There will be scars, Warship.

[Erebor]

We are at war. There will be scars.

If it is strange to meet your father for the first time in a kingdom meeting, this does not occur to Erebor. He is not a sentimental creature, and so it does not strike him that his father should have been there at his birth. He feels the father-son attachment in a different way: he is proud to be descended from such a man, because he knows that Warship is as eminently of the Chamber as Straia, and because he knows that Warship is a warrior.

The practices of warfare and politics are endlessly interesting to the young prince. If Beqanna had books, he'd be the boy reading the classics late into the night. He'd be the one eating up the military histories, sifting through ancient newspapers, geeking out over the latest documentary. But unfortunately for him, he was born without hands, in a world where books don't exist. And therefore, he must make do with the best secondhand information he can get. Which means talking to absolutely everyone, especially his father.

He finds the man within the Chamber easily enough. The place seems empty even to him, and he cannot wait until he is old enough to go out and help with the recruiting. Mind you, he doesn't hesitate to recruit because he is afraid to leave home; he doesn't want the Chamber to appear weak or desperate because a child is out in the field. Even at his age, strategy is always on his mind.

"Warship." He greets, his voice surprisingly rich and pleasant for one so young. Looking at his father, he smiles slightly. "Father." There is just a hint of amusement and warmth in his tone. He wants to be sure that his father will like him, and unlike his mother he does not consider that a given. Therefore, he's aiming for at least a little dose of charm.

There is no denying their relationship when the two stand together. They are so alike in build and in coloring, both black (so different from Straia). But within Erebor's head, he is perhaps the best of both of them – equal parts efficient, analytic, circumspect, charming, and loyal – always loyal.

As always, the boy has a million questions. But even with his father, he maintains his decorum and waits for his father to acknowledge his presence before he starts peppering the man. Erebor is nothing if not respectful, especially for his elders. The elders are the key to the past, and the past is the key to everything. As far as he is concerned, learn everything you possibly can, study every strategy, every war, every battle. Practice hard to train your muscles and your reflexes. And then when your time to fight does come (and he does not doubt that it will), you will be ready.

He will be ready.

Erebor

Native Prince of the Chamber

warship x straia