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.

Comments

[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."

[rememberstime]

Dave gets to his feet quickly and gives John a curt nod. He understands. They can't stay out too long and they should hurry back before dark arrives. He moves to get back on Lohac so they can ride back home.

He isn't sure why John asked that. Maybe the other will explain to him why someday. Maybe John just wanted to know. He isn't sure why though.

[longwinded]

He goes to hop on Lowas. Worrying his lip a little on the start of the ride back. He had stepped far enough out of his box to ask Dave this question and there was honestly no turning back. Perhaps on the next ride out they could come back to the spot and talk about it again.

Perhaps he would even be daring enough to ask something of Dave that he was unsure he could provide. He would really have to think about it. He falls back and trots next to Dave's horse.

"What would you say to doing this again at the end of day teachings in a couple of days?"

[rememberstime]

Dave gives John a smile and nods again. But conversation must end for now. Dave ushers John to have supper while he tends to the horses. There's a lot he must do before he goes to sleep, after all. And he's sure John has a lot on his plate himself.

And he likes to spend some time in the stable so he can contemplate John's question.

[longwinded]

One day Dave will let him tend the horses, he knows it. But for now he does rush off to freshen up and go to supper with the King and Queen. He is sure he will be asked questions about the day, and when he is asked he merely replies that he and Dave went out for a ride and to speak of private matters.

In the next few days John will be the most studious of students, and focus solely on his studies so that when he goes out riding again he will be caught up on all of his work and his teacher will let him out early. When the day comes, he presents his work and his teacher makes comment of how wonderful John had been doing that week in his personal studies, and indeed lets him go out for his free time more than two hours early.

At this point he is roaming around the castle looking for Dave.

[rememberstime]

While John is roaming, he might hear an unfamiliar voice. They're obviously male and while they aren't a beautiful singer whom could make a living, they had a pleasantness to their voice. If John tries to find the source of it, he'll find Dave in one of the deserted courtyards. He's singing a hymn and going through the moves of a dance. It's not one for pleasure and entertainment, but one of worship and devotion.

That's definitely Dave singing though. No one else is around.

[longwinded]

That is definitely a voice he has never heard before. So he follows it to the courtyard, and he stands there. Not because Dave is dancing, no. He does these very dances himself when he is in the church doing his worship with the head of religions. It's his voice. John had been convinced that Dave couldn't even so much as say hello.

"Dave?"

It comes out as an unsure statement. He doesn't know if this is someone else or it's actually Dave. He could be dreaming right now!

[rememberstime]

Dave goes quiet as soon as he hears his name. He doesn't jump but stays rooted to the spot, paralyzed. He finally turns and looks at John, panicked and alarmed. He almost looks scared, something that is never present on Dave's face.

He let's out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. He had made sure he was alone. Had it been a passerby, this could easily be brushed off. But this was John. John, whom he was sworn to protect. His stomach lurches a bit and he can feel that dread settle in. Shit.

[longwinded]

"Was that you? Or am I just imagining things? I thought you could not speak? Well, I was told you were unable." He looks a little flabbergasted to be quite honest here, perhaps he and Dave going out in the woods more essential than he thought. Perhaps he could get Dave to talk more?

"I was actually looking for you." He was trying to ease Dave into being calm again, there was no reason to be scared!

[rememberstime]

Dave doesn't say anything. He doesn't move. He just keeps his gaze on John and just gives him a slow nod. Like he's numb. He's trying very hard not to completely lose his shit right now.

[longwinded]

John was curious, that much was true. But he waved for Dave to come with him. He was still intending to go out on this ride with him today. "Dave, you do not have to speak if you do not wish to. But we are still going to go out today."

Oh god, he scared Dave and he has no idea what to do about it. This situation that has been laid before John must be to test his patience. He really has no idea what is going ot happen from here.

[rememberstime]

Dave just...nods again and is quickly shuffling off towards the stables to get the horses ready. He doesn't stick around and it's so obvious that he's using whatever chance he has to distance him from the other for however much time he can. It's shitty and desperate, but he's both of those right now.

He can't quite stomach the idea that he's been caught and by John no less. No one...well no one has heard him speak in awhile. Maybe a few people who happen to pass by, but no one who would ever remember him.

[longwinded]

John takes his time getting to the stables, to give Dave some room of course. He'll just go upstairs and inform mother that he going riding again and that he wouldn't stay out with Dave too far past dark. When he finally gets to the stables he will smile, and give Dave acknowledgement.

"I extended our time out this time so that we can watch the sunset." It was rare mother gave him permission to stay out and come back late for supper.

[rememberstime]

Dave nods in response before holding out the reigns to John. He's somehow even more quiet than usual. Or maybe it's the fact that he's stiff as a board and he still looks nervous.

The fact that he'll be out with John longer than usual is kind of concerning too. He doesn't want to be scared of John, but what if John makes him speak? What if he says something that will merit punishment?

[longwinded]

He takes the reigns and gives Dave a smile. He does worry that Dave is making considerably less sound than usual. Why is he being so careful? John is honest to god wanting to put Dave's mind at ease, but he doesn't know how. John wasn't quite good at this kind of stuff.

"Off we go then. Same spot." He jumps on Lowas and heads off to the same spot and for the sake of roleplaying we're going to say it was a nice ride, sunny and mildly cloudy.

[rememberstime]

If you knew more about his life, you'd probably understand. But Dave never talks about himself. Well, Dave never talks so it makes sense that he also doesn't talk about himself.

He rides with John regardless. Even if he is uncomfortable, he won't skirt his duties and he won't deny John whatever he wishes. John's wants precede his own after all.

[longwinded]

John wanted to understand things about Dave's life. He wanted to understand why he never spoke before, there were oodles of things that made him more than curious. Just, why?

He hops off of Lowas and pats her on the snout. She walks away to graze and get water. The original intention he brought Dave back out here was pressing his mind once more. He would wait for Dave to dismount Lohac.