#xim and arxons royal kh au

[ximmeas]

Some Self-Indulgent Akuroku RP

with @seaseren​ as Axel, Terra, and occasionally Aqua (we switch off on her once in a while to keep it sort of even.)  Me as Roxas/Ven, Saix, and occasionally Aqua. Apologies for some OOCness -- It’s very self indulgent lol.

The day was bleak and overcast as the boy looked out upon the city, mourning once again the fact that it was forbidden to him.  It was raining in sheets, and the foreboding dark of the sky promised only more stormy weather well into the night.

“It sure doesn’t look like we’ll be able to use the training yard for a while,” he commented to his Man-at-arms as he idled by the window. “I had hoped we’d have more time for at least that.”

The knight, who was almost jittering as he resisted the urge to pace or move or do anything, nodded. He had already been in one argument with the court mage over staying indoors when the weather was this terrible, and the fear of her wrath was just enough to keep him inside.

“There might be an unused room?” he suggested. “Especially in the old dungeons, there might be a room large enough that we could use it.”

“Maybe,” The boy replied. “But there will probably be plenty of people who need to find me for some reason or another, with the Coronation being so soon.” He sighed. “If I’m late for any of the day’s engagements Eraqus will yell at me.”

This was an exaggeration, of course-- The Royal Steward never yelled, but he did speak firmly on any occasion that he needed to give a lecture. With Ven, that happened somewhat regularly. He had, at some point in his life, perfected the the art of sounding exactly like a deeply disappointed parent, and he took advantage of the skill in his dealings with the young Prince.

Terra winced- he was the whetstone that Eraqus had sharpened the parent voice on. “I don’t know why I’m the only one concerned over whether or not you can defend yourself. If I was to fail…”

Ven sighed. “I think the idea is at least partly that you won’t fail, if you stay in fit shape. You can’t protect me if you get sick from the rain.” He glanced back and smiled at the night. “We may as well see if there’s an opening in the agenda for it today, right? Then we can see about finding a room. Besides, Aqua’s probably already losing her head in all the Court Drama. We owe it to her to attempt a rescue.”

Terra’s entire face fell. “Are you sure you’re needed in court today?” he grumbled, already putting his uncomfortable formal armor on. “I’m sure that Aqua is fine handling things.”

Ven sighed. “You know I am, Terra. The ‘Prince’ can’t just skip out on the Court. Even if it is awful, and half the attendees spit on his mother.” With one final glance of longing towards the window, he shook his head and set off down the long, ostentatious hall.

Terra followed after him, sword at his hip, and sighed. “When you’re crowned, I’m sure things will get better.”

“From the way some talk, nobody expects me to make it that long,” Ven said with a helpless chuckle. “Let alone be smart enough to maneuver in actual politics. But with your help and Aqua’s, I hope you’re right. It’s just one of a lot of things I want to fix.” Ven didn’t bother restraining the grin he shot Terra. “If they’re going to make me a King, they have no right to complain when I take it seriously, do they?”

Terra’s reply was cut off by the arrival of a maid, rushing from the direction of the throne room. “Your highness!” she called, out of breath, and nearly fell down bowing. “Your highness, Lord Xehanort requests your presence in the throne room.”

Ventus smiled at the maid. “I’m sorry you had to rush all the way down here, miss. I was just on my way down now. Thanks for carrying the message.” With a sympathetic look, he steadied her with a hand, feeling a bit silly-- she was still taller than he was.

With a smile, Terra looped an arm around the maid’s waist, leading her to a nearby couch. “Rest for a moment, ma’am,” he said, nodding seriously. “I’ll tell Xehanort that it isn’t right to make you run halfway across the castle.” The maid nodded, and Ven could tell that the flush in her cheeks wasn’t just from running- although judging by Terra’s face, he couldn’t.

Ven studied the girl’s face with a smile for a moment, pausing for the girl to catch her breath.

“Might I know your name? You’re new to the staff, aren’t you?”

The maid nearly recoiled in shock. “Ah, your highness, I’m nobody important, your highness. Just Anna.”

“Oh, nonsense. The maids in this castle are all of great importance. Without them, it’d be nothing but a dusty ruin, don’t you think?” He looked sincerely at the girl. “Don’t believe anyone that says you’re worth less. I don’t.” With another glance at Terra, he sighed. “Guess we’d better get going. But it was nice to meet you, Anna.”

Anna squeaked in reply, smiling furiously, and Terra gave her another nod before returning to Ven’s side. “I don’t like how Lord Xehanort has been treating the maid,” he said, in a low voice. “I- I understand that his work is important, and it is probably a fairly innocent error- but still.”

“No, I agree. I don’t like the way some of the nobles treat the staff like slaves. It’s…” Ven paused, considering his words. “It’s abhorrent,” he said at last.

Terra gave Ven a soft smile. “This is why I think you’ll be a good king.”

Ven looked uncertainly at Terra. “Yeah, but I’m not sure the nobles are gonna go for my revolutionary stances. They’re the ones I’ll have to convince.”

“They have to! Even if you’re a- even if your birth wasn’t legitimate, your blood is divine.” Terra shook his head. “They should bow to you whether they like it or not.”

“Yeaah, Terra? It’s thinking like that which could incite a rebellion. If I make all the nobles hate me, then they’ll be the ones sending the assassins. That’s why showing up in Court is important. King or not, there’s more to having to lead than just telling people what to do. Even a Monarch has to earn his right to rule. It’s just harder, because if you fail, you get killed.”

Terra paled at Ven’s words, then looked away, towards the tapestries decorating the wall. “I won’t let that happen,” he promised.

Ven smiled. “I know. But hey, that’s why you train me.” He looked up at Terra somewhat hopefully. “How do you think I’m coming along? Do you think I could handle something like that yet?”

“Honestly? It depends on the situation. I think you would actually fare better in a group situation than one on one, and your primary asset is your speed and maneuverability. You’re smart, and I’m sure you’d do well against most- it’s just the concern of an equally smart opponent.”

Ven nodded slowly. “Of course. Well, better to always be prepared.” He quieted as they drew near the more populated chambers, and the Throne Room loomed into view. “Here we are. Put on your serious face.” He gave Terra one last apologetic smile.

Terra nodded, although his face, which was serious by default, changed little. He fell five steps behind Ven, respectfully, as they entered the room.

“Ah,” Lord Xehanort wheezed. He sat at one side of the throne, opposite Eraqus. “I suppose she found you faster than I thought.”

Ven smiled at the dour old man. “There was no need to send the poor young lady running all the way across the castle, Lord Xehanort. I was already on my way down, and the maids aren’t messengers. Regardless, here I am.”

Xehanort waved his comments off easily. “Ventus, there is an important manner concerning your coronation. You see, Eraqus was reading the scriptures, and he found something...concerning.”

Eraqus nodded at his counterpart, then turned towards Ven. “Ventus, you have not gone through the rites of adulthood yet.” “The rites of- barely anybody does those anymore!” Terra said, glaring at the men.

“Except royalty,” Xehanort interjected. There was something gleeful in his eyes.

Ven frowned slightly.

“I was told that it was a simple formality. And also… that the rites require some manner of living relative -- some elder royal to propose the challenge. It’s never been done so close to a coronation.”

“It is a formality,” Eraqus said, “But an important one. Your enemies will seize any chance they get to illegitimize your rule. I didn’t realize it was even a requisite before this book.”

Xehanort nodded. “Of course, you have no family to propose it, but the High Priest should work.”

Ventus nodded back -- the High Priest, though somewhat rambling on occasion, seemed a fair enough man. Ven had doubts that the man would make an unreasonable demand for the trial.

“Of course. I’ll do whatever is needed. It would be an honor to accept a challenge from the High Priest, and if you believe it’s necessary… I don’t see any reason to disagree.” Ven held himself straight as he addressed Eraqus -- another thing that had improved from all his lessons.

“How soon can the rites be arranged?”

“By tomorrow,” the steward replied confidently. “However, it means that you must undergo the Ritual of Cleansing tonight.”

Terra winced in sympathy.

Ven gave the proposition barely a moment’s pause. “Very well,” he said. “Tonight it is.”

#Xim says things #The fine print #xim and arxons royal kh au #akuroku #rp #seaseren #Ven.... does his best... #Terra also does his best #this au could also be called 'in which nobody has any chill' but thats every au with me and seaseren tbh