connecting with the youth

Sometimes I think it's gettin' better

And then it gets much worse

"Thanks." Gideon said with a proud smile, perhaps puffing out his chest a little bit; he'd never struggled with self confidence, but it was still nice to hear that confirmation of his success.

Nathaniel was young to have gone through such an event as his father dying; Gideon nodded - his own had passed a couple of years ago, and while it had stung in his 40s just as much as it would have any other time, he'd been prepared for it and old enough to continue as he had been. "I'm sure you're doing fine. It's a big responsibility for someone as young as you, but you're doing well by staying in the city and serving as a Dragoon. I've seen too many young men in hard times be tempted away by the Voice and her associates." His own brother, for one; Gideon saw Jonah in his minds eye and held back a heavy sigh.

"Good - he'd be welcome. Well." Stopping before the temple gates, Gideon clapped his hands together and turned to look at his escort. "Thank you for the conversation; it was nice to meet you. I will see you soon in the temple?"

Is it just part of the process?
Well, Vi, it hurts

gideon

Base Code by Sky!

I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife

"Of course, sir." Nathaniel replied back automatically, flashing the older man a crooked grin that made him seem younger than his twenty five years. He didn't mind paying compliments where they were due and even where they weren't. The boy was admittedly a bit of a kiss ass.

Gideon's words reassured him, telling him he was doing the right thing. That he was doing a good job. It was all he could really hope for. Sometimes Nathaniel worried he wasn't doing enough. That he was limiting his brother by keeping him in the city. Shouldn't he get to see the world? Travel and learn all about the different regions of Caido? Perhaps he'll plan a little trip for them. Maybe take him to Torchline to the beach once the Skyport was finished. A nice little weekend trip. "I'm not interested in any of that, sir. Thank you for saying as much. I try my best." It wasn't a lie. He really wasn't interested in the Voice. Even if some of that lack of interest came from purely selfish reasons. No one had to know that part.

As they neared the temple, Nathaniel's steps slowed and he came to a halt at the gate leading up to the main building. "Yes sir. I'll come by soon and I'll be sure to bring Wesley. Have a good rest of your evening." With a respectful dip of his head, Nathaniel left the priest for the evening with the intentions of finding his kid brother to get a bite to eat. The dragoon had some thinking to do.

~FIN~

NATHANIEL