[Flashback] Gods be Gods (Hadrian)

[Elias]

And what a long journey it would spell. But seeing how eager the young man was at what the future promised to be, Elias couldn't help but wander off again. Syliras was but a step in the man's own, seemingly endless journey. Yes, he had read books for context because he knew the worth of knowledge. Weeks were spent reading on the world before he finally concluded that Zeltiva had seen enough of him. His life had been delayed long enough. Now here he was, in this room of flying thoughts and curious kids. He ran a nervous hand through his hair, as if it could do anything to appease him. This whole conversation had gone way past Elias' comfort zone, and his body wasn't shy in the least about the signs. As to why Hadrian's reply had been so unsettling, he couldn't tell. Unable to stay in place, he stood: "To each his own, isn't it so?" Careful not to trip on the scattered volumes, he reached his arm, grabbed his heavy coat and made a step towards the door.

[Hadrian]

Young Hadrian spoke, perhaps, with the coolness of an Ano Cultist, but most children could smell fear as well as bees and dogs, and he didn't understand why the tutor felt so threatened. Well, perhaps he was afraid that Trajan Aelius would catch wind of the ease with which his son had co-opted these sessions for his own ends. The man would respect his son for his abilities, but likely dismiss the tutor as no longer a challenge. Hadrian did not often experience power in his life, and he hesitated when Elias made obvious motions toward fleeing, not even really terminating the lesson, but putting him off with a bland saying. He saw the paths branching out ahead of him: to swim forward like a shark scenting blood, to relent and let the man save face and employment by quitting his presence. Finally he sighed, bitterly frustrated, but Elias showed more promise for future engagement than many of his other tutors. It would be best to coax him out slowly. He stood respectfully, a well brought up boy. "Thank you for the lesson, Master Cavell."

[Elias]

The echo of Hadrian's voice followed Elias as he closed the study's door behind him. "Master" wasn't exactly appropriate given the circumstances. What had been learned tonight? Elias hadn't exactly been brilliant in his handling of this particular case of a student. For one thing, Hadrian had shown more maturity through it all than himself at this very moment, fleeing the house, hoping to avoid the master of the house as he'd make his way to the front door. What was he afraid of anyway? There was no harm to be had around here whatsoever. No, the present presented no threat, although the incident made him realize how powerful some memories were, and how so very fresh that they dictated his behavior. Elias passed Lady Aelia with haste, half-ignoring her questions, and took his leave. Outside, he found himself staring at what he expected to be thick, gray skies only to to be disappointed at the sight of another ceiling, Stormhold Citadel's prime feature. Elias took the direction he believed his small room to be in, and dreamed of the day he'd take on the Suvan Sea.

[Hadrian]

END

[Templar]

Elias: Teaching: 4 – Rhetorics: 5 - Philosophy: 2 Lore: Aquiras Maimed by Sagallius – Lhex has only given one mark – Hadrian’s intelligence Hadrian: Rhetorics: 5 - Philosophy: 3 Lore: Danger of the University Additional note: Herp. If you think I missed something, please feel free to send me a pm.