RP between Rigby (Sandro), Rook and Degu (Harpur)
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Rigby — 05/31/2021
[pre-dates the-light-of-aetheros obv~ ^^ ]
Sandro — 06/01/2021
Alessandro had been playing the host; even where the intruder had crept into his brain, leaning on faculty after faculty until he knew it would consume it all, he insisted he knew what he was and who he was, and he would hang onto that as long as he could.
For he was Alessandro di Aiolfi, human, a man who would entertain without compunction and defend his children without mercy or quarter. This tendency, this papa-wolf inclination, naturally extended to Aeson's - the children had spent enough time growing up in his own house, anyway
He'd remembered that guard and Tomm. He remembered that gang around them. For however truly he entertained any benefits of the doubt regarding the supernatural beings closer to the children or whether it was for show ultimately didn't matter; it evaporated the moment Tomm's disappearance reached his ears.
He'd called upon Harpur as a guard and a friend, and Aeson as Tomm's father; the excuse was to share a meal, but the reason was to gather information and decide on a plan. No extra attendants were present, though he did admit that there was little he could truly do to stop any of the children from snooping if they'd caught wind of this one...
Rook — 06/02/2021
Aeson would come alone, likely leaving the care of their home in his eldest son's capable hands, though he was sure Cienna would come seeking out Marc when he wasn't paying attention. Once allowed inside, he nodded his thanks to the house's servants and headed for the hall where Sandro was waiting. His wife, however, remained in hopes their son would come back.
"Thank you for hosting this."
He hoped it would offer some means to fix this 'issue', even if he didn't quite know the best way to go about it. Everything else seemed to fail. He took a seat when appropriate and waited for their other guest before bothering to really get into details.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/03/2021
Harpur turned up upon the back of his mighty stallion, Valiento. From inside the dining room it'd be easy to hear hoofs clopping on stone tiles as he pulled his beast into the courtyard and tied him to a post outside next to a trough. He wouldn't be here all night so it was fine, unless he was delayed and then he'd move his beast to the stables.
Hopping off the horse he stepped inside with a single rap on the door on his way in "Sandro." he'd greet his close friend, smiling at him though it ended up looking more serious than intended, moving to sit at his right side as he only felt was appropriate, unless Aeson insisted of course, they were nobles and he was not.
"Yes, Thank you"
He cast a serious, concerned look to poor Aeson "You must be very worried. We'll sort this out."
Sandro — 06/05/2021
This would be a difficult one. As nobility - and especially as their children slowly came of age and could only generate gossip that many would horrifyingly start to describe as 'spicy' - were already always, constantly in the public eye. Things were already tense, and Sandro was struggling with finding an 'acceptable' line to walk for the sake of the public eye.
But this was their children involved. And shady characters were shady characters, regardless of species; he'd keep that in the forefront of his mind. A shady vampire should be dealt with accordingly.
He'd greeted each with a strained smile and waited until they were all sat comfortably; drinks were provided and the meal was ready and he, himself, would offer them in lieu of attending staff. And when they were ready, he'd jump right in.
"'Beguiled' is an old-fashioned word," especially when it came to vampires. Beguiled, influenced, enthralled; the creatures' reputation was not unearned. "And I would rather not...jump right to it. But I'm afraid that and share what everyone knows about this situation; Lord Grimani, Master Eberhart, you'd both been suspicious about this guard and his...sort." The children were allowed to keep their own company of course - but there had been several too many suspicions around this particular guard. There were no 'Harpurs' or 'Aesons,' here - at least not at first. The formality did drop, however, at the first 'Tomm.' The kids would get their 'kid' names from Sandro, perhaps in spite of his best efforts!
"Tomm had made an appearance with this guard and a girl at my party. This is the last time I'd seen them all together." That he was sure of, at least. "Aeson, what had you seen, what do you know that had led up to this...event? And Harpur...similar question; what do you know, what should we know about this character?"
Rook — 06/06/2021
"Good evening, Eberhardt." While this guard was a welcomed presence, Aeson didn't know him as well as Sandro. Perhaps that would change. He was quiet as Sandro spoke and he listened attentively, hands placed over his stomach. He barely acknowledged much else in the room, for the moment.
When there was a chance to speak, he'd do so quickly. "I don't want to consider that there's something forced in why my son has been so quick to befriend him, but I won't rule it out." It was a possibility, though he wondered if Jack would've just done it to them all if it was the case. He was around enough for it. "I don't remember when they first met, only that there were planned hunting trips and that my son preferred him as a personal guard."
There was the other presence, too. "I don't know anything about the girl, that was the only time I think she was ever in the city. She's never been around my home." A nod to Harpur followed. "I am, it's not like him to go off on this. We had a planned arrangement elsewhere and he told me he didn't want to do it, that he would rather branch out first. See other places. That was where the issue arose." A wave of his hand. "And he immediately went off to do just that."
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/07/2021
Harpur grunted at the word 'Beguiled' Everyone knew vampires charmed the living and lured them away not unlike fae. "A girl?" he rumbles and looks up "I know he's a manipulative vampire, refuses to join my unit. I had hoped to keep an eye on him, learn him better but he gave me a run around. If I remember correctly made mention of taking complaints to my superior." he growled with a sour expression.
"He has something to hide, that much seems obvious. I cannot figure out what his agenda is but I have theories. They're extreme theories, I hope they are incorrect." he looked to Aeson sympathetically.
He hated the thought of Marc disappearing like this, he'd found Jack talking to him that one time.
"Did he make any mention of where he'd head first? Any places of interest hinted at? ...a journal left behind with notes?" They had to take what they could get.
Sandro — 06/07/2021
"I don't want to consider that there's something forced in why my son has been so quick to befriend him, but I won't rule it out."
Sandro remained quiet at that, though some tension released in the way he rubbed at his temples. His mind had a way to jump to the worst case scenario; in his defense, his past had been the sort that had a way of confirming that sort of thinking.
He had no doubt this guard had taken Tomm, and was certain there was some influence involved; he also had no proof. And he was here to help them all formulate a direction, not frighten or aggravate Aeson.
And his heart sank somewhat, hearing Tomm's wish to go elsewhere. Oh, he knew that feeling well. An Aiolfi without...
"A girl." He'd provide a description of her, a quick rundown from what he'd remembered from the event (or, somewhat more likely, what he'd detailed later in his journaling). "If she was visiting, this would obviously be difficult but she could be a lead, otherwise. See if Cienna or Marcello or any of the guests know who that might've been. Harpur, this may have to go to your superior as well."
He ceded to Harpur's next questions - perhaps Tomm had mentioned a lead, once?
Rook — 06/08/2021
"Yes, she was at the party." When Harpur spoke of manipulation, Aeson was, of course, concerned. "I didn't realize he'd offer such a detriment to your plans." Though, he also wasn't surprised - going to higher ups was an easy way to get someone off their back. "If you wouldn't mind sharing.." Not that he was happy to visualize any possibility, but Harpur had been around Jack more.
"As for the girl, perhaps a visitor. I don't know where she'd be staying. Honestly, I don't even know where Jack lives." A questioning glance to Harpur followed.
"Honestly, most of the mention has been about hunting and I can't see them sticking to the forests here." Aeson was also unsure about going through his son's things, incase the invasion of privacy became an issue when he returned. "He took a few things with him, however. Horses, his dog. They went with a wagon." There was some relief there, since it meant his son took things to keep himself safe.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/14/2021
"I was going to bring the girl up next, anyone new could be a lead." he grumbles with concern. He nods at the mention of his superior, most likely it will.
"Regarding Jack I'll have to contact his superior, Captain Harken. " he sneers a little at the mention of the man, but says nothing.
"We can check with the city guards that patrol the city borders and the faewatch for what they've seen, maybe we can find a direction unless you know which way they went, My Lord?" he asked Aeson.
Sandro — 06/20/2021
It was a good spot for the three of them to touch base and gather information; Harpur had his plans to go after Jack (and likely what was sounding like a miniature cult of personality around the man), Aeson had brought his context, Sandro could see what else any of the remaining children knew. Each man was fixed with rapt, if not slightly strained, attention, and each good point or idea was acknowledged and encouraged with a nod - curiously he'd also seemed to be discreetly taking very shorthand notes when focus was off of him.
"A wagon is visible. A wagon can be tracked." To a point; but still. It was a lead.
For the alpha of the house of wolves to grimace, albeit slightly, at the mention of 'hunting' was a feat in and of itself. But vampires, werewolves...those contaigon-type supernaturals often had a different idea of 'hunting' than what humans typically required. Sandro wasn't convinced there wasn't any beguiling going on!
To Harpur's plan, he only added an, "I will accompany you." It wasn't a question. Probably because of the 'Faewatch' part of that plan, right?
Rook — 06/20/2021
"If she's still here, and didn't go with them." A possibility, he was sure. Plus, not knowing where she lived to begin with was also a problem. "Would they be suspicious if you did so?" He asked of Harpur, and he watched him a moment while he considered Sandro's next lead. "We could, definitely."
As Harpur mentioned the guards and the watch, Aeson was certainly in agreement. "What were your possible theories?" He was still curious about those, even if it wouldn't set his mind at ease. "Perhaps we could find some idea from this Guard's own house." If he had one. "If that's not too much to suggest or go with, of course."
He didn't want to go through his son's things, but someone else's entirely, especially in this case, didn't bother him.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/25/2021
"Let them be suspicious." Is all he said regarding Aeson's question, he didn't see that it would be an obstacle if they were.
Harpur nodded at Sandro, reaching to grip his shoulder in solidarity "I hate to say it, but the fae are wily, eyes in every tree. Perhaps faewatch could approach the court guard at the borders." He practically sneered at the thought, but he could put his hate aside for a common goal. They needed the young man back and alive, it depended if the court guard were feeling cooperative (a rare thing).
"I will talk to Captain Donovan, and I will take a look at this guard's home. It's not too much at all" his touch lingers on Sandro's shoulder a little longer than is necessary before he lets his hand fall to the hilt of his sword "We have no time to waste" he tells Aeson with a bow of his head "I'll head off immediately, unless I am needed here any longer. I will do everything within my power to ensure we find your son, my Lord."
Sandro — 06/26/2021
He nodded, hummed thoughtfully. "Faewatch could." He'd imagine it wouldn't be a difficult argument to at least try or convince others to do the same. Fae had children. Some species of fae cared for children so much they'd steal some, themselves. A missing child would be a common goal, surely.
"We'll start there. Sounds like a plan, boys." It was grim despite the thin smirk, determined, and delivered with more than a sliver of gallows humor among the command.
And a quick slip back into proper formality; when Harpur solidified his plan, Sandro rose and dipped his head, found his hand on Harpur's hand only semi-consciously, before he allowed the other man to drop it. "Thank you Harpur. Arrivederci, until we meet again with news."
Then turning to the other noble, he hummed an, "Aeson." Any remaining formality was gone, and expression was now writ fairly openly across his face - Tomm wasn't his own child, but he might as well have been. And Aeson had not yet known what it was like to lose one so suddenly.
He took a deep breath.
"Eat. 'Enjoy the day,' sounds trite, but it isn't a bad day, either." A vague gesture upward; spoken like someone who'd hung onto these days as treasures, numbered and finite.
"Harpur and I will move on what the three of us know and have found. Any news you find, no matter how small, comes to us, all right? I'll do the same should our leads prove fruitful." He sighed, chewed on his bottom lip, before continuing, "I have not failed a hunt, yet. And that's without Harpur!" The surly guard and hunter's reputation was very well known, for good or for ill. "If there are answers, we will find them."
Rook — 06/26/2021
"I appreciate it. I will try to get in contact with those who work closely with my House and see what they might be able to do." If anything, though he did have faith in those connections. "When should we meet up again to discuss what we've picked up?" He asked the pair, though he paid no mind to Harpur's touches to his other friend.
"Of course, I will be off as well." Aeson agreed and he stood, a bow of his head followed. All attention would fall on Sandro now. "I hope not, especially with the help I'm getting." Still, he worried about what they'd find. "I do have faith all of us will find something. Have a good evening." With little else offered, the man would take his leave.
Sandro — 06/29/2021
"As soon as we find them. If it's midnight and news arrives, do not hesitate to wake me by any means necessary. Runners. Yourself. Any of the children. Otherwise...one week's time, same place?
"I haven't...been well, lately." It was a sudden, stark moment of honesty he rarely confronted, though it was a fairly open secret considering his time away from the Faewatch. "Should I be unavailable because of this, Enrica and Marcello have been learning the duties of the House as well. I don't want to worry the children," he added quickly. Rather understandable - this WAS their Tomm, after all! "It would be a last resort. But I also don't plan on any other bouts of illness getting in the way."
He returned Aeson's bow. "You have a good evening as well, Grimani. As good as can be expected, at any rate. Arrivaderci."
[pre-dates the-light-of-aetheros obv~ ^^ ]
Sandro — 06/01/2021
Alessandro had been playing the host; even where the intruder had crept into his brain, leaning on faculty after faculty until he knew it would consume it all, he insisted he knew what he was and who he was, and he would hang onto that as long as he could.
For he was Alessandro di Aiolfi, human, a man who would entertain without compunction and defend his children without mercy or quarter. This tendency, this papa-wolf inclination, naturally extended to Aeson's - the children had spent enough time growing up in his own house, anyway
He'd remembered that guard and Tomm. He remembered that gang around them. For however truly he entertained any benefits of the doubt regarding the supernatural beings closer to the children or whether it was for show ultimately didn't matter; it evaporated the moment Tomm's disappearance reached his ears.
He'd called upon Harpur as a guard and a friend, and Aeson as Tomm's father; the excuse was to share a meal, but the reason was to gather information and decide on a plan. No extra attendants were present, though he did admit that there was little he could truly do to stop any of the children from snooping if they'd caught wind of this one...
Rook — 06/02/2021
Aeson would come alone, likely leaving the care of their home in his eldest son's capable hands, though he was sure Cienna would come seeking out Marc when he wasn't paying attention. Once allowed inside, he nodded his thanks to the house's servants and headed for the hall where Sandro was waiting. His wife, however, remained in hopes their son would come back.
"Thank you for hosting this."
He hoped it would offer some means to fix this 'issue', even if he didn't quite know the best way to go about it. Everything else seemed to fail. He took a seat when appropriate and waited for their other guest before bothering to really get into details.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/03/2021
Harpur turned up upon the back of his mighty stallion, Valiento. From inside the dining room it'd be easy to hear hoofs clopping on stone tiles as he pulled his beast into the courtyard and tied him to a post outside next to a trough. He wouldn't be here all night so it was fine, unless he was delayed and then he'd move his beast to the stables.
Hopping off the horse he stepped inside with a single rap on the door on his way in "Sandro." he'd greet his close friend, smiling at him though it ended up looking more serious than intended, moving to sit at his right side as he only felt was appropriate, unless Aeson insisted of course, they were nobles and he was not.
"Yes, Thank you"
He cast a serious, concerned look to poor Aeson "You must be very worried. We'll sort this out."
Sandro — 06/05/2021
This would be a difficult one. As nobility - and especially as their children slowly came of age and could only generate gossip that many would horrifyingly start to describe as 'spicy' - were already always, constantly in the public eye. Things were already tense, and Sandro was struggling with finding an 'acceptable' line to walk for the sake of the public eye.
But this was their children involved. And shady characters were shady characters, regardless of species; he'd keep that in the forefront of his mind. A shady vampire should be dealt with accordingly.
He'd greeted each with a strained smile and waited until they were all sat comfortably; drinks were provided and the meal was ready and he, himself, would offer them in lieu of attending staff. And when they were ready, he'd jump right in.
"'Beguiled' is an old-fashioned word," especially when it came to vampires. Beguiled, influenced, enthralled; the creatures' reputation was not unearned. "And I would rather not...jump right to it. But I'm afraid that and share what everyone knows about this situation; Lord Grimani, Master Eberhart, you'd both been suspicious about this guard and his...sort." The children were allowed to keep their own company of course - but there had been several too many suspicions around this particular guard. There were no 'Harpurs' or 'Aesons,' here - at least not at first. The formality did drop, however, at the first 'Tomm.' The kids would get their 'kid' names from Sandro, perhaps in spite of his best efforts!
"Tomm had made an appearance with this guard and a girl at my party. This is the last time I'd seen them all together." That he was sure of, at least. "Aeson, what had you seen, what do you know that had led up to this...event? And Harpur...similar question; what do you know, what should we know about this character?"
Rook — 06/06/2021
"Good evening, Eberhardt." While this guard was a welcomed presence, Aeson didn't know him as well as Sandro. Perhaps that would change. He was quiet as Sandro spoke and he listened attentively, hands placed over his stomach. He barely acknowledged much else in the room, for the moment.
When there was a chance to speak, he'd do so quickly. "I don't want to consider that there's something forced in why my son has been so quick to befriend him, but I won't rule it out." It was a possibility, though he wondered if Jack would've just done it to them all if it was the case. He was around enough for it. "I don't remember when they first met, only that there were planned hunting trips and that my son preferred him as a personal guard."
There was the other presence, too. "I don't know anything about the girl, that was the only time I think she was ever in the city. She's never been around my home." A nod to Harpur followed. "I am, it's not like him to go off on this. We had a planned arrangement elsewhere and he told me he didn't want to do it, that he would rather branch out first. See other places. That was where the issue arose." A wave of his hand. "And he immediately went off to do just that."
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/07/2021
Harpur grunted at the word 'Beguiled' Everyone knew vampires charmed the living and lured them away not unlike fae. "A girl?" he rumbles and looks up "I know he's a manipulative vampire, refuses to join my unit. I had hoped to keep an eye on him, learn him better but he gave me a run around. If I remember correctly made mention of taking complaints to my superior." he growled with a sour expression.
"He has something to hide, that much seems obvious. I cannot figure out what his agenda is but I have theories. They're extreme theories, I hope they are incorrect." he looked to Aeson sympathetically.
He hated the thought of Marc disappearing like this, he'd found Jack talking to him that one time.
"Did he make any mention of where he'd head first? Any places of interest hinted at? ...a journal left behind with notes?" They had to take what they could get.
Sandro — 06/07/2021
"I don't want to consider that there's something forced in why my son has been so quick to befriend him, but I won't rule it out."
Sandro remained quiet at that, though some tension released in the way he rubbed at his temples. His mind had a way to jump to the worst case scenario; in his defense, his past had been the sort that had a way of confirming that sort of thinking.
He had no doubt this guard had taken Tomm, and was certain there was some influence involved; he also had no proof. And he was here to help them all formulate a direction, not frighten or aggravate Aeson.
And his heart sank somewhat, hearing Tomm's wish to go elsewhere. Oh, he knew that feeling well. An Aiolfi without...
"A girl." He'd provide a description of her, a quick rundown from what he'd remembered from the event (or, somewhat more likely, what he'd detailed later in his journaling). "If she was visiting, this would obviously be difficult but she could be a lead, otherwise. See if Cienna or Marcello or any of the guests know who that might've been. Harpur, this may have to go to your superior as well."
He ceded to Harpur's next questions - perhaps Tomm had mentioned a lead, once?
Rook — 06/08/2021
"Yes, she was at the party." When Harpur spoke of manipulation, Aeson was, of course, concerned. "I didn't realize he'd offer such a detriment to your plans." Though, he also wasn't surprised - going to higher ups was an easy way to get someone off their back. "If you wouldn't mind sharing.." Not that he was happy to visualize any possibility, but Harpur had been around Jack more.
"As for the girl, perhaps a visitor. I don't know where she'd be staying. Honestly, I don't even know where Jack lives." A questioning glance to Harpur followed.
"Honestly, most of the mention has been about hunting and I can't see them sticking to the forests here." Aeson was also unsure about going through his son's things, incase the invasion of privacy became an issue when he returned. "He took a few things with him, however. Horses, his dog. They went with a wagon." There was some relief there, since it meant his son took things to keep himself safe.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/14/2021
"I was going to bring the girl up next, anyone new could be a lead." he grumbles with concern. He nods at the mention of his superior, most likely it will.
"Regarding Jack I'll have to contact his superior, Captain Harken. " he sneers a little at the mention of the man, but says nothing.
"We can check with the city guards that patrol the city borders and the faewatch for what they've seen, maybe we can find a direction unless you know which way they went, My Lord?" he asked Aeson.
Sandro — 06/20/2021
It was a good spot for the three of them to touch base and gather information; Harpur had his plans to go after Jack (and likely what was sounding like a miniature cult of personality around the man), Aeson had brought his context, Sandro could see what else any of the remaining children knew. Each man was fixed with rapt, if not slightly strained, attention, and each good point or idea was acknowledged and encouraged with a nod - curiously he'd also seemed to be discreetly taking very shorthand notes when focus was off of him.
"A wagon is visible. A wagon can be tracked." To a point; but still. It was a lead.
For the alpha of the house of wolves to grimace, albeit slightly, at the mention of 'hunting' was a feat in and of itself. But vampires, werewolves...those contaigon-type supernaturals often had a different idea of 'hunting' than what humans typically required. Sandro wasn't convinced there wasn't any beguiling going on!
To Harpur's plan, he only added an, "I will accompany you." It wasn't a question. Probably because of the 'Faewatch' part of that plan, right?
Rook — 06/20/2021
"If she's still here, and didn't go with them." A possibility, he was sure. Plus, not knowing where she lived to begin with was also a problem. "Would they be suspicious if you did so?" He asked of Harpur, and he watched him a moment while he considered Sandro's next lead. "We could, definitely."
As Harpur mentioned the guards and the watch, Aeson was certainly in agreement. "What were your possible theories?" He was still curious about those, even if it wouldn't set his mind at ease. "Perhaps we could find some idea from this Guard's own house." If he had one. "If that's not too much to suggest or go with, of course."
He didn't want to go through his son's things, but someone else's entirely, especially in this case, didn't bother him.
Harpur Eberhardt — 06/25/2021
"Let them be suspicious." Is all he said regarding Aeson's question, he didn't see that it would be an obstacle if they were.
Harpur nodded at Sandro, reaching to grip his shoulder in solidarity "I hate to say it, but the fae are wily, eyes in every tree. Perhaps faewatch could approach the court guard at the borders." He practically sneered at the thought, but he could put his hate aside for a common goal. They needed the young man back and alive, it depended if the court guard were feeling cooperative (a rare thing).
"I will talk to Captain Donovan, and I will take a look at this guard's home. It's not too much at all" his touch lingers on Sandro's shoulder a little longer than is necessary before he lets his hand fall to the hilt of his sword "We have no time to waste" he tells Aeson with a bow of his head "I'll head off immediately, unless I am needed here any longer. I will do everything within my power to ensure we find your son, my Lord."
Sandro — 06/26/2021
He nodded, hummed thoughtfully. "Faewatch could." He'd imagine it wouldn't be a difficult argument to at least try or convince others to do the same. Fae had children. Some species of fae cared for children so much they'd steal some, themselves. A missing child would be a common goal, surely.
"We'll start there. Sounds like a plan, boys." It was grim despite the thin smirk, determined, and delivered with more than a sliver of gallows humor among the command.
And a quick slip back into proper formality; when Harpur solidified his plan, Sandro rose and dipped his head, found his hand on Harpur's hand only semi-consciously, before he allowed the other man to drop it. "Thank you Harpur. Arrivederci, until we meet again with news."
Then turning to the other noble, he hummed an, "Aeson." Any remaining formality was gone, and expression was now writ fairly openly across his face - Tomm wasn't his own child, but he might as well have been. And Aeson had not yet known what it was like to lose one so suddenly.
He took a deep breath.
"Eat. 'Enjoy the day,' sounds trite, but it isn't a bad day, either." A vague gesture upward; spoken like someone who'd hung onto these days as treasures, numbered and finite.
"Harpur and I will move on what the three of us know and have found. Any news you find, no matter how small, comes to us, all right? I'll do the same should our leads prove fruitful." He sighed, chewed on his bottom lip, before continuing, "I have not failed a hunt, yet. And that's without Harpur!" The surly guard and hunter's reputation was very well known, for good or for ill. "If there are answers, we will find them."
Rook — 06/26/2021
"I appreciate it. I will try to get in contact with those who work closely with my House and see what they might be able to do." If anything, though he did have faith in those connections. "When should we meet up again to discuss what we've picked up?" He asked the pair, though he paid no mind to Harpur's touches to his other friend.
"Of course, I will be off as well." Aeson agreed and he stood, a bow of his head followed. All attention would fall on Sandro now. "I hope not, especially with the help I'm getting." Still, he worried about what they'd find. "I do have faith all of us will find something. Have a good evening." With little else offered, the man would take his leave.
Sandro — 06/29/2021
"As soon as we find them. If it's midnight and news arrives, do not hesitate to wake me by any means necessary. Runners. Yourself. Any of the children. Otherwise...one week's time, same place?
"I haven't...been well, lately." It was a sudden, stark moment of honesty he rarely confronted, though it was a fairly open secret considering his time away from the Faewatch. "Should I be unavailable because of this, Enrica and Marcello have been learning the duties of the House as well. I don't want to worry the children," he added quickly. Rather understandable - this WAS their Tomm, after all! "It would be a last resort. But I also don't plan on any other bouts of illness getting in the way."
He returned Aeson's bow. "You have a good evening as well, Grimani. As good as can be expected, at any rate. Arrivaderci."