forum It's not in the Cards (O/O)

Started September 03, 2019 by @Vuclan-is-tired

tune

Aki chuckles. "So. Is that all, or would you like to learn more?" He asks curiously, a small smile on his lips.

"Ah…what can I learn?" Lucien asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Many things. Potions, Magic, Tarot cards. Maybe one day exploring the spirit realm if you wanted." He smiled.

He blinked. "Oh. Wow. I…" He broke off as a guard came into the shop.
"Shopkeeper, have you seen a man about this tall, perhaps disguised? He broke out of the palace and we are looking for him." The guard said gruffly.
Lucien hunched his shoulders to seem shorter, coughing and keeping his face aimed away from the guard.

Aki looked up before starting when the other looked up at him. "Yes sir?" He asks curiously. He was not used to people bursting into his shop. "I'm not sure, sir." He replies softly.

The guard sighed, and his eyes landed on Lucien. "And what about you, sir?"
Lucien stiffened, eyes widening. "I uh…oh, shit." He muttered, standing up. "No, sir, I haven't."
The guard frowned. "Take off the hood and let me see your face."

Aki looked over at the other with curiosity, his head tilted. He hadn't seen much of the stranger and had seen little of his face.

Lucien exhaled. "Fine." he reached up and flipped the hood down, revealing the rather well known face of the prince. Brown hair that hung loose, about chin length, with a pair of braids on one side. Bright green eyes with hints of brown and blue. A scar that arched down his neck from a failed assassination attempt. "I guess the game's up, then, isn't it?"
The guard sighed. "Your highness, if you want to leave the palace, you're supposed to let us know so we can escort you."

Aki took a surprised step back, his eyes wide. He bows a little before clearing his throat. "I apologize I had no idea." He whispers, now nervous.

Lucien looked over at him. "It's okay. You weren't supposed to know." a flicker of a smile flashed across his face. "That was the point." he looked over at the guard again. "I don't like being escorted. I'm not a little kid anymore, I can handle myself."
The guard shook his head. "It doesn't matter right now."

Aki eased at the smile before looking at the guard and listening to their conversation. He knew he probably shouldn't, so he began cleaning up the shop, humming softly to himself as he does so.

"Why? Everyone in the palace has been on edge lately, and no one will tell me why. What's going on?" he demanded.
"That is not something I can discuss with you, not here, and not at the palace either. Now come on." the guard replied.

"If there's an issue with safety… perhaps I could help?" Aki says softly as he places a potions bowl back into its cupboard. He smiles faintly at the prince before clearing his throat.

Lucien glanced at him, returning the smile.
The guard sighed. "Perhaps. Come with us back to the palace, then, to speak with the king." he started walking.

Aki hesitated."Yes. But may I grab some of my things and leave a note for my master?" He asks curiously, one ear tilted as the other stood straight up in attention. He wanted to help but he needed to tell Zephyr first.

The guard waited at the door, and gave a sharp nod. "Of course."
Lucien sighed, and dug in his pocket, pulling out some money, extending it to Aki. "For all the trouble. And for helping me out." He said with a small smile.

Aki looked at the money before shaking his head and smiling. "All of it was for free." He says happily. He scurries off to his room to quickly pack before hurrying back. He smiled warmly. "Ready to go."

Lucien nodded, and put the money away. "Alright. Let me know if you need anything." He replied.
The guard began walking.

Aki nods before walking behind the guard and the prince, locking up the shop and whispering a protection spell before hurrying after them. He smiles warmly at Lucien.

Lucien smiled back. His green eyes were bright and gentle.
The guard sighed, and continued walking. "Keep up, you two." He said.

Aki looked down, his tail swaying back and forth as he walked. He fiddled with a small ring on his finger before looking up and shouldering his bag again.

Lucien sighed, rolling his eyes. "Life doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, you know." He replied.
The guard shook his head slightly.

Aki looks over at Lucien. "What do you mean?" He asks curiously, his ear flickering a little bit.

"Talking to the guard. He's always cranky." He replied with a grin.

"Ohhhh." He chuckles as his ears perk happily. He seemed to be in a good mood. It was probably because he rarely ever left the shop.