Post by Alliecat on Jun 15, 2012 14:50:24 GMT 10
Series: We the Kings
Title: In the way, not the now
Rating: G
Event: 1500/500 meter dash
Words: 500
Summary: Duke Gareth wants to do well by his son, but sometimes he can’t contain himself
:::
“So,” Jon asks over lunch one day, “Could you hold the Friday meeting for me? I have to go down to Port Caynn.”
Gary puts his sandwich down beside him. “You appointed me only a month ago and I’m already doing your job for you?”
Jon smiles. “I wouldn’t normally ask, because I’m sure you’ll outshine me. These people don’t realize what a shoddy king I am.”
Gary chuckles and asks, “Is it just the regulars?”
Jon nods. “No one too scary. Alanna, Raoul, your father, you know.”
Gary picks up him sandwich and takes a bite. “Well then, my king,” he says with a flourish, “I’d be honored to cover for you.”
With a grin Jon adds, “Just don’t let your father boss you around.”
:::
Gary looks up at the sound of knocking. “Come in,” he calls and quickly tries to shuffle the mess of papers on his desk together.
“You need to do a bit more cleaning than that,” Duke Gareth says with a wry smile.
Gary looks up. “Father, how are you?”
“Well enough,” he replies. Gary motions for him to sit, but he shakes his head. “I’m only passing through. Are you preparing for the meeting?” Gary nods. “Well then, is there anything you need, son?”
“I’m all set.” Gary smiles. “But thank you.”
Duke Gareth nods and walks towards the door. Just before reaching it, he turns and says, “I am sure you’ll do wonderfully.” He steps forward and places his hand on the doorknob. “I will,” he pauses again, “I will do my best to let you lead.”
It’s the usual promise, so Gary knows it won’t hold. Duke Gareth has always been reluctant to let Gary step out and become his own person.
:::
“So,” Gary says once all the seats are filled, “Let’s begin.” He shifts uncomfortably at the awkwardness of silence. Even Alanna, who sits four seats away, had said little more than a brief “hello”.
“First,” he says with more confidence than he feels, “We must find someone to replace Lord Wyldon on the pages’ summer trip.”
“What did the old man do this time?” Alanna asks. “Was he finally thrown from the saddle?”
“Early this morning he slipped on ice,” Duke Gareth replies, eying Alanna carefully. “He is not the first. It has been a cold winter.” Alanna, either failing to notice his hint or ignoring it, smirks. He coughs, then says, “So, did you bring portfolios of candidates, Gareth?”
Gary falters. “I just thought we could discuss a few knights and find a suitable one. I’ve heard Duke Turomont of Wellam is available.”
“How can we discuss without ample information?”
Gary doesn’t reply, but the sound of his fingernails tapping the desk echoes loudly. “Well,” Raoul says to break the silence, “I find Wellam to be rather haughty. And old to be chasing pages. I think Jerel of Nenan would be an suitable choice.”
Still staring at his father, Gary knows it is going to be a long meeting.
Title: In the way, not the now
Rating: G
Event: 1500/500 meter dash
Words: 500
Summary: Duke Gareth wants to do well by his son, but sometimes he can’t contain himself
:::
“So,” Jon asks over lunch one day, “Could you hold the Friday meeting for me? I have to go down to Port Caynn.”
Gary puts his sandwich down beside him. “You appointed me only a month ago and I’m already doing your job for you?”
Jon smiles. “I wouldn’t normally ask, because I’m sure you’ll outshine me. These people don’t realize what a shoddy king I am.”
Gary chuckles and asks, “Is it just the regulars?”
Jon nods. “No one too scary. Alanna, Raoul, your father, you know.”
Gary picks up him sandwich and takes a bite. “Well then, my king,” he says with a flourish, “I’d be honored to cover for you.”
With a grin Jon adds, “Just don’t let your father boss you around.”
:::
Gary looks up at the sound of knocking. “Come in,” he calls and quickly tries to shuffle the mess of papers on his desk together.
“You need to do a bit more cleaning than that,” Duke Gareth says with a wry smile.
Gary looks up. “Father, how are you?”
“Well enough,” he replies. Gary motions for him to sit, but he shakes his head. “I’m only passing through. Are you preparing for the meeting?” Gary nods. “Well then, is there anything you need, son?”
“I’m all set.” Gary smiles. “But thank you.”
Duke Gareth nods and walks towards the door. Just before reaching it, he turns and says, “I am sure you’ll do wonderfully.” He steps forward and places his hand on the doorknob. “I will,” he pauses again, “I will do my best to let you lead.”
It’s the usual promise, so Gary knows it won’t hold. Duke Gareth has always been reluctant to let Gary step out and become his own person.
:::
“So,” Gary says once all the seats are filled, “Let’s begin.” He shifts uncomfortably at the awkwardness of silence. Even Alanna, who sits four seats away, had said little more than a brief “hello”.
“First,” he says with more confidence than he feels, “We must find someone to replace Lord Wyldon on the pages’ summer trip.”
“What did the old man do this time?” Alanna asks. “Was he finally thrown from the saddle?”
“Early this morning he slipped on ice,” Duke Gareth replies, eying Alanna carefully. “He is not the first. It has been a cold winter.” Alanna, either failing to notice his hint or ignoring it, smirks. He coughs, then says, “So, did you bring portfolios of candidates, Gareth?”
Gary falters. “I just thought we could discuss a few knights and find a suitable one. I’ve heard Duke Turomont of Wellam is available.”
“How can we discuss without ample information?”
Gary doesn’t reply, but the sound of his fingernails tapping the desk echoes loudly. “Well,” Raoul says to break the silence, “I find Wellam to be rather haughty. And old to be chasing pages. I think Jerel of Nenan would be an suitable choice.”
Still staring at his father, Gary knows it is going to be a long meeting.