The man who never lied.

“Thank you, you are kind, my lord,” he nodded, hid hand tightening around his own arm. “I… have the same mark,” he finally said quietly. “I have hid it since I was a child.”

“And I hope you will consider my kind offer.” He looked at where the man was holding his arm. He was just a boy to Julian. One who needed guiding. “I thought as much. You will learn to recognise others like yourself in time.” His eyes flickered over him. “And i am offering you a chance to be who you are, without hiding.”

titanjulian

“You poor soul,” she laughed lightly. “Well, that is refreshing, not many men think as so openly, my lord. I like to think that I am a logical woman.”

“If you should think about this poor soul once or twice, then it shall ease my suffering milady.” He smiled. “I am open to anything. At least once...”

“I wish i knew how to stop milady, for it would save my heart many losses.” He laughed to himself. “Of course, I am but a man. I admit that women have the upperhand in many ways. Perhaps... but that is a rather logical view to take milady.”

titanjulian:

Elias looked over him, his hand holding his own arm, almost out of instinct. He knew what mark lay under there. Branding him who he was. “You… see a man, who… is fighting to a somewhat better life. But… thank you,” he raised a brow. “You…” His eyes wide, he looked down to his arm. “You knew?” He laughed a little. “I can’t help it.”

“And I respect that, I see an honest and loyal man.” He looked over him carefully. He saw his reaction, it was the same reaction they all had. “I am. It is no secret.” He looked around the grounds, before letting his sleeve down. “The king permitted my family the right to practise. I hope his daughter will do the same. I knew, i have a knack for noticing people who are the same.”

“I’ll take a guess that i’m doing well.” He grinned. “Yes milady.” He smiled at her innocence. “Then all men are but fools, I am not too proud to admit that.”

titanjulian:

“I uh, was taught as a child. Little rusty now. Position? You… see that in me?” he asked. “Um, yeah. It’s… always just happened. Often… they are wealthier than I.”

“Not many are...” He looked at him carefully, sizing him up. “I see a strong knight, with a good heart... who’s a lot of fun. One that perhaps needs the protection of a lord who understands him.” Julian rolled up the sleeve of his white shirt, revealing a tattoo on his wrist. One he was given as a young boy. He chuckled at his words. “A man after my heart.”

titanjulian:

“I know that I swing a sword pretty well. I can speak some Latin and I’m a little too opinionated for a commoner. But I am no lord.” He raised a brow. “I have never paid for a woman.”

“Latin you say? I thought that was a dead language. You’ve been given many opportunities here that is clear. It’s a shame you won’t consider coming back with me. I’d have a fine position in my household for someone like you.” He leaned back, pouring wine that was laying on the table into a cup. It was his wine now. “Never? Now that is interesting. A face like yours though, i suppose they throw themselves at you for free. Ah to be young again.”

“Now you really do aim to flatter me,” she laughed lightly, playing with the sleeve of her dress. “And yet, they do not. The men who wish to marry me, do not want me, they want an alliance and money from my father. And some men do not want me because of my father. As you should.”

“And how am i doing milady?” He grinned, watching her nervous habits. “Any man would be a fool, or likely he is interested in his squires rather then any future wife. I cannot imagine any man not wishing to earn your deepest affections. Aye, and that should work well to your advantage milady. You should only marry someone worthy of your heart.”

“Friends are important in this world,” she nodded, fanning herself lightly. “Oh shouldn’t I? I feel that is something to admire. Honesty. The court is filled with lies.”

“I couldn’t agree more, we should all have friends like you milady.” He was very aware of how he was sucking up. But he enjoyed it. “You shouldn’t, you are a beautiful woman with a large fortune, the men should be wooing you. I couldn’t agree more with that, I am an honest man. I pride myself on it.” 

“No. It is… not who I am meant to be.” He shrugged lightly. “Lend me the money?”

“Now, who you are meant to be is not for you to know. No man should know his destiny.” He nodded, with a serious look in his eye. “For a woman.”

titanjulian:

She glanced to him as he gently touched her back, her cheeks still feeling warm. “She is my best friend, yes. We spend a lot of time with each other. She trusts me. I would not say that, I am a modest woman. What would I tell him of you?” she asked. “Oh no? You enjoy the game?”

He smiled, seeing her blush. He was very proud of that. “How nice to have a friend like that.” He leant against the wall, once again watching her. “A woman like you shouldn’t be modest. I don’t play games, i speak my mind. If i feel something, I am honest about it. But if i do not... I am honest about that also.”

titanjulian:

“That is why I am not a lord. I’m a commoner who got lucky,” he laughed. “Something or someone?”

“Would you want to be one?” She shrugged, he knew what it was like. “Someone. Always someone. I’ll lend you the money if you want.”

“You say words to gain that reaction from me,” she laughed lightly, touching her cheek. “I am lucky. I was born into a privileged life. My best friend being the eldest princess and I know… i will marry well.” She smiled. “You know what to say to flatter a lady.”

“I am very good at it.” He laughed, touching her back gently and moving to her other side. Just enough contact to be appropriate. “Oh best friend? So i am honoured by your presence? I trust you won’t tell your future lord husband of me.” He laughed slightly, he would never marry for status. “I am a charming man, but i don’t aim to flatter.”

“You don’t get to be a lord without being slightly arrogant.” He laughed. “I feel for you... although i’m sure you will find something to distract yourself with.”

“You think I to be shy when it comes to men and their activities. I am quiet the gossip, I hear things,” she laughed lightly. “My father is my father. Despite his flaws, he is a clever man. And he has given me many opportunities to become a well educated and respected lady at court.”

“I can see the blush in your cheeks my lady and I rather enjoy it.” He chuckled to himself. “Like i said, sounds like a fine man. You are very lucky. He gave you your looks and manners as well, I assume. Very generous of him”

titanjulian:

“I mean, no getting cocky, but I don’t hate your company,” he shook his head. “Well, as a human myself. I do notice attractive women… even if she likes the way I look, it doesn’t mean anything.”

“I will not hold back my cockiness. I am very proud of it.” He nudged the knight. “No. It means nothing.” He said bluntly. “But it still feels nice.” 

titanjulian

“You sound like a good guy to have around,” he laughed. “You really think the princess notices me? I’m sure she has better things to worry about than how attractive my face is.”

“Is that you saying you want me around?” He teased, placing his hand over his heart. “I think she’s human, most ladies would look... many men too. It’s is human nature, an animal instinct. One that not even class and wealth can hold back.”