Part 2: Little Things
It was only natural that Gaius wanted to spend every moment he possibly could with the remaining member of his Chimeriad. After all, Wingul had been considered dead for well over a year, and even now he was not in the best health. An uneven diet had slowly eaten away at what little body fat he had, and weathering the outdoors with makeshift shelter had left him with sores and bug bites that needed to be put through a gamut of tests. Their initial reunion had not prepared the king for Wingul's long bouts of drowsiness; he had made a convincing display of lucidity for all of five minutes before falling asleep while Rowen explained Elympion politics.
But being the King of Rieze Maxia meant that Gaius could not remain by Wingul's side while he recovered; he still had to speak with Elympion leaders about united statements on the Land of Canaan's appearance and disappearance, as well as the possibility of holding the Spirius Corporation accountable for damages in Marksburg. Though the current world events only served to confuse Wingul, he firmly recommended that Gaius return to his duties and spare him no mind.
Some things never changed, and it surprised Gaius just how much that came as a comfort to him.
Wingul was transferred to a hospital in Trigleph to continue his recovery after the doctors expressed concern about the prototype booster still embedded in his head. Though he had not risked deliberately activating it over the course of the year, Wingul admitted to frequent headaches that reminded him of the months following his experimental surgery—and Gaius had a feeling there was more to that, considering his pride.
After two days of meetings that took Gaius and Rowen back and forth between Trigleph and Marksburg, they returned to visit Wingul. His long hair was worn down now that it had been properly cleaned, covering some of the more severe skin peeling that was beginning to occur from his sunburns. When he noticed his visitors, Wingul set aside the pad of paper he had been writing on and nodded to each of them in acknowledgment.
Gaius noticed a certain stiffness to the greeting—perhaps a sign that Wingul was not used to seeing Rowen at his side. But no one spoke of it, instead focusing on little pleasantries to fill the silence.
"I come bearing gifts." Rowen smiled as he removed a thick book and small device from the bag he carried. Wingul raised a brow but accepted the offered items while Rowen explained. "A history book on Elympios and the development of its political system. The latest edition even includes mention of Rieze Maxia in its current events chapter."
"How thoughtful." Gaius noticed the way Wingul's fingers flexed around the book's spine, and his eyes strayed to the pen and notebook that had been set aside. He recognized the strokes and curves of Wingul's writing, peppered with erratic slips that spoiled the normal, graceful flow—a development he had not seen before. "And what is this other thing?"
Rowen stroked his beard and leaned back in his chair, cheerful despite Wingul's continued monotone. "A GHS—a device capable of long-range communication that is popular here in Elympios." At those words, Wingul showed visible interest, and Rowen continued with bolstered enthusiasm. "We thought you would appreciate a way to contact Gaius while we continue traveling."
The exclusion of himself earned Rowen a glance from both Gaius and Wingul, but the latter was already finding something else to focus on. Holding up the GHS, he pointed to the little yellow etchings on the back of the black case. "What is this design?"
"I looked for a style that would be appropriate for you." Gaius spoke with his usual confidence, nodding at the repeated design on the back. "They are supposed to be peepits."
"…Peepits."
"Black and yellow peepits." Again, the king nodded, unruffled by Wingul's nonplussed expression. "Do you not like them? I found them charming."
"But not as charming as cats," Rowen interjected.
"Not as charming as cats." That went without saying, but if Rowen needed the verbal affirmation, Gaius would allow it. As he watched Wingul curiously push buttons, he offered a warning. "You will want to be careful operating it; the power switch can be quite tricky."
There was a moment of silence as Wingul averted his eyes from the GHS to slowly blink at the king and prime minister. He set the device down, pinched the bridge of his nose, and then picked it up again when it hummed to life.
"I think I am going to need to know how to contact you, Ilbert."
Gaius could only frown in slight confusion as Rowen began laughing heartily.
Notes
This started out in my head as a dramatic short that needed to be separated from a funny follow-up I was originally going to write. And then Gaius started talking.
I do think a dramatic short will eventually happen, though. Somewhere.
