Reign sat in front of the young man that the Division guards had caught half way up the mountain. He had been truthful when questioned. Behaving surprisingly well after being caught. This Ravan matched the description he's asked Orion to give back when he'd arrived. Their stories were similar the only new information gained was that one of Orion's injuries had been delt by him. Rather surprising, to get such details from the one at fault and not the victim. Orion embraced the Division so openly, but perhaps it had been a skin-deep performance. He was a young man who'd had the world pulled out from under him more then he should. Gaining his trust wasn't an insult, it was a privilege.
Reign stared down the humbly dressed scavenger. Who looked at ease even contained in a Division cell. Reign knew they'd taken his dagger from him and yet it was already re-fastened to his waist. Reign couldn't help his mirth. This lad had potential he'd clearly been intentionally wasting. Ravan humbled the security wards and guards. Having made it further than any before into Division territory, before they were alerted to his presence.
Reign had a choice to make invite the lad as a guest or try and scout him outright. They won't be able to stop him from just trying to break in again if they refuse him. The lad had admitted as much, he was seeking answers. Perhaps a trade would tempt him. Reign silently apologised to his fellow branch leaders, as he made the decision to snatch up another interesting recruit.
Sure, enough Ravan takes the offer easily. They agree on the terms and the silver-tongued rogue is let out of the cell and shown to a free room. His requests to meet with 'his friend' are tabled until they run him through their assessments. Reign feels snatching up Ravan's talents for his branch is ever more justified. As his swift hands and sharp mind make him the ideal Pathosmet recruit. He rushes through the introductory training and lessons.
Reign barley keeps him busy enough to not have time to go looking for this target. This Division really is no joke. They used truth spells to question him, not like he had much of a reason to lie. His curiosity for the valuable young master was slightly diverted. As his interest in learning about this mysterious organization grew. The Division was truly a place worth robbing. There was more value however, in being allowed into their fold. Some of the stuff being studied and explored were above the heads of even kings. The pretty boy wasn't going anywhere. Yet Ravan still itched to get to the point where he could see how the Division life had treated the fox.
In the original Many Blossoms story Ravan was picked up during one of Lise's missions. He enters as a clever and helpful character. Providing a worldly wisdom to the trio of sheltered youth. His skills so dazzling as he saves their team from peril. He comes to the Division with them wanting to ensure their safety to the end. Only to be recruited on the spot.
Note was wondering which butterfly's wing had caused Ravan to show up on his own. Lise was still off on a far away mission, unlikely to return until nearly the new year. Was it up to him to keep this fan favorite prince of shadows company, until his sister came to fetch him.
Today was finally the day he was going to meet him face to face. Note was having trouble deciding whether to put on the harsh air of an older brother or not. Ravan was a few years younger than Orion. He'd also joined the Division before him. Shouldn't this count as seniority? Or should he just adopt the chick into the nest like he had for the rest of the little ones. Note was seriously lost in though as he walked the steps of to the training ground.
The soft sound of wings as a hand came to rest on his head.
Xian's voice followed the sound of feathers shifting, "Are you nervous?"
Note let his head be knocked side to side as Xian tried to ease his frown off his face through shaking.
"You've seen me with people. Make your guess."
Xian tried to not laugh as he nods, "Were both doomed then."
We reach the top of the stairs, finding the training ground unoccupied. The newbie must not have found his way here yet. Between me and Xian a few words might pass easily but neither of us are skilled at talking; especially to new faces. Xian ditching me to go bird is also a possibility, its his full proof socializing escape. He's the master in that regard without a doubt. I wish I could trade my weird divine blood for his beastly one.
"Have you done any peaking? What's the new guy look like?"
Xian glances at me, "Shouldn't you know? You said he's from your book of prophecies." Whenever Xian brings up the book his tone holds faint reverence.
"He's handsome and clever. Do those descriptors tell you anything?"
"phish. Sir Reign spoke of him to me but he also seemed to be avoiding-"
The sound of footsteps approaching cut Xian's thought off. As the weight of an awkward hawk suddenly rests atop my shoulder. The traitor.
Reign smiles brightly at us as he comes over, I'm not used to seeing him without a desk and stacks of paper surrounding him. The person following behind him though soon takes my full attention. A pleased grin on a familiar face, as dark green eyes meet mine. His shining waves of dark hair are loosely tied back half heartedly. The slight messy air of a roadside bandit replaced by the neat and tidy appearance of a noble scam artist.
What's the shorty doing here. Where's the dashing love interest I used to read about. Has his identity been robbed from him? A headache starts to split as my brow furrows, jaw clenched. Reign holds up a hand as he begins his introduction. Even Reign's charms cannot overcome the canary catching smile of the one beside him.
"Orion this is your second meeting, I know. But let me formally introduce you to Ravan, our branch's newest recruit."
Reign smiles my way innocently. He waits for my reaction, giving me time to process the brief desire for insanity I'm doing my best to overcome. I don't really have a problem with the bandit. I'd even say we parted ways back then on alright terms. But him having been the ever-important character Ravan the whole time. Is too great a shock. I pride myself on predicting every twist and turn of a story. I'm annoyed I've being caught so off guard yet again. Ravan in the mean time can't seem to wait any longer, coming over and lifting my hand to shake it.
"You spoke so well of this Willow tree. I decided to take your advice." He smiles fluttering his eyelashes at me.
I nod at him trying to retrieve my hand from his grip. He snatches it back deftly. He attempts to coat on a bit more sugar.
"As my senior in this place, I'll be relying on your assistance. I know we work well when left alone. You can count on me when we got out together."
His wording is a bit off and I think I might have preferred him stabbing me to trying to play it cute. His act comes to an end though, as the Xian on my shoulder beings ruffling his feathers and clenching down a bit harder of my shoulder. Ravan seems to have been too focused on me. He seems genuinely startled at the hawk fuming from my shoulder. He releases my hand and returns to Reign's side. Even he recognizes where to stand to survive it seems. Ravan glares at the upset Xian not hiding his bad blood with the bird.
"So, it was your pet." Ravan points at me accusingly. Flinching when Xian screeches at him.
"What was all that about relying on your senior's help. This fellow is also a senior." I point to Xian.
I give him a few soothing pats while I'm at it. It's not like he doesn't have reason to be hostile. The dagger obediently hanging from Ravan's waist; did once chase him across the sky. Ravan seems about to say something when Reign cuts in.
"Ravan and Orion will be under your leadership Xian. I know I've surprised you both. But I and Liaud both approve of you three becoming a team. I think with time, you'll see your strengths are well suited to each other."
Reign on that note, pats Ravan on the shoulder pushing him forward. Smiling at us he takes his leave. I can't tell exactly who he's throwing to the wolves in this instant. Yet the sense of him turning away to let us work things out on our own is apparent. Ravan's eyes flicker back from me and the slightly calmed down friend still digging his claws into my shoulder.
"So… The bird is my new boss? I'm suddenly filled with regret. Why'd you talk me into this."
"Wh- Since when do you listen to me?"
"Hey now, I listen very well. Didn't I ask you to come boss me around in my crew as much as you like. You weren't interested in that. But you'll keep that ball of feathers company."
He pouts, acting as if I've wronged him.
"How is robbing me. Then trying to enlist me make any sense. You must be smarter than that."
"How do you know I'm smart." He seems pleased, quickly taking my words as compliment.
I roll my eyes as he risks getting closer again to smirk at me. If his head wasn't so much lower then mine, I'd be tempted to headbutt him. At most I might be able to do a chin attack. I regret not having picked up a sword to carry with me like Anora does. I wonder is throwing Xian at him would be rude. Xian might be down for it. Ravan inches ever nearer. Now standing obnoxiously close pointing his nose up at me.
"You seem a bit healthier since I last saw you. This place has been good for you then."
There is some sincerity veiled behind his indifferent tone. I resist quipping back. Of course, I look better then when we last met. I'm not currently suffering blood loss caused by a certain someone. He's an important and beloved character??? Why is he such a brat in front of me then! I'd really like to file a complaint.
If I'm filing my grievances. The bird on my shoulder is also getting on my nerves. Throwing a fit and playing pretend at my expense. Xian has somehow been bragged down to Ravan's childish level. This bird has a few years on me. Why am I the only one having to play the adult.
"You. Senior Xian. Squad leader. Shadow hand of branch Jaunvei. If you leave this up to me, I might just run away. Free myself of the both of you."
The claws on my shoulder loosen guiltily. Ravan raises a brow at me. His eyes go wide, a dumbfounded look breaking that cocky demeanor. A hand now rests on my shoulder patting it apologetically. I don't need to turn my head. I can tell by the way Ravan's shocked eyes flicker upward that Xian has finally come out. He doesn't speak a word, but it's a start.
"Oh, you weren't kidding." Ravan blinks at me as if rebooting his brain.
"What would lying do for me exactly."
"I don't know. Why do you ever lie, you human skinned fox."
I let out a long sigh. Looking between the two men that I'm going to have to rely on. I think that's enough for today. Let them play amongst themselves. I turn heel and begin walking away. I'll avoid the stairs and take the scenic path down the mountain. Try and cool my head and think on this new twist a bit. I need to figure out why the branch heads seem to think a trio like ours. Has any chance of living up to their expectations.
I hear two more sets of feet simultaneously begin to follow behind me. I almost want to laugh. Perhaps there's hope for this team yet.