"I'll be right there," he called after Heinrich who was already splashing about in the lake. Henry let out a worried sigh, running a hand through his hair. Glancing at his companion, he muttered, "now what, genius?"
"Hey, don't drag me into this," Hans held up his hands innocently, although he couldn't wipe the smug look off of his face, "you're the one who promised to take him swimming. It's not my fault you can't."
Henry frowned, mock thinking," um, yes it is! You were supposed to teach me."
"Aye and who was it who kept getting...distracted every time we tried?" Henry gave him a look that suggested they were both at fault. Hans chuckled, waving a hand dismissively, "never mind. Just pretend you can do it."
Heinrich had grown impatient and was looking out to the bank, wondering what was taking them so long. Henry raised an arm, signalling he was on his way. Finally!
"Pretend?" Henry repeated, unsure, as he began to make his way into the water. Following, Hans nodded.
"Exactly. How hard can it be?"
As it turned out, Hans was right. The nobleman managed to discreetly keep his son shallow enough as to not arouse suspicion and Henry did his best to copy Hans' movements, impersonating a competent swimmer. If Heinrich suspected anything, he didn't say so.
After a short while in the lake, they dried and dressed on the bank before making their way back to their camp. Heinrich was tired from the swim but he was looking forward to a lovely cooked supper. He watched his father ready the campfire before turning to his godfather, sitting beside him under the large tree sheltering their camp.
"It's okay, uncle Henry," Heinrich said sympathetically, reaching out to pat him on the knee. Henry tore his gaze away from Hans, confused, "I won't tell Papa you can't swim," Heinrich clarified with a whisper, winking conspiratorially. He yawned, resting his hands behind his head, "but you don't need to worry. He won't love you any less. And I still think you're pretty tough."
Henry smiled, "thank you, Heinrich. That means a lot."
origamiaround
pixelskylines
jacobvanloon
