Work Text:
The air even smelled cold, here in but with the interminable Council meeting still going on it at least justified keeping the heat on in the big tent in spite of the risk of being discovered. Meaning that the men had somewhere to warm up after patrol this time. White snow drifted in through the canvas flap as another set of troopers pushed inside, the snow matching their armour and allowing them to almost disappear into it. The cold wind swirled through the tent each time it was opened. Cal shivered and fell sideways against Tapal’s leg.
“Sorry Master.” The boy caught himself and stood straighter. Cal drew a breath and visibly forced himself to stop shivering.
“There is nothing to apologize for, apprentice.” Tapal smiled down at the young child. “You performed admirably, but you are also understandably tired because of the skill you demonstrated.”
“Yes, master.” The boy beamed contentedly.
Yes, the boy had a reason to be proud, having found a lost trooper in the snow with his psychometry, proving that the man had simply been lost and not attacked and killed by the enemy. It was a way he could use his powers after this war ends. He had every reason to be pleased.
Cal fell against his leg again. He was hardly the only apprentice yawning, even if he could be barely seen in the holotable display, yet the council-members continued to drone on, circling the same issues over and over again. Perhaps a point should be made, perhaps he should be noticed.
The sound of the zipper of Tapal’s coat moving down right beside his head did not disturb the youngling, and Tapal let the coat flop open as he bent down and scooped up the barely awake child. As Cal's small arms wrapped around his neck, Tapal straightened and used the force to zip his coat back up with his apprentice inside.
“Is there something you wish to share with us, master Tapal?” Asked one of the council-members, directly addressing him for the first time during this briefing in spite of his and Cal’s presence being required.
“Nothing at this time, honoured council-member, simply ensuring the comfort of those around me.”