RP between Degu and Rook
>
Rook — 02/17/2021
Given the hour, it was likely his children were off at the market or doing some other work, so the Head of the family wandered the grounds for a bit of quieter exercise (and absolutely for the sake of keeping an eye on things a little better). He had guards for it, truly, but with how many strange visitors they all got recently, he wanted to do that more.
The Guards seemed fine with the assumed 'harmless' visitor, but the Lord Grimani usually wanted to pretend those sorts lived and socialized away from his property. Why Tommaso even humored him was beyond his father, but Cienna had always been open to others, where he always felt his son was not.
He'd stopped by the gates to their home, conversing with one of his own guards a moment and keeping an eye on those going by.
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur was glad for a break from work. He'd been going pretty darn hard this week and all that with a growing infection in his arm that he'd been too busy to stop and notice until it was too late. Sore though it was, it was finally on the mend and the tired Captain was trying to relax and take his mind off work.
The heavy sound of hoofs on stone tile announced his approach long before anything else. His journey atop his magnificent beast found him passing by the larger estates, though he was a far cry from rich he liked to think he was welcome in the neighborhood after keeping it safe for so long. "Lord Grimani." he called out respectfully as he spotted the man on his grounds from the public path that took him past the grounds.
He looked to the guards , they shared a similar profession after all. "I hope you're faring well...?" the tone implied he might have heard the rumors, it seemed more of a question than a good tiding, but one that didn't want to overstep boundaries or at least ask anything in front of the guards if he wasn't meant to.
Rook — 02/17/2021
Aeson heard the sound of hooves before he saw the man, and he turned towards Harpur, though he didn't let his posture settle. Harpur was definitely someone with the same views in a way; whereas Aeson elected to ignore their more non-human residents, Harpur seemed more intent on keeping a real close eye on them. "Captain." He greeted in return, looking over his steed momentarily.
"As well as I can be, considering more intrusive...guests." Aeson picked up on that tone clearly, and he waved his guards off, under the mention they could take a break while he stood watched. The pair seemed unsure about leaving the Lord of the House unattended, but well, Harpur wasn't exactly someone they assumed would murder the man.
Off they'd go. "A good horse you have, will the rest of the Guards be patrolling on them?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur wrapped the reigns around one hand and kept the horse idle, sitting up a little straighter as if to pridefully show off his steed. "So I've heard. Privates are terrible gossips." he said with an apologetic frown before dismounting "They should be so lucky" he patted the beast hard on its muscular neck "No beast is as sturdy or loyal as mine. But yes, we have our horse back units." Though the city residential areas weren't built for horses so they served best in the wider streets of city center or the outer limits.
He pulled his horse with him but he'd known it wouldn't do to loom over a lord from horse back, better to be level or beneath a Lord. He approached Aeson but stayed at the gates, not wanting to invite his own beast onto the grounds and silently he prayed that it wouldn't take a long, gassy shit on a Lords doorstep while they were talking.
"I'm concerned, if you'd like to file a complaint I'd be happy to look into it."
Rook — 02/17/2021
Aeson nodded in response, as he looked the horse over. "He's a good healthy mount. Do you plan to breed him? I imagine his bloodline would be good for future guard units." Especially if they turned out just as loyal. "I imagine things revolved around the Houses are amusing." In regards to rumors, though atleast this didn't ruin any reputation.
He intertwined his fingers over his stomach, watching as Harpur approached after dismounting and he'd focus fully on him. "I'm unsure if a complaint would do more than make me appear nitpicky or too protective of my children. They are allowed to have their lives, their...company. I'm not so sure about this Guard, personally. Tommaso often pays no mind to his sort, but I know him and Cienna wander with him. Either together or separately. I'm unsure of what to make of it."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I do." Harpur announced proudly "I've been looking into arranging something, though I have to say I'm probably pickier about his mates than he is. After all, I want them to be good strong offspring." Secretly he wanted to gift one of them to the Aiolfi family, Marc more specifically. Talk of Cienna wandering off caught his concern more than anything, after all, she was perhaps to be a woman he trained in secret should she join in on the sessions... but that also made her his student, future or present and ...well, Harpur was a little protective of any women in his life, as miniscule as that pool was.
"Never underestimate a fathers gut instinct, I've heard it's a powerful thing." He smiled thoughtfully, but then it faded for a more serious way "If you don't want to file a complaint directly, perhaps I could have a word with the 'kids'. I can at least check in and make sure they aren't feeling uncomfortable about anything. I have a good eye for things like that."
Or I could linger in the bushes till this bastard turns up and then follow them.
...
That may seem a bit unhinged.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Understandable. I wouldn't assume you'd mix him with poor genes, afterall. I do wonder if there are any worth that attention." He hadn't been to the stables for years, but his own horses were kept on his property. "There is something about him. He comes off nonchalant, but with a penchant for selective hearing." And well, being undead didn't work in his favor either.
"I intend to find Houses they fit to better political connections, but that is difficult when they mingle with people who are certainly unfavorable to those I know." Aeson said, quiet after when he mentioned checking in on them. "If you can find the time. What do you know about this guard? Does he work in or closely with your own men?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur gripped harder at the reigns as his horse decided to be a bit of an asshole and strained to try and nibble the grass at the gate. The captain didn't take his eyes off of Aeson but his jaw strained as his arm locked and shuddered with the effort of fighting the horse. "Yes of course-" huff "It's a pleasure to talk to them anyway-" he yanked roughly at the reigns and the horse's ears folded back and the beast glared at nothing in particular like a stubborn brat more than a dumb beast. Horses were smart but this one seemed to have a little extra sass.
"I was hoping you could tell me who it is. I've only heard that it's 'a guard', I know nothing more than that. If it is anyone within my units I'm unaware." he tilted his head, ignoring the bratty disposition of his beast as it grumpily flared its nostrils. "Did you manage to get his name?"
Rook — 02/17/2021
When the horse seemed intent on getting grass, Aeson seemed a little more amused. "He's certainly fiery, I imagine his brood wouldn't be good for beginners, once you've found suitable mates." Harpur handled him well, but not everyone was of the same sort.
"Apologies, I haven't heard the rumors and just assumed they'd speak to him by name. It's a common one though; Jack. I don't know any last name, I haven't spoken to him at length." Mostly to try to pretend he wasn't there to the best of his abilities. "Vampire, not so concerned about hiding it. He's a Private, judging by his uniform, I believe. I have only seen him in that, so I don't know if he's doing his visits on his own time, too."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"Certainly not, you need a firm hand for a beast this powerful." he said proudly, it was an easy humblebrag.
"A Vampire?!" Harpur's eyes widened, his pupils shrank and his teeth grit protectively. "You were right to feel uncomfortable, for all we know he's luring them away with that hypnotic charm they use to claim their victims." he said with alarm but then realized he was talking about a guard. He grit his teeth for a moment longer in silence "Forgive me, My Lord. I am sure you know well how many of their kind i've dealt with" he pulled the fanged necklace from beneath his hood as if to accent the point. "I struggle to imagine a good parasite can exist, especially when we are the most desirable food source... I'll talk to the children, you have my w-"
PFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPBBBBBRRRPPBBBTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTPLBPLBPLBPLBPLBPPFFFffftTTTttttt
The loudest horse fart that had ever been recorded in history erupted from behind Harpur as his stallion took its vengeance right there in front of a nobleman. The captain's eyes widened in mortification as he stared at Aeson, horrified and pleading for forgiveness. "I-" then came the terrible, heavy slaps of horse dung hitting the stone path, mingled with more loud toots and horrific noises. Harpur looked slowly down to Lord Grimani's feet, frozen in silence.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Hmm, yes. Or perhaps some other creature of his sort, but vampire is what comes to mind properly." When Harpur went on with hypnotic charm, Aeson raised his eyebrows. "Are they capable of it? I haven't felt particularly charmed, but I haven't spoken to him at length." He assumed the other guards wouldn't allowed such a risk in their ranks, but.. "I would ask-."
They were both cut short by the horse enacting a very foul revenge, and Aeson stepped back a pace, especially since the horse made a mess on the stone infront of his home. "...Perhaps it's best he's stabled for now, and I can find someone to clean this mess. It might give you a chance to spot my wayward children and their new...company."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I....am so sorry, My Lord... I don't know whats gotten into him." the brutish Captain looked like he would rather be an ant in that moment, or dead. Both maybe. He closed his eyes and let out an exhaustive breath of relief when Lord Grimani said he'd get someone else to take care of the horse, he was about to ask for a shovel. "That's very generous of you, Lord." he grumbled, shooting a glare at the horse and it blew air through hits nostrils and nodded up and down as if it thought itself hilarious.
Finally invited he stepped onto the grounds with only one look back to check the damage. He was sure there was more poo than horse, if he weren't so mortified he'd be impressed. This was an embarrassment he'd probably still be thinking about on his deathbed, thank you, useless horse. "I will take him now, again, my apologies... " he ran a hand through his hair. He left Aeson behind unless the man came along and once he was out of sight around the building he angrily shoved the horses head.
"What in gods name do you think you're doing!?"
The horse swung its head back with the momentum of the push and launched Harpur backwards into a thorny but well cut bush and the Captain, in his off-duty clothes, yelled as he got a few hundred prongs in his ass. "You are a belligerent, bratty, ungrateful beast. You will respect me or you'll be eating rocks for dinner tonight you wind bag" He growled as he approached the stables with a slight limp, reaching back to rub his ass and his thighs... lots of tiny, slightly bloody holes unseen beneath the trousers.
"Arsehole" Harpur muttered and got a deep whinny of amusement in response.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"High spirited comes with a cost." Aeson knew that all too well, he had a good number of children who were now...running off to do as they wished. Couldn't they just have stayed little dutiful children forever? "Just be mindful of Cienna's mare, she's delicate." Not worth breeding with a powerful horse, afterall. "There are free stalls, however, one should suit him."
When Harpur took his horse away, the Lord made his way off to find someone to clean the mess and drench the stonepath with water to hopefully get rid of the mess in the area.
While he didn't see Harpur be thrown, Tommaso showed up when the man was picking himself out of the bushes and he looked to the Captain briefly. "I did not realize we had a guest. You are alright?" He'd ask, attention directed towards the amused beast of a horse. Behind him one of the dogs followed, but trotted off immediately at the sight of Harpur's steed, well-trained enough to avoid the bigger animals.
"Are you bringing him to ride with my father or..?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur bit back his embarrassment at being seen peeling his ass off a thornbush but if he played it cool it was less awkward for everyone involved "No he's being stabled for bad behaviour." he rumbled with a disappointed shake of his head at the beast "He just dropped a gift off in front of your father." he explained if Tommaso seemed to wonder what this 'bad behaviour' was. The horse grunted as if chuckling and Harpur sneered cooly and lead the beast into a stall away from Cienna's own horse. "Think about what you've done."
He walked away and reached out to touch Cienna's horse gently on the nose if she poked her head out. "Master Tommaso, belligerent horses aside, It is good to see you." Harpur never stopped working, he rolled up his sleeves and picked up a broom to sweep the aisle of the stable. It was a kind gesture, but it also gave him a reason to linger and talk to Tommaso.
"Words been going around the barracks that you and Ms. Cienna have made a new friend among the guard. Thinking of joining?" he joked idly, breaching the subject as lightly as possible to avoid the young man feeling inclined to close up quickly. He cast a look out to see if he could catch sight of that dog again now that his beast was stabled, a little fond of dogs after all.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Oh lovely. I'm sure the groundskeeper will be just as grateful for it." He, atleast, was glad he wasn't called to assist so early in the day. The upside was the weather hadn't gotten too hot yet. He left Harpur to stable the horse without getting in the way, but the other horses were certainly curious about the guest, too, especially Cienna's horse. When Harpur touched her, she bumped her nose into his fingers and sniffed for treats.
Spoiled, really.
The only other stallion elected to ignore the going ons, more interested in sleep.
"It is good to see you as well, Captain Eberhardt. Are you here on-duty?" Tommaso asked curiously, even if his expression remained set in its usual distant one. "I am not sure, it would be difficult to do everything required of me in one day if I joined the Guards. If I left it all to our older brother, we may never see him again." He almost chuckled dryly, checking the buckets of water around the stalls.
"Will your horse need anything?" He'd ask, though the dog seemed content to find some shade for the moment.
Degu — 02/17/2021
"No, not on-duty." Was he ever really off-duty? "Just a friendly visit" he smiled warmly, it was a far cry from what he was like within the city. On edge, angry, cutting. He swept the straw into a pile and scooped it up into a wheelbarrow, shaking his head "He's alright, he'll get fed when we get home. Just some water will do." he said and fetched some for his mighty steed himself, if only because an empty stall wouldn't have had any already in it.
A bit of shade wouldn't go amiss. Harpur stepped away and washed his hands before motioning to the tree the dog had taken to resting under "Join me? You sound like you could use a break Master Tommaso" he offered "Where is Ms. Cienna today?" he asked as he trudged over to the shelter of that nearby tree, clicking and kissing at that dog. "Good boy."
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Ah, very good. I'm sure, despite the incident, my father was glad to see you. Our mother will probably say hello, too, if you go inside." It was rare for her to wander the grounds, especially with all the work inside that needed her attention. He'd gesture to the barrels of water, but handed Harpur a bucket. "Of course."
Once the horse was tended to, Tomm would follow Harpur along. "I wouldn't mind. I've done my work for the stable and the rats have been cleared out for a while." Thanks to the dog! "I believe she was going to do some shopping and find Marc, before doing her usual wandering later." The dog was immediately all tail-wags and belly-exposing, tucking his legs to his chest.
"She won't be home until dinner, I believe, as is her usual routine."
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur sat down at the base of the tree, looking more serene than he ever did on the job. He had dropped down beside the dog, patting at the dogs belly and rubbing at its chest before a little gentle rough housing. He gripped it by the jaw and shook its head gently side to side with a fake little "grrr" pushing around those open jowls. "Ah of course" no big surprise that she was off with Marc as usual.
"Ah I'm sad that I may miss her then, I'll gladly pop in and say hello to your mother before I leave, if she hasn't banned me from the household after what just transpired" he looked awkwardly back towards the front gate, hoping the mess had already been cleaned and perhaps put to good use on a compost heap. Consider it a gift? heh.
"So this fellow you've been hanging around with, what's he like? I don't think he's in any of my units. Jack was it?" he asked, trying to ease Tommaso into talking about it naturally, but he was no silvertongue.
Rook — 02/17/2021
The dog, happy with this game, was quick to play along - offering play nips and his tail wagged harder. A bark or two followed.
"You could find her at the market after, I'm sure." Depending on how long she worked that day, even if he knew she'd bring things back that didn't sell at some point. "Heh. As long as you don't bring your horse inside, I'm sure she won't." What fun that'd bring, truly. Like a bull in a China shop sort of craziness.
When Harpur asked about Jack, Tomm's expression almost changed to something more inquisitive. "He makes for interesting company, well-traveled. He's clever, has offered hunting trips and I don't mind the company during it. He's got the advantage in the dark to help at those hours. Are you hoping to meet him?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
"Perhaps. If I want to meet him, I'm sure I can come across him during work hours" which secretly translated to 'I'll have him transferred to my unit so i can keep an eye on him'. "A vampire, though, Tommaso. I hope you're both being careful. You have to watch out for manipulative creatures like that" he worried, seeming genuinely concerned even though what he had said was pretty rough.
"You and Cienna go with him willingly? you don't feel strange or compelled?"
A pause. Even though he was fussing the dog all his attention was on the young man.
"How did you all meet anyway? By chance or did he make a point of approaching you?"
Rook — 02/17/2021
"That is true. How often do you do evening shifts?" Honestly, Harpur always on duty wouldn't surprise him, but he was sure the man liked having breaks. When he mentioned what Jack was, he remained unconcerned. For now. "We are fine. Being born to my sort of family presents all sorts that like that, human or otherwise."
At being asked about feeling strange, Tomm did think on it a moment. Would he even know? "I do not think so. We met at the gates of the house here. He was passing by and we got to talking about small things."
He moved to lean into the tree, looking across the yard. "I take it his visits are becoming common knowledge."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I cycle to night shifts every two weeks usually." the permanent shadows under Harpur's eyes suggested that it took a toll on him no matter what he said. "Two weeks on, two weeks off" But when he heard 'human or otherwise' he bit back a sneer, looking at the dog for a distraction. "You silly thing" he told it as he hoisted the entire dog into his lap and held it like a damn baby, still patting that belly.
"There has been talk, that's all. I was worried so I came by, your father is worried too... a fathers gut instincts are often right, please be careful Tommaso. It is a sad world in which I have to warn you of a guard but we are still all people, we cannot sure of the deeper intentions of the men on our unit all of the time." he paused in his fussing of the dog and looked at him.
"Who's to say he did not plan your meeting? It may not have been chance. And you frequently go off alone with this man." He sighed "You are a grown man, I've no place to lecture you on safety with strangers. I know. My apologies Master Tommaso, but at least hear my words and be wary...you have to remember you and any member of your family are desirable targets for anyone with less than honorable intentions."
Rook — 02/18/2021
"You look like you could use a break from that." Harpur looked tired, and Tommaso could certainly sympathize, even if his work as a guard at his house didn't cover as much ground as the Captain dealing with an entire city. The dog certainly didn't mind all of this attention and he went for Harpur's face, intent on covering it with dog-kisses.
"My father would be concerned if it was anyone, I believe." He still didn't look sure, but he hadn't brought up with him and he knew Cienna would treat it as a non-issue as well. But, she was often running off in the woods despite his concerns. "He has not done much to prove himself to be a threat. If he wanted to do something, he might have had chances already."
Harpur mentioned the wandering off, afterall! "I do appreciate your concern, I do. I am capable, though, and Cienna has the Aiolfi twins about a lot. It's more her that I would be concerned about, with her condition, but there's not much that can be done to her without someone noticing."
Degu — 02/18/2021
Harpur was a big softy with dogs and it showed, as soon as his face was covered he laughed and turned his head this way and that to fake trying to escape "Oh no, oh no!" he gasped playfully at the dog. If anyone from the city saw him behaving this way they'd probably think they'd died and transcended to an idyllic world. "That is true, unless he's stringing you along until the right moment" Harpur added, it was obvious he found it hard to trust...especially a vampire. Long gone were the days he was leaping at them with tools of destruction.
"Alright, I will trust your judgement" he had no choice, he had no place to intervene. He reached out and placed a meaty hand on the younger mans shoulder to give it a squeeze. "Just stay vigilant, take a horn with you just in case so you can call for help if-" he caught himself doing it again, he was being a bit overbearing "I'll stop" he laughed softly "You know I just worry, maybe too much. But worrying this much kept me alive this long."
Rook — 02/18/2021
Tommaso turned to watch as Harpur gave in and pretended to try to escape, though he was more mindful of the dog getting too excited. Thankfully, no rougher nipping followed and it rolled away after a moment to pant off to the side. "There's not much for him to gain, if he is." He did wonder now, but shake his head after. "And it's not like he can try to step in to get ridiculously close to Cienna." He was sure Harpur might find amusement in that idea, with their father being wary at this point. A nonhuman trying to be a suitor. Laughable, really.
He inclined his head after, respectfully, still otherwise as Harpur rested a hand on his shoulder. "If it lessens your worries, I can mention where we're going to your group, yourself and my father. It would make it easier for anyone to find us, if need be." He suggested, but followed it up with another.
"I understand. You could also speak to Jack, I would not be bothered by it."
Degu — 02/18/2021
"Just leave word with your father before you head out, I'm sure it'd put him at ease knowing, and if anything does go awry we can come investigate. There's no harm in it." he smiled and nodded. He stretched, his arms going high up above his head with a groan as all his bones popped noisily. "Maybe I will talk to this Jack fellow, once I figure out which Jack it is" he chuckled.
He slapped his lap and pushed himself up to stand, patting himself down "Thank you for humoring me. Your father just wants you to be safe, I'm sure you know" he said kindly "I'd best go say hello to your mother before I depart." and see if he could sneak a snack out of the house, his stomach was grumbling.
Rook — 02/18/2021
"That is fair." Tommaso would try to pass the message along to the others, but knew it'd be a lost cause. Cienna never told anyone until after. "He is one of the privates. Dark-haired, pale-eyed...always looks tired. I guess it will not help him stand out, but he is not exactly one that has an appearance that sets him aside from others in a crowd." Except the whole vampire thing.
"Of course. I will go get your horse while you do that." Tomm offered, and he headed for the stables, flanked by the dog again who stared upwards at the younger man. "He will be waiting by the gates, for you."
Degu — 02/18/2021
"Thank you. It was good to see you today, Master Tommaso" he would slip into the house and say hello to Lady Grimani and drop some hints that he was going to go get some lunch because he hadn't eaten yet in the hopes of being allowed to take an apple with him or something, but then with that he headed off to the gate with a final farewell to Lord Grimani if he could find him.
Mounting his horse he waved and headed back on his way, not back into the city but more in the direction of the Aiolfi estate instead.
Given the hour, it was likely his children were off at the market or doing some other work, so the Head of the family wandered the grounds for a bit of quieter exercise (and absolutely for the sake of keeping an eye on things a little better). He had guards for it, truly, but with how many strange visitors they all got recently, he wanted to do that more.
The Guards seemed fine with the assumed 'harmless' visitor, but the Lord Grimani usually wanted to pretend those sorts lived and socialized away from his property. Why Tommaso even humored him was beyond his father, but Cienna had always been open to others, where he always felt his son was not.
He'd stopped by the gates to their home, conversing with one of his own guards a moment and keeping an eye on those going by.
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur was glad for a break from work. He'd been going pretty darn hard this week and all that with a growing infection in his arm that he'd been too busy to stop and notice until it was too late. Sore though it was, it was finally on the mend and the tired Captain was trying to relax and take his mind off work.
The heavy sound of hoofs on stone tile announced his approach long before anything else. His journey atop his magnificent beast found him passing by the larger estates, though he was a far cry from rich he liked to think he was welcome in the neighborhood after keeping it safe for so long. "Lord Grimani." he called out respectfully as he spotted the man on his grounds from the public path that took him past the grounds.
He looked to the guards , they shared a similar profession after all. "I hope you're faring well...?" the tone implied he might have heard the rumors, it seemed more of a question than a good tiding, but one that didn't want to overstep boundaries or at least ask anything in front of the guards if he wasn't meant to.
Rook — 02/17/2021
Aeson heard the sound of hooves before he saw the man, and he turned towards Harpur, though he didn't let his posture settle. Harpur was definitely someone with the same views in a way; whereas Aeson elected to ignore their more non-human residents, Harpur seemed more intent on keeping a real close eye on them. "Captain." He greeted in return, looking over his steed momentarily.
"As well as I can be, considering more intrusive...guests." Aeson picked up on that tone clearly, and he waved his guards off, under the mention they could take a break while he stood watched. The pair seemed unsure about leaving the Lord of the House unattended, but well, Harpur wasn't exactly someone they assumed would murder the man.
Off they'd go. "A good horse you have, will the rest of the Guards be patrolling on them?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur wrapped the reigns around one hand and kept the horse idle, sitting up a little straighter as if to pridefully show off his steed. "So I've heard. Privates are terrible gossips." he said with an apologetic frown before dismounting "They should be so lucky" he patted the beast hard on its muscular neck "No beast is as sturdy or loyal as mine. But yes, we have our horse back units." Though the city residential areas weren't built for horses so they served best in the wider streets of city center or the outer limits.
He pulled his horse with him but he'd known it wouldn't do to loom over a lord from horse back, better to be level or beneath a Lord. He approached Aeson but stayed at the gates, not wanting to invite his own beast onto the grounds and silently he prayed that it wouldn't take a long, gassy shit on a Lords doorstep while they were talking.
"I'm concerned, if you'd like to file a complaint I'd be happy to look into it."
Rook — 02/17/2021
Aeson nodded in response, as he looked the horse over. "He's a good healthy mount. Do you plan to breed him? I imagine his bloodline would be good for future guard units." Especially if they turned out just as loyal. "I imagine things revolved around the Houses are amusing." In regards to rumors, though atleast this didn't ruin any reputation.
He intertwined his fingers over his stomach, watching as Harpur approached after dismounting and he'd focus fully on him. "I'm unsure if a complaint would do more than make me appear nitpicky or too protective of my children. They are allowed to have their lives, their...company. I'm not so sure about this Guard, personally. Tommaso often pays no mind to his sort, but I know him and Cienna wander with him. Either together or separately. I'm unsure of what to make of it."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I do." Harpur announced proudly "I've been looking into arranging something, though I have to say I'm probably pickier about his mates than he is. After all, I want them to be good strong offspring." Secretly he wanted to gift one of them to the Aiolfi family, Marc more specifically. Talk of Cienna wandering off caught his concern more than anything, after all, she was perhaps to be a woman he trained in secret should she join in on the sessions... but that also made her his student, future or present and ...well, Harpur was a little protective of any women in his life, as miniscule as that pool was.
"Never underestimate a fathers gut instinct, I've heard it's a powerful thing." He smiled thoughtfully, but then it faded for a more serious way "If you don't want to file a complaint directly, perhaps I could have a word with the 'kids'. I can at least check in and make sure they aren't feeling uncomfortable about anything. I have a good eye for things like that."
Or I could linger in the bushes till this bastard turns up and then follow them.
...
That may seem a bit unhinged.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Understandable. I wouldn't assume you'd mix him with poor genes, afterall. I do wonder if there are any worth that attention." He hadn't been to the stables for years, but his own horses were kept on his property. "There is something about him. He comes off nonchalant, but with a penchant for selective hearing." And well, being undead didn't work in his favor either.
"I intend to find Houses they fit to better political connections, but that is difficult when they mingle with people who are certainly unfavorable to those I know." Aeson said, quiet after when he mentioned checking in on them. "If you can find the time. What do you know about this guard? Does he work in or closely with your own men?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur gripped harder at the reigns as his horse decided to be a bit of an asshole and strained to try and nibble the grass at the gate. The captain didn't take his eyes off of Aeson but his jaw strained as his arm locked and shuddered with the effort of fighting the horse. "Yes of course-" huff "It's a pleasure to talk to them anyway-" he yanked roughly at the reigns and the horse's ears folded back and the beast glared at nothing in particular like a stubborn brat more than a dumb beast. Horses were smart but this one seemed to have a little extra sass.
"I was hoping you could tell me who it is. I've only heard that it's 'a guard', I know nothing more than that. If it is anyone within my units I'm unaware." he tilted his head, ignoring the bratty disposition of his beast as it grumpily flared its nostrils. "Did you manage to get his name?"
Rook — 02/17/2021
When the horse seemed intent on getting grass, Aeson seemed a little more amused. "He's certainly fiery, I imagine his brood wouldn't be good for beginners, once you've found suitable mates." Harpur handled him well, but not everyone was of the same sort.
"Apologies, I haven't heard the rumors and just assumed they'd speak to him by name. It's a common one though; Jack. I don't know any last name, I haven't spoken to him at length." Mostly to try to pretend he wasn't there to the best of his abilities. "Vampire, not so concerned about hiding it. He's a Private, judging by his uniform, I believe. I have only seen him in that, so I don't know if he's doing his visits on his own time, too."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"Certainly not, you need a firm hand for a beast this powerful." he said proudly, it was an easy humblebrag.
"A Vampire?!" Harpur's eyes widened, his pupils shrank and his teeth grit protectively. "You were right to feel uncomfortable, for all we know he's luring them away with that hypnotic charm they use to claim their victims." he said with alarm but then realized he was talking about a guard. He grit his teeth for a moment longer in silence "Forgive me, My Lord. I am sure you know well how many of their kind i've dealt with" he pulled the fanged necklace from beneath his hood as if to accent the point. "I struggle to imagine a good parasite can exist, especially when we are the most desirable food source... I'll talk to the children, you have my w-"
PFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPBBBBBRRRPPBBBTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTPLBPLBPLBPLBPLBPPFFFffftTTTttttt
The loudest horse fart that had ever been recorded in history erupted from behind Harpur as his stallion took its vengeance right there in front of a nobleman. The captain's eyes widened in mortification as he stared at Aeson, horrified and pleading for forgiveness. "I-" then came the terrible, heavy slaps of horse dung hitting the stone path, mingled with more loud toots and horrific noises. Harpur looked slowly down to Lord Grimani's feet, frozen in silence.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Hmm, yes. Or perhaps some other creature of his sort, but vampire is what comes to mind properly." When Harpur went on with hypnotic charm, Aeson raised his eyebrows. "Are they capable of it? I haven't felt particularly charmed, but I haven't spoken to him at length." He assumed the other guards wouldn't allowed such a risk in their ranks, but.. "I would ask-."
They were both cut short by the horse enacting a very foul revenge, and Aeson stepped back a pace, especially since the horse made a mess on the stone infront of his home. "...Perhaps it's best he's stabled for now, and I can find someone to clean this mess. It might give you a chance to spot my wayward children and their new...company."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I....am so sorry, My Lord... I don't know whats gotten into him." the brutish Captain looked like he would rather be an ant in that moment, or dead. Both maybe. He closed his eyes and let out an exhaustive breath of relief when Lord Grimani said he'd get someone else to take care of the horse, he was about to ask for a shovel. "That's very generous of you, Lord." he grumbled, shooting a glare at the horse and it blew air through hits nostrils and nodded up and down as if it thought itself hilarious.
Finally invited he stepped onto the grounds with only one look back to check the damage. He was sure there was more poo than horse, if he weren't so mortified he'd be impressed. This was an embarrassment he'd probably still be thinking about on his deathbed, thank you, useless horse. "I will take him now, again, my apologies... " he ran a hand through his hair. He left Aeson behind unless the man came along and once he was out of sight around the building he angrily shoved the horses head.
"What in gods name do you think you're doing!?"
The horse swung its head back with the momentum of the push and launched Harpur backwards into a thorny but well cut bush and the Captain, in his off-duty clothes, yelled as he got a few hundred prongs in his ass. "You are a belligerent, bratty, ungrateful beast. You will respect me or you'll be eating rocks for dinner tonight you wind bag" He growled as he approached the stables with a slight limp, reaching back to rub his ass and his thighs... lots of tiny, slightly bloody holes unseen beneath the trousers.
"Arsehole" Harpur muttered and got a deep whinny of amusement in response.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"High spirited comes with a cost." Aeson knew that all too well, he had a good number of children who were now...running off to do as they wished. Couldn't they just have stayed little dutiful children forever? "Just be mindful of Cienna's mare, she's delicate." Not worth breeding with a powerful horse, afterall. "There are free stalls, however, one should suit him."
When Harpur took his horse away, the Lord made his way off to find someone to clean the mess and drench the stonepath with water to hopefully get rid of the mess in the area.
While he didn't see Harpur be thrown, Tommaso showed up when the man was picking himself out of the bushes and he looked to the Captain briefly. "I did not realize we had a guest. You are alright?" He'd ask, attention directed towards the amused beast of a horse. Behind him one of the dogs followed, but trotted off immediately at the sight of Harpur's steed, well-trained enough to avoid the bigger animals.
"Are you bringing him to ride with my father or..?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur bit back his embarrassment at being seen peeling his ass off a thornbush but if he played it cool it was less awkward for everyone involved "No he's being stabled for bad behaviour." he rumbled with a disappointed shake of his head at the beast "He just dropped a gift off in front of your father." he explained if Tommaso seemed to wonder what this 'bad behaviour' was. The horse grunted as if chuckling and Harpur sneered cooly and lead the beast into a stall away from Cienna's own horse. "Think about what you've done."
He walked away and reached out to touch Cienna's horse gently on the nose if she poked her head out. "Master Tommaso, belligerent horses aside, It is good to see you." Harpur never stopped working, he rolled up his sleeves and picked up a broom to sweep the aisle of the stable. It was a kind gesture, but it also gave him a reason to linger and talk to Tommaso.
"Words been going around the barracks that you and Ms. Cienna have made a new friend among the guard. Thinking of joining?" he joked idly, breaching the subject as lightly as possible to avoid the young man feeling inclined to close up quickly. He cast a look out to see if he could catch sight of that dog again now that his beast was stabled, a little fond of dogs after all.
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Oh lovely. I'm sure the groundskeeper will be just as grateful for it." He, atleast, was glad he wasn't called to assist so early in the day. The upside was the weather hadn't gotten too hot yet. He left Harpur to stable the horse without getting in the way, but the other horses were certainly curious about the guest, too, especially Cienna's horse. When Harpur touched her, she bumped her nose into his fingers and sniffed for treats.
Spoiled, really.
The only other stallion elected to ignore the going ons, more interested in sleep.
"It is good to see you as well, Captain Eberhardt. Are you here on-duty?" Tommaso asked curiously, even if his expression remained set in its usual distant one. "I am not sure, it would be difficult to do everything required of me in one day if I joined the Guards. If I left it all to our older brother, we may never see him again." He almost chuckled dryly, checking the buckets of water around the stalls.
"Will your horse need anything?" He'd ask, though the dog seemed content to find some shade for the moment.
Degu — 02/17/2021
"No, not on-duty." Was he ever really off-duty? "Just a friendly visit" he smiled warmly, it was a far cry from what he was like within the city. On edge, angry, cutting. He swept the straw into a pile and scooped it up into a wheelbarrow, shaking his head "He's alright, he'll get fed when we get home. Just some water will do." he said and fetched some for his mighty steed himself, if only because an empty stall wouldn't have had any already in it.
A bit of shade wouldn't go amiss. Harpur stepped away and washed his hands before motioning to the tree the dog had taken to resting under "Join me? You sound like you could use a break Master Tommaso" he offered "Where is Ms. Cienna today?" he asked as he trudged over to the shelter of that nearby tree, clicking and kissing at that dog. "Good boy."
Rook — 02/17/2021
"Ah, very good. I'm sure, despite the incident, my father was glad to see you. Our mother will probably say hello, too, if you go inside." It was rare for her to wander the grounds, especially with all the work inside that needed her attention. He'd gesture to the barrels of water, but handed Harpur a bucket. "Of course."
Once the horse was tended to, Tomm would follow Harpur along. "I wouldn't mind. I've done my work for the stable and the rats have been cleared out for a while." Thanks to the dog! "I believe she was going to do some shopping and find Marc, before doing her usual wandering later." The dog was immediately all tail-wags and belly-exposing, tucking his legs to his chest.
"She won't be home until dinner, I believe, as is her usual routine."
Degu — 02/17/2021
Harpur sat down at the base of the tree, looking more serene than he ever did on the job. He had dropped down beside the dog, patting at the dogs belly and rubbing at its chest before a little gentle rough housing. He gripped it by the jaw and shook its head gently side to side with a fake little "grrr" pushing around those open jowls. "Ah of course" no big surprise that she was off with Marc as usual.
"Ah I'm sad that I may miss her then, I'll gladly pop in and say hello to your mother before I leave, if she hasn't banned me from the household after what just transpired" he looked awkwardly back towards the front gate, hoping the mess had already been cleaned and perhaps put to good use on a compost heap. Consider it a gift? heh.
"So this fellow you've been hanging around with, what's he like? I don't think he's in any of my units. Jack was it?" he asked, trying to ease Tommaso into talking about it naturally, but he was no silvertongue.
Rook — 02/17/2021
The dog, happy with this game, was quick to play along - offering play nips and his tail wagged harder. A bark or two followed.
"You could find her at the market after, I'm sure." Depending on how long she worked that day, even if he knew she'd bring things back that didn't sell at some point. "Heh. As long as you don't bring your horse inside, I'm sure she won't." What fun that'd bring, truly. Like a bull in a China shop sort of craziness.
When Harpur asked about Jack, Tomm's expression almost changed to something more inquisitive. "He makes for interesting company, well-traveled. He's clever, has offered hunting trips and I don't mind the company during it. He's got the advantage in the dark to help at those hours. Are you hoping to meet him?"
Degu — 02/17/2021
"Perhaps. If I want to meet him, I'm sure I can come across him during work hours" which secretly translated to 'I'll have him transferred to my unit so i can keep an eye on him'. "A vampire, though, Tommaso. I hope you're both being careful. You have to watch out for manipulative creatures like that" he worried, seeming genuinely concerned even though what he had said was pretty rough.
"You and Cienna go with him willingly? you don't feel strange or compelled?"
A pause. Even though he was fussing the dog all his attention was on the young man.
"How did you all meet anyway? By chance or did he make a point of approaching you?"
Rook — 02/17/2021
"That is true. How often do you do evening shifts?" Honestly, Harpur always on duty wouldn't surprise him, but he was sure the man liked having breaks. When he mentioned what Jack was, he remained unconcerned. For now. "We are fine. Being born to my sort of family presents all sorts that like that, human or otherwise."
At being asked about feeling strange, Tomm did think on it a moment. Would he even know? "I do not think so. We met at the gates of the house here. He was passing by and we got to talking about small things."
He moved to lean into the tree, looking across the yard. "I take it his visits are becoming common knowledge."
Degu — 02/17/2021
"I cycle to night shifts every two weeks usually." the permanent shadows under Harpur's eyes suggested that it took a toll on him no matter what he said. "Two weeks on, two weeks off" But when he heard 'human or otherwise' he bit back a sneer, looking at the dog for a distraction. "You silly thing" he told it as he hoisted the entire dog into his lap and held it like a damn baby, still patting that belly.
"There has been talk, that's all. I was worried so I came by, your father is worried too... a fathers gut instincts are often right, please be careful Tommaso. It is a sad world in which I have to warn you of a guard but we are still all people, we cannot sure of the deeper intentions of the men on our unit all of the time." he paused in his fussing of the dog and looked at him.
"Who's to say he did not plan your meeting? It may not have been chance. And you frequently go off alone with this man." He sighed "You are a grown man, I've no place to lecture you on safety with strangers. I know. My apologies Master Tommaso, but at least hear my words and be wary...you have to remember you and any member of your family are desirable targets for anyone with less than honorable intentions."
Rook — 02/18/2021
"You look like you could use a break from that." Harpur looked tired, and Tommaso could certainly sympathize, even if his work as a guard at his house didn't cover as much ground as the Captain dealing with an entire city. The dog certainly didn't mind all of this attention and he went for Harpur's face, intent on covering it with dog-kisses.
"My father would be concerned if it was anyone, I believe." He still didn't look sure, but he hadn't brought up with him and he knew Cienna would treat it as a non-issue as well. But, she was often running off in the woods despite his concerns. "He has not done much to prove himself to be a threat. If he wanted to do something, he might have had chances already."
Harpur mentioned the wandering off, afterall! "I do appreciate your concern, I do. I am capable, though, and Cienna has the Aiolfi twins about a lot. It's more her that I would be concerned about, with her condition, but there's not much that can be done to her without someone noticing."
Degu — 02/18/2021
Harpur was a big softy with dogs and it showed, as soon as his face was covered he laughed and turned his head this way and that to fake trying to escape "Oh no, oh no!" he gasped playfully at the dog. If anyone from the city saw him behaving this way they'd probably think they'd died and transcended to an idyllic world. "That is true, unless he's stringing you along until the right moment" Harpur added, it was obvious he found it hard to trust...especially a vampire. Long gone were the days he was leaping at them with tools of destruction.
"Alright, I will trust your judgement" he had no choice, he had no place to intervene. He reached out and placed a meaty hand on the younger mans shoulder to give it a squeeze. "Just stay vigilant, take a horn with you just in case so you can call for help if-" he caught himself doing it again, he was being a bit overbearing "I'll stop" he laughed softly "You know I just worry, maybe too much. But worrying this much kept me alive this long."
Rook — 02/18/2021
Tommaso turned to watch as Harpur gave in and pretended to try to escape, though he was more mindful of the dog getting too excited. Thankfully, no rougher nipping followed and it rolled away after a moment to pant off to the side. "There's not much for him to gain, if he is." He did wonder now, but shake his head after. "And it's not like he can try to step in to get ridiculously close to Cienna." He was sure Harpur might find amusement in that idea, with their father being wary at this point. A nonhuman trying to be a suitor. Laughable, really.
He inclined his head after, respectfully, still otherwise as Harpur rested a hand on his shoulder. "If it lessens your worries, I can mention where we're going to your group, yourself and my father. It would make it easier for anyone to find us, if need be." He suggested, but followed it up with another.
"I understand. You could also speak to Jack, I would not be bothered by it."
Degu — 02/18/2021
"Just leave word with your father before you head out, I'm sure it'd put him at ease knowing, and if anything does go awry we can come investigate. There's no harm in it." he smiled and nodded. He stretched, his arms going high up above his head with a groan as all his bones popped noisily. "Maybe I will talk to this Jack fellow, once I figure out which Jack it is" he chuckled.
He slapped his lap and pushed himself up to stand, patting himself down "Thank you for humoring me. Your father just wants you to be safe, I'm sure you know" he said kindly "I'd best go say hello to your mother before I depart." and see if he could sneak a snack out of the house, his stomach was grumbling.
Rook — 02/18/2021
"That is fair." Tommaso would try to pass the message along to the others, but knew it'd be a lost cause. Cienna never told anyone until after. "He is one of the privates. Dark-haired, pale-eyed...always looks tired. I guess it will not help him stand out, but he is not exactly one that has an appearance that sets him aside from others in a crowd." Except the whole vampire thing.
"Of course. I will go get your horse while you do that." Tomm offered, and he headed for the stables, flanked by the dog again who stared upwards at the younger man. "He will be waiting by the gates, for you."
Degu — 02/18/2021
"Thank you. It was good to see you today, Master Tommaso" he would slip into the house and say hello to Lady Grimani and drop some hints that he was going to go get some lunch because he hadn't eaten yet in the hopes of being allowed to take an apple with him or something, but then with that he headed off to the gate with a final farewell to Lord Grimani if he could find him.
Mounting his horse he waved and headed back on his way, not back into the city but more in the direction of the Aiolfi estate instead.
