And the sunlight hurts my eyes

[leitstern]

Where: Puerto Valor
When: Before Dundrasil
Summary: Vacation

Comments

[standvastig]

Of course some would make for faster friends than others.

[They did not become friends right away.]

But you are there to learn together. I did not know everyone who was sent to Puerto Valor either.

[He's trying to rationalize Jasper's experiences, but still finding himself woefully unable to understand his friend's comments.]

What does that have to do with being true to themselves?

[leitstern]

They were honest in enjoying each other's company.

[He frowns at the memory of finding it hard. They both know he has an attitude that most cannot understand.
He looks around the beach at their fellow knights and finds himself curious.]

Did you make friends here?

[standvastig]

[Hendrik stares at Jasper for a long moment, unsure what to say. He knows of course that his friend is pretty aloof and sometimes hard to get along with, but interacting day in and day out should have helped with matters like that, right?]

I did. After I was more confident I was keeping up with lessons and training.

[leitstern]

[That makes Jasper pause. Was he forgotten easily? He looks around at the men his friend embraces and finds himself unable to enjoy their company as deeply. Is his company judged too dry these days? He finds himself moved to the point he looks back at the bar. A drink will surely help his mood.]

Good for you. I would not have wanted you to suffer alone.

[standvastig]

[Perhaps it's how Jasper looks away and to the bar, or maybe it's his mood throughout this entire conversation, but Hendrik's slight frown turns stormy.]

That sounds rather insincere of you.

[leitstern]

There is no need to accuse me of insincerity.

[The accusation draws his attention: a frown of confusion that his closest friend accuses and points his finger.

Figuratively speaking.]

You know me better than that, surely?

[standvastig]

You have been in a mood this entire time, Jasper. What am I to think when you cannot even look at me as you say that?

[He takes a deep breath and releases it, finally turning to drink his beer. He's been paying so much attention to Jasper that he's barely touched it. The lemony sourness doesn't help much, but he's resolute in finishing the drink.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper turns his gaze, across Hendrik and his irritation, out towards the ocean. It is a different sight to the frozen waters of the north. Welcoming, warm, calming and peaceful. He pushes off the table and leaves his chair - still looking elsewhere.]

You need think nothing. I am heading out.

[For a walk? Down towards the beacon to resume swimming. It is, perhaps, one of those rare times he doesn't escalate the argument. He simply wishes not to argue at all.]

[standvastig]

Fine.

[Hendrik doesn't attempt to hide his irritation at Jasper's abrupt decision, the hand around his tankard clenching tight in reaction.

He also doesn't bother to watch Jasper leave.]