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He
was at his desk with a few piles of papers he was going over. The window
open leaving in a nice cross breeze this warm night, although not as
warm as Innis. A guard was stationed outside the open door as well
another down the hall which was the usual in the castle.
After
receiving the message Peter had sent, Aiden sought out Cole and Gabriel
before going to meet with Peter. He wanted to tell them that he was
going to make the suggestion about the name for their division of
knights. He figured they could help him with the details if necessary.
After nodding at one of the guards, they waited for him to announce
them.
He had
his shirt on for a change, the onyx stone hung from a leather strip
around his neck and under the poets shirt. Black cotton pants and
sandals on his feet. The empowered sword hung at his left hip from the
wide belt. Hair was still damp and he was cool in spite of the warmth.
He politely greeted the guard as he was one he recognized while waiting
near Aiden and Cole to be admitted in, or more announced than just
walking in even if they probably could have. Due respect would be shown.
Cole
followed his brothers in arms as faithfully as a shadow and equally
quiet as one. Dressed in black tonight from head to toe, albeit in
cotton, he showed no signs of being affected by the heat. A nod
acknowledged the guard while they waited for permission to enter the
King's office.
Although
eyes were trained on the words he was reading, there was that perception
beyond sight that had him aware of whom was showing up at his door.
Burnt sienna eyes lifting catching the light that had them more the
reddish as he set the papers aside. Rising from his seat as he motioned
them to come in as well the guard had already been alerted. The
guard had just stepped to the entry to announce but gave a nod
seeing Peter already coming around from his desk, stepping aside instead
so they could enter. Once within he would take up his post again outside
in the hall. One, two three, from Aiden to Gabriel to Cole as a smile
emerged. "I'm pleased you could make it this night on such short
notice and this late." Sure he could have commanded but there was
no need, "come on in, tell me all that has been happening in my two
weeks' absence. I hear Lazare is back and the water gauntlet is being
made use of." Wishing more to hear the stories first hand as their
names came up. Indicating the small bar with a supply of various
libations as he was over to pour himself a spot of potcheen, "help
yourselves."
Aiden
was dressed in similar fashion as his brothers, save he wore boots
rather than sandals. He saluted Peter as he entered then smiled. The
story of the water beast could be told by Gabriel but it was certainly
making the rounds. "Thank you, sire. All is well in Innis?" He
joined Peter in pouring himself a glass of potcheen. "Gabriel can
tell you more about the water beast and the king's men. He was
there."
Stepping
in third, he paused to bow to Peter and straightened, murmuring quietly,
"Good evening, sire." Nothing more was said, deferring to
Aiden and Gabriel both on the topics at hand as he found a chair and put
himself in it.
"Aye,
sire, all has been well here," about to ask the same as Aiden but
decided it didn't need echoing as the first had. He poured a few drams
into a glass before moving over to take up another chair near Cole. It
was good to sit after the long day. "Lazare made it through in
front of Vincent. I do believe they had some kind of unspoken bet or
challenge. Aiden and Cole have tried it out as well myself, although
different times. Trevor has also. Vincent ended up in the feathers,
which I got the distinct impression had more an impact than the usual.
We also did the joust circuit but it was not the same as the last. When
we found they kept having us joust each other, some other indiscretions,
we decided under principle to take our leave. I hear the next joust will
be back to normal." That was about all he could think of at the
moment, least in that area. Dark eyes trained on their King before
sliding a glance spared between Aiden and Cole. They could fill in any
holes he left.
He was
listening as he half leaned on his desk, at the cleared off end of it.
This way he was facing them all at the same time easily. "Vincent
tried it out." Lazare he could see but was mildly
surprised Vincent had. Then again if Lazare was going to, that might be
the founding reason. "Feathers?" A good laugh followed,
"indeed. I wish I had been there to see it as well Karl." The
talk on the joust had a slight frown. "I've not heard of them
pitting ones from the same lands against each other. I was given a
report." Shaking his head, "a pity and I don't blame you for
leaving. The idea behind having a joust amongst other lands is to pit
your skills against ones that show up, not each other. We can do that
here. I'm pleased to hear it will be back to normal next time."
Taking a pause for a drink as he considered all spoken, tracing glance
from Gabriel to Aiden and Cole.
"The
water gauntlet is proving to be quite popular. Even Lady Maureen
attempted it." He sat on the other side of Cole, his expression
thoughtful. "Beyond that things have been fairly quiet in the
lands." He looked toward the other two for confirmation on that.
Giving
a nod in agreement, Cole didn't particularly have anything to add,
seeing as the discussion ran the gamut from the water gauntlet to the
disastrous joust of the past week or so. For now, he continued his
silence.
It was
time for him to go silent with a look given Aiden and back. Taking the
time for a drink which he nursed. He had some earlier and intended to
keep all his wits sharp, too much and he'd be too lax and he talked
enough already.
There
was a twitch of a smile as they were looking amongst themselves as if
there was a bit more they came for this night than talking on general
events of late. "I might give this gauntlet a try myself. If Lazare,
Vincent and Trevor have then it would be the challenge to do."
Gabriel had talked to him before so maybe it had something to do along
those lines. "How has your gift of flight been coming along
Gabriel?" Knowing as well these two comrades knew about it. He
didn't know if he told any of the others besides his comrades and
that would be left to him, except for Karl which he already alerted him
when they had the discussion.
He gave
a slight nod then paused when Peter asked Gabriel a question. A hint of
a smile appeared and he glanced at Gabriel. He could answer first then
Aiden would get to his suggestion and also tell Peter of his own gift.
"Things
have been progressing at a fast pace. Wings have gotten stronger, even
bigger. I found I can carry
another when I fly. I've also been practicing with the bow and arrow
while in flight." Which brought him to the new development.
"There seems to be much more to all of this. I was having a lot of
very strange dreams, vivid ones like I was there in some ancient time
and place when strange beasts traveled the world. Or, it was some
other world and lifetime. There were words I didn't understand but soon
another appeared who also has wings. His name is Raphael and he hopes to
set up as a wainwright for the lands. It is through him, most has been
made clear and even more information," glancing between Aiden and
Cole for it would be up to them to tell of their parts before focus was
once more on Peter. "It seems Raphael was my brother in that long
ago time and a bond between us that would not be broken by even time,
finally finding each other and my memories being restored." It was
a long story which he would be
willing
to tell at a more convenient time and not take up his comrades' time
too. He knew Aiden had a couple things to talk on in the least.
He
nodded as he listened, eyes intent on Gabriel. A wonderful gift that
could serve the lands and himself well. "I would like to hear it in
fuller detail at a more convenient time. Perhaps then we can also talk
on how this gift can serve the kingdoms." He well noticed the
glance given Aiden especially as sienna eyes turned there in
expectation. "It would seem you have more to add, Aiden?" Then
to the quiet Cole. "Perhaps you as well?"
"Aye,
I do. Though I've something else I'd also like to ask. However, that can
wait for now. It seems that I too, have a connection to Gabriel and
Raphael from that time. I kept being followed by shadows that blended
into me, though it was Gabriel that saw them. Turns out that I'm able to
manipulate shadows though not yet as well as I had. The thing is, they
have a solidness to them. I was able to use them in various ways, and
that's what I'm learning now." As he spoke, the small cat appeared
on the desk beside Peter. "Except for that one. It seems to have a
mind of its own." Indeed the cat shadow seemed to give Aiden a look
before it settled there in that self-satisfied way cats had.
"Your
familiar, Aiden." Cole finally piped up at that, but held his peace
on the rest. It was not something he'd necessarily come to terms with in
his own mind, let alone acquired a sufficient measure of control over.
And he could not be certain it had any connection whatsoever to Gabriel,
Raphael or Aiden.
Peter
listened as he noted the cat on his desk next to him. Although very
close in looks to a real cat, there was something else about it even he
could see. Well, there were reasons but Peter's gifts had not completely
awaken as in realizing certain things were not of the norm he thought
were. He reached over to carefully pet it. The brief hesitation as one
would with an unfamiliar animal even if a pet. "I agree with Cole
that most likely this is your familiar that goes with the gift. As
Gabriel had mentioned in a prior conversation of the redwing blackbird
that shows up. Usually they are around because the gift attracts them
from another level or existence to attach. Some call them totems,
guides, they come to help. It is wise not to ignore them or think they
are insignificant." He noticed Cole didn't bring up any gift as now
two his comrades possessed. Peter was not surprise, they might notice
but then he was amongst many with extraordinary perceptions and gifts.
"I would like to work with you both soon and see your gifts
firsthand." He would know more that way and already thoughts on
approaching certain kingsmen to help at least Aiden and Gabriel, so far,
in development. There was a logical connection in the why but he would
need to speak to them first out of due respect, as well Karl.
The cat
reacted much as any cat would, arching its back under Peter's hand
before leaping down and fading into the shadows beneath the desk. Aiden
made a slight face, glancing at Cole with a questioning look before he
looked back to the King. "Of course, Sire, you only need say when.
As far as the other ... it's a suggestion. When we were in Daurenia, our
division of knights had a name. Though I know it's not a necessity, it
did instill a sense of comradery beyond the norm. We consider one
another brothers, not just the three of us, but all. But it would be an
extra uniting." He was hoping he made sense. "I suggested
Knight Defenders of Innis Daingneach. I think my comrades agree."
He didn't look at either, knowing if not, they would say so!
At the
silence, Cole nodded, letting that serve as his response. He was here
with Aiden in a show of support for the notion; words seemed unnecessary
and redundant.
He
agreed in which he gave a nod. Definitely dark eyes in focus on both
Peter and Aiden as he listened, leaving the floor to them.
"I
support the idea for those very reasons. It unites as well gives the
sense of pride that goes with the title. I could suggest, Knight
Defenders of the Realms as you defend not only Innis but all the sister
castles as needed. Especially since you are stationed in Heathfield.
Which is another matter, just as a heads up as we need not get into it
at the moment in changing the subject. I have told my father of my
knights and he wishes to meet you all. Have a feast in your honor. The
name once chosen will need to be agreed upon by Lancely, Calhoun and
Ian. An extra ensign, design, can be added to your tunics and the like
to show you are of this division." Leaving them respond to the
alternate suggestion. "Have you spoken with Calhoun, Lancely and
Ian by chance?" He doubted they would find stumbling blocks with
them.
"Being
that there are other knights in the other lands, I didn't want to
presume. I have no objection to the name, myself. And I have not spoken
to them as of yet, because I wanted to see what you thought." A
smile appeared as he continued. "I've gotten used to discussing
things with Gabriel and Cole as in the past. It just happened that I
asked what they thought before speaking to you." And he was glad of
their support!
"Other
knights may wish their own special title suited to special regiments
under their respective kings and queens. With that in mind, it would be
good to leave it as Knight Defenders of Innis Daingneach. Since it was
your idea, Aiden," least he was the spokesman on this idea, well
noticing Cole and Gabriel had gone quiet to keep the conversation
flowing between him and Aiden without distractions. "I ask that you
talk to the remaining three and see what they think. All six will bear
the same title. I have other knights but your division here is different
than most of them." Eventually there would be a few in Innis to
bear the title also as well as knight. "Once you see to this and
all are in agreement, or if you should amend the title for a better
liking, come to see me and we shall work on a design to show this new
title."
"Thank
you, sire. I'll speak to them as soon as possible and get back to
you." Likely on the training field in the morning.
He had
nothing to add and considered Peter's words a dismissal. Rising to his
feet, he bowed and backed away to wait for Gabriel and Aiden.
He rose
from his seat as the talk was winding down and he was sure Peter
was as tired as they were by this time.
"I
arrived this evening and will have a few matters to see to over the next
day or so, so the day to work with you in particular will probably be in
about two days. I will draw you out from the regular practice,"
possibly with a few kingsmen in tow. Time would tell as he was up to
clasp each of their shoulders in turn. "I will see you on the
king's field come dawn. Best we all get some rest." He was more
than tired, exhausted for the weeks away in a madhouse of diplomatic
intrigues, he'd rather be on the battlefield with a sword than words and
a pen.
He had
stood when his companions did and now he nodded. "Good night to
you, Sire." He saluted as he stepped back once Peter had clasped
his shoulder and moved back. "At dawn, your Majesty."
Addressing him with the respect the man was due.
"Good
night, sire. Rest well." He nodded to the instructions and followed
Aiden out.
Gabriel
saluted Peter with a fisted hand over his heart, bow of his head before
stepping back as he straightened. "Good night, until tomorrow,
sire." Turning then on a heel as he headed out, not keeping Peter
from his bed any longer this night.
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