A Paladin's Duty

King Cassian: "Raise your head son, we are not going to bite it off." (Lucan slowly stood up as he looked at the King and Queen as the King was holding a friendly smile but the Queen had a stern and serious look on her face.)
Lucan: "Thank you your Majesty, I am sincerely grateful as I said for hosting me in your wonderful castle and country."
King Cassian: "I should be the one thanking you my boy for saving my dear daughter Amelia from those retched BASTARDS!"
Queen Elowen: "Dear please keep your head, I know you hate them but now is not the time. Sir Lucan we are greatly thankful for you saving our daughter and you are welcome here as long as you need but there is one thing we wish to ask."
King Cassian: "Yes my boy I wish to ask you to do something that is of grave importance."
Lucan: "Of course Your Majesty anything." (King Cassian gestured to Amelia.)
King Cassian: "Would you be so kind as to become my daughters personal guard? You will be justly paid as well as given your own territory to preside over in our kingdom as an official Lord." (Lucan looked shocked at this proposal as he thought for a second on what to do before giving an answer to the King.)
Lucan: "I would be honored to do so Your Majesty, but would it be alright if an Adventuring party under my name continued to do work under me with this new position?"
King Cassian: "Why of course, we do not expect you to drop everything we just simply would like someone strong at our daughters side for future problems." (Lucan glanced at Amelia as she smiled as Alaric nodded his head in approval before looking at the Queen who looked skeptical but ok with it before nodding his own head.)
Lucan: "I shall accept your offer and I can start right now if you wish."
King Cassian: "Thank you Sir Lucan for doing us such a major favor, please take leave to your room and get some rest, we shall have someone collect your armor and have it polished. Although as a official Paladin of the Sanguis Oros Kingdom we would offer you new armor if you please."

Lucan: "This armor is borrowed your Liege, its not mine and I know that so if you would kindly arrange for new armor for me then I will gladly take it."
King Cassian: "It shall be done at once." (Lucan was taken by two maids to a massive guest room on the upper floor of the Castle as he looked around before they began to take off his armor and he was given a set of fancy noble clothes as he dressed himself and sat down on a nearby sofa taking it all in.)
Lucan (Thinking): "What the hell did I just agree to? I didn't even think I was just so worried I said yes." (Lucan sat in the massive room that he was placed in thinking of what his future will look like now when a knock came at the door.)
Lucan: "Please enter." (Myra the Maid from earlier enters as she smiles and bows to Lucan before speaking.)
Myra: "My Lord I have been sent to collect you by the Princess Amelia."
Lucan: "Of course, do you know what for?"
Myra: "She wishes to show you around the capitol town as you are knew to this region."
Lucan: "Alright lead the way." (Lucan got up as he followed Myra out of the room and walked down long corridors to reach the main door as they stepped out and a carriage was waiting.)
Lucan: "I do not have my blade, could it be fetched?"
Myra: "No need my Lord, this is a gift from Amelia's elder brother Alaric. From his own treasury as a thank you for saving her." (Myra presented a black blade adorned with a ruby adorned in the cross guard and gold inlayed along the blade with the Vane family sigil on the pommel as Lucan too kit and fastened it to his belt he stepped into the carriage sitting across from Princess Amelia.)

(The Carriage came to a halt as Lucan got out and helped Amelia down as she began to walk with Lucan following close behind as she pointed at things and told him things regarding the city as he listened to her enthusiastic tour as he couldn't help but smile as they got to the market and she began to look around and everyone greeted her with love.)
Amelia: "What great and fresh fruit! Lucan would you like some?"
Lucan: "Possibly for later."
Merchant: "Here your highness please take a few on the house."
Amelia: "You are too kind, please allow me to pay you."
Merchant: "No no I insist, for you and the man."
Amelia: "Thank you so much for your kindness." (Lucan grabbed the sack of various fruits and carried them as they began to walk again before Amelia fell back a bit falling in beside Lucan as she once again looped her arm with his and they were walking before Lucan heard some screams coming from an alley as Lucan looked in its direction but decided against it not to leave Amelia behind before she took off herself down the alley and Lucan chased her.)
Lucan: "Your Highness! This is not safe for you to be here!"
Amelia: "There is someone in danger Lucan we must help." (Amelia disappeared as Lucan lost her before he rounded a corner and saw a large man about to grab Amelia before he quickly appeared and grabbed his hand as he wrenched it back and slammed the man against the wall causing him to lose his dagger before he subdued him and his friend as he helped the woman up.)

Lucan: "Are you alright Ma'am?"
Woman: "Yes thanks to you My Lord, thank you."
Lucan: "Of course, I'm just doing my job." (The woman took off as he turned to Amelia to scold her before he saw her dress torn and quickly scooped her up in his arms and began to slowly job back to the carriage.)
Amelia: "Lucan what are you doing?!"
Lucan: "Your dress is torn your highness, we do not wish for the people to see you indecent."
Amelia: "You're far too worried of this."
Lucan: "My job is to protect you, physically mentally and even morally Madam." (Amelia blushed as they arrived at the carriage and he placed her inside before climbing in himself and placing the fruit on the seat next to him as they set off back to the castle.)
Amelia: "You can call me Amelia." (Amelia spoke in a whisper as she looked embarrassed.)
Lucan: "Come again your highness?"
Amelia: "Call me Amelia, no more formal addresses. I may be the Princess but we are friends and I believe friends should call each other by their names."
Lucan: "As you wish Amelia." (Amelia gained a big smile as they arrived at the Castle and Lucan took his leave to his room where he entered to a man sitting on his sofa as he quickly drew his blade and had it at the mans throat.)

Lucan: "Who are you and how did you get in here?"
???: "Is that any way to treat your good friend Lucan?"
Lucan: "I know that voice, but it can't be because it belongs to a blade."
???: "Former Blade, As my curse has been lifted. Xylos has come back to the world of the living."
Lucan: "Xylos my friend its great to see you back to your full potential!" (Lucan sheathed his blade and hugged Xylos as he sat on the sofa adjacent to him.)
Lucan: "Any idea how this has happened?"
Xylos: "I believe the Castle is enchanted with a magic spell that dispells all level of curses on anyone that passes through, as they were carrying me in One second I was a sword and the next I am back in my true form."
Lucan: "Amazing, its great news."
Xylos: "Enough about me, I heard you're a Lord now? I also heard you're getting cozy with the Eldest Princess?"
Lucan: "What? I am not we are friends and I am her personal guard."
Xylos: "Not according to the word going around the Castle and even parts of the noble houses. Apparently she talks about to quite often even in this short time you've met, rumors are she's fallen ill with quite a crush."
Lucan: "That's crazy, I would never as I barely know her and the King and Queen would never approve."
Xylos: "How do you know that this isn't their plan? They are currently on the brink of-" (Xylos was cut off by a knock at the door as Lucan called for them to come in and Myra stepped in.)

Myra: "My Lord you have been invited to join the Royal family for dinner as their guest."
Lucan: "A direct dinner with the Royal family? Of course I'll join them." (Lucan got up as he glanced at Xylos who gave him a wink as he walked off as Lucan shook his head as he followed Myra out of the room and towards a part of the castle he has yet to be in.)
Myra: "The Princess is very fond of you."
Lucan: "That is due to my saving her, it will pass in due time."
Myra: "Don't count on it Lord Lucan, For she is a stubborn woman that usually gets what she wants."
Lucan: "We shall see." (Myra opened a large door as light poured out and Lucan stepped through as he saw the entire Vane family gathered at a table waiting for him as he bowed and was quickly shown to a seat opposite Amelia.)

Lucan: "Thank you your Majesty for having me for dinner."
King Cassian: "Nonsense son, what kind of King would I be if I did not invite my guest to join me and my family for Dinner. You're always welcome at this table."
Lucan: "That is very gracious of you Sir."
Alaric: "I'm glad you are here Lucan, I wished to speak to you regarding your duties as a Lord."
Lucan: "I am happy to speak about them, I am new to this so I am going to need some guidance but I shall do my upmost to live up to all of your expectations."
Alaric: "No need to be worried, as a Paladin and Lord of the Kingdom of Sanguis Oros me and my father were thinking of what job we believe you'd thrive best at."
King Cassian: "Indeed and we have come to the conclusion to appoint you as Lord Constable of the City Guard as well as the Defensive Infrastructure of the City and all disputes and crimes in the city. You will be appointed an assistant for when you are gone on duty protecting my daughter."
Alaric: "We believe that you will serve this job far better then our previous Lord Constable, many things slipped past him and there was far too much incidents."
Lucan: "I am honored for the opportunity and will not disappoint you both.
Julian Vane | Crown Prince and 3rd Child of the Vane Family |: "It is an honor to meet you Sir Lucan Vance, I am the Crown Prince and third eldest child of the Vane family. I would like to extend my thanks for your saving of my older sister."

Lucan: "No need to thank me, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat." (Amelia choked a little bit as she became flush red and Lucan smiled away as the other person at the table spoke up.)
Rosalind Vane | 2nd Princess and 4th Child of the Vane Family|: "You are quite young for a Paladin are you not?"
Queen Elowen: "Rosalind! That is not polite to ask a guest and especially one with such prestige as Sir Lucan."
Lucan: "No need Your Majesty, she is not wrong for I am quite young."
Rosalind: "How old are you anyway Sir Lucan?" (Lucan thought about it for a second and realized he did not know when his birthday was but only a rough estimate of how old he is.)
Lucan: "I believe I am around 19 or 20 Ma'am."
Amelia: "You do not know your own age Sir Lucan?"
Lucan: "I Actually do not know my own birthday Princess."
King Cassian: "Do your parents not keep such things on record for you lad?"
Lucan: "I'm an orphan sir have been since I was 7. I did not know my parents very well as I was still quite young and I have no clue of any of my history or even who they were other then their names, Vance is not my true last name it is one I took up on my own."
Alaric: "I'm sorry to hear that Sir Lucan, if you do not mind me asking. How did your parents die?"
Lucan: "A Demon attack on my village, My father fought to his last breath as did my mother to protect me.
Julian: "Is that why you became a Paladin? To avenge your parents and serve the gods?"
Lucan: "Not quite, my job as a Paladin came with the desire to protect others and save those who can't save themselves and to prevent anyone to end up like I did."
King Cassian: "A very noble cause, I knew making you a lord was a good idea."
Lucan: "That is very kind of you sir."

(Some time passed as they all enjoyed the meal and continued to talk before Lucan excused himself and returned to his room as he undressed and got ready for bed as he sat on the edge of it and still couldn't believe where he was as he slowly pulled the covers aside and slipped into the bed before drifting off to sleep.)
???: "HELP!" (Lucan shot awake as he heard faint screams for help as he burst out of bed and pulled on his pants and boots as he grabbed his sword and went running as the screams continued which led him to the servants quarter where he saw a large male servant roughly grabbing a female servant as He placed his sword on a nearby table and grabbed the man back as he subdued him.)
Lucan: "Are you alright Miss?"
Servant: "Yes thank you, this fool is drunk and I've been telling the supervisor that he's no good. He never listens because they are friends!"
Lucan: "Don't worry I'll take care of it."
Male Servant: "Let go of me you fool!"
Lucan: "This fool is taking you to jail." (Lucan picked the man up as he fastened his sword to his belt and started to escort the man as 3 guards came running.)
Lucan: "Perfect timing, have this man taken to jail for attempted sexual assault."
Guard: "Yes sir!"

(The three guards dragged the larger man off as Lucan sighed and wiped the sweat from his brow as he began his way back to his quarters before stopping to look out a window as the cold breeze of the night quickly reminded him that he had nothing but pants and boots on as he headed back to his room and instead of going to sleep he began to practice with the sword until first light as he heard a knock at his door and Myra let herself in carrying his new armor as she froze at the shirtless Lucan.)
Myra: "I apologize Lord Lucan, forgive me for my intrusion."
Lucan: "No point in leaving, you're already here and you are bringing me my armor. Would you like some tea?" (Lucan placed his sword down after sheathing it and walked over to a pot of tea as he poured two cups before she even answered.)
Lucan: "I won't take the excuse that you're a maid and can't take a break, sit." (Lucan put his shirt on as Myra reluctantly sat and he handed her a cup of tea as he sat opposite of her.)

Lucan: "So may I ask why you are always looking at me with such looks?"
Myra: "What do you mean my lord?"
Lucan: "You look at me like you don't approve of me and that I'm trouble, I know you think I'm some dumb brute but that is just an act I like to put on to get information about people before I can trust them."
Myra: "You're a lot more observant then I first believed, color me impressed."
Lucan: "I get that a lot, so the looks why?" (Myra placed her cup down and sighed.)
Myra: "I am very close to Princess Amelia and I don't think you've noticed her feelings towards you, she's always been someone to catch feelings before and every time she does it's with someone she can't be with and it hurts her. I don't want her to be hurt especially since you aren't going anywhere."
Lucan: "I've noticed quite well that Princess Amelia is growing a fondness for me." (Lucan put down his cup.)
Myra: "You have? I would expect that you wouldn't understand and think she's just overly friendly."
Lucan: "She is overly friendly, but friends don't cling onto your arm and try to be near you at every opportunity. I just don't want to read into it."
Myra: "I see."
Lucan: "Just like you're no maid, sure you act like one and serve the Princess but you're actually a highly skilled warrior. Assassin I would guess and you are serving the Royal family due to a feeling that you need to, I would assume that Alaric was the one to save you in the past and then you grew close to Amelia so even after paying it back you stuck around." (Myra looked shocked as she smirked and shook her head surprised.)

Myra: "I was very wrong about you Sir Lucan, I thought you were just some strong idiot like every other knight. But you're very observant and smart."
Lucan: "I'm a survivor, a habit picked up from being a homeless orphan."
Myra: "So you must have figured-"
Lucan: "That the King is attempting for me to fall for Princess Amelia and marry her to up take the throne to stop the Impending war against the Kingdom and to stop the marriage between her and the Crown Prince of their kingdom?"
Myra: "Wow, you truly are something else Sir Lucan. So what do you plan to do?"
Lucan: "If I fall in love with Amelia it will be on my own accord and I will choose to marry her of my own. It's not like Queen Elowen approves, I can feel her gaze burning a hole through me all the time."
Myra: "She's very protective over Princess Amelia, it comes as second nature. If anyone has the right to marry the Princess it would be you." (Lucan stood as he tucked his undershirt in and began to apply his armor as Myra stood and started to help him.)
Lucan: "No one deserves that woman, She is far to kind for this world. I am flattered you believe so but I am nothing but a poor commoner that is faking being a Lord."
Myra: "Very humble words for a Paladin."
Lucan: "A Rank only symbolizes that I am somewhat competent in what I do nothing more or nothing less." (Lucan was fully armored as he fastened his sword to his waist as he bowed to Myra and began to take his leave before stopping.)

Lucan: "I will protect the Princess though, you have my word on that much."
Myra: "Thank you Sir Lucan." (Lucan left as he marched down the corridors to find his party and to fill them in on what is going on as he found his way to the other guest rooms and he knocked on it as he heard movement inside before Nyxia was the one to answer the door before looking him up and down.)
Nyxia: "We don't see you for an entire day and you show up wearing a set of brand new armor looking like some sort of Lord."
Lucan: "Funny you say that." (Lucan stepped past her and stood before Nyxia, Astrid and Reya.)
Astrid: "Lucan? What's with the fancy armor and where have you been?"
Lucan: "Listen up guys, we are going to be in this kingdom for quite a while."
Reya: "Why?"
Lucan: "I've been appointed as Lord Constable and personal guard of the Princess Amelia and I have duties to uphold so I am going to remain here. You're allowed to adventure without me and I would understand if you decide to completely leave me behind."
Astrid: "You can't be serious, you're a Lord?"
Lucan: "Yeah, much like your father Astrid I have duties to take care of in the protection of the Capitol. I'll leave you in charge of the party in my leave."
Astrid: "We will not be abandoning you, but we do plan to keep exploring and taking small jobs."
Lucan: "Good, I hope you to all have fun and if you truly need me I will come running. I'll even look into getting you officially enlisted into the Army as Officers under my watch." (Nyxia snorts a laughter as Lucan looks at her in confusion.)

Nyxia: "He's going to end up marrying the Princess."
Astrid: "What makes you say that Nyxia?"
Nyxia: "I heard the rumors when exploring the Castle but had not believed them because he was a commoner, but apparently the King is planning for it to happen."
Reya: "Is this true Lucan?"
Lucan: "As of right now I have no plan to marry the Princess."
Astrid: "As of right now?!"
Lucan: "No one ever knows what the future holds Astrid, Now I must be going. Can't be late for my first day." (Lucan took his leave as he marched down the halls and eventually stepped out through the entrance that leads directly to the city before he began to walk around on patrol.)
???: "Lord Constable?" (Lucan stopped and turned his head to see a well dressed woman with a smile on her face as he turned to face her.)
Lucan: "Yes, how can I help you?"
???: "You live up to the rumors." (The Woman smiled big as Lucan tilted his head slightly in confusion.)
Lucan: "What rumors would that be Ma'am?"
???: "Oh just the rumors of you being unreasonably handsome." (The woman stepped closer and observed his face as Lucan looked down at her.)
Lucan: "I am flattered miss, but may I ask who you are?"
???: "Where are my manners, I am Lady Clarissa Hawthorn of House Hawthorn."
Lucan: "It is an honor to meet you Lady Hawthorn."
Clarissa: "Oh dear you can call me Clarissa, I should be the one saying its an Honor Lord Lucan Vance."
Lucan: "I see you know my name."

Clarissa: "Of course, Every noble knows of the hotshot new Lord that saved the Princess and won the favor of the Royal Family in a single day."
Lucan: "Just doing my job as a Paladin ma'am." (Clarissa smirked as she raised her hand and slightly grazed his face before beginning to walk off.)
Clarissa: "You're always welcome at House Hawthorn Sir Lucan, Please don't be a stranger." (Lucan shook his head as he turned back in the direction he was originally going and began to walk as he came to the market and heard a commotion as he walked up and saw two Merchants arguing.)
Thomas Miller: "I WAS THE ONE WHO LAID CLAIM TO THIS AREA BEFORE YOU!"
Barnaby Wick: "HERESAY YOU FIEND, I LAID CLAIM TO THIS AREA LONG BEFORE YOU EVEN CAME TO THE CAPITOL YOU FOOL!" (The two began to get closer as Lucan stepped forward and pushed them away.)
Lucan: "What sees to be the problem Gentleman?"
Thomas: "Lord Constable Lucan! This Fool thinks he can lay claim to my merchant stall area!"
Barnaby: "No Lord Lucan! This fool thinks that I am a blinding idiot if he thinks I'll fall for his story of ever being set up here."
Lucan: "Gentleman no need to yell at each other, lets settle this like the adults we are. How about you take different days set up here and the other will set up in another location, every other day you will alternate." (The Two men shook their heads satisfied as they shook hands with each other and Lucan as Lucan began his patrol again as he made his way to the guard house and checked in with his guards before walking in front of the castle entrance where he spotted Princess Amelia and Myra as he approached them.)

Lucan: "To What do I owe the pleasure Amelia? Myra?"
Amelia: "Oh nothing, I was just taking a walk and Myra was accompanying me."
Lucan: "Right, your walk took you out of the 5 miles of garden in front of the castle?" (Lucan smirked as Amelia became red and fiddled with her hands.)
Amelia: "I- I just wanted to see something different."
Lucan: "It's good to see you Princess, making a boring day a little brighter." (Amelia fully blushed as her face became extremely red and she couldn't stop herself from smiling.)
Amelia: "Would you like to join me for Lunch Lucan?"
Lucan: "It'd be my honor." (Amelia clapped in giddy as she began to walk and Myra followed her as Lucan followed both of them close as they then arrived in a small gazebo in the garden of the castle as 3 maids brought out food and placed them as Myra stood just outside it as Amelia and Lucan sat and began to eat lunch.)
Amelia: "My family likes you."
Lucan: "I am grateful, I now have a job and soon a place to live. To think this all started with you needing saving."
Amelia: "Hey its not like I asked to be in that situation!"
Lucan: "I'm not glad it happened to you, but I'm glad it allowed me to meet you and your great family." (Amelia smiled as she looked at Lucan as he grinned while saying this.)
Amelia: "Where do you plan on living?"
Lucan: "Somewhere in the Capitol, anywhere is fine with me."
Amelia: "You could get a manor as a Lord if you pleased, I would suspect my father would oblige."

Lucan: "Your family has done enough for me already Amelia, I do not wish to pester for more." (Their nice lunch was interrupted when 3 knights and a fancy looking man rode up on horses and dismounted. a Noble looking knight at the head of the three with short silver hair in a military style wearing black and red mage robes as the other male was wearing red and black martial arts clothes with spike green hair and shaved sides as the final knight was a pointy ear black haired woman in a leather bounded outfit as The one they followed was wearing Royal style clothes with short blond hair and a smug look as they approached and the man grabbed Amelia's hand and kissed it as he remained holding it.)
Florian de la Cour IV: "Amelia my dear it is such a pleasure to see you."
Amelia: "Hello Florian, what brings you all the way from Lys-Valois?"
Florian: "Of course I've come to collect you as my fiancée." (Florian smirked as Amelia became uncomfortable and tried to pull her hand away as Florian pulled her forward as she landed in his arms.)
Florian: "Oh you must be careful Dear Amelia, we wouldn't want you getting hurt before our marriage would we?"
Amelia: "Neither I or my father ever agreed to his agreement unhand me!" (Florian tightened his grip as he went in for a kiss as she struggled and pulled away before his hand was grabbed and he looked up to see Lucan with a pissed off look on his face as a verbal snapping was heard as Florian dropped Amelia as Lucan caught her with his other arm and Florian screamed and flailed in pain from the snapped forearm.)
Florian: "YOU BASTARD YOU BROKE MY ARM! HOW DARE YOU HURT ME? KILL HIM YOU THREE!"
Viktor Stahl: "As you wish sir." (The white haired man raised his hands as Magic appeared as Lucan placed Amelia behind him and drew his sword as The woman and other man closed in.)
Nevali: "This shall be fun!"
Zardon: "You can say that again!"

(Lucan Blocked an attack from a tail that had just manifested on the back of Zardon as it wrapped around his arm as he dropped his sword into his other hand to block an incoming dagger from Nevali as he gripped Zardon's tail and crushed it forcing it to let go as He then threw the blade back to his dominate hand as he danced with the two blocking every attack as he stepped back with Myra now blocking Amelia as Viktor began to cast a spell.)
Nevali: "HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP THIS UP BIG GUY?"
Zardon: "ONE OF US WILL LAND A GOOD HIT ON YOU AND THEN YOU'RE DEAD!" (Lucan was caught off guard as Zardon's spiked tail was about plunge into his heart before a blade shined in the sun and cut it in two as Zardon grunted in pain and pulled it back slowly regenerating it as Alaric was now standing there with his sword drawn in an anger.)
Alaric: "YOU DARE START A FIGHT IN THE GROUNDS OF THE CASTLE?"
Viktor: "Shut up you noble fool!" (Viktor shot a massive fire spell at them as Lucan and Alaric both jumped to block Amelia and Myra before a shield of bright light appeared and shielded them all as a Man wearing shiny silver armor with blue under cloth and a light blue cape was walking towards them as he pushed his glasses up his face and cleared his throat.)
???: "That is quite enough, Leave now or face repercussions that you would rather not."
Lucan: "Step foot in the capitol again and I'll have you arrested on the spot." (The Three grabbed the Prince of Lys-Valois and put him on his horse as they took off and left for their kingdom.)
Florian: "THIS ISN'T OVER!"

(Lucan turned to the man in blue and bowed.)
Lucan: "Thank you sir, I would like to apologize as I do not believe we've met I am Sir Lucan Vance."
???: "Thanks aren't needed lad, Its just lucky that I was here on business when I saw this commotion. I am Count Calder Kaelum." (The two Men shook hands as Amelia ran up and wrapped her arms around Lucan as he looked down and patted her head as she was starting to tear up.)
Lucan: "No need to cry Amelia, I was never going to let them harm you. As long as I breath you will be safe." (Amelia sniffled as she pulled away and Lucan turned to Alaric.)
Lucan: "Sir Alaric who were those men?"
Alaric: "Sir Lucan I am going to have to ask you to come with me please."