guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[Though Jasper makes the attempt to mask it, Hendrik can hear a wariness in his voice with the way he trails off. He tells himself it's understandable, considering what he now knows about what happened after the events in Dundrasil. It's all he can do not to do more than glance his way in concern.

The king considers Jasper with a stern, lofty look, sitting straight-backed in his chair and propping his arms on the wide armrests. "Hm. Yes, of course, see to your child, Jasper. Such things cannot wait."

It is not quite a dismissal, as Hendrik feared, but the distance is there. Perhaps the contrast would have been greater if he was not already used to the king's aloof attitude following the loss of the princess.]

Thank you, Your Majesty.

[Jasper bows quickly and takes Celestine out into the hallway, leaning against a wall not too far from the door while he drapes the napkin over his shoulder and places her against it. He tries to eavesdrop a bit as he gently pats her back, since... well. This is almost as much for him as it is for his daughter.

He chides himself for feeling so unprepared. The entire problem is that the demon is right there at all times and can show up whenever he damn well pleases, but somehow it's worse when there's someone else around. Even though it should be the opposite.

...well, maybe it's not the demon being in the room with Hendrik he's afraid of. Even after hearing the tiny burp and feeling her, well, drool on the napkin a bit, he finds himself still standing there for a moment or so and gently stroking her hat and her back instead of going back in, almost more to soothe himself than her. He knows nothing will happen, there's no way the demon would make that kind of move in front of everyone, but...

Right, this was about pulling himself together. It'll be fine. Celestine seems content at the moment. Nothing will happen. He can just. Go back in, set her in her bassinet, and maybe focus on her and not the demon hiding in plain sight. He takes a deep breath and... well, alright, he'll adjust her position so that he can look down into her eyes and talk to her first, maybe that'll help.]

So, did you enjoy your dinner, Celestine? You certainly seem like you did.

[Celestine burbles in a way that Jasper will interpret as positive, he thinks.]

Ah, excellent. Later, I will get some dessert, but it is important to let your stomach settle. I am sure you will learn that the hard way sooner or later given that you are my daughter, but you will have to be able to do so on your own.

[More burbling. Is this... helping her language development at all... he hopes so. Well, in any case, it did make him feel a bit better, so he heads back into the dining hall and towards his seat.]

[As Jasper slips away with Celestine in his arms, Hendrik relaxes somewhat in his seat. While he wants to be supportive of his friend, he has no idea how to handle the tension. Facing a band of monsters seems preferable over standing in between His Majesty and Jasper, given what he knows of the situation.

"I see the two of you are on speaking terms again."

King Carnelian's words are mild, which would usually leave Hendrik oblivious to any nuanced undercurrent to his voice -- but knowing that His Majesty apparently is on bad terms on Jasper has him on the alert for ... aggression? Something negative, at least.]

Yes, sire. Ah, that is to say ... there was no bad blood, but we were simply too busy to sit down and speak.

[The king arches a brow, seemingly surprised by this information. Did he think that there was negativity between them? Perhaps he assumed they had spoken of the princess' disappearance and fought?

"Yes, I suppose your different duties would have kept you quite busy. Speaking of which, you would best be on the alert if we receive requests for assistance." Carnelian's piercing gaze averts as a maid sets the table and presents him with bread rolls as well. "While we are currently suspending mobilizing the army to assist other nations during winter, the local monster populations are still significant."]

Yes, Your Majesty. Without a doubt.

[The fact should not make him feel uncomfortable, but it does. Winter seasons have long since stopped being an actual "break time" for him. Of course he would be expected to be ready to mobilize at a moment's notice.

Further conversation is put on pause as more maids arrive with the meal. He manages to stop a maid long enough to request another milk bottle, and she smiles brilliantly, nodding knowingly as she leaves.]

[...hm. Jasper didn’t catch too much of the conversation given he was busy talking to Celestine, though he comes in for the tail end. He frowns at the idea of Hendrik being sent out on yet another campaign, particularly given who’s doing it... honestly, he really is concerned for his friend’s safety at this point. He doesn’t comment on that, though, as he’d rather not talk to the demon more than he has to. Instead, he’ll comment on dinner!]

Ah, I see it is now time for my dinner.

[He’ll set Celestine back in her bassinet and make sure she’s comfortable before sitting down to eat dinner.

Mm, yes, a very hearty stew, but... well. He leans over to Hendrik to whisper.]

I do not believe I can get away with passing you my potatoes presently, my friend.

[...okay, he is feeling more relaxed now. He managed a mischievous joke.

Well. Half joke.]

[Hendrik smiles as Jasper returns with Celestine, leaning back in his seat as the maids set down the bowls of stew along with pieces of the roasted and carved chicken. The remaining pieces of chicken are placed on the table should they wish to get more.

He blinks when his friend leans over to whisper in his ear, unable to stifle an amused smirk. Ah, this somehow reminds him of kinder, gentler times.

He completely misses the intense look coming from the king's direction, as he focuses on his food a moment later.

Everything seems to be going well enough ... until King Carnelian decides to speak, addressing Jasper.

"Hendrik was just telling me that the two of you have been quite busy. And now I see you have another burden on your plate, Jasper. Will you be able to fulfill your existing commitments?"]

[Everything really does look delicious, and while Jasper’s manners are certainly better than his daughter’s, he is very quickly cutting his chicken up into polite enough portions that he can go right for it...

...except, of course, he is interrupted. It’s... a concern he’s certainly had... but honestly, in comparison to Hendrik, Jasper has not been as busy. Not officially, anyway. While Hendrik’s been off leading expeditions far afield, Jasper’s been with the knights handling things closer to Heliodor proper... when he’s not been handling paperwork, anyway.

He has his ambitions that he doesn’t want to compromise, of course. And really, thinking about it...]

She is hardly a burden, Your Majesty. I have been finding her to be the opposite, in truth.

[...ah, he shouldn’t gush too much. He can’t show weakness.]

I have put things in place to ensure she is cared for when I cannot be around her, and she is a sweet, well-behaved little thing when I work with her by my side. If anything, you may be able to expect even more from me.

[...it was perhaps a bit soon to say such a thing after one day, but even though the sudden arrival was certainly stressful, he did feel more motivated to do more than he had in a while. Of course, it helped that his best friend still seemed to care for him at all...]

[Unimpressed by the reply, King Carnelian considers his meal and eats for a moment before speaking. "Even more? Quite a prospect. Considering the current straits of the kingdom, perhaps you should be working even harder, then."

Hendrik's fairly relaxed composure as he eats makes obvious the fact that he sees nothing wrong with the king's comment. As things are right now, they would likely be increasing military funding and running a recruitment campaign early into next year. While they had steady numbers of knights coming up from Puerto Valor, they would need to increase the amounts of soldiers to bolster against increasing monster populations.]

The army would welcome any help. Sir Lazarite has floated the idea of opening recruitment for more soldiers. Or training new guards so the experienced guards can be converted to soldier duty.

["A likely necessity in these trying times. Do what you must, Hendrik."

The show of trust there is explicit.]

...indeed. I am certainly open to the prospect of being assigned more work.

[He would be more confident about it if Hendrik had backed him up, but as he looks over to his friend, he sees... no indication Hendrik believes anything is wrong.

Cool. Great. He dejectedly shoves a spoonful of stew in his mouth and listens to the two of them speak... and thinks it through. Well, he knows the “King” doesn’t care, but it’s worth talking about with Hendrik, at the very least.]

If I may, I believe it would also be prudent to see if we can add more dedicated healers to the forces. I know many of the knights know some healing magic, but I believe specialists are more efficient in that regard. Furthermore, magical mending often goes hand in hand with knowledge of magic effective against the undead, so they can provide offensive support in certain situations.

[Hendrik looks to Jasper as he speaks at length, a bit surprised by the suggestion. There is a definite need for more healers or medics within the ranks, but there were of course difficulties attached to both options. King Carnelian does not look particularly surprised by the suggestion. In fact, he almost seems ... amused?

"That is quite the suggestion. And from where would you recommend we recruit these specialists, Jasper? The healers of Arboria? Perhaps the monks of ... what is it called now, Angri-La? Both of which have ancient ties to the Darkspawn?"

Hendrik grimaces as the king rounds out his questions with the connection to the child of darkness. It is a fair line of questioning, all things considered.]

[...

You know, with Jasper’s perspective on the king’s current condition, he actually finds himself wondering why the people who have historically been good at murdering the shit out of the undead are allies of the Darkspawn, but that’s probably not relevant at the moment. What was relevant was that he didn’t want to have this piece of shit demon make a fool out of him!]

You cannot discount Snifleheim as a potential option, Your Majesty. There are many disciplines that the kingdom’s scholars can pursue, and while they have more of a reputation for academics, I remember encountering a fair amount of individuals who chose to pursue the healing arts during my studies there.

["And you would have scholars join the army on their campaigns? An interesting notion that I somehow doubt they would find favorable." The king pauses in the conversation to once again eat, though there is a critical look in his eye as he averts his attention to Hendrik. "What do you think, Hendrik? Should scholars somehow be recruited, will you stand for them in your army camp?"

Hendrik, a bystander for most of this conversation, greatly wishes the maids would come back with win so he can down a goblet. It takes him a long moment to respond, his words careful.]

I would think that would be a matter for my chief of staff to figure out, Your Majesty. As long as they are accounted for and not a detriment to my troops, we would welcome extra healing aid.

[King Carnelian bristles faintly at the reply before setting back his shoulders, contemplative. "Scholars on the battlefield. Bah. There would need to be stipulations in place. I refuse to have Sniflheim on my back should any foreign noncombatants become casualties."]

Forgive me for saying so, but you were never quite so dismissive of the scholars of Snifelheim in the past, Your Majesty.

[...he manages to keep the venom out of his voice in that last bit by glancing over to Celestine instead of looking directly at the king. Holy hell she’s so cute.]

They are a strong people making a living in a harsh land, and those who have undertaken magical studies often work with their military for the sake of support and magical development. Furthermore, the Zoom point closest to their most precious academic resource is still a fair trek away, and there are a not insignificant number of monsters that roam the area. It was so when I was a student there, and I am certain that circumstances are even worse at present.

[He pauses to take a sip of broth before continuing.]

Certainly, there are plenty of scholars who travel to the library with an accompaniment of soldiers, but it would be remiss to consider them dead weight. I am certain that if we requested King Gustaf’s aid, he would be able to recommend individuals who would work well with our needs.

["And how well do you think they fare in the current world climate, seeing as they also request foreign aid?" Hendrik slowly nods at the king's remark; while they are more likely to head out to the Valorian Coast or towards Gallopolis, they have received requests for assistance in bolstering defenses a few times.

But he can't simply remain quiet as they go back and forth.]

Surely Jasper's idea merits some measure of inquiry to King Gustaf, Your Majesty. If we intend to be prepared for an influx of monsters come warmer weather, we will need troops and support both.

[King Carnelian grunts, frowning in displeasure as he seems to contemplate the proposal further. There is a fairly long stretch where he eats without speaking. "I am against the idea of spending our resources on requesting wartime aid, given the reputation of our military. But if it can be worked into our standing agreements with Sniflheim, I will accept the proposal and see it sent for King Gustaf's consideration."

He pins Jasper with another stare. "Seeing as it is your idea, I will expect you to write up the proposal, Jasper."]

Quite understandable, Your Majesty.

[Hendrik actually backing him up on this gives him another bit of confidence here...!]

I will look over the documents related to our agreement and write up a proposal as soon as I have gone over the details. If their troops are stretched too thin, perhaps we could simply request the aid of someone who may be able to scout out those with healing talent among our own people and train them to be able to stand beside our soldiers. If our military is to remain the finest in Erdrea, then we must work on our areas of weakness to keep morale up as our enemies grow stronger.

[Two maids return carrying wine and glasses, splitting the king's attention between Jasper and them. He requests that his wine be brought back to his quarters before returning his attention to the young men seated further down the table.

"One idea at a time. Or perhaps you should simply leave matters of internal recruitment to our military heads."

Hendrik barely manages to keep from shifting in his seat. What a time to be uncomfortable with his title.

King Carnelian considers the remains of his meal for a moment before wiping his chin and standing up. Hendrik moves to follow out of respect, but Carnelian stops him with a wave of his hand. "See to it that proposal is delivered in a timely manner. It is a long way to Sniflheim."

And with that said, the king takes his leave, a maid following after him carrying wine and a glass.]

[Oh... oh, the wine is absolutely welcome. He’ll nod to the maid offering him and Hendrik some, then now his head respectfully as the king leaves.]

I will, sire.

[...it’s a relief to see him leave, but Jasper still feels a bit drained after the demon leaves the room and he returns to his meal. He knows it’s not actually the king basically belittling his ideas, but to hear it in his voice and to see his face looking at him like that, especially when everything else had felt so warmly nostalgic up until his arrival...

He quietly returns to his food, which he has barely touched over the course of the conversation, even during periods of silence from the king, though after taking a few bites and swallowing, he mumbles an observation.]

...he did not even stay for dessert.

[There is still an atmosphere of discomfort after King Carnelian exits the hall, and Hendrik focuses his attention on drinking the wine in hopes it will ease his mind somewhat. He can't put a finger on the precise tension felt from the encounter, but he definitely understands Jasper's hesitance now.

He says nothing until his friend breaks the silence, frowning faintly. The significance of the observation isn't lost on him.]

Yes... I have not sat down with His Majesty for dinner in a long time to notice.

[He shakes his head. That is not as important as the outcome of that discussion.]

Ah, congratulations on having your idea accepted. It is a good one to explore.

Neither have I, for obvious reasons.

[He doesn't sound too surprised, though. Just kind of... morose. Maybe a little frustrated, too, because jesus fuck the demon's not even a good actor.

...

He supposes it's good he's the only person who's noticed, but it's a little hard to deal with...]

In any case, it is only the first step, I think. I do hope it works out, though, as I am sure all of our soldiers' minds will be at ease if there is a higher chance they will be coming home in one piece at the end of our campaigns. I do have a new assistant to count on to help me through this proposal, though, so I am certain it will be perfectly persuasive.

[He smiles at Celestine, who has been watching her father and Hendrik blissfully unaware of any tension in the air, and pats one of her little hands.]

[Hendrik reaches for the wine bottle to pour more for himself, nodding as he listens to Jasper talk about the soldiers. He's briefly distracted by a maid coming back with the rather important bottle of milk for Celestine, which he accepts before setting it next to his friend's plate.

That may be why he completely misses any nuance to Jasper's last remark.]

A new assistant? I was not aware you had one.

[Jasper finds himself laughing as he takes a sip of his wine, so he pulls the goblet back to clarify.]

Well, Celestine does need to earn her room and board.

[He takes another sip before, well, explaining more...]

I had her by my side today when I was doing other paperwork and she was very good company, so I see no reason not to continue keeping her with me while I work, especially at the age where she is a dear little loaf who cannot do much to distract me.

[The first remark is met with a blank look before Hendrik realizes Jasper is jesting. A baby earning room and board sounds like a trying life.

He turns his attention back to eating, listening and glancing at Celestine from time to time with a faint smile.]

As long as you are not depriving yourself of sleep in the process. I think it is wonderful you can spend time with her while doing your work.

[...Isn't that the best of both worlds?

He doesn't have to choose one over the other.]

Oh, of course not. I need to feed her overnight, of course, so I can presumably do other things while I am getting her back to sleep.

[He takes another bite of stew before responding further, mulling things over.]

I cannot take her with me when I am assigned to patrols, so I think it would be best to spend time with her when I can.

Ah, yes, that is true. It it fortunate they do not have to take you very far.

[Hendrik resorts to using his hands for the piece of chicken he retrieves from the plate, focusing on ensuring he eats a decent meal after his earlier workout. ...He also has to try to balance out the fact that he probably shouldn't have started in on the wine without any water.]

Do tell me how it goes with the nursemaids once you are in more of a schedule.

Indeed, it is. Someone has to keep an eye on the local environs and see to it that we are prepared in the event of any sudden activity near the city.

[He doesn’t really have official command capacity outside of seniority over some of the even younger knights, but that and his familiarity with the region must count for something, right?]

I most certainly will. I am hoping to do as much on my own as I can, but I recognize that I need at least some help.

Mm. I do not wish to push Sir Lazarite's hand, but should he choose you as his successor, there may be a period of delay between your official promotion and change of duties. I remember a rather chaotic week following my promotion ... but I suppose circumstances were different then.

[He shakes his head, dismissing the thought as he glances over at Celestine's bassinet.]

How is she doing? Did she fall asleep in the middle of everything?

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