Snippet #2793428

located in Volant, a part of Nighthawk, one of the many universes on RPG.

Volant

None

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Bertrand Poirier Character Portrait: Callum
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

Footnotes

Add Footnote »

0.00 INK

BertrandDeryn's smile lifted Bertrand's spirits, and eased some of his nerves, immediately. It was all he could do not to wrap her in a tight hug and lift her off her feet, he'd missed her so. It didn't feel quite appropriate, though, so he settled on giving her hand a firm squeeze before offering his arm for her to take. He noticed Callum, as well, and wondered briefly if he would say hello; but of course, it wasn't the time for that. This moment, really, was all about Deryn. "I thought," He said; voice soft, with his head tilted towards hers, as if he were sharing some great secret with her, "We could take a quick tour of the palace while they get your things put in your room." He began to lead her inside, away from talk of dowries and logistics, "I'm sure you remember it all perfectly, but it may be nice to reacquaint yourself." He smiled, almost as if to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. As they headed up the steps, he took a quick glace back, as if to see if Callum would be following them, before turning his attention back to the princess, making small talk about her journey, insuring she wasn't too tired to have a look around.

He walked her right past the great hall, "I'm not allowed to take you in there yet. You'll see at dinner. Ainara and mother worked so hard to make sure it was all perfect." He laughed quietly, then quickly added, "Mother is so pleased to have you here. She says there are too many men around, and once Ainara leaves she fears she'll go mad. I think it's dramatic, myself." He seemed to notice, then, that no member of his family or their staff had really bothered to try and come along. Whether because Deryn's own bodyguard had accompanied them, or because they felt it entirely unnecessary, he didn't know. He knew that normally no couple to-be-wed would be left without an entire entourage at their heels, so he felt as if this seemed rather suspect. He sighed, more to himself than anything, before he added, "We're all very happy to have you." A short pause, as he glanced over his shoulder, "I've missed you."

Truly, he had missed both of them. Deryn had been so much like another younger sister to him; playful, kind, and ever-willing to put him in his place. Their letters were too formal to really quiet the aching in his heart, that feeling one has when their closest friends go away. Callum had been special in an entirely different way, and no matter how he tried, Bertrand couldn't seem to replicate how he felt in their stolen moments together.

He started to lead them down a hall, towards the library, remembering Deryn's love of books, "We have," He said, as they approached the large, heavy doors, "Accumulated a few new volumes since your last visit." He unlocked the door with a key and pushed it open, before handing the key over to Deryn, "This is yours. We have to keep the doors locked to keep Alouette out. She doesn't look like much, but she gets into mischief. Remind me and I'll introduce you to her later, she's very excited to meet a 'real princess.'" He smiled, the humor of it not lost to him.

Bertrand knew Deryn would love getting to see the library again, but he'd mostly brought her in hopes that he could have a moment to speak with Callum, away from watchful eyes and itching ears, so as he beckoned Deryn inside, insisting that she take her time. He looked to Callum, though he was unsure of what to say. After a short moment he cleared his throat, and said a weak, "Hello."