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Feyrahl, FurAffinity Edition

Not Without Recourse, Ch 2.1

Kenzie was many things, but one thing she was not was lazy. The first few days at the castle eluded to there being no expectations of her and that was counterpoint to her entire life outlook. While Cecil did what he could to help keep her busy by walking her around the castle, maintaining a dialogue about the world in which she found herself, and a general open, willingness to distract her from her restlessness, in the end she had to set aside the pampered life of an emperor's guest and actively seek things to keep her busy... while simultaneously not putting herself at risk in case her life really WAS in danger.

The ultimate solution to the problem was to find a way to stay occupied while also remaining close to potential protectors; Victor was the one who provided the option. Whether he wanted to actively provide her an outlet for her restless energy, find a way to show off the influence of his station, or was just looking for an excuse to spend time with her, the Raccoon's ultimate suggestion was for her to go on inspections with him. One of his many daily tasks was to review the troops, oversee training exercises and meet with junior commanders, and Kenzie was invited to join him.

Although she wasn't much for warfare or martial actions, the young woman figured it was better than nothing and, if she was lucky, it would provide her a chance to learn a little more about Feyrahl based on its military practices. Plus, considering she'd be walking among the guards, soldiers, and trainees, she would have an escape from the pointed opinions of the court and allow Cecil a reprieve from constantly worrying about her courtly image in the eyes of the nobility. During their first day walking the beat with Commander Victor, the Ferret seemed only marginally better; according to him many of the higher ranking soldiers, knights, and commanders were nobility, so the relief was not as all-encompassing as she'd hoped.

The second day Victor dismissed Cecil, telling the Ferret that he was due some recuperation time. It was obvious that Kenzie's bodyguard wanted to object but he didn't actively do so. The Raccoon was astute enough to notice, at which point he reassured Cecil, informing the Ferret that he himself would keep her safe during the day and cover the light-hours shift; Cecil would take a single shift daily rather than back-to-back double shifts. The only objection Cecil ended up raising was that the Empress herself assigned him, to which Victor's response was simple. "I can respect that, and you will remain her chief bodyguard, but you need time to rest or, given enough time, you won't be at your best... and I want all of my guards at their best."

Cecil did relent after that, wishing Kenzie a farewell and promising to be there when she returned to her room at night. As he parted, he did pass by her, his muzzle close to her ear as he whispered "He will not try anything when the men are around... if he does you can call him out on it and he'll stop." On one hand, the statement made her smile because, even when he was dismissed it was obvious that the Ferret was worried for her well-being... but, on the other hand, she was a little miffed to be reminded that the Raccoon could be a little... much. Ultimately, however, she focused her attention on Victor who, as it turned out, was a perfect gentlemen on the second day of inspections, remaining polite, proper, and attentive without being rude, lewd, or even suggestive; it was almost like he was a completely different person-- like he had been during the first day with Cecil around. That did help her lower her concerns marginally.

The first week of joining Commander Victor on the walkabouts passed quickly and without much fanfare. The Raccoon's attention was on the troops for the most part, giving her time to look at what she wanted, learn a little more about the Feyrahlian military, and ask questions with the knowledge that at least some of them would be answered-- there were some things that weren't open knowledge for a visitor, accompanied by the Commander or not. Although she ended up with even more questions, what information she got did help her better understand Feyrahl's military.

During the week of inspections Kenzie learned that the children of nobles (excluding the eldest) were expected to serve at least 4 years in the Empire's military, though, according to Victor, most noble houses had all of their offspring serve. On the rare occasion a noble didn't want to contribute one of their sons or daughters, they could levy a force of 10 commoners to serve in his or her stead but, based on Victor's assessment, that was a sign of weakness for a noble house and was almost never chosen as an option. "The last time I can think of when that happened, was when the family in charge of the town where I grew up exercised that right... it's how I ended up joining service."

The Raccoon didn't go into any great detail, save to state that his role as a Commander was rarely if ever filled by a commoner like he, and he had a great laugh over how many 'unique' situations in which he was involved in since joining the military, but he moved quickly on to other topics. Kenzie promised herself that she would seek further information about Victor's past at some point but, in the middle of inspection, she wasn't going to push the issue at that moment.

Other than the volunteered nobility or 'voluntold' commoners, the Empire's primary military was also filled with a combination of commoners seeking a job that paid a pension, or else conscripts. According to Victor, conscripts were rare since the Empire usually didn't bother with a standing army greater than what could be filled with volunteers, but there were certainly policies, procedures, and laws which would enable the Emperor to raise a standing force of over 40,000. When Kenzie asked if that was a lot, the Raccoon had a laugh at her expense and explained most armies numbered around 5,000. At that point, she was quite impressed.

Beyond that, Kenzie learned that the Kingdom of Feyrahl, which was the capital kingdom of the Feyrahlian Empire, had the right to draw upon the military units of its vassal kingdoms. Victor explained that he would technically have control over those forces but, in truth, if such a situation were to transpire, he would likely order around each kingdom's individual commanders and they would then be responsible for their own forces. Delegation, he pointed out, was an important skill for a Commander to perfect.

By the time the second week was in full swing, Kenzie had become used to accompanying Victor on his regular inspections. Although his standard circuit of review only took most of the morning, he often included her when he did his officer meetings-- except when sensitive information was involved, at which point he'd have her take a seat and Silas (who was one of the lead Rangers in attendance) would mute their discussion so she'd be unable to hear what they were saying. Despite her inability to take part in those meetings, she still watched the interactions, learning a lot about the way the officers deferred to Victor; he really did manage an official, professional air of authority about him... even if he did occasionally sneak a wink in her direction.

Spending the day with Victor meant that she usually had very little time with Cecil, but what time she did have was usually limited to a brief 'hello' and an even briefer 'goodnight' followed by a simple 'good morning' and, sometimes if there was time, a 'have a good day' or 'see you tonight'. The Ferret did his job admirably, unceasingly maintaining his post outside her room and she started looking forward to seeing him when she returned and as she left. It was a simple interaction from day-to-day, but she enjoyed the prospect of the consistency of having him around.

If being relegated to a night time guard bothered him, Cecil never let it show, and he maintained his patient professionalism and, if anyone else was around, was the picture perfect personification of detached indifference. Still, when it was just them, she couldn't help but feel that his neutral expressions leaned ever-so-slightly toward a smile. Perhaps it was just egoism for her to think that he enjoyed being around her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he seemed happier than he had when she'd first arrived in Feyrahl.

By the time her third week in the Empire started she felt more comfortable in having casual discussions with Victor as they went from one inspection meeting to the next. The topics were usually casual and, on more than one occasion he asked her casually if her room was to her liking and if Cecil was doing a decent job of helping her feel safe. She confirmed that, yes, everything was fine, and that she enjoyed having Cecil around. As they walked down the hall, he glanced her way, violet eye winking as he noted that, if she wanted, Cecil could see to her during the day and he'd be happy to watch her body at night.

His choice of words were not overlooked. She declined politely, explaining that there was nothing wrong with the schedule, and she also used that time to bring up another important issue. "While spending the day inspecting the troops with you has been educational, I should probably start looking to find a way to contribute."

Victor's ears rose and he smirked. "Oh? You want to share the responsibility and interview soldiers in my stead? While I wouldn't be entirely opposed, not all guardsmen are as polite and well behaved as I am."

She sighed. "No... I mean I should find a way to provide value to the Empire. Being a guest is one thing, but if I'm here and I can't get back home, the least I should do is to earn my way and provide a service of some kind---" she froze even as Victor opened his muzzle with a huge smirk. She quickly interjected "--in a way not related to sex."

He looked mock hurt, as if taken aback by her suggestion. "Why, My Lady, I was not about to propose such a base arrangement... I was going to suggest you consider becoming a healer. The first night we met you resurrected me from the dead... surely helping local alchemists and hospitallers would be easy for you."

Kenzie had to admit that she didn't hate the idea, and the prospect of helping to save lives was appealing, though she was somewhat concerned since her vet training wasn't the same as medical training, even if the people she was helping WERE animal-like. "It's something to consider... but I don't mind thinking outside the box too."

Victor didn't even miss a beat. "I know it may seem like a strange idea, but if you are seeking something non-traditional, the men and women we've been inspecting for over a fortnight have seemed to like you well enough. There are worse things you could do than to learn how to protect yourself... and, if there WERE a health issue, you'd be there to help as well. That could solve many problems all at once."

She nodded at the thought; although she wasn't really interested in warfare, there were several points that did make sense. "Also an option... any other ideas, Commander?"

The Raccoon shrugged, pausing at the door leading to the courtyard. He opened it for her courteously as he offered another option. "I have heard that Baron Gregor has taken an interest in you... a frightening prospect for most, yet you seem unperturbed. Have you considered testing your magical aptitude?"

Kenzie shook her head as she passed the Commander. "There isn't magic in the world I'm from... although I enjoyed learning about magic, it's purely for the sake of knowledge-- I'm pretty sure I don't have an affinity and I can't cast spells."

Victor followed her out. "Magic exists HERE, and Feyrahl is where you are... perhaps you might surprise yourself."

The conversation came to an end as the two approached the squad of soldiers going through their morning drills. Kenzie continued to consider her options even as she joined Victor for the inspection. She had a lot of options open before her. Being goal oriented, she resolved to make a smart, meaningful choice.