oo1; acquaintances

[reiks]

Who: Prince Hal
Where: Around the park
When: June 28th
Style: Prose but I'll match
Status: Open!



"Well, if you insist on following me, I suppose I can make an exception this time."

It was a different place, that was for certain. The brochure was ... explanatory enough, though it still left Hal feeling confused and very much out of place. But it was easier to just take it all one step at a time, to not let it overwhelm him, and try his best to just wake up from this strange new reality. He never remembered any of his dreams being so vivid, which was probably not the healthiest way to view this whole situation but- at least he wasn't making a spectacle.

Yet.

The park was a good place to just walk around, take in the scenery, and let himself think. It was such an absurd idea, an underwater city! Definitely a dream. There were a few other people about, gathered in groups or couples and chatting amongst themselves, dressed so strangely that it was only making him feel even more out of sorts. But he tried not to let it show, and at least the ducks were willing to listen to most of his frustrations.

This, however, was a little ridiculous. The small scrap of bread was a meager dinner at best, but the smaller of the ducks had been plenty happy for it. Greedy too, it would seem, having followed Hal away from the pond with the rest of the ducks. The prince had noticed his traveling companion a bit belatedly, and finally stopped to turn around and crouch down to continue their conversation.

"But if I could have your name, it would make further conversations much less awkward for the both of us."

"Quack!"

"... Woodrow?"

"Quack quack!"

"Woodrow then," Hal stood with a nod, gesturing for his new friend to follow him to the nearby fruit trees. "Come, let's get you an apple."

Comments

[copesetic]

"Harry, then," he replies awkwardly, trying to buy time in order to decide on how much to tell the prince. He shouldn't reveal any actual history, he knows that much, but about the play...

"I... wouldn't call it satirical. More a drama, really. And it contains one of the best written speeches in that writer's work, if you ask me." He'd actually thought the lines before heading into particularly hard battles.

Once more unto the breach.

[reiks]

Hm. That's ... actually better than what he was expecting. A drama, and a damn fine speech, written just for him so others in his role could belt it out to an audience while on stage.

That wasn't so bad at all. Something memorable, which meant he must've been a half decent king at least to inspire such. So Hal decided to take it as praise, and with a smile he nodded his head. He didn't necessarily want to know his fate, but he couldn't deny the curiosity.

"I thank you for sharing this with me," he said gratefully. "I shall consider it an honour, that such a speech from one so talented was written for my name. Did you know him, by any chance?"

[copesetic]

"The playwright? Oh, no, he was writing hundreds of years before I was born. He was incredibly talented though. His body of work is still widely performed around the world even roughly four hundred years later." He hopes it goes without saying that Harry's deeds go remembered even longer because of that. The prince seems to take comfort in that.

He has to wonder, though, what effect this would have on history if they're never released. Do their captors even care that they may be changing the course of the entire world's development by taking such prominent people?

[reiks]

The more Hal learned about this playwright, the more flattered he felt. To have his life written about by a famous playwright, one that would be performed all over the world for such a long time to come, and ... well, he didn't know how accurate the tale of his reign would be, but surely he wasn't made out to be a terrible king if this was the way the man was acting towards him.

"A great honour it is, then," Hal added, trying not to look like he was too immensely flattered (and flustered, if the rubbing of his neck was of any sign,) as they spoke. "And here I was, glad for the opportunity to converse with ducklings. I would have never thought ... someone found my life worth writing about."

[copesetic]

"Well there's nothing wrong with giving the responsibilities a rest for awhile to, ah.. cavort with ducks either." Albert chuckles. "I'm glad you find it flattering though."

Albert's relaxed some over the course of the conversation. Despite Harry being royalty, he seems a genuinely nice person, also tossed into this situation through no fault of his own. Perhaps it would be alright to make friends, or at least friendly acquaintances, if they're to be stuck here for any amount of time.

"My name is Albert, by the way. Albert Heinrich."

[reiks]

Well, he had to laugh at that. True, one should always take a break from the world's troubles every once in a while, and if that break happened to coincide with duck-ish shenanigans, then all the better. The stress that petting the little darlings eased aside did wonders.

"A pleasure, my friend," Hal answered, his bow formal and polite as good manners were taught - and this was no tavern so he should be proper. He extended his hand for a friendly shake, grateful that he wasn't being scolded or thought ill of for being royalty and playing with ducks at the same time. "I appreciate your information ad assistance. If there is ever anything within my power I may do to show my gratitude, you need only name it."

[copesetic]

"If there ever is anything, I'll let you know." He grins a bit at the offer, wondering at the oddity of making friends with a long dead king as they shake hands, though he's careful to keep his grip somewhat lax. He doesn't want the questions and possible disdain that comes with someone discovering he's less than human. The glove keeps his metallic hand from sight, but if he were to hold tightly the feel would be strange.

The lack of body heat he can do nothing about though. Albert withdraws his hand quickly, though not enough to be rude. "It was very nice meeting you, Y- ah, Harry, but I have some things I need to attend to in town. Will you and your duck fried be alright?"

[reiks]

It certainly didn't feel like a regular, everyday handshake. Something was off, Hal could tell that much. But wouldn't it be utterly rude of him to question it and the problem was something embarrassing, or not a problem at all? It was best not to say anything, and only inquire should the subject be brought up.

"Oh, I believe we will manage on our own just fine," Hal answered, with a nod to the duck currently waddling around the grass at their feet. It was probably about due time he lead the poor thing back to his family, anyway. "I look forward to our next meeting. As does Woodrow, I wager."

[copesetic]

Albert's grin grows a bit wider. "I'm sure."

He tips his hat to the both of them by way of taking his leave, actually making eye contact with young Woodrow as he tilts the brim of his jaegar cap. "Until next time, gentlemen."

And off he goes with a sly nod, hands slipping back into his pockets as he winds his way out of the forest and back towards civilization, such as it is. What a weird day...