Reluctantly, Railtus acquiesed with a shrug. It seemed Julen knew little more of Aranel than Railtus did. That said, the time spent between Railtus and Julen could not have been much longer. No obvious solution presented itself as to how best to find the missing elf-maid. Truthfully, he did not even know what goal he would serve by finding her.
Only, he truly wished she was safe. If she had stated a wish to leave then his mind would be at rest.
"That seems like all we can do. Very well. The rest is up to her. I wish her well and pray for her safety." As much as he would like to claim otherwise, tracking her down would be a selfish act, to appease his own wish to have the situation under some sort of control than to truly benefit Aranel. And he would not do that. If he were to come across some sign of her whereabouts, then he would confirm her safety, beyond that, he had no right to follow her.
Now for his next question. The questions came as a surprise to Railtus, but then Julen had no way of knowing such things. Only now unwrapping his own bundle of food, Railtus formulated an answer. "If you are in my service, here. Your own expenses are why the pay is so high. You would be in my service rather than that of House Anstrun, which I believe is more of what you had in mind." That statement was delivered in the tone of a question, as though inviting Julen to speak his true feelings on the matter.
With that, Railtus began his meal, in turn using it to grant Julen time to speak. Even while eating, Railtus was attentive, the formal household dinners had ingrained that much in him. Conversations during meals were usual practice. In fact, eating in the presence of company without discussion felt unnatural.
Even when buckling on his armour and sword-belt, Railtus' face showed interest. His shield, he handed over to Julen, as arms-bearing was among the duties of both a squire and a footman. Last, but not least, something else changed hands, as was only more appropriate.
"Five bishani for the day, as promised."
Musical Illusions
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Sir Karsimir
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“My wish is to be in your service,” Julen hastened to clarify. “I only asked because I assumed you’d be staying with your family. If you’re there, and I’m here, I don’t see how I’ll be able to assist you properly. You will be staying there, won’t you? You came all this way to see them...” With a touch of embarrassment, Julen realized that he still didn’t know just how far Railtus had come, or from where. He’d spent so much of last night babbling about his own troubles, Railtus hadn’t been able to get a word in edgewise. Silently scolding himself for such poor manners, Julen resolved that on the trip to House Anstrun, he would try to get Railtus to talk about himself a bit more.
For now, however, it seemed best to let Railtus answer one question at a time. And Julen felt genuinely curious about his reply. Was Railtus going to stay with his relatives? And if not, why not?
It can’t be because he doesn’t like them, because it seems obvious that he doesn’t even know them. And it can’t be because he’s just dropping in on them before journeying somewhere else, because then he wouldn’t have told me to keep renting this room. Julen’s eyebrows drew together, making his brow furrow in concentration. There’s probably a perfectly simple answer, obvious to anyone who knows anything about nobles, or footmen, or squires. Unfortunately, it’s not obvious to me.
As Railtus began to buckle on his armor, Julen made his own preparations for departure, which involved taking down the pouch of dirt he’d hung over the fire to dry, and tying it to his belt. A handful of soil from his farm in Shim. The slight weight of it, the feel of it bumping against his thigh when he walked, always helped him feel grounded, even when he was about to venture into very unfamiliar territory.
And speaking of unfamiliar territory...when Railtus handed over his shield, Julen couldn’t keep the awe and pride from his expression. In all his life, he’d never held such a thing. Reverently, he gripped it with one hand, while tracing its edge with his fingers, following its outline from the raised crest on top to the final point at the bottom. The bishani, although accepted with deep gratitude, held considerably less fascination. Even as he pushed them into his pocket, Julen couldn’t tear his eyes from the shield.
I wonder if he’ll ever teach me to use this? I wonder if I’ll ever stand beside him in honorable combat against some terrible evil? I wonder if the chance of that scares me, or excites me, or both?
For now, however, it seemed best to let Railtus answer one question at a time. And Julen felt genuinely curious about his reply. Was Railtus going to stay with his relatives? And if not, why not?
It can’t be because he doesn’t like them, because it seems obvious that he doesn’t even know them. And it can’t be because he’s just dropping in on them before journeying somewhere else, because then he wouldn’t have told me to keep renting this room. Julen’s eyebrows drew together, making his brow furrow in concentration. There’s probably a perfectly simple answer, obvious to anyone who knows anything about nobles, or footmen, or squires. Unfortunately, it’s not obvious to me.
As Railtus began to buckle on his armor, Julen made his own preparations for departure, which involved taking down the pouch of dirt he’d hung over the fire to dry, and tying it to his belt. A handful of soil from his farm in Shim. The slight weight of it, the feel of it bumping against his thigh when he walked, always helped him feel grounded, even when he was about to venture into very unfamiliar territory.
And speaking of unfamiliar territory...when Railtus handed over his shield, Julen couldn’t keep the awe and pride from his expression. In all his life, he’d never held such a thing. Reverently, he gripped it with one hand, while tracing its edge with his fingers, following its outline from the raised crest on top to the final point at the bottom. The bishani, although accepted with deep gratitude, held considerably less fascination. Even as he pushed them into his pocket, Julen couldn’t tear his eyes from the shield.
I wonder if he’ll ever teach me to use this? I wonder if I’ll ever stand beside him in honorable combat against some terrible evil? I wonder if the chance of that scares me, or excites me, or both?
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An effort was made with only partial success to squash a smile as Julen trailed off, seemingly off-balance with his lack of knowledge of the situation. Expectations were usually entertaining, more so considering how silly they usually were. This was a prime example.
"Yes, I will be staying there, though I suspect I will be spending little time within the household proper." Perhaps there was more to say on the subject, but nothing leaped out as being grandly relevant, so whatever it was went unsaid.
An interesting note was the pouch taken from above the fire. It obviously held some significance to the host, but it was something he was quite willing to keep in sight. Idly Railtus wondered what was inside it.
Then the answer occured to him.
The answer was none of his business.
When Julen took hold of the shield, it was clear he thought it far more important than the money. Silently, Railtus disagreed. Not from any sense of greed or something that could be confused with that, but something else. Promise made, promise kept. Railtus had never known any other way.
With the shield, what he witnessed was a heart-warming reaction. Such reverance was something to encourage, with less importance for what it was for, the capacity to regard something so highly was a trait well worth encouraging.
"You reach your arm through the main strap, and grip by the leather handle. It will feel heavy until you get used to the weight, bearing that weight is one of the most important things you will learn. Find some thick leather gloves when you get chance."
Thus began Julen's first lesson as a warrior.
"Yes, I will be staying there, though I suspect I will be spending little time within the household proper." Perhaps there was more to say on the subject, but nothing leaped out as being grandly relevant, so whatever it was went unsaid.
An interesting note was the pouch taken from above the fire. It obviously held some significance to the host, but it was something he was quite willing to keep in sight. Idly Railtus wondered what was inside it.
Then the answer occured to him.
The answer was none of his business.
When Julen took hold of the shield, it was clear he thought it far more important than the money. Silently, Railtus disagreed. Not from any sense of greed or something that could be confused with that, but something else. Promise made, promise kept. Railtus had never known any other way.
With the shield, what he witnessed was a heart-warming reaction. Such reverance was something to encourage, with less importance for what it was for, the capacity to regard something so highly was a trait well worth encouraging.
"You reach your arm through the main strap, and grip by the leather handle. It will feel heavy until you get used to the weight, bearing that weight is one of the most important things you will learn. Find some thick leather gloves when you get chance."
Thus began Julen's first lesson as a warrior.
Julen nodded in response to Railtus’s answer about staying with his family. He still didn’t fully understand the situation, or his role in it, but it seemed best to simply take things as they came rather than pester Railtus with endless questions. The important thing was that he knew what to do right now -- guide Railtus to House Anstrun. When they got there, Railtus would tell him what to do next.
Then, Railtus showed him how to hold the shield, and Julen eagerly shifted his grip to match what he’d been told. Hefting it, he could definitely feel the metal’s weight. Four months of odd jobs had left him weaker than the steady rigors of farm work, making Julen suspect that his arm would definitely be aching by the end of the day. But that was good. Sore muscles meant honest work, meant that he was truly earning the money being paid to him. Eager to do a good job, Julen resolved to get a pair of thick gloves as soon as he could afford them.
So, there was only one thing left to do before they could be on their way. Leaving his room behind, Julen escorted Railtus into the bakery, entering through the rear door. Already, Effie was hard at work. The smell of warm yeast filled the air as she hurried about, pinching half-raised loafs and sampling bits of dough, all the while yelling instructions to the two young girls who served as her apprentices. The appearance of Julen, however, brought her to a temporary halt. “Who’s this?” she demanded, giving Railtus a searching glance before directing her attention back at her tenant. “And what is that ridiculous thing you’re holding? Don’t tell me that you’ve finally gone and joined the guard. I know full well that you don’t have the stomach for it.”
“I haven’t joined the guard,” Julen hastened to interject. He’d long ago learned that it was futile to wait for pauses when talking to Effie. “This is Railtus. He’s hired me to be his guide and footman, so I’m carrying his shield for him. I just wanted to tell you that--”
“He can’t carry it himself?” Effie interrupted as she wiped her hands on her apron. “A big, strapping lad like that? Is he crippled or just lazy?”
“Effie!” Julen hissed, turning a bright shade of red. “He isn’t either. He’s going to be a knight.”
Then, Railtus showed him how to hold the shield, and Julen eagerly shifted his grip to match what he’d been told. Hefting it, he could definitely feel the metal’s weight. Four months of odd jobs had left him weaker than the steady rigors of farm work, making Julen suspect that his arm would definitely be aching by the end of the day. But that was good. Sore muscles meant honest work, meant that he was truly earning the money being paid to him. Eager to do a good job, Julen resolved to get a pair of thick gloves as soon as he could afford them.
So, there was only one thing left to do before they could be on their way. Leaving his room behind, Julen escorted Railtus into the bakery, entering through the rear door. Already, Effie was hard at work. The smell of warm yeast filled the air as she hurried about, pinching half-raised loafs and sampling bits of dough, all the while yelling instructions to the two young girls who served as her apprentices. The appearance of Julen, however, brought her to a temporary halt. “Who’s this?” she demanded, giving Railtus a searching glance before directing her attention back at her tenant. “And what is that ridiculous thing you’re holding? Don’t tell me that you’ve finally gone and joined the guard. I know full well that you don’t have the stomach for it.”
“I haven’t joined the guard,” Julen hastened to interject. He’d long ago learned that it was futile to wait for pauses when talking to Effie. “This is Railtus. He’s hired me to be his guide and footman, so I’m carrying his shield for him. I just wanted to tell you that--”
“He can’t carry it himself?” Effie interrupted as she wiped her hands on her apron. “A big, strapping lad like that? Is he crippled or just lazy?”
“Effie!” Julen hissed, turning a bright shade of red. “He isn’t either. He’s going to be a knight.”
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Sir Karsimir
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A touch of dry humour came to Railtus when given that searching glance, as though he was considering whether or not to pose for the inspection. Being addressed quite like this was a new experience to him, one he knew his kin at home would never tolerate, although none of it seemed to offend him.
"Greetings, lady. May I call you Effie?" Railtus inquired politely. "Julen has spoken well of your kindness. It is a pleasure to meet you." A half-bow, part from the head, part from the waist, emphasised his greeting and marked his awareness that she would perhaps be too busy to shake hands. "Let me assure you, I have been carrying that rediculous thing for months now, and ones like it for years before that. Hence my being such a big, strapping lad." A gentle smile lit his features as he countered, a glittering sparkle in his eyes.
A nod of greeting was given to both of the young girls as well, taking care to acknowledge them but not meaning to draw them away from their work. Again, back at home his kin did not demonstrate such courtesies. Again, he didn't care.
Spoken so matter-of-factly the night before, mention of his plans for knighthood actually embarassed Railtus. He felt that announcing it unnessecarily lacked the proper humility expected from an aspiring knight. With luck, the mention would be simply lost in the conversation, but if pressed, he resolved himself to focus his answer on the Order of Ydren's Spear.
"Greetings, lady. May I call you Effie?" Railtus inquired politely. "Julen has spoken well of your kindness. It is a pleasure to meet you." A half-bow, part from the head, part from the waist, emphasised his greeting and marked his awareness that she would perhaps be too busy to shake hands. "Let me assure you, I have been carrying that rediculous thing for months now, and ones like it for years before that. Hence my being such a big, strapping lad." A gentle smile lit his features as he countered, a glittering sparkle in his eyes.
A nod of greeting was given to both of the young girls as well, taking care to acknowledge them but not meaning to draw them away from their work. Again, back at home his kin did not demonstrate such courtesies. Again, he didn't care.
Spoken so matter-of-factly the night before, mention of his plans for knighthood actually embarassed Railtus. He felt that announcing it unnessecarily lacked the proper humility expected from an aspiring knight. With luck, the mention would be simply lost in the conversation, but if pressed, he resolved himself to focus his answer on the Order of Ydren's Spear.
When Railtus addressed Effie as “lady”, her eyebrows lifted until they nearly vanished behind the wisps of grey hair hanging down across her forehead. And when he went on to grant her a courtly half-bow, her expression actually softened, smoothing away some of the lines that numerous years had etched into her face. “Certainly,” she murmured, in a voice that was almost girlish. Perhaps remembering when she’d been younger and other handsome men of Railtus’s age had treated her with similar deference. “Certainly, you can call me Effie.”
But as soon as Railtus finished speaking, she seemed to snap from her trance, and glared at Julen. “My kindness? What sort of tales have you been telling people?”
“I told him about the bread you give me. Please, Effie. Before we go, I really need to--”
“Oh. The bread.” Effie snorted. “Well, it’s not fit for selling, so it either goes to Julen or the dogs. And if he’s chewing, at least he can’t be keeping me awake all night with that singing of his.”
Meanwhile, Railtus’s nod of greeting had been noticed by Effie’s apprentices. One of them simply directed her gaze at the floor. But the other, obviously the bolder of the two, summoned the courage to give him a little wave, before she and her friend succumbed to fits of giggling.
Distracted by the sound of their merriment, Effie gave them a sharp glance, which immediately sent them scurrying back to their chores. Then she walked up to Railtus, poking his breastplate with one bony finger. “As for you, Sir Wants-To-Be-A-Knight, I don’t know why you suddenly need someone to carry that thing, when you’ve apparently been doing such a fine job all by yourself until now. But Julen is an honest man, and he’s got a wife at home to think about. So I expect you to make sure he doesn’t come to any harm.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Julen fought the urge to beat his head against Railtus’s shield. “Effie...”
But as soon as Railtus finished speaking, she seemed to snap from her trance, and glared at Julen. “My kindness? What sort of tales have you been telling people?”
“I told him about the bread you give me. Please, Effie. Before we go, I really need to--”
“Oh. The bread.” Effie snorted. “Well, it’s not fit for selling, so it either goes to Julen or the dogs. And if he’s chewing, at least he can’t be keeping me awake all night with that singing of his.”
Meanwhile, Railtus’s nod of greeting had been noticed by Effie’s apprentices. One of them simply directed her gaze at the floor. But the other, obviously the bolder of the two, summoned the courage to give him a little wave, before she and her friend succumbed to fits of giggling.
Distracted by the sound of their merriment, Effie gave them a sharp glance, which immediately sent them scurrying back to their chores. Then she walked up to Railtus, poking his breastplate with one bony finger. “As for you, Sir Wants-To-Be-A-Knight, I don’t know why you suddenly need someone to carry that thing, when you’ve apparently been doing such a fine job all by yourself until now. But Julen is an honest man, and he’s got a wife at home to think about. So I expect you to make sure he doesn’t come to any harm.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Julen fought the urge to beat his head against Railtus’s shield. “Effie...”
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Once more, the young nobleman inclined his head, this time in thanks for the wave recieved from one of the girls. Such pleasantness was a welcome sight from ones so young.
When Effie marched up to him, Railtus subtly shifted his stance back with one foot. It was a slight, seemingly meaningless motion, which served to avoid standing square-on and thus limiting the extent of potential confrontation.
A slow outlet of breath marked the poke against the breastplate. That was going too far. He knew full well that his father and his brothers would never have taken such a thing. In fact, they would have struck her. Railtus was glad that he was not them.
"Yes ma'am" he answered at the end of her demand. If asked if he was making fun of her, he honestly would not know the answer. However brusquely delivered, it revealed her compassion for what it was. For that Railtus had to respect her.
"Think of the shield as very, very large badge." Railtus explained, "While in my service, Julen represents me, which is why nothing less than an honest man will do for the job." It felt strange having to defend the ways he was accustomed to. No one had ever questioned them - nay, challenged them - like this before. "There are further duties as I grow more established in the area. I saw an opportunity and deemed it wisest to do things in this order."
When Effie marched up to him, Railtus subtly shifted his stance back with one foot. It was a slight, seemingly meaningless motion, which served to avoid standing square-on and thus limiting the extent of potential confrontation.
A slow outlet of breath marked the poke against the breastplate. That was going too far. He knew full well that his father and his brothers would never have taken such a thing. In fact, they would have struck her. Railtus was glad that he was not them.
"Yes ma'am" he answered at the end of her demand. If asked if he was making fun of her, he honestly would not know the answer. However brusquely delivered, it revealed her compassion for what it was. For that Railtus had to respect her.
"Think of the shield as very, very large badge." Railtus explained, "While in my service, Julen represents me, which is why nothing less than an honest man will do for the job." It felt strange having to defend the ways he was accustomed to. No one had ever questioned them - nay, challenged them - like this before. "There are further duties as I grow more established in the area. I saw an opportunity and deemed it wisest to do things in this order."
Railtus’s answer seemed to satisfy Effie, because she stepped away from him. Turning her back on the noble, she picked up a basket of eggs and carried it over to a nearby table, where she set to work cracking them, two at a time, against the edge of a large ceramic bowl. Directed by her skilled hands, the golden yolks dropped down like liquid suns. “Well, stop wasting my time with idle chit-chat and tell me what you need. Honestly. Can’t you see that I’m busy?”
If he hadn’t been carrying Railtus’s shield, Julen would have thrown his arms up into the air. But, as it was, he simply pounced on the opportunity that Effie had given him. “There’s a young woman who may come looking for me. Her name is Aranel. If she shows up here, I need you to tell her--”
“A young woman? What are you doing cavorting with a young woman?”
“No, Effie.” For the first time during the conversation, Julen’s tone carried a note of firmness. “None of your gossip. Not about this. Aranel is a friend, nothing more, so I don’t want her reputation getting dragged through the gutters of Marn. And I certainly don’t want any false rumors reaching Shim to worry Rosemary. By the gods, this is hard enough on her already. Alright?”
Effie only shrugged, but her hunched posture indicated that she’d been suitably rebuked. So Julen continued. He told Effie that he was taking Railtus to meet his relatives, and that Aranel was welcome to wait in his room if she returned, or she could try to reach them at House Anstrun. Effie’s eyes lit up when she learned Railtus was a member of such a respected family, making Julen suspect that everyone who came to buy bread that day would be treated to the somewhat glorified story of Railtus’s visit to her bakery. But he let her have it. With luck, having another tidbit would help keep her away from spreading any news involving Aranel.
Finally satisfied that his point had been made, Julen gave Effie a quick peck on the cheek, which earned him an attempt to break an egg against the side of his head. But Julen could tell that the kiss had erased any hard feelings between them, so he left Effie to her baking. As he and Railtus exited, the bolder of Effie’s apprentices ran forward and offered Railtus an awkward curtsey, before dashing back to the ovens, where her friend waited.
Outside, the rain had stopped, and the air tasted surprisingly fresh -- almost like the air in Shim. Julen drew a deep breath into his lungs. Then he gave Railtus an apologetic look. “You have to forgive Effie. She’s a good woman, she really is. She’s just...” Julen trailed off, searching for a neutral term. “She’s headstrong.”
If he hadn’t been carrying Railtus’s shield, Julen would have thrown his arms up into the air. But, as it was, he simply pounced on the opportunity that Effie had given him. “There’s a young woman who may come looking for me. Her name is Aranel. If she shows up here, I need you to tell her--”
“A young woman? What are you doing cavorting with a young woman?”
“No, Effie.” For the first time during the conversation, Julen’s tone carried a note of firmness. “None of your gossip. Not about this. Aranel is a friend, nothing more, so I don’t want her reputation getting dragged through the gutters of Marn. And I certainly don’t want any false rumors reaching Shim to worry Rosemary. By the gods, this is hard enough on her already. Alright?”
Effie only shrugged, but her hunched posture indicated that she’d been suitably rebuked. So Julen continued. He told Effie that he was taking Railtus to meet his relatives, and that Aranel was welcome to wait in his room if she returned, or she could try to reach them at House Anstrun. Effie’s eyes lit up when she learned Railtus was a member of such a respected family, making Julen suspect that everyone who came to buy bread that day would be treated to the somewhat glorified story of Railtus’s visit to her bakery. But he let her have it. With luck, having another tidbit would help keep her away from spreading any news involving Aranel.
Finally satisfied that his point had been made, Julen gave Effie a quick peck on the cheek, which earned him an attempt to break an egg against the side of his head. But Julen could tell that the kiss had erased any hard feelings between them, so he left Effie to her baking. As he and Railtus exited, the bolder of Effie’s apprentices ran forward and offered Railtus an awkward curtsey, before dashing back to the ovens, where her friend waited.
Outside, the rain had stopped, and the air tasted surprisingly fresh -- almost like the air in Shim. Julen drew a deep breath into his lungs. Then he gave Railtus an apologetic look. “You have to forgive Effie. She’s a good woman, she really is. She’s just...” Julen trailed off, searching for a neutral term. “She’s headstrong.”
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Rewarding the sudden rush and curtsey from the sweet young girl, Railtus gave a sweeping bow, seeming to recognise her as an equal rather than be a nobleman humouring a little girl. "Farewell." he said politely, addressing the apprentices as much as Effie.
Stepping outside, Railtus said no words in judgement of Effie, instead he gave voice to the matter of his approval. "Let me say you spoke in defense of Aranel and Rosemary with great grace. I am impressed." Pure sincerity showed on his face.
Moving on swiftly from the compliment, arguably more serious matters were brought up. "When we come to House Anstrun, there are some things that are best that you know. It is entirely possible that they will not recieve you, do not be disappointed in such a case, simply decide what business to undertake and I will be with you later on."
"First thing is that I will not be introducing you as my footman just yet. I have to discuss retainers with Lord Kendall. Had I brought you from my father's earldom things would be different, but to take you to Lord Kendall and ask him to pay your stipend would be presumptuous at best. When making the necessary arrangements I will of course see to your pay."
"The second thing is that retainers tend to be paid little mind within the House proper. The assumption is that you will only speak to me unless addressed." Now it was the hedge-lord's turn to look apologetic. While he would not condemn traditions of station out loud, the airs of superiority did not sit well with him.
"Finally, is there anything we need to discuss first? Possibly concerning Phelan."
Stepping outside, Railtus said no words in judgement of Effie, instead he gave voice to the matter of his approval. "Let me say you spoke in defense of Aranel and Rosemary with great grace. I am impressed." Pure sincerity showed on his face.
Moving on swiftly from the compliment, arguably more serious matters were brought up. "When we come to House Anstrun, there are some things that are best that you know. It is entirely possible that they will not recieve you, do not be disappointed in such a case, simply decide what business to undertake and I will be with you later on."
"First thing is that I will not be introducing you as my footman just yet. I have to discuss retainers with Lord Kendall. Had I brought you from my father's earldom things would be different, but to take you to Lord Kendall and ask him to pay your stipend would be presumptuous at best. When making the necessary arrangements I will of course see to your pay."
"The second thing is that retainers tend to be paid little mind within the House proper. The assumption is that you will only speak to me unless addressed." Now it was the hedge-lord's turn to look apologetic. While he would not condemn traditions of station out loud, the airs of superiority did not sit well with him.
"Finally, is there anything we need to discuss first? Possibly concerning Phelan."
Julen nodded as Railtus explained the protocol that would go into effect upon their arrival at House Anstrun. Most of it didn’t surprise him. After all, he would hardly have expected Phelan to greet him with a hug and an invitation to catch up on old times over lunch. On the other hand, the news that he might be left at the gate, like some stray mutt that had followed Railtus home, came as a shock. To his chagrin, Julen discovered that he actually felt a bit irked about such treatment. Which was odd. He’d always been unquestioning in his acceptance of class divisions, of the idea that nobles were nobles because their birth and breeding made them better. But then, other than Phelan and Railtus, he’d never met any nobles. Maybe it was the sort of principle that was easier to support when people weren’t actively rubbing their perceived superiority in your face.
All of this, however, Julen was careful to keep from showing in his expression. He knew Railtus would never subject him to any unnecessary humiliation. If Railtus said to do this, then surely this was the way it needed to be done. So Julen kept nodding, trying to memorize everything Railtus was telling him, and resolving that he would conform to every detail of it. Perhaps House Anstrun was right to withhold their hospitality from every dog that showed up on their doorstep. But with patience, commitment and hard work, he would eventually show them that this hound could prove himself to be a valuable resource.
“If neither you, nor your family, have any useful purpose to put me to, then I guess I’ll return here. That should make it easy for you to find me when you have need of me again.” Also, Julen decided, it would give him a chance to write a letter to Rosemary. She’d be so pleased to learn about how things were working out. And perhaps, on the way back to the bakery, he’d stop in a shop to find out exactly how much a pair of thick leather gloves was likely to cost him.
“As for Phelan, I assume that I’m not to acknowledge him unless he acknowledges me first. It’s quite possible, I suppose, that he won’t remember me at all.”
Carefully, Julen cast his mind back, trying to recall if there were any questions that he still needed to ask. There was one thing. A minor detail, perhaps, but it would almost certainly come up. And Julen didn’t want to risk embarrassing Railtus in front of his family. “How should I address you? Sir? My Lord?” The third possibility threatened to stick in Julen’s throat. He didn’t like it. But if it was necessary, he would endure it. “Master?”
All of this, however, Julen was careful to keep from showing in his expression. He knew Railtus would never subject him to any unnecessary humiliation. If Railtus said to do this, then surely this was the way it needed to be done. So Julen kept nodding, trying to memorize everything Railtus was telling him, and resolving that he would conform to every detail of it. Perhaps House Anstrun was right to withhold their hospitality from every dog that showed up on their doorstep. But with patience, commitment and hard work, he would eventually show them that this hound could prove himself to be a valuable resource.
“If neither you, nor your family, have any useful purpose to put me to, then I guess I’ll return here. That should make it easy for you to find me when you have need of me again.” Also, Julen decided, it would give him a chance to write a letter to Rosemary. She’d be so pleased to learn about how things were working out. And perhaps, on the way back to the bakery, he’d stop in a shop to find out exactly how much a pair of thick leather gloves was likely to cost him.
“As for Phelan, I assume that I’m not to acknowledge him unless he acknowledges me first. It’s quite possible, I suppose, that he won’t remember me at all.”
Carefully, Julen cast his mind back, trying to recall if there were any questions that he still needed to ask. There was one thing. A minor detail, perhaps, but it would almost certainly come up. And Julen didn’t want to risk embarrassing Railtus in front of his family. “How should I address you? Sir? My Lord?” The third possibility threatened to stick in Julen’s throat. He didn’t like it. But if it was necessary, he would endure it. “Master?”
Last edited by Julen on Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Sir Karsimir
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- Name: Karsimir Von Greyssen
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Dutiful as ever, it seemed. No misgivings seemed apparant in this footman. All Railtus saw was a determination to perform well in his task. He had done well to find this one, it seemed.
At least Julen seemed willing to accept the class divisions involved. Railtus was not fond of them himself, but since everyone involved was prepared to tolerate them, there was little cause for concern.
Apparantly there was dread directed at that last mode of address. "Nothing of the sort. So far I am untitled. While master refers to untitled nobleman, there is no need for me to be addressed such. If it becomes necessary to refer to me by title, I would be 'Master Railtus' but I am no more anyone's master than Lord Kendall is any one person's lord."
"If Phelan does not remember you then that should avoid complications. Your approach seems best."
With that, the young Anstrun began walking, meaning to have his conversation on the march. Once he had met his family, he would know more of his purpose in Marn. One ambition still burned in his heart, an ambtion he had designs to follow.
At least Julen seemed willing to accept the class divisions involved. Railtus was not fond of them himself, but since everyone involved was prepared to tolerate them, there was little cause for concern.
Apparantly there was dread directed at that last mode of address. "Nothing of the sort. So far I am untitled. While master refers to untitled nobleman, there is no need for me to be addressed such. If it becomes necessary to refer to me by title, I would be 'Master Railtus' but I am no more anyone's master than Lord Kendall is any one person's lord."
"If Phelan does not remember you then that should avoid complications. Your approach seems best."
With that, the young Anstrun began walking, meaning to have his conversation on the march. Once he had met his family, he would know more of his purpose in Marn. One ambition still burned in his heart, an ambtion he had designs to follow.
Julen appreciated Railtus’s assurance that calling him ‘Master’ didn’t make it so. But the word still sat heavily in his gut, like a stone he’d never be able to digest. ‘Master’ was how slaves addressed the men who owned them. Julen knew that he hadn’t been born with much, just a patch of dirt near a village at the ass-end of nowhere, but by the gods, he’d been born free. To say anything that even implied otherwise troubled him. However, he didn’t have time to brood on it, because Railtus’s next comment shoved his thoughts onto an entirely different path.
“If Phelan does not remember you then that should avoid complications.”
Immediately, warning bells went off inside Julen’s head. Complications? What sort of complications? Why would there be complications if Phelan remembered him? He was just someone Phelan had met, once, when visiting Rosemary in Shim. What could possibly exist between them that might lead to complications?
Unless...
Julen shot a sidewise glance at Railtus. When talking to the noble last night, he hadn’t said anything explicit about Rosemary’s relationship with Phelan. But he also hadn’t gone out of his way to conceal it. No great leap of reasoning would be needed to deduce the truth, and Railtus was not a fool. Did he really think that...?
“Are you concerned that my presence might disturb Phelan? Because Rosemary chose to marry me instead of him?”
Taking his cue from Railtus, Julen began to walk while they spoke, although even this simple act presented a new etiquette challenge. As Railtus’s footman, he felt like he should walk behind his employer. But he was also the only one who knew where they were going. Finally, Julen compromised by walking beside Railtus, making periodic gestures to indicate when it was time to turn or go down a different street. And whenever someone needed to get around them, Julen made sure that he was the one who stepped out of the way.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” Julen ventured, attempting to put Railtus’s mind at ease. “I don’t blame Phelan for courting Rosemary. To hear her laugh is to know the ringing of fairy bells. To see her blush is to watch the world’s first dawn spread across a virgin sky. And I don’t mean to imply that he treated her poorly. Because, as far as I know, he treated her better than I ever could. But I don’t believe that he loved her.”
Julen paused, remembering the time he’d seen Phelan and Rosemary together. Certainly, there had been something in Phelan’s eyes, something bright and hungry. And there had been something in the way he touched her, something protective and possessive. But none of it had been love. “I know what a man in love looks like. I see it every time I look in a mirror. And Phelan wasn’t like that.”
“So, yes, if she’d rejected me, I would have joined a monastery. I would have run off to a distant land and died from a broken heart. But I’m sure that Phelan has moved on by now.”
“If Phelan does not remember you then that should avoid complications.”
Immediately, warning bells went off inside Julen’s head. Complications? What sort of complications? Why would there be complications if Phelan remembered him? He was just someone Phelan had met, once, when visiting Rosemary in Shim. What could possibly exist between them that might lead to complications?
Unless...
Julen shot a sidewise glance at Railtus. When talking to the noble last night, he hadn’t said anything explicit about Rosemary’s relationship with Phelan. But he also hadn’t gone out of his way to conceal it. No great leap of reasoning would be needed to deduce the truth, and Railtus was not a fool. Did he really think that...?
“Are you concerned that my presence might disturb Phelan? Because Rosemary chose to marry me instead of him?”
Taking his cue from Railtus, Julen began to walk while they spoke, although even this simple act presented a new etiquette challenge. As Railtus’s footman, he felt like he should walk behind his employer. But he was also the only one who knew where they were going. Finally, Julen compromised by walking beside Railtus, making periodic gestures to indicate when it was time to turn or go down a different street. And whenever someone needed to get around them, Julen made sure that he was the one who stepped out of the way.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” Julen ventured, attempting to put Railtus’s mind at ease. “I don’t blame Phelan for courting Rosemary. To hear her laugh is to know the ringing of fairy bells. To see her blush is to watch the world’s first dawn spread across a virgin sky. And I don’t mean to imply that he treated her poorly. Because, as far as I know, he treated her better than I ever could. But I don’t believe that he loved her.”
Julen paused, remembering the time he’d seen Phelan and Rosemary together. Certainly, there had been something in Phelan’s eyes, something bright and hungry. And there had been something in the way he touched her, something protective and possessive. But none of it had been love. “I know what a man in love looks like. I see it every time I look in a mirror. And Phelan wasn’t like that.”
“So, yes, if she’d rejected me, I would have joined a monastery. I would have run off to a distant land and died from a broken heart. But I’m sure that Phelan has moved on by now.”
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Sir Karsimir
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Part of the reason Julen began walking beside Railtus so quickly was that a leather gauntleted hand siezed him by the arm and pulled him alongside the nobleman almost immediately after he began dropping behind. Little doubt was left on Railtus's opinions of that subject.
"Please. I have seen enough arrogance from nobles in my time. It is something I have no wish to partake in." Contrasting with his gentle words was the unwavering voice of command. No one would ever mistake this for a request.
Releasing his grip, he felt rather sheepish, only after letting go realising how strong his grip had been.
Listening to Julen speak of Rosemary, there was no doubt that this was a man in love. An almost wistful feeling came over Railtus, knowing that he had never experienced such a thing himself. Oh, to give his heart so unreservedly, it would be incomparable.
Of course, people did not always make decisions from such a truthful heart. He had seen that, and fought against it enough times. Part of him tried to understand it, to view it with compassion and not judgement, but however he viewed it, it was always there to view.
"Noblemen have their pride. Being rejected for a farmer might be taken as an insult he would not wish to be reminded of. A man in love would have congratulated you and wished you both well. It is those who do not love that hold grudges."
Unusually enough, and perhaps to Julen's annoyance, Railtus still gave way on occasion in the streets. Confused looks were cast his way, as the armour suggested a man of station, or at least a warrior of some description. Seeing people taken aback by such courtesies from the armed never ceased to entertain for some reason.
"Please. I have seen enough arrogance from nobles in my time. It is something I have no wish to partake in." Contrasting with his gentle words was the unwavering voice of command. No one would ever mistake this for a request.
Releasing his grip, he felt rather sheepish, only after letting go realising how strong his grip had been.
Listening to Julen speak of Rosemary, there was no doubt that this was a man in love. An almost wistful feeling came over Railtus, knowing that he had never experienced such a thing himself. Oh, to give his heart so unreservedly, it would be incomparable.
Of course, people did not always make decisions from such a truthful heart. He had seen that, and fought against it enough times. Part of him tried to understand it, to view it with compassion and not judgement, but however he viewed it, it was always there to view.
"Noblemen have their pride. Being rejected for a farmer might be taken as an insult he would not wish to be reminded of. A man in love would have congratulated you and wished you both well. It is those who do not love that hold grudges."
Unusually enough, and perhaps to Julen's annoyance, Railtus still gave way on occasion in the streets. Confused looks were cast his way, as the armour suggested a man of station, or at least a warrior of some description. Seeing people taken aback by such courtesies from the armed never ceased to entertain for some reason.
This story is now being continued in the Residential District, under the title "Family Affairs".
http://www.tharshaddin.com/rp/viewtopic.php?p=5919#5919
http://www.tharshaddin.com/rp/viewtopic.php?p=5919#5919