soldierboy

just a little further

[jaime-parthasson]

prince-steffan:

It wasn’t difficult for Steffan to understand Jaime’s ambitions, he knew the man had his eyes set on his father’s job one day. Steffan’s father trusted his commander, Jaime’s father, implicitly. Would Steffan be able to do the same one day? Jaime was a hard man to fully trust, there was always something hiding behind his eyes, and the polite but curt responses he always gave Steffan. Still, Jaime was the best and that’s why he was here and why Steffan didn’t fight his father on the subject anymore. Maybe, one day, when Steffan was king and Jaime was given the job he’d been trained for his entire life, Steffan wouldn’t feel so threatened all of the time. Ambition could make fools of even the best of them. “Perhaps you should increase the amount of time we spend training then. These men, these boys, need to be ready if they have any plans on joining you in the Lowlands when this year is up. If anyone is here looking for a wife, and you have proof of that, I’ll have them sent home.” He was dead serious, the guards had an extremely important job, trying to flirt their way into a marriage with Steffan’s potential wife was infuriating. “As for the food and safety, I can’t blame them, not after the reports of all the problems going on in their homes. But if they wish to remain here, safe and fed, they need to adjust their priorities. That is your job Jaime, to make sure the men you’re training are worth your time.” Sometimes authority came naturally to Steffan, sometimes it didn’t, but around Jaime he sometimes felt he had something to prove. “You would torture a girl of sixteen over a slice of bread and cheese?” This was why Steffan had trouble trusting Jaime, his ruthlessness seemed to know no bounds and it was terrifying.

It hadn't been so long ago that Jaime had viewed the heir to the Aelosian throne as a spoiled child, a boy with his nose buried in books and the prowess of a kitten when it came to commanding others. When the news of the king's future demise came to be at hand, everything changed. Though he still harboured some of that old prejudice, Jaime knew that in order to achieve what he desired, he had to bite back his pride and bend lower than ever to appease this prince. Emotions and opinions were put on the backburner-- the only way he would rise was if he focused solely on this goal. At the same time, though, Steffan seemed to have gained confidence in himself and his leadership. Perhaps the academy was helping him in a way too, not that Jaime enjoyed being condescended or told what to do when he had been trained for this express purpose his entire life. Steffan knew a mere seedling in comparison to what he did in terms of military training. "Yes, your highness, beginning tomorrow, the hours will double." The next sentence almost made him laugh out loud. "With all due respect, I can't see myself or my father admitting many of them into our taskforce in the Lowlands if it comes to it. I imagine they'd rather stay and tend to their flocks and mountains in the Highlands." Pausing, he blinked for a moment. What did Steffan want him to do? Patrol the halls for misbehaviour as well as intercede between any budding romances? Half of them probably came here to protect their sweethearts from the prince when he came. The self-centeredness that was radiating from the man before him was a reminder of why Jaime disliked him. "Of course. I'll expend my efforts on the field as much as necessary. There's no greater priority of mine." Obviously, he couldn't say that he hated being sent up here and found it both a nuisance and waste of his entire godsdamned year regardless of whether the wildings were trained or not.

"No, I never had that outcome in mind," rising slightly in his seat, he felt a jolt of indignity at the accusation. Even he wasn't so harsh, not with young girls, at least. Gritting his teeth, he regained his bearings, but stood up all the same, clipboard still in hand. "Though, sir, is the thief a girl of sixteen?" 

[jaime-parthasson]

nyarieflint:

Jaime seemed to know more about Aethel than she expected for someone who seemed to look down upon Lowlanders. It seemed the Academy was full of surprises and the people within it as well. The way he described it made Nyarie picture sheep with soft and plush wool and healthy cows that were always able to produce milk. Instead, her family took care of sickly cows whose milk was almost as thin as them and sheep who had more bristles on their back than usable wool. At the thought, she hoped that her father was sober enough to take care of the animals to get at least some money from them to feed the children. 

Jaime’s harsh voice woke her from her reverie and immediately Nyarie saw her father before her instead of the guard shaking the boy’s collar. The anger and disappointment behind his words were all too familiar and the kindness he showed her a few moments ago was completely overshadowed. A short, stuttered thank you was all Nyarie was able to get out before picking up her skirts to make her way to class, glancing back only once to make sure that the poor guard was alright.

~ FIN

[jaime-parthasson]

prince-steffan:

Steffan shifted a bit uneasily, Jaime always made him a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it was the mans ruthlessness, or the hunger in his eyes when he would look at Steffan this way. But Jaime was the best, and Steffan’s father, the King, had put him in charge of Steffan’s safety. “None of the other guards are good enough, and none I trust.” Yet, he put in mentally. Though he didn’t really trust Jaime either, he knew the man wouldn’t steal bread and cheese. “No Jaime, that won’t be necessary. The point of this investigation is to discover why someone would feel the need to steal food when it is so readily provided. No action will be taken until you get an answer, and when you do you will contact me immediately. A decision will be reached after questioning.” He said sternly. No one would be tortured or locked up or starved without good reason.

There was something humiliating about being inferior to his charges, although Jaime knew that inferiority was what being a guard was about-- the military was nothing but endless inferiors, that is, unless you were the commander. Perhaps he was too proud or too headstrong, but generally, he despised serving and enjoyed leadership much more. It was a skill that from what he had seen, no other guard possessed. Excluding Steffan, but that was a different kind of leadership. "I agree. Despite the daily drills, the general lack of progress is...disappointing. Half of them are looking for wives of their own here. Or the promise of three meals a day and board. They're not serious." Jaime knew that he shouldn't be so blunt, but somehow, out of Arvos, he felt like he had the right to be. After all, he hadn't held back on the field when he made Steffan do the drills and run the courses that the others had. No reason to do so now. At the sudden sternness in the prince's tone, Jaime glanced up briefly and then looked away before the irritation he felt showed. Composing himself, he answered simply, "As you wish." 

[jaime-parthasson]

prince-steffan:

Steffan glanced at the door behind Jaime, making sure it was shut tight. “Thank you for handling this Jaime.” He said sincerely. It was distressing that someone felt they had to steal food here. Was the academy not providing enough food? He knew Jaime would get to the bottom of it, he just hoped the man wouldn’t upset anyone in doing so.

Looking up at the man who he was charged to protect at all costs, Jaime felt a slight irritation at how good Steffan always acted. Always polite, morals always aligned, rarely losing his temper-- surely it was all an act? No one could be that disciplined-- even he, after a lifetime in the barracks, had to let off steam sometimes. Maybe there was a part of him that wanted to do everything better, better even than the crown prince. Even so, he had to grudgingly accept the thanks. "Who else would, your highness?" It was in moments like this when he was reminded of his position that Jaime actually used the proper term. "Though I hardly call a loaf of bread and a slice of cheese a big steal. Whoever did it won't be having either for a while." 

[jaime-parthasson]

phaedraofthesea:

"I- I don’t- no! I don’t need them, I don’t."

"You're getting awfully worked up for someone who has nothing to hide." He smirked. "Again. Yes, or no?" 

[jaime-parthasson]

damien-lirson:

"I’m not a thief if that’s what you’re asking. And I’m offended you’d ask a guard such a thing."

"Good." Without looking up, Jaime checked the name off of his list. "You say that, but I wouldn't put it past some of them. If it weren't just bread and cheese, I'd drill you further too." He scanned the parchment before him and curtly commanded, "Next." 

[jaime-parthasson]

"You stole the bread and cheese. Yes or no."

[nyarieflint]

With each question, Jaime appeared unmoved and uninterested yet after each was answered another followed suit. The way he ran her name over his tongue suggested that it was unlike any other he had heard and perhaps one he found displeasing. “Aethel.” The simple answer was followed shortly by a small smile in response. It was obvious to where Jaime was from, the way he looked at her as though she was beneath him was enough evidence.

When he spoke again, the guard’s voice was without the arrogance and the sharp undertone of an unseen threat. It was almost… kind. That same kindness caught Nyarie off guard and her cheeks flushed slightly, unsure of how to respond to such a comment.

[jaime-parthasson]

In other circumstances they could have been suitable companions-- he'd never liked smalltalk past what he needed to know, and she clearly wasn't one to give it unless asked. But in this case, he was truly curious, though he would never admit his desires to learn more about the Highlands. Despite the uncivilized lot which made their homes there, the lands beyond Arvos were still part of a kingdom which he hoped someday to be in charge of. "Land of sheep and cows," he cracked a smile. "If you had bees it would be milk and honey instead of milk and wool." 

They passed a boy who was sleeping on his post besides an open window, which had been broken by the winds. Striding past Nyarie, Jaime grabbed the boy by the scruff of his uniform, hauling him away from the wall. "What are you doing?" he hissed as the youth woke up with a startled yelp. "I told you to fix the window, not take a nap." Roughing releasing the collar, he nodded for the girl to go ahead. "Turn left at the next hallway, milady." Subconsciously, his voice had become softer when speaking to her. "I have a rascal to deal with. Go ahead and get to lessons." 

[aurora-fiondaughter]

"Blizzards, they truly are dreadful things. I must confess my relief that I am here and not there, for a blizzard would certainly make me fall ill. The cold gets to my bones quicker than the other Aleskians."

[jaime-parthasson]

Turning his head and narrowing his eyes slightly at the girl who had sat down besides him in the dining hall, he let out an impatient breath. "It's coming from the east, so we'll be hit next. Don't hold your breath about catching a cold or the likes." With a small smirk, he returned to his supper.

[jadexsummers-blog]

She was surprised when he caught up to her and spoke up. “Oh, alright.” His tone of voice made it clear he was in the mood to try and hold a conversation. Which she was slightly disappointed in seeing as how she didn’t see any reason why they couldn’t be friendly towards one another seeing as how they would be seeing each other quite often for the remainder of her stay. But If Kovu had taught her anything, it’s that some things can’t be forced, and she’d rather not learn that lesson the hard way once again. So she kept her lips sealed which honestly was a lot easier then it should be. 

By the end of the hallway he’d stopped and looked at a door. His quick and sudden movements were strange to her. She’d never met someone so sharp in everything thing they do from the way they walk to the way they talk. “Yes, Thank you for walking this far with me.” She bowed her head slightly with a light smile. She was thankful, especially since it seemed he didn’t want to be around her too much. She only took a couple steps when she heard his grunt causing her to turn back towards him. She watched a second as he struggled with the door. She realized that he wanted her to go, but she wouldn’t be who she was if she didn’t at least offer to help him, “I will…but are you sure you don’t want a bit of help? I’m late already, so I don’t mind.” She offered, but something told her he might not accept it. Regardless she would extend the hand even if he slapped it away. 

[jaime-parthasson]

She couldn't be more than sixteen if he were to guess, and yet there was a mature air to her, though it was contradicted by how he had found her lost and wandering. All rational minds, his at least, knew that if you were lost, stay where you are until you gained your bearings and don't go straying like some vagabond. "Right, get to class," Jaime replied shortly to her thanks, even though it was somewhat nice to be recognized for the irritation he endured for the sake of others. In Arvos, there were no thanks, guards were barely human in the eyes of their charges, simply machines trained to shield, serve, and bend at the knee for anything and everything. Despite his curt farewell, he still felt her gaze on his back as he tried and failed to open the door enough to slip through, and with a small growl in the back of his throat, turned at her voice to glare at her for a moment before his intensity lessoned. This was the only door which led to the courtyard where a den of foxes were rumoured to be situated, and the headmistress had given him an deadline of tonight to get it done-- if he didn't, she'd probably go insane and beat him down with fancy words or the like.

Eying the girl critically, he thought for a long moment, lips opening, before finally sighing and beckoning her to join him. "You're not strong enough, it won't be much help," he muttered when she came up besides him. Louder, he said, "Clear some of the snow out and see if you can slip through." 

[nyarieflint]

"Nyarie," the young girl said in response, as was proper. It was reassuring to know the guard’s name, it gave a human side to his seemingly stone-like exterior. Jaime was looking at her as though she was hardly worth his attention, and Nyarie wasn’t surprised when he took the initiative to lead her to the classroom instead of sparking conversation. At the same time, she was glad that he was showing her how to find her way back instead of asking her about home or about herself, it was something a bit more comfortable for her.

Despite his arrogance, Nyarie couldn’t help but laugh to herself at Jaime’s remark about the creature on the tapestry. If his smile had been true and not shadowed by his seemingly conceited nature, it would have been quite nice.

[jaime-parthasson]

"Nyarie," he repeated skeptically. "Interesting name. Where are you from?" Despite his arrogant, flat tone, he was slightly curious. A requirement for the First General of Aelos was to know the terrain of the kingdom from east to wide, north to south, and this was the first time he had ever set foot out of the Lowlands. Jaime supposed that despite their uncultured ways and failure to retain information in those thick noggins of theirs, the Highlanders were still Aelosians and it would be his duty to look out for their welfare alongside that of the Lowlanders. He had excellent peripheral vision though, and saw that the question made her uneasy, as if she hadn't be expecting to speak or answer any questions. Too bad for her.

When she smiled though-- she was much prettier, not looking so worried or timid; he could almost envision her in glittering ballgowns like the nobles back home. The sound of her laugh echoed throughout the hall pleasantly, filling the cold with a bit of warmth. Warmth that Jaime had never had. "You should do that more. Laugh. Smile."

[jadexsummers-blog]

Maeve felt bad about the whole situation, and him feeling like he needed to go out of his way to help her find her class. She never liked being a burden on people and was already trying to think of ways to repay his kindness. It wasn’t that she hadn’t paid attention, in fact she wasn’t lost, she just wished to see the other routes, and determine for herself which was the fastest. After all if all the girls took the same route the hallways might crowd and end up taking longer then expected, but she couldn’t really make that argument right now seeing as she is late. Not to mention she didn’t want to make it seem like she didn’t appreciate his offer. She looked down slightly at his comment, “I’m truly sorry, I’ll remember that. I suppose I still have quite a bit of learning to do.” She looked back up at him then his hand with a light smile and nodded, “Thank you.” She started walking in the guided direction. 

[jaime-parthasson]

The guilty expression on her face was enough to make Jaime sigh. Maybe he was being too harsh, you never knew with girls. He'd never spent much time with the other sex in his youth, having always been preoccupied with training under his father's guidance. Every day it was a constant cycle of pain and gain, breaking and then mending again for a new training session. He hadn't had time to waste on petty things like luxuries, parties, or women. Those things were for the nobles, the royalty, not the soldier. And despite his family's rank in Arvos, their goal was to protect, not enjoy. Jaime had always been chastised for his attitude-- he obeyed but it was clear sometimes that he would rather do the opposite. And now that he doesn't have to pretend like he's some puppet following Steffan around, he can afford to show his true feelings. Clearing his throat, he strides, catching up to her. "I'm going this way as well," he explains curtly, before lapsing into silence.

They walked the length of the hall before Jaime paused and jerked his head towards a side door which led out. "Can you find the rest of the way back?" He lifted the heavy wooden bar which prevented unwanted guests from forcing their way in, pushing the door open with a grunt. The snow piled up outside made it difficult, and he had to admit that he felt slightly ridiculous trying to open the door while the girl watched. Turning to her, he smiled tightly, hand still against the wood. "You can go now," he suggested in a non-suggestive way. In other words, he wanted her to go before she saw him fail at opening a damn door. 

[prince-steffan]

Steffan squinted, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Had Jaime been that close to him? How odd. “A snore?” Steffan didn’t snore, he knew that much, he was in top health. In fact, no one in his family snored, though the kid in the bed nearest Steffan’s had a real nasal issue. Jaime always made Steffan bit uncomfortable, he did not enjoy sharing a dorm with the man, but he had no other choice. “I’m sure you are.” He frowned at Jaime, what was the meaning of this? “Well, I’m up now, I might as well go for a run before breakfast.”

[jaime-parthasson]

Having been put on a night shift all week, likely since there had been news of mountain lion sightings on the mountains and the godsdamned headmistress wanted him to beat them off or the like, Jaime had been arriving at the dormitory in the early hours of morning and keeping an irregular sleep pattern for several days. But today seeing the prince so comfortably laying there like an lamb in the midst of wolves, Jaime had decided that if he was going to help Steffan play the part, he wasn't going to shirk his. He wanted his pampered arse to be treated like a real man? So be it. Jaime wasn't going to make it easy. "Right-- heard it from o'er near the door," he replied offhandedly, tugging off his own shirt and loosening the heavy belt upon his pants. "Be careful," he added, still turned the other way. "There might be some type of beast out there. A few boys said they saw tracks in the snow. It might be better for you to stay inside and jog the halls." It was worded like a suggestion but there was an edge to it. The last thing he wanted was for some maiming of royalty to be on his head.

[prince-steffan]

"My apologies, was there something you needed?" Steffan glanced at the window, it was still dark outside, he hoped nothing was wrong. Though if there wasn’t there would be no reason for anyone to have woken him.

[jaime-parthasson]

Jaime backed up apologetically, hands in the air. In the half dark, his charge seemed rather miffed, though even so, there was that godsdamned kingly air to him. "Sorry sir, I heard a particularly loud snore and wanted to make sure you were alright." He bowed his head, conveniently excluding the part about how it had been the pockmarked boy to the right who emitted the ungodly sound. "I'm glad to see you still alive and breathing." He then proceeded to turn around and begin to undress. 

[ryca-of-aethel-deactivated20140]

The people in this castle were so filled with sass and Ryca had only been there for quite a short time. She knew that this man with all his seriousness and attire would come from the lowlands. Whether he had his nose as up in the air as Ambrose only time would tell. “Well Mockingjay, you’re doing a great job except you are hurting my weak fragile feelings.”If not for the fact that she had gotten used to the rudeness of the castle halls she would have been more offended and more offensive but she took the high road and decided to be sarcastic instead. “I can take care of myself.” Her head was held high by those words as she believed them to be very, very true.”Do you call all the girls little sparrow or is this just my luck from the gods?” Ryca asked, amused at whatever response he would give. “It’s a type of bird, you call me a bird. I call you a bird.”She shrugged, looking around the hall. “But if that get’s tedious as well I recommend you calling me Ryca.”

[jaime-parthasson]

Of course he'd heard stories of the savages living atop mountains and on cliffs-- as all Lowland children had, their knowledge of the unknown peoples was taught in a prejudiced manner...all his life the image of those who lived to the north, west, east...that image had been tarnished and spoiled by what he had always known. Arvos was his home, but Aelos his kingdom, and now as Jaime saw them for who they truly were, he was slightly astounded by the depth they had as people. For a long time to him, at least, they had been sub-human, lesser than those who existed within his own sphere. "Your feelings are irrelevant to my responsibility," he shot back, a twinge of annoyance at the use of that ridiculous nickname. What did this bird look like? Was it ugly, weak, slow, useless? "I call things as I see them, and you seem like quite a twittering, curious thing to me. Disobedient of authority too. Maybe you need your wings clipped. " He was not any of those things, and if he was accused to be, would gladly fight for his honour. Now that the small hint of politeness had dissipated between them, Jaime found it much easier to say his mind. He laughed and the sound echoed throughout the empty hall. "I'd rather leave you to your musings and have hell on my head when Olana finds out."

[jadexsummers-blog]

Maeve was still getting the hang of being in such a large place. She was still trying to find the quickest routes to places, but with that meant also accidentally finding the longest as well. When she heard the voice she immediately blinked and turned to face it. She blushed sheepishly and bit her lip in a nervous reaction, “O-oh um just a tad maybe. I swear I’m headed right there.” She spoke softly bowing her head slightly. 

[jaime-parthasson]

Really, he pitied Steffan for having such an unimpressive group of girls to choose from. The castle wasn't as big as they all thought, at least not the parts that had been shown to them already on the first day. He distinctly remembered pointing out the places where they would sleep, eat, and learn-- though clearly from the surplus of lost souls, they had been preoccupied with other thoughts at that time and hadn't paid attention. He turned his head, rolling his eyes slightly before turning back to her with a forced smile. "You know, Miss, a queen is never late," he first implied, and then extended a hand towards the direction which she should go. "This way is fastest." 

[nyarieflint]

It took Nyarie a few seconds to catch up to the guard after he left with no warning or invitation for her to follow. Even so, she was intent on not getting lost again and having to run into possibly another guard such as this. His voice was stern, an apparent trademark mirrored by his features and expressions. Once she did catch up to him, Nyarie would have had to be deaf to not pick up on the threatening tone of voice that the guard  so casually displayed.

"I d-do not." Her voice was audible and she did her best to reduce her stutter and present herself differently, hoping not to warrant a scolding from the strange guard. He looked at her as though she was prey and that distasteful look put the young girl on edge.

[jaime-parthasson]

He let out an audible sigh at her answer, more for her benefit than his. Really, the lack of knowledge in the Highlands was truly astounding-- the only names they knew seemed to be that of the king and that of the prince, completely oblivious to the generals, the leaders, the great ones who had built this kingdom. He glanced sideways at her, that meek little golden head with eyes fixed anywhere but on him as she followed along and momentarily considered launching into a brief history lesson. But thought better of it. "My name's Jaime," his voice was low as they turned the corner, and as they did, he gestured at a suit of armour. "Look for him when you're hopelessly lost again." Then ahead, pointed at a banner upon the wall, one that depicted a unicorn and a flock of ladies fawning over it. "And this."

He turned for a moment and there was a hint of a smile, though it was too arrogant to be genuine. "Don't get too excited. The animal doesn't exist. Not even in the Lowlands."