#bit concerning when I lightly jogged up 2 flights of stairs and down a hallway and then immediately started breathing really hard and

[gods-favorite-autistic]

Back from practice I livedddd

[residentanchor]

A Stone’s Throw Away

Act 2, Chapter 1

<<Act 1, Chapter 3

The sorcerer wasn’t always evil. Quite the opposite, in fact. Growing up, he helped those around him with his magic. As he grew older, he traveled out to other towns and helped as many people as he could. His kind deeds eventually gained the attention of the king who invited him to the castle. The sorcerer accepted the offer and traveled to the castle where he would stay for the next few days. In that time, he befriended a magical witch who was living in the nearby town. She was not as well liked as the sorcerer but despite that, they quickly became close friends. That is when everything began to change.

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The next few days were rather taxing on Patton. He wasn’t used to traveling or walking such distances, but Roman didn’t want to slow down in the slightest. He kept saying how important it was that they get back as soon as possible, but did make time to slow down and rest. Patton was sure he wouldn’t have if he were traveling alone. That thought made his heart flutter gratefully before it sank heavy with guilt.

Roman took a few moments to point out a few things and give Patton tips about traveling such as what to look for and what to know before traveling so he could pack the appropriate things. Roman had a lot of experience and a lot of tricks he had picked up over the years and Patton was eager to learn as much of it as he could. If he was going to be traveling with Roman, he’d need to know as much as he could!

It was one particular day that Roman grew quiet and kept suddenly picking up the pace that Patton had a feeling either something was off… or they were close to their destination. Roman hadn’t said a word about settling down for lunch and it had passed the time they normally would, so Patton assumed it was the latter. It wasn’t until Roman broke into a sprint and Patton had to hurry to catch up where his thoughts were confirmed.

They broke free of the treeline on a faded and slightly overgrown path before it opened up. A rather large house loomed over them and Patton gasped at the size. It was ginormous! His family squeezed into a small house they all had to share. In a house this big, everyone would have their own rooms, surely! Patton looked down and noticed Roman hadn’t slowed down or stopped his pace at all. He jogged to catch up and held on to his pack as he carefully watched where he was going.

“Roman, this is where your employer lives?! This place is gigantic!”

“Yeah, but he’s a bit of a loner so most of it feels a bit empty at times. I think the house was given to him or he would have definitely made it more modest.”

“That’s still so cool!” Patton admired the wild flowers growing along the path. It was all a bit overgrown but felt so natural and wonderfully different than what he was used to. “It’s beautiful.”

A loud bang brought his attention back to the house where a man had thrown the front door open. Roman suddenly stopped at the noise and held out an arm for Patton to follow suit. “Oh, no…” Roman barely muttered under his breath.

The figure on the porch suddenly raced down the steps and onto the path, marching toward them vigorously. His hair was slicked back out of his face and his shoulders were thrown back as he marched proudly down the path. He didn’t stop until he was just a few feet away, staring Roman down carefully as if he had been ready to scold him. 

“Roman,” The man’s voice was firm as he spoke. “I know that you’re not ignorant enough as to not realize that you are being followed.” His eyes flickered over Roman’s shoulder to Patton. “So, please, explain why you’ve brought a stranger here knowing the rules?”

“Well, this isn’t as bad as it seems! See, this is Patton-” 

“Roman,” He carefully raised his hand and let it rest on the hilt of the sword strapped to his waist. “Consider your next words carefully.”

“He’s not going to hurt anyone!”

“Of course not, because he’s not going to take a step further onto this property.”

“Come on, Vee, lighten up a little!”

“My job-” ‘Vee’ took a step closer as he spoke, “-is to protect our lord and his properties at any cost. You are expected, he is not.”

As they bickered back and forth, Patton began to realize how bad of an idea this probably was. Shrinking back a little, he mentally began to berate himself. How was this ever such a good idea? He didn’t even really think any of this through realistically. Roman had to slow down as they traveled so Patton could keep up with him. They had to take more breaks and Roman used them to teach Patton things, which he didn’t have to do. And now, he’s trying to help him out at the risk of others? Patton wanted nothing more than to go out and adventure, especially with Roman the nicest, sweetest, most breathtaking man he had ever met but… was he really worth all this trouble? He had wanted to leave his village and getting here was almost like an adventure and it was with Roman just like he had dreamed but…

“Patton? Patton!” 

“Huh?” He looked up and noticed the two were staring back at him. Patton’s heart jumped as he wondered how much he had zoned out. He hugged himself tighter and began to wonder when he wrapped his arms around himself in the first place. “Oh, uh, yeah?”

“Are you alright?” It was Vee who spoke that time which was a bit of a surprise. 

“Oh, yes, of course I am but, um…” Turning back to Roman, he saw the concern on the others face and his heart could have melted right there. The pit he felt in his stomach was a bit stronger of a feeling, however. “If it's a hassle, I can just go? If you don’t mind just giving me directions? I know you’ve done more than enough for me already and I just… yeah.” Roman began to watch him, his face scrunched in confusion. Patton couldn’t take it anymore and looked down at his feet. “So, if I could just be pointed in the direction of the nearest village? Or maybe even the way back?”

“Way back?” Patton looked up at Roman, who spoke softly and seemed nearly offended? “The way back where?” “H-home? To my village.”

At that comment, even Vee seemed a bit concerned. “Roman had told us that you spent your time dreaming of leaving. Why would you go back now?”

“Well, it was kind of selfish of me, wasn’t it?” Patton tried to smile even as his throat began to close up. “I mean, I wasn’t ready. Maybe I’ll never be. That’s what makes it a dream, isn’t it?” He waited for a response from either of them before taking a step back. “Anyway, I’ll just… go.” “No!” Roman reached out and grabbed Patton’s arm before he could barely even turn. “No, no please stay!”

“I really shouldn’t.” Patton cursed himself mentally as his voice cracked. “I’m obviously overstepping, I should just go back. I’ve just been selfish enough, I really should just... Forget this ever happened.” Blinking a few times as he fought back tears, Patton kept smiling up at Roman. “You can let me go, now.”

Roman pulled back his hand slowly, his face falling in dismay. He stood there for a moment before he shook his head. “Maybe we can… we can talk to Logan and see what he says, alright?”

“That really isn’t necessary,” Patton took a few quick steps back and gripped the straps of his bag that hung over his shoulder. “You said he was a Lord, right? I’m sure he’s busy.”

Vee suddenly broke the moment the two were having marched up to Patton. He stood there standing proudly and stared Patton down. “As protector of Lord Logan and his properties, I’m afraid you’ll have to come with me as punishment for trespassing.”

“W-what?!” Vee reached out and grabbed Patton’s arm in a firm hold before tugging him lightly. “Wait a minute!” 

“Virgil, hold on a sec!” Vee, or Virgil, continued down the path with Patton in tow. He didn’t stop or slow down at all as he made his way into the large house, Patton not fighting back for fear of further punishment. Roman raced after them and began to panic. “I invited him here, he wasn’t trespassing! Just let him go, okay?”

“You know the rules, Roman.” Virgil approached the front door and threw it open before continuing his march forward. “And it is my job to enforce all the rules.” “You make half of the rules!” Virgil marched up a flight of stairs and gave Patton enough leeway to follow carefully. “Besides, Logan is only going to-” Patton glanced over his shoulder to Roman and watched as his friend began to piece something together, though he wasn’t sure what. Roman glanced up and their eyes met, but he didn’t continue his ascent up the stairs after him. Virgil tugged Patton’s arm a bit more and Roman disappeared from view as they made it down a silent hallway.

Patton began to panic as he turned back and watched them trek down the hallway. Roman had left him alone at the mercy of some lord. What was going to happen to him? What was his punishment going to be? Why wasn’t he helping him?

Virgil finally stopped at the next door and gave a firm knock before they stood in silence. A voice called out and they both entered, Patton not making a sound.

“Virgil, I hope your inspection of the grounds went well.” The man before them was reclined a bit in his chair, a book in his hands. His legs were crossed and he was dressed as formally as one would assume, being a lord. His vest was buttoned and pristine as the sunkissed man seemed to find a spot in his book to pause. “Have we any word from Roman yet?” The room kept quiet and the man, ‘Lord Logan’ if Patton had to guess, looked up from his book. He quickly stood up, placing the book face down on the arm of his chair as he did so and kept his eyes on Patton. 

“A trespasser on the property,” Virgil answered the lord’s silent question. “Roman brought him, his name is Patton.”

Logan’s face lit up as he recognized the name. “Patton. So I take it Roman has returned as well?” “Yes, he will be sent in when we have taken care of the intruder.” Virgil finally let go of Patton and took a step back to block the exit. Patton rubbed the spot on his arm where he was held, grateful that Virgil hadn’t seemed to actually try to grip him too tightly.

“So, Patton, why were you traveling with my messenger?”

“Oh, well, it was kind of my fault! I’m sorry, I wasn’t really thinking about it at the time. Got caught up in the moment and I just…” Patton paused, unsure how to explain himself. “I’ve just enjoyed Roman’s company so much! So when he told me this was probably going to be the last time we would see each other, I wanted to at least try and…” Patton sighed, frustrated he couldn’t get the words out properly. “I didn’t think about anything else, really. I’m sorry, I can pay whatever punishment you deem worthy and then I’ll be on my way.”

Logan took a careful step closer, folding his hands behind his back. Patton looked up and realized he had the same piercing gaze as Virgil in a way, but his softened immediately as their eyes met. “You enjoy Roman’s company?”

“Oh, yes! He’s so witty and charismatic and has the best stories!” Logan watched on as Patton seemed to brighten up as he talked about Roman. “And he knows so much about so much, it’s fun to learn. There are so many things I didn’t know I didn’t know! Oh, and he’s creative! He managed to get around obstacles on the way here like they were nothing!”

Logan smiled a bit before nodding to himself. “Sir Virgil, please go and fetch Roman for me, would you? We need a moment alone.”

“Alone? But Logan!” The lord looked up and his look was enough to cut Virgil off. “Fine, I’ll be back momentarily.”

Virgil spun on his heel and raced out the door, closing it behind him loudly. Logan sighed and grabbed Patton’s attention once more. Patton looked at the lord a bit, worried about his own fate. “So, Patton was it?” Logan looked up and watched the other stiffen in fear. “Worry not, I will not punish you if you’ve been invited by someone who lives here.”

“Oh, right! Roman told me he lived here.”

Logan smirked and walked a bit closer. “Indeed, he does. Both he and my overprotective guard live on the grounds with me. There were others but they have come and gone with the years.” Logan stopped when he had reached Patton and smirked knowingly. “So, about my messenger… You like him.” “What?!” Patton flushed red immediately, too taken aback to deny the claims. “What gave you that idea?!”

“Hmm, I wonder…” Logan’s eyes flickered back to the closed door over Patton’s shoulder for a brief moment. “So, what skills do you have? I am currently in need of a gardener.”

“Gardener?” Patton’s heart sank a bit at the news. He had done everything he could to escape his old life and go on adventures! Now he was going to end up doing the same thing but just for someone else? “I can, I mean… I know how to grow a few things, I suppose…”

“If you feel up to the job, my last gardener eloped with the chef and I’ve been meaning to fill the vacancy since. I don’t mind cooking and we mostly just fend for ourselves here so that will not be necessary but I do lack the metaphorical ‘green thumb’ that is required to grow plants. Nor do I have the time.”

Logan’s intense stare as he waited for an answer made Patton a bit uncomfortable. He glanced away and shifted around on his feet as he tried to think of a response. Sure, this isn’t what Patton had dreamed of, but he’s away from home and closer to Roman! It was a start, at least. “I could give it a shot, sir. Thank you for the chance.”

Logan chuckled a bit and Patton shyly looked down at the lord. “None of that. I know this isn’t exactly ideal, but I need to have you starting somewhere. Perhaps down the line, you can run a few errands for me as well. We can not expect you to be completely reliant on us all of the time.” Patton nodded softly and loosened up a bit at the news. “Roman has talked about how you always wished to travel. I hope that is satisfactory for you for the time being? You are welcome to explore my home. However, the third floor is where my personal quarters are along with some unused rooms and storage. Unless it is an emergency, I do not like to be disturbed. I hope you understand.”

There was a brisk knock on the door and Logan called out for them to enter. Patton jumped when the door flew open a second later, Virgil marching in quickly. He was a little red in the face and out of breath suggesting that he did run to get Roman. Since the messenger wasn’t behind him, Patton suspected he probably ran back as well.

“I have returned,” Virgil’s voice was a bit rough as he tried to hide the fact he was obviously out of breath. “Roman will be here shortly.”

“Excellent. Then you can escort Patton to his new room.” Virgil looked shocked as Roman entered the room behind him. “Did you have to run off like that?” He huffed and walked in before smiling and greeting them. “Logan, I see you’ve met Patton.”

“Indeed I have. He will be taking over as our new gardener and possible messenger in the future.”

Roman playfully gasped and placed his hands over his heart. “Are you trying to replace me already?” “If you keep it up, I might think about it.” Logan smirked and Roman rolled his eyes and smiled. “No. While you do an excellent job, it is very inconvenient for me when you are out on jobs and I need to get out other news. While rare, it would be helpful to have a secondary plan in case of emergencies.” Roman turned to Patton and smiled, causing Patton’s heart to flutter. “Do we really need to hire him as a messenger, though?” They all turned to Virgil who was watching Patton carefully. “We don’t know anything about him!”

“Virgil, I appreciate your, for lack of a better word, vigilance. In this case, I feel you are expressing an almost unhealthy amount of concern,” The guard tensed and bit his tongue. “Based on what he have learned, there is no need to be this cautious. However, if doing a background check would help ease your worries, you have my permission.” Virgil looked to Patton before carefully nodding as he glanced away. “Besides, we do need a gardener.”

Virgil eased up a bit and sighed. “I guess… I mean, who could have seen Remy suddenly running off with Emile one day? It came out of nowhere.”

Roman shook his head and Logan seemed to roll his eyes at the statement. Patton felt a bit out of the loop, but assumed they were the gardener and chef that had left previously. “It was so obvious they were in love! You’re just oblivious of feelings!”

“I am not!” Virgil shouted back. “It was not that obvious!”

Logan seemed to mumble something under his breath that Patton did not catch but Roman did. They both chuckled together before Logan cleared his throat. “Either way, could you please escort Patton to his room? Roman and I have business to discuss.”

“Of course, my lord. I will return shortly.”

Virgil turned toward the door, motioning for Patton to follow. “Oh, and, Virgil?” The man stopped and looked over his shoulder to Logan. “Feel free to walk and pace yourself this time?”

“Whatever…” Virgil blushed in embarrassment and walked out of the room, not waiting for Patton to follow. “Thank you both again!” Patton smiled and ran out of the door, carefully closing it behind him. He heard Logan turn to Roman and ask him something just as the door clicked shut, but was more focused on finding and following Virgil before he lost him. “So! Sir Virgil, is it?”

“Sir Virgil Kay Eilonwy, hired guard and protector to Lord Logan Thatch.” “Thatch?” Patton perked up a bit. “As in the noble family Thatch? What is Logan doing all the way out here alone as a lord of the land?” “The important question is who are you and what do you want, Patton Darling?” Virgil stopped and turned, glaring with a frown. “Until I am sure you are not here with ill intentions, you and I? Will not be getting along.” Patton flinched back and Virgil took a step closer. “I will protect Logan with my life if I have to and I will stop anything and anyone that gets in my way. Understood?” Patton nodded and Virgil pulled back, giving him some space. “Good. As long as you aren’t hiding anything, then we shouldn’t have any problems. Now,” Virgil turned to the door they were standing in front of and opened it. Patton hadn’t even noticed it until then and carefully followed Virgil in. “This will be your room. I will make sure you know the way to the gardens so you may start as soon as possible. We get deliveries once or twice a week so if there is anything you need, just let us know so we may take care of it. Roman also ventures out to the nearby towns for Logan so you can always ask him to try and pick something up as well.” Patton stared in awe at the room before blankly nodding. “Yeah, sure. Thanks.” Virgil looked confused as Patton began to smile as he looked around. “Woah! This is so big! Is it really my room?” “Um, yes.” Virgil was a bit confused at the average sized room they were standing in. “Is it… too big?” “No, not at all! I’m just so used to sharing my space with my parents and my sisters and it was all a bit cramped. This!” Patton threw his hands in the air and spun around. “This is so much room, I don’t even know what to do with it all!”

“Yes, well, I am glad you find it satisfactory. Heavens above, I sound like Logan.” Virgil grumbled to himself. “I will let Logan know you are settling in well. I’m sure Roman will be visiting you when he’s done with his own business.” “Alright! Thank you, Sir Virgil!” Patton smiled and turned back to inspecting his room before he turned and ran to the window. Virgil watched as Patton gasped and enjoyed the view, unable to hide his own smile. He slowly closed the door as he left, leaving Patton to take in everything that had occurred. Perhaps he wouldn’t be a bad fit into their home.

Chapter 2>>