it's not that lena doesn't understand that she's part of the milizé family, known for their decorated military accomplishments and rank since time immemorial. as their sole daughter and heiress, there are certain expectations of her. so her family insists on things like marriage invitations (that she doesn't look at) or attendance at important high society parties (that she avoids at all costs).
but her uncle, who may very well be the only supporter of her military career in any capacity, truly has her number when he insists that she has to have a bodyguard if she's to continue to blatantly and flagrantly disobey military protocol in order to further her own operations.
can't keep avoiding or ignoring someone who's essentially assigned for her protection, is it?
so she agrees to the meeting, even if she can't help but cross her arms like a child put in time out, huffy and dismayed.]
... a soldier with her own security detail.... doesn't make much sense.
[Her family is held in incredible high esteem, that much is true, but that isn't enough for Leon to particularly care. Status is status, and his own is nothing to sneeze at, though he doesn't care for that either.
But this... this is his chance.
Without Hugo's meddling, without someone getting in his way... this is his chance to make a name for himself and break free of his father's shadow and influence over his life, and finally stand on his own two feet of his own accord. He has the skills for it, he's certain of it. He's made it this far--just a little bit further, surely, and...
When he strides into the room, his first thought is that at least she carries herself with poise, even if she's not thrilled to have him there (and that much is obvious).
His second thought, far more petulant, is... that he thinks she might be as tall as him, or maybe even a little taller. (That's not fair.)
... Ahem.]
As far as I am concerned, it makes perfect sense. Better a bodyguard for someone who is actively pursuing a goal, rather than someone who merely has money.
so maybe she does need a bodyguard if she can still manage to get herself to be so caught unawares. she straightens up at the voice, startled and a little embarrassed - though the expression doesn't linger on her face for very long.
because when she has an opinion she's not really the type to hold back on it - ]
... those with the means to protect others should be assigned to those who need them most. With all due respect.
[she's a soldier, in the end, and has received.... enough training. she thinks. :/ ]
But I suppose if your options are between meaning and money, I can understand choosing one over the other.
[She's probably right about that, but admittedly, he doesn't really think that's any of his concern. Sometimes his missions would allow him to protect innocent people who couldn't protect themselves. Sometimes he was assigned to protect less savory sorts. It was out of his control, which was why this is so, so important.
He straightens a bit as if that will make him taller, and is disappointed to realize it does not. And also to realize that now that she's facing him, she definitely is taller.
Damn.]
There is not always the luxury to choose one way or the other... though I suppose in an ideal, perfect world, the former would be the best option.
Even if the world isn't that way, it doesn't lessen the importance of individual choice and action. If anything, that makes every person's role of what they can control all the more important.
[this is probably proving exactly why she needs a bodyguard. with such a flagrant disregard for laws and customs, relying only on her own family name and abusing their soft power, it's little wonder if vladilena milizé draws a few disdainful glances her way.]
At least... that's what I think. Though if you're who I think you are, it's not like it's your job to agree with me or not...
[... Hmph. Her way of thinking is... unusual. New, in a way. Very much the sort of thing that would make her incredibly unpopular to those who prefer the status quo.
And... to Leon, irritating and aggravating in a way he can't explain. It niggles at him where he usually prefers to just brush off idiotic points of view. Maybe he can't just brush it off because...
(Because it isn't the ramblings of an idiot.)]
That is correct. My job will be to protect you from any threats that may come your way.
That is something I am very confident I shall be able to do.
Mm... Well, I think you can tell what I think of that...
[that it's. not really necessary and if the resources exist to provide protection, then it should go to someone that isn't her. though with that said, she does offer a sheepish type of smile - an olive branch?
even if she inherently disagrees with the necessity, she doesn't necessarily want to come off as unwelcoming or unfriendly just because he got assigned to the job....]
But it's not your fault, so I don't want to be ungrateful for your time either. [a beat] Still, I hope not to impose on you too much.
[narrator: whether she likes it or not, she will impose on him too much.]
Oh no, those are personality types he's really bad at handling???
He's trying so hard to be professional, but also the nicer she is the most he wants to immediately bail and jump out the window, because he has no idea how to handle that.]
... Whether you do or not is no concern to me. I'll perform my duty either way.
Likewise, you do not have to want me here or pretend otherwise. I do not need you to agree with my presence to do what I'm here for.
[So like... it's fine if she's salty about it, in other words??? That's the best he can do.]
[imagine if the bodyguard is the first to bail in this scenario where neither of them really want to be here, but because his charge is too nice.
incredible turn of events.
but lena will just fuss with her hair at that, playing with the strands in an almost nervous tic as she thinks about how she wants to respond to that.]
I don't doubt your capacity to do so. I'm sure I'm in good hands.
[ . . . but. there's something else nagging at her conscious.]
... it's just that I'm a soldier too. As much as possible, I want to keep people safe, too. That'll include you. If danger comes up, I hope you'll understand that.
[He blinks at her at that, for a moment nonplussed. It's not that he doesn't understand what she's saying, it's just... it's such a wild thing for someone in her position to say, period.]
... Don't be foolish. I will accept that as a soldier, it is your duty to protect other people. But to think that you should be protecting me--that runs contrary to why I am even here.
[He crosses his arms for a moment, considering her with a contemplative (and slightly dour) expression. This... is a snag he did not expect to encounter. All of the problems he thought he might--that he would loathe his charge, or that he would find himself in some sort of political situation where nothing would change once again, or such things--haven't happened. Instead... there's this.]
... That is insulting. To say such things makes it sound as though you have no faith in my abilities.
You stand by your beliefs, which is... a tolerable trait, but I see that I must prove to you how unnecessary they are when it comes to me.
[oop - her expression falters a little, somewhere between guilt and uncertainty. but.]
... I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you. I'm sure you're very capable.
But even the most capable people can disappear in an instant, even if I have faith that I likely don't have anything to worry about. It's just that if you're here for my sake... I don't want to easily agree to the idea that you could be expendable in any way.
[she can maybe get used to the idea of having a bodyguard just for practicality - less sure if she can even remotely agree to the idea that his life or well-being mean less than hers on a moral level]
[That slips from his tongue easily, even as he quirks an eyebrow at her--not disdainful so much as a little bit disbelieving. Still... he feels like he can be honest with this woman. Unless she's being an incredible actor... he doubts she's the sort to take issue with it.]
I do not consider myself expendable either. I intend on acting as your bodyguard successfully through skill, not self-sacrifice.
[given the literal term of 'bodyguard', a charge would normally be confused to hear that there isn't some level of 'meat shield' protection involved. but for lena, this is the best possible news she could receive. she sighs in relief, and her answering smile is considerably more confident and genuine]
Then I'll hold you to that. I look forward to working with you.
[lena: is assigned a bodyguard also lena: perhaps.... assistant to my crimes?]
Even though you clearly know who I am... I would like to introduce myself as Major Vladilena Milizé - but where appropriate, do feel free to call me Lena.
[it's a leading question!! but she tilts her head for a moment before vaguely waving a hand.]
I consider my family to be overly concerned with my business. They would prefer if their heiress remains occupied with marriage partners and dresses than military.
However perhaps if the military had less glaring flaws that need to be addressed, maybe I would not concern myself with it.
[... aha. So that's how it is, huh? He can't say that he disapproves, really. Sitting around acting as an ornament or a pawn for marriage sounds dreadfully dull. Better to make something of your life and burn brightly and shortly, than linger dully.]
I did not say that it is a bad thing.
[It gives him a job, after all!!]
This appointment would not be worth my time if your plans were to only sit around and wait. Thankfully, that is not the case.
she had been half expecting a lecture on staying in place, so she doesn't worry people but to receive this instead... hmm... hmm!
there is a glint of something slightly daring in her expression and the edge of her mouth curls up, amused - ]
I hope your opinion doesn't change then. [she'll move to turn then, the clicking of her heels already moving with purpose as she heads for the door] Let's go. There's still plenty to do.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
meeting;
it's not that lena doesn't understand that she's part of the milizé family, known for their decorated military accomplishments and rank since time immemorial. as their sole daughter and heiress, there are certain expectations of her. so her family insists on things like marriage invitations (that she doesn't look at) or attendance at important high society parties (that she avoids at all costs).
but her uncle, who may very well be the only supporter of her military career in any capacity, truly has her number when he insists that she has to have a bodyguard if she's to continue to blatantly and flagrantly disobey military protocol in order to further her own operations.
can't keep avoiding or ignoring someone who's essentially assigned for her protection, is it?
so she agrees to the meeting, even if she can't help but cross her arms like a child put in time out, huffy and dismayed.]
... a soldier with her own security detail.... doesn't make much sense.
no subject
But this... this is his chance.
Without Hugo's meddling, without someone getting in his way... this is his chance to make a name for himself and break free of his father's shadow and influence over his life, and finally stand on his own two feet of his own accord. He has the skills for it, he's certain of it. He's made it this far--just a little bit further, surely, and...
When he strides into the room, his first thought is that at least she carries herself with poise, even if she's not thrilled to have him there (and that much is obvious).
His second thought, far more petulant, is... that he thinks she might be as tall as him, or maybe even a little taller. (That's not fair.)
... Ahem.]
As far as I am concerned, it makes perfect sense. Better a bodyguard for someone who is actively pursuing a goal, rather than someone who merely has money.
no subject
so maybe she does need a bodyguard if she can still manage to get herself to be so caught unawares. she straightens up at the voice, startled and a little embarrassed - though the expression doesn't linger on her face for very long.
because when she has an opinion she's not really the type to hold back on it - ]
... those with the means to protect others should be assigned to those who need them most. With all due respect.
[she's a soldier, in the end, and has received.... enough training. she thinks. :/ ]
But I suppose if your options are between meaning and money, I can understand choosing one over the other.
no subject
He straightens a bit as if that will make him taller, and is disappointed to realize it does not. And also to realize that now that she's facing him, she definitely is taller.
Damn.]
There is not always the luxury to choose one way or the other... though I suppose in an ideal, perfect world, the former would be the best option.
The world is rarely that way, however.
no subject
[this is probably proving exactly why she needs a bodyguard. with such a flagrant disregard for laws and customs, relying only on her own family name and abusing their soft power, it's little wonder if vladilena milizé draws a few disdainful glances her way.]
At least... that's what I think. Though if you're who I think you are, it's not like it's your job to agree with me or not...
no subject
And... to Leon, irritating and aggravating in a way he can't explain. It niggles at him where he usually prefers to just brush off idiotic points of view. Maybe he can't just brush it off because...
(Because it isn't the ramblings of an idiot.)]
That is correct. My job will be to protect you from any threats that may come your way.
That is something I am very confident I shall be able to do.
no subject
[that it's. not really necessary and if the resources exist to provide protection, then it should go to someone that isn't her. though with that said, she does offer a sheepish type of smile - an olive branch?
even if she inherently disagrees with the necessity, she doesn't necessarily want to come off as unwelcoming or unfriendly just because he got assigned to the job....]
But it's not your fault, so I don't want to be ungrateful for your time either. [a beat] Still, I hope not to impose on you too much.
[narrator: whether she likes it or not, she will impose on him too much.]
no subject
Oh no, those are personality types he's really bad at handling???
He's trying so hard to be professional, but also the nicer she is the most he wants to immediately bail and jump out the window, because he has no idea how to handle that.]
... Whether you do or not is no concern to me. I'll perform my duty either way.
Likewise, you do not have to want me here or pretend otherwise. I do not need you to agree with my presence to do what I'm here for.
[So like... it's fine if she's salty about it, in other words??? That's the best he can do.]
no subject
incredible turn of events.
but lena will just fuss with her hair at that, playing with the strands in an almost nervous tic as she thinks about how she wants to respond to that.]
I don't doubt your capacity to do so. I'm sure I'm in good hands.
[ . . . but. there's something else nagging at her conscious.]
... it's just that I'm a soldier too. As much as possible, I want to keep people safe, too. That'll include you. If danger comes up, I hope you'll understand that.
no subject
... Don't be foolish. I will accept that as a soldier, it is your duty to protect other people. But to think that you should be protecting me--that runs contrary to why I am even here.
no subject
I'd rather that as much as possible, you not get hurt. Even if that means that the strategy moving forward is that the best defense is a good offense.
[she will choose the more callous option about the removal of opposition if it means that someone won't get hurt for her sake]
no subject
... That is insulting. To say such things makes it sound as though you have no faith in my abilities.
You stand by your beliefs, which is... a tolerable trait, but I see that I must prove to you how unnecessary they are when it comes to me.
no subject
... I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you. I'm sure you're very capable.
But even the most capable people can disappear in an instant, even if I have faith that I likely don't have anything to worry about. It's just that if you're here for my sake... I don't want to easily agree to the idea that you could be expendable in any way.
[she can maybe get used to the idea of having a bodyguard just for practicality - less sure if she can even remotely agree to the idea that his life or well-being mean less than hers on a moral level]
no subject
[That slips from his tongue easily, even as he quirks an eyebrow at her--not disdainful so much as a little bit disbelieving. Still... he feels like he can be honest with this woman. Unless she's being an incredible actor... he doubts she's the sort to take issue with it.]
I do not consider myself expendable either. I intend on acting as your bodyguard successfully through skill, not self-sacrifice.
[He firmly believes both are possible!!]
no subject
Then I'll hold you to that. I look forward to working with you.
[lena: is assigned a bodyguard
also lena: perhaps.... assistant to my crimes?]
Even though you clearly know who I am... I would like to introduce myself as Major Vladilena Milizé - but where appropriate, do feel free to call me Lena.
no subject
... How strange.]
... Hmph. And my name is Leon Magnus. I shall be acting as your guard for the foreseeable future.
[... And, a little dryly:]
Shall I take my appointment to mean you find yourself in trouble often?
no subject
[it's a leading question!! but she tilts her head for a moment before vaguely waving a hand.]
I consider my family to be overly concerned with my business. They would prefer if their heiress remains occupied with marriage partners and dresses than military.
However perhaps if the military had less glaring flaws that need to be addressed, maybe I would not concern myself with it.
[absolutely not true,]
no subject
I did not say that it is a bad thing.
[It gives him a job, after all!!]
This appointment would not be worth my time if your plans were to only sit around and wait. Thankfully, that is not the case.
no subject
she had been half expecting a lecture on staying in place, so she doesn't worry people but to receive this instead... hmm... hmm!
there is a glint of something slightly daring in her expression and the edge of her mouth curls up, amused - ]
I hope your opinion doesn't change then. [she'll move to turn then, the clicking of her heels already moving with purpose as she heads for the door] Let's go. There's still plenty to do.