Post by wordy on Mar 23, 2012 9:58:16 GMT 10
Title: A Conversation
Rating: G
Prompt: #64 the one that got away
Summary: AU. Alanna had her shield taken away and Gary is appointed King’s Champion.
A/N: #4 in my Steadfast ‘verse. I think this one stands alone pretty well; it’s basically just backstory for the series. #1, #2, and #3.
“No matter how many personal visits you pay me, I won’t tell you where she is,” said Thom evenly, not bothering to look over his shoulder. He wondered how long it would take Prince Jonathan—King Jonathan, he corrected himself—to realise the truth to his words; after years of keeping his sister’s identity a secret, it was farcical to think that he would give her up now.
“I don’t doubt that,” said Jonathan, taking a seat across from him. “But this evening there is another matter I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Oh?” said Thom, feigning disinterest. He had a feeling that his quiet night in front of the fire was about to be set off course.
“I’m serious, Thom. You may have most of my court fooled with your play-acting and party tricks, but you can’t fool me. I wager you haven’t even considered the many ways you could be serving Tortall. Don’t let your Gift or your intelligence go to waste. Indulging in displays of grandeur won’t keep you amused for long.”
“Don’t mind my delicate sensibilities, Majesty,” said Thom dryly. “By all means, tell me how you really feel.”
“Thom.”
The young Master sighed. “What is it that you want?”
“I want Delia of Eldorne brought to justice.”
“Mmm. She is rather tiring.”
The downturned corners of the King’s mouth betrayed his irritation, but he managed to hold his tongue. “Unlike Alex, we have no evidence of Delia’s part in Roger’s plans. It would be easy to let her be, to assume that she would attempt nothing on her own, but it’s my duty to be sure. I want you to watch her. Find out what you can.”
Thom tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. “She has been more attentive recently. Trying to goad me into greater and greater displays of power. It’s entirely possible that she’s planning something.”
Jonathan met and held his eyes. “You’ll do as I ask?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.
“Thank you.”
Thom almost let him go, but his curiosity got the better of him. “You may be king now, but surely you can’t believe that Alanna will be allowed to return for her shield while your father still lives.”
Jonathan stopped in the doorway but did not turn, his hand on the doorframe. “No. But I do believe that she will return, one day.”
Rating: G
Prompt: #64 the one that got away
Summary: AU. Alanna had her shield taken away and Gary is appointed King’s Champion.
A/N: #4 in my Steadfast ‘verse. I think this one stands alone pretty well; it’s basically just backstory for the series. #1, #2, and #3.
“No matter how many personal visits you pay me, I won’t tell you where she is,” said Thom evenly, not bothering to look over his shoulder. He wondered how long it would take Prince Jonathan—King Jonathan, he corrected himself—to realise the truth to his words; after years of keeping his sister’s identity a secret, it was farcical to think that he would give her up now.
“I don’t doubt that,” said Jonathan, taking a seat across from him. “But this evening there is another matter I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Oh?” said Thom, feigning disinterest. He had a feeling that his quiet night in front of the fire was about to be set off course.
“I’m serious, Thom. You may have most of my court fooled with your play-acting and party tricks, but you can’t fool me. I wager you haven’t even considered the many ways you could be serving Tortall. Don’t let your Gift or your intelligence go to waste. Indulging in displays of grandeur won’t keep you amused for long.”
“Don’t mind my delicate sensibilities, Majesty,” said Thom dryly. “By all means, tell me how you really feel.”
“Thom.”
The young Master sighed. “What is it that you want?”
“I want Delia of Eldorne brought to justice.”
“Mmm. She is rather tiring.”
The downturned corners of the King’s mouth betrayed his irritation, but he managed to hold his tongue. “Unlike Alex, we have no evidence of Delia’s part in Roger’s plans. It would be easy to let her be, to assume that she would attempt nothing on her own, but it’s my duty to be sure. I want you to watch her. Find out what you can.”
Thom tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. “She has been more attentive recently. Trying to goad me into greater and greater displays of power. It’s entirely possible that she’s planning something.”
Jonathan met and held his eyes. “You’ll do as I ask?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.
“Thank you.”
Thom almost let him go, but his curiosity got the better of him. “You may be king now, but surely you can’t believe that Alanna will be allowed to return for her shield while your father still lives.”
Jonathan stopped in the doorway but did not turn, his hand on the doorframe. “No. But I do believe that she will return, one day.”
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!