The Age Up/Down Meme

[kingshaming]

Look, most of our characters have lots of backstory to take advantage of, or headcanons for their future. This is the place to use it!

Prompts

1) People are suddenly shifting ages on the good ship Teremity! It's probably space waves and will fix itself in a day or two, so enjoy reliving your mispent youth.

2) You were always this age! Nothing bad is happening and you all already know each other and it's all cute af. A fluff option.

3) You are this age... and going through your round (or a remixed version) of your Airlocked season. Not for the REALLY young age downs!

Comments

moider

[kingshaming]

[for being a full three years Ardyn's junior, Xander is already starting to look aged past his years. But his long gangly limbs and not quite leaned out baby face give him away. He sure TRIES to act older, always frowning and lecturing others. But occasionally he can be caught laughing or joining in on the fun- after which he always looks guilty.

During trials his mature facade breaks though, and he often can't look anyone in the eye, and he stutters through evidence, though his meticulous notekeeping has helped more then once. In fact, tonight's trial had him actually cry out and bite back tears at the execution- and flee right after. All anyone could get out of him was that 'Father would be disgusted with my conduct.' He doesn't show up at the afterparty at all. But around the time things are being cleaned up for the night he shows up, red faced and sweating, curls limp and stuck to his neck... and shocked to see anyone still up.

He stares, then turns, clearly meaning to bolt]

[scourgingstars]

Ah--Xander, wait.

[Ardyn crossed the room perhaps a little too quickly once Xander turned around, quickly slipping the pen he'd used to do so into a pocket before reaching out to the other royal's shoulder. He was particularly mindful of the prince among all their other companions, for reasons the king had never quite gone into detail about.]

Come, sit down; there's still some tea left if you would like some, and I'm sure there's yet a sandwich or two in the kitchen.

[kingshaming]

[When Ardyn is suddenly there and touching him... Xander stiffens, eyes wide and fingers digging into his palms, as if bracing for something. But in another breath he unwinds.]

Th... there's no need. I was already rude enough in not responding to the invitation...

[scourgingstars]

Think nothing of it. It was hardly what I would call a royal invite necessitating attention.

[He dropped his hand once he noticed Xander's discomfort, gesturing back towards the dining room.]

I will not force you if you would prefer to be left alone. And if it is solitude you wish, then I can take my leave instead. I would just like it were I to know you'd eaten something today.

[kingshaming]

It's... less I desire to be alone and more I didn't want anyone to see me for a bit.

[he had been in the gym, "training"- aka swinging his practice blade over and over to express his rage and grief in a way that kept them hidden and private and secret. Such was the Nohrian way.]

I could use some food now I think, after that.

[scourgingstars]

Then by all means, you're welcome to join me for a while.

[Meanwhile there was the Lucian way, which was 'bottle everything up and smile because you are not a human but instead what the kingdom requires of you'. And of course, Ardyn was smiling as he turned to get two cups of tea and leftover sandwiches, setting them down on a nearby table.]

We should count ourselves lucky we've so much useful help in the kitchen, nay? I'm hardly any skilled hand with anything of the sort.

[kingshaming]

[Xander laughs a little, mostly muffled by his hand]

Same. Even if I knew these ovens I think I'd just as likely burn the place down.

[scourgingstars]

As would I, no doubt. We've somewhat similar things in Lucis, but I've never had to use one before.

[because hell if i know what this universe's tech level ever was]

I fear an affinity for fire magic would do me absolutely no good here.

[kingshaming]

A king of the kitchen, what a sight that would be though. At least you might be able to burn some meat with your spells. If you put a fire tome in my hands at best I might light the oven for you.

[scourgingstars]

That would still manage to be a decent start. Can hardly cook without a lit oven, now can we?

[kingshaming]

I guess... simple and practical is what I'm good at.

[His face is pinched, the beginnings of the brute faced man he would grow into]

I should a... apologize for my earlier behavior.

[scourgingstars]

You've nothing to apologize for, Xander. Recent events have been trying for each and every one of us, and there is no shame to be had in that. In fact, you've proven yourself vital help several times now; I have very little doubt we would not be here were it not for your assistance.

[kingshaming]

[he shakes his head, not looking to fight, but clearly disagreeing]

For the others, of course. Not us. You're a king, surely you've overseen executions before?

[scourgingstars]

...Lucis is reasonably at peace, but such things do of course happen.

[Ardyn sighed, brushing his hair out of his eyes only to have it fall right back into place.]

But mere experience makes it no less easy.

[kingshaming]

[He gives a soft bitter little laugh]

The first execution Father had me view with him, I burst into tears. I thought for sure he would be angry... But instead he ushered me under his cloak to hide.

[he smiles weakly, as if it was a fond memory along with an awful one.]

But after he said that... that a king has to be able to face death and feel nothing. That if he even flinched his people will question his judgement. That... He must feel not pain or pleasure in it. I...

I still can't do that even after six years.

[scourgingstars]

... [...It infuriated him on Xander's behalf, and there was something of a hard tone in Ardyn's voice that was no more for the prince than the sharp frown hidden behind a cup of tea was.]

I hope you will take no offense should I speak candidly. [He thought, for not the first time, of his brother in Xander's place. Always too serious, always struggling to be a prince before he was a son of Lucis like any other.That was too much to ask of any child, royal or otherwise.]

But I believe that to be wrong. Every life of a subject lost--criminal, innocent, man, woman, child--is one that something should be felt for. If a king can not be seen to sympathize with his people, how can they ever trust in him to hold their best interests close to heart?

[kingshaming]

[ Xander frowns, but it's more out of confusion then anger, and he fiddles with his tea cup]

Well... of course one must empathize with his people. But... If you are too familiar certainly it makes making the hard choices too much to bare.

[he looks over his cup at Ardyn, as if he might have some answer for him]

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn carefully collected himself and set aside the cup in his hand, interlacing his fingers on the table and looking to Xander with placid hazel eyes.]

That is the burden a king has to carry upon his shoulders. Compassion is a heavy weight, your highness.

[kingshaming]

[Compassion he has plenty of- even if he tries to hide it]

I... I just don't know.

[he sighs, and sips his tea, and hums in pleasure. Ah, honey. A rare treat]

I'm sorry- it's not like politics make a difference in here.

[scourgingstars]

They don't, no. [Even now he only wore the silver crown out of habit, and the black raiment for lack of much else to actually wear. (The scarf, however, was for some reason non-negotiable and always around his neck.)]

But it is quite alright; I have no problem discussing such matters frankly with you.

[kingshaming]

And I appreciate it. I... wouldn't want to stress my sister back home with such things, and honestly she has no love for the court. My other siblings are too young for such things still.

[scourgingstars]

My younger brother already worries so much about things such as this, so I'm very accustomed to it. I can only offer guidance and shoulder the worst of it myself.

...You are very like him, actually. I must confess it nearly renders me terribly homesick.

[kingshaming]

I hope that's a compliment.

[he gives a boyish smile from behind his teacup]

[scourgingstars]

Oh, of the highest order. [Ardyn laughed lightly, right hand fidgeting with the end of his scarf.] I care for my brother more than anything in the world.

[kingshaming]

[His smile only grows at that]

I understand that feeling. Though if he is the serious one... does that make you the troublemaker?