Rainblade-Ryalors Private A Nameday to Remember

[Talinn Ryalor]

(Meant to post as Alwyn, whoops).​

Alwyn was nervous, more so than he had ever been in his life, except for perhaps when he had first confessed his feelings to Annabelle, and had been sent off to Amarone, yet he tried to keep it under control. Today was an important day-his son’s nameday-and, even more so, technically the day he could be considered an adult under Fyadoran culture, though the practice tended to vary by family and by circumstances. He himself had undergone that, and the full ceremony at thirteen, but that was during a time of war and the need for a proper, “adult” heir if anything had happened to either of his parents. Finnian...he wanted to let him have at least one last day as a kit, one last day as he was, before he dropped the revelation on him. It could not wait any longer, now, given that the vulpine supremacists knew he was valuable to the family, if not exactly why. He sighed.

I will have to begin to train him in the ways of the warrior, as well. I do not know exactly whether he has the stomach for it, and I will have to adjust his diet-a lot-to account for his kithood malnutrition, but, he only needs to be able to defend himself. If he does show promise, though, that would be good. He’s already very smart, perceptive, and of a good nature, add warrior skills on to that, and well...he will be set up for a good life. Or, as good a life as one could have in this family.

He had decided to let Finnian spend most of his nameday as he wished, although he had gotten his family’s elite guards, the Mistcloaks, to quietly shadow the kit, staying out of sight, but making sure nothing would happen to him. He had pulled rank as the heir to do that, and doubtless it would be reported back to his father and mother soon enough, but it did not matter. He suspected his mother already knew, and his father…well...he did not give much of a damn what he had to say. He had put them all in the position they were in for power, when they could have simply stayed back on Westisle.

I will do a better job, Annabelle, I promise.

He had asked Finnian, who he had allowed to sleep in his guest room apartment, to come visit him in the late afternoon, for his nameday meal and treats. He had decided to take him to a nice restaurant, but not too nice, one that he frequently visited to woo middle-class vixens, to not shock the little kit too much. It was located in the Trenches, near the sea, where one could easily look out at the blue ocean, and see all of the ships. Indeed, the Hide, undergoing retrofitting and repairs before its next major voyage, could be seen. Where he would be assigned, one way or the other, to look after his son.

He closed his eyes, leaning against the wall of Tavish’s, basking in the late afternoon sun as he waited for the young foxkit, no, young fox.

@FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn braced himself against the wash basin, and looked at himself in the mirror.

Thirteen.

It didn't really feel like it. This day was indistinguishable from the last. Years ago it had always been a small party, but after his father was lost at sea, the day became more muted. Annabelle always did what she could, but money was tight -- and it just didn't feel the same without dad. After ten, there wasn't anyone left to celebrate it. Finn just supposed you stopped celebrating those once you stopped being a dibbun.

But then, Alwyn made plans.

Finn wasn't sure how the todd even found out. He'd only given his nameday to Mr. Barrett... perhaps Alwyn had gone through the ship's records? But fish'n chips were hard to turn down. They were his favorite.

And that's another thing. Why's he so interested in me? ...gates, he's not planning to adopt me, is he? he thought, pulling his shirt over his head. I did save his dad, but... ...he's not married? Don'tcha gotta do that first before adopting a kit? But that was too remote a possibility to dwell on. Besides, he was already signed on as crew of the Hide for the next year.

But then the foxkit felt his stomach drop to the floor. What... ...what if he's turning me out? Because of the fire? Because of Oscar? Finn froze, his shirt half buttoned. It had been quite the bitter funeral for the Stoatie who gave his life to protect him. Married with young kits. Alwyn had coached Finn how to be strong for his dibbuns, but the fox barely made it home before grief overtook him. Alwyn swore up and down that Oscar's death was the Vulpinist's fault... ...but Finn still wrestled with that thought. What would have happened if I didn't sneak away? Would his kits still have their -- but the thought was too miserable to complete. Gates, his dad would have been ashamed of him for all the chaos he'd caused.

Finn swallowed hard, and splashed water on his face. He was afraid of what might happen at dinner now, and didn't want to go. Alwyn was a really kind fox, and probably wanted to be as gentle as possible about the matter. Rules were rules, and he... broke them. It'd just be better to get it over with quickly, rather than have a nice meal first. But Alwyn had really stuck his neck out for him, and it'd be rude to turn the dinner down.

Looking back in the mirror, Finn finished buttoning his shirt, and fumbled with the cravat. Alwyn had furnished him with some clothes -- and it was quite nice to finally have an outfit that wasn't two sizes too big. But there were a good deal more vestiments than he was used to, and the cravat was... ...perplexing. How in the name of Vulpuz do you put this thing on? After several frustrating attempts, Finn grumbled and stuffed the tie in his pocket. Alwyn would just have to help him put it on outside the restaraunt.

The foxkit trotted his way down the docks, mind swimming with all the "what if's". But crossing out past a series of shops, Finn saw her. The Golden Hide. Beasts were up in the rigging, working on the sails -- she was being refitted for the next expedition. Just seeing her lifted his spirits out of total despair. He'd always have a home there... Gyles would see to it.

Rounding the corner, Finn stuffed his paws deep into his pockets, and walked the short distance to the restaraunt. Alwyn was outside, waiting for him. Timidly, Finn cleared his throat. "I uhm... ...I still can't figure how to put this thing on..." he said quietly, as if he were preparing for another funeral.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn’s ears immediately perked up when he saw Finnian, pleased that his son had tried his best to wear the formal clothing. He knew it was not natural for him, all of this, but still, the young fox tried his best. He really was a good kit, deep down. Hurrying over, he gave Finnian a reassuring smile as he seemed a little bit down, and spoke calmly, despite his own internal anxiety about what he would have to reveal to him soon.

“Oh, that is fine…” He chuckled, taking the formal neckpiece in his own paw, “it took me many tries to master it, but, once you do, it is not so bad. And, in time, you will understand why we wear them…”

He slowly, and carefully, showed Finnian how to put it on, using his own neck as an example, then nodded at him as he put it on his son, then stood back and examined him, a look of pride crossing his face.

Oh, he’s a handsome little fellow, isn’t he? Takes after me in that regard, and Annabelle, she was quite a beauty as well. He’s gonna make the future vixens swoon, especially with what I have in store for him. He’s gonna be getting a lot more food first off to get him to a proper size, and with all the training, quite a lot of muscle.

“Do not worry, when we get back to my apartment, we will practice what I showed you enough for you to do it in your sleep! You look quite good, Finnian. Now, did you have a good rest of your nameday? Were you able to hang out with your friend Cricket, perchance?”

He did not exactly know what his son’s relation to the strange lizard kit was, but he did know that he valued her, and from what he saw when he rescued his son, the same was true-she was even willing to risk her life for him. He would have to thank her, somehow, for that, and, since she seemed to be a street kit, find some accommodation for her, if he could. He knew reptilians had a harder time in the Imperium during the winter, and Finnian had already gone through so much-seeing his friend as a lizardsicle would not be good for his development.

@FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn attempted a little smile in return. Gates... Alwyn looks anxious too... he thought, and did his best to pretend that he didn't know what was going on. It likely wasn't easy for Alwyn to kick him out. Unless... ...unless he was getting kicked off the Hide? Perhaps Gyles had asked him to deliver the news? The foxkit's stomach twisted in knots. His return to Bully had been utterly disastrous. Surely her majesty wouldn't want the Imperium being represented by someone like Finn.

But then again, maybe not. Wouldn't it be silly if all this was for nothing. Finn lifted his collar up, and turned to face a shop window to watch in the reflection as Alwyn tied the cravat. "Oh... that's not so different to some of the knots Kaii taught me on the Hide..." he remarked, lifting his chin to give Alwyn room to work. "But it's harder b'cuz... you gotta make sure you get the ends the right length..." The foxkit was an attentive thing, especially when someone was investing the time to teach him something.

His ears flushed a warm color of red as Alwyn mentioned Cricket. "Naw, I spent the morning with Swifttail. He taught me how to shoot his bow. An it's just Finn..." he said, ears folding back sheepishly. "Or Finny. I only get called Finnian when I'm in trouble." Oh. What an unintentionally useful response! Finn's eyes flitted up, studying Alwyn for a moment to see if he was actually in trouble.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn carefully listened to his son, noting in his mind to call him by his preferred, shortened name. It made sense, thinking back to his own kithood, he was only called Alwyn when he had done something wrong. He noted the flushing at the mention of Cricket, deciding to let that topic rest for now, as Finnian was clearly embarrassed about that-as to why, he did not know exactly, but then again, he was in that awkward, now teenage phase, which he truly did he understand. He gave another reassuring smile to the kit, while trying his best to calm himself by taking some deeper breaths. His son was perceptive, far more than he had been at his age-if he was anxious, Finnian would be to. Besides, the deeper revelation would happen later-no need to worry about it at this moment.

Ah, he really has bonded a lot with Mr. Fairpaws. I shall have to find some way to reward that nice todd, in addition to what I have already done. It is good for him to have friends...and allies.

He kept himself from twitching at the last two words, for his son’s sake. There it was again, the part of him that his mother, father, and granduncle had imprinted upon him. Seeing beasts as assets, rather than beasts. He hated that part about himself, but, he had no idea how to change it, except to try not to give into it too much, and raise Finnian to be better.

I hope I can, Annabelle, I hope I can. Now, be strong for your son.

“I’ll be sure to keep mind of that, Finn. I do not want you to think you are in trouble, ‘Gates no, it’s entirely the opposite.” He soothed reassuringly, wanting so much to put his paw on the foxkit’s head and scritch him like he did when he was unconscious, but knowing he could not do that, not yet. “I am glad you had a good time with Swifttail, did you enjoy shooting the bow? Come, tell me as we go inside.”

Alwyn gestured to the door of the restaurant, moving to open the door and get them off the street and inside-both because it was getting a bit chilly, and also because he could watch out for any potential threats far easier on the inside. He did do it a little bit slowly, so as to give Finnian time to recount his experience with the northern fox.

@FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn held his breath as he waited for Alwyn to give some indication about what to expect. Thankfully, the older todd relaxed, and dismissed his concerns. With a long slow breath, he finally let his own shoulders relax. Still though, Finn couldn't shake the troubled look from his face. They were supposed to have dinner soon, and he was so upset he was hardly hungry.

"O-oh, Swift?" he suddenly replied, as if distracted by a daydream. "It was nice, I guess. Swift showed me how to aim, and we uh... I got to shoot at a hay bale from ten yards." A glimmer of a smile flickered on his face, and he looked up to Alwyn with the tiniest bit of pride. "I hit the bullseye once! But the bowstring kept hitting me in the arm and I got a nasty bruise..."

Swift had really come through for him, hadn't he? The fox had been terribly busy with all his own things, and still found time to take him out to practice archery. Gates, Finn felt guilty about putting him through all that worry. Just the thought of the fire drove the smile away from his face, and his eyebrows pinched together.

"I uhm." Finn swallowed as they were ushered to their table. "I told him I was sorry for all the trouble I caused him. He said it was alright, but..." Gates. Talking about this was so difficult in public, with so many beasts around. The foxkit's ears burned with embarrassment. Making matters worse, it was his nameday -- and nothing was worse than being miserable on your own nameday. Everyone rushed to try and cheer you up, which only made matters worse.

The house fire was a difficult enough topic to bring up. Oscar sat ten times as heavily on his mind, and Finn was too afraid to even mention his name.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn was pleased that Swifttail had decided to help cheer Finnian up on his nameday. He was even more pleased that Finnian had apparently shown some talent for archery-something that he, personally, had never gotten around to actually trying. He was supposed to have been trained around Finnian’s age in the traditional Fyadoran warrior trio of the spear, katana, and bow, but unfortunately Alexei had...died...before he could do the latter, and he had quickly been sorted into the more melee-oriented segment of the Guard. But aside from that, he noted that Finnian was determined, even in the face of adversity, which lined up with his observations and the reports he had been collecting about him.

That’s my boy!

He did notice Finnian was looking uncomfortable and anxious as he talked about Swifttail-and that his poor son must feel like he was a burden to others-something Alwyn knew much about, along with the anxiety that ran in the family. The words were about the older todd, but he knew, deep down, the foxkit was likely thinking about Oscar, and the other friends who had helped him, and who he was unable to help quite as much due to his age. As they sat down, he could not help himself. He reached across the table and ruffled Finnian’s headfur a bit, and gave him a little scritch, before he spoke softly.

“If he said it was all right, it is all right,” Alwyn asserted strongly to reassure Finnian “...beasts make their choices, and they are accountable for them. Swifttail was glad to be able to help you out, both today, and before. What we can do, in return, is help them out when they ask for it. In that way, we can balance the scales and feel better about ourselves, nay?”

Sitting back down, they were soon approached by Selya, an attractive young red-furred vixen whom Alwyn had been eyeing for some time-and who had been eyeing him as well. He was well-known at this restaurant, but, for once, the attention was not on him. She let out a little, adorable squeeing sound, and soon, more than a few of the other servers servers turned their heads. They all looked at the dashing little foxkit, dressed up so nicely.

“Well now, Sir Alwyn, you will just have to introduce me to this little handsome fellow!” She beamed, looking at Finnian as if he were the cutest thing in the world.

“His name is Finnian, but he prefers to be called Finn, or Finny. It’s his nameday today.” Alwyn replied, with pride.

“Ohhhh! How adorable! Finn, how old are ye turning today? I will see if the cook can cook up something special for you, on the house!” She cooed. She really looked as if she just wanted to hug him.

@FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn looked rather sullenly up at Alwyn at the ruffle. The affections clearly softened some of the pain he felt over the recent events... and yet, the past was still there. As Alwyn spoke, he looked back down at the menu, shyly avoiding eye contact. The comforting words were true enough -- but the longest gap for a young todd was between his head and his heart.

"Yeah, but I'm just a little kit, what can I do for --" he started, before being interrupted as the waitress came over to greet them. She was a pretty vixen for sure, and Finn was instantly taken aback by her beauty. But worst of all, he suddenly found the eyes of the restaurant on him.

Fortunately, his father had taught him a good deal about stoicism -- it wouldn't do much good to be all mopey when the public eye was upon him, it might reflect badly on them both. For the time being, he'd have to tuck his emotions about recent events away.

Finn's ears flushed again, and he quickly swiveled them backwards to hide the embarrassment. "Alwyn!" he groused, leering at the older todd as he gave away the beans, and heaped more attention on him. Gates, Finn had heard horror stories about what restaurants did to "help" celebrate their patron's namedays.

"H-heh! Yeah... ...that's me alright! Thirteen!" he said, propping his head up on one paw, and looking coyly up at the waitress. "Been out on the Golden Hide for a season, but now I'm back in Bully... Alwyn says the vixens can't resist a sailor~!" he said with a certain panache. The foxkit swished his tail playfully behind him, and shot the older todd a malicious grin.

"You know he's a big darn hero though, right? You remember that big ol' fire in the Slups last week? He rescued me from it! Ran right into the burning building to save me! ...but it burned all the fur off on his bum, and it's still growing back."

Looking back at Alwyn, the foxkit gave the sweetest most innocent grin you could imagine. You could almost audibly hear the halo going "ding" above his head.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn let out a long, hearty chuckle at the antics that had just transpired, one of the very few that were genuine in the days since he had lost Annabelle. His son was quick on the uptake, and he knew instinctively that he would be a vixenkiller just like his father in the future. Of course he would encourage Finnian to not make the mistakes that he had made, and hopefully find him a proper match that would care for and love him before he got him into too much trouble, but those were concerns for later. Now, he was still a kit, and he should enjoy his kithood unlike he himself had been able to.

He gave a slightly embarrassed, but courageous look towards the server, giving her one of his winning smiles as he replied.

“What young Finn here says is true, I did suffer injuries in those areas rescuing him. But what honorable fox would not do so, to save such a young and charming kit? And I would do it again without question.”

One could see Selya’s face just brim with happiness and pride at the two of them, and she gave a wink towards Alwyn.

“You are indeed a right hero, Sir Alwyn, and I can think of nothing more attractive than a todd who would risk his life to rescue a kit, even if he is still recovering from his injuries.”

She put a gentle paw on his shoulder to show her support, which Alwyn slightly leaned into, causing her to flush for a moment before she regained control of herself and smiled at Finn.

“Sounds like you and Sir Alwyn have been through a lot, and could use some good food.”

She leaned into the table, and whispered conspiratorially.

“It’s not being advertised except to regulars, but for dessert, we have chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ‘ice cream’, a rare delicacy and something that I think the young Finnian would enjoy, after the house special of fish and chips, caught fresh today from the Harbor.”

@FinnianBrightfur ​

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Well that backfired. Finn had wanted to embarrass him, not lionize him! (Not to mention, Finn was just making things up. He had no idea whether or not what he said was true! If Alwyn was just playing along, he was a master of his craft, and if not... Gates! More things to be embarrassed about.)

The foxkit frowned at the pair playfully. "The nurses say it'll never grow back!" he interjected to no avail. The waitress was as kind as she was beautiful -- but with his little quip fired off, Finn was content to let the matter drop. The mere opportunity to let off some stress with humor had brought his appetite back with a vengrance, and his stomach growled quietly. Fish and chips were his favorite, and his brush swished upwards with eager anticipation.

While Alwyn completed the order, Finn turned to watch the Hide out the window. All her rigging was down for repairs at the moment -- a gargantuan task for a ship her size. She looked oddly bare without the ropes running about... and yet, the kit's heart swelled as he thought of her all trimmed out, and ready for her next voyage.

"Alwyn, what's ice cream?" he asked, tail swishing idly behind him. "...is that a desert?" -- And suddenly, his eyes flitted back to the older todd as his racing mind interjected with another burning question. They were alone again, and now he could ask the real questions.

"An' you didn't really lose all the fur on yer bum, did you?"

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn was indeed playing along, enjoying the time that he could bond with his son. It reminded him, too, of Annabelle in many ways, how they had often bantered in Storm’s Peak and the Ryalorian estate in Bully Harbor. He was so quick-witted, just like her. But he wanted to show his son he could match him, at least, now when he was a kit.

“But is it not something to wear with pride, Finn? And it would surely make me unique and something to tell your friends about?” Alwyn replied, flashing the vixen a winning smile, which she returned happily with the wagging of her tail as she nodded, before placing their order. He was going to have to bring Finn along to more of his events...it seemed much easier to hunt down his prey with him along...of course, he could not be there for the main event, so he would have to arrange for one of his friends to take him at the appropriate times. That Swifttail would be getting a lot of bonding time with Finnian, he suspected.

Another touch of your father? Or perhaps your mother. But no, you don’t use the vixens, nor do they use you. It’s an equal exchange. Not like either of them, where they always expect and hold things over on you.

Keeping his mind off his own parents, he chuckled and gave an encouraging nod to Finnian as he replied.

“No, no, it will regrow, in fact, it is good that it is winter-it should be all healed up much sooner than it would be in the summer. Things were a little dicey for a bit, but the ointments they have these days work wonders.”

His thoughts then turned to ice cream, and he genuinely smiled. It reminded him of his own kithood before things had gotten complicated.

“It is a dessert, made of ice, cream, sugar, and sometimes chocolate and other flavors. It is very sweet and has a flavor and texture that...well...is without compare...you’ll see when you have it. Was very difficult to get until recent years, and even now, is still not something that you can get regularly since it takes a lot of preparation and effort, but for special occasions such as your Nameday.” He chuckled.

“I recommend the chocolate as it is the hardest to get this time of year when ice cream is the easiest to make. It’s also my favorite. But if you’d like to be a rebel, you can try out vanilla, or strawberry, and they can even add toppings such as chocolate flakes, crunchy almonds, and more!”

Alwyn was genuinely enthusiastic for the dessert. It was one of his favorites, and he hoped that spilled over to Finn.

@FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn rested an elbow on the table, and propped his paw up rather bemused as he listened to Alwyn -- and glanced up at the waitress to gauge her reaction. "I'unno, I think if y'try and wear that with pride, y'might get the Fogies after ya for mooning half of Bully..." he said. Finn had learned bantering on the Hide, but was careful to not dig too hard at the issue. He liked Alwyn, and didn't want to embarrass him too much.

As if someone had tweaked his ear, he suddenly sat bolt upright and took his elbow off the table. He could almost hear his mother chiding him for his table manners. Goodness, he'd forgotten so many of them on the Hide. "The chocolate sounds nice...?" he said a little uncertainly. The poor fox felt awfully spoiled with all this attention on him. He'd have been just as happy to have fish and chips out of the dingiest street vendor, and wasn't sure how to gracefully react to such a lavish outing.

With the order placed, Finn handed over his menu, and turned to watch the Hide in dock. The foxkit was captivated by her, basking in the golden rays of the evening. He sighed affectionately, and looked back to Alwyn. "I know your dad was on the Hide, but... have you ever been out on her? Father'n son?" he asked. Not even waiting for a reply, the talkative kit chirped up with more information. "My dad took me out on deck once when I was really little, but I never got to go out to sea with'm," he said rather matter of factly. "I wish he coulda been with me when we went to Urk..."