run-in

[lesser_son]

Melou has escaped from the absolutely disastrous encounter with his father and his father's enemy-friend, and been savagely reminded of a fact he's always known, but which has seemed lately distant: he is utterly a coward. He is a shame. For all the training and effort his father expended, he is capable, but he is too scared, and too stupid when

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[illgotten]

Eventually Mordred emerges from the Mansion, looking worn and shaken. He rakes his hair back as he comes down the path, and doesn't spot the figure under the tree until he's almost past.

He stops, wearily.

[lesser_son]

Melou isn't looking around him; is sitting stiffly, eyes on the ground. He's pale. His hands are shaking.

[illgotten]

After a moment Mordred says his name, softly, and drops to one knee beside the pathway.

[lesser_son]

His gaze flickers to his father. "Sir--"

[illgotten]

"It's all right," quietly.

[lesser_son]

What he'd like right now, what he'd really like, is to come forward a little and into Mordred's arms, the way he would if it were Cywyllog. But Mordred isn't Cywyllog, and he's afraid of him, has always been afraid of him, and can't (inherently daren't) change that for one gentle word.

So he just nods, a small nod.

[illgotten]

But Mordred comes forward, instead, reaching out an arm to him. "It's all right," he says again. "I've explained to him--"

[lesser_son]

"I didn't mean to run," Melou says, and flushes.

[illgotten]

Mordred pauses, looking at him blankly for a moment or two. Then he sighs. "It's all right."

[lesser_son]

"It's not. I do you no honour. I never did. You taught us, sir, and Melehan learned everything you taught, and he is dead. And I live and shame you. I have no right, and it's not well." He jerks to his feet, trembling all over.

[illgotten]

"Christ." Mordred looks up at him, appalled. "No. Look--"

[lesser_son]

"We knew what you required of us. He did it bravely. He did everything. And he's gone."

[illgotten]

He stands, slowly, and reaches to pull Melou into his arms. "I know."

[lesser_son]

Melou leans against him stiffly, body quivering. "He's dead. I left him. I left him."

[illgotten]

Mordred holds onto him tightly, and makes no answer.

[lesser_son]

"Did not even bury him. Oh, God. Mother of God. He's dead."