much... a life that once, he wouldn't have even dared to dream about. Once, he wouldn't have believed he deserved this. Ambrose, the man who'd become a father to him, had told him otherwise, again and again. Xavier didn't know if he'd ever be able to fully express what that meant to him. "Thank you," he told Ambrose, meaning at first to simply thank him for agreeing to be part of the wedding, but the words caught in his throat and he found himself blinking back tears again. "For everything." Feels ensue, as hearing Ambrose call him a son brings tears to Xavier's eyes. He reflects on how grateful he is for the life he has now, and thanks Ambrose for everything he's done for him over the years.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 25, 2014 13:16:11 GMT -5
"As am I, for many reasons. But here, I could continue being a part of your life, in a way I never could have in Bern. I can really be part of your family," Ambrose's smile reflected Xavier's. It was unlikely, he thought, that either of them would stop smiling anytime soon. The tears in his eyes threw Ambrose off for a moment but it only took him a moment to work out that they were tears of joy. Nevertheless, he brought his other arm around Xavier and drew him closer, wrapping him in a warm hug. He remembered briefly the hug he had given Xavier at the feast, when he had first felt so paternal towards the younger man. However, the circumstances could not have been more different. This time, the paternal feelings did not manifest in sympathy but in something else. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad that, after everything you've been through, that you're happy," Ambrose said quietly, holding the younger man close. "I'm so proud of you, Xavier. You've come so far in the past few years. It's been such an honour and a joy to watch and help your growth. I would say that I hope it continues but I know it will. I don't even have to see the future to know that." Ambrose keeps being happy for Xavier and tells him how proud he is of him. Also, hugs. <3
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Post by Elcie on Aug 26, 2014 17:45:54 GMT -5
Xavier did not even hesitate to return Ambrose's hug, wrapping his arms around him tightly. For a moment he didn't speak, just happy to hear the warmth in Ambrose's voice. It had taken him so long even to accept that Ambrose saw him as a friend, an equal. He never could have predicted how glad it would make him feel, hearing the nobleman say that he was proud of him. He wanted to live up to the person Ambrose saw him as... to make him proud. "And I'm glad you can be a part of this," he said quietly. "That I can celebrate with the people I love. Me getting married..." There was a slightly wondering tone in his voice as he said it. He still couldn't quite believe that this was happening to him. He drew back slightly, giving Ambrose a slightly sheepish grin. "You know, we've been together all these years and there's still a part of me that can't quite believe she wants to marry me." Xavier is both surprised and glad to hear Ambrose say he's proud of him, and tells him how happy he is that he can be part of such an important event in Xavier's life. He's still kind of amazed and disbelieving that this is happening to him.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 27, 2014 18:48:13 GMT -5
The fact that Xavier did not hesitate to return the hug spoke volumes for Ambrose. Not only was the warm, comfortable way he hugged him back a far cry from the stiffness at the feast but...even despite what he had said earlier, the hug spoke loudest about how highly Xavier thought of him and cared for him. Even after all his time in Medieville, Ambrose could not forget how he had been treated before, back when everyone thought he was mad. But that was what made him so determined to care for and help Xavier; their circumstances could not have been more different but both of them knew what it as like to be looked down upon. But that was all in the past, for both of them. And Ambrose would not have cared so much about himself but for Xavier, who still had his entire life ahead of him, it meant everything. "So am I. I'm glad that this is happening for you and that you want me to be around to see it," Ambrose drew away from him too, though he did not remove his arms, and smiled at Xavier. A small glimmer of amusement appeared in his eyes. "And why shouldn't Elin want to marry you? You are a good person, Xavier, and you've been together with Elin for a while now. Seeing you two at the wedding of Princess Hope and Lord Joffery, it was clear that you two were perfect for each other. I would have been more surprised if she hadn't said yes to you." Earnestness returned to his look and he gripped Xavier's shoulder again. "You deserve this, don't doubt it. You've had enough hardship on your life, now you should be happy. And you are going to be happy, I know it." Hug makes Ambrose happy. <3 Not just for Xavier but because he is happy that he can be woob-dad for Xavier and that Xavier can now have a good life. He tells him how worthy he is of Elin, because Ambrose has been 'shipping it for a while, before telling him that he deserves to be happy. Because it's true, Xavier does. <3
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Post by Elcie on Sept 1, 2014 9:42:27 GMT -5
The look on Xavier's face was enough proof that Ambrose's words were true. He smiled, and the expression lit up his eyes. "You've always believed in me," he said, warmly. "Before I ever believed it was possible for me to have this kind of life. But I... I am happy." His smile widened. "I have my family, and I'm marrying the girl I love." He said the words with a certain relish. He would never tire, he thought, of reminding himself that this was really happening. Xavier could not take any of this for granted. He studied Ambrose thoughtfully. "You deserve happiness too, you know," he said. "And respect. I've always respected you, Ambrose, it wasn't just because you're nobility. You're the wisest man I've ever known." He put his head to one side, grinning affectionately. "Hope His Majesty knows how lucky he is, getting you for an advisor." Xavier agrees and says that he thinks he is going to be happy, and adds that Ambrose deserves happiness and respect as well.
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Post by Celestial on Sept 3, 2014 12:21:04 GMT -5
"Of course. You never gave me any reason to doubt you since I met you," Ambrose replied, watching with joy as the Xavier's face brightened even further. "And in my experience, those who have lead hard lives before finding happiness value that happiness all the more. I have no doubt you will too, though just listening to you, it's clear that you already value it." At Xavier's compliments, Ambrose looked away from the younger man and out of the window, giving a small sigh. It was certainly an odd experience for him, being told that he was wise, let alone respected. "I am just a man who has seen a lot, Xavier, and learned a lot from that. If that is wisdom, well...then I suppose I am wise." Even after all his time in Medieville and his service to Aldrich, which had certainly brought plenty of opportunities for those words to be directed at him, it was difficult to erase all the previous years when he had been called the opposite. But that just made what was said to him even better. Xavier saying it made it even more special. Even though it had been implied by Xavier calling him his father, the young man's respect still meant the world to him. Ambrose turned back, his eyes glimmering and a small smile on his face. "But I am still thankful that you think so highly of me. It has taken some getting used to, having people who do that, but it is hardly unwelcome," he gave a small laugh. "I don't know if King Galateo thinks he is lucky but I do not feel unappreciated in his service at least. So that is something." Ambrose always believed in you, Xavier, and he knows you'll appreciate your happiness. Xavier's compliments give him some thought but he very gratefully accepts them, even if he's unused to them.
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Post by Elcie on Sept 8, 2014 18:47:27 GMT -5
"He's a good man," Xavier said, nodding. "And he's not lacking for good counsel." There was Ambrose, and there was Elin serving on the Shadow Council... Xavier was so proud of his friends and everything they had accomplished. They deserved it, all of them. Maybe he did too. "I'll... let you know, anyway, when I know more about our plans for the wedding," Xavier said, remembering why he'd come in the first place and blushing a little in embarrassment. He didn't find it as difficult as he used to, opening up about his feelings - especially to someone he trusted as much as Ambrose - but he still felt a little self-conscious and vulnerable from everything he'd just said. "We... we don't even know where we're having it yet. Probably in Medieville, but..." He laughed. "I guess I was a little ahead of myself, asking you. But it was one of the first things I knew I wanted to do, if you agreed to it. I've told Elin already, don't worry." He clapped Ambrose firmly on the shoulder, meeting his eyes and smiling. "Thank you," he said again. "It'll be an honor to have my father in the ceremony." Though his voice hesitated slightly on the word, his smile didn't falter. He had not said it in so many words until now, but he had loved Ambrose like a father for years. And the fact that Ambrose so readily acknowledged him as a son in return, despite the fact that he was a member of a prominent noble House and Xavier had been born a slave in Courdon - that was one of many things about him that had won Xavier's respect in the first place. Elcie struggles fruitlessly to write a post for like a week Xavier is proud of his friends for their accomplishments, and tells Ambrose he'll let him know when they've made more plans about the wedding. It's pretty early to be making plans but he knew right away that he wanted to include Ambrose in this, who he has loved like a father for a long time now.
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Post by Celestial on Sept 13, 2014 15:24:02 GMT -5
Ambrose laughed slightly at Xavier's remark. "Thank you. It's encouraging to hear you say that. We try our hardest for him, me and the Shadow Council especially. I like to think we all do a good job." He nodded kindly to Xavier, smiling a little as he watched him go bright red again. He was not quite sure why, it was not even like the young man had said anything embarassing...although, maybe mention of the wedding was enough. Either way, Ambrose was not going to be one to say anything about it, there was no need to make Xavier blush even more. Instead, he just patiently listened to him talk about his wedding plans, giving Xavier a kind look to let him know that what he was saying to Ambrose was not something he should be embarassed or alarmed about. However, as Xavier went on, Ambrose could not help but glance down at the ground, feeling some of that embarassment too. Perhaps it was not so much talk of the wedding as just the earnesty and care that was being expressed. It was certainly so for Ambrose. Nevertheless, he looked up at Xavier after a moment, meeting his gaze with a similar, confident one, and resting his hands on his shoulders. "I am flattered that you thought of me first. Though thank you for telling Elin before me. It will be her day too, I don't want to be the one spoiling it," he smiled and shook his head, "Don't rush but let me know when you are certain. I don't want to miss you and Elin getting married, not for the world. And if there is anything you want or need that you think I can help with, don't hesitate to tell me. You know I'll do everything I can for you. After all..." he sighed but it was hardly a sigh of sadness. More like that of wistful reflection, "What's the use of anything if you can't use it to help those you care about?" And so does Celes, it's okay. Ambrose is happy to hear that Xavier thinks Aldrich has good advisors. He ponders why Xavier is embarassed, guessing it's the wedding but then realising he's feel embarrassed himself so it can't be it so it must be the feels. Then thanks Xavier again for wanting to include him, asks him to keep him updated on the wedding and offers any kind of help he can provide. (;D Take advantage of that Stallion money/power, Xavier. *brick'd*)
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Post by Elcie on Sept 16, 2014 16:02:04 GMT -5
Xavier nodded with a wry smile. "I agree. I'm still not used to people calling me Lord Xavier, mind you," he added with a small laugh, "but I hope I can do some good in this position, as a member of House Jade. I hope I already have." His position in House Jade, combined with what Leif had been teaching him about magic... it was a strange thing after being powerless for so long. But not everyone with power used it unjustly; Ambrose and Leif had taught him that. He'd done his best to live up to their example. "Oh! And I almost forgot," Xavier said suddenly. "Ilsa's... well, you know Ilsa. Any excuse to celebrate. You're welcome in the King's Arms tonight for - well, I know you don't drink, but you're welcome to come. Ilsa would be happy to see you, and I," he said, with a glint of humor in his eye, "will be happy just for the company of someone sane." It struck him what he'd said just after he'd said it. Strange now to think that he'd ever doubted Ambrose's sanity, that he like anyone else had thought of him as a kind but mad nobleman when they'd first met. Of course, that was also when he'd feared Ambrose as he would have feared any noble. That was all in the past now, as far away as Talvace was from Medieville. Xavier muses on how power can be used for the good of others, and the fact that he is no longer powerless. He also invites Ambrose to a celebration at Ilsa's inn and jokingly says it'll be good to have someone sane around, realizing after the fact that there would've been a time that even he wouldn't have called Ambrose sane.
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