pactfulfilled: (► But we can't give up now...)
Asbel Lhant ([personal profile] pactfulfilled) wrote in [community profile] sheridan2015-03-27 11:58 pm

[Closed] Alone, awake and thinking of...the weekend we were in love.

[It's been a festive night to say the least. The loud congratulations still ring in his mind, the hearty laughter and the cheers as drinks were passed around, the bits and pieces of "manly advice", the well-wishes and the somewhat perverted jokes. A bachelor party, his bachelor party... all winding down to the big event - the wedding - not two afternoons away now.]

[The quiet halls of the Lhant manor seem almost suffocating by comparison as he half-coaxes, half-drags his little brother into his old bed. How he'd gotten this wasted, Asbel can only guess - Hubert's never made his distaste for drunken merriment a secret, after all.]

[Thankfully, he's not alone, though. He's really not sure if he'd want to be tonight, Hubert non-withstanding. Asbel tries his best to smooth the sheets out a little, his mismatched gaze finally rising to meet that of his best friend.]


I don't know how it happened, but I'm pretty confident he's out...
windork: (09)

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-28 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ Definitely a festive night. Richard had of course come to what he may consider one of the most important events of Asbel's life (save marriage, perhaps children?) without any hesitation. And after all, the night had been definitely very fun, even as he mostly hung back to tease Malik, to notice the action-- not to say he hadn't seen Asbel all night, but he had certainly not been one of the many roaring drunks of the party.

And speaking of roaring, the unconscious young man they were currently tucking into bed had been quite the spectacle. Poor Hubert... Richard highly suspected a certain Captain behind the spiking of his drinks. After all, the boy indeed was very unwilling to lose his self-control.

Richard understood-- being much the same, but in his own way. He had allowed himself drink, but the moment he began to feel so much as lightheaded he had slowed drastically in his efforts, allowing him to maintain a classy level of sobriety. ]


I'll say. He looks extremely comfortable, as well.

[ Snug as a bug in a rug. But in either case, it's the first time he was talking to solely Asbel the whole night. (It was kind of nice.) ]

And how are you holding up, Asbel? [ He's pushing back his fringe slightly, watching his friend. He didn't look particularly upset, but... he seemed awfully low-key for a man celebrating his own wedding. ]
windork: (17)

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-28 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's sweet of Asbel to be so gentle, chuckling lightly at how Hubert seems to subconsciously curl up a bit more once his glasses are plucked off his nose. He can't help but wish sometimes that he had siblings, but-- alas.

Asbel's response was also very level, which wasn't bad, but it made Richard wonder just how much went into planning a wedding. (He wasn't all that excited for his own, knowing it would happen eventually). He must be exhausted. ]


Definitely not. Although there was something very refreshing about that as well.

[ Says the guy who barely let loose the entire night. Well, it was true that simply cracking a joke or two was already leagues better than the stuffiness of the parties thrown at Barona Castle. Richard enjoyed the warmth that this party exuded, and the sheer fun of being with friends. ] Did you enjoy yourself?
windork: (35)

as real as it gets tbh

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-29 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ The king can't help but laugh at the thought of them all being elegant, especially in each other's company. And the townspeople? So enthused. The smile that tugged at his lips was completely genuine, and yet... he felt a slight pang of disappointment that the night was done. Or at least, the main part. Time spent with his best friend flew all too quickly. To think he was to be married--

They were growing up so quickly. ]
I wouldn't do any less for you. It would be unspeakable not to come to your bachelor party.

[ There was a bit of a dramatic flair to his tone, but he was definitely telling the truth. ] If you aren't too tired, perhaps I could take more of your time? It has been awhile since we've seen each other.

[ Richard wasn't sure if he even wanted to head back necessarily. It was late... ]
windork: (04)

i'm never gonna live this one down am I. XD

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-29 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ Stuffy court affairs, huh. But it is likely that it would be a rather reserved event, something that Richard wasn't sure he liked the sound of. Perhaps he could simply invite a few friends over (and perhaps the girls, too. It had been longer still since they had all hung out together). ] I appreciate that.

[ Although he hoped not to have to plan such an event for awhile yet, he knew his responsibilities were catching up to him. There was no time to idly spend his days, not with so much to be done, with the looming ideas of a woman and children hanging heavy over him as well. Which made these rare moments where he could simply live all the sweeter.

Asbel's incredulous agreement has Richard's own expression lightening up, clearly happy to help. Although indeed, this wasn't the place to continue any sort of discussion-- at least they could allow Hubert his rest. ]
And I for you. [ He simply hoped that his future had many more moments like this in wait for him. ]

Perhaps we could use some fresh air? [ He motioned towards the window, the outdoors. It was a beautiful night, the breeze far from bone-chilling. ]
windork: (55)

woeful heart!

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-29 11:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Likewise, Richard feels... more than a little confined within these walls, simply for the amount of chances they can be advised to rest, for the chances that they spend just a little less time together. Despite not showing any concern, well-- he knew that Asbel would likely not realize the time go, nor the time that they would spend together lessen. Or maybe Richard was just too much of a pessimist. ]

Then shall we?

[ He's more than enthusiastic to follow, a little weary but not terribly so. There's something about Asbel's mere presence that invigorates him, inspires him to do so much-- only a step behind him as they head through the hall, catching up with him at the stairs.

Likewise, Richard was sick of all of the barely meetings and rare letters from when they had the chance to write one out. At least this way, they would be properly caught up.

But just where were they headed? ]
Edited (woopsie!) 2015-03-29 11:06 (UTC)
windork: (29)

such poetry

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-29 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, Richard would certainly take you in for a cup of tea and a nice chat, Asbel-- but that was the problem with those kinds of thoughts. They were possible, and therefore all the more tempting to act on.

They're stopping in their tracks, his face questioning before Asbel makes his suggestion. Notably he can tell his friend isn't guilty at all, which has him nearly chuckling again, merely shaking his head. ]


I suppose it was only a matter of time before you had me climbing through windows as well. [ he teased, his own voice low so not as to attract any unwanted attention. As Asbel said, they didn't want to get stopped. He could still remember with clarity the day that a younger Asbel had climbed through the guest room's window, with a young Hubert, Cheria, and Sophie in tow-- still remember just how frightened he was, unsure how to act in the face of possible friendship. And yet... now here he was, conspiring with that very same troublemaker.

He'd very willingly follow aforementioned troublemaker, however, into the study and up the path that led to his desk, and past that still. ]
windork: (50)

[personal profile] windork 2015-03-29 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I do wonder what else you would consider such important experiences, [ he'd answer, amused. Then again, he could only imagine the plethora of responses that could come from that. (-- And then again, he would likely end up going with many of those aforementioned suggestions. Asbel had a way of making him feel lighter than air).

But Richard would reach over the windowsill for Asbel's hand when it was offered, delicately clambering over it and sliding down into the garden, hoping they weren't wreaking too much havoc on the plants ]
--Thank you. [ He'd let go of his friend's hand. ]

[ He looked around at the sheer density of the garden, the flowers making him smile ] Is this all Sophie's doing as well? It's beautiful.
windork: (49)

[personal profile] windork 2015-04-05 03:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A lot of trouble, eh. Again, Richard realizes how old they've been getting lately, feeling a little bittersweet that the punishments now for misconduct were so much greater than when they were children. Then again, the responsibility lent itself to that one. ] Maybe I'll have to pass on the worst of them, then.

[ But he'll slowly come to a crouch before the array of flowers, gloved fingers caressing a petal or two curiously. He was infinitely gentle though; what kind of big brother would he be if he hurt his precious little sister's flowers? ]

I can imagine. I can't say I have much experience tending to plants, myself. Although their beauty is unrivaled.

[ He'll look up at Asbel, curiously ] How has Sophie been doing, lately? I didn't have much time to speak with her before she and the girls went out.

[ Because what would a bachelor party with your wife-to-be and daughter right there be like, right... ]
windork: (02)

[personal profile] windork 2015-04-06 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Asbel's... out of it. It's nothing extreme, but usually he's not nearly this absent-minded. And in the face of his wedding, that was... at least a little concerning to the King. ] That sounds just like her. [ The whole being inquisitive about details. Whereas Asbel's details-- 'I think' and the way he scratched the back of his neck...

No, he was likely just nervous, right? Even if one was getting married to the love of their life, there had to be a stress about all of the different planning aspects. Richard knew he'd get caught up in all of those little details. But Asbel was usually pretty straightforward. ]


And may I ask how excited you are? [ He'll finally straighten up, looking to Asbel and motioning as if he lead the way. This definitely was not 'a little climb', and being so close to the manor meant they were still to be easily found. ]
windork: (56)

[personal profile] windork 2015-04-06 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Richard doesn't question further. He looks veritably concerned, but he can press later, should Asbel want to open up to him about this. That doesn't stop him from wondering just what the issue might be. Cheria herself may be at times... overbearing, but Richard found her to be a wonderful friend and woman. So was it the fact that the marriage was too soon, or maybe was it that Asbel was unsure of himself, or...

The Mask of Barona would be able to cut to the chase much faster, but this was an intimate issue between friends. That, and Richard knew when to be delicate, and matters directly related to the heart like this...

He was infinitely careful, stepping lightly on his toes between flowers, his gaze downward. Finally they made it across, following Asbel and catching up to his side. ]
That sounds like a good idea. He seems like he could use some company. [ A lighter, joking tone. ]
windork: (14)

[personal profile] windork 2015-04-10 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ They're taking the 'back alley' route so to speak, Richard peering about at their surroundings discreetly before his gaze returned to Asbel. He doubts that they'd get caught at such a place, but if Asbel came here often, there was always some chance. ]

Indeed, he is. Changing his name now, however, would most likely confuse everyone more than anything. It's a pity that he has to wait for maintenance... [ Hmm. Maybe he can find a way to help Asbel on that front. Especially given that it seems to be one of his best friend's places to simply hang out and think for himself. When had the last time been, Richard wonders? Between a fiancé and a child and a town to run, it had to be difficult to find.

Richard wants to help, although he also will not prod too hard if Asbel doesn't want to talk about it. After all, it's his night. And as some would say, the night was still young. There were many hours to simply chat and unwind if it turned out to that. ]


I can only envision it. A younger Asbel scrambling up these rungs. [ A light hum ] Did Hubert climb with you as well?

[ He'd wait for Asbel to climb up first, fully intending to follow. ]
Edited 2015-04-10 05:50 (UTC)
windork: (09)

/gently leaves a tag at your doorstep.

[personal profile] windork 2022-01-08 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hearing about Asbel's childhood exploits never fails to put a smile on his face. And, even then, some things never change- like his "interesting" affinity for names. Still, it's another charming thing about him all the same.

Asbel might find his anticipated response in an answering chuckle. ]
That's not as bad as you make it sound. Although, that could just be because I have experience with your naming conventions. [ Between "The Wind Master" and "Tiger Festival", well... one was certainly much more ludicrous.

Once there's more than enough room, Richard begins his own ascent- gloved fingers grasping at the rungs. In comparison, he moves carefully- not quite needing the hand Asbel reaches out, but grateful for it nonetheless, taking it and allowing himself to be helped up. ]


Me? Well... [ Whether it's an attempt at changing the subject or not, the king doesn't point it out. Richard straightens up, looking out at Lhant. After the whirlwind of chaos that was Asbel's party, the town feels so quiet; almost as though they're the only ones awake. ] Not particularly. As much as I love Barona, there wasn't really any way to get some peace of mind in the city.

[ There was nothing like being recognized consistently in public to make one self conscious, as well as a possible target. And for safety's sake, he was never truly alone out in the city, either. ] I did sometimes find places in the castle to stow away and read books... but I'm not certain that counts as going somewhere.

[ Richard turns to Asbel, a neutral but serene expression on his features as a hand rests on the wooden banister. ] I can see why you would want to come here. It's a lovely view.
windork: (17)

\o/

[personal profile] windork 2022-01-08 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
It's true that a good book draws you in- as though you're in another world entirely.

[ Much like the liminal space that tonight is to the both of them. After all, it's always exceedingly rare that they even have the time to put their duties to their lands aside - so to do both that, and be alone together... it's these tiny moments that Richard is sure to cherish for the rest of his life.

It's selfish to want more of them. After all, Asbel has already given him so much. But as time marches on, and the wedding draws nearer, thoughts he'd seemingly made peace with years ago haunt him between meetings, in the long moments before he falls asleep.

At least here, with Asbel, they leave him be. He draws only close enough to step away from the ladder and open space, standing by his side. His smile is reassuring, but he wonders just what Asbel thinks of it all. Come to think of it, everything he'd said was about anyone or anything else. ]


That, we do. [ Richard's own smile might betray a touch of concern, but he isn't here to put Asbel on the spot, either. If what he needs right now is simply the company of a dear friend, well... that's what Richard will give to him. ] These sorts of places are... important. Perhaps not private in the conventional sense of the word, but... they offer peace of mind nonetheless.

[ He looks back out to Lhant, admiring the fireflies. It'd be ludicrous to say he could completely forget, but in places like these, the heavy weight of an entire kingdom eases off his shoulders somewhat. ]

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