Xander
I was watching the live action Cinderella and I have to say be kind and have courage really stuck with me as a theme.
Be kind and have courage.
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand its entitlement.” The Duke says, taking a sip of his wine.
“Laziness.” His wife says. “I can’t stand the laziness. These people try to pretend they are superior,”
“It makes it harder for those of us who really are.” He says. Everyone shares a laugh at that.
Xander laughs as well, lifting his glass to clink the Duchess’. He puts a playful smile on his face as he takes a drink. He hates these get togethers the king always throws; hates that his father insists the family be present at each and every one of them.
“Seriously, the serfs are talking about some form of rebellion,” the Duke says, “and I’m not sure how best to quell the thoughts.”
“It’s not like they’d know what to do with the land if they stole it from us,” the Duchess continues, “truly it’s a shame.”
“Well, I’ve an idea,” one of the lords starts, and Xander offers to get the Duchess another drink while the other two talk.
“Have you suffered?” He asks her when he returns.
“Thank you for asking,” she smiles at him, “most men are just so focused on solving the problems they don’t ask me about how difficult it’s been.” Xander gives a slight bow,
“I tend to leave those matters to men much smarter than me,” He smiles wryly, endearing himself to her, “but any gentlemen can and should check on a lady.” She melts under his affection and details the timeline, explains the demands, and brags about the layout of their estate. “What’s terrifying is we hear they are going to try and break into our reserve and steal our gold.”
“That’s terrible! It is well protected, isn’t it?”
---
Xander slips past the castle security with ease. They aren’t looking for anyone sneaking out, and hopefully they’ll be too tired to catch him sneaking back in later.
He dons his new outfit, and with it, his new persona.
When he comes across the would be thieves, he reveals himself from the shadows. He watches as relief etches onto their face. “It’s you,” an older man says. He looks too frail to be part of this, but desperation is a powerful motivator. “We’ve heard about you. Are you here to help?”
Xander nods, and then he picks 4 others to help him. He sends everyone else away. “Have a party, or a prayer. Be noticeable and loud, so no one suspects us.” He instructs.
The Duchess gave him all the information he could possible need to break in silently, avoid the guard patrol, and make his way to the room full of gold and valuables. The four men with him follow his instruction, and they clear the place of most of the gold. Not enough to send the house into ruin, but enough that they must curb their extravagance, and that no one in the village should go hungry.
It guilts him, but as they offer him money he takes it. They cannot know he is rich already, and they seem happier for having helped him as well. He won’t tell them what to do with the money, but he’s happy to help balance the scales. By the time he slips into the castle, he’s exhausted. All in a day’s work.