The Silver Dragon and the Lavender Peacock.

He's expected, so he must dress and without his butler and loyal servant this is quite the task to perform in haste, but he's always disliked being dressed by someone and even Gerard has had to insist before he'd relent and allow such a thing. The worst part about this will always however, be how unwieldy these clothes are his one saving grace is that in most cases he'll still be expected to fight if necessary so there are quick loose straps to quickly banish the unwieldy mantle over his shoulders and loosen the tight and rough fabric so he can breathe and move to his full potential. He sighs softly as he overlooks himself in the mirror and ponders why he bothers, he very easily could have simply cast a transformation ninjutsu and been done with it..But then he remembers why he's bothering. He's stalling, as silly as it sounds this Hoshi is a new Hoshi that he's not sure how to approach and while he made a grand first impression on this new Hoshi..No, Hoshigakure by delivering tokens of defeated enemies he has to do one thing that is quite apparent. He has to cut out this fear of Shinobi from the people, he's known for a long while that the people of Hoshi are very religious and while certain Pendragon share there fervor, these are Shinobi lands they are in, with Shinobi customs and Shinobi ways, the Pendragon have adapted to this and remained true to themselves...But to be so defenseless with nary but the Queensmen? Refusing and spitting upon Shinobi as they offer there services in exchange for safe Haven? Arrogance and foolishness, Pendragon use Chakra, once called Mana in the old world and they accept the Knights of the Pendragon clan just as well. What the issue here is the conflict of ideals, but what these people fail to grasp...Is that in some ways a Shinobi is more Noble than a Knight could ever be based on one distinction that Wise eyes once saw standing across from the very first Shinobi that decided to welcome the Pendragon.

Perhaps he should have waited for the Blue? To seek guidance and Wisdom from the past in order to properly approach this issue with not only the Queen and Council but with the people...It'd be much simpler if he was to stay here as merely a Knight than a Prince, especially as he's without his Dragon's standing at his side in these endeavors. Arthur's attire consists of a silver tunic patterned with black down the center of his chest contrasting the sides which are of pure silvery white, silk with black twine sealing up the front by wrapping around golden buttons with silver centers to them, his trousers are similarly designed before they tuck into a pair of pointed boots with an ornate silver silk covering over the leather cuff of the boot where his pants are tucked in, the rest of the boot is black with silver vines decorating the sides, Over his shoulders, obscuring the upper part of his chest and wrapping around his neck is a mantle curved like a half circle, it's coloration matching his garb, from underneath it a flowing silver cape drapes over his biceps and shoulders and down his back. All of this along with his Blonde hair and general presence gives him the appearance of glowing in an ethereal light, when combined with his Prince Charming smile? It's clear why he's very quickly got people speaking of his arrival in hushed happy tones..He looks in the mirror for a few minutes to be sure he's in enough of a state to appear before a Queen, before he nods with affirmation that he'd be deemed perfect to a critical and royal eye. So he turns and leaves his room, the black leather belt around his tunic holding an empty holster for a scabbard and sword to rest...But he has no need for such things, so he makes his way towards the Throne room through these halls with light steps and straight back, his smile and presence along with the presence of the Pendragon's crest over the heart of his mantle causing a bit of a stir with the servants who didn't already know of his presence.

Aunty Shiera is going to be upset he wasn't already in a state to appear, he notes with some amusement inwardly.

Ducking a lamp, Maku found his way to the door, his hand quickly moving the latch before sliding through a crack that almost didn't look like he could have fit.  His breathing was heavy, and a wicked grin flicked across his lips as he heard a shatter of somethinrh no doubt expensive hit the door.

His dress was......well it was mostly on and right.  His lavender jacket hung on his shoulders, though spread open where it normally was buttoned.  The white undershirt beneath was rumpled at best.  Trousers.....well they were intact, however on shoe was missing.  Damn.....they had been expensive.  Well no he had taken them so they hadn't costed a thing, but no doubt on the legal market they would have been expensive.  The headband he often wore was cockeyed on his head half his once hair spilling out onto the right side of his face while the left was still lodged appropriate.  

Reaching up he adjusted the head band pulling the strands of gold from his face before tying the head band back.  As his fingers slipped the not, he would notice the man standing before him.  He had probably been walking down the hall if he judged things right.  "Nice hair."  He would say with a smile looking at the Prince, though he had no idea that's who he was.

Maku had heard of the princes arrival though he hadn't actually seen or met the man yet.  Since his return to Hoshi he had only meddled with the underground when necessary:  the rest of his time was spent........well doing whatever he felt like really.  "Do you come here often?"  He would add with a wink before stepping away from the door, starting to adjust his jacket.  He would almost look like he fit right in if it wasn't for the disheveled state of his appearance.  In truth Maku had spent many a day in the palace, though he had his reasons and his ways.

Most notable of which was his position as head chef.  His clmpitions in the garden had gone, well the only way it could have gone, with his victory.  Now he mostly delegated, but at times and for the most important of nights, he would come in and cook the meals himself.  He would continue to adjust his clothes until he was back in a suitable state, except for the missing shoe, while he listened to anything Arthur might say.

Wide blue eyes trail towards a side entrance into the castle, where a distinct crash of what appeared to be..A Pre-War Vase depicting the Goddess Etro and Panna joining hands..Oh boy, he he hums in some discontent at this, before his eyes find the figure who shares a head just as blonde as he does. He looks the man over for a moment, amusement lighting up in his eyes briefly before he much to his surprise, comments in unison with the man. "Nice hair." He states and once he realizes it's been repeated back to him simultaneously he grins humorously with an arched eyebrow his shoulders shaking with repressed mirth at the situation and the man's very clear lack of decorum, but really...He of all people can't judge lack of decorum considering the grin on his face and the complete shattering of his character because of a sight he finds too hilarious to hold his Poker-face in. So instead he shrugs nonchalantly when he's asked if he comes here often "I've been away for quite some time, didn't expect all this nasty business either.." He states trailing off, momentarily catching sight of the shoe, or lack thereof, so he very casually raises his left palm at his side, facing away from the stranger so it's not construed as an attack of course and mutters "Trace. On." And with a brief flash, a shoe corresponding with the missing foot appears and he tosses it towards the man casually. "There ya go, all set." He says with a cheery smile as he walks by and pats the man upon his shoulder as he passes, as he walks he gestures for the man to follow and asks "Do you know the way to the throne room?" He says glancing either to his side or over his shoulder with an arched eyebrow, good thing he hates crowns, he doubts others would speak to him so readily if they realized upon first glance he was the Prince and not just some other Noble wandering the castle...Though his Blonde Hair in this country is a sign of royalty, he'll have to talk to the Queen about that.

And some things he's heard in passing are quite troubling, so, if the man is following him he asks him out of the blue and quite suddenly, assuming the man does follow him. "What is the Kingdoms current opinion on the Shinobi academy?" He asks, beginning a discussion very calmly his attention turned towards a man who seems to be a few years his elder by deduction and facial structure, he knows one is being opened...Really, even from a political stand-point Shinobi are..Simply too great an asset to just toss away like that. He's heard of some Etro worshipers believing that Ninjutsu is an affront to the laws of nature...But then, they should have realized that long ago the Pendragon's only disconnection from a Shinobi was there Beliefs and the Land, there practices and power-source..Are quite similar, he asks this question because going into this meeting several things must be known and he needs to be sure which tactic to use in order to make the stubborn old fools see things his way...Tradition is only acceptable when it does not hinder Wisdom.

"Thanks." Maku would say with a laugh as he placed the shoe on his foot. At first he planned to simply be on his way, however a shout from the room he had just escaped led him to put a kick in his step and follow the new fellow. "Mmmmm somewhere up this way I think. Not a place I generally visit." Despite this he did know where it was and as he fell in step, they would start to make their way towards the throne room. As they did he would whistle lightly, some meaningless hym song he had heard at one of the cathedrals he had visited the other day.

"Shinobi, nasty people really. Hard to trust, high into self preservation, but an undeniable force." Maku would say as he asked about the popular oppinion of the ninja that had started to assimilate into the population of Hoshigakure. "I don't think it's to great right now. Riots around the academy, though the structure of that building won't burn so easily." He would muse as he thought of the mokuton structure his brother had created. "I don't know, new things in an old world, time is the only friend to a shinobi right now. The more of it the better, but eventually.......well people adjust I think." He would say in conclusion of his thoughts on the matter. He had no doubt eventually shinobi would be accepted, they had to be. The alternative was the people forcing them out, and somehow he couldn't help but think the people where lucky Denkitki was such a nice guy.

"What do you think of them?" He would ask with a carefree tone. Maku's chakra senses weren't so dull not to pick up the man's chakra. It was potent, strong and sturdy like armor. He may or may not be a shinobi, but either way his life force was powerful, and Maku seriously doubted his ignorance in the ways of the ninja. However, no need to call him out on all of that, conversation was like taking a pretty women to bed, sometimes it was best to just enjoy the foreplay.

As he listened he may interupt the prince as they passed a large painting. "You know, I know this is supposed to be fine art......but I always just see a naked drunk girl, you?" He would say as he stopped and ganders at the large painting.

This man, he notes, is quite the character. A smile of amusement continues to be on his face as the man speeds up and joins him to escape the wrath of what sounded like a particularly wrathful Maid...The familiar voice has him increasing his steps as well...His duty as a Knight is to protect the innocent from Fates they don't deserve after all and he decides this man while guilty, surely does not deserve the crime that that voice promises.
One that's not afraid to tan the hide of a Prince as he remembers with an inward shudder, really..Quite a beast of a woman as he remembers....Then again he was Six, everything seemed bigger back then.
Blue hues focus upon the man, his smile becoming neutral as he begins explaining the people known as Shinobi, he's not kind either...How interesting, he is silent as the blonde man speaks his mind and purses his lips as he learns of the riots, he did not think it would escalate to such a level, which means the hatred these people feel is..Very Strong, which means he'll need a grand show in order to quell those flames and direct them elsewhere...A plan clicks into his mind a moment later, he'll have to get in contact with the Village Leader discreetly...After he makes sure the peoples love for him is as strong as it once was, it wouldn't do to destroy his reputation when it could be of use to the people....But, high risk, high reward...He'll have to be sure to gather more information, perhaps Lady Akihana will have some insight for him? His Father had some councilors quivering at the sight of his triumphant smile...He'll just have to see if he can't have the same effect on them.

He hums in thought for a moment as the man asks him his question, turning his gaze towards the ceiling briefly before he speaks. "Shinobi are powerful, it's foolish to disregard them and cast such hate on them...A Shinobi can do things a Knight cannot, but like a Knight..When a Shinobi has a Purpose they can set their heart and power behind and truly believe in...They are capable of unbelievable things." He says with a small smile and an arched eyebrow towards the man. "Because after all, what is power without a Purpose to use it?" However, he does not dispute what the man says, but as he always does, he speaks and believes what he says, perhaps this man has some wisdom to share as well? Some grand retort that will light up a path for him to take?

"You know, I know this is supposed to be fine art......but I always just see a naked drunk girl, you?"

Or not, hands wrap around his midsection and he leans forward to hide his grin before he bursts out into loud laughter raising his head back and a hand to cover his forehead to steady himself at the response to this topic, after a brief moment, still chuckling he nods wiping a tear from his eye. "Truly, but all flowers can be enjoyed and are beautiful in their own way...Even if they are overwatered." He says with a cheeky smile, before he continues walking again after a moment.
Well! This was a delight, he notes inwardly as they finally near the hall of the Throne Room and he visibly composes himself. "Well, I'm off to save the Kingdom, well met Sir, before I depart I'd like to know your name." He says turning towards the man to offer a hand, his fingers splayed out and curved downward slightly...Not a handshake, but to clasp forearms, a sign of respect...But of course, Pendragon customs are strange to these people and he knows this much. So he's not going to feel offended if instead he grasps his hand. "I am Arthur Pendragon, the Silver Dragon of the Pendragon Clan, Son of Ulther Pendragon." He introduces himself with an inclination of his head. He'll most likely leave in a moment, so he may begin his meeting with the Queen....Oh boy.

"Not so much over watered than flooded, but to each their own." Maku would say laughing along side his new companion. He hadn't expected to be that funny, but he was a pretty witty guy, so it was far from disbelief.

As the continued he considered he words that had been spoken prior to the outburst of laughter. Power needed a purpose. In that respect he believed the same as his blonde compadre. Wasn't that the basis of his own problems presently. The lack of purpose to move forward, the lack of a mission. Maku considered himself pretty as a flower, but truth was he was more like a cactus. He needed the advisity, the harsh landscape to grow, and lately that had been lacking.

These thoughts flowed through his mind, a whirlpool of contemplation that would give Charybdis home. However it seemed their first encounter had concluded. Looking at the man's outstretched hand, he reached and grabbed his forearm. Maku had traveled through most shinobi lands, and had seen this way of greeting or departure once or twice, though it was far from common. Still he prides himself of some culture.

"That's a mouthful, hopefully I can keep up. Maku Jemuzu, of the Hyato family, Kani to enemies that no longer exist, the Lavenedar Peacock." He would say with a smile. "It's a pleasure." If Arthur would continue to walk towards the throne room and give one last look back he would see Maku had already gone in a flash of golden light. Not very subtle, but really how could someone who enjoys the name the lavender peacock, really have a subtle exit.

(Exit)

Arthur's smile widens into a grin when the now named man grasps his forearm and he nods, it seems the man knows of some of the culture of his people, or perhaps a similar people. Regardless he responds with a deep "Well Met, Lavender Peacock." He says before releasing Maku's arm and nodding, before he turns away flaring his cloak slightly...It's fun, he allows himself some small pleasures as a Prince after all, he straightens as he sights the doors his eyes shifting backwards, only to catch a flash of light...Which causes him to pause completely...He's seen something very similar before, in a Duel on the Borders of Konoha long ago. Intrigue suddenly burns deeply in sapphire hues, he recognizes that technique...And he feels the Dragon's blood in him coursing, his fingers flexing slightly as he decides that next time..he'd very much like to ask Maku Jemuzu to spar with him.
He turns back and breathes out silently, allowing his sudden battle-lust to flow from his body and replace it with ice...A Warm ice, like shimmering gold ingots frozen underneath the rays of the sun.
His eyes close, his smile returns, a charming smile with large innocent looking blue eyes that can sharpen into the gaze of a Lion's in but a moments notice, the eyes of the Prince, who's about to do battle in his stage, he prefers the Battle-field...But the Courts are a place where his blades are just as sharp if not sharper. His eyes open, the radiant glow returning to his frame before he walks towards the doors, not slowing even as the guards move into position to open the door, recognizing him immediately.
He'll be announced and then the game will begin.



[Exit, topic closed.]