run-in

[lesser_son]

Melou has escaped from the absolutely disastrous encounter with his father and his father's enemy-friend, and been savagely reminded of a fact he's always known, but which has seemed lately distant: he is utterly a coward. He is a shame. For all the training and effort his father expended, he is capable, but he is too scared, and too stupid when

Comments

[topofadmiration]

"My lord?" Miranda says softly, after a moment's pause to make sure that this wasn't sekritly a thread for someone else. >>

[lesser_son]

He looks at her, and then down again, ashamed. "My lady," mumbled.

[topofadmiration]

"Art hurt?"

[lesser_son]

"Nay."

[eyrienprince]

I'm sorry to, um, throw a Lucivar at him so soon, but. >_> Ignore me if you like.

Lucivar may not be practicing, but he's certainly outside, and he starts when he recognizes who is running across the lawn. He hesitates to call out, but eventually calls, though without drawing closer, "Melou?"

[lesser_son]

He looks up immediately, sharply. His face is white, though whether with fear or fury it isn't immediately discernable. "Sir?"

[eyrienprince]

Lucivar eyes him carefully, trying to gauge his psychic scent. "...are you all right?"

[lesser_son]

In a low voice, "He called me coward. He called me coward to my lord."

[youngandhealthy]

She's coming by, in her Mollyish way (that is, attractively and with good cheer), and sees him. "Oh, sir, are ye hurt?"

[lesser_son]

"Nay, my lady," with a small, miserable shake of the head.

[youngandhealthy]

She comes and crouches. "Stay, what is't?"

[lesser_son]

"I shame my lord." The quality of his voice is low, and thick with the thread of tears.

[illgotten]

Eventually Mordred emerges from the Mansion, looking worn and shaken. He rakes his hair back as he comes down the path, and doesn't spot the figure under the tree until he's almost past.

He stops, wearily.

[lesser_son]

Melou isn't looking around him; is sitting stiffly, eyes on the ground. He's pale. His hands are shaking.

[illgotten]

After a moment Mordred says his name, softly, and drops to one knee beside the pathway.

[lesser_son]

His gaze flickers to his father. "Sir--"

[cywyllog]

At some point, there will be a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Cariad."

[lesser_son]

At her voice, Melou lets out a loud, dry sob.