The Birth of Ignaius - (Part 2 of the Ignaius-Saga)

On the Road

Then the day finally came, and it found Variel in his riding clothes, waiting with the rest of the entourage for the king's arrival. With no more distractions, he was standing there thinking about all the various scenarios involving his reunion with his family. What would they say? What would they think? Would their welcoming him home have any sincerity in it, or would it all be for show like at those formal gatherings?

The whole host of coaches, horses, guards, servants had arranged themselves when the king arrived. Being late or leaving it up to others to sort out any mess was a privilege the king often enjoyed. There were many things he had to take care of, but making sure that everyone and everything was stored correctly, that everything was ready and nothing and nobody was left behind was something he gladly delegated to his staff. Travelling with a big entourage and with horsepower was not the fastest or the most comfortable way to travel, but neither of it was the main purpose. Instead being seen and meeting people was. So today he was not on horseback, but in his state coach, but he was looking for the next day when he would get a chance to ride instead.

Variel found himself in a coach with Prince Kimar, a young man of roughly his own age. There were five other of Tanier's sons travelling with them, and so were three of his daughters. As soon as the coach started rolling, the prince started to interview him on his family and the lands they ruled over, as it was obviously his first trip to that part of the realm. It was also a rather convenient topic for conversation.

Variel couldn't deny that he felt a bit awkward sitting in this coach with one of Tanier's son, who was around the same age as he was. Coupled with the anxiety he usually had over meeting new people and his worry over the family's approval, it took every ounce of resolve he had not to stammer as he spoke to the prince.

"As you know, the west is mostly foothills leading into the Kalios Mountains. It's rocky and not that great for farming, but it's a highly defensible position and rich in minerals. I can't say it's the most... aesthetically pleasing part of the land, but I suppose it is important in its own way." He reached up to smooth his bangs back from his face, one of his many nervous habits. "As for my family... Well, they are much like the land themselves. Not all that personable, but tough, steady, and unyeilding in their loyalty to the crown. My father Alexton holds the western border firmly as my family has done for nearly a century. My eldest brother Core is set to take over when my father cna no longer perform this duty, and he seems fit to the task... not that I am an expert on matters of military and battle."

He paused then, deciding this was a respectful time to do so in case the prince wished to ask another question or was maybe just bored with the topic. he knew nothing about the other young man, and he'd never been that great at reading people.

Kimar grinned when Variel said he was not exactly an expert on military matters. "Yes, I already heard that you are like the black sheep of your family. That you are more into books and looking pretty." He gave the other young man the once over, but it was difficult to tell, if this was supposed to communicate an interest or was just for show and emphasis of his last words. Kimar didn't really look like a warrior himself, he was much to lanky and was, of course, wearing pretty clothes himself. Only the fact that he was slouching in his seat prevented him from looking like a pretty boy, as his whole attitude spoke volumes how little he cared about looks when he was allowed to ignore them. Right now he was waiting for Variel's reaction, obviously curious if and how the other boy would defend himself.

As easily-embarrassed as ever, a faint blush colored Variel's pale cheeks and he averted his gaze. "Well, I... Yes, I do prefer to read and pursue academics. I favor the mind over the sword, and I contend that someone has to or we would never advance as a people. As for my appearance, well..." He trailed off, considering whether or not he wanted to actually address the comment. He could tell Kimar was waiting to see what he would do, judging him, weighing him. He was used to this, of course, but it being Tanier's son added a new level of pressure.