line up the dominoes / a light wind blows

[standvastig]

Where: Heliodor
When: A few years after Hendrik's promotion
Summary: A seemingly petty curse. A terrible incident on the battlefield.

[In the moments he is conscious enough to string awareness together, he sees blue. A blue sky. Light filtering through the trees. He tries to hold on to that sense, but it blurs under the pressure and pain of everything he feels. A wooden wagon, its wheels rolling over stones and holes in the road. Flashes of cold that bite into him when his skin doesn't feel hot and sweaty. Pain, pain, pain--

A particularly rocky patch of road jostles him against the burlap that provides little protection on the wagon, and merciful darkness takes him.

The field medics fight what the healers cannot, trying to keep General Hendrik's fever down while stemming the blood flow from the grievous wound that took the man's right arm. The giver of the wound -- a nightmarish dragon with teeth capable of piercing plate and chain both -- has the knights rushing back to Heliodor, touting more injured than previous campaigns.

The crowds that see the knights drag themselves back to the castle grounds cannot do much more than look on in shock.]

Comments

[standvastig]

Mm.

[Once he is done putting some things away, Hendrik glances over at the large stallion before looking at Jasper. Though they have not spent a great deal of time together, he knows just how strong and intelligent the horse is.]

I have been thinking about what to do with him. Going forward.

[leitstern]

His Majesty did comment that you are considering your future.

[Hendrik has been a topic of conversation. One driven by his concerns that go unspoken - until His Majesty decides to break his reality and ask anyway. He turns to look at Hendrik.]

Have you decided upon a path?

[standvastig]

[King Carnelian had commented on more than one occasion to take his time considering his future, and not to be in a rush through recovery. It is unfortunately no secret that rushing recovery simply makes matters worse.

There is a rather significant silence as Hendrik thinks about his decided path. Though he has spent a few days thinking about it now, there is still heartache attached it whatever decision he makes.]

Jasper, will you take Obsidian as your warhorse?

[leitstern]

[The comment fills the stable with silence; a nervous peace that makes the hairs on his neck stand on end. Eyes glance aside and his lips drop into a frown.

His shoulders already bear enough burdens. Obsidian is not counted amongst them but knowing every time he climbs in the saddle why he is there? It takes time to offer his response - a carefully considered one.]

Hendrik. Whenever I climb into the saddle I shall remember why I am there. How might I overcome that?

[standvastig]

[It isn't an immediate rejection. That fact calms Hendrik's heart enough that he can focus on piecing together some sort of answer.]

By becoming Obsidian's friend. By not letting this be about me and you, but about you and Obsidian. You need someone by your side, and he needs someone to carry into battle.

[And if he can be selfish for a moment...]

I will rest well knowing both of you have each other's company.

[leitstern]

We hardly understand each other. Less so when it comes to being companions.

[Jasper glances over his shoulder; the horse in question within earshot. He avoids Hendrik's surprisingly balanced argument and focuses on his friend's companion. He wrinkles his nose.]

The beast would probably throw me off his back.

[standvastig]

[Silence. The rather disappointed look on Hendrik's face clearly shows what he thinks of Jasper's comments, eyes sad and frown a bit offended. He averts his eyes rather than let his offended feelings lead to intense focus.]

It sounds like you have made up your mind. About 'the beast.'

[leitstern]

Hendrik, had I determined to refuse you, I would have commented so.

[Voice and tone are sharp - rude but honest in striving to make his point. He can think of serious affairs like these on his feet but Hendrik means more to him than a few seconds. He decides to elaborate.]

I only require time to gather my thoughts on the matter. Surely you can afford me a day?

[standvastig]

I cannot say I am heartened by your response.

[The disappointment carries into Hendrik's tone, but his expression slowly returns to a neutrally somber one.]

Very well. My request is selfish one, after all.

[With a quiet sigh, he glances once more at Obsidian before moving to leave the stables.]

Shall we head inside?

[leitstern]

[Jasper turns his back and closes his eyes. His expression is tighly controlled and guarded as he follows his friend outside the stables. His somber mood is lifted by the hope the other man will ignore the matter; better yet forget. Riding another man's trusted steed is stepping above one's station. He is hardly averse to taking command but still...

Gauntlets and legplates clink as metal scrapes togeher - the changing scent of the outdoors a welcome change.]

As you wish. I doubt we have much left to speak of out here.

[standvastig]

Indeed.

[The way back into the castle is quiet, save for the sounds of insects as the weather warms. He opens the way inside with a grunt and a frown, but is soon walking back to the main corridors where their rooms are located.]

I presume you have been very busy.

[leitstern]

[Transistioning from the outdoor smells and sounds of the castle to walking through its interior leaves Jasper longing for the former. He is walking past empty spaces, knowing when regular patrols shall make them occupied. He says nothing of his thoughts and follows his friend towards the corridors leading towards their quarters.

His answer takes a few seconds.]

More than busy, friend. I think you appreciate how.

[Hendrik had commanded a regiment of men. He has to know the work involved.]

[standvastig]

I do.

[While he had hardly been a verbose person before, Hendrik speaks even more concisely now, almost to the point of rudeness in some cases. He rubs at his injured arm as he walks.]

Is there any progress in finding a new general?

[leitstern]

Hardly.

[The uncomfortable air Jasper surrounds himself with makes him cold in many different ways. He closes himself away. He speaks with few words. He swallows willingness to elaborate and seeks to end the matter.]

I should not wish to associate myself with another man the way I became friends with you.

[standvastig]

You are not obligated to be friends with them.

[It is clearly a different matter where Obsidian is concerned.]

Unless you intend to be the only general, you should have help.

[leitstern]

[Jasper stops walking. He turns on Hendrik, folding his arms across his chest in one protective motion.]

Hendrik, when I need help, I will take it.

[He clenches his fingers but refuses to indulge in twisting his hair.]

For a man attempting to reliquish his warhorse, you take a curious interest in my ability to manage. Why is that?

[standvastig]

[Was he expecting that question? No. But it doesn't particularly surprise Hendrik, after the way he had reacted to the request earlier.]

Because I am very aware of your absence more so than your presence.

[His next response is even more blunt.]

You said it yourself. He is a warhorse. He deserves to live out his potential.

[leitstern]

[Jasper is blunt in tone if not word. He refuses to back down and occupies the same side of the corridor that they were walking upon.]

Do you not comprehend the irony of telling me this whilst refusing to fulfil your potential, Hendrik? Perhaps I am as troubled by your absence as you are mine. A fact you seem to ignore.

[standvastig]

[Hendrik lifts his chin at Jasper's response, eyes intense with agitation. For a moment, he seems about ready to respond, when instead he holds his tongue and averts his eyes to beyond the other man.

And he walks past him to continue down the hall.]

[leitstern]

[Agitation charges the atmosphere. Air coaleseces. Jasper inhales deeply and closes his eyes. His mouth opens and words are preparted in a moment; instead he clenches his fist and releases his anger by releasing his fingers.

Hendrik walks away. He puts his best foot forward but struggles to move; rooted to the spot as his own eyes narrow and intense with emotion. His face grimaces at what his friend requires to resolve this situation - the conflict with his pride too great to manage alone.

He turns on his heel and walks the opposite way down the hall.]