Prince and his Knight.

[longwinded]

As a young Prince, John was granted to have one Knight around him at all times. The top of the newest class, the strongest in the Kingdom. That was what John wanted, and he would have no less. That was how he met Dave, a stunning young man who....didn't say very much, but was certainly worthy of fighting by his Lord's side. The age difference wasn't too stunning. John a mere seventeen and Dave in his mid twenties, it wasn't long before they became friends. It wasn't like this was a shocker to John, he and Dave had many things in common and sometimes the line between being a Lord and a Knight and just being two regular best friends was extremely blurred.

"Dave!" John calls out to his Knight. It seems that something is deeply troubling him.

It's the start of a new chapter in young John's life. Rumors of him being married off to the Princess in the neighboring Kingdom were running high and it was something that was giving him quite a hard time. It was his loyal Knight Dave that got most of the whining about this. He was a quiet and patient fellow, one that would actually listen to him when he needed to speak.

He doesn't even wait for Dave to acknowledge that he's been called. "We are going out for a little while, could you prepare the horses?" Which usually meant a conversation in the woods was about to happen. John needed to blow off steam.

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[longwinded]

John was rather thankful he had Dave by his side. Any of the other knights just wouldn't have been what John was looking for. It went unsaid most of the time, but John had also been looking for someone he could call his friend. Dave was perfectly that, even if he didn't speak.

He prepares his riding gear in his bedroom, forgoing the assistance of maids. He was quite old enough to do all of this himself! When he finishes up he goes down to the stables and pats his horse on it's nose. What a good horse. He reaches over and pats Dave's too- both giving head shakes in their gratitude. "Diligent and quick as always. Thank you Dave." He hopped up on to the saddle of his horse and took the reins.

He would wait for Dave before taking off.

[rememberstime]

You aren't a true knight if you aren't one hundred percent loyal to whom you served. At least, that's what Dave thought. It seemed rather flimsy if you couldn't agree to following every order given to you. You're weak if you couldn't physically accomplish every order too.

Dave gives John a nod and a bow before he moves to climb into his horse. He runs his fingers through the mane gently before patting the side of her face lightly. Dave was always very fond of his steed, and it was very obvious he took care of the horses very well. They deserved it.

He waits for John's move, waiting to see where John wanted to go.

[longwinded]

He gives his steed a gentle kick and he was on his way. Riding off into the woods, where they always went. But it seemed like John was in a bit of a hurry this time to get away. He coaxed his steed through the winding paths in the woods, feeling as free as ever as the wind went through his hair.

It would be at least twenty minutes of riding before John found the spot where he wanted to be. It was deep in the woods where no on could possibly find them on a good day. He lets his steed trot around before she comes to an obedient halt. He hops down and takes her to the stream not but ten feet away. He assumes Dave is right behind him.

[rememberstime]

Dave always stays right behind John. He gives John space so he can be ahead as the leader, but close enough that if he senses danger, he can easily push ahead to protect John. That's how it always is. Dave gets down and gently leads his horse to the stream, still behind John.

He waits quietly as usual. John will speak to him when he wants to. He must never inquire the other and force him to speak. He was not in a position where he should do that anyways. John was above him and doing anything that the other may not like was a terrible offense in his mind. So he waits until John wants to speak to him.

[longwinded]

He waits a good ten minutes before speaking, gather his thoughts before forming anything close to a sentence that didn't sound whiny and immature. The King and Queen just failed to think of what John really wanted. Sure he was prime for marrying. But he didn't want to. He just. Didn't want to.

"The rumors are starting back fresh." He gives Dave a look. "The whispers are that I will be married off to the Princess of the neighboring Kingdom, and soon." He's only seventeen, did all teenagers get married off this young?

"I know it is not custom to question your parents, Dave. But. What if I were not willing to get married to the Princess? What if I desired something different? Like adventure." Not that he and Dave didn't get enough of that going horseback riding- but! "It irks me that I do not ever get a say in anything." Why didn't the system work that way. Why were people so stuck in their ways?

"Do you recall the last ball our Kingdom's had?" He pauses. "Of course you remember. You were there." Of course Dave was there, and dressed in what John wanted him to wear. That was a good night indeed, getting Dave all cleaned up. "She gazed at me from across the table. At first I was made to believe it was because she had eyes for me. But no! Do not be fooled by her. Those were eyes of distaste and disgust. I am in full belief that she does not want to marry me as much as I do not wish to marry her."

[rememberstime]

Dave keeps his face neutral. He never wavers. Wavering would be a sign of weakness and he couldn't let that happen. As long as people thought he were unmoving, he might as well be. It made him intimidating and it made him formidable. Mostly, he isn't sure what John wants him to do other than to listen. He can't exactly stop an arranged marriage. He does give a nod to signal that he is listening to the other.

Haha, questioning your parents. That might have hit closer to home than John realizes, but Dave shows no sign of it. That was a past he threw away and buried. There was no reason for it to get dug up here. He must keep his attention on somehow comforting the young heir.

Dave taps his chin thoughtfully trying to recall whom John was speaking about. The princess from that kingdom seemed kind enough. But he can imagine her distaste to marrying someone she did not love. He feels a pang of pity for them both. They were young and they had plenty of time for love. But what was he to do about it? What was John to do about it?

[longwinded]

"Do not let my words sway you from how kind she is. But. It is simply that we are not in love. The relationship would yield very distasteful results. This is why I need to do something to convince them to call off all of the whispering." He pats his steed on head and leads her to a place where she graze for a bit. John looks so defeated over this entire situation.

He moves to settle into the grassy area, laying back with his hands behind his head. Sometimes he wished Dave could protect him from the arranged marriage. But there was no way in hell Dave would defy the King and Queen. He is far too loyal for that. But that is what he likes about Dave, his loyalty and his trustworthiness.

"I greatly appreciate you listening to me go on about this, and I am truly sorry you have had to be the one to deal with it."

[rememberstime]

Dave doesn't lead his. He lets her wander where she likes. She's a smart horse and will not venture too far and always knows when to return to Dave. He likes that about her, but she is just that loyal to him.

He doesn't take a seat next to John. He continues standing, looming over him in that protective fashion of his. Mostly, he doesn't want to get lazy, so he continues standing.

When John apologizes, Dave just shakes his head. John needs not to apologize. It isn't a bother and Dave is the last person he should apologize to deal with John and his problem. He presses a fist over his heart like signaling that this is what he's here for. He doesn't mind in the least.

[longwinded]

The two horses probably stay near one another. They won't wander too far without their masters. Dave's steed also seemed to keep his own in line as well. So that was a positive. John doesn't worry about them, and keeps his eyes trained on his knight.

He appreciates that gesture more than Dave knows, he appreciates having someone who doesn't get fed up with all of his petty whining. But there is one thing that has to stop, that over protective looming. John was as well trained a swordsman as any other young male in the Kingdom.

"You may take a seat beside of me, Dave." He gingerly pats the spot next to him. "We are too deep in the woods to worry about any one coming after us. We just have to keep a watchful eye on the sun, as to not return back to the castle too late."

[rememberstime]

Even if John were the most skilled fighter in all the lands, Dave will not lower his guard. Sometimes he can be loyal to a fault. It is his job to keep John safe and he will go at any lengths for that to happen. Even if it makes him seem overprotective and even annoying.

He shakes his head in response. He's okay with standing. Honest. You get used to wearing armor and standing on your feet all day when you've done it for as long as he has. Sorry John.

[longwinded]

It was a little taxing at times, especially when this was a time to come out and relax. He will look to Dave with the most sincere look on his face. He then points at a patch of grass right next to him. "Dave, I assure you that nothing will happen if you sit down for a few moments. There is absolutely nothing in these woods that would bring us to harm."

John is not okay with Dave standing. All of the armor has to get heavy.

[rememberstime]

Dave shakes his head again. He's not all that bothered by the armor and he refuses to sit down. You're going to try harder than that, John. This knight is unmoving. He is basically a rock. Dave doesn't wear heavy armor anyways. He's got an edge when it comes to speed so he can't weigh himself down with full on armor.

[longwinded]

"Dave. Sit down. That is an order. You are at ease in this very moment until we head back."

He didn't want to have to order Dave around. That isn't what he wanted to do. He rarely spoke to Dave with direct orders. Usually it was requests and questions if he wanted something. He really doesn't understand that it is for his safety and nothing else.

Dave was only fulfilling the cuties he was sworn in to do.

[rememberstime]

Dave still doesn't move. Instead he raises an eyebrow and frowns just a little. He doesn't quite understand why John is ushering him to sit down so much. It's not like he minds doing what he's doing. Is it all that important to John that he sits? It won't change much other than he will be sitting versus standing.

He doesn't understand why John is so adamant about this.

[longwinded]

He doesn't understand why Dave won't stop over protecting him. He is just fine right now. The Kingdom is in order, there are no planned or known attacks. He supposes he really can't stop Dave if this is what he wants to do. Another good and solid clarification to John that Dave has his back.

"I apologize for being so brash towards you. I honestly appreciate what you do."

[rememberstime]

Dave just tilts his head at this point. First you want him to sit and now you're apologizing for it. He understands nothing right now, John. You're just confusing him more and more.

And he has no way of asking if John really wants him to sit or not. That would require speaking. Haha, no.

[longwinded]

Well he's apologizing because Dave looked a little taken aback. He was raised to be polite, of course. But he really wants Dave to sit with him. It's just another hurdle really, proper communication is a little hard when talking just isn't possible.

Man John was an expert at making everything really awkward. He wants to apologize for that too, but he just kind of sits in silence. They could watch the sunset from here if they wanted. But that would probably be breaking some kind of rule since they aren't supposed to stay out until dark.

[rememberstime]

Dave falters a bit before finally setting himself down. He's sitting but he chooses a suitable position in which he can quickly get back to his feet if need be. It's kind of a compromise. Dave doesn't seem to be the type that really relaxes, but at least it's an effort of some kind.

[longwinded]

But there would be no need to spring back onto his feet, and John would look at Dave with a bright smile on his face. He doesn't look exactly relaxed, but it's a start! Perhaps he could get Dave to relax one of these days.

"See? A million times better than standing, correct?" John really doesn't want the sun to set, it's a nice day!

[rememberstime]

Dave just nods. It would be impolite to just shrug after all! He doesn't really mind standing though. Sitting is nice, he supposes. It seems to have cheered John up that he had sat down, so it isn't like it's hurting anyone. And if John is in a better mood, than he guesses that he rather sit then. For the sake of John's mood.

[longwinded]

John was actually rather delighted to have Dave by his side down here. Even if it was only for the sake of John's mood it seems to have perked him right back up. He crosses his legs and looks back at Dave.

"Nature is wonderful, is it not? I picked this spot long ago because it gives you a full understanding of nature. It is everything you could ever ask for in a relaxation spot." In the spring, there were a lot of flowers! He would have to take Dave back here in the spring.

[rememberstime]

Dave nods at that and smiles lightly. Nature is nice. He snaps his fingers lightly and Lohac(horses need a fucking name okay) comes trotting back pressing her nose against Dave's cheek. Someone like Dave would be the type to immerse himself in a lot of these things. Animals seemed to understand Dave a lot more than people, so he tends to stick around them more.

[longwinded]

Such a relationship between a man and his horse is always something wonderful to see, Lohac was a really affectionate horse and Dave was affectionate right back. John had not quite reached that point with Lowas, she tended to a hard head when it came to affection from her owner.

"Dave, have you ever wanted to try something but it just seemed...out of what society thinks is normal?" This was probably a silly question, in the best respect. He whistles for Lowas, they should probably head back soon.

[rememberstime]

Dave ponders John's question for a moment. Was he in a place where answering yes was acceptable? But he would never lie to John so he does nod. He would love to do something of the sort, but he doesn't think that will ever happen. He would not risk it. He fears punishment and he avoids it at all costs.

He isn't sure what he'd do anyways, but he often thinks of what things would be like if he could do things differently he guesses.

[longwinded]

The answer was solid for John. He wonders if he and Dave are on the same page. It has been something that he has thought about a number of times since he and Dave had met. Not right off the bat, no. It had been a little while before he started making assumptions based on his feelings.

He had even tried to convince himself it was not a real attraction, that it had just been something fleeting. But it has stayed with him for the longest time. He looks up and nods back at Dave, whispering a bit more harshly for Lowas. When she comes trotting back, he rises and offers his hand to Dave to help him up.

"Any how, we should probably get back in a hurry."