In my beginning is my end

[wolflord_andain]

There are a great many responsibilities that lie on the shoulders of the Lord of the andain. Among these are overseeing the needs of his people -- when they will admit to needs, which is very rarely indeed -- and dealing with mortals

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[inthetapestry]

"What do you mean, why? How am I supposed to tell you why?" complains Kevin, sinking back into his two-legged form.

As far as Kevin is concerned, he's been working extremely hard, and for very little gain. Up until now, his life has been run on instinct. It's a hard thing to go counter to it.

"You say that as if you think I'm not trying, but you must see I am."

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan's lips do not twist in wry amusement.

"You do give every appearance of making an effort, but I tell you truly, Kevin, son of Ceinwen -- do you evince only those skills you have now for what remains of your life, said life will not be a very long one."

[inthetapestry]

"Are you going to make sure of that, Wolflord?"

It's a joke. (Although possibly it shouldn't be.)

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan merely raises both eyebrows.

"I will hardly need to."

Both their kin will more than make up for this lack.

[inthetapestry]

"Well, you're halfway to it, I think."

Kevin rubs his eyes and makes a face. It feels like his pupils are about to fall out of his head, he's been staring at - nothing, exactly; well, at himself, at power, theoretically, but it feels like a lot of nothing - for what seems like hours.

[wolflord_andain]

"Should you prefer that I make more of an effort?"

Galadan is willing to oblige.

And surely Kevin has it coming.

[inthetapestry]

Kevin ignores this, instead sprawling himself out on the ground with that particular bonelessness characteristic of teenaged boys. He flops an arm over his eyes.

"I don't know what more you want of me."

[wolflord_andain]

"Not embodying the disgrace of the andain should serve well enough."

Clearly the types of things that motivate most of Fionavar will not be enough for the son of Davor.

Galadan might almost wish he were surprised.

[inthetapestry]

Kevin wonders how, exactly, one disgraces the andain. Surely not the way one might disgrace one's human foster parents, or one's Dalrei comrades. Mass murder doesn't seem enough to do it, judging from past example; nor destructiveness nor childishness nor covetousness, because the other andain consistently exhibit examples of all of these, from the stories he's heard of them.

He is, however, at the very least wise enough not to say this to Galadan.

"I appreciate the specific instruction," he mumbles instead.

[wolflord_andain]

"Much as I would appreciate your effort and attention, I am sure."

There's a snap to his voice, the kind that schoolteachers have used to get children's attention the world over.

And behind it, of course, there is something else.

Galadan is not the Wolflord for nothing.

[inthetapestry]

"As you've had it, and will have it." Kevin doesn't quite snap back. He's young, and foolish, but he's enough elkor for that, and Galadan enough wolf.

"But every waking moment seems - much."

[wolflord_andain]

"Would you you were capable of even a handful of moments, Kevin. There is the pretense of time and attention -- that you have more than a way with. But as for the rest, you are sorely lacking. It would not even take an andain to put you down, or one with the Weaver's blessing up on them."

Speaking of blessings --

"In point of fact, mortal children the world over should, I imagine, do far better in their lessons than you, and in less time."

Oh, the shame.

[inthetapestry]

Yes, because the Wolflord interacts with so many mortal children, Kevin is sure.

"Then were I to meet one," Kevin answers, jokingly again, "I am sure they would shame me thoroughly."

See how much he cares, Galadan!

[wolflord_andain]

"It will be no difficult feat to prove that, in point of fact."

Galadan is not smug. Smug is beneath him.

But the person he is thinking of is more than likely going to make up for that deficiency.

In spades.

[inthetapestry]

Kevin rolls over to squint at Galadan, interest mildly piqued. "What, are you planning to kidnap and intimidate a mortal child?"

Kevin supposes he should be theoretically opposed to that.

[wolflord_andain]

"In the future," Galadan says, dry as bone, "we're also going to need to work on your imagination."

Because really, now.

That was just ridiculous.