mooglenet_backup | [Action in Troia]

Current Location: Troia

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[Action in Troia]

[Honestly, it's not that Ceodore doesn't have the guts to tell his parents he wants to follow Ursula to Narshe. It's more that every time opportunity presents itself to discuss it something happens. A dispute needs to be settled or places from home show up. Or people. In fact, Ceodore is on his way back to the castle from one such distraction in town. There was a minor disruption over someone's property gone missing from the monsters that flooded out from the crystal chamber. At least there weren't any threats of litigation against an innocent party but it still leaves the prince shaking his head. His return to the castle to announce his intentions once and for all is going slowly as any number of people keep stopping him to talk. Eventually he'll get there.]

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[Cecil had been looking for his wife. There was something he wanted to speak with her about, so when a guard informed him Lady Rosa had taken a walk into town, he decided to forego the castle and find her. It doesn't take him long, though he's stopped a few times along the way. Eventually he finds Rosa and Ceodore talking together, but he doesn't catch any of their conversation as he approaches. Likewise he's oblivious to the fact this is a pretty awful point in their conversation to show up.]

Ah, there you are, Rosa. [He gives her a quick peck on the cheek, then looks between them both. It isn't like either of them to look so serious. To his memory, anyway.] Is everything all right?

[ One of these days, that conviction will wear off. She's about to ask who the "we" is when Cecil calls out to her. Giving Ceodore an agreeable look and then one that says they'll finish this conversation later, she leans into the kiss and then smiles at her husband. ]

Yes, everything's fine. We were just discussing how different Troia is from the last time I'd seen it, that's all.

[ Please buy it, Cecil. Please follow her lead, Ceodore. ]

[Sorry, Mom, but Ceodore's not going to be able to help too much. He's really lousy at being anything but completely forthright and he looks surprised at the sudden change of topic... even if he actually agrees with it.]

Uh, um... while you're here... there's something I need to talk to you about.

[Neither of them are very convincing, but he still buys it. Rosa would always tell him if something was wrong.] I agree. I was very surprised when I arrived here and saw how different Troia was to the city I remember from home.

What did you want to discuss, Ceodore?

[ Rosa just bypasses it all, feeling a little guilty, but knowing that it's best Cecil doesn't know just how bad everything gets. He doesn't need to worry about something he hasn't experienced yet. ]

Yes. And it's different still from the Gaian Troia I once knew.

[ She closes her eyes for a mere half second, knowing that someday she'll need to talk to Cecil about that. For now, she turns back to Ceodore and looks at him questioningly. ]

W-well, I, uh...

[It might take him a moment. Between the stammering and the rampant blushing, Ceodore's having a hard time deciding if he should be asking or telling. Finally he just blurts it out.]

I want to go to Narshe. To help Ursula.

[Don't be fooled parents. This is less about doing the right thing and more about nursing a raging crush and necking with a pretty girl.]

[Cecil only raises his eyebrows in response. He'd had his ideas about Ceodore and Ursula not quite just being friends, since they spent far too much time together than would be appropriate for an unmarried prince and princess, but this was starting to confirm it.]

You're so eager to help her now, when it was you who volunteered her?

[ Rosa thought it was a good idea, since Ceodore had been the one to volunteer Ursula in the first place, but since she wasn't there for the unfolding of it all, she simply glances curiously to Cecil and waits for an answer from their son. ]

[Low blow there, Dad. If it were any other topic or any other girl, Ceodore would probably take exception to the question. That or be as contrite as he rightfully should be about the whole situation. As it is, he just keeps turning redder and more nervous.]

W-well, um, she's by herself...

[Because of course she can't handle herself?]

A-and uh...

M-mother's here now and you won't need me... right?

I hope you realise that, under ordinary circumstances, this would be considered improper. You are my heir, therefore your place is in Troia.

[Not to mention the unmarried thing, but he won't bring that up. Poor Ceodore's already getting flustered enough.]

Given this is not ordinary circumstances, however, I think an exception can be made. You and Ursula stand to learn a lot from each other. What do you think, Rosa? [Translation: Can you bear to let our baby go?]

[ That is the question of the day, isn't it? Rosa isn't sure. She knows that maybe letting Ceodore go learn something from Ursula would be good and that he really should be making up for volunteering her. But on the other hand... her baby... She clasps her hands in front of her and meets Cecil's gaze as something occurs to her. ]

I... cannot recall fully... Did Lord Larsa have a guardian in Narshe?

[ Sorry, Ceo. She's got several reasons for asking. ]

[Ceodore makes something of a face and crosses his arms over his chest.]

Larsa was a kid. We don't need a babysitter. And we managed Troia just fine by ourselves.

Not like we're going to do anything.

[And then realizing that yes, he had in fact been contemplating the very positive possibilities of being alone with Ursula again with no chaperones, he turns a rather brilliant shade of crimson.]

[Cecil almost answered with an automatic 'don't talk to your mother with that tone' response, but then it registered what he actually said.]

...No one was accusing you of anything, Ceodore. [And yes, Cecil also realises that it had to have been on Ceodore's mind for him to have blurted it out.] Do not forget Ursula is still the princess of Fabul, and you are still the prince of Baron. I hope you will both conduct yourselves as such, with all the responsibilities that entails. Understood?

[Which is a roundabout way of saying: Keep it in your pants, kid, or there will be Big Trouble.]

[ Rosa glances to Cecil with a knowing look for a fraction of a second before turning to back to Ceodore. She's got a phone call to make soon. ]

Larsa was not always just a child, Ceodore. Lord Basch would only be a counselor and warrior available should you find you need his help.

[ And he can keep an eye on the two kids for her. She nods firmly in response to Cecil's words. If she hears one peep of Trouble, she's bringing you straight back home, Ceo. ]

[No sharp retort for either of them, like one might expect from a moody teenager. The reminder of just who he and Ursula both are hits a little too hard and zaps any rebellion out of Ceodore who takes a sudden interest in the ground and nods. Ultimately it's hopeless and he knows it. There's stuff like obligations and expectations in the way and nothing that allows for personal wishes or happiness. It's just so unfair.]

I understand.

[All too well. And any chance of him confiding anything in them just flitted away, although a lot of it's etched into his defeated posture.]

May I go then?

[Having someone to watch over Ceodore would be reassuring, and he's grateful to Rosa for the suggestion. Really, whether Ceodore likes it or not, going ahead to Narshe without the supervision of someone more experienced would be like throwing him in the deep end.]

Ursula needs your support, and you've already both proven to be adept at governance. Of course you can go.

[Which isn't as easy for him to say as he makes it seem. His son enlisting in the military is one thing; leaving home and family entirely is another, and not something Cecil ever expected. He'll miss him a great deal, but as ever, he's happy to put Ceodore's best interests before his own.]

Then we'd best begin preparations for your leaving right away. I've heard Narshe's clime is far harsher than what we're used to, so we'd best get you clothes and equipment more suited to it.

[ As much as Rosa wants to keep her son nearby, she nods in response to Cecil's assertion. Ceodore can do, provided he keep his mother abreast of the situation. If she doesn't hear from him for a month, she'll worry. Maybe a week.

Almost subconsciously, she leans against Cecil's arm, taking strength from him. ]

And perhaps something to take to Ursula as well. A gift from all of us.

[Ceodore nods a couple of times, far more subdued than was normal for him growing up.]

Thank you. I'll not let you down.

[As Rosa leans against him, he slips his hands in hers as silent reassurance. He knows how much she always worries when their son is away from them.]

We know. We have faith in you, Ceodore.

[And because he can allow himself to be a little bit clingy to his kid:] You're welcome to return to Troia and visit whenever you wish. Ursula, as well.

[ She threads her fingers between his and holds onto her husband's hand, taking silent comfort from him. ]

You'll do us proud.

[ He has so far. She glances up at Cecil and smiles. ] We would love it if you could. [ Read: YOU'D BETTER AT LEAST ONCE. ]

[Yeah now see the Parental PDA is not okay with Ceodore who makes a point of turning so he doesn't have to watch. Really you two, can't you do that somewhere else?]

I know.

[Which is not a promise to do so. Freedom is far too tempting in that regard.]

[They're not even allowed to hold hands, now, kiddo? Oblivious or else just ignoring Ceodore's reaction, Cecil continues on.]

I think the people of Troia would like to see you every once in a while, as well. You left a positive impression on them while I was away.

I would not think they would mind a visit.

[ Well, sorry, guys, Rosa's not going to let Ceodore get away with that. Sending a teasing smile to Cecil, she sneaks up on Ceodore and gives him a hug from behind, letting go fast enough to be sure he won't counter. Momma's gotta stock up, Ceodore! ]

You'll be fine, Ceodore. [ She always has faith for the important people in her life. ]

Huh? I did?

[Whoa! Ninja hugging! Ceodore blinks and turns back around looking someone stunned. Hope nobody saw that.]

[Cecil just shakes his head, hoping Ceodore will eventually get past the stage of being embarassed by his parents. They only do so because they love him. Still, he spares Ceodore's pride by not joining in with the hugs.]

Yes, you did. They'll be sorry to hear you're leaving.

[Action in Troia]

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