drawnbythesword | 18 [Action/Accidental Voice]

[Action]

[Richard had missed out on many of the simple pleasures one would enjoy in life, and so, at times, he would come to Asbel to indulge in those pleasures.

Now is one such time, as he had pleaded with Asbel to come with him to the playground in Luceti. You know, the one situated near the school? The young man had wanted to go to the playground, but one does not simply play on the playground, especially by themselves. They need a playmate!

And so these two grown men are attempting to play on the playground, on attractions not really for people of their size. Swings, a slide, jungle gym, you name it. Feel free to catch them at the playground if you like.]

[Accidental Voice]

[At one such point during their adventures on the playground, Asbel's journal falls to the ground, opening up and recording a conversation between the two.]

Richard, you need to push harder than that. You're barely getting me up!

I thought I told you that this was my first time doing this, Asbel.

I know that, but I didn’t think you’d be this bad at it!

It isn’t exactly my fault that you’re so heavy, you know.

H-hey, I don’t weigh much more than you do.

Perhaps we should change positions...

Do you really think that’ll work?

It might be worth a try.

Ahh... Alright. I guess I should get off, then. …W-wait, Richard, don’t move! I can’t hold on anymore! [A loud crash as something heavy hits the ground.]

Asbel! Are you all right?

[A little dazed, but not too bad off.] Y... Yeah, I’m fine. [He tries to get back to his feet, brushing the journal shut with his hand as he moves.

The seesaw is a cruel mistress.]

((ooc: Dualpost with Asbel and Richard! Asbel is red and Richard is green. One or both may reply to responses!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Secret base--no he needs to focus on the conversation.]

Duke Dalen explained everything to me. The fact you gave that ring to me makes me think that day we met was fated to happen, Richard.

I don't think I understand... what do you mean by that, Asbel?

Well... you know my father was a trusted friend of your father, right?

Yes, I know that the Lhants have always supported the Windor kingdom and its monarchs.

[That much is common knowledge in the castle.]

Dad was entrusted with an important heirloom of the kingdom's, a priceless sword, because of his service to Windor.

[Asbel places his hand on the scabbard of the blade, because he always has it.]

[Richard's eyes widen slightly when he gets a good look at it. He's never really paid that much attention to the sword Asbel wields before for the simple fact that he's never had a reason to before now.]

That's the sword you carried with you when you were a child. You mean that rusted old blade is actually one of the kingdom's treasures?

That's right. [He gives the handle a tug, and it doesn't seem to budge from its scabbard. He removes the ring when he's not in battle.] Specifically, it's one half of a treasure.

[Now he thinks he gets it.]

... and the ring is the other half.

[Asbel nods, and then demonstrates as he places the ring into the sword's handle, thus unlocking it, as he draws it for Richard to see its restored beauty up close.]

It's known as Excalibur, the Eleth Sword. My dad refused to take the ring, choosing to leave in the hands of the King, so that he ever had to draw this sword, he would have to go to the King first.

[Richard half-reaches out to touch the sword, but stops with his fingertips a few inches from the blade, hesitating. He's not sure that it's really his place to handle it after all of the sorrow and debt that he's caused Windor.]

Your father was sworn to protect the king and the kingdom itself. He would never need the king's permission to use it in defense of Lhant or Windor. So why...?

[Asbel nods at Richard, as if to signal to him that it's okay to touch it. After all, drawing it wouldn't have been possible without Richard.]

Duke Dalen told me Dad refused the ring, feeling it was too much power for one person. But he vowed he'd retrieve the ring if the King or his people were ever in danger.

...Having held this sword in my hands, I understand why he chose to do it.

[Gently he closes the distance between the blade and his hand, just resting his fingers lightly on the cool metal. He can feel the thrum of eleth in the blade-- no wonder it's called the Eleth sword. It resonates with the faint traces of eleth left within his body, causing a strange tingling sensation; he's not sure whether it feels pleasant or just downright strange.]

The sacred sword meant to protect the kingdom...

[And then his eyes darken.]

You used it against me in our final battle, didn't you?

[Asbel hesitates for a moment when he sees Richard's expression darken, but he doesn't back down.]

...That's right. I wanted to be able to save you with this sword. As proof of the bond that not just we, but our families share.

[He manages a little smile, though his eyes still look sad.]

I'm sorry. You should never have had to do that in the first place, but I'm glad it was that sword that ended up defeating me.

I can't hold your actions against you, Richard. You and Lambda truly believed in what you were doing.

[Asbel withdraws the sword now, placing it back in its scabbard and removing the ring, locking it once more.]

I want you to keep that ring, not just because it was a gift, but in case you ever need to use that sword again when I'm not around.

I didn't plan on returning the ring. After all, it's more than a key or a gift... [He puts the ring back on his finger where it rests when not in use.]

...It's a sign of our friendship.

[This time Richard's smile is a genuine one as he reaches out to place his own hand atop the one on which Asbel wears the ring.]

Then I couldn't be more honored to declare it yours.

[There's a pause, and then he withdraws his hand.]

But we shouldn't be dwelling on the past, should we? We're trying to make new memories.