Chapter Text
September 12th
The Sovereign visited my humble domain in the castle, with a peculiar list of questions and requests. While it is not often I get to speak with our most blessed Sovereign, my line of work specifically has never came up- only reminders that court votes were approaching. He never was one to sway my vote, although I can not speak for others, he seems to at least respect my insight into matters- the reminders are pleasant enough, no underhanded threats as often most of the court needs.
Likely since I could help turn a tie, however I have gotten off topic.
The Sovereign asked me about my occupation at the castle, and a myriad of other questions. Among these were one I did not think anyone of his status and stature would ask.
He asked if any of the beasts I train could be used in individual service. At first I was confused at his words, while I am a lord, I did not grow up with the aristocratic and the wealthy. Our Lord however was kind enough to simplify their words, ears turning a bit pink when they remembered that I wasn’t like most on the court circles.
It was nice to see he’s still the young man I watched grow up on the inside, even if he does have to be rough and tough on the outside.
Emotional support and service animals are not something I get to train often- I always have a handful of animals that are trained, I am no fool- but 85-95% are made for other jobs, such as mousing or hunting or guarding.
The more… poncy of the nobles often have children blessed by the fairies- or the lord of the void himself, some even cursed with the unfocusness, they often have needs unlike most of the more hearty of soul need, even if they are incredibly resilient for their ages. Chickens and cats, a few dogs, a mooshroom here or there when lightning struck a pregnant cow and it had lived, I’ve been working on a couple of dogs as well- small, easy to carry if need be, high pitched barks to alert even a soldier whom had lost their hearing could hear that their owner needs help.
I am no fool however, and have many of the hunting dogs observe such training. I am no fool to assume one a few types of dogs could be what they can.
So it was of surprise, when my best hunter, but also the most antisocial of my hounds ended up picking up on things.
It was as surprising as to have learned that the Sovereign had a younger brother, one that Furor had tackled hard to the ground to protect them- their scream was heard by every animal in the Citadel, I am sure of that much.
Furor did his job however, getting a deadly snake away from the prince. It was a netherie diamondback I believe from the scales and the coloring.
The young Prince was not hurt- merely startled, our Sovereign said his name was Nightmare- not his given name, but one he chose for himself. It may change in time.
I can respect that, it wasn’t too long ago that my sister’s wife chose her name, and her husband and her helped suggest ideas.
The young Prince- as would be his rank with his brother being the Sovereign, and Eret being king- is the splitting image of the Sovereign- he seemed more sickly however, more thin and nervous. With how protective the Lord is of him, I scarce think it was him who did it. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the animal Sovereign was seeking was for his brother.
I pray to the gods that whatever trials and ordeals the kid has been through are behind him now, and he can once again enjoy life with his brother.
Furor seems to have taken a liking to the young Prince, curling up around him and getting him to rest- just like the smaller dogs would while working, curled up on him, keeping him warm and safe while the weight keeps the anxiety away.
The Sovereign and I spoke as the Prince rested. It seems that young Nightmare has spent a lot of time with the gods- moreso then he has mortals. Our Sovereign did not fully understand it himself, and I can not fault him for that, he likely spent many a night assuming he was dead.
The gods can be cruel, in that regard.
Nightmare seems to be cursed and blessed at the same time- rarely able to sleep but able to power through it. The Guardian of the Void seems to find the family very appealing. The Sovereign hasn’t pried for too many details, but it’s clear his time in the void greatly negatively affected him.
Thankfully no madness has touched their soul.
The Sovereign explained many things to me- how fragile Nightmare is, physically and mentally, yet how resilient they are. How he is still recovering from his time in the void- as it had taken a heavy toll not only mentally but physically, how gentle they were, and how to not take it too personally if the prince never visits or visits every day- they are bowshy about branching out socially, and might need time to regulate themselves.
I of course understood perfectly. My late wife- may her soul rest peacefully- had been touched by the fae folk. She was a shy and timid to most- not understanding much in terms of rules as we grew up together, but was loud and colorful and so bright when she felt safe with someone.
She was a wonderful soul, and I hope and pray that she would be proud of my choices in life.
I feel as though young Nightmare is the same as her, wether naturally or from the circumstances of the void, I shall not speculate, as is not my place.
I had no qualms about handing over Furor to be an assistant dog- although he needs more training, he has the basics down, and likely the basics are what young Nightmare needs the most in the moment.
A heavy grounding weight, a warm heartbeat, and someone to nose him awake should any nightmares happen. Granted he knows quite a bit more- such as to fetch and to bring, however Furor lacks the major things he will need.
He can not tell when someone is going to have a seizure, or will faint, properly guide should sight impairment hit, or even the socialization needed for such a dog. For the breed he is and his family lineage, I have never encountered such an unsociable dog save for a rabid one. Furor seems the perfect fit for the young Prince though. While Furor would follow commands, I have never seen the dog snuggle up to anyone, yet he did so like he was a natural.
He should be a natural, with the breed he is, I guess Furor was waiting for the right person to cuddle up to.
Likely he will need mindhealer training- both for the clear soldiers stare he has, and likely the socialization cues needed for someone who has been away from normal folk for years.
That shouldn’t be too difficult. Furor seems taken with his new owner- I will just need to find times when I can properly train them. That shouldn’t be too hard, likely the young prince will have lessons, I can get a couple of hours of training in on days they are learning- should timing permit it.
May the Sovereign’s kindness let this be an easy task. He is a reasonable man, after all.