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[[ Note: This is not the role selection post yet! Xiu's just addressing those who have spoken up so far + encouraging interaction biggrin D You don't have to read the whole thing--just look for your character lasdjkfahsf <3 ]]

Xiu remained silent as others spoke up in support, her gaze flickering to each of their faces as they spoke. Finally, after a long, drawn out pause, she sighed and shook her head, looking some parts amused, some parts touched, and some parts exasperated. "If you are all certain..." She turned to murmur something to the guard why stood by her on the balcony, and then turned to disappear from view.

A short moment later, the palace doors opened, revealing the small King who moved forward to stand in front of the crowd. "There we go, that's better," She smiled, her tail giving a little twitch, "Now we're on even ground, as we should be." Of course, with her height, seeing everyone who volunteered from this angle was a little...difficult, and she didn't think it would be particularly dignified if she were to request that someone hold her up (as tempting as it was--she was looking at you, Shun). In the end, after a moment of thought, she cleared her throat, "If those who volunteered could step forward so that I may, er...see you all?"

She waited for them to do so, her brows creasing faintly as she regarded each of them in turn. First was Clyde, a familiar face and a friend who had frequently brought her gifts from his hunts. "Clyde, you of all people should know that I do not consider you a 'mere pawn'," The King scolded lightly, the corners of her lips turning upwards in a faint smile as her gaze slid to Roland next, "And Roland, your temples are well known throughout the Kingdom. Although I have not had the chance to visit often, I have heard much about your abilities, and seeing them in person is evidence enough that you are very skilled."

An approving nod, and then she moved down the line to regard Gilly, her expression softening. Although she was smaller than many of the others, and did not share a strong fighting background like some of the others, but... "I admire you, Miss Gilly," Xiu chirped, offering the girl a warm smile, "Although you introduce yourself as but a humble soup server, it takes a great deal of courage to stand up at a time like this."

Something akin to a grin may have spread over Xiu's face as she stopped in front of Shun, though really, nothing had to be said. Despite the past and the incident in which they met, the King had nothing but complete trust in the man. She simply reached out and pat him on the arm, the corners of her lips quirked upwards. "I've forgiven you for your past a long, long time ago, Shun."

She paused as she moved to the next person, and there was a long moment of silence as she tilted her head back to stare up at the tall figure. Wincing a little, she lifted a hand to brace the back of her neck, taking a few steps back until she could stare up at Sheridan at a comfortable angle. Goodness gracious, he was huge, but also very...regal, it seemed. Clasping her hands together in front of her, the small figure blinked up at Sheridan with a smile, her tail swishing behind her. "Your strength and clever mind would be most welcome."

The next two--Riley and Terra--were addressed together, as Xiu was well acquainted with both of them. Although she was concerned about everyone, there was something that she was particularly worried about when it came to these two. Riley--a gentle, pious lady--and Terra--a young and innocent girl--were two of the last people that Xiu would have wanted to send out into a war. For one thing, there was the matter of being injured or killed, but there was also the matter of actually fighting. "Are you two...certain about this?" She murmured, her voice low and careful, "By fighting, there's not only the chance that either of you will be killed, but there is the possibility that you must bring someone's life to an end."

A small, worried frown, and then she glanced over to the next two who were in line. Mot and Yin Cang were two citizens who she was obviously quite familiar with. The latter had served as one of her guards for a long time, and he had never been anything but respectful and pleasant. As for Mot...she mostly knew of him from Shun. Frankly, she thought him to be Shun's most well-known training student--poor Mot had had to take care of his own injuries to the point where he became a chiropractor due to his extensive knowledge. Smiling at the two, she gave a little shake of her head. "Being strong physically is not always the most important thing, as a knowledge of healing and mending is always needed on a battleground," She told Mot first, and then turned to look at Yin, "You have been loyal to the Kingdom for so long...and you continue to be so now. I sincerely thank you for that, Yin Cang."

She said nothing at all when she reached Levi, simply giving the other girl a fond, knowing look before wrapping her arms around the older girl in a hug. Nothing else really needed to be said--they had been together for so long that Xiu was certain Levi would know exactly what she was thinking and how she felt about this whole situation.

[[ ololol splitting this in two, so next 6 will be in another post GODDAMN SORRY GUYS ]]

It hadn't been a difficult decision. When Xiu questioned her choice, Riley did as she was asked. She took the moment to consider what she was doing, and what she was giving up. So many years squirreled away, kept hidden from the impurities of the world. The tasks of fighting, and dying, left to hardened men and women. Each had their place, and hers had been out of sight, on her knees, praying for the enlightenment to come. When she'd been gifted to the King, her world had been flipped upside down for the second time - and now, she intended to flip it of her own choice. For once, Riley would be making the decision to change her life. No one else.

It was an empowering feeling. But it had taken eighteen years before she found the chance to take her fate in her own hands. And now that she was doing it, her choice may very well end her life.

It was still an easy choice to make.

My purpose is to serve you, my liege. Riley's voice murmured very quietly as she walked out of the shadow, and her eyes slit as they got used to the light. I know my place. This is where I can best serve you. I choose to do my duty.

Her eyes flickered to Shun for a moment, and her fan snapped higher over her face shyly. I suppose our lessons will come to some use, sir - though, had I known I would be abandoning my sworn oath to purity, perhaps I would have allowed you to be rougher with me.

Shun was still listening as Xiu went on and continued to address others in the kingdom. He couldn't help but shake his head a bit when he heard his name regarding his students needing to visit the physician. If they hadn't made as many mistakes, they likely wouldn't have been battered so much. It was as simple as that.

Idly, he looked around at a few of the others, pausing when he heard a certain voice entering his mind. His eyes narrowed at Riley and scoffed lightly at what she had to say.

"Somehow, I highly doubt that," he said flatly. Training the adviser was a completely frustrating experience on his part. No weapons. No touching. And dealing with her in general. It was a test of will for him as well for that matter. There were many times where he had a strong urge to throw her across the dojo.

.. Speaking of training and the like, he turned towards Clyde.

"I do hope your aim has improved," he continued to deadpan. Yes, he hadn't forgotten that he almost took an arrow from the hunter once. That was not something he wished to experience out on the battle field.

No friendly fire please.

Clyde could only smile at the King’s scolding. However, his attention went to Shun when the turned to him. The hunter only smile nervously, “Don’t worry about possible friendly fire. I’ve gotten better at aiming…I think.”

He had better, but if he truly hasn’t improved at all…well, it was time to call for some more target practice. No, not at the other citizens.

Oh great, it feels like everyone’s catching onto the mishap. Clyde didn’t mean to shoot Shun that day. It was just an accident…an accident where he end up wishing didn’t happen because of how much trouble he got into. Welp.

“I’ve been practicing.” He mumbled out dejectedly.

"As sure as the mother bear is to defend her cubs." Gene smiled at the King, giving her friend's hands a light squeeze before she moved on to the next citizen to offer themselves in defense of the kingdom. A warm smile graced her features at the thought of them all in combat, united to defy the other kingdoms and hold fast their ways. As the oldest of kingdoms, they had much to uphold.

As everyone began mingling, she approached the group that seemed to be harassing Clyde about his aim. Her smile turned to a more flat look towards Shun. "Let the boy alone - accidents occur, and that is how we learn. To harp on nature's lessons is foolishness."

A little startled by Gene’s intervention, he gave the lady a faint, but thankful smile. Maybe people will stop glaring daggers into the back of his head now. And really, he didn’t mean to almost shoot Shun that one time. He just got distracted and accidentally let go of the arrow…

“I’ll make sure not to shoot anyone…” Clyde trailed off, "Unless they're the enemy."

Or unless they’re asking for it.

"There is nothing wrong with that," Shun said in return to Gene, "It would certainly do us more good to be together in this war."

Which to him partially included not getting shot in the butt by an ally.

Looking back towards Clyde, he nodded once more.

"Yes. Take them down. Don't be hasty though. A kill with one shot means more arrows for the rest of the battle," he said idly.