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[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ it had been five days full of nothing but silently following robert along, knowing their path yet allowing the younger boy to take the lead due to his mood. who could blame him, though? he was already well aware of robert and annabelle having a close-knit relationship, one that nobody (not even himself) could wiggle their way into. despite being quite inept to the full extent of the bond the two siblings had, he was perceptive enough to realize that their parting had been quite different than their usual. this is why he ceased the typical banter he always initiated, whether it be with good intent or not.

when robert had finally spoken and begun to say more than a discussion of their plans, he knew that his neighboring prince had begun to settle back into place. dare he say it was a comfort of sorts, despite being the one that needed to be extra strong and encouraging. and with that hurtle behind them, the elder of the two moved to his rightful position once more: on robert's left side, striding next to him as if they're simply taking a walk and nothing more. he subtly kept his pace slower than usual as to not pass the boy, using the map robert had previously pilfered from the archives as a silent excuse to keep their position leveled and even, as they had finally reached territory that both of them weren't completely familiar with.

keeps to their comfortable silent for a while longer. stops in his tracks when a thought hits him and pauses. face is rather straight as he says: ]

I'm hungry.

Comments

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ it's been a difficult five days, each day more difficult than the last on account of the knowledge that every step was taking him further away from the castle (annabelle). against his will, he finds himself replaying the farewell over & over in his mind, unable to shake the worry that has plagued him ever since his first intake of breath of the outside. the only point of pride is that he hasn't looked behind him once since the journey had begun, fully intent on completing their quest at a timely pace such that he may return all the sooner. still, it takes him most of the first three days to speak more than a handful of words & one more to steadily push himself back to baseline. even five days in, he finds his mind wandering -- thinking. not thinking. remembering. dazing.

but he does snap out of the reverie when riku's voice echoes off his eardrums, snapping the entirety of his attention on the other prince. gives him a long look, then unhooks the bag slung over his shoulder to offer in riku's direction. ]

You have a choice between dried bread, dry crackers, dried fruit, or jerky.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ takes it despite making a face down at the bag. ]

A feast for kings.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

You've no rights to complaints. As it were, I do not remember you being present at the time of its preparation.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

What's that? "I thank you for coming along on this journey with me to keep me company"? Well, I suppose I may consider that a proper expression of gratitude.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

I will utter my proper thanks when we complete this quest, or lay dying.

[ short pause, then grudgingly. ] But you may have two jerkies should you need it.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ lifts a hand, resting it on top of robert's head. it almost seems as if he's merely giving some rare affection... up until he pushes some of his weight on him, as if using him as an armrest. ]

Well aren't you just the sweetest thing.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ grunts a little, then outright oofs at the weight. glares up at him through his bangs. ]

Move your arm or lose it, heathen.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

What a frightening face you have. [ lifts his free hand after slinging the bag onto his shoulder, pulling at one of robert's cheeks. ] It's very unbecoming of a prince.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ jerks his face away from the grip, narrowly avoiding crashing his head against riku's. ]

Neither is your present conduct.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ the jerk makes his arm move to instead rest over robert's shoulders, though makes it as if he meant for it to happen. ]

Ah, that is because I am a rare species of royalty. I am allowed to act how I please whilst still remaining very becoming to all who lay eyes upon me.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ scoffs. takes a few steps forward quickly in attempt to dislodge the arm. ]

For a few years, at best. Did you learn nothing in your history lessons?

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ doesn't allow that to happen, also taking a few quick strides forward. ]

Those texts were boring. Besides, I surpass all laws of history.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ a look of irritation flashes across his expression, but seems to adjust well enough with a soft snort. ]

Such pride is of the same breed of those of corrupt kings and ministers.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

Perhaps, though I am more wise than those foolish men who knew not how to step down when it was absolutely necessary.

[ & with that he removes himself, digging into the bag robert had previously given him to take out a small portion of their rations to begin eating. ]

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ sidesteps & rolls his shoulders a little. ]

For the sake of your kingdom and your people, I pray those are words of truth rather than of your typical narcissism.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

Of course. A king is merely a man and nothing more without his people. [ a pause in both thought and to eat the rest of his food. ] They will be taken good care of when I am properly crowned.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ is silent for a moment, then looks straight ahead. ]

God has my thanks for at least settling in the proper morals in you.

1/2

[triompher.livejournal.com]

It was a wise decision, I will admit.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ also looks straight ahead, expression falling back to neutral when he dares to ask: ]

What of you, prince Robert?

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ raises a brow when he tilts his head in riku's direction. ]

You must be more specific. Of what?

[triompher.livejournal.com]

Your position as king. Surely this will help Annabelle, yet I cannot help but question what your plans are after we complete this mission of yours.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

. . . [ a pause as he thinks his words over, speaking slowly. ]

My plans have not changed. I will relinquish that position to the rightful heir.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ watches him closely in silence. leaves the rest of his questions for later, deciding to just incline his head with a small smile. ]

Then I shall continue to be honored to help you reach your goal.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ inclines his head in wordless thanks, keeping to the silence. then when he feels that a polite amount of moment has gone by, he lets a small smile touch his lips -- the typical one. the confident one. not as wide as usual, but returning nonetheless. ]

I should hope that is the real reason, and not because you wished for convenient break from your own duties.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

You must think very highly of yourself if you believe I would go with you to relieve myself from my duties. [ holds his head up a bit higher. ] Spending many hours with you is as if I were taking care of a child. That can be hardly considered a break.