Lotar heard the trees rustling and swung his fist out, thinking that boy was the one there.
But her son deftly avoided the blow with an almost jester-like expression saying 'Oh, I suppose a chicken thief was expecting that eh?'
'You ought to have been a kings jester boy. Its wasted on me' he said in a low grumble. Every time he found himself in a fell mood, Kandel was there with that silly expression, attempting to cheer him up. It always reminded him of Kandel's mother. He had gotten his sense of humour, as well as his handsome features from her.
Slumping on a fallen log with a grunt he said 'He made me look a fool! Noone does that to me and doesna' hear about it!'
'Well the way you are yelling, everyone will' Kandel said in the same tone.
'You never take anything seriously, so you boy?' Lotar thundered.
'You saw me when I saw the hairpin. I didnt think it too amusing' Kandel's voice lowered, and Lotar looked him in the eye.
'It means a lot to me too father, you should know that. But beating a thief to a pulp over it will do you little good. And it will do him less good I'll wager'
Lotar snorted 'And I thought you were being serious'
'I am' said Kandel 'You cannot believe that anyone else in this camp hasnt had a fair share of life's pains! Look at Soran! He is always under a cloud. And Kirima cannot bear the words of hate towards her! And why should she!' Kandel knelt in front of his father 'They will not respect you any less for showing you hurt. Far from it. And that boy will learn from what has happened. You cannot hold that against him.'
Lotar stood up, no longer grumbling or balling his fists
'I do not want to see hair nor hide of that boy for a good while Kandel. You may look over him and make sure he learns how to get by. Then maybe I'll consider him one of us'
'Very well' said Kandel, following him out of the clearing.
'And Kandel, I hope that talk doesnt mean ye're soft! A woman's influence on a warrior' Lotar said with a smirk
'And you should talk!' chuckled Kandel, and shook his head
'Well, that took less time than expected' Kandel said to himself.
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