Post by Kypriotha on Feb 14, 2012 18:46:21 GMT 10
Title: An Unusual Baby-Sitter
Rating: G
Prompt: #61 - Odd One Out
Summary: Roger feels underappreciated in his Uncle's court, where he seems destined to only be valued as an entertainer of small children.
The screams of small boys shattered Roger’s peace and quiet. He sighed and closed his book, waiting for the knock he knew was coming. Tacking a smile onto his face, he managed to greet his aunt properly when she came in, followed by her son and nephew who were fighting over a toy sail boat.
“Roger, darling.” Leanne smiled as she kissed his cheek. “I know you are probably busy getting ready for university , but I have a small favour to ask.”
“You know I’m always happy to help you, Aunt.” Roger’s voice was sleek, his face betraying none of the annoyance he felt as the two small boys rough housed at his feet.
“The King and the Prime Minister have important meetings all day, at which the presence of myself and the Duchess of Naxen is also required. Given how much the boys adore you, we were hoping you could take them down to the pond. They are desirous of sailing their new boat. Of course, they will have their servants in attendance, so you will not actually be required to look after them. Rather, we were hoping you would act as a chaperone. And who knows! With you there, there may actually be a small chance they will behave themselves!”
Roger laughed at the Queen’s joke, as he knew he must. Even with the arrival of the nuisance also known as his cousin, Roger knew he still needed to keep in his Aunt and Uncle’s good favour. Who knew what might happen in the future? So although the idea of spending the day watching two small boys poke a poorly made bit of tin across the palace’s poor excuse for a pond excited him as much as the thought of watching grass grow, he readily agreed to the Queen’s request. Which was how he found himself surrounded by a gaggle of noble boys and girls down by the pond (because of course everyone wanted to play with the Prince), beset from all sides with requests to use his power to race the boats across the water. Roger, never comfortable around children, was sure he had never felt more out of place than he did now.
Here I am, the most promising sorcerer to ever set foot in the Tortall University, reduced to being a mere play thing for children, Roger thought bitterly. I despise the bowing and scraping I am forced to do towards people with much smaller intellects than mine and, in this case, without even fully formed powers of speech. I look forward to the day when I finally leave for the Carthaki University – the day when my talent and worth will fully be appreciated for what they truly are.
Rating: G
Prompt: #61 - Odd One Out
Summary: Roger feels underappreciated in his Uncle's court, where he seems destined to only be valued as an entertainer of small children.
The screams of small boys shattered Roger’s peace and quiet. He sighed and closed his book, waiting for the knock he knew was coming. Tacking a smile onto his face, he managed to greet his aunt properly when she came in, followed by her son and nephew who were fighting over a toy sail boat.
“Roger, darling.” Leanne smiled as she kissed his cheek. “I know you are probably busy getting ready for university , but I have a small favour to ask.”
“You know I’m always happy to help you, Aunt.” Roger’s voice was sleek, his face betraying none of the annoyance he felt as the two small boys rough housed at his feet.
“The King and the Prime Minister have important meetings all day, at which the presence of myself and the Duchess of Naxen is also required. Given how much the boys adore you, we were hoping you could take them down to the pond. They are desirous of sailing their new boat. Of course, they will have their servants in attendance, so you will not actually be required to look after them. Rather, we were hoping you would act as a chaperone. And who knows! With you there, there may actually be a small chance they will behave themselves!”
Roger laughed at the Queen’s joke, as he knew he must. Even with the arrival of the nuisance also known as his cousin, Roger knew he still needed to keep in his Aunt and Uncle’s good favour. Who knew what might happen in the future? So although the idea of spending the day watching two small boys poke a poorly made bit of tin across the palace’s poor excuse for a pond excited him as much as the thought of watching grass grow, he readily agreed to the Queen’s request. Which was how he found himself surrounded by a gaggle of noble boys and girls down by the pond (because of course everyone wanted to play with the Prince), beset from all sides with requests to use his power to race the boats across the water. Roger, never comfortable around children, was sure he had never felt more out of place than he did now.
Here I am, the most promising sorcerer to ever set foot in the Tortall University, reduced to being a mere play thing for children, Roger thought bitterly. I despise the bowing and scraping I am forced to do towards people with much smaller intellects than mine and, in this case, without even fully formed powers of speech. I look forward to the day when I finally leave for the Carthaki University – the day when my talent and worth will fully be appreciated for what they truly are.
I like the idea of Roger playing nice because he knows there's still a possible future for him if he remains on people's good sides. Good thing he didn't think "ahh, pond + prince = one fewer rung between me and the top of the ladder". I guess annoyance will blossom into homicide soon enough!
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!