[OPEN]

[slipshot]

WHO: Gavin, Peter, and OPEN~
WHAT: Peter is trying to teach Gavin to read, and Gavin is getting distracted by literally everything, and everyone.
WHEN: A few times, as the lessons are semi-regular, in the days following the wake.
WHERE: in the weird little library in the basement
NOTES: Ridiculous hijinks



He was doing his best. He really was. But Gavin had the attention span of a goldfish, and trying to sit still for long periods focusing on something he found difficult was worse.

He'd never really figured out how to read. Every time he tried the runes would seem to move around on their own, or flip over, and it was extremely frustrating. Peter, however, was absolutely determined that Gavin should learn to read properly and stop defacing the community bulletin boards with his scribbled drawings.

They'd managed to scramble a few books together for the purpose, and some sheets of parchment, and Gavin was working on drawing a surprisingly well rendered butt as Peter was pulling out the next text to start with.

As soon as Gavin happened to see anyone wandering by, he called out and waved them over.

Comments

[dreadinquisitor]

Maxwell's arms had folded over his chest, a hand lifted up against his mouth to try - and fail - to hide the grin that pulled wide as Gavin went on. At Peter's question, he glanced over, gesturing lightly with the same hand.

"At that moment? Nothing. After..." he trailed with an amused flash in his eyes, hand tipping slightly.

[slipshot]

"He wasn't about to give up!" Gavin cried, ignoring the interruption though his grin had widened. "He was ready to fight, though it be to his certain death - when what should appear? A savior! A beam of light and there he was - handsome as the first rays of summer sun after a bleak winter, with a jaw like chiseled marble and--" Oops, he'd gotten carried away and forgotten that Maxwell was, well, actually present, so he blushed faintly and then just continued on as if nothing had happened.

"The crowd grew quiet, the rumbles of their discontent stirring the air, when finally, they attacked! The elf cried - 'Watch out!' but he didn't need to, for his savior had already taken the end of his bow to the first attacker's forehead, downing him in one swift motion. Crack! Down went the second. Thud! Down went the third. The cowards grew fearful, and after yelling some obscenities, finally ran away. The noble savior paused, looking down at the elf who had been thrown to the ground in the fray, and offered his hand. 'Bastards, all of them,' he said, his voice low like distant thunder--"

[cameasarat]

Peter couldn't help but look a little...not exactly surprised, but somewhat uncertain what was happening here. Gavin told stories, certainly, but there were...well. A lot of adjectives in this one. Like any decent Inquisition member, Peter had read Hard in Hightown, and some of the language was feeling a little reminiscent.

"...and then the clouds parted and doves crooned?"

[dreadinquisitor]

Maxwell's hand was still up over his mouth, though less to hide a grin then, than a blush, creeping up from his throat. He knew Gavin exaggerated and likely talked about all the subjects of his stories that way, but he couldn't help the way his chest warmed.

Then Gavin stumbled, and flushed, and Maxwell's heart squeezing under his ribs. Foolishly, but helplessly.

"I don't recall any doves," Maxwell said, clearing his throat. "But there was a horse."

[slipshot]

"There was a horse," Gavin agreed with a nod. "And then we went and shot a bunch of people in the tourney and it was very fun," he finished up quickly, too embarrassed now to actually finish the story as he'd been telling it.

"The point is - Wait, what was my point..."