Author's Note:
Plot-bunny attacked me. Enjoy.
Also does anyone see a problem with Buttle being a character you can write on, but Rodney isn't in the list?
I don't own RA.
Material
"All that money from years of service and almost nothing to show for it." Arald commented, his fingers touching the simple wooden furniture. He had a wry smile on his face, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I don't need material things." Rodney answered back, shifting in his seat as he watched the Baron.
Arald analysed the Battlemaster's attitude and found nothing but general truth hidden amongst Rodney's words. "So what is it you have to show for your efforts?" He asked the other man curiously.
Rodney smiled. "Loyalty and friends."
Arald nodded knowingly. "I have to say that sounds a lot more practical than that useless candelabra I have hanging in my chambers."
When Arald left and he was alone, Rodney gazed around him, taking in the wood, the lack of colour and design.
He remembered a time a few years ago, when the room sparkled with light. The walls had been adorned with beautiful artwork and his study had been clean and full of comfortable furniture. And his room had a double bed.
Rodney was a relatively simple man.
He gave his all to those he trusted in return for the same friendship and loyalty he gave them. It was true; he never had needed or wanted useless and unpractical items. It wasn't appealing.
But the room was different now, because she had loved all that was a part of it years ago, and now it was only him, so it reflected his values.
He didn't regret taking away the things that reminded him of her, he has his own way of respecting her memory and life anyway.
But those things had been a gift to her, to his wife Antoinette. They were hers and didn't belong in his place, where she could no longer grace his room with her elegance or charm.
Rodney remembers her now and sits solemnly on his simple single bed, the sadness reflecting his eyes.
But he doesn't wish for the extra comfort because it's all immaterial to him.