Passing the Mantle

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Yes, the armor was in good condition, considering he made more frequent use of it than his older brother did of his, but Demetri was going to double-check nonetheless. A bit of caution usually went a long way, especially with something that could provide vital protection to his person. “Of course. It’s been a while since I jousted for sport.” Circumstances and his absences took care of it, and he’d need to recall how it felt before he could participate in anything.

Amused expression easily reappeared at the question. “Yes, you do…though mostly at home.” That he was now teasing was obvious, though a quiet nod was given at the words. Yes, they were going to recover, though the question was how long it was going to take them and what they were going to do to make it so.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Anatoli gave him a wry smile, "You weren't supposed to answer that question honestly, but nonetheless. You are correct." The head bobbed in agreement, "Yes, I know, it's been a while since you've participated, but I believe that you can get up to snuff once again." Anatoli seemed to go over in his mind if they had anything else that needed to be discussed at the present time. Yes, he would have to start teaching Demetri the challenges of courtly leadership, but that could be done after the meeting with Sedrick. That was their primary goal for now.

"Is anything else we should discuss? Or should we get into our meal?"

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Making a poor attempt to hide a laugh at his father’s answer, Demetri stuffed a forkful into his mouth instead to avoid saying anything untoward. When in doubt, look for distraction, and food placed in front of him was particularly good one in his opinion. “Sorry, Father,” he managed once he chewed through it, not sounding sorry at all but knowing he could get away with it right now. There was going to be a time for seriousness later, but for now there already had been enough of it, at least in his opinion.

“We should before it gets cold, and I can’t think of anything else right now. Is Mother aware of your plans in terms of changing the heir?” The question was valid one, at least this was his thought, but he was uncertain how the news was being taken at home and what he was going to face once they were back there. It was best to be ready for surprises, and everything.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Yes, she is," Anatoli responded easily, "And she is in full support of the notion. The Court knew before you did, unfortunately. I had to keep the dogs from yapping and biting at my damned ankles. You understand, I'm sure. Some were howling at the failure and railing against our leadership. That is part of why I am here. I need to show that the we as a family have the Kingdom's best interest in hand and that we shall not fail."

He didn't have to impress upon Demetri the consequences of that failure. The power of a royal family was not just in the blood, but in the people. If enough of the people did not support their king, then that king could very easily find themselves deposed. Entire families had been wiped out in revolutions, after all.

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

A wince was followed by another forkful as Demetri mulled over the words. He knew full well that their court was not pleased with Nikolai’s actions and showed their displeasure even before he left to join his sisters. Yet he didn’t quite expect their standing to deteriorate so quickly. “Indeed,” he murmured, already having a shiny example of what not to do in terms of proving his worth, and the last thing they needed right now was a revolution.

“But we should be able to smooth things over now.” They had both a foothold and untapped mine to support it should they need to trade, for – far as he was aware – gemstones were prized by many a people. In that, though he would keep quiet as promised, he was more or less secure.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Demetri," he paused for a moment after taking a few bites. "Do you have any idea what happened with Nikolai? I know I keep bringing it up, but truly... it troubles me deeply." In fact, he had not been able to sleep well since he had received the news. ... Not that he was sleeping well before! It was frustrating, maddening and saddening. A hand came to idly scratch at his beard. "I've been puzzling it over in mind and I come up with nothing. Where did I go wrong?"

It seemed that despite his talk with Anya, he was taking personal responsibility for his son's failure. It was ingrained in him that he was personally responsible for the actions of his family. Anyone that betrayed the family would be cut off, but it was akin to removing his own arm. It was painful and difficult.

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Demetri frowned briefly as he considered the situation. He had to admit he knew little to nothing of what transpired before his arrival, though he did glean some pieces from Anya. “You’re probably tired of hearing this, but you did nothing wrong with any of us, Father, the choices had been Nikolai’s. It seems it had been a miscommunication of giant proportions, though Anya and Katya would be your better information sources. I know little of what has transpired, but I do remember that Nikolai tends to set high standards on himself and everyone else he knows, even if he doesn’t manage to hold them up, and you know he likes not asking for help, even if he needs it.”

An eyebrow went up as he thought of this most recent failure of his brother’s, which in turn cost him everything, including his heir’s crown, and his own awareness that he was probably over-simplifying things. There was something to be said about raising expectations too highly, after all, and he would remember that himself for the future.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Anatoli winced when Demetri used words similar to Anya's. YEs, yes, he knew that he should stop blaming himself for what happened, but it could not be helped. Bah. He would have shake himself of the feelings he was experiencing, however true they may be. "Like I said, I'll be talking with Katya. She seems particularly angered by the whole predicament." He scratched at his beard again. "Mm, true. He always had been the stubborn type. I suppose I am just left... bewildered. I never saw this coming."

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

“No one had. I did not expect him to act the way he had after he was pressuring me to be nothing but the best I can,” Demetri said plainly, though Katya’s reaction was not surprising to him. Not only was she there during the whole mess, but she had her pride, and it was family.

“It would’ve been seen as the biggest betrayal for her, Father. One of our family, her own brother, doing what he did? Of course she’ll be furious, if just that.” Knowing his youngest sister’s temper as he had, he was mildly surprised she wasn’t showing it already, but perhaps it ran its course – or perhaps was waiting its turn, like himself. For the time, Demetri was looking at it objectively or he liked to think he was, but even he knew there’d be the hour where he would not be able to.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Yes, that is probably so. Your other sister, I feel, is just as angry but she is doing a better job of containing it." Then again, she did have a release of that anger during their most recent conversation. He assumed that it helped her. Or, at least, he liked to hope that it helped her. "Your mother is beside herself with confusion and perhaps a touch of grief. She knows what is to come."

Suddenly, he waved his hand, "But ... enough of the sadness. I wish to focus on making things matter. I look forward to seeing you participate in the joust and show them what a real horseman can do." The smile grew, then.

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Their ages probably had something to do with how open their reactions were to the matter of their sibling’s behavior, so had the slight distance between him and said matter, or so Demetri was thinking. He still was too far removed from the problem to look at it with a, what could be considered lack of emotions compared to reactions of both his sisters, but he could guess at their mother’s. For now he refrained from saying anything else, instead choosing a brief incline of his head a suitable response. Yes, they all knew what was to come, whether they liked it or not, and he would keep his opinion of it to himself for now.

As to the tournament, Demetri just gave an amused grin. He noted the results of the archery one, and while he knew there were those present who under the right circumstances would’ve been quite good, they seemed to flounder. “We’ll see, won’t we, Father? I won’t be getting ahead of myself. The terrain is unfamiliar.” Twinport. Really, all he knew about it was that it was a port, a seat of St. Claire, and all that applied to it. The surroundings he’d take in once they were there. “Any word on how soon we’ll move with the Court?”


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Within the next few days, I would wager," he let out a grunt, "And that means securing a carriage. I've one of the servants out getting one for us now. No doubt, they are going to charge us a higher rate due to their sudden scarcity. Fortunately, I brought plenty of funds." The meal was attacked once again. "I suppose I shouldn't gripe. I've not really seen the countryside of Demeria, so it should be interesting to see."

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

“It’s beautiful, and certainly not what we’re used to, from what I’ve seen,” Demetri allowed, watching his father attack the rest of their meal. For a brief moment he wondered how his former brother was faring, though he could find it hard in himself to find any form of sympathy, considering that conversation closed. “Still, it will be a different part of the country, so I’m certain it has its own sights to offer.” Of which he intended to take in what he could. For him, it was rare enough to visit other countries, however disruptive those visits were, thus the anticipation of enjoyment of their trip. No doubt it’d be a lot more comfortable than that of certain others who shall remain unnamed.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"There are a number of foreign visitors here," he ventured, taking a large bite of food and chewing thoroughly before continuing. "At least, that is what I can gather. We should reach out to them. Make yourself known, Demetri. Put a face to the heir's crown. You are the future of the country now, and you will be of greater importance than myself in the long run." He took a lengthy sip of water, watching his son.

Prince Demetri Fyodorov

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Inclining his head in agreement, quiet for now, Demetri recalled the standards he’d seen passing the camp most recently. Treniata, and most recently, Montenoire’s presence was known, if his knowledge of the countries was still sound. And it wasn’t getting known that he was worried about, for he was certain the Sarkoszy contingent already made their presence known in the past few weeks.

“It’s not getting known I’m worried about, Father, it’s getting accepted,” he pointed out, knowing full well he had his work cut out for him there. There had been no favor made for them so far, and he had no doubt it was going to be an uphill climb in both Demeria and at home.


King Anatoli Fyodorov