Prose log with Borus

[percivalthegale]

Who: Percival and Borus (rage_swordsman)
When: after Borus' ride with Chris and subsequent offer for wine
Where: the tavern
What: a drink! and gossip, both silly and serious

Percival decided that he hadn't strained himself enough to warrant a bath before drinking - maybe after. Right now, he wanted to sit and relax and find out what was going on with Borus, after trading gossip with Sir Wyatt. Luckily, this was the way to get the first-hand tale. He swept into the tavern and headed right toward their usual table.

Already at the table in the tavern, Borus waited for his friend to arrive before opening the bottle of Kanakan wine he had been saving for some time. Percival wasn't long in arriving and the younger knight swiftly popped the cork and poured a glass for the two of them. "I take it patrols haven't been bad?"

"Not since the end of the festival, no," Percival replied, smoothing out his shirt as he slid into the seat across from Borus. "Ah, you're too kind, my friend. Thank you. No, things have gotten considerably more quiet."

"Not a problem. It's my pleasure." He smiled brightly, still in quite the pleasant mood since returning from his ride with Chris. "And that's a good sign. Other than pinning the blame on and dealing with the culprit, as long as things are quiet around here, it's a good thing."

Percival sipped lightly at his wine and breathed a content sigh. "There's no new news on that front, I'm afraid. But quiet also means there haven't been any new incidents of trouble." He smiled more brightly. "You seem to be in quite a good mood yourself."

Taking a sip of his wine as well, Borus nearly choked when Percival pointed out his observation. He coughed for a few moments before blushing slightly. "Do I? Well, the weather has been very pleasant ..."

"From what I hear, that isn't the only thing that's pleasant," Percival smirked over the edge of his glass. "Have you had a nice day, Borus? Hmm?"

"From what you hear?" Borus raised a confused eyebrow and frowned at Percival, unnerved by his smirk. "What do you hear, may I ask?"

"I've heard that certain knights' horses were saddled, and out for most of the afternoon." Percival couldn't stop his gleeful little smile. "It's not a bad thing, really, Borus. I was just saying not too long ago that you needed something to do."

"Ah ..." He was speechless for a moment before blushing again. "All right, yes. I accompanied Lady Chris to Mount Hei-Tou and back. It was an unexpected invitation but enjoyable." Borus took another gulp of his wine to prevent his blush from spreading. "She said ... she finds my ... uh, interest in her 'cute'."

Percival's eyes widened, followed by his grin. "Oh my...she noticed? Oh dear, Borus..." He leaned in close, all ready to gossip. "Enjoyable, eh? That sounds very positive..."

Sighing, Borus nodded, noting Percival's eagerness to hear the details. "Well, according to you, I've been rather obvious about my interest in her, right? As much as I hoped that she wouldn't notice, she did. I underestimated her and everyone else regarding that." He paused for a moment before continuing with a smile as he glances back up at Percival. "Well, considering she said she's willing to put up with me, it was a nice time."

If it were possible for Percival to light up even more, he did. "She did? Really? Oh Borus! You lucky dog, you!" He leaned across the table and slapped his friend on the arm. "What did I tell you, about taking chances? This deserves a toast!"

"Hold on, hold on." Borus held a hand up. "First of all, you're not ... upset? And second of all, there was no taking chances on my part." Blushing in embarassment, he added, "She called me on my feelings first, after all. If she hadn't said anything ..."

Percival sat back, chuckling. "Why would I be upset? It isn't as though you've swept in and stolen my sweetheart." He demurely sipped his wine. "Oh, I see. Well, you know, she is the kind to take risks." He still laughed a little under his breath at the thought, though.

Borus blinked a little before shaking his head. "Maybe not but I thought that you and the others had a fancy for her too. If not, well, I'm glad, as I'd hate to argue over her." Pouting a little, he sighed again. "Some man I am. I couldn't even be forthcoming with her from the start. She had to initiate the whole conversation."

A warm smile played on Percival's face. "I only teased, I wasn't serious. Whatever Leo and Roland may think, well...for my part, it was never more than playfulness. My honest word, Borus." He folded his arms on the table and leaned forward a little. "Is that such a bad thing, if it meant you finally talked to her about it? Being a little shy is no fault, it just means doing things atypically."

"I suppose it's not." Smiling again, Borus took another sip of his wine. "It's just that I tried to keep it to myself for the most part because honestly Percival, it isn't good work ethic to get involved with one's superior. It would look bad, overall, especially with gossip flying around the place. And Goddess only knows what the Councilors would say ..."

"I know," Percival agreed. "Part and parcel why I never allowed myself to entertain the most fleeting thought of interest. Not that I fault you - love does what it wills against logic." He rested his chin on his fist. "Yet, ranked officers aren't forbidden to have relationships or even families. I think, if the difference were greater - say, a mere infantryman had eyes for our Lady Captain - then it might raise far more eyebrows. But you're only one step in rank below hers."

Borus shook his head in disagreement. "It would still look bad. Wouldn't it seem that Lady Chris was favoring me above everyone else? Besides, she herself didn't feel comfortable with serving actively and having a relationship at the same time, especially since she's scrutinized so closely as the Silver Maiden of Zexen." Frowning a little, Borus lowered his voice. "Before I tell you, promise me you won't tell anyone else what I'm about to say."

Percival tilted his head curiously and leaned even closer. "I don't know that I would consider it obvious favoritism, but I see you point. So...what is this secret, now? You have my ear and my word I won't repeat it."

Assured, Borus nodded and continued. "Lady Chris wants to retire. She's tired of living as a weapon to be exploited by the Council and she just wants to live a quiet life here. And frankly, I don't blame her. She wants to settle down and ..." Blushing again, he mumbled the last few words. "Raise a family."

"Wh-what...?" Percival whispered his reaction, though his eyes went wide again in shock. "But...but then who would be captain?" He sat back for a moment, blinking at the table, and then swallowed more than half his glass of wine. "That's...incredible news. I understand her reason, but...I hope this is best for both Zexen and her..."

"I was quite startled myself as I can't imagine anyone else being Captain but we can't expect her to carry the burden of leadership if it makes her unhappy. Those damn old men on the Council are only interested in making a legend of her and using her True Rune for their greedy ambitions." Borus let out a sigh before taking another sip of wine. "I can only assume that the role of Captain will go to Lord Salome. But lets not jump to conclusions yet. She hasn't officially declared her resignation after all."

"No, no. You're right." Percival finished his glass and reached to pour another. "I understand the pressure she's under, I don't begrudge her that. The Rune is burden enough without the Council in her other ear demanding this or that." He shook his head slowly. "I suppose, we shall see when the time comes. I would support her to the ends of the earth no matter what."

Nodding, he finished his glass and poured a new one. "As will I. And the others as well." His eyebrows knotting tightly together and his teeth clenching hard, Borus growled, "I try so hard not to think about it but there are times when I just want to storm into their stupid grand hall and knock them through the walls. The crap they put us all through, and Lady Chris most of all. I hate them."

"And what good would that do?" Percival sighed a little. "All right, it would feel wonderful at first. But the fact remains that the Council does not understand the military and vice versa. They think they know what they want us to do, but they don't realize what it's like for us. It's easy for them to order us to battle since they aren't the ones who have to bleed and die."

"Someone from our ranks should be elected onto the Council. At least that way, someone there would understand and express our concerns." Borus sighed again. "Although I know that's easier said than done."

"Ideally, that would be the Captain's position," Percival mused over another sip of wine. "Isn't that part of why they supposedly call Lady Chris to meetings in the capital? Though it seems more Lord Salome's suit." He snorted a little. "I wouldn't want that position. Would you?"

Borus rolled his eyes. "I know but they never listen to her. And Goddess, you'd have to kill me first before I'd take up a job like that."

"The Ghost of Borus Redrum, representative of the Zexen Knights?" At least that gave Percival a chuckle, bringing the mood back up.

"Heh, exactly." He smirked. "And while I might not be able to throw my weight around physically, I'd be damn sure to scare the living daylights out of each and every one of them until they did as we asked."

"Ah, but they'd catch on to your motives after two or three rounds," Percival smirked. "Then it would just be 'oh, don't mind the moaning in the corner, it's just that old ghost. He won't go away.'"

"Whatever. I'd do more than make noise. I'll throw things around, including them." Borus snorted. "And I'd find new ways of doing so each time. But anyways, that's that. I know I promised to talk less about Lady Chris but I'm afraid that now, I might end up talking about her even more." He grinned at Percival.

Percival shrugged. "I would say, under the circumstances, that you would be entitled to talk about her all you want. It would be nice to see both of you enjoying life and being happy, especially if it's with each other."

Smiling as he finishes his second glass, he replied, "I still will keep the mentioning of her to a minimum. There is only so much I'd be willing to discuss, anyhow."

"As a gentleman, I wouldn't dare ask more than you'd tell me," Percival promised, raising a hand. "Just make sure your head isn't in the clouds when you're needed down here in the real world."

"If you have to smack me in order to bring me back, then I give you permission to do so." Borus chuckled. "And you may remind me that I did so if I protest."

"Ooh~..." Percival looked rather excited at that prospect. "You can bet I won't forget that, Borus."

Borus gave Percival a look before shaking his head with another chuckle. "Damn, aren't you excited? Does the prospect of slapping me to my senses thrill you that much?"

"Well, most of the time I don't get your express permission to do so," Percival said slyly, "so in a sense, yes. I would probably do it anyway but being told to do it, well." He trailed off with a low chuckle.

"Heh, that's true." He smiled, shaking his head. "I guess I can understand your excitement a little, then. Well, in the meantime, life is as it has always been with a slight change. I don't want to jinx myself so I'm going to take things one day at a time."

"That's a perfectly good view to take," Percival nodded. "Enjoy what you have, and don't try too hard. If there's anything I've learned in my time, it's that." He swirled his wine glass around a little. "I really am happy for you, Borus. Any day when you're smiling more than scowling is a good day."

Blinking for a moment, Borus let out another sigh. "Do I scowl that much? I don't even realize it." With another headshake, he continued, "Well, I do appreciate your support. I'm glad this won't be an issue of contention between us and I hope it won't be with the others."

Percival smiled easily. "It won't. Don't listen to rumors, people don't know me as well as they think - I'm not interested, especially since I wouldn't dare hurt my best friend. The others, well..." He shrugged again. "Roland I'm sure has no designs on our fair captain, but you might get some jealous pouting from Leo."

Borus simply smiled. "Well, it isn't as if I forced Lady Chris to choose me over anyone else. Besides, Le o is old. I hope he realizes it." Pausing for a moment, he realized he forgot someone. "Oh, Goddess. What do you think Lord Salome will say?"

Percival stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, I wonder. Was he ever serious, or just a tease like me? I don't think he would have a problem, Borus. You won't know until you speak to him."
"I don't think he'd have a real problem either ..." Borus' mind begins wandering as he pictures various scenarios in which he informs Salome. "But no matter how I'd tell him, I can only picture him with the same expression on his face. Maybe it's his hair that does it."

"Or maybe it's his face that does it," Percival giggled into his glass. "He's not a very expressive sort, is he? Not like me." He grinned openly, knowing full well how anyone could read his face at any given time. "As long as his brow isn't twitching, I think you'll be in the clear."

"Well, that too." Borus laughed. "But if his hair at least covered his bare eyebrows, it wouldn't be as bad. And I sure hope I don't cause his brows to twitch. Or a vein to pop on his forehead. I understand if he feels the need to be protective of Chris as she is Sir Wyatt's daughter and all ..." As Wyatt's name falls off his lips, Borus immediately goes white.

Percival lowered his eyes and sipped innocently at his wine, not bringing up his own conversation with the former knight. "Goodness, Borus, you look as though you've seen a ghost. Relax, I'm sure Lady Chris will be the first to tell all her protective shields to back off."

At Percival's reassurance, Borus breathes a small sigh of relief. "I sure hope so. I don't know Sir Wyatt all that well. He seems nice enough but I have no idea how he'd react if he knew. I mean, if it were my daughter, I'd threaten any man who came within ten feet of her to watch his step."

"Well, I'm not saying that he would do such a thing," Percival began, looking at the ceiling mostly, "but I suppose you ought to be prepared just in case he does. I mean, really. He does seem the teasing sort. He might do it just to get a rise out of you."

At that, Borus sweatdropped. "Uh, right. That would be my luck. "I'm just that easy to tease, huh?"

"Perhaps it's a test!" Percival set his glass down and waved both hands eagerly. "He wants to see what kind of man you are, so he'll do his best to rattle you. You just have to see through it. Be the better man!" It was safe to say the wine had gone to his head just a little.

Borus raised an eyebrow, quick to notice that Percival was getting a little tipsy. "Yeah, it's always a test, isn't it? Hard to say whether or not I'll come out the better man, depending on what he decides to throw at me." He shuddered a little, briefly. "I don't even want to try to imagine. But I am sincere in my feelings for Lady Chris so I'll do what I must."

"That's all you can do." Percival quieted, though he was still smiling, and rested his chin on the back of his hand. "If you truly care for her, you won't let anything get in your way. Not even the most gruff of overprotective fathers can stop true love."

Raising a hand up to stop Percival from continuing, Borus nodded. "I understand. And maybe we've both had enough wine for the night." He added with a grin, "You're starting to sound like one of those romance novels that women read sometime."

Percival closed his eyes, smiling dreamily. "Well, I did recently spend a little too much time back home listening to my mother and Sir Euram building fairy-tale romances in their minds. Perhaps it rubbed off on me." He tossed back the swallow that was left in his glass. "Make no mistake, I am proud of you and pleased to hear the good news. Even if it means there'll be a shake-up in the Knights when the captain steps down."

"Euram? That obnoxious kid who thought you behaved in a horrid manner towards his sister?" Borus frowned, his distaste for the Falenan was apparent. "What the hell was he doing with you in Iksay?" Shaking his head again, he corrected himself. "Never mind. It's not important nor any of my business but yes, I suppose when Lady Chris makes her announcement, it will certainly shake things up a little, not only amongst us knights but throughout the Confederacy as well."

Percival shook his head slightly. "We happened to run into each other at the May Day festival. My mother saw me speaking to him - mind you, it was hardly a civil hello at that point - and inferred he was a friend. And promptly adopted him." He sighed in exasperation. "It is a curious turn of events. But yes, I agree with you. I'm sure there are more than a few tongues in Vinay that will wag if she chooses to settle here instead of at the Lightfellow estate."

Borus couldn't help but snort at the thought of Percival's mother adopting Euram. "Your poor mother. And to hell with what people think. Lady Chris deserves to make her own choices where her happiness is concerned. She's made enough sacrifices for the nation." Glancing quickly at his pocket watch, Borus' eyes widened before standing up abruptly. "My apologies, Pericval. I had no idea that so much time had gone by. I promised Lady Chris I would bring a bottle of wine over to her later. And it is later."

"Oh, by all means. Don't let me keep you from such an important appointment." He slid out of his chair also. "I'm going to head to the baths, I'll see you back in the room later. Give her ladyship my regards," he added with a teasing lilt and a tiny, teasing bow.

"Hey, stop that." The younger knight frowned before smirking. "Her ladyship won't appreciate all that formality. But I will let her know that you say 'hello'." Grinning now, he added, "And that you've been to see your mother and hopefully, that will bring to mind a certain name your mother calls you by."

Percival's mouth opened for a return retort, and then closed again so he could make a frustrated pout. "That's playing dirty, Borus. Not fair. Fine, be on your way, but I expect to hear all the details about your romantic walk in the moonlight when I get back from my bath."

Raising an eyebrow after his smirk subsides, he asked, "I didn't say anything about a walk in the moonlight but I'll let you know how our meeting turns out. Until then, you'll just have to be in suspense." Sliding his chair back under the table, he waved before heading off to meet up with the object, subject and center of his dreams.