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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Sept 16, 2023 9:23:29 GMT -5
It had been some time since the fall of Vulcadreus. The crisp autumnal air breezed through Bluescale Manor as for the time being its patriarch has decided to take a break. Said break may have come at the extremely insistent request of his wife, but the break was taken nonetheless. Leandros may not be adventuring, but it does not mean he is sitting idle. The chance to be home actually lets him indulge in his secret passion, animal husbandry.
After a morning breakfast with his wife, the knight makes his way down to the stables. In a rare sight for his adventuring friends, the Lion of the Landing is walking without armor. A simple white shirt is tucked into black slacks and simple boots are all that adorn Leandros. He does sport a few bandages still on his neck and chest, the minor lingering burns from bearing the heat of Vulcadreus.
With a smile, Leandros enters the stables to start undoing the gates on some of the stalls. A few younger looking horses are led out into the pasture to run and exercise. The last horse let out is Byrr who wears a few bandages of his own. The warhorse makes his way into the pasture with the knight at his side.
Leandros pats Byrr's shoulder as they walk out, "I am sure Apogee will let us return to road soon enough, but the rest is good...."
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Post by Askr Mimameith on Oct 1, 2023 22:41:18 GMT -5
Paradoxes are a surprisingly common thing, Askr finds.
They’re one of those many things he doesn’t quite get about the world, one of those things he could spend ages puzzling over and still not fully grasp, and yet, he feels like he encounters them all too frequently all the same. There’s a paradox to be found in the warmth that floods his synthetic heart whenever Caedes’s cold hands settle somewhere against his shoulder, his back, offering quiet support, the chill of his skin somehow wonderfully warm; there’s a paradox in how thinking back on some of the hardest things he’s ever suffered make him feel soft inside, as though there’s any comfort to be found in nearly burying a blade in the back of the man he respected most, in nearly suffocating beneath sand and stone with someone he cherishes. There is no logic in it, no sense to be sorted through, and Askr has long since stopped trying to find any– he has made… some sort of peace with the notion that not all things in this world will add up the way he wishes for them to.
It is paradoxical, then, how it can somehow feel like an eternity has passed since the God of Cycles fell by a small army’s hand, and still feel like it’s only been a day.
The days since have… passed, as time always does– slipping by, dissipating, melting away in the blink of an eye, each moment gone before Askr has even processed it’s made its entrance. He has done little of merit in that time, either; he has trailed after Caedes aimlessly, seeking refuge in the other man’s shadow, finding contentment in following after him and doing whatever might keep him busy, keep him distracted. It is… not easy, but it is something, and it is better than doing nothing, and that feels like enough, somehow.
Still, somewhere in the midst of those days passing him by, Askr managed to become distantly aware of an agreement he’d made after Vulcadreus’s fall– when he’d tried to offer an apology to Sir Leandros for the condition his warhorse had been in when the battle ended, only to be met with the insistence that it was… not his fault, and the gentle invitation for Askr to come visit him at his home, after enough time had passed for recovery to set in. It had been… easy to let it slip his mind, considering the weight of everything else on his mind, but… but humans heal decently quickly, from what he knows, and he can’t help but want to visit.
So Askr had quietly picked a day to slip away to Capitol Landing, a small gift in hand– an apple he thought looked nice for Byrr, and then another apple he thought also looked nice for Leandros–, making the journey to Bluescale Manor, the place Sir Leandros called home. He knows, deep down, that maybe he should have given more warning, but as he walks up the pathway toward the stables, searching for that familiar tall frame, he knows it’s too late to change his mind now.
“...Sir Leandros,” he calls quietly, like he’s afraid to be heard, and maybe he is– there is a part of him that still does not know how to accept the idea that the knight is not angry with him, that no blame burns in that chivalrous heart. “...Hello.”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 1, 2023 23:09:19 GMT -5
The estate of Bluescale Manor was an odd thing for those familiar with nobility. Of course, the lands covered many acres of lush greenery, but it lacked the pomp and circumstance of some noble yards. A beautifuly curated selection of flowers and greenery led people from the simple gate up to the manor itself, a large wooden structure set upon a fieldstone base. It seems to be newer as far as family holds go hinting that the Aurthurians are not the most well established lineages in Sol City, but no one inside the home would complain about that.
There would be an attendent to greet Askr, welcome the man into the home to wait as they called on their lord. The interior of the home seemed to hold that same gentle warmth the knight tried to espouse. There were few gaudy decorations, replaced instead with smaller decor picked out by Apogee or Leandros himself. A small painting of the both of them can be found tucked away in odd corners. In the most prominent places, there are trinkets that seem to be handmade and child-like in quality.
As Askr passes through the halls, he might notice the few prideful trophies the knight was collected. Namely a stuffed and mounted dragon head above the fireplace in what would be his study. At the back of the manor, Askr is once again hit with the space of the yard and is given freedom to make his way down to the knight.
When he approaches, Leandros turns to look over his shoulder with an immediately bright expression. "Good day, friend. I am glad you could make it! I know getting to Capitol Landing isn't the easiest trip these days...nor the most desirable, but it is good to see you again and in such good health."
For all intents and purposes the two are barely acquaintences, meeting once for a job then again on the battlefield, but Leandros treated the man as if they had been friends since childhood. Byrr throws his head up, tossing his mane, a small hello as best a horse can give.
"I hope the past few weeks have treated you well. No injuries if I recall?"
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Post by Askr Mimameith on Jan 7, 2024 1:03:14 GMT -5
Sir Leandros is an unusual man, Askr finds.
He is a nobleman, and while he does not speak with the crass tongue of a merc or rogue one might find in the places Askr calls home, he still seems to approach most people around him with warmth, with a casualness uncommon among those of his title, as if each half-stranger he meets is a friend waiting to happen. He comes from a lineage that could see him settled safely away from the dangers of the world, and yet, he’d been among the many there to slay the God of Cycles just weeks before, uncaring of the potential demise that awaited any of them. He surely has the fortune and means to have stablehands handle the dirty work that comes with maintaining a horse, and yet, here he is, tending to Byrr himself, unbothered by the potential dirt and grime that comes with it all.
He is both the thesis and antithesis of the portrait of a noble. Askr has had all kinds of experiences with noblemen– those who are bloodthirsty but refuse to draw the blade, those who value appearances above all, so on and so forth, but Sir Leandros is… not that. He is a knight first and a noble second, it seems, his shadow long and hard to stand in for any who would wish to try. To do so is a… daunting thought.
But Askr is not here to think to do so– he is not here to think of being a knight, not here to muse over Leandros’s virtue, not here to contemplate the shackles of nobility. He is here because he promised he would be, and– and because he does not believe he can stand another moment in Darkveil without Zarius’s familiar presence.
Grief is a foreign and familiar tether. Askr does not want to let it linger.
“...No injuries, sir,” he says in reply, trying to keep his tone clear, his voice even. It is difficult; the past few weeks have stolen the volume from his voice, the already sparse inflection from his tone. “I am fine. Are you recovering well?”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 7, 2024 1:39:05 GMT -5
He gives the swordsman a small and affable smile with a warm laugh as he puts a hand gently to Askr's shoulder, "There is no need to call me sir. Leandros is more than fine."
The hand slowly retreats as the knight bends down to pick up a brush. He grabs one of Byrr's legs to gently lift it up and start brusing the dirt from the hoof to prepare it for trimming. The knight speaks as he works.
"I have been, Ap has made sure of that." Another warm laugh. "The worry and the doting is good though...reminds me that what we fought to protect was worth it. I hate to make her worry like that, but she is also the reason I feel compelled to do such things."
Leandros pauses brushing a moment as a soft and wistful look crosses his face a moment.
"I am sorry Askr, but it seems my bad habit of gushing over my wife has struck again. I would say it won't happen again, but knowing myself it is not a question of if, but when."
Leandros takes a moment to finish up the brushing of the hooves for Byrr before giving him a gentle pat on the side. Out in the distance of the pasture a few other horses can be seen running in the distance. They gallop across the fields in what seems like a race of their own making. None of the horses seem quite as big as Byrr, much sleeker looking than the war horse, but impressive in and of themselves.
"You did well with Byrr, have you ever thought of having a horse of your own Askr? I know the battle was a little unplanned, but if you want I would be more than happy to show you how its done. Byrr here could use a little exercise anyways."
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Post by Askr Mimameith on Jan 21, 2024 13:13:03 GMT -5
Ah, there it is again– Askr is well aware that Leandros has asked him to not call him “sir” before, back when they had first met in the woods of the Marsh Flats, back when they had both been investigating the case of some so-called ghosts haunting the forests. It is… a difficult habit to break, however; Askr addresses nearly everyone with the same level of propriety, with “sir” and “miss” and so on, always quick to place himself beneath them, offering respect in the first breath of conversation he can give. And Leandros commands respect– he is the picture of a knight and a nobleman and a hero, and it is… difficult not to flinch at the idea of offending him.
And yet, while he commands respect, he also commands humility; where he is strong and stalwart, he is gentle– where he is powerful, he is modest. It is no wonder why he would not wish to elevate himself above any other, and… Askr must do his best to respect that wish.
“...My apologies,” he says quietly. “It is… habit. I am trying.”
He watches curiously as Leandros handles Byrr’s leg, as gentle as ever in the way he brushes dirt from the creature’s hoof– but his attention swiftly drifts away from Leandros’s task as the knight begins to talk, an impossible fondness filling each word he speaks as he talks about the woman Askr presumes must be his wife.
Ah. He recognizes this– he knows what it means to see those blue eyes light up like little stars, to hear his voice change so profoundly, each word he speaks filled with an impossible level of adoration as he talks of worry and worth, the merit of the fight they’d led, his reason for carrying forward. It is… love, isn’t it? That is love– Leandros is in love. Askr thinks you are supposed to be in love with the person you are married to, of course, but it is obvious even to him just how much the man adores his wife. It is… sweet. It makes it all the stranger when he starts apologizing.
“...No,” he says, unsure of how to proceed. “You… do not need to say sorry. You love her, yes? It is… good that you do. I am glad that you love her.”
The words feel stilted, an inaccurate way of conveying what he means, but they are as close as he can get.
Regardless, the topic shifts from matters of love to matters of the field; Askr stiffens just slightly at the mention of how he’d handled Byrr back in the battle of Vulcadreus, even if Leandros offers nothing but praise– he certainly does not feel he’d done well, after all–, but the tension is quickly replaced by… surprise at Leandros’s offer. He has… never considered having a horse of his own. He never considers owning much of anything at all.
“...I could… try,” he says, almost tentative. “If you are sure.”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 21, 2024 13:58:16 GMT -5
"Trying is all we can do, friend." The overwhelming humility and refusal to put himself above others comes much to the chagrin of Leandros' mother, but that is a story for another time.
He can't help but be a little bemused at Askr's slight unsuredness when it comes to talking about love. Leandros didn't know much about his background, but he knew love was sometimes a foreign concept for people in his station where marriages are made for convienience not companionship. Again, another thing his mother tried to force upon him, but oddly enough the perfect knight was sort of a problem child at times. That is if you consider marrying people you love and not belittling others for your own gain as problems.
Leandros looks out to the field a moment as Askr thinks over the offer. When the man does accept, Leandros beams again and lets out a high pitched whistle to call them in. The clamour of hooves eventually start to turn and head in their direction. They still jostle for position and try to be there first.
"They are a young herd," Leandros chuckles, "But I think this group may have a good option for you. A lineage of Sol City Walking Horse and the mare was if I recall correctly Charonian Quarter Horse and King's Valley Cob. A little on the smaller side, but the temparment is right, they should do well in fights...I train all of the horses here to handle loud noises and fights, but they don't have quite the capabilities Byrr here has...still an easy gait should make them easy to adjust to."
It is clear the knight takes as much pride in each horse as he does anything else in his life. As good as he is at fighting, this is clearly where his passion lies.
"Acquaint yourself with them and feel free to see if you bond with any. I will fetch some saddles when you're ready. Riding bareback is....less than recommended."
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Post by Askr Mimameith on Apr 9, 2024 19:19:26 GMT -5
It’s a small comfort, really, to let subjects of things like love and humility slowly fall behind them in favor of Leandros’s offer to teach him how to properly handle a horse; Askr will listen to any orders he is given, maintain any conversation as long as it is necessary, but he is… clumsy in the ways of the heart. He is not sure how fruitful any conversation about marriage or wedded life with him could possibly be– honestly, he figures it would just be a lot of awkward nodding and monosyllabic answers, and that would only be tiresome for Si– Leandros.
So it is nice that Leandros immediately looks out to the field and whistles to the herd of horses, beckoning them to head their direction– miraculously, they respond almost instantly, galloping over in a storm of dust and thunder against the earth. Askr isn’t sure what it is that makes them respond so easily and instantaneously, but… perhaps Leandros’s charisma extends even to horses?
…or perhaps it is horse magic. He will not rule that out.
Regardless, he nods agreeably as Leandros goes over the horses’ lineage, their characteristics, over all the skills they possess; some of it flies over Askr’s head, things like type and nature slipping him by, but he can at least figure out what most of it means. Things like temperament and gait, resilience– all things a human fighter too must rely upon, just in a different form. The same language, just a different register.
“...Alright,” he says, eyeing all of the horses carefully before slowly walking up to one of them standing toward the edge of the herd– one with a silvery coat and a white mane, a little white star emblazoned on its forehead. It snorts quietly as he approaches, almost wary, but doesn’t kick or run away– merely stares at him as he walks up and pauses in front of it.
The only horse Askr has ever handled besides the few he’s dealt with on mercenary missions has been Byrr, who had dealt with him at his clumsiest with relative ease. He cannot expect that grace from a horse that isn’t Byrr– and… he needs to be careful in his approach.
“Do I just… stand here?” He asks, looking back to Leandros. “Or…?”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Apr 9, 2024 19:32:59 GMT -5
If Askr was serious about learning to ride, then Leandros would teach him but he figured it best not to overwhelm the man with just how difficult it is. Leandros had the benefit of being with Byrr since the stallion was born which certainly impacts the bond you can form. These foals were still young enough that it shouldn't make too much a difference.
The knight brims with a smile as Askr approaches one without hesitation, or at the very least just picking the stillest once. Thankfully it doesn't run and Leandros lets them stand for a moment and get used to the presence of the other.
"Slowly hold out a hand and allow them to take in your smell....after a few moments you can try and put a hand on her nose...you're just asking to get to know them at this point."
No matter the result, Leandros is happy to see a friend trying something new, something that seems out of their normal wheel house. He stands well enough back to give them a chance to get aquainted without his influence overpowering things. Being the one to mainly train them, they might be more cautious or hesistant if he is too close.
"If you feel comfortable, try to pet her...one hand at the bottom of the neck....it's ok if she flinches, try again and see if she relaxes, right now its all about getting her to understand you are not a threat, but a friend. Respect her as a horse and an intelligent life, not just a tool, and she will see the same in you. That trust is going to be the key of your relationship with any mount."
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