#60 Heirarchy
"But why does it matter?" A small voice piped up, cutting through the tutors drone. "And why must I learn these stupid rules?"
The copper haired elven tutor sighed and wondered yet again how he had ever agreed to this assignment. After all, he had heard the tales of how precocious this young charge could be and knew exactly how many had gone before him. It was purely his own arrogance that had led him into the situation.
"Because your father wishes it." He replied tersly. "And because you need to know how to comport yourself in the correct manner according to the company present."
"Sooo." The youngling smiled innocently. So innocently that if his father had been present he would have received a sharp reprimand before he so much as uttered another syllable.
"A Duke can give orders to an Earl who can order a Baron who can order a Baronet." He said slowly as the tutor nodded.
"But, a Prince can give orders to them all." He continued disingenuously, smiling at the unfortunate elf who had no idea of what was to come and nodded encouragingly once more. "Are you a Baron or a Duke?"
"Nay!" The question had caught the tutor unawares and he shook his head emphatically. "These are mortal titles, Legolas. And even if we used them I would not be entitled." His voice took on the patronizing tone recognised from many such lectures. "I am no Lord. Merely a vessel used by your esteemed father to import instruction to those requiring enlightenment."
"Ah, In that case," the youngster replied with a wide grin, weary of the older elf's pomposity. "Now that I am 'enlightened' your presence is no longer required. You may leave."
The tutor indignantly went to reply but was cut off by an imperious stare as Legolas, channeling his inner Thranduil and trying not to laugh continued sharply.
"And that is an order!"