Obfuscation

[anotherknight]

They've overseen his care with a degree of vengeance. It isn't beginning to rack his nerves. The advanced stage of irritation peaked weeks ago. Now he's riding out not only a pain in his stomach but an ire forced to its limits. He's suspicious of every bite of food, every drop of liquid served. Between Alfred, Dick and Leslie, the sedatives

Comments

[anotherknight]

"The coup was unsuccessful. The punishment for treason at the time was death by hanging."

He crosses the floor to join Tim at the case. Amongst his relatively short list of interests is living history, right below the collection of old and interesting books. 'Strategy and Armament in the 19th Century' is passed to the younger man with care.

[_robin_]

In translation: Do your research, Timothy-san.

Was the Batman involved in any of this?

[anotherknight]

"I was in Maratovia at the time."

Does that mean Batman was involved or not? Tim will have to do the math on his own.

[_robin_]

Undercover, huh?

Must have been interesting, witnessing a coup first-hand.

[anotherknight]

"That's one way of putting it."

Interesting wouldn't have been his first choice of descriptions. 'Disturbing' comes immediately to mind. A mass of people pushing as one has no need of weapons. All those unfortunate enough to find themselves underfoot find themselves trampled.

[_robin_]

What about the son? Did they execute him?

He can see Bruce is getting very tired now, but there's no point trying to get him to sit - or back to his room. Some people are too stubborn for their own good.

[anotherknight]

"He was pardoned. By his father." A glance is spared in Tim's direction.

[_robin_]

Tim chuckles ruefully

Was he grateful? Or did he view that as an even harsher punishment than the gallows?

[anotherknight]

Is that a smile? "I don't know. What do you think?"

[_robin_]

Another chuckle, warmer this time

I think he had a very wise father.

[anotherknight]

A hand is placed on Tim's shoulder and a small squeeze follows. The smile gradually falls from his face. He does need to sit down, whether he wants to admit it or not. "I smelled coffee on the way down. Want to join me in the kitchen?"

[_robin_]

Sounds like a plan. I could do with a pick-me-up before I knuckle down to this assignment of mine.

[anotherknight]

"Do you have everything you need?" He leans a hand against the glass, not something he would do under normal circumstances.

[_robin_]

Tim considers the book in his hand, and the one waiting on the chair in Bruce's room.

I think I'm set. Thanks.

C'mon. Now you've mentioned coffee I could really do with some.

Trying to encourage Bruce to go somewhere where he'll sit down? Surely not.

[anotherknight]

"Just as long as it's not spiked," he mutters.