Thor sought him out when he wanted someone to listen.
It was how it had always been.
Once, he was to remember after, perhaps a year before the coronation was to come, Thor had been in his cups. Thor had found him. He'd been alone, in the training ring as the sun set, with a book largely ignored on his knee, feeling the first rush of the cool wind from off the water that heralds the night.
Thor had demanded – asked, in his way – that he sit beside him on the steps.
With a quick misgiving he'd asked what was wrong.
Thor would only shake his head and gesture to the place beside him.
He'd gone, and Thor had spoken at length.
Thor's words were not as they had been – little uncertainties and doubts, loves and nerves and boy's dreams. These were words that were near-to treason and he no longer knew words to soothe them. To divert took thought, and he was weary of it.
Drawing a breath he set his mind to his task and Thor stopped him.
"I know what you are doing, Brother," he said. "And it is needless this night. I speak in idleness only. I am powerless to do what things I perhaps ought."
Thor had stood, and he had retreated to his thoughts, uncertain how he should best counter all Thor had said.
He did not disagree with his brother's words, but he feared what it was Thor would do. They were no more children, and Thor had long demanded that be recognized. It was only a matter of time before Thor caused rifts that might never be remade.
A crash on the edge of the courtyard sent a jolt of fear through his chest.
Thor had hit a weapon's rack that stood against the wall. The arms lay scattered about the stone, the rack flung several yards out from its place.
Thor did not turn back.
His hands closed to fists and his teeth locked.
He wanted to go to their father, then. Tell him of all Thor had spoken. Or go himself and foil all Thor's own plans.
Thor had been listened to and pandered to and spoilt his entire life and it had taught him nothing. Should his pride be broken and he be driven to the ground perhaps he might grow to make some use of himself.
TLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTLTL
Tomorrow.
It comes out tomorrow.
I'm so excited.
I had hoped to have all these stories finished by today, but I took my sweet time getting started, so that's not gonna happen.
Honestly, even if I keep up with these daily updates, we might have as much as another two months.
~The less-more-often mindset in action, Gentlemen~