THE MOMENT
Filigree held form. His trust in King Solarion left him feeling confident he was well prepared for his first day on the job. Despite all that, the particular situation was unexpected. He found himself within the very room he was ordered to protect. At least, he'd entered through the door, but the space on the other side resembled more a vast earthen cavern than the chamber he expected; yet, still decorated as an office. There were a couple of plants, a computer, and desk. And, he was sitting across from the most enchanting woman he'd ever had the honor of resting eyes upon. Celestrix had an austere face with golden eyes that sparkled as she introduced herself to Filigree and invited him in. He hadn't been told to refuse.
"To put you at ease, I have every confidence that you're more than fit for the position. I trust King Solarion's judgement, but our systems are in place for a reason. You have the job already, don't be nervous and mess it up," she smiled, and Filigree relaxed somewhat. He trusted the King's sensibilities too, much more than his own. Up until Celestrix's encouragement, he was still under the impression that at least one member of the Court would see him for who he was.
"I understand," Filigree nodded.
"You didn't arrive here by chance. I'm sure everything about the Solarion Court has been explained to you. However, I'd like your version of all that information. How is it you'll expect to be carrying out your duties?"
"I serve the Solarion Court," Filigree replied. "Not King Solarion, nor any of the individual members. I will Champion the Court's ideals with every decision or order handed to me, regardless of the messenger."
"What did I just say about being nervous?" Celestrix giggled and shook her head. "THAT is already a given. I'm not asking for what we told you your job is. The question is: at this early stage, what kinds of things do you think we'll ask you to do?"
"I don't know, but I hope it's more than guarding a door," Filgree had finally relaxed enough to trust himself. Celestrix's amusement certainly helped put him in a good mood. He'd been inspired to live up to the Court's ideals from a young age, and he was honored to be any part of it. Even if his destiny was to guard a single door, he would gladly do it for King Solarion.
"The door's just an easy way to keep the position open, even when it's filled," she replied. "Establishing a particular room to build a mythology around helps fill in the gaps between our Court Champions," Celestrix nodded as she stood up, encouraging Filigree to do the same. "I'm sure you realize why by now," she said as she led him back to the door and opened it.
"Technically, it's not a lie that the door has been sealed for thousands of years, and it's always guarded."
"I'll be honored to represent the Solarion Court as long as I can, but I doubt I have thousands of years in me like a fairy or a dragon," he chuckled as he walked out of the cave and back into the stone hallway of the castle. King Solarion was a fairy, and Celestrix a dragon. He was a unicorn, but he doubted he could match their lifespan.
"Well, now that you have the position," Celestrix walked out also and past him to lead the way. "Ophelia will take care of that as long as you're with us."
In his defense, Filigree suffered from impostor syndrome and occasionally low self-esteem. It'd been a full morning, and he was just trying to keep up with everyone's expectations. It finally all collapsed in his mind as he came to a sudden stop.
"I don't want to be a vampire!" The entire reason he'd been such a supporter was because they didn't seem to demand any sort of conformity. He wanted to help the Solarion Court because he could do something noble on his own terms. Were they already throwing that out the window? Was it a second, secret test? He hadn't met Ophelia in person yet, but he knew she was a vampire. And, because he'd recently mentioned the King and Celestrix's heritage, so that was fresh on his mind.
"Ophelia, La Muerte of the Solarion Court," Celestrix smiled with Ophelia's full title as a gentle reminder.
"Ooohhhh right," he nodded. "Sorry." She could manipulate his time stream and lock it down so that he didn't age at all. And it didn't require a bite or anything.
"That's alright," Celestrix nodded and they resumed walking again.
"So... can I ask? I don't know anything about who held the position before me...," This time, it was Celestrix that came to a stop. She deliberately met his gaze and gave a firm, forced nod.
"You can ask," she said. "But, no matter whom you ask, the answer will be the same, and you should leave it at that."
"Why? What happened?" It was habitual curiosity that propelled the question out before he could catch it. Celestrix shrugged and resumed walking one more time.
"They're no longer with us."