Tifa & Aerith IV

[Tifa Lockhart]

The fact that Tyrel sighed before he began was proof enough that the news was not good. He went on to explain the meetings he'd had with the council, and the laws they'd negotiated in order to keep the kingdom stable while Conrad was unfit to take the throne.
"As it stands, Conrad is not well enough to assume rule..." Tyrel said sadly, "And a Warden may not take his place unless supported by another member of royal lineage... I tried to over turn this rule... as all remaining members of the royal line are quite distant and have no education in ruling a country..."
Aether didn't much like the way Tyrel's eyes glanced over at Delilah as he spoke, "But i was unsuccessful... the council did however agree to appoint the warden from one of our number, rather than from one of their own, as is customary." He rubbed the back of his head. "Therefore it is expected that Countess Delilah, next in line for the throne after Conrad in the absence of her father, assumes temporary rule of the kingdom with one of our number as her aide..." He seemed displeased by the conclusion of his talks with the council.

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah visibly cringed as Tyrel handed down the Council's verdict.
"I... I don't get a choice?..." she asked meekly.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Tyrel shook his head, looking genuinely sympathetic.
"I am afraid not dear countess..." He sighed, shaking his head, "I know you are not ready for this... i told the council that but, there is no other way." He offered a reassuring smile, "But the five of us will be doing our best to maintain order for you, and i give you leave to choose whichever of us you want to remain by your side as advisor and protector."

Aether shifted uneasily in the corner. Why was his mind screaming out for him to declare loudly.
Pick me!?

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah's eyes immediately sought out Aether. Perhaps a better leader would have picked a more experienced Arc, but she felt most comfortable and safer with him. The other Arcs... well, their mere presence scared her much more than Aether did. She paused though. Would it appear strange that she chose him? Obvious that she felt much more connected to him than any mortal should be? She hadn't spent any time with the other Arcs; would they judge her choice?...

[Tifa Lockhart]

Ariel seemed to be watching Delilah quite closely as she deliberated her choice. She frowned lightly, as if realising something, and stepped forward to whisper in Tyrel's ear. The male arc seemed surprised, and his eyes darted briefly over to Aether, the glance so quick you would have missed it if you'd blinked.
He whispered with Ariel for a few more moments before the female arc took a step back.
"Pardon countess..." Tyrel began, "But Ariel asked me to comfort you, feeling you were fearing judgement." He smiled and shook his head, "We arcs are one, different faces of the same entity, no matter whom you choose the guidance of us all is there. I encourage you to choose based on who you feel you can trust to be close by the greatest, the rest of us will help our own way at the side." He seemed genuine.

Aether however, wasn't so sure that what Ariel had whispered to Tyrel really had anything to do with that at all. At least not the way that Tyrel had voiced it.

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah blushed heavily then. It was rather daunting to feel as though the head Arc had just replied to her thoughts as if they had been spoken aloud.
"Um, then Aether I suppose..." she said quietly, looking down to her hands as she wrung them nervously again.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Tyrel shot Aether another glance, not an accusing one, but a strangely suspicious one. But then he looked back to Delilah and smiled, understanding in his expression.
"Of course. It is Aether who saved you the other night, and he has stayed with you as i instructed. So it is only natural you feel safest with him." The arc bowed low, "For tonight you may rest as usual, but tomorrow we must begin formalities. Conrad will be moved to a bed within the palace, and you will assumed wardenship over his kingdom."

Aether remained quietly behind the other arcs, wondering just how Delilah would cope with this new responsibility. He feared it might be to much for her... and he wasn't sure how well he could counsel her on running a country either...

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah brought her hands up to hug her arms then, looking down. She felt so exposed; the only human in a mass of angels, and she was dreading tomorrow. She had only come to the palace as a part of her transition from childhood to adulthood, but now she found herself the one in charge. She had never been in charge of so much as taking one of her grandfather's stock to market. It scared her, and all she could do was nod in reply to everything Tyrel said.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Aether cleared his throat then, aware of the expression on Delilah's face.
"Countess Delilah needs her rest." He said firmly, "Perhaps this can be discussed more later?" There was authority in his voice that suggested he wasn't to be argued with.

Ariel and the other females seemed to back down instantly, nodding stiffly and murmuring their agreement. Tyrel seemed to hesitate, giving Aether a strange look, but then he too nodded.
"Very well, we shall speak again tomorrow my lady." He said, bowing to Delilah before he departed with the girls in tow.
Now only Aether remained, his expression apologetic. "I... am sorry. And i will do everything i can to make this easier for you..."

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah looked up to Aether, then shook her head.
"It's okay... I mean, it won't be too long, right?" she said, sounding a little desperately hopeful.
"Conrad will be recovered soon enough..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Aether hesitated, but then nodded.
"With Fortuna's care, he will be well soon enough." Aether tried to sound as positive as possible. "Until then..." He flicked his fringe a little, "I'll keep an eye on you." He smiled warmly.

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah bit her lip, but nodded.
"Okay..." she said very softly.
"I suppose I won't be sleeping in the temple tonight..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Aether nodded his head to Delilah.
"You can for tonight if you wish. But we're moving the Prince into the palace tomorrow, so you will have to go then too."

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah rubbed her eyes, not sure whether they itched because she was tired or because she wanted to cry.
"Um... I don't mind. I don't know..." she said very quietly.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Aether tilted his head, looking a little confused at first, but then sympathy flooded his expression.
"I am sorry..." He apologised, placing a hand comfortingly on her shoulder, "I know you did not ask for this..."