Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"I don't think she'd allow it either way. Father certainly hasn't. And I can't get past the Lord Protector no matter what mentors sing my praises or generals see my potential. We come from a meeting of warrior cultures... And while I know they're scared to lose me, I would much rather risk dying in battle doing great things for my people, than hiding behind a throne and letting poor folk don ramshackle armor and die in droves in my place."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Don't be stubborn, Kris." Lena said softly as he talked about not speaking to their mother about his frustrations. "You're always too stubborn when it comes to Mama and Da. They do their best, but sometimes you just have to sit down and talk to them."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I wouldn't be so resigned if I hadn't tried," Kristoff reminded her quietly. "I may be stubborn, but I'm not petulant."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm sorry, Kris." Lena said softly, snuggling up against her brother's side as he spoke to her about speaking to their mother about his wants and needs. "I wish things could be easier."

Lena's dark eyes closed as she said that, ready to sleep as she felt ill again. It wasn't ideal but she knew her mother wanted them all together. Kayla sat in their outer room as the ship set sail, staring at Lena's closed door while Christopher worked on a few different correspondences.

"Our children hate me." Kayla said softly, glancing over at her husband. "I've never let Kristoff do as he wanted and trained as a soldier and I smother Lena with guards at all times. I never wanted this for my babies, Chris."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's not hate, Kayla... But I suppose it is resentment... They've felt that way about both of us for a long time..." Christopher sighed and laid aside his papers. "They understand why. They're smart as can be. But that doesn't stop them from feeling smothered rather than protected."

Christopher glanced over to Kayla. "Maybe it's time to relent, love... Before one of them goes off and does something foolish out of rebellion. I know Kristoff is disciplined as can be, but... Even he has his limits and his dreams. He rode a dragon on a whim today. That tells me he could do far worse if he feels too penned in."

 

[heartofcourage]

"We can't relax the guards, though. There is too much danger, especially to Lena." Kayla said softly as she and her husband talked about their children. "But I guess we can allow them to pursue what is their passion. Kristoff has wanted to train as a soldier for years. Lena has wanted to ride drakes since you brought your first one into your stables."

Kayla had a hard time with the decision. She had worked hard to keep her little family protected from danger, both at home and abroad. Her son and daughter would never know about the attempts on their lives nor how many times Kayla had stayed up for days on end when a threat had been leveled against them. They would never know the deep heartache that she still carried over the children that she had lost before either of them had been born.

"I can't raise them with the memories of ghosts." She said with a long sigh, standing to pace the short cabin. "I would give anything to have Ma here to help."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Perhaps we can take a few pages from Kell's book... Rather than sheer volume of guards, we could bring in a handful of loyal and unbreakable bodyguards, so maybe Lena and Kristoff won't feel so... claustrophobic. Khelt and Kell could give us recommendations that they've trained themselves."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Does it really matter? She'll still know that she's being followed." Kayla said as she turned towards Christopher. "She told me that she wishes she had never been born a princess. I told her I wish she hadn't either."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm afraid none of us can help that... But at the very least, she can know her protectors and feel more comfortable rather than having strangers around all the time."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla thought about that and gave him a nod, knowing she risked making her children miserable if she didn't change things for them. After about an hour, Kayla went to Lena's room and gently woke Kristoff, bringing him into the cabin to speak with him privately.

"Your father and I have been talking and we've decided that you can begin your training as a soldier in earnest." Kayla said softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kristoff stood before Kayla's desk, still a bit foggy from his short nap. At his mother's news, he didn't seem to react much beyond a brow furrowed in confusion.

"As soon as we're done in Denmark, I'll set you up with Ulfric to start training, and we'll be sure to set a drake in battle training with you," Christopher added, but still Kristoff seemed more confused than excited.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Love, I've made mistakes in my life but the biggest mistake I've made is denying you simple joys in life." Kayla said softly as Kristoff looked at them both in such confusion. "I would never want any of my children to grow up being denied anything. I especially don't want either of you to ever resent your father and I."

 

[KieranSoares]

Kristoff stood with his hands clasped behind his back for a long moment, before finally muttering, "... Why the sudden change? And what about Lena?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"We will make the same concessions for Lena." She said softly as Kristoff stood so stiffly in front of her. "New guards so she won't seem so smothered. A new drake to ride. I simply want you both happy."

 

[KieranSoares]

"But why give in now, when the world seems at its most dangerous?" Kristoff asked quietly, unable to understand the sudden decision. "That's not like you at all."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Kristoff." Kayla said with a sigh, rising and going to take her son by the shoulders. "I grew up in a very sad household. I do not want you and your sister to look back on your childhood and feel the same. All I ever wanted was to love you both. I think I've loved you so much that I've put you in a neat little cage."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I suppose it's just... Hard to believe. After so long..." Kristoff murmured. "And I'm wondering how far that freedom will really extend, if I'm honest with you, mother." This was perhaps the most open he'd been with her in years about his doubts and insecurities.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla's heart broke a little as she heard him say that and she tried her hardest not to let it show. "I won't interfere. Your training will be between yourself and your father. Or if that makes you uncomfortable still, between yourself and the captain of the guard."

She took a step away from him, aching so much for her son to be the little boy that would snuggle with her for hours on end. He wasn't that little boy anymore, however. He was nearly as tall as Durban and almost twice as broad as Christopher. He dwarfed her as her own brothers had her mother as they matured.

"When did I become mother? You used to call me Mama like Lena." Kayla asked softly, trying so hard to give him the space that he wanted.

 

[KieranSoares]

"A long time ago. Not because anything changed, just because it seemed... Stronger, in court. I suppose the habit stuck." Kristoff met her gaze. "It doesn't mean I love you any less, I promise. It's just like you taught me... Don't give the court a sign of weakness or sentiment." He softened at that, proving to her with a look that he didn't consider her just a member of court. "And... For what it's worth... I appreciate your understanding. I know it hurts to take risks and loosen your hold. But I think we'll all be better for it in the end."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla nodded as he explained to her that he had done it for his own reasons. He was growing up and one day would be king of Norway. He wanted to be strong in the eyes of the lords and jarls that he would rule over.

"I'll leave you to discuss things with your father then." Kayla said softly, turning to retire to her own cabin to give the two men some space.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kristoff caught her before she got too far, taking her hands and kissing her cheek at her momentary pause before he let her go. "I love you," he murmured.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla didn't hesitate to hug her son then, holding him as tightly as she dared. "And I love you. You'll always be my little boy, no matter how big you get. I trust that you'll tell me when you are upset at something. No more hiding away."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'll do my best." Kristoff laid his head on her own briefly before sending her off.

Come the next morning, Kristoff was already practicing. He had learned the arts of fencing and riding and archery long ago, so he was doing what he could on a ship, going through positions and parries with Christopher. It was this particular morning that when Fiona came on deck, she was greeted by the familiar face of Ulfric Moor.

"Lady Blackstone," he muttered in his usual gravelly voice. "Welcome aboard, even if I'm a bit late to say it."

 

[heartofcourage]

"My lord. I am sorry to have heard of your brother's passing as well as your son-in-law. My heart aches for their families." Fiona said, giving a nod towards Ulfric.

 

[KieranSoares]

The normally stone-faced general looked down for a moment. "I... Appreciate the condolences... My daughter isn't taking it all very well, to say the least... In fact Christopher and Kayla are perhaps the ones coping best..." He took a deep breath and met her gaze once more. "I'm glad we have a Rider here... Especially you. We don't have to be worried about a turncoat between you and Lady Invah... That's a relief. I know you're here for Kayla in particular, but should you have the chance, I may have some work for you. Paid, of course."