A Simple Walk (Lady Lux)

How long has it been since I actually let myself relax?

Those were the thoughts that ran through Dr. Fang’s head as he moved out of his home and into the rather peaceful streets. His usual partner in all things was the pig like creature he kept as a pet.  

The pint size companion easily pranced a few pace ahead of the doctor as it walked showing off the small black color it now wore. It was nothing amazing really just a black piece of material that was safe for the animal and a bell, but the little creature had been looking at the collar every time they went into the store that sold it and so the doctor had bought it for the creature. After all, the little creature was family for him and while he didn’t show it, he took pride in spoiling the little guy when he could. It was just one of the quirks of a man such as himself.

In any case, Gurdy pranced about with pride while the doctor followed behind with his hands in his pocket and light slouch to his walk. He was in no hurry to get anywhere and there was no reason to pretend he was doing business, so the relaxed slump was just fine. As he strolled through the streets, he’d take in various details of his humble home as he moved. He would stroll through the streets pausing only when Gurdy did to give the structures built for the coming festivities a small glance. Already some were lining up to for that Ferris Wheel thing that had been propped up. While the construction was indeed an interesting machine, the doctor was skeptical of its safety; however, his plan of not doing work would be ruined if he stared at it any longer.

So giving the structure a disinterested look, he moved on pausing only slightly to see if Gurdy was going to come or not. He suppose he could explore the slightly active area if the little pig wanted to….However, it appeared that for now Gurdy would leave the sight alone. Perhaps there was not enough food available to interest the little fellow, yet. Whatever the case was, the little creature would give a small grunt before hurrying to take the lead again. Letting the little creature go ahead, Dr. Fang would continue his walk doing his best to try not to think…a bit of a challenge, but one he was determine to conquer. As he walked, a movement caught his attention; however, when his eyes moved to follow said movement he found the source gone.

Hmph. What a fast little creature. Maybe he’d be quicker next time to get gaze of the illusive critter. For now though a walk would suffice.

Notes:

It is one thing to be lost in thought, but it is a completely different story to not comprehend on the first glance exactly who you were looking at... and yet that is what Dr. Fang did when he heard the sigh. Sure, the sigh caused him to pause and give the source a brief glance. Sure he saw the blonde, but for the first few seconds he did not register who the blonde was. Unlike some who would pretty much die to be in his position, the scientist would remain relatively calm as the woman spoke and then began to move. It was only after the woman had moved passed him did the man finally pulled himself out of thought and truly focused on the what he had scene.

Blonde hair, glasses, wording…that is….Oh.

As soon as the realization hit him, Dr. Fang’s eyebrows furrowed as his mind worked to understand the reality of the situation he was in. This was the Madien Lux, he understood this yes. But why was she out here? And why alone? Was that even allowed?

Before he could figure any of those answer out, Gurdy being Gurdy decided that it wanted to say hello to the traveler and so with a small grunt the little guy waddle off towards the blonde. Half of Dr. Fang wanted to stop this event from happening, but curiosity about the maiden got the better of him. He had never heard of the madiens wandering on their own let alone, but this one was. So then what sort of maiden was she really? Folding his arms as he took a casual stance, Dr. Fang watched to see what would happened. It was true, he could easily catch up with the pair and stop any unnecessary trouble if that is what unfolded; however, for now he let the event unfold. Was this rude? For him to stare instead of throw himself at her feet? Maybe. Did he care? No. To him this maiden was a mystery he sought to learn more about, so why not observe her a bit before approaching?

Meanwhile, Gurdy would waddle until it was walking next to the woman with its head held high as it walked. It would give the lady a friendly grunt in greeting.

"Come. Show me who you really are, my lady.":

At first she didn’t seem notice Gurdy, but when she, did the blonde maiden seemed to take kindly to the little creature. As she spoke to it, it gave her a light snort of confirmation as it nuzzled into her petting enjoying the attention. As the little creature wagged its tail happily, Dr. Fang would watch the pair with a small smile upon his lips. While it was true, he knew Lux in a formal setting, the man never did get to see her in an element as common as this up until now. The change up was nice.

When the other took notice of himself, the doctor shook his head lightly at the words as he unfolded himself and head towards the pair.

“I am doing well health wise. However, I am afraid, I must apologize for not greeting you earlier and also for doing a little bit of work on a day off, my lady. I was a bit caught off guard by your presence here, so I couldn’t help but to observe,” he would pause and nod in the direction of Gurdy who had waddled off to sniff a flower nearby. “Her name is Gurdy and a bit more well mannered than myself, I am afraid,” the doctor said giving the other a small smile as he came to a respectful stop before the maiden. "And you? How are you holding up my lady?" he would ask before becoming quiet to allow her to answer.

After the exchange was completed, Dr. Fang would observe the maiden for a second and then seeming to read something from the other, he would look off to the side as he decided to do something most wouldn't do.

“I was on my way to observe the fields for a bit. Would you like join me, my lady?” he would ask in easy tones unphased by the difference in ranks or any behaviors Lux displayed towards him. If Lady Lux was here, then they were on even playing ground. And as long as they were on that sort of field, formalities and setting off alarms had no meaning to the doctor.

Meanwhile, Gurdy would come back with a flower in its mouth and with a light grunt it would lay it at Lux’s feet. Heh. Interesting. The little one had just met the woman and already knew she was safe. Clever little one.

Note:

If Gurdy were to be picked up in any fashion it wouldn’t have resisted, nor would the doctor have objected to such an action; however, since Lady Lux did not do such a thing, Gurdy would continue to wag its tail before wandering off to do its own thing. While the Zo did this Fang would speak with Lux. At the mention of work, he rubbed the back of his head lightly as he gave the other a sheepish smirk.

“Mmm. I’ll try a bit harder not disappoint then,” he said to the girl in easy tones. When she mentioned Gurdy, the little Zo grunted in joy causing Fang to let out a light chuckle.

“She is happy to meet you too,” he would respond back and then becoming a bit more serious, he would give the other a light nod.

“Ah yes. You have a birthday coming up don’t you?” he would say. “I bet that is a lot of pressure. Perhaps it is a blessing you got away. Besides I hold secrets well. I’ll pretend this meeting never occurred,” the doctor told the other with a light wink. He wouldn’t tattle on her. It was actually kind of nice to chat with her freely. No rules to follow except respect and honesty of course. A nice change up indeed.
When he asked if she would join him in a walk, he would glance back at her as she gave an answer.

“Would it have been better to approach the matter another way?” he would ask as he began to walk falling in step with the woman. They would move through the streets taking the simple paths that avoided unnecessary attention. He would lead her through an older part of town where instead of screams and scared face, the young lady would get a respectful nod or bow from the elders of the town instead. Once they were pass this part of town, the buildings began to fall back as a nice wind began to blow, bring with it the smell of crops up ahead.

Dr. Fang would lead the maiden through the fields of crops at a casual pace willing to stop if she wanted to. If she did not, he would lead her from the fields and towards a small tower that led up to a high wall. It was here at the top of this wall one could view the fields beyond the colony clearly. It was these fields that he wanted to observe.

Picking up a rather tired Gurdy, Fang would observe the little creature for a bit before turning his eyes towards the fields.

“Lady Lux, do you think we'll be able to come to terms with those wilds beyond and live outside of the walls?”

He asked in calm tones as his dark eyes flowed across the fields beyond. He often wondered what sort of plants and wild life were out there and also…if it was still out there somewhere waiting to come back. Dark thoughts aside, the doctor would remain calm as he continued to watch the fields. He wasn't unhappy with their situation, but he couldn't help, but wonder if life would be even more grander with those expanses beyond to explore.

In any case, he had asked the question to the maiden because in all honesty he had been wanting to ask the question for a long time. He wanted to know what her perspective was on that world beyond. Did she hate it? Or care for it?

“No harm done. There is nothing to apologize for. Really,” the doctor would tell the other gently trying to ease whatever distress was there. Sure he saw the smiles, but things just didn’t add up in the doctor’s head. Lady Lux seemed saddened by something, this became even more evident as the subject switched to birthdays.

“Today’s your birthday?” Fang repeated and then pondering that a bit thought of something. “Alright then. I’ll keep that mind, so the next time around perhaps I can create a small celebration just for you. How would like that?” he asked as he kept walking next to a the woman. He would be quiet for a while longer after that before breaking it with a question.

“Is there something bothering you my lady? You seem a bit down. Want to talk it out?” he asked giving a clear sign that despite her efforts the little details that hinted at her sadness did not escape his eyes. However, whether or not she would answer back was up to her in the end. Regardless of what happened, they would continue their walk.

When they moved through the quieter side of town, the people there were welcoming to the young lady who seemed to receive the greetings well enough. With hardly any effort, she could’ve easily been one of them instead of the Guardian of this colony. The sight was bittersweet considering the lot life had given the girl. But even still…maybe she could sneak away from the castle again sometime and he could show her more of the colony that she worked so hard to protect. It was a thought, but one the doctor kept to himself for now as they moved on.

When they arrived at the wall to observe the fields, Fang nodded lightly at the girl’s words. It was a very pretty sight. A shame it was just that. Speaking of outside…

Fang’s eyes would turn to the maiden.

“I meant no offense to your Grandfather. I understand what he has done and why, but I often wonder if the reason most want out is because, despite the danger, that land is still our home. Almost like a bird being able to see the outside world, but unable to leave the cage. I think many birds want to be free and thus they want to go out. Also we humans are very curious. Sometimes you cannot keep that contained within a colony, my lady,” Fang told her in respectful tones, but then became concern as he saw her action. “Are you alright?” he asked for the first time since speaking with her dropping the minor formality. Even Gurdy had woken a bit to eye the girl.

They would remain concern as the air around the girl seemed to become heavy with some form of emotion. Did the conversation perhaps upset her? Or was she hurt?

“Hm?” Dr. Fang eyebrows furrowed in confusion for a moment as he tilted his head at the other as she began to speak her hand held out a bit, palm facing towards the skies. From there the girl would close her eyes as a light came to her hand and then disappeared to reveal a single red rose. Perhaps drawn by the magic itself or perhaps curiosity, Fang had come a bit closer to examine the pretty flower she had created; however, when he heard her question, his eyes would drift up to look at her as he stood up from his leaned position.

“Magic is indeed a powerful thing; however, the reasons people want to control it so badly are numerous. Some want it to protect others like your Grandfather, some wants to use to make life easier, and others…others unfortunately like playing with fire and harming others,” Fang would look back at the flower observing it quietly for a moment before answering the next question.

“Mmm. I don’t think it is needed for everything. In fact, I think if we dig deep enough into the history of our kind maybe there was a point it wasn’t used at all. How we came to rely on it so much now is beyond me, but there is definitely an appeal to it that draws most to it like fire. If I could actually tap into the energy and figure out its charm that would solve all our problems, but alas it is very wild and untamed much like those fields beyond the wall,” Dr. Fang told the young woman before pausing. “Does it... bother you? Having magic?” he would ask being careful not to step on toes with this one. He was just curious as to what bothered the other so.

Meanwhile, Gurdy would sniff lightly at the flower as it remained relaxed in Fang's arms. The creature found it pretty, but not something to eat like a natural flower. Maybe magic it made it special somehow.

Well the good thing was the maiden seemed to be a bit happier as the time went on. The bad was the fact that even if she said nothing was wrong, the doctor couldn’t help, but wonder if that was true. Still, he wouldn’t pry if she did not wish to share what bothered her.

When it came to the subject of moving outside of the colony, Fang got a little taste of what may have been bothering the young woman. Her sister, Lady Kalos and she seemed to have varying opinions on what was right for the people when it came to this subject. Lady Kalos wanted to move forward, but Lady Lux thought it better to stay behind the barriers.

As he listened to her words, Fang would turn his eyes back towards the field for a bit in thought.

“If that is what my lady wishes, then I will work to aid her in keeping the people safe here. However, if you ever change your mind, I’ll support that decision also. I think you have the power to do whatever you wish to do. You just have to believe it?” Fang told her not exactly agreeing or disagreeing with the young woman. She was their leader and while he supported her fully, he knew it would take a bit of time for her to find her own strength. Sure he could probably help her along the way, but in the end she’d have to tap into her own inner strength and ambitions to be reborn anew. It was a heavy task, but one Fang did not continue on out of respect for the young lady before him. He would not stress her out. He'd only support her when he could.

When it came to her comment regarding magic and where it went, Fang would give the other a light nod of agreement, even if internal he wondered if the Royal Guard alone was enough to keep magic away from those of malice intent. It was a thought that crossed his mind along with other more darker thoughts on occassion, but much like he did with such thoughts, he kept this one locked away for later examination.

He would remain calm and relax as he shifted Gurdy lightly in his arm, so that the little creature was easily cradle in his right arm.

Being the big baby that it was, Gurdy automatically yawned as it got comfortable in the spot. As soon as Gurdy was resettled, Fang's stance would relax once more. Even when Lux came over to him and placed the rose in his lab coat pocket, the doctor did not panic as he looked from the flower to young lady as she began to speak.

She was speaking on the subject of magic and was perhaps on the edge of fully answering his question, when quite unexpectedly a beeping sound filled the area. The sound caused Fang to blink and look away as he thought for one moment perhaps he forgot to take a small bot out of his pocket; however, when he found the sound was actually coming from Lux, the scientist became still as he eyed the device she had pulled out.

Ah, it was that little communication device he had seen before in one of the labs. He had never had the chance to actually use or examine one, so seeing one in action was quite fascinating to him. It was quite tempting to want to ask for a better a look at it, but….

Manners...

Right..

Fang would lower his eyes away from the phone as he realized he was openly staring at the device. How very rude, but he couldn’t help it. That little device was something he wanted to…Eh?

Fang pushed his thoughts aside as a small frown appeared at Lux's words. How disappointing, but he understood that she was a busy lady, so...

“Ah, I see,” he said softly, but then found himself surprised as she gave him one of those communication devices to keep. This was like giving a kid candy, except thankfully Fang was well aware of where he was and who he was with, so he did not jump up and down or anything of that sort. Besides, if he did that, he’d drop Gurdy and that…that would be a different war to fight. One he did not want to deal with at all.

“Thank you, my lady. I’ll be sure to keep in touch and hope you can do the same,” he said to her as he carefully pocketed the item. He was going to have so much fun figuring that little thing out later, but for now he had Lady Lux to bid farewell.

“Well then, let the winds guide you there safely,” he would tell her in his own way of saying good luck and good bye; however, he didn’t think that a second later, his own words would literally come true. When Lux went to the side of the tower and jumped, Fang instinctively moved to the edge of the wall and leaned over being careful to keep a tight hold on Gurdy as he did so.

The pair would see the maiden drop and then using some form of magic make her escape on the wind. Watching her go, Fang let out the breathe he had unintentionally been holding before backing away from the walls edge and moving further along it. as he moved he would ponder his meeting with Lux for a while longer before going back to observing the fields.

- Thread Ended –

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