The Only Reason

"[THREAD TITLE]" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread started on [IRL DATE] and finished on [IRL DATE].
== Summary==
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==Full Text==
Stonegit: Stonegit stood on the edge of the small outcrop, his eyes locked on a small object across the horizon. His mind flashed back to when Haddock had ‘taken a break’ for his sake. They had entered the back room, and right away Stonegit began preparing a place for Haddock to relax. Of course the King had protested, insisted he was the one who needed to rest, so on and so forth. But Stonegit saw to him first, and then rested himself. The memory faded, and Stonegit’s eyes refocused, watching as Blunt’s ship sailed slowly across the waters, heading to Port Krum. His shoulders dropped sadly. Haddock and Grey had not been to first to scavenge for supplies, someone else had shuffled through the wreckage. Shovel was gone…he was safe, but he was gone. He looked down at the note Blunt had left him at Shovel’s stable. ‘I’ll keep him safe. Sorry’ it had read. He crumpled it up and tossed it off to the side. That man…he had been his friend. He rubbed the back of his neck, Blue, Jackson, Kiri, all of the people who had been in friends in the early days of the rebellion. All dead. And now Blunt…was gone. His hand stopped rubbing, his two fingers pressing into the back of his neck. No more…he knew the only person he had to keep close now. Everyone else could and probably would die before him, but at least with Haddock…at least with his King…Stonegit could be the one to die first.
*** Stonegit sat still as the rebel stood behind him, carefully pricking and dragging the inked needle through and across the boy’s skin, drawing the design into the back of his neck. He glanced down at the scrap of paper given to him by Stonegit, memorizing the symbol drawn on it. “Almost done,” he said quiet.  Stonegit closed his eyes slowly, drawing his breath smoothly. A bit of air blew through a crack in the stone wall. The parchment scrap tumbled to the floor, rolling once, and letting the Haddock crest rest face up.
*** Stonegit quietly stepped into the dungeon keep, peeking in on battleofthegroundeddungeon Haddock and heaving a small sigh. He had excused himself to walk Shovel…but in light of what happened. “Sorry for my late return.” He said.
Haddock: “It is more than fine, Stonegit,” the king nodded. “I did not even recognize you were late. As much time as you need to care for things.”
Stonegit: Stonegit drew a breath. “The last thing I had to sort out just sailed away I think,” he said, pressing his lips together. He stood in silence, and then decided to continue. “Blunt left. He picked what he could out of rubble of the camp, took Shovel…and well…” he motioned behind him. “Got on his ship…”
Haddock: Haddock’s eyes widened. “He just took what he could and left?” The king ground his teeth. Of course. That was what Stonegit had just said. “Always knew he was an irresponsible, no-good petty flake of a Hel-cursed man.”
Haddock then looked apologetically at Stonegit for his insult on Blunt.
Stonegit: Stonegit closed his eyes and waved one hand. “No…you’re right.” his eyes got thoughtful. “He always was a liar. I nice liar…caring I think…but a liar none the less…and a Donz.” he shrugged, and his eyes pricked slightly. “He did me a favor though,” he said, his voice tightening. “Shovel won’t die now. He’s safe. He’s home….and he’ll be able to die in his sleep, because he’s old.” he rubbed a thumb under his eye. “And he deserves not getting hurt anymore.”
Haddock: “If you say so,” Haddock said, though he had noticed Stonegit’s facial expression and tight voice. “Though others beyond that dragon deserve ‘not getting hurt anymore’, as well.”
Stonegit: Stonegit fell into silence, his emotion settling, and then he strode forward, ducking his head, and then bowing down onto one knee, letting both hands rest on the floor. He bent his head down, the Haddock crest now clearly visible on the back of his neck. “My King…” he said. “I will strive to ensure it.”
Haddock: Haddock’s eyes widened as he noticed the tattoo. “Did you just…” He stared a moment more. “Good Hel’s hair curls. The crest of my dynasty. You… do not mean to step away once this war and rebellion is over then? Never go your own way?”
Stonegit: Stonegit kept his position. “Haddock…” he said, his eyes moving up to meet his. “I leave your side only by death. And no matter where I may fall, I will always be known…” he placed a hand on the back of his neck. “As a guard of the King,”
Haddock: Haddock quickly but gently pulled Stonegit’s hand off his neck, saying, “Should probably avoid touching that for a little to let the skin heal and ascertain nothing becomes infected.” He gave a quick squeeze before letting go, and said, to address Stonegit’s words, “What you have done and what it symbolizes… I do not know fully what to say beyond ‘thank you.’ Your service is more than appreciated, Stonegit Elmiss. I would very gladly accept your lifelong service as my guard.”
Stonegit: “Even if the world wasn’t going to crap my King,” Stonegit said. “My choice would be the same. I do intend to see my parents if I live through this. But outside of that…I don’t really have life outside of this. Hard and damned as it is…this is my home.” He stood, and then extended his hand. “Thank you for welcoming me…because let’s be real. You’d be hard pressed to get away from me otherwise.”
Haddock: “Of course not,” Haddock said, and realized the smile was mirrored. Slight, but… it was still something. 
He let it slip quickly, sighing and reminding himself of the work he needed to do in camp. “I should probably leave the keep and see to the people,” he thought to himself. “There shall be no rest ‘til the end of Ragnarok, if… even then.” The king sighed, looking down to his feet briefly. “Though I suppose death on the battlefield will be, in its own way, a break from everything.”
Category:BOTGD
Category:Events
Category:Season 5
Category:Gareth Ragnar Haddock the Second
Category:Stonegit Brotchurn Elmiss