julian-avery

[julian-avery]

Julian offered his hand to shake in greeting. His other hand, the gloved hand which hid his missing finger, slipped behind his back in a formal stance. 

"Pleasure to meet you, Tessa. I'm Julian." He Introduced himself simply and then grimaced. "If you have already heard of me, then I apologize. I promise you that only some of the rumors are true." His use of quick wit and humor was one of his more redeeming qualities.  He flashed a charming smile before nodding. 

"I actually quite enjoy walking. Very little thought involved." 

  Tess let out a light laugh then shrugged a shoulder. “I guess that makes sense…I’m Tessa by the way. Nice to meet you.” 

"And I’m glad I caught you at a good time. Care to join me? We can do something other than walk, of course."

[julian-avery]

"Unhappy sisters..." He tsked his tongue. "I hear they are like unhappy wives; if the wife is unhappy so is the family. I bet that applies to sisters too." He brightened up his tone, hoping to console her with some humor. 

"Me?" He looked rather shocked. It was rare that anyone took an interest in how the King's Hand was doing. 

"I was just about to leave work for the day, so this hour is the best hour." 

  She smiled over at him, running a hand through her hair to get it out of her face. “Just figured I’d take a walk. My sister’s not the happiest with me at the moment…How about you?”

[julian-avery]

Julian leaned against the doorframe and tilted his chin up, attempting to look stoic but the lopsided smirk wouldn't budge from the corners of his lips. 

He had to scold himself for his initial thoughts. 

She could very well be your daughter.

His mind corrected him. 

He cleared his throat and then offered a polite smile. "Miss January. Good to see you looking well. You in search of Alaska?" He queried. 

                        Whoops, wrong door.

[julian-avery]

He rolled his shoulders in a large shrug as if to gesture 'oh well'. "Persistent...tenacious...." He trailed off, his mental thesaurus failing, before he skipped to his real point of the matter. 

"Whether you find me annoying or admirable really doesn't matter. We have the common ground of your brother's well being." His cheeky smile faded into a sober look. 

"So I would really appreciate it if you would work with me alittle." 

  Normally, she could hide her disdain well. With Julian, however, it was too strong of an emotion to contain. Rolling her eyes as she sucked in her cheeks, Juliette groaned deep in the back of her throat. “You’re annoying.” She stated simply.

[julian-avery]

"Fair enough." He quipped without missing a beat and looked Tessa over carefully. "I've been called worse things, so I will take what I can get."  He paused for a moment, curious about the new woman. "I don't think I've seen you around the palace before..." He tilted his head. "What brings you?"

  …You look smug.

[julian-avery]

Julian cleared his throat and then gave Scarlet a skeptical look. "See, this is one of those 'trick questions' you women love so much. I say "yes", and you have the right to slap me for being a pervert. I say "no" and you have the right to slap me for being rude." He reasoned and then just seemed to smirk to himself, he leaned his cheek in. 

"Might as well hit me to cover your bases." He teased. 

       Scarlett chuckled at Julian’s words. “I figured I’d pay an old friend a visit,” she responded, an eyebrow raised when she noticed his gaze had traveled south. “Like what you see, then?”

[julian-avery]

Julian smirked a crooked grin. "Why do you hate me?" He chuckled softly after his question. "Don't get me wrong, I fully understand that there are thousands of reasons. But I'd like to know yours in particular." '

"Oh, not again."

[julian-avery]

Julian's eyes traveled the deep V cut of Scarlett's neckline before flickering back up to the bright blue of her eyes. One eyebrow arched and he leaned against his doorway. "I'd ask if you were lost but I don't want the answer to be 'yes'." He admitted and then flashed a lopsided yet charming grin.

Julian was used to anxiety prone politicians and rebellious youth knocking on his door at odd hours.... but not beautiful women. In all reality he was out of practice in regards to 'that' particular game. Time serving the King had coated him with rust in regards to suave words. 

     ”Hello.”

[julian-avery]

[julian-avery]

She tentatively shook his hand, more out of sense of obligated kindness than anything.  He confirmed her suspicions that he was a ranked person in the palace, and although she didn’t necessarily want to believe she was in for more questions, his revelation that this was why they were here was not a shock.

She wasn’t really sure what she thought of having to once again go over her interrogation.  Just the reminder of it filled her with a level of anger that she knew she needed to squash or risk it growing.  She knew she had nothing of value for them, but she also knew they had something of value to her.  A hint of what her life was like before.

Trying not to come off too aggressively she said in as calm and sweet a voice as she could muster without coming off insincere,”  I can answer your questions, but…. there are a few you will need to answer for me as well.”

Julian quirked an eyebrow and then gave the auburn haired woman an interested look. 

"I'll do my best." He agreed and then motioned with his hand for her to continue with her questions. "Please; ask away." He invited and then brought the coffee cup to his mouth to take a long sip. 

Julian gave off an air of casual participation, as though this task was actually enjoyable and he wasn't forced to do so. How much of this demeanour was real and how much was faux was unknown to most of his audience. Julian had mastered the art of looking as though he were paying attention an invested. 

This particular woman, however, had his interest; at least for the moment. 

[julian-avery]

 ”Should it?”

Julian felt his teeth tighten together and mentally he groaned. 

Humor. Humor. His thoughts begged to be understood but said nothing on the matter to January.

His ten second assessment of the girl left him thinking the girl must have been lost. Lost and/or bored.

“What the fuck’s a king’s hand?”

His eyebrows lofted and a look of sheer amusement shaped his features for a moment. 

Teenage expressions sometimes caught him off guard. However, being around the Venati children he had picked up on the meaning of "what the fuck" and understood. 

Nevertheless, he decided to phrase it back to her just so she could hear what it sounded like in reverse. 

"'the fuck a king's hand is second in command to the King. I'm his chosen advisor and consultant." 

He went on to explain in a less antagonistic tone; the sarcasm having dropped from his voice. 

"It is mandatory that I have an 'Open Door Day' to answer important questions." 

He gave her a look as though to say 'can you believe that crap'. 

"At any rate, my name is Julian Avery." 

He was tempted to ask 'the fuck is your name?' however he kept his impulses at bay and remained semi-professional for the moment. 

"Have any important questions?"

Open Door Policy

   ”Should it?” She replied with a blank look on her face. January was not a coffee drinker, unless it was iced with lots of mocha and whipped cream and calories. She couldn’t stand the taste of the coffee beans and didn’t use the drink as a way of fueling herself to do strenuous hours of staying awake. She used it just because sugar tasted good. Like she’d say to her friends who judged her on the lack of “lite” and “non-fat” in her order.

                        Her eyes glanced around the room once more. Boring. A table. A window. Chairs. She had almost asked what this place was but she didn’t. She stayed at the door with her left shoulder leaning on the frame. The brunette didn’t like being in the room, even with the plethora of guards and servants and people, she didn’t like to be in the Castle without Alaska. Her eyes scanned over every object in the room until it rested on the man leaning over his desk. His voice was different than how he looked. He looked mean and worried and frigid, but when he spoke his voice was light, almost happy and that took January by surprise.

                        She took four steps in the room towards the desk and the chair placed in front of it. Her caution evident all over her body. She placed a cool gaze back on the man—the King’s Hand—and squinted her eyes. “What the fuck’s a king’s hand?” Her voice was oddly throaty, as if she hadn’t been talking all day. Which was true, but plenty of times she’d cleared her throat and had something to drink. She made a noise to clear her throat again and stared at the man in front of her before taking five more steps and sitting herself on the chair, crossing her legs and her arms. 

[julian-avery]

“What does my brother have to do with any of this? And some people could be labelled as idiotic because Alice is a child. She makes no decisions herself. What would hurting her do besides cause more problems?”

"Whether an accurate depiction of him or not,  your brother has been labeled by the general public as a known defender of the throne because of his intervention saving Alice." 

He let his eyes wander the halls, staying attuned to who might be listening to their conversation.

"The radical group who attacked Alice could view your brother as a threat who needs to be removed. I intend to do everything in my power to keep both Alice and your brother safe."

"It is a tall order." -- "But are you the man who is trying to fill it?"

Julian's gaze turned to Juliette and the small smile that had been forced to his lips turned more melancholy. 

"I've been trying for years." He admitted openly and felt like adding. 'Only one mop, remember?' - but he held his tongue. 

"What are you opinions on all of this. You know, with your position and all. It’s all hypothetically speaking."

Julian dared to chuckle just a moment before the sound turned into a long sigh after regarding her skeptical looks. 

"I'll tell you my opinions if or when it is possible for you to believe me."

He smiled a lopsided grin. "I don't blame you. The media has done wonders turning me into the dashing villain." 

Open Door Policy

  Juliette listened quietly, keeping her pace slow so she could fall into step with him. The brunette felt her jaw tighten at his words. “What does my brother have to do with any of this? And some people could be labelled as idiotic because Alice is a child. She makes no decisions herself. What would hurting her do besides cause more problems?”

As he went on, she quieted once more. This was news to her. In her sheltered, pampered life, Juliette wasn’t exposed to life outside the world of a socialite. There as extravagance and easy living as some would think, but for her it was strict rules and appearance to keep up. No one else saw the way she struggled, but his words made her realise that she didn’t see they way others struggled as well.

Her life was far from easy. Money didn’t make things easier. Poise and elegance and grace helped none. She didn’t know what it was like to wonder when the next time she would eat was, but she knew what it felt like to want to die, to have a new life, to be anyone but herself. That was something the girl understood, and if that was the way these people who would use harm to others to get what they wanted were feeling, then she could almost empathise, but violence wasn’t the answer. How ironic, it seemed, that Juliette Seymour would say violence wasn’t the answer. The girl who fought till her fists were bloodied she felt bone cracking beneath her fingers and who lashed out violently like no other to prove her point when she lost control.

"It is a tall order." She agreed. "But are you the man who is trying to fill it?"

Slimy. The word that came to mind when she needed to describe the man before her was slimy. Untrustworthy worked too because he was the King’s Hand. She knew that. Speak like this was treason enough, but he spoke with a vindication in that hushed tone that caused an uneasiness in her. Would he hurt Alice or Alaska? 

"What are you opinions on all of this. You know, with your position and all. It’s all hypothetically speaking."

[julian-avery]

"Not personally." He answered honestly and waved his gloved hand as if it wasn't anything to ponder on. 

"Please, call me Julian."

"I'm the one they assigned to do damage-control after those terrible interrogations they forced the Haze participants to endure." He paused. "I was informed that they weren't exactly friendly."

He offered up an apologetic and somehow charming smile and extended his hand for her to shake if she wanted.

"Only if you are willing, I've been requested to try a "re-do" for interviews of participants in the Haze that actually reflects how they are doing..." He started and then went on to explain. "There have been a few participants who were affected worse than others... and I'd like to make sure that everyone gets the help they need."  

"Any information you could provide about the experience would be helpful. You can be as vague or as descriptive and personal as you would like." 

  She studied the man before her, sitting when he motioned for her to do so.  Juno attempted to read him, try to decide just how much she trusted the stranger especially given the circumstances of the situation.  Clearly he was higher up in rank to schedule a meeting outside of the palace with her and without a guard.  Likely he was trained as a soldier himself if they trusted him enough to keep her in line.  Although, she wasn’t that intimidating of a person, so perhaps they didn’t think she needed such caution?  Likely the guard was just out the door of the cafe anyway.

"Nothing too important," she responded to his question, her words slowly as she didn’t bother to hide her apprehensions on this little chat they were just starting," Do I….. know you?"

[julian-avery]

Open Starter | Over Drinks

The snifter held what remained of straight whiskey. Julian's gloved fingers tilted the glass so that the contents swirled across the bottom. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and exhaled slowly as the News program flashed a story about the King's death and Daniel's coronation. 

The sound of footsteps against the bar's wood floor were muffled by the radio playing an "Oldies but Goodies" station. Julian glanced behind him and found himself startled by a familiar face. 

"Aren't you a decade or two too young for this place?" 

[julian-avery]

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau by Esben Salling

[julian-avery]

The King's Hand managed a chuckle and he was looking more and more like a man who was concerned about his friend's well being and less like a military figure. 

"Speaking of effective strategies... the next time you want a day off, just ask. You don't have to go getting yourself sick; too miserable of a way to play hooky." He winked and then pushed himself up from his seat. 

He reached out to give Quinton a brief but meant to be reassuring pat on the shoulder. 

"Rest up. I'll bring you by some soup and whiskey tomorrow. We'll get you all cleared up in no-time." 

He made his offer and then turned to leave. 

"If you need anything else in the meantime, just buzz me." He held up his wrist and tapped the communication device to show Quinton what he meant. 

  Glancing upwards quickly, he pondered for a moment on the ‘should be’, the question of ‘it’s not?’ almost finding it’s way out of his mind and into his throat and off his tongue, but he soon thought better of it and kept it to himself, looking back down again. It was an obvious question with an obvious answer. At face value. But then came the thought again, the doubt that left him saying to himself he was better off not knowing and keeping his mouth shut. He honestly wasn’t ready to throw himself back into the hot water of intense conversation again. Not so soon. He was feeling warm enough already without the added effort of trying to get his racing heart to come back to the starting line again, where it once was.

Letting out a breath that stood for a laugh, he shook his head. “Not especially a fan of it, no. Seems like it would require a lot of bending.”

 ”Plus, I doubt it’s really an effective strategy for the long term.”

[julian-avery]

“Do you go around screaming infidelities to everyone, or am I a special case because you think I’m like my brother? You make it seem like there are sides to choose, but there is nothing going on.”

Julian felt his jaw clench slightly at the defensive retort, but he recovered quickly. The moment of tension faded from his face and he resumed his quirky confidence. 

"...You are right, Miss Seymour, the state of my office is rather treasonous. I'll make sure to be better organized the next time you visit." He continued the banter despite Jules getting right down to the heart of it. 

Her reaction further concluded Julian's feelings that his office with guards abound was not the place to have conversations about how he planned to keep Kellan and the Venati children safe. In addtion, he couldn't even begin those types of conversations until Jules's defenses were lowered enough for him to be able to talk logic instead of loyalties. 

He remembered his words to her little brother. Nothing is as it seems. 

It held true in this moment; Jules appeared to see the world as those who were aligned with the King; and those who were against. 

Instead, it was a far more complicated web of interconnected people; people who Julian had to maneuver ever so carefully to safety as the revolution approached closer and closer. 

It was difficult, at times even impossible, to move one person in the web without triggering the others. 

If he was going to keep Kellan and the other Venati children safe, he had a strong suspicion he would need Juliettes support; she was connected to all.

The older man walked in silence for several strides until they were several paces from his office and the guards that had escorted Juliette in. One of the perks of being the King's Hand was the lack of supervision.

As they walked, he side glanced her, wanting to read her expressions in addition to hearing her words.

"Unless something changes, what happened to your brother and Alice will likely happen again." His words were quiet but clear. This was a topic he could openly talk about so long as he chose his phrasing carefully and kept his disdain for King Robert and the Queen to a minimal. 

"Some of the people of Izanami are upset by the treatment they receive from the Royal Family. Instead of lashing out at the King and Queen, they've targeted their children." He went on to explain. "In order to keep peace, the people of Izanami have to feel that they are being treated fairly, and the Royal Family needs to feel that they are being treated with respect." 

He exhaled slowly. 

"As simple as that may sound; It is a tall order."

That was it. It was all he would say for the moment as he allowed her time to think and respond. 

Open Door Policy

  Squaring her jaw and setting her shoulders, Juliette tried not to show that her heart was beating wildly in her chest as she watched the man come nearer and nearer to her. Her chin lifted higher as they eyes held gazes and he spoke words that had enough of a force to knock her back, but she stayed steady. “Do you go around screaming infidelities to everyone, or am I a special case because you think I’m like my brother? You make it seem like there are sides to choose, but there is nothing going on.” Her tone was confident whether or not she felt it, though, was another case.

If brought to the decision, Juliette would stay loyal to the crown. Alaska was her friend. Daniel was sweet. Layla was good. Margot was one of her dearest people. Juliette would neer be able to go against that, but she spoke in a manner that made her uncomfortable and all the more on edge. Like he knew something that she didn’t.

"I love to walk." The brunette replied stone-faced and coldly.

Trust was something earned, not freely given. Juliette knew that better than anyone. This man? She didn’t trust him not one bit.She felt something off about him and Jules had always been a high judge of character, according to others int he Haze at least. She was always nice to everyone, but she found it hard to be nice to him. That meant something, right?

"I’ve all ready wished her  ahappy birthday. I’m sure she won’t mind seeing as she isnt epecting me. Lets walk."