Distracted

Writers: AmajoS, Emma
Date Posted: 17th September 2007

Characters: Royah, Rothen
Description: Royah wanders by during Rothen's shift and they chat for a bit.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 4 of Turn 4

Rothen noticed the Lord Holder's son and assistant, Royah approaching him and he stood a bit straighter. He had been on duty for about two candlemarks now, and the evening had been quiet. He tried to imagine what Royah wanted.

"Guardsman," said Royah.

"Holder Royah," Rothen returned the greeting. "Can I help you with something, sir?

"No, it's fine, I'm just taking a walk about the Hold," replied the Lord's son. "Is all well?"

"It's been very quiet, sir." Rothen answered. "I've only been on for a couple of candlemarks though."

"As you expected?" asked Royah.

"Well, I always hope it'll be quiet, sir," Rothen grinned. "If it were exciting, things would probably be going wrong."

"Very true." Royah nodded. "Have you been on shift long?"

"Just a couple of candlemarks," Rothen replied with a small grin. He decided not to mention that he'd said that very thing only a moment ago. He wondered if the man was even aware of what he'd done. Probably not. Rothen hadn't ever had any children, of course, but he'd known many men who had and they'd been much the same.

Truth be told, Royah had only come out to get a bit of air. With a new baby, and his wife taking care of the child herself for the moment, he was more than a little distracted at times. "And have you long to go?"

"I'll be relieved in another four candlemarks, sir." Assuming, of course, that his relief was on time. Usually, this wasn't an issue, but the man who was relieving him was often late. Only a few minutes, to be sure, and not enough that Rothen felt the need to report him, but it could still be annoying at times. "We usually work in four, six candlemark shifts unless there's a shortage or something unusual going on."

"I see," said Royah absently, mind already on returning to his family.

"If I might say so, sir, congratulations on the new baby." Rothen smiled, seeing that the other man's attention was barely with him. He felt fairly sure where it was directed though.

"Thank you. I'll be sure to pass those wishes onto my wife."

Rothen nodded in appreciation, "Thank you, sir." He hesitated a moment and then added, "It's a bit late, sir. Not to mention cold. You should be inside with your family. I have to be outside right now or I'd be inside with mine, that's the truth." The guard wondered if he'd over-stepped his bounds there, but it was the truth. He might not have a wife and new baby, but if he'd a choice, he'd certainly be indoors keeping his mother company at the moment.

"My daughter probably needs her father now."

"More'n a popcicle anyway," Rothen replied with a good-natured grin.

"I'm sure."

Rothen nodded, "It was pleasant speaking with you then, sir. Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."

"I hope yours is uneventful."

"Thank you, sir. Me too!" Rothen laughed and waved as the Lord Holder's son turned to go. He grinned, wondering if he'd be like that whenever he finally had a baby of his own. Of course, first he'd have to have a wife of his own, wouldn't he?

Last updated on the September 17th 2007

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Distracted