life is changing everyday

[standvastig]

Where: Heliodor Castle
When: Act III
Summary: Growth

[Time passes. Days turn into weeks, and the steady heat of summer becomes somewhat oppressive as the days grow longer. As the days churn on, murmurs of birthdays ebb through the castle. Hendrik isn't sure when he becomes aware of Jasper's approaching birthday; after so many years spent distant, it doesn't register as readily as he would have liked.

But he does hear about it, and ponders what in the world he should do. He doesn't particularly recall Jasper having big parties; neither of them did, more content to keep to celebrating with special foods and then going off to play. Or getting together with some of the knights and getting some drinks.

But now? Should he be cautious? ...Should he simply ask?]

Comments

[standvastig]

[Ah. There is immediately an awkward feeling taking shape in Hendrik's chest. He turns his attention to Jasper.]

I was speaking to Obsidian. You and I-- er, riding was never--

[It wasn't something they did together as a pastime. So why would Jasper ask that?]

...Would you want to go riding?

[leitstern]

[Jasper narrows his eyes and focuses on this new argument, small as it seems. There is cold delight in leaving this confident man a fretful bag of nerves.

He particularily doesn't want to think about it now.]

Perhaps. I would enjoy vacating the castle and avoiding a crowd when my birthday rolls around.

[Except, well, passing through the town means passing through the crowd.]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik slowly nods. Of course. It makes perfect sense to him that Jasper would want to avoid people if there was a celebration of some sort. His birthday would especially mean there would be people seeking him out.]

Then ... let us make a day of it. For your birthday. We leave early to avoid the crowds and return late.

[This proposal completely lacks any minding of work for the day, but that is future Hendrik's problem.]

[leitstern]

[The proposal lacks foresight and Jasper considers admonishing Hendrik for that alone. Time is something that is sacrified in service - but has he not sacrificed enough?

His eyes close in thought. Nerves are calmed when his heart is lifted by appreciation.]

Start as we mean to go on, you mean?

[standvastig]

[He's quickly realizing (remembering) that he is not good at making plans on the fly. There is a reason why Jasper is the war tactician. He is much more comfortable doing in the moment, which in this case would mean leaping on Obsidian's back and proposing they go riding right now.

The thought makes him strangely nostalgic, though it isn't something he recalls doing before. Carefree spontaneity is very much for the young.]

Are you opposed? I would understand if you are. It is-- It is rather unplanned.

[leitstern]

Two days is plenty of time to make arrangements.

[Jasper shakes his head. Golden eyes open and reveal worry and disappointment - the fear Hendrik will let him down again in life.]

I would say it affords us an opening in our schedules, but you are terrible for thinking ahead.

[standvastig]

[Hendrik almost misses the shift in Jasper's expression, fretful and fighting for composure as he is. There's no time to congratulate himself on being somewhat observant, as his old friend is already speaking -- and speaking disappointingly of him.]

...It is not, usually.

[It's been years since he properly celebrated his birthday.]

But there is much to plan in the meantime. Meals. Supplies.

[...That's what comes to mind, at least. Meals. Supplies. Maybe he is overestimating.]

[leitstern]

[That fear refuses to vanish as plenty of ideas come to mind. Gifts. Meals. Supplies.]

Surprises.

[He expects something special.]

[standvastig]

[The suggestion makes Hendrik blink a few times, his contemplative frown giving way for a faint smile as he acknowledges Jasper with a nod.]

Mm. Surprises.

[He has no idea what he can possibly surprise Jasper with, but the fact that he said something at all is worth his focus.

He will try. He will.]