Post by Salvatore Deliambre on Feb 18, 2015 11:07:16 GMT -5
There was raw potential in everyone, Tory knew, and for many, all they needed was the slightest encouragement to refine it into true gold. He knew how many rough edges he’d had to polish to reach even this stage of accomplishment, but knew there were still plenty more that required attention. Tory saw that need for encouragement in Gwynevere’s eyes and responded to it, just as the Lord Marshal had done for him. “You are a brave lady, so I think there is more excitement than fear, yes?” He smiled, but not patronizingly or indulgingly, just in understanding as his brow rose. “I wouldn’t say you were either, Lady Gwynevere. Dreams are meant to be achieved. If anything, I think you are being mature in accepting that their achievement will require work and effort on your part.” Tory spoke sincerely, his eyes meeting hers.
The smile eased a little as she shifted the topic back onto the knights and the roles they held in the security of the kingdom. Often, Tory wondered about the impact his place had on his sisters, knowing they were forced to wait behind impotently. Fortunately, both the Lord Marshal and the Captain were men who viewed their soldiers as men, not merely counters on a playing board. “You and I are of like mind on that point, my lady, and I believe if you ask my sisters, they too would share your opinion.” The next question sparked a laugh out of him before he nodded. “It was. I am far down the family tree in House Deliambre, so I quickly realized that if I wanted to be more, I had to aim high. In that, I have been fortunate, for my cousin the Duke is a generous man. He recognized my desire and helped me along to it. Few of our House take up the sword, preferring the sea.”
He laughed again at her quip, not necessarily one who subscribed to the notion of fate, per se, or predestination. Coincidence, however, Tory was not precisely oblivious to right now. Allowing himself the brief glance to admire the sparkle of her eyes, he swiftly reminded himself that the lady was young and the much-cherished sister of his brother knight. He had a responsibility to protect the lady without crossing certain boundaries.
The question made him smile wistfully. “It is no intrusion. As I mentioned before, my House is primarily made of those who sail the seas of Archades and beyond. We are taught to study the heavens as children, the better to learn navigation based on that bright star there. So long as we can see that star, we know that we can always find our way home. Simple, perhaps a little silly… but it has always stayed in my mind.” Tory realized then it had been a year or two since he and Carlotta had last been in Catanara, yet duty often kept them in Bordelaix. They would have to be sure to meet up with the family when they arrived in Bordelaix.
@gwyneveredeschenes
The smile eased a little as she shifted the topic back onto the knights and the roles they held in the security of the kingdom. Often, Tory wondered about the impact his place had on his sisters, knowing they were forced to wait behind impotently. Fortunately, both the Lord Marshal and the Captain were men who viewed their soldiers as men, not merely counters on a playing board. “You and I are of like mind on that point, my lady, and I believe if you ask my sisters, they too would share your opinion.” The next question sparked a laugh out of him before he nodded. “It was. I am far down the family tree in House Deliambre, so I quickly realized that if I wanted to be more, I had to aim high. In that, I have been fortunate, for my cousin the Duke is a generous man. He recognized my desire and helped me along to it. Few of our House take up the sword, preferring the sea.”
He laughed again at her quip, not necessarily one who subscribed to the notion of fate, per se, or predestination. Coincidence, however, Tory was not precisely oblivious to right now. Allowing himself the brief glance to admire the sparkle of her eyes, he swiftly reminded himself that the lady was young and the much-cherished sister of his brother knight. He had a responsibility to protect the lady without crossing certain boundaries.
The question made him smile wistfully. “It is no intrusion. As I mentioned before, my House is primarily made of those who sail the seas of Archades and beyond. We are taught to study the heavens as children, the better to learn navigation based on that bright star there. So long as we can see that star, we know that we can always find our way home. Simple, perhaps a little silly… but it has always stayed in my mind.” Tory realized then it had been a year or two since he and Carlotta had last been in Catanara, yet duty often kept them in Bordelaix. They would have to be sure to meet up with the family when they arrived in Bordelaix.
@gwyneveredeschenes