Chapter Text
for one brittled with a somewhat fatal curse victor has the energy of a cat mixed with a young child.
will himself has seen victor lounge around in a field of beautiful flowers under a natural kaleidoscope back in their village, words whispered to each other as they exchanged a meeting or two with a book shared between them. and the curiosity shown now was nother short of a younger boy curious about the world around him.
his ear twitches. understandably gallica is getting a little annoyed with the constant sidetracking, and with some hesitance will leads victor towards the recruitment center. he has to bite the inside of his cheek to avoid chuckling at victor visibly deflating for half a second.
even after moving from outside to the inside it didn't do much when it came to calming his nerves. at least no one was outwardly hostile. yet. only the gods and goddess know that it'll change rather soon.
he keeps an eye on victor, who has gallica obediently perched onto his own shoulder. the prince's eyes had resumed the usual curious glancing, and it only reminded will of the mere fact that he's only been to very stagnant places; their village and the palace. no wonder he's been so curious.
will glances around a little himself. the greetings of that paripus woman who is apparently a bounty hunter—catherina grann, was it?—and the cold one of that white haired rhoag woman who sells igniters—brigitta lycaon, he thinks—still linger within his mind.
curious. there seem to be a lot of clemar, here.
regardless of the observation will and his companions sit in the designated line, his hand tightly intertwined with victor's as they wait. not that his friend minds. he was seemingly busy holding gallica in the palm of his free hand to notice or care.
"hmph. a blueblood, are you? the army's no place for velvet-swaddled lordlings. why are you here?"
the sound of the haughty captain behind them catch their attention within moments. silence. then the exchange of glances. will's grip on the prince's hand tightens absentmindedly.
"perhaps, your noble family collapsed under its own weight? is that it?"
they can hear the grin without seeing it.
"lineage seems a strange measure for a soldier's worth. i'm looking to enlist. is that enough for you, or not?"
will can feel victor's ear twitch without looking at him. the elda was curious .. as was he.
"an uppity one, aren't you? fine, lordling. welcome to the guard .. where it'll be your privilege to die screaming and bloody in service of your country."
victor almost shot out of his seat. the words of the captain, while it may be true in a way, irritated him to no end. but as much as he would love to sock the man in the face he must put a lid on his emotions.
"but mark my words, war will turn your arrogance to piss! when your corpse is plucked from the mud, do try to look patriotic."
breathe in .. breathe out .. breathe in .. breathe out.
"rousing words, captain. you think threats will buy loyalty? no wonder nobody respects the guard anymore."
will chuckled lowly.
"but i'm here now, so perhaps the kingdom isn't a lost cause."
the two could hear a slam, followed by the captain's voice growing louder. it sounded almost reminescent of a growl.
"insolent pup—you will learn your place!"
..
"don't. the healers have enough on their plates already."
a sensible one, whoever that is.
"rrgh .. be gone and be thankful you're still in one piece. all right, next! hurry it up!"
that was his cue. giving victor a reassuring squeeze will stood up from his seat, entrusting gallica to his friend at the moment while he went to apply. surprisingly as he rounded the corner there was no disdain or hostility, merely intrigue as he sat down.
.. he already wanted to wipe that blank look off the captain's face, but he digresses.
"huh. an elda .. i thought your kind was long gone." the captain huffs, dismissively looking down at the paper in front of them. "age: 18 .. an orphan, too. the army can always use more of those."
ah. will inhales and exhales to hide his scoff.
"so what brings you to enlist?"
"i want to fight for real change." his mouth moves before he even thinks. almost as if he was running on autopilot.
a scoff of .. amusement? perhaps? "lofty words for a gutter rat with an empty coin purse, no?"
piss off, will thinks ruefully.
"so, what can you bring to our beloved corps? any skills to speak of?"
"i'm stronger than i look." again .. it feels as if he's on autopilot.
the captain's face turns into a mocking one. "hah. with arms like that, you'd have to be." he shrugs. "right, last order of business. make your mark, or sign your name if you're actually literate."
he catches the paper before it falls onto the floor, his brows furrowing in slight concentration. his fingers dance along the pen's exterior, writing his name and signing off with a hastily tapped dot.
"you know your letters, do you? we'll get some use out of you yet. all right, will. welcome to the guard."
he crosses his arms.
"i'm sure you heard about the monster sightings, so stay sharp out there. we're short-handed as it is, so be a good lad and try not to get killed on your first deployment."
he watches as the captain waves dissmissively at him.
"you can pick up your kit at reception. standard-issue guardsmen armour and igniter. kingdom property, so if you break it, it's coming out of your commission. on your way now, hop to. next!"
oh he was out of there faster than the prince could utter the word "utopia".
will uncrosses his arms, making his way back to victor and gallica who was quietly talking with that clemar noble he passed on his way to sign up for the army.
"what a long line .." the fairy spoke once she returned to will's side. "guess you've got no choice but to wait your turn."
waiting was an understatement, dear friend.
once will had stepped in line beside victor it was the clemar at looked at him and spoke first. "you enlisting as well? the line starts behind me, if so. or was there something you needed?"
victor had looked at him as well, smiling softly. "will! you have got to meet my new friend!"
will nods, ruffling up victor's hair before glancing at the other male. the pout of annoyance is what fuels him to keep doing that. "are you really a noble?"
new friend .. he almost forgot how easy it was for his friend to make new ones just like that.
"what a curious question. i take it you overheard my interview? yes, guilty as charged. i am a noble, but just a countryside son of a lord. my family is of no real consequence." the noble spoke so casually .. he almost didn't believe his words but the evidence was right there.
"well. let's just say i have my own circumstances. i'm volunteering to fight in order to protect the kingdom. foolish or not."
victor hums. "that's actually quite the noble cause, if i may butt in."
the noble nods, seemingly pleased that victor thought so. will once again stares at the two of them, listening as the line slowly moves inch by inch. like a cat stalking after a mouse.
he still can't get over the fact that victor made a friend so fast. but it's the prince of euchronia he's talking about. it's just who he is. how .. endearing.