Valiant Rats [Fáfnir & Ferdinand]
exemplaris:
“That is simple—!” Glancing around quickly, Ferdinand winced as he caught himself to not-so-subtly lower his voice back to a hush. “It is simple; either I will disprove the villagers’ fears… or there will be more work to be done.” Other than Fáfnir, it didn’t seem that there had been anyone coming out to stop him. There hadn’t been any of the other times either, but if he were there, the Ferdinand could only deduce that at some point, someone had caught sight of him.
Disappointing.
“I suppose I should be happy with the results though, obviously, it would be preferable if there were not an gross abuse of trust happening right under our noses,” he added, taking a half step back towards the wall again… The bit of distance served two purposes: first, to affirm that he was going ahead with his endeavour no matter what Fáfnir did, and second… If he had to draw his lance, he would need space for that. It remained to be seen if he had to.
A slight grin pulled across his face then, as if seeing the crack if the other man’s expression and dove for it. “Sir! I have seldom been known not to be serious… nor am I known to be idle. I assure you—I would not be here if it were not of the utmost importance. If you should have me removed now, I promise to return.”
Fáfnir crossed his arms, shaft of his lance held now in the crook of his elbow - non-threatening, and disinterested in making a show of authority even as Ferdinand defiantly stepped closer to the wall. His curiosity had been sufficiently piqued instead, and as Ferdinand dared him to doubt his earnestness, a chuckle slipped from his throat.
“You are quite the bullheaded one.” He sighed, seemed to think for a moment about the job he had been sent out to this side of the wall to do, and then approached the wall as well. As Ferdinand had, he too lowered his voice.
“Fortunately for you, you’ve caught me in a good mood.” And the rumors that Ferdinand pursued now had not escaped his own notice either, though it was not unknown to the people in the village that he had been brought in as a bodyguard for the camp. What information he had managed to catch uttered between unaware passersby was surely far less than whatever Ferdinand had managed to gather.
“Tell me what the villagers believe is happening here, and I will turn a blind eye to whatever it is you think you’ll accomplish by skulking about the camp’s perimeter. If unrest is brewing, then one would be prudent to learn its source.”











