lightrealms | basil ( open post )

( Basil wasn't exactly a typical prince. He wasn't someone who enjoyed being involved in politics or the like, and he wasn't the most social person in the kingdom, either. Rather, instead of any of that, he'd prefer to spend his time tending to the plants of the garden instead, or anything that might give him a peace of mind.

It was... easier for him -- rather than being involved on more serious affairs.

But, he knew that his duty lied in learning what he could in preparation for the day when he had to take over. He'd have to follow in his parent's footsteps and maintain the peace that the land has known for some time now. It was ironic, however that he spent more time with his Grandmother than his own mother despite it all. Outside of the manservants and his teachers, she was the one who may as well raised him. Even so, he wasn't ungrateful for her guidance. On the contrary, her Grandmother was kind and wise.

Today, though -- today was the day when he was to meet his new personal guard. The person who was to remain at his side and keep watch over him. If he wasn't used to having such a presence nearby, he might have thought to protest to such things (but very likely deciding against it). The Knight in question was someone who was well known for being one of the most talented, yet younger knights in the kingdom. Basil hadn't met him yet, and... honestly, he wasn't sure what to expect.

Either way, he's a bit nervous. Prince or no, meeting new people was always something that felt a bit intimidating. He was taught that reputation was important for someone of his status.

He was waiting in the throne room for his knight to enter. There were others watching -- Basil standing next to his mother's seat. His feet are shuffling a bit, hands tucked behind his back.

At least... it'd be nice to have someone close to his age to speak with. )

[Kelsey could hardly remember any moment in his life when he had been more nervous than the one he was living right now. While passing guards who had a chance to be even remotely familiar with his brother, he pushed his helmet down, pretending to adjust its position. While passing in front of nobles, Kel had to remind himself to straighten his back too keep the proper posture of the knights they were used to.

Having so many eyes on him was nerve-wreaking. He was someone used to be around plenty of people, during his off-duty days Kel spent a lot of time dancing and singing with people at the tavern but... this felt so incredibly different. Those glances didn't come from amused friends, but from people ready to judge him at the first mistake... and he had to be perfect. Maybe, if he resisted long enough, Henry was going to come back. Perhaps, if he managed to handle the situation long enough, his father was going to find Henry and bring him back.

Kelsey's fists clenched to the point he could feel the metallic edges of his armor dig inside the skin. Good. Even if it was faint pain, it was grounding enough, something to keep his brain focused on as the main doors opened for him and he marched toward the throne. How much was the distance he was supposed to keep again? He glanced from behind his helmet, barely catching a glimpse of the blonde haired prince that was going to be his charge. This was... a mistake.

Still, he couldn't run away, not anymore. Kelsey took his helmet off, every fiber of his being praying that no one would realize his face wasn't the exact copy of his brother's, and brought the head protection to the side. With a right hand to his chest, he forced himself to kneel down on his left knee, bowing his head in the direction of the rulers of the kingdom. Please, please, please... let things go on smoothly. Now he just had to wait for someone to talk to him and give him permission to stand, at least that he could do.]

( It may be difficult to tell from a distance, but Basil isn't looking at anything in particular. Instead, his thoughts are preoccupied with counting down the seconds until this entire ceremony is over. The way that he stands with his hands carefully folded in front of him and a crown that feels too heavy could fool anyone. He knows that this is all for the sake of making sure that he would be properly protected.

He doesn't speak. He'll let his parents take the lead. His father's voice sounds as though it's booming with the way it echoes across the chamber. )

"Ser Henry. You are here due to your reputation. You have been given the honor of protecting the Prince from this day forward. You will stay by his from dawn until dusk from now until your dying breath."

( It seems like so much to place on one person. But then again, isn't the fate of a country a rather large burden, too? )

"You may rise."

[Ser Henry.

The sound of that name, associated to him... it made his blood boil.

At least now that he was less scared, no one seemed to be able to tell him apart from his brother. Stupid, stupid Henry, he had to ruin everything for everyone. He had to fall in love like an idiot, because Kelsey knew all people who got crushes grew a lot dumber but that felt an entire whole new level. Fear left its place to anger and it took the man a lot of self control not to glare at the prince.

As if anyone wanted to spend their entire lives as someone else's shadow! That was not him, he was the silly city guard who danced in taverns and occasionally pretended to have duties just to take a horse from the stables and go for a wild run. And now it was... all out of his reach.

He got up in silence, finally bringing his full attention to the prince. At least he seemed as 'happy' as Kel was? THis wasn't his idea, huh? As much as he loved his freedom, he could only imagine how someone who perhaps didnn't want a guard around all the time could feel in this situation.

During the entire ceremony he did fumble once, not having the proper words to be formal enough to answer one of the king's inquires, but beside that... everything passed almost like he was lost in a daze. It... he kept expecting to wake up, to find out he was in the weirdest dream of his life, but no amount of cheek pinches or self inflicted snaps helped waking him up so far, he doubted they'd help now.

Before he knew it, he was following Prince Basil through one of the corridors. Where were they even going? He knew he wasn't supposed to talk unless he was spoken to first, it was one of the big rules his father insisted were vital if he wanted to stay alive, but truth was he wasn't prepared at all for what was to come.

They rushed to prepare him for the ceremony, but Kel had no proper 'high class' training. So... what now? He could only hope his farce would last long enough.]

( Basil can't help but let out a very subtle sigh of relief when the ceremony ends. Everything feels so tense, it's... a little suffocating, to say the least. He's well-aware that his life is going to full of moments like this one, but he always feels almost out of place whenever he needs to attend them.

He's not quite sure what to make of his guard. The ceremony itself goes near-flawlessly, but it almost feels like he's reciting his lines without the same emotions that he's heard from the other knights that he's seen assigned to the castle. That could be just his imagination... Either way, he knows that they need to become used to one another.

When Basil is making his way through the corridor, he can't help but glance behind himself every so often. It... feels a little strange to have someone watching his every movement. Still, he was just doing what he was supposed to, right?

Basil turns to look to Kelsey completely, offering a small albeit awkward smile. )

Uhm... W-We're going to be together from now on, huh? I didn't think that you'd end up being the same age as me... It's nice. All of the knights are a lot older.

[Was this kind of stuff anything but a recital? Kelsey always hated formalities and now his life, unless Henry returned home or their dad managed to find him, was going an endless parade of them. The alternative was throwing his entire family into disgrace and... as rocky as his relationship with his parents was, the young man knew this was no option. It wasn't like he could go back to his normal soldier life, after all, if his family name fell into ruins.

Playing this game was the only chance they all got.

Basil stopped. Kel immediately did the same.

Huh, those words didn't really feel a lot like a nobleman's ones, from his limited experience with rich and powerful people. Then again, he knew better than lowering his guard. He brought one hand to his chest, bowing his head. What the hell is he even supposed to say?]

That does seem to be the case, my liege. I think I am a bit older than you, but we should be in the same age range. [Too informal? Too stiff? Hell if he knew, Henry was the fancy smancy person! Oh, WAIT, wasn't he supposed to know his charge's age? Fuck.] It is a great honor to serve you. I am at your complete service. [Was this too repetitive? He didn't have his brother's charm and right now his brain wasn't catching up with his mouth.] So... uhm... I will be eternally grateful to you and your father for trusting me with this position.

( Basil might have grown up with just about everyone addressing him so formally, but he always felt more at ease when he could speak to others more casually. He's knows better than to ask that of the knight, though. This was his job, wasn't it?

And the last thing he wants is to cause trouble for them. After all, he knows his Mother and Father would be unhappy if they thought that he wasn't being respectful. )

Oh, really? It's still really impressive that you were able to become a knight...

But... I-I don't think I need very much. At least... things have been peaceful here for a really long time.

[Huh... he was at least enough of a people person, unlike his brother, to notice the prince didn't seem... thrilled about this entire situation? Was he just projecting? Kel forced a small smile on his lips, even if he was still afraid things would get out of control at some point- was he even allowed to smile? He knew most of the on duty knights he met had the most stoic faces in history.

Impressive, huh? Yeah, his brother had always been impressive. And an impressive fuckup considering how things turned out. God, why were his feelings toward henry moving back and forth like a metronome? He was angry then scared then upset then a bit proud of his accomplishments then angry again...

Self control first. He at least had bathroom breaks on his own, right? He'd self commiserate there.]

Thank you, my liege. I merely started at a very young age, though. My entire family is devoted to the crown, me and my younger brother have been trained by our father since we were kids.

[Wait, was he even- Kel loved to talk to people but was he even allowed to share?]

Well, I still live to serve you so... should my blade be unneeded, I will offer my hands or whatever you may need.

[Unlike Henry, he was pretty good at carrying weights.]

( Basil continues to walk, glancing back to Kelsey for a moment. )

Ah... You have a sibling...? That sounds nice...

( Though, in Basil's case -- it would be a bit complicated... If he's an only child, then he's the clear choice for the crown. Though, Basil wouldn't have necessarily minded another choice for the crown. It'd certainly take the spot light off of him.

Still, he can't imagine that his knight would be interested in his hobbies... )

Thank you-- but... uhm... I don't want to bore you, either. Is there anything that you like to do?

"I... have a younger brother and possibly another sibling on the way. It's still a bit too early to know for sure. It is nice, I suppose. I can't say I get to spend much time with my family, but serving the crown is the most important thing for me. Again, it's an honor to be here."

A bow in the other's direction. Too much info? And if Basil asked about '''Kel''' what was he even supposed to say? Tell him about the laid back and casual younger brother who was never going to accomplish anything great in life? He knew his parents didn't expect much from him but what did Henry even think of him?

Probably not much, considering he left without even informing anyone.]

Ah- [Dancing, eating well, having good company, doing stupid stuff... oh, there was something he could bring up.] If we're discussing leisure time, I am quite fond of horse keeping. But you would never bore me, my liege. I would actually be honored to learn more about you.

[Nah, he couldn't care less, but it was easier to navigate things this way. He also doubted Prince Basil would enjoy spending time in a stable taking care of horses, shoveling manure around and taking care of all the cleaning involved with horsekeeping.]

( Having a number of siblings sounds nice... It can get lonely when it's just been Basil, but he doesn't let his thoughts linger for far too long on such a thing. )

Maybe we can visit your family sometime...? I'm sure they'd be happy to see you...

( If Kelsey can't leave Basil's side, then the solution would be for Basil to go with him, right?

He smiles a little at what he says next. ) ... I like seeing the horses here, but I don't get to go to the stables often. They're really pretty aren't they?

But, ah -- I really like gardening. And drawing, too. I-I know it's not very princely.

[The color drained from Kel's face for a moment. Oh, yes, let's go meet that mess of a family and a little brother that no longer even existed. That was sent to the borders under whatever pretense as 'Henry' took his role.

It fortunately lasted a couple of seconds- He was supposed only to bring positive energy to the prince, to support him. To keep him safe.]

It's slightly complicated with my brother currently traveling to the borders, but someday it would be nice. My father is a devoted supporter of the crown, he would be honored to meet you in person.

[horses talk. Now more interesting for sure.]

I am rather fond of them. Loyal creatures that require a good amount of care and repay you by being dear company and great allies. I had one as a child- [His brother had.] A stallion named Hector. He was.. quite the majestic animal.

[He nodded, then, listening to the other talk. Gardening? He knew nothing of it but staying outside was good in his book, even if it was just to look at the prince tend flowers. Better than sitting around in a palace all day long.]

I do look forward learning about plants and painting styles from you, then, my liege. It's not up to me to judge what is to be considered appropriate for a person of your status. I would love to se your plants.

( Complicated, huh? He knows a little about that, though perhaps not to the extent that he does... He feels sympathy from him all the same. He wonders if there's more to what he's saying, but Basil won't pry. )

I know that you aren't supposed to speak unless spoken to, but... just say the word, and we'll find a way to go into the village.

( He looks up, offering a smile in Kel's direction. )

That sounds nice... I've never had any sort of animal companion, but I heard that horses are loyal and strong when it comes to the person who cares for them.

( Basil rubs the back of his head then, looking a little uncertain. )

... Ah, it's really okay, if you don't want to. If you really want to, though... Some of the plants I've been able to grow turned out to look really lovely. ( They were cute, even! )

basil ( open post )

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