Remain

[Taelian Edevane]

58th of Ash, Year 4622

The two returned to Leiden, though in a way much divergent from how they left. Rather than going by foot to a ferry, Taelian asked his lover to maintain a steady grip on his back, a series of belts and ropes keeping them tied together as they soared through the sky. They did not have all of the belongings they had come to the winery with -- they'd had to choose their favorite outfit of the three they prepared, for example, with the remainder of their "luggage" space occupied by Ford's tent and other personal care belongings.

When they returned, Taelian immediately took to his room to set everything away, lounge in bed for a while and ensure the cohesion of his presentation. Afterwards? He'd been forced to do the rounds, speaking to Hilden, Matthias, Melina, Sorka, and Fjuren, advising them on their duties and being briefed on the things he had missed in his... week, or longer, away. Anxiety thrummed through him; Eloise would not be pleased with him--in fact, he was sure she was displeased already, considering he could not seem to reach her through his Resonance radio. They had a meeting scheduled for seventeen hours (or 1700 o'clock), but she would likely not contact him any sooner. The man realized he'd made a fool of himself, the more he reflected on it all: the leader of the Covenant -- the Umpire -- could never take the liberties he just had. He was a Thespian after all, not the driven leader Eloise had proven herself to be.

The man returned to his and Ford's room after several hours of constant meetings, document reviews and more, sitting down on the edge of the bed with a grey suit covering him from collar-to-ankle, brown derby shoes around his feet. Taelian groaned.

"Fuck," he cursed, shaking his head. The man rubbed his throbbing temples, slowly swaying his head back-and-forth as he did. "Ford -- you will be expected to attend my meeting with Eloise," Taelian muttered, his mood very clearly perturbed; his voice was flat, and he did not make eye-contact with the other. "Wear your best clothing. She will likely use a Resonance portal to come here in person -- she always does that when it's time to scold me."

The man peeked up at Ford, curling his lower lip. Seeing the other man in the light, it was as if he'd almost forgotten how tall he now was, and how imposing.

"She'll be here any moment. When she comes, we'll hear a chime. Her portals sound like music... it's fascinating, really, but I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to the jingle this go around..."

[Ford Edevane]

Ford had no disillusions of what they were about to return to at the Covenant. He didn’t know anyone well except for his husband, but he knew of the names, at the least, and where the food was. Eloise had been a topic of conversation before they had returned. For the day, Ford had chosen to remain as unseen as unheard of as possible. He hadn’t really begun his duties under Taelian in regard to the covenant, but he was at least setting up the foundation for his study and the outreach he was preparing to initiate. The blond had been sitting on the side of the bed, a journal in hand and scribbling, mostly the basics of information getting and a profile of some of the subjects he had been looking at and watching. But now, the door opened, and in came Taelian, looking quite the image, but rather than a greeting, there was an expletive.

Blonde brows rose as he looked at Taelian and listened to him. Ford had been mostly dressed. A pair of oxfords with black slacks and an opened button-down shirt, white and blue in color. Pulling a piece of paper from the journal, it was folded in half and slipped into the little pocket just inside of the cover. Closing the journal, he set it aside, pressed himself up to a stand, and walked over to his mage. Rather than say something at first, Ford made no quick motions to change or panic. Instead, his feet brought him to stand before his lover, and he could only afford to smile down at him. His blue-eyed gaze danced mirthfully at the sight of his husband, and he lifted his fingers as the shirt fell open, revealing more of the wall of abdominal muscles that had grown relatively recently in size, depth, and power, up to his chest. The fingers held to the bottom of Taelian’s’ chin, and he kept his head tilted up. Leaning down, Ford’s hands slid to hold both of his lover’s lower jawbones, and his thumbs stroked his face affectionately as his forehead pressed against Taelian’s. Closing his eyes, taking in a deep breath, he let it out, and the now clean-shaven Griscian male let out his breath in a slow press from his lungs before he spoke softly. “You look handsome… And I am not worried. Perhaps I should be, or maybe I am ignorant for not being afraid. I am by your side, and you mine, regardless of what she says.” Dipping his chin down lower, slightly lifting his forehead from Taelian’s, he pressed a soft kiss to his lips and simply held it. No movement, no deepening of the kiss. A simple, chaste kiss. Pulling back from the kiss, Ford placed a hand affectionately on the top of his lover’s head before he began buttoning up the same shirt he was wearing. Glancing around as he buttoned it, he knew he had the jacket somewhere, and he had taken it out earlier as a reminder.

Once the jacket had been found and pulled onto his frame, he made sure he looked presentable enough, and rather than sit a respectable distance in respect to Eloise’s impending arrival, Ford chose to sit, thigh against thigh, and slid his hand into Taelian’s and held it tight, allowing their held hands to rest in his lap. “I’ll keep you safe,” he grinned at that and kept close for Taelian. In truth, Ford had thought about the meeting, had even had a sleepless night on their last night regarding it, but there was nothing either of them could do… Merely accept it or don’t.

[Taelian Edevane]

There was nothing in their shared world that soothed him more than the presence of his husband comforting and consoling him — the pressing of their temples, the warm breaths, the soft words spoken by his otherwise low voice. Taelian hadn't ever really said it, but he loved Ford's voice. It wasn't just his suave, charming Griscian accent, but his intonation, and the way he spoke specifically to Taelian. He was delicate and kind, always, and that meant a lot to the otherwise disgruntled soul he'd managed to fall in love with. The Knight smoothed his palms over his lover's abdomen before his buttons were done, standing to meet him face-to-face with a sudden rise onto his feet. Taelian brought his hands down to his waist, holding him firmly as their faces brushed together and the man met his lover's smooth lips.

"You're right," he whispered back, closing his eyes and remaining against his husband for a while. "You always are, I've learned. It's quite a talent you've acquired."

Eventually, necessity separated them: a chime rang, and the sound felt like it had pierced through the drum of his ear. Taelian sighed out breathily, lifting a hand to rub the back of Ford's neck, his fingers smoothing over the characters left on him. TEVK. Considering everything, the Knight figured it would be best to be fully upfront with the Umpire as they spoke, and that meant he had no reason to act with any form of hesitation, or shame. He slid his right hand to take Ford's left, interlacing their fingers and closing his fist around his husband's before gesturing that they leave their room. Taelian opened the door, exited with Ford in front of him, and directed the man down the stairwell at the end of the hall, right before the room they had dined in some time ago. There, at the bottom of the stairwell, stood Eloise in the foyer, surrounded by greenery and a penetrating warmth, the sunset shining through the thick-glass door. Whether out of politeness or true affection, the woman smiled as she saw the two suited men descending down the stairs.

Eloise was, without a doubt, beautiful. She had olive-tan skin, a lightly freckled face and soft, feminine features, with hair brought back into a regal bun, a netted hat-like adornment wrapping around her hair. She had sharp half-Elven ears, much like Taelian, and teal-green colored eyes. Her dress was unusual: it held a mixture of Loric, Norunn and Daravain elements -- a black satin gown, with spotted white furs along the edges of the hem, embroidered red and gold noble heraldry, and an assortment of jewelry that spoke of royalty and elegance. She had a purple, gold and diamond clip tying her hair together, and sleek black stockings that led into white suede shoes.

She looked like royalty; she always did. Taelian did not even bat an eye.

"Ah, my dear Ser Rannoch," the woman said, extending a hand fully out for the man to kiss. He did, lowering his lips to her fingers and pressing a thumb into her open palm, stroking over the skin for a brief moment before pulling away. The man ensured Ford was kept at his side throughout the display, a soft smile shading his lips.

"My dear Lady Montefier," he said back. Unbeknownst to Ford, the two were already being catty -- Ela'Rannoch was Taelian's surname at birth, and de Montefier was Eloise's. Both of them had left their pasts behind, but they knew the other before any of that, and perhaps all the ways they had not changed, or failed to.

"How was your very necessary time away from the Covenant? It was so lengthy, I can only imagine all of the things you must have gotten done -- such as falling in love with a new man." Eloise nodded, pointedly staring towards Ford. The knives were already out.

"It was excellent, thank you. It is fortunate that you stayed your hand in teaching me romantic affections, my dear, for I might have not snagged such a wonderful partner if you had. How has your foray been into the market of Loric bachelors?"

The woman smiled. "Unfruitful, though only because I keep my standards high: we Elves live long lives, and we learn not to easily allow ourselves to be swayed by the wind. If only I had taught you that lesson, Taelian, perhaps I would not have Wendell sending me letters every day inquiring on the location of his spouse. Former spouse? It remains to be seen."

The Knight smiled in return.

"Well -- this is Ford, my Arlaed, and your colleague. Ford: this is Eloise Arrosa de Lyonesse. She's a wonderful woman. Generally."

"It is such a pleasure to meet you, Ser Edevane," the woman greeted, her eyes twinkling for a moment as she extended her hand once more. Ser Edevane--it was clear the woman had taught Taelian many, many things.

[Ford Edevane]

Everything in the world was at ease when he had come so close to Taelian. Within a breath of one another, time stopped, his love felt intensified, and Taelian’s every move, scent, and sound pulled Ford towards Taelian's being for eternity. As they remained close, simply breathing in one another, sharing slight touches and soft embraces, Ford had to smile at Taelian’s words.

You always are,

The words were connected to a set Ford was already saying before he could stop himself.

“And I always will.”

Sooner than later, they had to pull apart, but not without Ford’s left hand into Taelian’s right. It was not lost upon him to the hands chosen, and it made him smile as he led the way out of the door. At that moment, Ford’s heartbeat slowly began to quick with its beats per minute. He could feel himself growing every so slightly hotter and wished, for his life, that whatever deity or driving force there was watching them offered them grace to maneuver the waters they were plunging into head first.

The sound had been noted, and as they approached the hall, Ford took a moment to take her in. She was quite beautiful. The materials she wore and the elegant styling of the garments seemed to pull from many different influences, down to the stockings and the shoes. There was nothing about her that once could even remotely think of as ugly or hideous. As they approached and came to greet her, his hand tightened around Taelian’s as he began to greet her.

Ford didn’t need to look at the gesture with the hand, and he didn’t need to look at his husband’s face to see how he was reacting or to try and keep up. Ford was busy watching her. From how she had Taelian come to her in more ways than one. To her display of seemingly unadulterated kindness and pleasant words.

Ser Rannoch.

It was not a name he recognized right off the bat, so immediately, it had been a clue as to something happening. There was the slightest raise of a brow as his eyes slid to the side without moving his head to note Taelian’s smile and use of another name. And now, the match of words began, and Ford watched quite intently as she began to speak, asking with kind words until the kind words turned into Ford being a variable that did not fit the equation that seemed to be the accepted working of things before his existence.

But it didn’t matter; it was his turn to participate in the sparring match. As her hand was extended to him, Ford’s right hand gently took hers into his own. His fingers gently curled under her opened fingers and his thumb smoothed over her knuckled as he showed a rigidity in his spine, which he chose not to show often; it dripped with Grisic’s posture. Leaning down, he lifted the hand, if she allowed him, to gently kiss his lips against her middle knuckle before lifting his upper torso and standing, offering a smile and gently releasing her hand from his own.

“Madame de Lyonesse. My name is Ford Edevane von Klade. It is with distinct pleasure that I meet the powerful woman who has brought this covenant to fruition and pooled many resources together to secure its hold in these lands.”

A pure and gentle smile came from him as he continued, his voice remaining lower, his intonation remaining spaced out, and the Griscian accent fully in motion as he held a polite air about himself. “I would like to thank you for your generosity in allowing Lord von Klade to spend some much-needed free time away from the Covenant. I am eternally grateful for your guidance, teachings, and friendship that helped him become the man he is today.”

He had one more thing to say unless someone chose to cut him off or silence him…

“…And I can only fashion a guess as to Wendell’s worries and how beneficial his support has been to you… To Lord von Klade… And to the covenant. I will work as diligently as possible to aid the Covenant in their endeavors in Radenor.”

And with that, he silenced himself but allowed the brilliant and kind blue eyes to rest on her own.

[Taelian Edevane]

Ford managed to maintain his politeness, which Taelian hoped for and felt relieved by: it showed -- to both Lord von Klade and Lady de Lyonesse -- that he could keep his poise in tense, even emotionally threatening situations, which was a skill that was much needed in their line of work. The Knight smiled softly towards his lover, while the woman's brow rose and she hummed.

"Ford Edevane... von Klade? Do you mean to tell me you are the long lost cousin of a House forged and fabricated? Perhaps Latham adopted you as his son?" Eloise chuckled, before shaking her head. "So: you mean to tell me this man is your husband and Arlaed. Did you not just meet him two weeks ago, or did you perhaps hire him after your relationship already began, Latham?" Eloise commonly used his Loric name; Latham Stephan-Venger.

The man shrugged. "It is very clear to me that you feel much concern for me and my love life, but I can inform you that it is unnecessary. Ford and I are very happy together, and will continue to be very happy together. Say what you will about me, but for all of my close relationships, I have never made any man my Arlaed. This is different, and to be honest, I do not think you are providing Ford a very hospitable environment by barraging him this way. Can we not discuss more practical matters, Eloise?" Taelian's brows tensed.

"This is a practical matter," she said, narrowing her eyes. "You left for more than a week after saying you would be gone for two days... you have returned married to a man whom you recently hired, and you -- our greatest military asset -- have made a life-bond to an uninitiated human, vulnerable to death at any stray opportunity. I must ask, as well: Hilden informed me that Ford has grown since she first saw him. Did you steal the Argent Knight serum from Kastran?"

The Knight immediately froze. Eloise's face contorted with a sudden, inexorable fury.

"Taelian!" she exclaimed, shaking her head and clenching her fists. She looked away, taking a breath and straightening her features, her posture returning to a perfect, straightened poise. The woman's hands clasped before her lower body, and she stared. "You must ensure no one learns of that theft. That simple action could compromise everything you have worked for in Lorien -- a Celebrant, a Knight stealing one of their ampules? You compromise the integrity of the entire institution, and act like a traitor; a beggar. You sabotage not only yourself, but all Elves trying to escape the perception of being thieving and untrustworthy in Lorien. You need to engage in immediate re-training of the Customs; your behavior is irredeemably incompetent."

The Knight grimaced. "I am not your slave, Eloise. I have done my duty, without question or even time to breathe, for four years beneath you. I have become the greatest fighter in the Covenant, I've become one of your key assets in Lorien, and I've even helped us weave our way into the court of the Kyng of Jorikford. My passion is what has allowed that; if it is inconvenient for you at times, I apologize, but--"

"No, Latham. Your bloodline is what has allowed that. Your status as a Draedan, a son of Venadak of all Gods, is what has made you prominent and strong. You were just as valuable as any other Thespian before your ascension. I--" Eloise stopped herself, her eyes immediately beginning to dart between Taelian and Ford. "Oh, Gods. Does he even know?"

"Yes, he knows," Taelian affirmed, sighing.

"Good. Latham, you have become reckless. Do you intend to divorce Wendell, after everything he's done for you? Is that your plan?" Notably, she did not even mention Thomas; the woman was all about power, value and alliances. Wendell was wealthy, influential and well-connected. Thomas and Ford... they were both Griscian stragglers with minimal value to the overall strength of the Covenant as a group.

"I do, yes," he said. "It is fine. Wendell and I will remain dear friends, no matter what. Our connection transcended marriage long ago; he is more like a brother to me, and has been for years. I do not need your concern, to be frank."

"And yet I feel so much of it," she replied. "Ugh--come, into the common room down here. We need tea, immediately. Melina!"

The woman skittered towards them, Eloise whispering to the shy, blond-haired girl who promptly thereafter disappeared. Taelian locked his arm with Ford's, guiding him into the tea room beside the foyer: it was decorated with luxurious leather chairs, finely embroidered red velvet colored wallpaper, and a grand wooden fireplace with a marbled top and expensive-looking statuettes. Eloise sat in one large chair, while Taelian brought Ford to sit beside him on a small sofa; a table for tea and a meal sat before all of them.

"Taelian... I do not have positive news to share," Eloise said, staring quietly at the table. "We have much reason to believe that... Evitrix does not intend to give us our freedom or our liberty once she conquers the Kindred. Instead... she may use them as her own oppressive force; a tool for her own means. We believe she is seeking to turn Lorien into a hub for whatever manufacturing project it is that she has conceived of, perhaps in her war against that straggler in the Wastes."

The Knight's brows immediately lifted. Evitrix was a Living God: her power made even his own look infinitesimally small. If she co-opted the revolution and turned against it, they were doomed.

"What is your proposed answer to this, Eloise?" he asked.

"I don't have one," the woman replied, immediately. "If Evitrix becomes our new enemy, we will simply have to leave Lorien... or perhaps we'll be hunted down across Atharen and purged. We have to do everything we can not to give her a reason to pursue us this way -- she could easily weaponize your theft of the serum. We need her to just... turn away from us, to not acknowledge that we exist. As impossible as that seems."

"It's not possible," Taelian retorted. "It's not possible, Eloise. She meets with the Duchess; we are a quintessential part of her war strategy. Evitrix knows about us. The best thing we can do is to swear fealty to her, to promise to aide her in whichever way she requires us. Become her tools."

Eloise pursed her lips, and shortly after, tea was delivered. She sighed out. "Ford--do you know much about the Living Gods? The Adac? Your... husband is one of them, in a way, though quite diluted. I realize they don't let you learn much about them in Grisic. Are you aware of just what they are... and how powerful they are? Does their return frighten you?"

[Ford Edevane]

Ford may not be a noble and may not have the riches of the upper class, nor did he have the power of years of study and practice of magic. The blonde would treat anyone and everyone with kindness until they deserved otherwise. He was more than happy to play this game of words for the sake of Taelian, his lover, his soul, and his Arlaed. However, when she spoke of Taelian’s name in such a manner, there was an intensity behind those blue eyes. The kind face did not contort into anything but kindness, his voice remained collected and calm, but he had words that he could not allow to get away from him. “With all due respect Madame de Lyonesse….” The azure gaze glanced over her eyes, then to her mouth as he continued. “…But all names and houses are fabricated. Forgive me if I seem curt, but words are made-up things until society gives them weight. I would politely ask that you not take my Arlaed’s name, forged or not, and give it so little meaning. He is proud of it, and I am proud of carrying a name, in falsehood or otherwise.”

Other than those words, Ford had nothing to contribute to the conversation. Taelian had his own waters to navigate regarding his marriage(s), but Ford would be there to support him, regardless. As the conversation continued, his gaze did falter as it fell to the floor as she spoke of him, much the way Taelian had when he had spoken of his worry and introduced the idea of the mutagen. It was only a brief break in the presence that Ford had put forth, allowing that mere collection of seconds to pass before the smile returned and his gaze lifted to rest back on her face and listened to her speak of Taelian and what he was made of, how valuable that was. The politeness once more remained until they left to the small couch, and once seated, Ford’s hand had sought Taelian’s, arm in arm or not; Ford needed to hold the hand because he was feeling a light bit of… Something on the very edge of his mind.

Slowly, his gaze lowered from her as he looked to the table before them, and he spoke rather matter-of-factly, if not slightly quieter.

“I am very aware that I am a liability to Taelian as I am now. I am only good as a meat shield, if you would… Or at least, that is how little of use I seem to be in comparison that I have heard.” Taking a deep breath, he shrugged off the feelings and looked at Eloise again. “There is a plan of correction to fix me… My weaknesses.” Ford was most definitely putting himself down, but it was what people thought; even Taelian, bless his kindness, had found a different way of bringing it to Ford. “So please know that it will be remedied.”

“Regarding the Adac, I know of them… I know my people were responsible for a great many of their thinned-out progeny being removed from existence… And I am not ignorant of who Venadak is either.”

Glancing between Taelian and Eloise, he allowed his eyes to roam over Taelian’s face, his back still straight, but he did allow teeth to show in that smile to him and slid his gaze over to Eloise once more. “I am not afraid of their return. Society will accept whatever it accepts. Everyone deserves a chance at life, no matter who their parents are or other biases other people may have. If they choose to abuse the gift of life, then they deserve the punishment that will come to them. How can we truly fear an entire people if we do not give them a chance? Fear is just as strong of an emotion to lead to violence as anger or greed.”

Ford’s eyes averted to the side as he realized he had perhaps spoken out of turn.

“My apologies if my words were insulting. It was not my intent. But no, madame. I do not have any idea of their true power or their limits if any.”

[Taelian Edevane]

Eloise seemed either disinterested, or simply too mannerly to say much in response to Ford's words to her -- his correction and suggestion for her language going forward, and eventually his note indicating that he and Taelian had some sort of regimen to strengthen him in mind. Eventually, though, she placed her hands on each upper leg, the woman's tea levitating before her as she affixed her stare to the Griscian man. "You will never be strong if you do not become a mage," she said bluntly. "No individual can ever be truly powerful without magic... but to acquire the gift of magic, you must risk a half-go chance at death. A fifty-percent chance of Taelian, a man who may be instrumental in improving our lot in the world, dying... is far too much for me to bear. I do not, and will not, approve of any initiation of Ford. You may follow your own free will, the both of you, but know that it will be severely against my wishes."

The woman looked to Taelian, and the man's features returned a sympathetic look to her. "I am not going to initiate him into any old Raw Magic. I will likely initiate him into Reign once I have managed to forge it, and that will be much safer. Until then, I will teach him how to fight as a warrior. He has the Argent Knight mutagens, I and II, so he won't be weak. Before I was a Draedan, I fought a regular Argent Knight in Breven -- not even a Knight Apostle -- and nearly died, as a Master Sigilic Pyromancer. How could you ever call that weak?"

The woman sighed. "You are right. Fine. Train him, and inform me of his progress." She averted her gaze back to Ford, placing one hand over the other at her lap as she stared, discerningly, each look from her teal-green eyes seeming to dissect him; every feature and characteristic, the tone of his voice, the way his stubble accented his face. She was an incredibly detail-oriented person, though all Entente were in truth, trained as they were in the Candor. She had trained Taelian to change his own mind, making the man's every thought much more discerning and precise; always did he examine people and the little details and elements, gleaning who they were from small things few others would have noticed.

"You have the wrong impression of the Adac," she said. "In fact, I would caution against even calling them that, in truth. I understand you Griscians refer to them that way, but they are not another race like you or me -- not humans or Norai -- they are Gods. The Living Gods are only fourteen, but it only required a collaboration by four of them to raze the Unbroken Empire in a single night. Evitrix murdered eighty million souls in a single day when she fought the Empire; they could, if they wished, rend every lifeform on this planet within the time it took you and dear Latham to fall in love."

Taelian rolled his eyes, though said nothing. The woman continued.

"The Living Gods came here from another world. Across the stars, they enlightened other peoples in the ways of magic, and then they created our world. Atharen is theirs, not ours. We are their playthings. Every branch in the tree of our lives was constructed by them; all of the races, all of the magics, the mountains, rivers, valleys and fields. You mentioned giving them a chance at life, or punishment... or whatever else. The truth is, Ford, we do not give them chances, and we do not give them punishment. We accept the scraps they throw at us, and beg for better. I do not despise them for this: they are Gods, and we are their creations. But... your Griscian education seems to have taught you that they are fallible creatures. They aren't."

Taelian began to speak, following her train of thought as he glanced towards Ford beside him.

"Grisic thinks they could kill the Gods if they wanted, or that the Gods are afraid of them and that is why they have not returned. The truth is that the Gods harvest our souls, regardless of what we do in our lives. Even Griscians feed the Well of Souls--they have no need in intervening in our affairs; as long as we continue to breed, enrich our souls with experiences and then die, they are better served not tampering with us. That is how it is." He, and Eloise, both nodded. "The Adac are strange beings; they're... we're a race of creatures, yes, but the pure-blooded ones were gifted with traits that somehow propelled them beyond their world, beyond all of the stars and the shapes surrounding them. No one really knows much more beyond that, but... simply put: Evitrix does not play games. Her weapon, which she wields in Muid, can raze nations like they are nothing. She would kill me in mere moments if we fought. That's the difference between us and them, and it's why we worship them. We'd be mad not to."

[Ford Edevane]

He had figured as much when it came to the conversation with Eloise. He did not think she would give a true ear to anything he had said if he were being honest. But once more, she spoke of how much of a detriment Ford was to Taelian and how Taelian was too valuable to her for Ford to be initiated into anything. His blue gaze wandered over that teacup she had been manipulating, and he seemed to focus on that for the time being. His heart began to feel heavier the more she spoke, and the more he spoke. Even as Ford tried, he was still bringing Taelian down, still a burden, and Eloise had not minced her words in letting him know.

"I understand that the situation is not ideal regarding my finding strength. But if anything, I have learned in the time I have known Taelian, he is not weak. He is intelligent, kind, and resourceful. I believe if he says he can find a way to do something. And I believe it will be in all of our best interest to trust him on it."

Raising his gaze from the teacup, he found her gaze on him, almost picking him apart as she looked at him. He knew she wouldn’t believe him and wouldn’t give him much thought. But in his heart of hearts, down to the last fiber of his being, he had a belief. Ford would say it time and time again.

I will keep him safe.

There was no point in saying it out loud, as it would add nothing to their conversation. Ford could do nothing more than merely nod at their words. It was less of a conversation than a dictation of how things were. His severely limited knowledge of the Gods outside of the Empire’s narrowed teachings had done him little to no good.

As one spoke, he would look at them and watch the other as they spoke of them.

So Ford stood corrected. Perhaps he was naïve, but it didn’t matter.

You can only control what’s in front of you, Ford. You can’t fight a God and can’t even fight the two people in front of you. What mess have you gotten yourself into now?

The thought ran through his head as he listened to the end.

What could he say?

Nothing. Ford could say nothing, the two had proven he was out of any kind of league in regard to the situation, but if anything, he had made sure to keep that smile on his face, and his eyes bright. He could, at the very least, control that.

[Taelian Edevane]

The woman cleared her throat. It was clear that Ford was quite taken with his man -- his husband, she supposed, enough to advocate for and defend him in a moment where Ford himself was being scrutinized. She supposed it was fairly unconventional for her to present any face other than a matronly one to a new Covenant asset, but the times they lived in were different than the ones they had when she first formed their fledgling group. Eloise could not hold back her ire, diplomatically, the same way she used to. Ford was not a child, nor was Taelian. They were instruments of the Covenant's success, or they were detriments to it, and she needed to ensure they did not pivot from one to the other.

"Well," she let out, quietly. "It is not worth revisiting information we've already dissected a hundred times. Ford, I will make clear your role to you, since it appears Taelian is too infatuated to perform his duties as your overseer. In fact: I will delegate supervision of you over to Miranda, in order to ensure you are held to account. You cannot be overseen by Taelian when he is your husband; you must understand that, yes?" Eloise furrowed her brows.

Taelian shrugged, seeming unbothered by her words. "That's fair enough in my view," he concluded. He'd be Ford's boss again, anyway, once the cannery opened. It would be better until then for Miranda to see him. "Miranda vis Anoura is her name; she's the person who runs the Guild in Malevin, north of here, and she's also an advisor to the Earl of Westjorik." He didn't know how much any of that meant to Ford, really, but it was information nonetheless. Eloise proceeded to slowly nod her head, holding the grip of her tea cup with her pinky and drawing it to her lips. It was some rare, exquisite Daravain blend; the woman had never quite gotten used to the supposedly inferior recipes of the enlightened world.

"Wonderful. Now: Ford, your role here is to meet with and document the view of the peasantry and the gentry. You will interview a random selection of strangers about magic, obtain a wide survey of their opinions, and determine the overall view of magic in Leiden: in the urban areas, the outer areas, and the totally rural areas in the rest of Kanterbury." She tried not to think about the fact that Ford's role would invite some level of danger--danger she did not want to compromise Taelian's life. It was unknown whether a Draedan would truly die from the life-bond, but no one in the Covenant's inner circle wished to find out. Taelian was their sword.

"I'd like your questions to begin broad, but become more specific: how do you feel about magic? What fears do you have about magic... about mages themselves? What sort of treatment do you believe mages should receive? Do you view mages as alike to other humans? What is your view on the relationship between magic and the Gods? Questions such as these. You can adjust the questions and your sample as necessary; you are the Sociologist here, not me. That was what was meant to be your role -- not buggering my Thespian. Do not disappoint me again, Ford."

[Ford Edevane]

It was known and something the pair had talked about, the inevitable change that Taelian would no longer be able to supervise Ford once their relationship had become known to more people than themselves. Upon hearing the name from Eloise, he gave a singular nod. “Thank you, Madame de Lyonesse, for allowing me to stay and employing my services in the name of the Covenant. I do understand the necessity in not having Taelian as the person I directly report to, and I will report to my new overseer as soon as possible.”

Hearing Eloise speaking, he turned his body just the slightest in her direction so that she could physically see the representation of him giving her his full attention, especially as it was regarding his duties for the Covenant. “Yes, madame. I have already begun setting the foundation for the research. I will keep my studies and surveys on the scope you have set and will make sure to report at the end of each day.” Lifting his hand, he placed his free hand over his chest and bowed his head and leaned forward a bit. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay and prove myself. I will do my best to live up to the expectations you have set forth for my position within the covenant.”

Most importantly, it allowed him to stay close to Taelian. Arlaed bond or not, he was thankful for the closeness that would be allowed. He remained with his head bowed and his torso leaning forward for a moment longer before sitting up and looking to her.

“I will not hinder his work with the covenant. His dedication to your cause and to the missions at hand is admirable. I am proud to know that he is a well-valued member of your group and that you value him so highly.”

Ford had not noticed it and perhaps Taelian had not either. As the conversation had continued, Ford’s hand had grown tighter and stronger in the grip of his lover’s hand. Realizing how tightly he had been holding it. Ford’s tension, carefully not displayed on his features was beginning to release from his hands and forearm on the hand he had been holding of Taelian’s.

His blue eyes lingered on Eloise as he had nothing else to say. Ford took in how she held her cup, to how her expressions moved across her own face. His smile remained polite, but he was amused now. Eloise had done something that he had not thought that she would do. It was not something to bring up, not in present company unless he wished to upset her and upsetting someone who could wipe him off the face of the Earth, regardless of consequences with a flick of her wrist, was not how he planned on spending his next few moments.

“You are quite the vision, Madame de Lyonesse. Have you ever thought about personally meeting with the lower-class citizens in the area? I am not saying something so personable as individual meetings with them, but a general audience. Your face is quite beautiful, regal and your poise is powerful in itself, magic or not… It might work towards the covenant’s acceptance by the local peoples to know the covenant is not going to destroy the lives they have worked hard to achieve. Owning a simple home and a finding the love of their life might look infinitesimal to some, but to most, that is the one true thing they dreamt of for as long as they could remember. And to know the covenant would perhaps not safeguard it but gain trust that it will not erase their dreams would help your image a lot.