(no subject)

[gramarye1971]

Merriman has settled into a chair near the fire, book in hand and the day's newspaper tucked under one arm. But the fire seems to be more interesting than the book, most of the time.

Those who come close enough might notice a little paper poppy carefully pinned to the lapel of his suit-jacket.

Comments

[theravenboy]

"Yes, I am looking forward to them." Bran pushes his hair out of his face with one hand. "I agree with Gwion. I am not sure that I would like eternal summer either."

[gramarye1971]

'It takes some adjusting to,' Merriman says, neutrally. 'And I must admit that I am not doing myself a favour by keeping holidays such as this one.'

One eyebrow goes up slightly, and the look he gives Bran is wry and reflective at the same time. 'But I think I would rather keep the holiday and prolong the period of adjustment, all things considered.'

[theravenboy]

Bran's gaze towards Merriman sharpens.

"Then keep the holidays, and remember what you will," Bran says gently, sounding all at once very like the king his father. "You have eternity in which to adjust, after all."

[gramarye1971]

It takes a considerable portion of Merriman's cast-iron self-control to avoid an involuntary reaction to the change in Bran's tone. Even so, the suddenness with which it happens is enough to leave him more than a little shaken.

He bows his head for a moment, almost as if collecting himself.

'At the going down of the sun and in the morning...' he says at last, the familiar words of Binyon's tribute given new meaning in this moment, 'We will remember them.'

Through eternity, if need be.

[theravenboy]

Bran bows his head too, for a long moment, before he lifts it again and fixes Merriman with his clear understanding stare.

"You, and they, shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Best that we both remember, as long as we can."

[gramarye1971]

'In honour of both the living and the dead,' Merriman replies quietly, with equal understanding. 'On this day, and all days.'