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 Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:16 pm
Rethken walked with a purpose through the fields, icy blue gaze narrowed as he searched for his Bonded Lendel. The man had dismissed the stallion last night before entertaining the King and his guests with music and Rethken hadn't seen him sense.
It was a pain when Lendel ran off like this without leaving word; irritating beyond relief, really. And it wasn't like Rethken had the time to go gallivanting around an unkept field that housed over a hundred stupid beasts. Even though Rethken knew the Azrein were unique, he still thought that Lendel was the only intelligent one out of the bunch, save for the King's stallion. Well, hopefully he could find his damned horse and get out of here as soon as he could. Rethken had some composing to do, and needed Lendel's gift for timing to ensure that it sounded perfect.
The man ran a slender, elegant hand through his black locks, pushing his bangs off of his face as he peered around in the strong daylight. The lute strapped over his shoulder rested comfortably in the small of his back, giving off a soft hollow sound every other step as it shifted position. With an aggravated sigh, Rethken stopped, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
"Damn that stallion to the Nine Hells and lower." He'd never find him at this rate.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:34 pm
Now, Zeddler was normally not a roaming about kinda guy. He stuck to a few paths and patches. But that was boring. He had , on a whim, to randomly go in a completely different direction. A easterly direction. Towards that big castle thing where that human with the crown lived. It smelled funny.
And on his grand trek to nowhere in particular, the trickster came across something rather funny. A two-legged man with a weird bulbous thing attached to his back looking rather distraught over something. Curiosity getting the better of him, Zeddler approached from behind trying to gain a scent that didn't smell like...lots of humans. And that instrument looked pretty interesting. Then again, it was rather difficult to sneak up on someone when you were a four hoofed animal with a habit of kicking up rocks that shouldn't be exposed in the grassy soil.
"What's that? " Zed asked this strange human, staring intently at the weird wired thing on its back. It was a stupid question, but it was easier to act stupid than declare intelligence. But just that silly question wouldn't do. He had to know more so he could determine if a prank was in order or not. "Is that like a fiddle? "
It probably was really strange for a strange animal to just walk up to a human and ask about an object on their back instead of why they were there. Why not? The human looked like he had a purpose for being in the plain. It wasn't Zed's land which gave him no right to demand or ask why this hume was there. Besides... he was wondering if the human was dexterous to launch stuff like sticks from it. ( Which...really wasn't a good idea considering it was a musical instrument, but it wasn't a bad train of thought. ).
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:18 pm
Rethken stared at the offending creature with half-lidded eyes, the corner of his lip turning up in distaste. It was infuriating, curious, obnoxious creatures like this one speaking to him that made Rethken loathe leaving the privacy of his rooms.
The man sighed; it was obvious this infernal thing wasn't going to leave until its curiosity was satisfied. "It's called a lute." Rethken's eyes narrowed considerably, hoping this messy-looking stallion would take the hint and go away. "And it is much more dignified than the...fiddle" Rethken sneered the last word, obviously finding the instrument horrible.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:32 pm
Irritation just pooled from this man like no tomorrow. It was practically soaking the man through and through. Zeddler found this amusing how upset this person got over a simple question. Maybe he didn't like anything at all.
The stallion just grinned and snickered. "Oh. True. But it has no place in the field. Its far more appropriate for courtly affairs, don't you think? " The hint to leave was very strong. Zeddler decided to ignore it and see how annoyed he could make this individual. He half wondered if he could goad the irritated one into playing it. The farmers always liked to play their fiddles and washtub bases when asked...maybe he was the same. ( Never mind that at that time, the farmers are usually way drunk on moonshine to even care that a horse is asking them to play... Sigh. )
Confident, the painted stallion moved around to observe the human, snorting the person's hair ( probably receiving a smack for the personal bubble encroachment), nibbling the fine clothes and settling that this thing was really no real threat other than a big temper. With a devious glint in those cold, blue eyes, Zeddler asked, "What are you doing so far out here in the muddy world anyways? " It was almost sad . Almost. . . poor hume. Away from the safety of the walls. And meeting Zeddler who probably had half the mind to nab the lute, run with it, and throw it in a haystack just for giggles.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:04 pm
Rethken closed his eyes as the stallion sniffed over him and nibbled his expensive garments; Lendel had told Rethken that this was the way equines said hello, so Rethken held back the urge to slap this horse in his nose.
Rethken had never been a patient person; his chilly attitude and cold anger had always separated him from other humans for as far back as he could remember. Even as a child, the man had been broody, sullen, and quick to become irritated. He had purposefully distanced himself from others, finding that their company only grated on his nerves and caused him to become irrationally agitated, instead losing himself in the one thing that brought him a semblance of happiness: music.
To him, music was water to a parched man. Playing, it, composing it, singing it, thinking it...everything he did revolved around it, and he related everything to it. Of course, at the King's court functions, he was forced to plaster a fake smile on his features, was forced to bow and scrape mockingly to those of higher status than him. Azreth, of course, knew that it was a facade, knew that the Bard was, in fact, insulting those who he spoke to even if they themselves didn't realize it. Rethken was quick to come up with witty barbs that could be seen as a Bard's frippery or an outright insult, though most chose to see it in a complimentary fashion. On the inside, Rethken always laughed at their foolishness.
Of course, after the affairs of State were over, he would retire to the King's rooms with his only friend, Azreth, whom he had known since childhood. The only time Rethken could be heard to genuinely laugh was with the King, and even then it was always at another's expense. Rethken was highly intelligent, fiercely loyal but only to the King himself. King Azreth, of course, knew the Bard's true nature, but as long as Rethken 'behaved himself' in public, the King had no reason to complain.
Rethken was highly intelligent, though was constantly cold. Of course, behind that frigid exterior, Lendel had found something in him that warranted the stallion to Choose him. Though what it was, Rethken didn't know. The Stallion had come to the man when he had been at his lowest; ready to avenge a wrong done to him by murder, and was then going to take his own life. Lendel had forced Rethken to see reason, had looked into those icy blue eyes, and Rethken had lost himself.
Lendel projected unconditional love and acceptance, something the Bard desperately desired though hadn't known he needed. Rethken had wrapped his arms around that strong neck, embracing the stallion, and for the first and last time in his life had cried, telling Lendel everything about himself. These days, Rethken always acted cold and aloof towards the stallion when in public, but Lendel knew that he was the only thing that the man loved in this world. When the two of them were alone, Rethken was an entirely different person; open, caring, going so far as to even dote on the stallion. Of course, if word of that ever got out, it would ruin Reth's reputation, but he trusted Lendel with every fiber of his being.
Rethken nodded at the stallion's words, arching a perfectly trimmed eyebrow. "Yes, my instrument is indeed at home among those of high status. It is called a lute, and it is far above any other sound you have heard in this world when I set my finger to her strings." Was that a small smile on Rethken's lips? "As for what I'm doing in this horrid place; it seems as if my Bonded has taken it into his thick head to run off and not leave word of where he was going. A frown creased Rethken's brow. "It would be interesting to know if you have seen him. He goes by the name of Lendel, though Tylendel is his given name. He has a cream coat and a blonde mane and tail; meticulously hand-curled each day, with gems buried in his locks. His eyes are wide with long lashes, rival to any ladies', their color the pure blue of a sapphire in the sun."
Being a bard, when giving a description, Rethken tended to go a bit...overboard most of the time.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:25 pm
Apparently this one was wise in the ways of the equine greeting. How most curious! Zed just had to know more. Learn more... Then create chaos as of his way.
Quietly, showing a great deal of patience for once, the painted stallion observed the grumpy bard as he talked of this 'Lendel'. In fact, he was being quite the audience and gifting the grace of his full attention. Flowery words and vivid imagery aside, Zeddler hadn't seen this Asrein around. Or maybe he had. Though, he hadn't seen a horse with blue jewels anywhere. With a head tilt, and a shift to move some weight around to a more comfortable position, Zed did the equivalent of a shrug.
The question was, would the man play?
"Perhaps it does lay at the heart of the courts, but so do lyres. But you can play better than a song from the birds? " Zeddler asked slyly along with a tilt of the head to get a better look at the bard and this stringed instrument meant for human fingers.
"Now, as for this one called 'Lendel', I can say I have not came across another with a description like that. Certainly, he wouldn't be from around here. " Then Zeddler flicked his ears, and shifted from hoof to hoof. He wasn't quite sure how the human would handle the news, but the description wasn't all too helpful. See...Zed was colorblind in the blue green spectrum. And as pretty as this other horse sounded, He would have seen something different. "Not that I would have seen the blues of which you describe anyways. My apologies. But I'll keep a look out for your other. Mayhaps song would draw him around? "
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:05 pm
Rethken ran a slender hand through his dark hair, a wry smirk raising the corner of his lip. Could this stallion be anymore obvious in his asking the Bard to play? Well, Rethken was never one to turn down an opportunity to exercise his talents. The man nodded to the stallion, head turning from side to side as he looked for a comfortable spot to sit down. The ground of the field was damp with the night's humidity, and Rethken would kill himself before he soiled his expensive leggings.
Rethken waved with his hand, motioning for the stallion to follow him as he turned on the heel of his boot. "Come this way, then, if you're so desperate to hear me outclass those birds you speak of." The man's dark cloak caught the gentle breeze as he walked, the fabric whispering as it grazed the fabric of his tights. After several moments of walking in silence, the Bard reached the fallen tree he had spotted from his previous position. He lowered himself down gracefully, simultaneously reaching behind his back to slide the lute around to rest against his stomach.
Rethken closed his ice blue eyes, drawing his slender fingers across the strings of the instrument, a gentle, ringing note reverberating from the belly of the lute. Rethken placed his other fingers on the neck of the instrument, his fingers flying from fret to fret as he began to pick out a soft, mournful tune. He lost himself in the music as he played, the notes starting out quiet and sad, alternating between high and low, and after several minutes the song rose into a high, almost wailing crescendo. Rethken opened his mouth, adding a wordless, haunting hymn to the music his fingers created.
The song spoke of loss, of hopelessness, of despair and a loss of everyone one had ever dreamed of. Towards the end of the eerie melody, the notes became lighter, a bit faster, speaking that even when all was darkest, there would always be a single light shining, something to always look forward to. With a final sweep of his fingers, Rethken ended the song, allowing his clear, sweet baritone to quietly fade away at the time the music ended. He opened his eyes and grinned at the stallion. "My name is Rethken, by the way. I don't believe I ever told you."
It seemed as if the music had slightly quieted the man's frigid attitude.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:33 pm
It was rather obvious, wasn't it? Music was a high commodity. And it might actually work to draw this other stallion. Then again, if the man was always so darn grumpy, the other Asrein was probably off rolling in the dirt. Probably not. From the previous description that probably wouldn't happen.
Amused, Zeddler snorted and followed after, keeping both ears on this musician...and was rather blown away by the complex melody. It was far more complex than anything he had heard back on the farms. Depressingly sweet. And, like any sentient being that didn't have hands, was amazed at how dexterous humans were. And creative.
He pawed at the earth, and nodded his head in approval to the song and to the man. As cold as he had came off, he wasn't so bad, this Rethken. "No. You never did. But I certainly won't forget you.' Another nod and the stallion took a gook look. Humans had so many layers, possibly too many. Then you throw in someone like this who was snapping one moment and now practically the king of the world sitting on that log there? Zeddler almost just started laughing then and there. It would be plain rude and probably destroy any trust made in that short amount of time, and that just wouldn't do.
A glance across the plain pretty much told Zed that no one seemed to be about this evening. Shame. . . it had been such a nice song for an audience of one. Anyways... " That was quite the song. I think you proved you were quite above a choir of birds. I am called Zeddler. "
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