12 - [Voice]

[lunarianlegacy]

[It takes Prince Angst a while to even attempt to leave an encouraging message for everyone going out to fight. He knows he should, but he's so wrapped up in his own insecurities and self-doubt, he's almost surly about it. Not like he can talk to his family about it either because they're all going. Them and that jerk dragoon too

Comments

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia will arrive not long after Ceodore, intent on getting in some practice of her own before the draft takes place. Upon spotting him honing his archery, however, she pauses to observe.]

[lunarianlegacy]

[He might not be as good as his mother, but he's never quite as good as his parents at anything. However, he's far from shabby with the bow and he's got quite the earnest mindset to handle it well. In fact, he's so intent on working on his form that he doesn't even register that he's being watched.

Today's goal is to work on speed rather than accuracy, so an arrow is nocked, then in one swift move, the bow raised and string pulled. With hardly a pause to anchor the arrow for aim, he relaxes his fingers and looses the arrow, getting a pleased smile when it sticks not only in the center of the target, but mere millimeters from the one he'd fired moments ago.]

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia echoes the smile as she watches Ceodore at work. No, it's not Rosa's level of marksmanship, but then archery isn't his usual focus anyway. Even so, he's quite competent and she enjoys getting the chance to observe his talent for herself.]

Nicely done, Ceodore.

[lunarianlegacy]

[Rydia's voice comes as a surprise, as he had no idea he had an audience. His pleased smile becomes more modest and he nods his head once. He knows it was a good shot, but he's still got issues with accepting praise from other people.]

Rydia! Uh, thanks. You here to practice?

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia nods, patting the whip coiled at her side.]

Naturally. I've focused a lot on magic lately, but I really ought to get in some quality time with actual weapons, too.

[She tilts her head, looking at the bow.]

I haven't thought about learning archery, but perhaps when I get back, you can give me some pointers?

[lunarianlegacy]

[Mention of the draft causes the smile to fade away quickly, but he does nod anyway. No need to drag Rydia into his personal issues.]

Sure. It'd be a good backup for you. Not hard, but it takes a lot of practice to be effective.

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia of course notices that smile fading and it worries her, but doesn't prod just yet. She shrugs, unfazed by Ceodore's words.]

I don't mind that. It just means I'll have something else to keep me occupied. Besides, I'm sure you're a good teacher.

[lunarianlegacy]

I'll try my best. I learned from watching Mother.

[eidolon_soul]

[Mention of Rosa, even indirectly, brings a melancholy tinge to Rydia's smile. She misses Rosa more than she could ever say, the woman who was somewhat like a mother to her, too.]

I have faith in you, Ceodore. You'll do fine.

[lunarianlegacy]

[Well, that makes one of them. Hope she's got some faith to spare.]

Th-thanks. I, uh, I shouldn't interrupt. You need to be ready.

[He misses her too, even though he's not as open about it as his poor deprived father is. Of course, not knowing her fate now that she's gone helps escalate his level of worry.]

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia nods, not about to deny that.]

True, but I shouldn't interrupt you either. You need to be ready to defend this town, in case something happens while we're gone.

[lunarianlegacy]

I...

[His head drops and he looks away. Self-doubt is running rampant for him right now.]

I can't do it alone.

[eidolon_soul]

[She pauses by him and rests a hand on his shoulder.]

You won't have to do it alone, Ceodore. There will be others here to help. Adell's staying and so is Edward, and I'm sure there are others who will be ready and willing to do their part.

[lunarianlegacy]

[He nods in response, but he really can't look Rydia in the eye right now. Blurting things out, however, is still in hia abilities list.]

I wish I were going too.

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia nods, offering no protests or coddling.]

I wish you were, too. We could use you. But I'm sure you'll get your chance, sooner or later.

[lunarianlegacy]

[He appreciates that more than you know. It even gets a smile out of him.]

Th-thanks.

Come back safely. Please.