In the Company of Knights
Chapter 5: welcome
Rating: R for some language
Disclaimer: I own nothing
He was an immensely powerful man as was becoming apparent with each passing hour it seemed of his recovery and his recovery was extraordinarily fast once his fever broke. Diana watched him walk circuits around his little room to regain his strength and tried to size him up for clothing. He would definitely need something to wear when she allowed him downstairs after he was well enough in her opinion. She received Donna's help in the matter of sewing him a new set, picking a dark blue wool she put a crimson border on the sleeves and the deep vee of the sleeveless shirt she made him. Both sisters were quite pleased with the results.
Initially he was shocked that anyone would give him anything and had even been hesitant of accepting them at first though he relented when Diana pointed out that he could not very well leave the room completely nude nor would she have let him leave. It was then he conceded.
Prince Bruce watched the man's progress as he regained his strength with both curiosity and unease. It might not do to throw him out as per the original plan if he proves to be such a tidal wave of strength as he seemed. Forsooth, such a creature should not be allowed out amongst the world; it would be wiser to allow him to stay on here where he could be watched and controlled if need be.
Mayhap he might even prove useful to the League.
Clark did not agree with his plan in the least that the green man would be beneficial but conceded that he should be kept in the keep to be watched.
"I trust him naught 'til he is proven in some way worthy of that trust, but for the nonce he can stay in the North tower." The dark prince said to his friend one night after the evening meal, keeping a curious eye on is 'guest' who stayed quietly in one of the darker corners, speaking in rather hushed tones with Diana, Donna, and Kyle.
Clark watched the small group as well. "'Twould take something extraordinary for me to trust it…" He trailed off grouchily, taking a long dram of his ale.
Bruce gave an uncharacteristic snort of laughter. "Methinks thou art jealous of the attentions Diana pays to the green man." He received the reaction he was wanting.
Ale spewed through the air in a fine mist as Clark began loudly coughing and choking on his drink. It was some moments before the man could speak, when he did, it was with a glare and with every knowledge that the two of them were the center of attention because of his outburst.
"You jest, surely." He whispered fiercely, "Nay! I could not be jealous of that- that…" He trailed off with a dark glance to the small group in the corner to find they were looking over at him in curiosity. It was the look of knowing and understanding on the green man's face that had him narrowing his ice-blue eyes. "I care not who Diana bestows her attentions upon," he said in an indifferent tone of voice, "I am married in case you have forgotten Lois and I would not seek the affections of another woman. Some men might but I will not commit adultery, not even with Diana."
The prince looked askance at him and snorted again, choosing not to comment on the small speech. "I noticed Connell was improving his sword arm…" Bruce began instead.
Clark grimaced in a failed attempt at a smirk, "Aye, and it's about bloody time. That boy would rather go through life relying only on his powers."
"You were like that once." Bruce reminded him. "Still are on occasion."
"Nay, I am not."
"What do you suppose that was about?" Kyle asked the three he sat with. They had all heard Clark's coughing and had turned their attention to him and the prince. Now it seemed as if the two were bickering over something.
Donna turned back the group with a shrug. "Who knows? I rather doubt me 'twould interest us."
"Finding out may be half the fun." The emerald guard said with a grin, eliciting a groan from the two women and an arched eyebrow from the quiet green man. "What think you, J'onn?"
J'onn's surprise over being asked was quickly masked but had been there nonetheless making Kyle's grin slightly broader, happy to get some sort of rise out of the stoic man.
"I… don't believe I am qualified to answer… You would not have found it interesting in any case…" He said the last quickly, causing Kyle to perk his ears up.
"Why do you say that?" When no answer seemed forthcoming a sudden thought occurred to him, "You heard them. From across the hall, you must have heard every word they said."
"I…" His uneasiness was palpable and for a moment Kyle was certain he would try to avoid the question. "…Yes," was the surprising answer said quietly as if fearing their reactions.
Diana's eyes widened slightly. "Really?" She smiled, "That's a rare gift, I suppose Clark won't be too thrilled to know he's no longer the only one…" She said the last with a small laugh that died immediately upon looking up at someone approaching them.
Kyle and Donna swiveled around in their seats to see who had arrived and saw Bruce and Clark striding towards them.
They were going to throw him out, was the first thought that entered Donna's head and her heart sank. She was becoming rather fond of J'onn with his kind, gentle manner and Diana was certainly fond of him. She had rarely heard her sister laugh so light-heartedly than when she was talking with him.
And it had only been his first day to spend any time out of his room; the first day Diana had allowed him down. He'd surprised them with how much strength he had regained during those days after his fever broke and his wounds began to finally heal, showing no sign of any weakness and save for his thinness, no mark of sickness. Even his scars were disappearing.
Watching the prince and his knight approach them, Donna spared a glance to J'onn and watched in surprise as her sister grasped his hand tightly in both of hers as if to say 'not without a fight.' J'onn looked at her in startled puzzlement, met with a smile and determined blue eyes that flashed in reassurance and defiance.
The two men were stiff backed and wore matching looks of distaste. The young Amazon scowled inwardly, they were taking this a bit far. J'onn was different, yes, but did not deserve to be treated with such absolute disdain.
J'onn stood uncertainly to meet them, towering over the two taller-than-normal men, Diana coming up to stand beside him, never easing her grip on his hand.
A tense silence descended over the whole of the great hall that choked off breath itself from the inhabitants that paused to listen raptly. The silence was only broken when Bruce cleared his throat, looking as if he had eaten something distasteful.
"You're bloody-well welcome to stay," he growled in a low voice and stalked off.
End chapter 5
Sorry it took so long to post this, it took some time to write. I hope you enjoy and send lots of reviews. Thank you.