Story for the Day: The Prince and the King
Alasdair and Lamir, though alike in their rulership, are completely opposite in character. Though Alasdair technically has a higher rank than Lamir, he still feels that he has much to learn from the ancient ruler.
Alasdair engaged with Lamir, the party were inclined to leave the two sovereigns to themselves, the one austere and decisive, and the other all good-nature and concern that he should offend his host. Though the customs of Lucentia were a novelty to the Frewyn king, Lamir’s stern integrity intimidated him; he was awe-struck by his benevolent yet unyielding command, besieged by his fearless and vigilant countenance, and though the prince walked with soundless step and quiet civility, his presence summoned unmitigated veneration from every Lucentian passed. Where Lamir’s gaze gave no quarter, his heart resonated with the truest sense of decided fondness for his people. In walking at Lamir’s side, listening to his firm but purring voice, and observing his manner of walking and speaking, Alasdair could not help but admire the Lucentian prince: sagacity and mindfulness were in his every word, resolution and determination in every action, and though Alasdair must acknowledge how his character could be misconstrued as severe, the munificence in every aspect of his rulership could not be mistaken. Alasdair’s aspiration was that he should be fortunate enough to have the same blessings of Lamir’s leadership befall his own kingdom; Alasdair may have gloried in his compassionate nature and may have restored Frewyn to its golden age, but to see Frewyn as prosperous and as well-protected as Lucentia was all his ambition. He would learn from him, but he could never hope to resemble his fierce expression or uncompromising temper. He listened and gleaned what he could during their time together, and even standing beside Lamir and merely reveling in his conversancy was an exquisite regale. Together they walked, each of them glorying in the splendor of the Alabaster Palace and each of them pleased to be traversing the bailey, ascending the marble stair, and standing together on the grand balcony remarking the whole of the capital.
Alasdair engaged with Lamir, the party were inclined to leave the two sovereigns to themselves, the one austere and decisive, and the other all good-nature and concern that he should offend his host. Though the customs of Lucentia were a novelty to the Frewyn king, Lamir’s stern integrity intimidated him; he was awe-struck by his benevolent yet unyielding command, besieged by his fearless and vigilant countenance, and though the prince walked with soundless step and quiet civility, his presence summoned unmitigated veneration from every Lucentian passed. Where Lamir’s gaze gave no quarter, his heart resonated with the truest sense of decided fondness for his people. In walking at Lamir’s side, listening to his firm but purring voice, and observing his manner of walking and speaking, Alasdair could not help but admire the Lucentian prince: sagacity and mindfulness were in his every word, resolution and determination in every action, and though Alasdair must acknowledge how his character could be misconstrued as severe, the munificence in every aspect of his rulership could not be mistaken. Alasdair’s aspiration was that he should be fortunate enough to have the same blessings of Lamir’s leadership befall his own kingdom; Alasdair may have gloried in his compassionate nature and may have restored Frewyn to its golden age, but to see Frewyn as prosperous and as well-protected as Lucentia was all his ambition. He would learn from him, but he could never hope to resemble his fierce expression or uncompromising temper. He listened and gleaned what he could during their time together, and even standing beside Lamir and merely reveling in his conversancy was an exquisite regale. Together they walked, each of them glorying in the splendor of the Alabaster Palace and each of them pleased to be traversing the bailey, ascending the marble stair, and standing together on the grand balcony remarking the whole of the capital.
They are each the right men for the job in their own lands.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to discover what Lamir thought of Alaisdair.