[Even though he expected the question, Hendrik still pauses as he reaches the bottom of the stairs. He shifts the shield to look at its front with a frown.]
I do not know. It was among my possessions when I arrived here, and I was not about to leave it for someone else to pick up.
[With a shake of his head, he walks closer to the storage space.]
[Hendrik steps forward and prompts him to step backward. He turns his shoulder and perches his fingers on his hips, wrapped up in investigating the shield. His lips press into a line at the thought of it landing in Hendrik's possession. He does not know but it seems even fate decides he should not be the man who wields it.]
[Hendrik tilts his head at the conclusion, considering it for a moment before shaking his head.]
No. It has remained in my wardrobe the entire time -- even before you deigned to live here. It is not mine to wield, and I would not want to use it anyway.
I would not have expected that answer from you one time.
[His voice is tinged with regret. He remembers speaking of the shield; explaining its reputation and history and all it symbolises. Now they cannot hope for such things.]
Are you not excited by the prospect or is such honour too much for you?
[Hendrik swears his unworthiness and soothes his disappointed anger. His curled fists unclench and he steps back from the door. Eyes direct to the floor. That his friend feels unworthy for the honour of bearing the shield yet adored the adoration of the people in those difficult years? It is hard to stomach.
He closes his eyes. Perhaps he ought not care about any of it.]
Perhaps it came from a better time.
[That idea makes it bearable even should it be false.]
But it is a dishonour and a waste to leave it under the stairs.
[Hendrik pauses, brows drawing together in confusion at Jasper's words. He would have thought Jasper would understand why the shield should be put away.]
[Jasper remains cold and calm in the face of confusion. Hendrik is a modest and honest man who cannot understand why a nation's pride ought not be locked away. He almost feels it his job to educate the man.]
I have no right to display it for my personal benefit. It matters more for you. I mean, would it not be unbecoming to lock a part of Heliodor's history in the broom closet?
[Hendrik slowly nods, accepting Jasper's answer for what it is. He sets the shield next to the armor, illuminated by the little light under the staircase, and stands up.]
[Hands cross across his stomach. Fingers ball into fists and hide beneath his arms. He bows his head, looks down and away and hesitates for a moment before dragging his feet back towards the lounge. Misery is all he can expect, really. Why hope for better?
He doesn't listen to the voice telling him there is good in this. He cannot ignore it, though. The thought of having his armour next to the shield? It's a unity of sorts.
He wrinkles his nose and begins cleaning up his polishing kit.]
[There is no happiness or contentedness in looking at the armor slid out of sight. He clicks the light off, staring at the shadows for a moment longer before shutting the door with a quiet thump.
A closed chapter. A somber finality.
He tries to remind himself that there is hope as long as there is life, but it rings hollow -- whether it be because of the state or their world or the nature of Avalon, he does not know.
With a shake of his head, he leaves the hallway to prepare a meal.]
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no subject
I do not know. It was among my possessions when I arrived here, and I was not about to leave it for someone else to pick up.
[With a shake of his head, he walks closer to the storage space.]
It has remained in my wardrobe the entire time.
no subject
You mean you hid it from me.
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No. It has remained in my wardrobe the entire time -- even before you deigned to live here. It is not mine to wield, and I would not want to use it anyway.
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[His voice is tinged with regret. He remembers speaking of the shield; explaining its reputation and history and all it symbolises. Now they cannot hope for such things.]
Are you not excited by the prospect or is such honour too much for you?
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I cannot say there is any ... excitement in the prospect of wielding it. I would never feel worthy of the honor.
[He shakes his head and moves over so he can crouch and set the shield in the storage space as well.]
To be perfectly honest, I thought the shield lost when the castle fell. I do not know where this was found -- if it was found in our own time.
no subject
He closes his eyes. Perhaps he ought not care about any of it.]
Perhaps it came from a better time.
[That idea makes it bearable even should it be false.]
But it is a dishonour and a waste to leave it under the stairs.
[Like his armour? Well...]
no subject
What do you mean? There is no use for it.
[And he is certainly not going to use it.]
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I have no right to display it for my personal benefit. It matters more for you. I mean, would it not be unbecoming to lock a part of Heliodor's history in the broom closet?
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[He doesn't see the big deal.]
The Kingdom of Heliodor is not here, Jasper.
[And what pride is there to being a knight slowly failing to protect his decimated kingdom?]
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[A Kingdom can exist beyond its borders.]
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[A genuine question. He understands what Jasper is saying, but the "people" for him had been the Princess and the Dark-- Luminary.]
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No. But I assure you I would not deny the circumstances of my birth.
[It is hardly simple to filter his birthright with a yes and no answer.]
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Then the shield can remain here.
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He doesn't listen to the voice telling him there is good in this. He cannot ignore it, though. The thought of having his armour next to the shield? It's a unity of sorts.
He wrinkles his nose and begins cleaning up his polishing kit.]
no subject
A closed chapter. A somber finality.
He tries to remind himself that there is hope as long as there is life, but it rings hollow -- whether it be because of the state or their world or the nature of Avalon, he does not know.
With a shake of his head, he leaves the hallway to prepare a meal.]