Legend of Ransera

By the time the private led the lieutenant back into their cabin after breakfast, the second cup of coffee had left him finally feeling like a person. The grog of too little sleep had given way to the anxious excitement of his first big mission. He hadn't really processed it until now, that this was a much bigger day than yesterday's first official shift. He was more than an errand boy. This whole, badass battleship was tasked with flying him safely to his destination. He was like... some kind of delegate or something. He'd never felt so special in his life! But there was pressure in that, along with the honor.

Reiner made a B-line for the chest, kneeling down to pick up the dossier and pull out the papers that contained his orders and the rundowns of the commander's he'd been tasked to meet. He rolled from his knees onto his bum, criss-crossing his legs under him to a more comfortable position on the floor with his back against the chest.

"So..." He began, sifting through the documents. "This is what I got, if you want to take a look..." He freed up one hand to pat the floor next to him, "Get comfy and tell me how to be a better envoy." He'd played the role of courier in the past, of course, but that had typically been more like yesterday's work. Running papers from one building to another building in the same general vicinity. He'd certainly never had so imposing or well-armed an escort as the Noble Gambit.

"I can't tell you how relieved I am that you'll be with me. Knowing you're right behind me, I'll feel so much more relaxed- I'm sure of it!" He placed the envelopes marked more esteemed eyes than theirs back into the portfolio, and handed the papers intended for him to Kuno.

"Take a look!"

As Kuno caught up and familiarized himself with the documents Reiner had already perused, the young private just quietly watched him for the first five minutes or so. Occasionally he would sip his coffee, but mostly he just kept quite as not to be distracting. Eventually, he uncrossed his legs and stretched his feet out in front of him, idly letting the toes of his boots tap together and then fall away from each other. Watching the shiny new boots tipping in and out was almost hypnotic, given how little sleep he’d had the prior night. Even his third cup of coffee wasn’t enough to keep him from dozing, and eventually his head lolled toward Kuno and his shoulder fell against the lieutenant’s as he nodded off completely.

When Kuno spoke up, he lifted his head sharply.

“Hm?” He blinked a few times, taking stock of his surroundings before catching up with the present as he staggered toward wakefulness.

“Mm.” He grunted, listening to Kuno’s assessment and nodding along as he processed.

“Uh, can’t say as I know much…” He began, in response to the direct question posed him. “Our troop transport stopped in her jurisdiction to refuel en route to the Northern front. I remember the major joking with the ship’s captain by singing that old nursery rhyme…” He cleared his throat and quietly, breathily sang in straight tone:

“She’s the queen of the castle,
Get down you dirty rascal…”

He shrugged,

“They had a good laugh about it, but I didn’t get it until that description you just gave, heh…” He dragged his back up along the wall to sit up straighter, in hopes of staving off further trips to the Land of Nod, now that they were properly strategizing.

For what it was worth, Reiner didn’t seem the least bit troubled or embarrassed about having just lifted his head from Kuno’s shoulder. He did, at least, wipe his mouth to check for drool, lest he afflict the poor lieutenant with more unasked for bodily fluids on his things. Fortunately, it had been a dry nap, so he just stretched his back muscles a bit and settled in to listen to Kuno’s assessment.

He smiled to himself as his roommate spoke. He was such a subtle, clever sort of fellow. This was exactly why Reiner had wanted to invite him to the next Dornkirk family function. He was certain Kuno would find a way to instantly be more at ease with Reiner’s family than the young Dornkirk himself. He might even be able to chisel a smile into Stefan’s stony countenance. He certainly had a knack for inspiring smiles in at least one of the Dornkirk clan, as proven in this very moment. It flattened out, when he was posed a direct question.

Feeling a bit out of his depth, he turned his eyes back to his boots, crossing his ankles as he pondered.

“Hm…” He stroked his chin, looking as if he was hoping the act of exhibiting the outward appearance of one deep in thought would help him find a valid solution to the issue at hand.

“Well, let’s think about what a self-appointed queen might value. Subjects come to mind,” His index finger tapped his chin a few times, “Fealty…” His eyes darted to Kuno, “And domain! So, I think we should maybe try to figure out a way to give her one of those. We could try to extract some more ZDC troops and relocate them to her charge, or if we could connect to a smaller outpost that’s disconnected and put it in her jurisdiction, I think… that could help?”

Reiner bit his lip and grimaced. The silence that followed his proposal was deafening. For that span of time he felt like a complete and total idiot, and his pale cheeks flushed red. But by and by, Kuno answered in affirming terms. He wasn’t sure it wasn’t a nicety, but even if it was it was welcome. Even if his roommate was just offering him the plausible deniability of not being useless, he would take it gladly. He pressed his shoulder to Kuno’s and grinned broadly.

“Y’think so?” He could scarcely believe it was so. His grin broadened as Kuno spoke on. Granted, perhaps his roommate was just a good friend who was making a case for why Reiner wasn’t worthless, but in the moment he could dismiss that and accept that there was merit to his recommendation. And the more he listened to Kuno, the more legitimate the lieutenant made the private’s suggestion sound.

Then came the direct compliment. Hearing from the man he respected as the most clever friend in his circle that he’d had a good idea, was enough to make the young private’s eyes dart down in bashful aversion.

“You think so?” He asked, disbelieving. He didn’t wait long, lest Kuno answer in the negative. Instead, the young private was inclined to acknowledge Kuno’s acumen and express gratitude for having access to it.

“Thank you, Kuno! I’d never have come up with this strategy. I hope you know how grateful I am to you… I’ll give you all due credit for your suggestions. I’d never have come up with them without you…” He trailed off, his hazel eyes darting from Kuno’s green to the bed across from him.

“I…” He sighed, “I detest nepotism, but I’ve never understood how truly unfair it was until now. You’d be so much better in my position, and if merit were the deciding factor, you’d hold it.”

“Heh…” Reiner shook his head. “Even that goes to prove I’m out of my depth…” The young private sighed,

“If you’d been the one making the assignments? Sure. You might find me sufficient. You might think that I had any skill for any of this, because you actually know me! We spend day after day together, we talk all the time and… I mean you have an inkling whether I’m a dumbass or not, but…” He shrugged. “Maybe I think too little of my cousin and he’s surveiled me enough that he thinks he knows my skill set, but even so… If he’d had the opportunity to get to know you, he’d see that you’re the better choice.” Reiner was exasperated. Of course he appreciated the opportunities presented to him, but that only made it more frustrating to realize Kuno had been denied those same opportunities. He sat back and listened, as Kuno highlighted the silver lining to all this, nodding.

He pursed his lips. On the one hand it sounded like he was an agent of much needed change, on the other hand he sounded like a pawn. He wanted to believe Stefan actually cared about him, but it was hard to say what the stony-faced aristocrat felt. Whatever the case, Kuno addressed all of his concerns and more.

“You’re right.” He conceded, “As always. I tend to think in simpler terms, so it helps that you guide me through the gray.” Reiner bit his lip, scooting slightly closer to Kuno.

“So, you’re saying we should be bold, yeah?” On the one hand it was terrifying to take matters into his own hands, but on the other hand it was the only way to make him feel like his position was earned.

“I hope my cousin’s gamble doesn’t blow back in his face.”