Canon is David Eddings' Tamuli/Elenium trilogies

[talen]

Just when I think you've finally forgotten all about me.

I'll have you know I like being no one important. I'm surrounded by a lot of important people back home and they tend to make my life unpleasant, probably because they're jealous of all the free time I have.

And don't have me say that at least I can be happy that Mirtai isn't around to beat- sorry, train me. We both know the Gods have a terrible sense of humour like that.

Talen, Unwilling Pandion Knight-in-Training

Comments

[triedherbest]

Is free time very hard to come by, back where you're from? It seems a strange thing for people to be jealous of.

[ and you can't have too many dark haired child princesses around, right, Talen? ]

[talen]

The thing about important people is that they always have a lot to do. Ruling the Kingdom, putting down insurrection, overthrowing corrupt churches, and so on.

My friends all think I should become a knight like them and help them out. As though I've been of no use to them so far. My lady.

[triedherbest]

And killing everyone who gets in their way. That's very important too. Rulers have to do that sort of thing a lot.

Why haven't you been any use, though? Is it just because you don't want to be?

[talen]

I've been of great use, and I'd go so far mas to say they'd all be completely lost without me. [He was a boy, she was a pretty girl, of course he's going to show off.] I'm a theif, and therefore able to open doors without breaking them down first.

[triedherbest]

Oh-!

[ that worked. someone is definitely impressed. Emily's eyes go wide, and she seems really interested. ]

Can you really do that? How does it work, can you show me? Could I learn? I've only ever read about people doing that in stories before. It sounds very useful.

[talen]

You're unsure how to open doors...?

[triedherbest]

Locked doors, silly! I'm not very strong, so I can't break those by myself. If you could teach me how to open them, then no one would ever be able to lock me away again.

[talen]

In that case, my lady, I am just the theif for you.

[triedherbest]

Well, then... how should I- is there some secret to it? Do I need any tools? How long would it take? Can you open every type of lock there is?

[anakha]

Sounds like you've got too much of that free time, Talen.

[Yes, that is a threat. Ignore the smile.]

[talen]

[Smiles all around!]

Sparhawk! What a pleasure to see you again? How's your wife?

[anakha]

She's fine. So's Danae. Are you done trying to change the subject, now?

[talen]

Not yet, I still haven't asked about Kalten or Bevier or Kurik or Ulath or Tynian or anyone else.



Do you ever stop and wonder why we have so many friends?

[anakha]

We're just a couple of likeable people, aren't we? Now, speaking of friends of mine, your father would never forgive me if I didn't see to it you were taking your training seriously.

[talen]

[... Talen calls foul.]

That was low, Sparhawk. Even for you.

[anakha]

Sometimes I need to use the heavy hand. [He doesn't want Talen taking after, God forbid, Kalten, after all.] If you have free time, you should be practicing, studying, or out doing menial tasks for whoever needs a page at the moment.

[talen]

[Someone would need to hit him over the head a number of times before that's even possible. Oh wait. That's 90% of what Pandion training is.]

Am I excused if it's your daughter, and the menial chore is picking flowers for her?

[anakha]

[And the remaining 10% is memorizing obscure Styric words. Happy future, Talen.]

I have a feeling that's going to be the harshest grading you're ever going to deal with. Don't disappoint her, Talen.

[And he's speaking both as a Preceptor and a dad, here.]

[talen]

[Is there someone he can submit a formal complaint to?]

... Is it too late to stay in Matherion?

[anakha]

[The Archprelate.

Good luck with that.]

A little bit. You should get used to her, you know. You've only got a couple years left until the wedding.

[talen]

I am used to her- but. Isn't she, ah, still a little young? It isn't like there's a hurry or anything.

[anakha]

[Oh, how explaining Danae's true identity is going to be such fun in the future.]

She's already made up her mind, and Danae always gets what she wants. As soon as she's old enough, probably on the day, she's going to drag you to the altar.

Or, you could go join the priesthood.

[talen]

[He brightens momentarily.]

Sephrenia might need help looking after Flute, now she's distracted with Vanion.

[anakha]

[Excuse the little chuckle that's being masked as a cough, here.]

I don't think you're cut out for a Styric lifestyle, Talen, and did you forget that Flute and Danae are friends?

Married life isn't so bad, really.

[talen]

Don't lie just to make me feel better, Sparhawk. I'm doomed to a life of wearing armor and picking flowers and there's no hope at all.

[anakha]

That's not true. We already took care of most of the world's biggest threats, so you'll mostly be wearing fancy noble clothes and picking flowers.

[swishes]

Some would think that you'd enjoy being important as well just so you could pay the unpleasantness forward. After all there must but balance in this world, yes?

[Don't mind the impish little grin on her face. Leitha is just up to no good and can't help herself.]