Introduction...?

[illgotten]

Something has changed

Comments

[rightismight]

*one would expect Arthur to be perceptive enough to notice the change and to be concerned by the change, but while he does, he's not; he's become used to their awkward-but-not-unpleasant relationship, to the boy who he may someday be able to think of as 'nephew' and nothing more, and nothing less--*

Are you not well, nephew?

[illgotten]

Mordred stiffens. "My lord High King," precise and cold. "I am as well as may be."

[rightismight]

You do me too much formality, dear Mordred.

[illgotten]

"Do I?"

[rightismight]

*slight confusion* Yes-- yes. I am your uncle.

[illgotten]

"To my continual good fortune." This time he doesn't bother to mask the bitterness.

[rightismight]

*taken aback, as he probably should be* Mordred. Speak not like this.

[illgotten]

"No?"

[rightismight]

It ill befits you.

[illgotten]

"Oh, indeed. Should I not be grateful for my many blessings?"

[rightismight]

Not in that tone. Not as a knight, or as a nephew.

[illgotten]

He looks up at that, eyes blazing -- not with hatred; something quite possibly worse. "Your sister's dear and damned near only son, aye. Well I know it. As for the other, I can never hope to equal your Lancelot, who murders his friends."

[rightismight]

*there's a flicker of-- something; it's not anger, exactly, but some flavour of betrayal* *calmly* Quiet, boy.

[illgotten]

"Quiet!" --as though the word is obscene.

[rightismight]

Quiet. You are out of line.

[illgotten]

Mordred goes as pale as if he's about to be sick, but he says nothing more.