Snippet - It was well done

[wilderthan]

Fandom: The Dark Is Rising
For: Loyalty chapter three
Quality: Unchecked
Characters: Bran, John


"You won't... mind, if it turns out to be my task after all?"

Bran looked up at John, pausing on the path, tilting his head to one side. There was a scowl somewhere, like a threatening stormcloud, but he didn't let it loose. "I suppose, if it's the way of things, I'll have to forgive," he said, letting his tone lighten a little. John smiled in relief.

"I'm glad for that. I wouldn't want you to be angry."

"I wouldn't be angry," Bran said, quietly. "I just... I want to prove myself. It's been a long time since I fought the Dark. I want to show Will that I can still... I want to show him that returning my memories wasn't a mistake. I want to be useful to him, like Barney is. Did you see the way he smiled at Barney...? The way he said it was well done? I want..."

John looked at Bran for a long moment, as if measuring him up. Under the scrutiny, Bran lifted his head, straightened up. John smiled at him. "When you stand like that, I certainly believe you're a prince."

"That doesn't mean I'm worthy of the task, though."