Chapter Text
The farm house was big and full of life. Someone was always rushing around doing chores or chasing one of the animals. There was a large rock formation that the house was built next to that cut off into a cliff that Nicky constantly had to prevent Andrew and Aaron from playing on. The house itself was two stories, made of brick and wood, the roof of straw with widows covered with wooden planks. There was a well in front of the house where they got their water from, the high stone wall that surrounded the well in place to make sure no kids or small animals fell in. There were horses, chickens, pigs, sheep, and even a few cows to play with and to look after, all able to roam around the vast space.
It was the only home Andrew had ever known, living with identical twin brother, his dads, and all the wonderful animals they kept. He knew that his dads weren't his dads by blood, Nicky was his cousin who had taken him and his brother in when their mother left them, but that didn't matter to Andrew or Aaron. They were a family and they were loved and cared for. That's all that mattered.
"Andrew, stop bothering the chickens!" Nicky called out by the well, a frown on his face and the water bucket in his hand.
Andrew picked up the chicken he had been playing with, Henrietta, holding her close to his chest. He would never hurt her, he just wanted to make sure she knew how loved she was. She made them eggs, she let Andrew and Aaron chase her and her friends around the farm. She was a good chicken and he had to let her know she was a good chicken. The best chicken. He ran his tiny hand through her feathers, her clucks rung throughout her body. He liked the sound, it was funny and familiar. "We're just playing, dad." He called out.
Nicky huffed, an eyebrow raised and a hand on his hip. He didn't believe Andrew but Andrew didn't think much of it. He was dramatic, loud, and playful. "She has a job to do, honey," he reminded Andrew. "And I'm sure she'd like to play with her chicken friends."
Andrew looked down at his chicken. He was definitely holding Henrietta, she was the oldest chicken in the coop, chubby and white, and her comb was bigger than the other chickens. Henrietta only liked to hang out with the older chickens, she found that the chicks were too bothersome. Andrew thought that maybe she got her energy out with him and Aaron and didn't have any left for the chicks. "It’s Henrietta, dad."
Nicky blinked at him, standing up straight. "Oh, is it?" He asked. He hooked the wooden bucket up to the well and came over. He wiped his hands on his apron, kneeling down in front of Andrew to examine Henrietta. He nodded and gently patted his head. "You’re right, it is Henrietta! Never mind, go on and play- wait where's your brother?" He searched around in a panic for Aaron.
Andrew pointed in the direction of the horses. His brother liked to play knight but Andrew didn’t really like to play knight. Their other dad was a knight and it was cool but it meant he wasn't home for months at a time. He liked being with his family and he didn't want his brother to leave their home.
Nicky gasped and shot up. "Aaron!" He yelled, rushing off to find Andrew’s other half.
Andrew looked down at Henrietta. "Aaron’s going to get into trouble." He whispered. "He should have played with us."
Henrietta made her cute little chicken sounds and Andrew gave her a soft hug. His dad told him that chickens were fragile, he couldn't be rough with them like he was with his brother. So he gave her a gentle hug.
Andrew walked over to the chicken coop, careful not to step all over his chickens. Their noises filled the air in a familiar melody and Andrew couldn't understand why anyone would want to leave. The chickens fluttered about in their closed off space, peaking at the ground for missed feed and exploring. The singular rooster Andrew and Aaron named Sir Cluckson was walking around with self importance. Andrew always thought he was flirting with all the chickens like the prince in his dad’s book. It was his dad’s only book and he read it a lot and kept it out of reach of the twins. But if Andrew sat on his brother’s shoulders they could reach it and Andrew had learned to read it without their dads’ knowing.
Andrew set Henrietta down when Sir Cluckson came trotting over. He knelt down in front of them, watching with rapt attention as they walked along side together. He liked to watch the farm animals, it was amazing to think that they were alive and had thoughts and personalities even when they were nothing like Andrew.
The ground beneath Andrew’s feet began to rumble, not an earthquake but something still familiar to him. He stood up instantly, turning to face the path that led to their farm. Just over the small hill he could see the faint outline of a light brown horse that Andrew had spent hours and hours riding, exploring the beach and meadows surrounding the farm with his family. He quickly left the chicken coop, locking up so none of his chickens escaped and got hurt, then ran off to meet his dad. "Dad!" He yelled out.
Erik and Julianna the horse got closer into view, closer and closer to finally being home after four months away. Erik slowed Julianna down, coming to a safe stop before he hopped off the saddle.
Andrew rushed towards him, knocking into his leg. His boots were muddy, the cuff of his pants frayed and dirty but he was warm and real beneath Andrew’s tiny fingers.
"Andrew," Erik called out. His voice was soft and warm, deep but kind. He reached down to pick Andrew up, holding him in his arms with ease, as expected of a knight of King Wymack's round table. He helped solidify King Wymack's power when people tried to take Excalibur from him, and was the youngest knight at the round table but had the greatest feats of bravery. He defended the King, of course he'd be able to pick up Andrew with ease. "When did you get so big?"
"You were gone," Andrew told him. "Dad said me and Aaron had a growth spurt. He made notches in the doorway. And Henrietta got fatter."
Erik laughed, grabbing the lead for Julianna so he could bring her to the stable. She would need to rest after the long journey. "Did she?" He asked. "You haven't been overfeeding her, have you?"
Andrew shook his head, his hair slapping him in the face. "Of course not, I only feed Henrietta the right amount of food."
"I’m sure you do," Erik said.
"But Aaron must have overfed her. She is very cute."
Erik bit down a smile. "That she is." He agreed. Henrietta was very cute, indeed. "Now where is your brother? He's usually out here with you."
"He’s with the horses." Andrew explained. Now, if Aaron had went with Andrew to play with the chickens instead of playing knight he would have been with him to see their dad come home. He could have already been asking a bunch of questions by now, instead of getting scolded about playing in the stables again. "Dad’s with him now."
Erik nodded. Julianna nudged his shoulder, her mane free from the dirt that covered Erik’s boots. Andrew reached out slowly, not wanting to startle her, and gave her a few appreciative pets. She made sure his dad got home safe. "She missed you, and Aaron." Erik whispered to him.
"I missed her too." Andrew whispered back. He didn’t like when his dad left. Nicky was always sad when he was gone, reading and reading his book every night by candle light. The empty spot for Julianna in the stables felt cold and dreary and like another piece of their family was missing. It was always better when his dad was home. "And you."
Erik paused, smiling at Andrew in that way that made Andrew want to smile too. Even though he didn't smile much. "I missed you lots, Andrew." He said.
Andrew wrapped his arms around Erik's neck. He could give him a harder hug than he gave Henrietta. It was nice.
"Dad!"
"Erik!"
Aaron and Nicky called out.
Aaron pushed past Nicky, rushing across the open field that the horses roamed during the day. Nicky stumbled, quickly closing the door to the stables before he rushed over too.
Aaron got to Erik and Andrew first, despite his short legs that he shared with Andrew. He did as Andrew had done, launched himself at Erik's leg. He looked up and smiled widely, showing off his missing tooth. "You’re back!"
Erik bent down, Andrew gripped his shoulder to stay balanced, and picked Aaron up with ease. Now he was in reach for Andrew to smack him, but he wouldn't until later. After they could all settle in. "I’m back! And you're missing a tooth. You didn't get into a fight while I was gone, did you?" He asked, looking between Andrew and Aaron.
Aaron shook his head, his faint blond hair flying everywhere. "No way! It just fell out!" He opened his mouth, pointing with a chubby finger at the empty space. "Ah?"
Erik nodded. "Oh yes, I see, how foolish of me to assume you two fought."
Aaron nodded proudly, closing his mouth and burst into a fit of giggles. Andrew smiled at the sound, he wanted to giggle too but he didn't want all the attention on him.
Nicky finally caught up with them, a bright, warm, relieved smile on his face. He reached out, placing his hands on Erik's chest and leaned in for a kiss. Andrew and Aaron let out twin gags. It was always embarrassing when their parents acted like that in front of them, even worse when one of them was holding one of the twins.
Nicky gave them an overly dramatic frown once he and Erik stopped being in love. "Oh please!" He huffed. "You should be happy your parents are in love! Love is very important in relationships, my dears!"
"Love is gross!" Aaron said and Andrew nodded along.
Nicky gave a look that said he wasn't impressed by the twins. "Well that’s where you're wrong!" He declared. "Love is the most beautiful thing you can experience."
"No, it's having salt." Andrew informed his dad. He had only had salt once in his life, it was a present from King Wymack for when Erik saved his life in an ambush attack. The King gave them the precious ingredient in a huge acknowledgement of Erik's feats and it meant that they had the King's favor. It had a curious taste that could only be described as 'salty' but it made their fish dinner so much better even during the winter months.
Aaron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, salt is much better than love! It means we're awesome and it makes food taste really good!"
Erik chuckled. "I think the kids are right," he said as Andrew and Aaron shared a look of victory over top his head. "As much as I adore you and your love, salt is pretty amazing."
Nicky scoffed, slapping Erik's chest in a playful manner. "Unromantic heathens, the lot of you!"
Erik just laughed and everything was as it was. It was back to their normal, when they were all together and nothing bad would happen.
Nicky gave in quickly, his pretend frown fading away to his happy smile. "Okay, okay!" He giggled. "Boys, why don’t you go put Julianna away then you can show your dad all the changes around the farm?"
Aaron and Andrew eagerly agreed, Aaron squirming in Erik's hold and Andrew trying to reach for Julianna's reigns.
"Woah-" Erik stumbled, spinning them around and around in the fun way that made Andrew dizzy.
"Dad, come on!" Aaron laughed. "We have to show you everything!"
"And you have to tell us about Camelot." Andrew added.
Aaron gasped, hitting Erik's head in excitement. "Yes! That too!"
Erik hummed, his spinning coming to a stop. "Well, if you two insist," he sighed.
"We do!" The twins yelled.
Erik couldn't keep the smile off of his face. He settled the twins on the ground, helping them stand up right as the dizziness took over. "Alright then, let's go get Julianna taken care of. Then we can all swap stories."
"Okay!"
Andrew grabbed Julianna's lead and Aaron trotted up ahead of him, guiding them all towards the very same stables he got caught playing in when he wasn't supposed to. Their punishments always disappeared whenever their dad came home, nothing else mattered than all being back together.
"Is everything okay in Camelot?" Nicky asked quietly as he and Erik followed behind the twins.
A quick peak over his shoulder and Andrew could see his parents leaning on each other as they walked, hands clasped together. They seemed to circle each other, always pulled together. If they were across the room from each other, it was only a matter of time before they were right next to each other, chatting and smiling. Maybe love wasn't as gross as Andrew thought it was?
Erik nodded. He lifted his free hand to brush back some stray hair that had slipped free from the band Nicky used to hold it back while working. "Everything is fine, my dear." He promised. "There was simply a small scuffle along the eastern border of the kingdom."
What Erik said sounded simple, easy and not something that needed to be worried about- Andrew and Aaron had scuffles all the time and nothing bad happened besides a few time outs- but Nicky frowned. His brows were furrowed together, pinched with worry. Andrew saw it all the time, but Nicky rarely said what was wrong. "That doesn't sound like something that would require the knights of the round table." He said.
"The King simply called us to put our heads together." Erik said, his smile never fading. "To avoid it escalating into something bigger. None of us ever saw combat, love, we simply served and advised our cautious King."
Nicky stared at him in a way Andrew didn’t understand.
Julianna let out a loud neighing sound that startled Andrew. He had to turn around to calm her down with gentle pets, missing out on the adults conversation. Aaron was at the door, on the tips of his toes trying to reach the latch but he couldn't. Because he was very small, as was Andrew. Normally they used one another as a step stool, or they would moved one of the planks where the stone nails had broken apart. But they couldn't use that secret entrance with their parents around.
"I'll never understand how you two get into here when you can't reach the latch." Nicky said, coming up behind Aaron. He reached over Aaron and unlocked the latch.
Aaron had to back up for the door to open, the copper hinges squeaked when it opened but Andrew thought that that was part of its charm. "You forget to latch it," was Aaron's brilliant excuse.
Andrew simply led Julianna into the stables, walking past the various sections for the other horses. There were two baby horses flanked on either side of Julianna's stable. They were a gift from Erik for their fifth birthday and he had been, up until he left for Camelot, been teaching the twins how to ride. Andrew's dads said it was important for them to know how to ride and how to defend themselves so they were also learning the sword much to Aaron's excitement. But all Andrew wanted to do was to spend his days with all the animals and his family.
With Julianna resting in her stable, Andrew and Aaron were free to drag Erik around to farm to tell him all the improvements they made, like how they got the pigs a bigger pen and how the chicks had hatched. It was everything Andrew ever wanted- he had his family, the animals he cared and protected and his home peacefully hidden away against the rock cliff. It was everything and he hoped it never changed.
-
Andrew loved listening to the waves crashing against the shoreline, the smell of the vast body of water that no one could agree on what it was. Was it a large lake? A giant river? Or a secret ocean? They couldn't tell and that was the fun.
Andrew chased Aaron across the shore, the sand warm beneath their feet but the water was cold. It cooled them down from the hot sun. Aaron was laughing, running as fast as his little legs could carry and Andrew couldn't help but smile along, barely able to keep up with his brother. Their dads were only a bit away where the horses were tied to giant rocks so they didn't wonder off too far. Nicky had a basket he had spent days and days weaving that carried their lunch and Erik was taking this time to carve the twins new toys.
"Be careful you two!" Nicky called out, setting the basket onto the sand. "If you trip we'll have to go home!"
"We'll be fine!" Aaron promised. He slowed down a bit and Andrew, just to be mean, tackled him to the sand. He heard his dad sigh but it was worth it to beat Aaron. He didn't get why Aaron was faster than him when they were both so short. Aaron yelled something into the sand, struggling until Andrew felt nice enough to roll off of him.
His chest moved up and down as he caught his breath, staring up at the blue sky dotted with fluffy looking clouds. He wondered how clouds would taste. Would they be sweet like honey? Or something much more delicious.
Aaron sat up, spitting out the sand he got into his mouth. His hair stuck up all over the place, sand buried deep in it and his clothes were all knocked askew. He looked stupid which was Andrew’s goal. Aaron glared at him but he still looked stupid so it didn't have much effect. "You’re an asshole." He said.
"I heard that!" Nicky yelled.
Andrew smirked. "Loser."
"I'll get you one day, Drew." Aaron promised.
Andrew stuck his tongue out, only to get a fist full of sand shoved into his mouth.
The only reason it didn't become an all out war was because Erik came over and picked them up. He brought them back to where he had been sitting and helped Andrew wash the sand out of his mouth while Nicky helped Aaron. Andrew got the better deal because Nicky kept muttering about how hard it was to clean sand and Aaron had a front row to it all. Erik gave Andrew a block of wood and a carving knife and sat them in the sand when he was all cleaned up. It was familiar and easy for Andrew to carefully carve out chunks of wood out of the block. He tried his best to copy his dad but his always came out wonky. His dad said he just needed to practice.
"Hey dad," Aaron came over next, sitting next to Erik so he was between him and Andrew. Probably for the best, Andrew could still taste the sand and if Aaron was near him he'd throw something at him. "Can you tell us why you became a knight?"
Nicky chuckled, settling down next to Andrew to keep an eye on him when he had a knife. "Aaron, he's told you that story more times than there are stars in the sky."
"But I like that story!" Aaron protested.
"It’s a good story." Andrew agreed. He remembered the story perfectly, he remembered every time his dad retold the tale. He whispered it to Aaron at night when they were mad at Erik for leaving them alone for so long, for making Nicky sad. Hearing Erik tell it made him being back more real.
Erik leaned over Andrew’s tiny frame and kissed Nicky making Aaron pretend to gag. "It’s alright love," he said. "I don't mind."
"Oh I’m sure you don't," Nicky giggled.
Andrew narrowed his eyes at his carving, he was trying to copy his dad's- a horse- but it looked like, well, like something that came out of a horse. It wasn't coming out the way he wanted it too. But he didn't have too much time to think about it.
Erik grabbed a stick that had probably washed up on the shore and used it to draw three circles that overlapped each other in the middle, creating a new, tiny oval shape. "Before you two were born the world was a very dark, cruel place," he said.
Nicky gently pushed Andrew’s hair back from his forehead, something he did when he was nervous. He never liked this part of the story.
"Brother fought brother, friends fought one another until there was no different between a 'friend' or a 'foe'."
"I'd never fight Andrew," Aaron said quietly.
Andrew nodded in agreement. He wouldn't fight Aaron- not in the way that their dad was talking about. They would argue and shove each other and maybe sometimes try to make the other eat sand but they would never turn a sword against the other. They would always be on each other's side when it mattered.
Erik patted his head as Nicky wrapped an arm around Andrew’s shoulders, holding him protectively. He would hold Aaron similarly if he was close enough. He really, really didn't like this part of the story.
Erik pulled Aaron onto his lap, his knife settled into the sand. He gave Aaron the stick and helped him recreate his circles- the symbol for Camelot. "The only thing that could bring the fighting to an end was the true King of this land," he continued.
"What happened to the previous King?" Andrew asked.
Erik gave him a tense smile. "No one remembers," he explained. "We hadn't had a King since before my parents were born. Anyone who may know has already passed from this world."
"And there's no need to think about such unpleasant details," Nicky muttered.
"But many say the previous King left the legendary sword Excalibur behind so that his true heir would be able to rightfully acknowledged." Erik continued. "Many, many tried to pull the sword from the stone but all failed. Things were bleak as the wars ravaged the kingdom. The common people suffered greatly for other’s greed, only leading to more violence as they fought back against the cruelty. But you cannot fight cruelty with cruelty, not to create peace."
"Then how did King Wymack stop the fighting?" Aaron asked, turning to look up at Erik.
"Well, just when hope seemed to be lost one man was finally able to pull Excalibur from the stone." Erik explained. "Just that act was enough to make the kingdom come to a standstill, for the true King had been found after so long. It didn't solve everything, there were still fights that broke out across the kingdom. Just because the King had been found and the legendary sword pulled from the stone did not erase the jealousy and greed of humans.
"I became a knight because I witnessed this King risk his life for the common people. He saw us as just as important to his kingdom as the nobles who had taken advantage of us for many, many years. King Wymack meant his words and showed the courage and bravery and kindness of a true King. And so, I decided to fight to uphold his ideals, to make our home a better place for all of us. I never wanted to see those cruel days return, you and Andrew deserve this peace."
Andrew closed his eyes, Nicky’s gently stroked his hair providing another layer of safety for him to melt into. He knew from his dad’s tales that humans could be cruel, that they were greedy and could care little for other humans. But he also knew that there were just as many, if not more, people fighting against those tyrants to keep the world safe; and his dad was one of them. He risked his life for his beliefs and made sure that Andrew got to live happily on his farm with his family because of Erik's bravery. He was proud to be his son, he was happy for the life he had been provided and would never once take it for granted.
-
Time passed quickly, too quickly for Andrew. One day he was just a young boy playing around the farm and the next he was almost a man, ready for the next chapter of his life.
It wasn't just him becoming a man either, but his brother too and it felt like Aaron was more than happy about it since, well, he was getting married. It made his head hurt a bit thinking about it. Ever since their thirteenth year, Aaron had been completely head over heels with a girl of the same age from the next village over. They rarely got to meet, but once a month there would be either a festival or an open market that they all went two that was always in between the two villages.
Nicky had explained that since their villages were small and mostly consisted of farmers, it was decided to bring the two villages together and encourage everyone to meet other people. Andrew saw through that quickly- it was well known that it was better to marry outside of your village and all the adults were obsessed with seeing their children marry, except for Andrew’s parents that is. At least until Aaron begged for approval to court Katelyn, then it seemed like the gates had been open and the latch was broken. All of a sudden all Andrew heard about from his dads were wedding plans regarding Aaron, long talks of how to help Katelyn adjust to their routine once she moved in, lectures to Aaron on how to make his future wife happy, and nonstop excitement over the idea of grandchild. That was definitely the most embarrassing part of it all, Andrew didn't want to hear about his brother doing anything that would led to the creation of new life.
There had been talks of arranging meetings with prospective brides for Andrew but it got shut down instantly when Andrew informed his family that he had no interest in girls, but rather boys. Unfortunately that meant Nicky kept trying to get him to met up with the sons of his friends instead. It was exhausting, and Andrew had yet to become a man.
At the very least, daily life hadn't changed much. The farm animals still needed looking after, Aaron and Andrew still spent plenty time together and annoyed one another, his parents were still disgustingly in love, Erik still left for Camelot for sometimes months but he always came back. Life was still good, still everything Andrew wanted it to be.
Andrew was off cleaning the chicken coop with Aaron, Erik was off cleaning the horse stable and Nicky was inside doing house work. Aaron was going on and on about his upcoming marriage, he would not shut up about his future wife and while Andrew was genuinely happy for his brother it was annoying. He missed the times when they could happily shove each other in the sand because he would happily shove sand in his brother’s mouth to shut him up.
"She's just so beautiful Andrew." Aaron sighed, leaning against the broom that he should be using to clean. "Her hair is just like copper and her eyes, my god, her eyes are the clearest blue you've ever seen!"
Andrew rolled his eyes. He put his weight against a support beam, checking it for any structural damage. Winter would only be a few weeks away and all the wood they had would be needed as fire wood. Any repairs that needed to be done needed to happen before the first snow fall. But Aaron was too busy daydreaming about his future wife. He looked ridiculous with that love sick smile and far off look in his eyes. He was ruining their shared face. "Shut up and clean."
Aaron ignored Andrew, even as Henrietta the second, granddaughter of Henrietta the first, came trotting in to supervise their work.
Henrietta unfortunately passed a few years back, breaking Andrew’s heart. It felt like Henrietta came back to him when her granddaughter hatched soon after, looking like the spitting image of her namesake. Henrietta the second was an official a member of the family rather than their livestock, just as Henrietta the first was and even slept in Andrew’s bed at night. Everyone dotted on her and it clearly gave her an ego. But she was cute and she began peaking at Aaron's feet, telling him to go back to his job.
"Oh Henrietta," Aaron sighed. He dropped the broom and bent down to pick Henrietta the second up. "You’re going to love Katelyn, she's absolutely beautiful and kind and her laugh is better than any kind of music."
Andrew gagged. He marched over and took his chicken back before Aaron embarrassed himself. Henrietta the second clucked in his arms, fluttering around until she was comfortable and snuggled up. Andrew gently pet her beautiful feathers, a faint smile on his face. "Yes I know, I’m more comfortable than that loser." He agreed.
Aaron gave him a look of being wholly unimpressed by Andrew’s actions. "You have an unnatural connection with that chicken."
"You're just jealous that Bernard likes me more than you."
"Shut up!" Aaron hissed. It was a sensitive issue for Aaron, Bernard was the herding and guard dog they got three summers ago. There were too many foxes and wild beats killing their sheep, leaving them with no wool to make clothes and sell. So they got a dog and Aaron was beyond excited. If Andrew favored the chickens then Aaron favored the dog. Unfortunately for Aaron the dog favored Nicky and Andrew more than Aaron and Erik, the two most excited to get the dog. Andrew and Nicky were both rightfully smug. Although, Andrew suspected that Bernard stuck close to Nicky for more than just liking him most.
"I will not," Andrew told Aaron. "Not until you finish your chores and stop talking about your stupid wife."
Aaron's face went red, the tips of his ears burned with the color. It was a horrible look on him. "She's not my wife yet." He muttered.
Andrew dismissed that with a wave of his hand. "I don't care, just do your chores. We still have to help dad check on the pigs and sheep."
"Yeah, yeah I know." Aaron grumbled.
"Good, then get to work." Andrew kicked the broom back towards Aaron. He had mostly finished checking the structure of the chicken coop, had all the issues memorized with ease for his dad and him to take care of later. For now he was going to go take Henrietta the second back to the house and set her up in the kitchen to watch over Nicky.
Aaron reached down to pick up the broom, holding on tight like he was holding back from hitting Andrew with it. "Hey," he called out as Andrew moved to leave. "Aren't you going to look at settling down? I’m sure there are plenty of guys who will catch your fancy."
Andrew sighed, that dreaded topic appeared at the most annoying of times. He was now not going to do that out of pure spite. "I’m good. Don't want to turn into a hopeless fool like you."
"You're an ass, you know that right?" Aaron huffed, amusement written all over his face. It was annoying he wasn't offended by Andrew’s words anymore.
Andrew waved his brother goodbye and headed back to the house.
There was smoke coming out of the chimney, the faint smell of Nicky's potato soup filled the air. Stepping inside the house, Andrew was instantly warmed to the bone, the whole place full of warmth from the fire. He hadn't even noticed how cold it was outside until he came into the warmth of the house.
The wooden table was covered in various ingredients, a bucket of water, and the wooden plates they used. Across from the entrance to the house was the tapestry that Nicky spent years on- it was of the four of them plus Henrietta at the bottom. Andrew and Aaron were about twelve in the tapestry, standing in between Nicky and Erik. It had been the only thing that kept Nicky sane while stuck inside in the winters. Erik's armor and swords decorated the rest of the walls, his shield the most prominent item on display. There was a staircase that led to the second floor where their bedrooms were with the main bedroom off to the side, the door currently hidden by crates full of feed that needed to be moved into the barn.
Nicky was limping around the kitchen/living space, his hand reaching out to lean on the table, the shelves in the wall, the stone bricks that stuck out in odd places and when he had nothing to hold onto Bernard was right there, keeping him upright with pure strength. A few years back Nicky's leg got broken after the roof of the barn collapsed under the weight of the freshly fallen snow. Andrew and Aaron had heard him screaming in pain and immediately went to get Erik who did his best to get him to a doctor in the village but even with treatment Nicky was left with a permanent limp and pain. He spent most of his time inside, especially in the winter when the ground was covered in snow and ice. If someone helped him he would go out and help look after the animals, and Bernard was the one who helped him most often. Even though he was supposed to be guarding the sheep, he chose to help Nicky and Andrew was more than grateful for that. His dad deserved privacy, pride, and the freedom to move around on his own. Andrew was even carving a cane for him to use, despite his objections that it would make him seem like an old man.
Andrew came up next to Nicky, gently placing Henrietta the second onto the table to guard the food. He took the wood ladle from his dad and Bernard immediately got up from his comfy position next to the fire to press his body up against Nicky's bad leg. "Come on dad, sit down, relax for a bit."
Nicky huffed. He tried to take the ladle but his limited motion prevented him from doing so. "I can finish cooking," he protested. "Besides the pain isn't that bad! I’m fine!"
Andrew raised an eyebrow and said nothing, just waited for Nicky to cave and admit that he was in pain. There was only so much time he could be on his feet before the pain became too much, it was better since the early days of his recovery but Andrew knew his dad had a limit he didn't want to admit.
"Seriously, honey, I’m fine!" Nicky protested again. He waved his hand at the iron cauldron full of boiling soup. "I have to finish cooking if you want any supper tonight and I know you love food Andrew, so just give me back the ladle and run along!"
Andrew wasn't very impressed. He could see the sweat bubbling in his hairline and he knew it wasn't from the heat of the fire. His dad had to take better care of himself before he pushed his body past what it could handle.
Nicky sighed, finally giving into Andrew’s demands like he knew he would. "Fine, okay, I'll go sit down for a bit." He agreed.
"Good choice." Andrew hummed. He set the ladle down and helped guide Nicky into a nearby chair. He grabbed a knife and set it in front of him, along with a handful of potatoes that needed cutting. "Just do what you can, we can handle the rest."
Nicky sighed again. He grabbed the knife and a potato as Andrew went about cleaning off the table and checking the soup. Henrietta the second came over, inspecting the potatoes and making sure Nicky didn't try to get up. Bernard laid on Nicky's feet, preventing any funny business from happening. "I just don't like not pulling my weight around here." Nicky muttered.
"Dad, that's stupid." Andrew said. He stirred the soup and scooped out a bit to give it a taste test. It tasted delicious as always, just needed a few more potatoes and maybe whatever vegetables they still had. "You do a lot."
"It’s not what I used to do." Nicky muttered. "Having a bad leg shouldn't mean not helping out if I can."
Andrew rolled his eyes. It seemed he was the only person in his family with any common sense. He took a seat next to his dad, pulling out his knife to help with the potatoes. He would add some extra ones in as a treat to make his dad perk up. "We aren't upset that you can't move as well." He said. "It wasn't your fault. All we want is for you to take care of yourself."
Nicky looked up from his hands and gave Andrew a grateful and sad expression. He reached out and brushed away some of Andrew’s hair. "When did my little boy get so big and mature?" He asked wistfully. "It was just yesterday you were shoving a handful of dirt into your brother's mouth because he said dogs were better than chickens." He chuckled.
"Time keeps flowing dad," Andrew said. He let his dad pat his cheek, look at him with a sad smile and tired eyes. He would have to make sure that later his dad got the proper rest he needed. Save up some money to have the doctor look at his leg again, maybe do something for the pain.
"So you won’t stay my little boy even if I asked you to?" Nicky asked.
"No," Andrew said.
Nicky shook his head fondly, pulling his hand back to resume working. "Should've known." He said sorrowful. "It was worth a try."
"I'll grow up even if I don't want to, it's a part of life." Andrew reminded him.
"Well if that's true then shouldn't you be looking for someone to settle down with?" Nicky mused, just determined to whack this issue over Andrew’s head until he caved.
Andrew let out a loud, annoyed sigh. He supposed this was a dad thing, worrying about their child's future in such an uncertain world but god was it annoying. "I don’t want to." He explained for the hundredth time. "There’s no need to rush this."
Nicky bit his lip, peeling the potato in his hand slowly. "Well, your brother is getting married." He said carefully. "I don’t...I don't want you to be alone in life."
Andrew paused. He gave his dad a confused look, demanding an explanation for his thought process. He wouldn't be alone in life and he had to know it. He would have his family, the animals, and eventually someone special in his life if he so chose.
Nicky took a deep breath, eyes still on the potato in his hands. "Your father and me won’t be around forever, my accident is proof enough of that."
"Dad-"
Nicky shook his head, stopping Andrew before he could protest. "I’m well aware of my mortality Andrew." He explained. "You have nothing to compare this life to but I do. I remember what this world was like before the King came to power. It was nothing more than a fleeting dream for peace for even a few hours. There was violence everywhere and no one was safe from it."
Andrew bit his lip. He set the knife on the table, away from himself as his dad spoke. He knew it was bad, before he had been born. The haunting violence that those old enough to remember all knew. Some passed it down onto their children, some shielded it from their children to the extreme by pretending it didn't happen and that they weren't affected by it. And some made it into a tale suitable for their children to understand but to not think too deeply about it like his parents did. As he got older he realized more and more of what was missing, the horrors of pointless war that everyone but the ones waging it had to suffer. It was why he let his dad hold him tight as Erik told the story, he needed proof that those times were over and he and his family were safe. But Nicky never talked about it, he always smiled and shielded them from what he experienced.
Nicky continued, his voice too serious for a man who smiled like he breathed. "It was a dark, horrible time where bodies filled the streets. Plagues spread across the land because there was no one to bury the bodies, everyone was too busy fighting each other to care about the dead or the living." He took a deep breath. His hands shook.
Andrew reached out and took the knife from him, he couldn't risk Nicky hurting himself by accident. Nicky took Andrew’s hand, holding on tight. He still didn't look at him.
"Peace won’t last forever, humans are far too greedy and cruel for that. It'll be a shock to experience it- I was born into that world, I sometimes find myself waiting for it to happen again at any moment; but Andrew," Nicky looked at him, his grip on Andrew’s hand tight like his life depended on it. "You've never experienced it before and experiencing something like, that cruelty and inhumanity, alone? That is a fate far worse than a violent death."
"Dad," Andrew said, unable to get anymore words out. He didn't know what to say- to Nicky's confession, to all the things he kept hidden from Andrew when Andrew thought he had his dad figured out. He couldn't imagine the pain his dads went through before peace finally settled over the kingdom.
"I just want to know that you'll have someone by you if you ever find yourself all alone." Nicky said as they sat at the table Erik carved himself, sitting in chairs Andrew and Aaron carved, in a house that was Andrew’s only home that kept him safe his whole life, as Bernard slept peacefully on Nicky's feet and Henrietta the second marched around the table piled high with food and his brother and dad outside. "So please, just consider finding someone who makes you happy like I did, and your brother did. Because even in the face of all the cruelty your father and I made it out because we had each other. The world is a lot kinder when you have someone you love by your side."
-
Andrew dropped the newly chopped firewood into the giant pile of firewood. Winter was fast approaching and Andrew was worried about the first snow fall coming and them not being prepared. The cold had made Nicky burdened with pain, unable to leave the house without Bernard or someone to lean on and even then each step was full of pain. It would get better when the weather warmed but for now he would stay inside and mend the clothes and cook. There was a fire constantly going to keep him and the house warm. He had gotten bored though, so he had taken up making sweaters and blankets for the animals.
Aaron came up to Andrew, dropping his own pile onto the pile. It was as tall as the house but that was good. At least then all they'd have to do during snow storms was to open their windows to grab a new log. Aaron wiped away the sweat from his brow because at least hard physical work would keep them warm in the cold. "I think we've got more than enough." He said.
"Maybe, but last year we almost didn't." Andrew hummed. Part of that reasoning was that they weren't expecting as much snow as they got and so they had to scramble around making repairs to various roofs and fences that had broken in the storms they got. Erik was making sure they were prepared in that event if it happened again.
"But that was god's fault." Aaron muttered.
"You don't believe in god." Andrew reminded him.
"Neither do you."
It was blasphemous to say out loud, especially when one of their dads was devote and heresy such as this would be enough to have them killed in some places but it was the truth. Andrew and Aaron didn't believe in god- it was stupid to think that there was some guy in the sky who controlled everything. Andrew rejected the idea entirely. Only he was in charge of his life, he controlled what he did and he would choose his future not some being that didn't seem to care about even his most devote follower.
"So let's not blame a mythical being that doesn't exist and instead chop more wood."
Aaron groaned but he didn't argue. He just walked with Andrew back to the tree stump they used to chop the wood. There was wood there that needed chopping, no doubt brought over by Erik as he finished gathering what he could. They couldn't take too much from the earth, if an avalanche occurred the trees would slow and reduce the damage. It was a careful balance they walked, one that Andrew would need to learn soon. "I just hope Katelyn is okay." Aaron sighed.
Andrew grabbed the axe, adjusting his grip before he gestured at Aaron to place the log onto the stump. "I’m sure she's fine, as she has been every year before, you hopeless moron." He said.
"You’re just bitter." Aaron said. He placed the log in it's place and stepped away. "No guy wants to go out with you because you're an ass."
Andrew raised the axe and brought it down onto the log, snapping it into the proper pieces. He had mastered this after years of doing it. He had this covered. "None of them interest me, how is it my fault for having standards?" He asked.
"You’re standards are too high for simple village life." Aaron sighed. "Where will you ever find a guy who meets all of your insane needs?"
"Well, we're going to Camelot for your wedding celebration." Andrew said. Aaron would be married come spring- an insane thing to think about- and afterwards their dad promised that he would finally take them all to Camelot, even Henrietta the second would come with. It would fulfil the wishes of two young boys who were very annoying about it. "I'll find a guy there, then bring him home with us. Easy."
Aaron scoffed, loud and full of disbelief. "Yeah, okay sure," he mocked. "Why would a guy who grew up in Camelot want to give all of that up for this simple life?"
"Because I’m a catch." Andrew deadpanned.
"Ah yes," Aaron rolled his eyes. "The guy who has an unexplainably intense bond to his chickens is a catch." He mocked.
Andrew grabbed the next log and put it in place. They had work to do, they didn't have the time to fuck around like they were little kids. "You just wouldn't understand it," he huffed. He lifted the axe and brought it down with practiced ease. "It’s a man loving another man thing."
"Uh huh, sure." Aaron was mocking him but Andrew didn't care. He would just mock Aaron later when he got married to Katelyn. He was sure his brother would embarrass himself quickly enough.
Andrew opened his mouth to yell at his brother to get back into the rhythm of their work but he stopped at the sound of the pounding sound of at least half a dozen horses galloping towards their house. Andrew dropped the axe, his breath clouding in front of him as the chill of the day seeped into him. He looked at his brother wearing the matching expression of surprise and dread. Their eyes met and they took off, running back towards the house.
Nicky was leaning against the doorway, his face pinched in pain with Bernard pressed against his side. He was staring across the small courtyard, past the well towards the road that led to their home.
Andrew came to a stumbling stop, staring at the orange and white gonfalon flags raised high embroidered with those damn circles of Camelot. Aaron ran into Andrew, crashing into him but they couldn't look away from those ever familiar flags.
The knights of the round table were gathering, just as winter was peaking it's ugly head up. Andrew couldn't breathe, the ice that had yet to form was inside his lungs, expanding with each breath. That damn old man couldn't be serious. He couldn't be summoning the knights just as winter was approaching knowing damn well that their families would need them.
Nicky's hand clenched against the door frame, his expression hard and yet still tinted with worry. He straightened himself up, eyes focused on those flags until he turned away, back into the house with that limp to his step. How tired of this was he? Was he as tired of this back and forth as Andrew was? Did he wish for Erik to retire and just enjoy their peaceful life together just like Andrew did? Was he regretting being married to a man so devoted to his cause that he'd throw everything to the wind for it?
"He’s leaving again, isn't he?" Aaron asked, his hands balled into fists. His anger was barely hidden beneath his struggle to understand, to keep their childhood innocence that their dad was a hero. It was true, their dad was a hero, but it was what they told themselves to be okay with him being gone so long.
"You know he is." Andrew said, his voice being carried away with the wind. He probably wouldn't see his dad until the spring. He would be trapped by ice and snow, unable to leave Camelot before the snow had melted. He wouldn't see his dad for months, months he would need to be home for to care for their family.
Andrew turned on his heels, turning his back on the knights that came to separate his family. He had to check on his dad.
Erik came out of the woods, arms full of wood that needed to be chopped. He looked at the knights, surprise written across his face but it didn't matter. He would go with them. No one, no matter how well liked they were, could deny a King’s order. Erik looked at Andrew, dropping the wood onto the cold hard ground. "Andrew-"
Andrew turned away, his brother right behind him. He couldn't do this, not now. He entered the house, warm and yet there was still that chill Andrew felt deep inside of him.
His dad was standing in front of the tapestry, his expression something Andrew had never seen before. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against the stitches he made, lingering in the middle of the piece, the space above Andrew and Aaron's head, in between Nicky and Erik.
Andrew closed the door. Aaron went over to Nicky whispering something to him and guided him into a chair to ease his pain. Andrew knocked his head against the wooden door, closing his eyes and counting to three. He opened them, pushed himself off the door. He had to step up, take care of his dad, his brother, his future sister-in-law, all the precious animals under their care and himself. He couldn't dwell on anything else, he had to step up. He was almost a man, after all.
-
The dark, damp corridors under the palace were cold and crawling with rats. But Abram didn't mind, it was better than being at home living under the constant threat of being beaten.
At least here, in the underground corridors of the palace that everyone had forgotten, Neil could finally be free. Neil had found these passages while looking for a hiding space from his father. He wasn't allowed out during the day if he had suspiciously large bruises but Nathan, the fool, didn't seem to know that just behind their house there was a secret passage that led to the maze that made the palace's underground.
Neil spent many days and nights exploring. His mother sometimes noticed, smacking him around and yelling at him for his reckless decisions; but sometimes she didn't.
Neil ran around the complex maze of dripping corridors, the smell of mold and rats strong in the air. He simply pushed through it. This was far better than being under the watchful eye of his father and his heavy hands. Anything was better than that hell that constantly awaited him.
Neil took a left, his hands tracing over the chipped, wet stone. There wasn't any light in the tunnels so Neil had to rely purely on his own sense of direction and dare he say he had memorized the entire damn maze. He may be physically weak, he may be his father's biggest disappointment but he never once got lost. If he ran away Nathan would never fucking find him.
Neil followed the tunnel deeper into the palace, climbing over piles of broken stone and tripping over scurrying rats. He found the stairwell he had been looking for, the one that lead him to the round table. He rushed up the stairs, taking two at a time and nearly slipped on the water that constantly dripped from the ceiling.
Finally, he reached the crossroad. One would lead to a stone tile that could be pushed upward and let anyone into the room and the other was an upwards tunnel with stones pushed out slightly that went up to almost halfway up the whole wall.
There was a significant gap at the top of the tunnel, allowing Neil to watch the knights gather and since the voices echoed throughout the room he could even hear them as well. Even if Nathan was there, Neil couldn't resist the sight of watching that monster forced to smile and take the jabs at his expense. To see that the monster was still human, even if he would take his anger out on Neil.
Neil reached the top of the tunnel, barely tall enough to peak out of the cracks. The room was large with an raised circular section in the middle of the floor where the round table sat, where fourteen chair surrounded it. The King’s chair was the largest, directly across from the giant door, back to the floor to ceiling see through wall. Neil had been told it was called 'glass' a fragile and expensive import from the Roman's. It created a halo effect for the King when the sun set. Neil knew that the ceiling was a dome, but from his position he couldn't see it. He had a limited view of the round table that was currently empty.
He had gotten there before the King or the knights. Neil knew that the knights had to gather before the King arrived, something about customs and proper respect but Neil didn't really understand. It all sounded made up, but Neil never dared to say it out loud. He wasn’t that stupid.
The giant wooden doors creaked opened, and Neil knew that it took multiple people to open the doors all the way. Soon the knights filtered in, familiar faces Neil had been forced to associate with at various functions with his father. Most of the men were older, nearing the age they should step down and rest in their final days, but a few were much younger including the knight who treated Neil with genuine kindness- Erik.
Erik was a commoner, granted land by the King for saving his life on the battlefield and the only knight to listen to Neil and encourage him to do as he wished, not what his father demanded of him. He would spend time with Neil in the palace stables, teaching his swordsmanship without giving him bruises and cuts, he told Neil stories about his two sons and his husband and Neil could hear in his voice how much he cared.
It was unexpected, startling and completely unknown to Neil. The idea that someone loved their kids and their spouse to the extent that Erik did wasn't something Neil understood. He knew violence, hatred, indifference but love wasn't something he knew. He never spoke his skepticism, he found Erik's perspective, his sunny view on the world interesting, if unrealistic. At least he was kind in a world of hidden violence.
The knights walked towards the round table, some with pride in their steps and others with hidden malice. King Wymack was not surrounded by all friends.
Neil flinched when he saw his father enter, the very last knight to enter. He walked with a sense of entitlement, his fire red hair and his piercing blue eyes- all traits Neil shared with him- set him apart from all the other knights. That and his greed. He wanted to be King, Neil heard him at night talking to the shadows. Neil could only hope that the King would notice it and stop him before he actually committed treason, Neil refused to lose his head because of his father's greed.
The knights stood by their chairs as no one could sit until the King sat down, talking amongst themselves. Their voices merged together until Neil couldn't tell what was being said, it was a grumbled mess of language and laughter from all except Erik. He looked pensive, a frown on his lips and he barely spoke to the other knights. Something was bothering him but Neil didn't have any time to wonder what it was for the horns signaling the King’s entrance blared. He would simply ask Erik later, he knew the knights would be in Camelot until the snow thawed unless there was something more important that came up.
King Wymack entered with a limp to his step- it was unknown to those outside of his inner circle that the King had broken his hip a year ago. It was a secret that Neil knew Nathan would take advantage of if no one stopped him. The King wore the simple knights uniform, never one to indulge in the riches at his disposal, instead using the gold he had to better the lives of his people.
Neil watched the King limp to his chair. He draped the legendary sword Excalibur over his chair and carefully sat down. Erik leaned over to ask him something but was waved off by the King. King Wymack was a grumpy man, loud and commanding but he was kind. He believed in his subjects but also knew when he was faced with an enemy. Neil just hoped he knew the enemy staring him down across the table.
"I know I've called you at a horrible time." The King bellowed, his voice bouncing around the room. "Winter is fast approaching but there's conflict on the east border. War might break out and if it does those living at the eastern border will die needlessly between the cold and the fighting."
Neil listened to each of the knights' solutions until they all began to argue with one another and it was impossible to make out what any of them were saying. He knew that conflict at the east border was his father's doing. It was a strategic plot of land with direct access to the kingdom’s enemy, and it was a very fertile land that saw consistent and bountiful harvest year after year. If Nathan could take that land he would use whatever he had to convince the enemy King to invade and help him claim the throne.
"Troubles would not be happening if the eastern border had a strong leader that could provide diplomatic support." Nathan's voice cut through the arguing, the sound of it made Neil's whole body tense. He hated his voice, and he hated the smile he knew was on his father's face.
"Stop him," Neil whispered.
King Wymack’s face was unreadable from so far away but if Neil had to guess his body would be tense, a firm frown and hard eyes would be staring back at Nathan. "There are diplomats there already." He said slowly.
"Then they're not very good are they?" Nathan taunted. "We've been on the verge of war with our enemy kingdom for a decade now and not once has there been news from those so called diplomats that they've managed to come to a favorable agreement with those lowly bastards."
"Just because they're our enemy does not mean that we must degrade them." Erik said, a few of the other knights nodding their head in agreement. "Have you ever thought that perhaps that's why we've constantly been at threat of war? Because even in an official meeting like this we are degrading them. Attitudes at a high position such as ours will spread to those below us- imagine what the diplomats are saying to their faces if you so openly insult them."
Neil swallowed harshly around the lump in his throat. He could feel his father's hands on his body, leaving harsh bruises in their wake. Nathan hated it when someone opposed him and he would carry that anger until he could release it onto Neil and his mother.
"Or," Nathan said, the strain in his voice barely heard to anyone but Neil. "Those imbeciles are too incompetent. If they truly are insulting the enemy then they should not be in charge of discussions."
"And let me guess- you should?" Another knight Neil couldn't remember the name of asked.
"Well now that you mention it- yes." Nathan said, leaning forward into his seat. Neil knew he had a greedy, cruel grin on his face.
"An ambitious knight is a double edged sword." Someone said. "You'd better hide that greed of yours, Sir Nathan."
"You all truly think so horribly of me." Nathan said. "What’s so wrong with wanting land for myself?"
"Because as knights of the round table there are values and virtues we must uphold." Erik said. "We were all granted land for our services and that should be enough."
"Farm life might suit you, Sir Erik," Nathan spat, his voice dripped with poison and anger. "But some of us desire more."
Erik stood up, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He was ready to use it, Neil knew. Neil prayed to something he didn't believe in that if Erik drew his sword that he cut Nathan down and rid this world of that man. "You should learn to hide your greed, Sir Nathan, for you’re stepping too close to a dangerous line."
“And what is this line you are talking about?” Nathan mocked. Neil heard his anger booming, echoing against the walls.
Erik stilled for a moment, a blinding flash reflected against metal blinding Neil. “I will not serve a false king.” He said with a defiance Neil could never hope to have against his father.
King Wymack slammed his fist against the table, the sound bouncing off the walls and rang through Neil's head. It sounded too similar to the way his father would slam the doors in the house open, marching around in his anger daring anyone to cross his path with those terrifying blue eyes. "Enough!" He bellowed. "We have to find an actual solution instead of fighting each other. Both of you are to calm down now."
Erik hesitantly sat down and Nathan leaned back into his chair. The King forced the conversation to stay on topic, leading the meeting like a King should. It wasn't driven by making the knights fear him like Nathan wanted, the people followed him because he managed to exclude an air of trust around him. He was cranky and an arse but he cared, that was why so many followed him and he was able to subdue the dark ages that Neil's mother spoke of.
The meeting came to an end, everyone scattered off to do what they had to do to ensure peace continued in the kingdom. Neil's legs ached by the time everyone including the King were leaving the table, lose gravel had been digging into his fingers the entire time and Neil couldn't feel them anymore. He had to climb all the way back down the tunnel and leave the underground corridors before his father came back to the house. If his father noticed him missing, especially after being humiliated, it would mean dire consequences for Neil.
Neil looked down at his bare feet, from the little light seeping into the tunnel he could see that they were red from the cold and they would probably stay cold until summer came.
A terrible crash of metal made Neil snap his head back to the crack in the wall. His eyes widened, his fingers scrambled for purchase on the rocks and he tried to push himself out of the crack, needing to get closer.
The scene before him was nothing short of a death sentence- his father had his axe drawn, there was too much blood dripping onto the floor where Erik stood with his sword and shield drawn. King Wymack was right behind him and it was like time slowed. He was pulling out Excalibur but he had been too late- Erik was wobbly on his feet, blood was pouring out of his body from a wound Neil couldn't see. Neil knew too well that it was too late, there was no saving him even if Wymack was able to finally end Nathan. It was all too late.
So Abram did what he always did- he ran. He climbed down the tunnel and the moment his feet touched the ground he took off. If his father survived it would be all over for Abram and his mother. Kindness never lasted long in this world, anyone kind enough to help another would be cut down one day. The only thing Abram could do was to run far, far away before his father dragged him down into hell with him.
-
Snow was beautiful, but it was also a pain to deal with. Doing daily chores was so much harder when Andrew was trying not to freeze to death. At least Henrietta the second was in the warm house keeping an eye on Nicky.
"I hate that your chicken has a better life than me right now." Aaron muttered as he shoveled snow out of the walk way between the house the various animals shelters.
"Jealous." Andrew said. He was at the well, clearing off the snow before he gathered water. He wasn't sure if the top layer had frozen but if it had it should be easy enough to break it.
Aaron groaned but at least he kept shoveling. "Dad really owes us when he comes back." He muttered.
Andrew hummed. Their dad did owe them for leaving them right before winter, but they also owed him an explanation at the very least. They didn't even say goodbye to him when he left. That must have hurt him, even if they had a good reason. "Well, he did promise to take us to Camelot so we can annoy him about that. Maybe make him finally retire while we're there."
Aaron flopped down into the snow, on his back and staring up at the sky. He blinked away the few snowflakes that got into his eyes, his shovel abandoned next to him. "Do you think Katelyn will be happy with this life?" He asked.
Andrew looked over at his foolish brother. He walked over and laid down next to him. The sky was slightly cloudy, snow fell softly onto them as the animals rested peacefully in their homes. There was smoke coming out of the chimney and Andrew could smell the faint scent of Nicky's fish soup in the air. "Aaron, you're an idiot." He said softly.
Aaron shoved him. "Shut up," he hissed. "I’m serious here."
"So am I." Andrew promised. His brother was the biggest idiot around, it was embarrassing that he was Andrew’s other half. Katelyn and Aaron looked at each other like they made the sun for each other. Katelyn would love this life simply because Aaron was there with her. As long as Aaron loved and treated her right then there was nothing to worry about. Andrew could admit that maybe he felt a pang of jealousy at watching the two of them together. They were happy and in love. Aaron had walked all the way to her village to check on her after a blizzard had passed a few weeks ago. "Aaron, you'll make her happy. Stop worrying."
Aaron looked away from the sky to look at Andrew. Andrew followed suit, letting his brother stare at him until he felt reassured enough. "You mean it?" He asked.
"When have I ever lied?" Andrew scoffed. "You’re going to make her happy Aaron because you love her. And if you ever mistreat her you know I'll kick your ass."
Aaron snorted out a laugh, his worries melting away with the snow that landed on his skin. "Yeah you're right," he said. "You'd never let me do anything bad to her."
"Of course I wouldn't." Andrew promised. Aaron was his brother, he loved his brother so he'd make sure that Aaron never turned out like all those men who only ever saw their wives as property. He'd make Aaron better than them.
"Fuck," Aaron said, looking back up at the sky. His nose was red from the cold but he didn't look bothered by it. That made one of them. "I'm getting married soon."
Andrew looked at the sky. There was a beauty to the grey that stared back at them. He could never give this kind of life up, not when he had everything he could ever want right on this farm. "You'll be a husband." He agreed. "And you'll be a great one."
"Yeah, I'll make sure of that." Aaron nodded. "But shit, it's scary to think about it."
Andrew could only imagine. At the very least they had parents who loved each other growing up, they knew what it meant to be in a good marriage where you didn't want to kill your spouse. Aaron had something to reference to, he could learn from their parents' mistakes and ask questions. Andrew sat up, shaking his head to try and get the snow off. "Come on, we have work to finish."
Aaron sighed, staying on the snow as Andrew pushed himself to his feet.
Once they finished their chores they could go back inside and spend the rest of the day with their dad. Nicky was working on some new sewing projects, so maybe Andrew would help out and let his dad ramble about old village gossip that he had heard a hundred times.
Inside the house it was warm and homely, the crackling of the fire could always relax Andrew and make him sleepy. As a child, during winter he would spend the days outside with his family then curl up in front of the fire and fall asleep. His dads had to carry him to bed because he just wouldn't get up.
Nicky sat in the chair padded with pillows and wool, happily knitting a scarf for Katelyn. He had lectured Aaron that he had to bring something to her the next time he went to see her, going on and on during dinner about how rude it was to show up empty-handed. It made Andrew glad he wasn't interested in anyone, he didn't need the lecture a second or third time when he remembered Aaron's perfectly clearly. Nicky's bad leg was propped up and Bernard was curled up in front of him, sleeping soundly but ready to jump up if Nicky needed him.
Andrew sat with Henrietta the second by the fire, slowly and carefully carving a cane for his dad. He needed one even if he kept refusing it for ridiculous reasons. Aaron was curled up on the floor next to Andrew, slowly drifting off to sleep. It was peaceful, mundane and a nightly reoccurrence. Andrew enjoyed the quiet time immensely, even Nicky's humming was welcomed. If he had a bad day he could always count on this moment of peace to calm him down.
Everything was going well until Bernard shot up, his ears perked up in alert. Andrew lowered the cane, knife still in his hand. Aaron forced himself awake in case something afoot was going to happen.
Nicky frowned. He reached down to pet Bernard, trying to calm him down but Bernard was bred and trained for protecting the herd. He wouldn't perk up unless someone or something was coming. "What’s the matter, hon?" He muttered.
Andrew stood up. "We'll go check it out." He said. He propped the cane next to Nicky incase he needed it and went to grab something stronger than his carving knife.
Aaron yawned but got himself up to follow.
Nicky's frown deepened. "It’s probably just a wild animal." He said.
Andrew grabbed the axe propped up on the wall near the door. If it was something bigger than a fox he'd be in trouble but they've never had trouble with bears before so he wasn't that worried. And if it was a bear, well, he knew how to fight and he'd fight to protect his family and the animals that lived with and counted on him. "We'll still check it out." He said. He turned to Henrietta the second and gave her her orders, "make sure to stay put."
Aaron rolled his eyes but didn't insult Andrew and his very normal bond with his chicken. He just grabbed a hatchet they had hung on the wall. "We'll be back, dad." He said. "Bernard stay with him."
Nicky huffed. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked wholly unimpressed by Aaron's commands. "I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions! And walking! I can walk all by myself and I don't need Bernard to help me, I just like it!"
Andrew didn't listen to the rest of his dad’s rant and just opened the door and went outside with his brother. It was colder than before now that the sun had set. It was still snowing but it was light. But he still couldn't see more than a few inches in front of him. "Come on," he told Aaron. They would have to stick together so neither of them got hurt. He wouldn't know what to do if his brother got hurt. "Let’s check out the chicken coop first. That’s where the foxes like to get into."
Aaron nodded and the two set off.
They only got to the well before Andrew heard it- the stomping of horses. He instantly turned towards the road that led to their home, barely able to make out a faint glowing light in the distance getting closer and closer. It draped the shadows of the ever familiar flags raised high in the air. Andrew grabbed Aaron by his shirt, stopping his brother in his tracks.
"What-" Aaron started.
Andrew cut him off by pointing towards the incoming knights. The knights of the round table were approaching. It made no sense, they shouldn't be heading home until the snow melted and it was safe to travel great distances. But there they were, their torches burning brighter and brighter as they got closer and closer.
"Is that-" Aaron sputtered. "Dad’s home?"
Andrew found himself nodding. Their dad was home. He was home and Andrew could apologize for not saying goodbye. They could all sit by the fire and be honest with one another, Andrew and Aaron could make Erik see that he needed to be at home with them. That Aaron was getting married and would need guidance, that Nicky needed help even if he didn't want to admit it, that Andrew needed his family together all the time.
"Go get dad," Andrew said, shoving Aaron in the direction of the house.
Aaron stumbled but he didn't fight Andrew, just ran off. But he stopped only a few steps later, his face pale even in the low lighting.
Andrew looked over, having to pry himself away from the knights and froze himself.
Nicky was standing in the doorway, Bernard at his side desperately trying to keep him upright. His eyes were wide and his face deathly pale and even from where Andrew was he could see Nicky's panicked breathing. He could see the cloud of warm air around him.
Andrew couldn't do anything before Nicky took off, stumbling forward and pushing through the pain Andrew knew he was in to rush over to the knights. Aaron was faster than Andrew, moving past his shock to get to Nicky.
The world seemed to tilt, Andrew's feet weren't on the ground anymore as things crumbled around him. The knights were surrounding their home, an ox was slowly coming up the rear pulling a cart draped with a piece of black cloth. A knight jumped off his horse only to catch Nicky as he fell. He heard Nicky sob into the knight's arms, he watched Aaron run over to Nicky and try to hold him up. He saw the confusion on his twin's face.
Andrew's head hurt. Too many things were falling into place, painting a horrible, horrible portrait.
A man with long greying hair came up to Andrew, where his feet were buried in the ground. He was saying something but Andrew didn't hear him. The ox came closer and the low lighting and the black cloth did nothing to hide the shape of a dead, cold body on the wagon. It didn't do anything to muffle Nicky's sobs or the grief settling into Andrew’s bones.
The world truly was a cruel, unkind place.