" Then how about we spare it over a drink! "

Because if there is one thing anyone could say of Byron Rosfield, it is that whether rain or shine, war or peacetime, whether the days ahead loom dark or bright, he will never shirk the opportunity of sharing in a drink or a good meal. And truly, what else can a man still find joy in these days, with so much uncertainty and pain and loss, if not in the small things in life? It matters not if he is growing older and, even if only in the privacy of his own thoughts, wearier and ever more concerned for those he cares for, in this much he'll stay consistent throughout.

And, of course, he'd rather cut off his own foot ere he made Clive worry of something as unimportant as his state of mind. The boy's got enough on his own, after all.

" Why don't you tell me all the trouble you've been up to while I was back home? I'm sure there's been some, if the rumours come to my ears are any indication━━━ " / @adureus continued from x

@outlaws-legacy asked: “Uncle…..uncle!!!!” An excited Clive runs up to Byron, his tiny little hands moving to embrace his middle once he collides against the man he adores. “I’m so glad you’re back!!! Can we play pretend again from one of your plays?!” The smile Byron receives is adorably toothless in one area. “Pl—-ease?”

" My boy! " Immediately does a smile brighten up Byron's face as the excited voice of his nephew rings out across the courtyard to greet his arrival, followed by the very boy himself colliding with his stomach like a well-aimed child sized missile. After weeks of dealing with only merchant leaders and portswains, coming back here among familiar faces and surroundings ever feels like a breath of fresh air━ and indeed, after only a single moment of seeing Clive's now adorably toothless smile, 'tis as if the years sleuce off his back, the troubles and ails of the past few moons in Port Ilsolde summarily forgotten.

The hug is returned with enthusiasm, his laugh at Clive's sincere plea a joyous, amused thing. " And I am glad to see you and the Castle still in one piece. Your father's not gotten into too much trouble in my absence, has he? " The query is followed up with a conspirational wink, a broad hand settling on Clive's dark head of hair, ruffling the strands to messy curls. " Nor have you, I hope! " Not that it'd truly bother him if Clive had. Oh, how much the boy reminded him of himself, for as much as he resembled Elwin to a tee.

His hand gentles, giving those dark locks a tender carress, smile growing warmer still. " As for your question━, " He leans down, hoisting his nephew into his arms and onto his hip without much forewarning, grunting at the strain. By the Founder, Clive had grown━ heavier first and foremost. " Of course we can! In fact, anticipating this very event, I have brought some new plays we might garner a look at. Fear not, they are all further adventures of Gallant Ser Crandall of Camelot. "

But first, of course, there was business to be taken care of. Much as it pains him to admit, he's not come here on a mere whim. " Do you know where your father is, my boy? I wish to speak to him. Alas, I must get to all the annoying bits first ere we can get to the fun bits. But let us walk together, aye? You can tell me how your lessons are going. "

" Come now, brother. You did not honestly believe you could sneak that past me, hmn? " Byron's grin widens, his brows waggling. / @phoenix-flamed

" Your father would have been so immensely proud of you, my boy. " Byron's hand rests on Joshua's shoulder, gaze shining with emotion. " As am I. " / @flamesofrebirths

" Your Highness, " The title feels sour on his tongue, though despite the knot of anger and worry deep within his stomach he manages to make it sound convivial enough. " I admit I had not expected to be graced with your presence. " / @creatrix-mea

@flamesofrebirths asked: “You’re hurt, you need to sit down.” / accepting.

" Nonsense, my boy, I'm perfectly fine! " Byron's quick to dismiss Joshua's concerns, his demeanour as high-spirited as ever despite the hand pressed against the gash in his side, fingers already tainted red with blood. With his other, he uses the butt of his axe as support, leaning his weight 'pon it. " I merely need a moment to catch my breath. "

Indeed, though he's not had the chance to check the extent of the injury, the blow had but glanced him. The bruises on his ribs would likely ache more fiercely than the cut once the adrenaline of battle wore off. He's been through similar experiences back when Elwin and him still rode out against the Iron Kingdom or even simply for a hunt.

Resting the axe against a wall, sturdy fingers run through greying hair, chest expanding on a wider breath as he regains his bearings. After a moment, he meets Joshua's worried gaze, lips quirked up to a grin. " Hah, certainly been a while since I've experienced this vigourous a fight. My constitution's not longer quite what it used to be. "

His other hand moves away from the wound, noting that the flow of blood has already trickled down to a sluggish pace. " See. Naught to worry over. "

" I must say, entertaining such high standing guests from across the strait was not what I imagined on the table today, " As ever, his words are brimming with a good-natured humor, stance affable and inviting despite the somewhat sharp, assessing nature of his gaze. " I've not even had the chance to organize a proper welcome as befits thine station, my Lord. 'Tis not oft any delegates or foreign dignitaries come for a trade agreement include the King of said nation. "

Nevertheless he doesn't hesitate guiding him to the main dining hall of his mansion. " Can I offer some wine? Ale? " / @thcrmr

byron tags.