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 Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:31 pm
Nathan felt something touch his shoulder and, at first, he jumped. But then opening his eyes, he discovered it was Garrat that had returned. With tears of fear in his eyes, he smiled. "Welcome back.." he grinned and relaxed a bit. But more lightning and thunder shook the castle and he stiffened up and shut his eyes. "I... why is it so scary.." he cried and clung close to Garrat.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:28 pm
Garrat had to turn away a bit to hide his blush, but then sat on the edge of the bed to pull Nathaniel closer and shield him from the frightening thunder. "It won't hurt you. I'll make sure of that," he assured, How long had it been since he had done this? Over these years of distancing, Garrat would simply stay by the bed until the storm passed or Nathaniel fell asleep, whichever came close. Now, acting as his fortress came naturally again.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:44 pm
It certainly had been awhile since the man did something like this. It even surprised the boy some but be didn't mind. The prince missed his friend's old habits, it always felt more comfortable that way. The storm quieted down a but it rained harder outside. Feeling a little calmer, Nathan smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he glanced over at the food tray and reached over to it. "What was for dinner?" He asked curiously reaching out for some food. "Eat with me? " he asked as a hopeful suggestion as he was even getting ready to feed Garrat. Of course the knight may think that as too embarrassing so of course he wouldn't do anything that made Garrat feel uncomfortable. A lingering thought came into his mind, however, as they ate.... Perhaps the boy would ask when Garrat was setting him to bed.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 11:17 pm
Garrat looked at one of the trays before taking one and setting it on Nathaniel's lap. "It looks like we're having cod today," he said as he got his own tray. "Surrounded by potatoes and garnished with herbs." His mouth was already watering, as potatoes were his favorite roots to eat. Of course, he couldn't lose control of himself over food. That would make him look childish and unprofessional, and that was something a 21-year-old knight couldn't deal with in this day and age.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:08 am
The dinner looked decadent as usual and the young man couldn't help but take a bit of his delicious dinner set before him. He also noticed, Garrat's face as he glanced to the food. It was growing darker and soon, it was night time. The prince smiled and held up a fork full of potato to his knight and poked him," open up! It's delicious. Won't you try I it?" Nathan asked, excited to see Garrat's face when he'd taste the food. Nathan had already tasted the food and wants so much to share the deliciousness with his friend!
When the dinner was done, Nathan tried to ignore the heaviness of sleep that dragged him farther into bed. But there was still so much time for talking. Sleep just couldn't win yet. He yawned and refused to lean back and instead, lean his head on Garrat,"Garrat?... When I sleep, where do you go to sleep?" Nathan assumed his knight went to his room every night and then came back in the mornings. There was one more question for the night, but sleep was quick in coming after a full belly.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:13 am
Before Garrat could eat from his own plate, it seemed that Nathaniel wanted to feed him. To anyone else, it would seem odd, but the guard didn't mind. To amuse his prince, he ate the offered potato. He spent about half a minute savoring the taste and such a satisfied expression took over his face that he momentarily didn't look like a serious guard. "Yes, it is indeed delicious. Thank you." This was slightly embarrassing, but Garrat was happy.
When the plates were empty, Garrat set them outside to be picked up by a servant before returning to Nathaniel's side. He stiffened a bit when the prince leaned on him, since he needed to hide his excitement. "Where do I sleep? Well, as your bodyguard, I sleep on that chair by your bed. I have to be near you at all times. Well, most of the time," he answered. "Don't worry. I have gotten used to it over the years."
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 11:36 am
Nathan sat up and looked into his friend's eyes, with a bit of pained expression over him. " Why? That can't be comfortable! And it's not good for you!" he rubbed his cheek, " I don't care what mother says, you should sleep in a bed! Why don't you sleep in my bed, with me? Like how we used to?" he asked, tugging on his sleeve. The prince didn't understand how he could sleep upright in a chair like that for so long! He did this because his mother told him to watch him. The quiet guilt began to take over Nathaniel as he realized that Garrat really couldn't even enjoy life's simple comforts because of him. "..Did.. uh.. Did you have fun with Rosa today?" he asked quietly.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 11:58 am
Garrat couldn't believe his ears! Sleep in bed with Nathaniel? They were both grown men, didn't he think of that?! "Th-the chair is perfectly fine. It would be weird for me to sleep on a bed now," he said, getting rather flustered. "Besides, at our age, it would be strange for us to sleep together. No one thinks anything of children, but adults should know better."
The knight became annoyed at the mention of Rosa. "No, not particularly. She's a bit too unrelenting for her own good," he said as he put a hand to his forehead. "Really, I'm not sure what she's looking for."
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 2:34 pm
Garrat outright seemed to reject the idea. He slumped down and rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't really think of the difference of being a child and an adult. Perhaps it really was strange. The talk of Rosa seemed to have triggered something in his friend. He felt odd but only grew more curious. "Garrat, what happened with Rosa? I thought it was obvious she likes you... " he gave a look of sympathy. "You don't like her? But because she is a daughter of a noble, you can go outside when she needs you... With all that hay on you, I thought you were... Ya know~ "he laughed at first He smiled, then a choking feeling rose up in his throat. "Hehe! I'm just kidding... But I wish I could've been out there to play with you..." The phrase sort of slipped out as he reached to touch the man's hand.
A sadder thought came into his mind. Nathaniel was very aware that he would most likely die someday before the other members of his family. He didn't want to die, and he never knew if or when this was to happen, still the boy had to be aware of that. "Say.. Garrat?" He bit his bottom lip as he tried to think of the right question to ask. "What sort of life would you really want?... I.. Uhh.." He cleared his throat," I mean.. If you didn't have to watch over me?" He asked, forcing a smile.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:12 pm
Garrat didn't want to talk about Rosa anymore. It also seemed they didn't have to, as Nathaniel changed the subject to what the guard's life could have been like. He hadn't thought of that. He only wanted to take care of Nathaniel. Because they were friends; because he cared for him; because he loved him. "In all honesty, I wouldn't want any other life. Even if I didn't have to watch over you, I still would," he answered. "Why do you ask?"
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 5:44 pm
A bright smile spread wide across his face as Garrat said his kind words. Happy, Nathan couldn't help but open his arms and give his knight a tight and warm hug. He wrapped his arms around his broad neck and his cheeks turned into an acute shade of pink. With those words, Nathan didn't feel sick anymore. "Well, I guess I was mostly worried about you... You've been so quiet lately that I thought you believed the rumors too.... " he slouched down a little. "But I promise I won't get sick anymore... I want to spend more time with you.... Richard and Hamish always go out and have fun, but you can't because you're always stuck with me... and I know that I'm a burden, so I promise we'll have more to do in the future!" he pulled back and looked Garrat in the eyes. The talking today was wonderful! Who knows how long it'd last, but it made Nathaniel very happy to have his best friend near by and willing to speak.
Nathan yawned and rubbed his eyes once again, the sleep bug finally beginning to take over the prince's weak body.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:05 pm
Garrat couldn't help but smile. Nathaniel was just adorable, one would think he was still a child. Of course, the knight was a bit bothered by the prince's promise. What made him think it was his fault for always being ill? It wasn't as if he tried to do anything that would make him sick. Well, he often refused to rest when he should, but it was only natural that the prince would want to be active.
Aware of Nathaniel's drowsiness, Garrat tucked him into bed. "We have a big day tomorrow, Nathan," he said as he once more took a seat on the nearby chair and waited for the prince to sleep.
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:59 pm
Nathaniel was slowly falling asleep, but just couldn't quite do, knowing that Garrat was just going to sit there.. all night. "Are you really going to stay there?" he mumbled out to him, a little peeved that his knight was going to be uncomfortable. "If its you Garrat, you know I don't mind you staying in bed with me..." he added.
[Sorry this one is short, just squeezing more time with them together xD]
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 7:25 pm
Nathan's offer was tempting, but Garrat feared what he himself might do in his sleep. "I'll be fine here," he softly insisted, though his mind was yelling at him for refusing. He couldn't risk someone coming in and seeing them. Maybe the Queen wouldn't mind, understanding as she is, but anyone else might be alarmed. He didn't want Nathaniel to start blaming himself if they got into trouble. "You may not mind, but we aren't the only ones who can enter your room."
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Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 8:15 pm
The young prince grumbled and gave up in trying to convince his friend and rested on his side, closing his eyes but still remaining awake. "Garrat.. Manuerva says that Rosa likes you because you're handsome. Do you think she finds everyone attractive or just you?" he asked sleepily. Whatever his answers were, Nathan was readily falling asleep. In his sleep, Garrat was Nathan's source of entertainment until he grew quiet. Talk just a little bit, kept the prince's hopes up and reminded him that he was healthy for the time being.
"Do you.. find anyone attractive...............?" he asked as he fell into a deep sleep. The moon outside broke through the clouds as the rain began to settle.
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