Fallen Son (Two Days after the Battle with the League)
Garth of Atlantis woke with a start, looking about the room he shares with his wife in Atlantis.  Normally, he sleeps well and fitfully, but early this morning, the shadows have taken on a different cast. They seem deeper, darker than usual. He's not certain what is wrong today, but he doesn't wish to disturb his wife with his misgivings. He wishes Cerdian were here, to ask his opinion. The boy had come a long way from the shy, uncertain youth into a deeply thinking and feeling young man who stood by his friends and was loyal to his king and kingdom.

In short, everything a father could ask for in a son.

Sliding out of bed, Garth goes to begin his daily rituals, working a few wards that he wants to teach Cerdian the next time he's home. He needs to remind him to spend more time with his mother. She worries so much for their son at times that it takes him back to the days when he was just a baby and she refused to put him down. Their discussions over it were legendary.

"You'll unman him if you don't let him stand on his own, Dolphin."

"He's a baby, Garth. Besides, I know he's safest when he's in our arms. There will be plenty of time for him stand on his own." she told him.

A knock on the door breaks Garth's concentration. Messengers never come this early, unless King Orin needs him. Orin has called for him less since Caitria's passing, and Garth isn't sure what to do about that. He cannot say that he knows how Arthur feels, but he wishes to help his friend.

He rises and answers the door, greeting the messenger with a smile. The young man hands him a parchment and bows, leaving Garth to read the note in private.

As he reads the missive from Dick Grayson, one of his oldest friends, Garth feels his knees weaken, then give out from under him completely. He tries to speak, but the only thing that escapes him is a series of loud, wracking sobs that echoes through the house.

Ironically, he now understands /exactly/ how his king feels.