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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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 Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 10:40 am
It was oddly pleasant to listen to the tidbits of information, no matter what they might have been of. To Merry, a mansion was another world, and Gabriel a very strange, but kind, guide. The rooms fascinated her, along with the details of the craftsmanship that had not broken down with age. It was opulent to her, even with the occasional silence and general air that somethings were best left undisclosed. The stomping of Morai's hooves had Eris going to him, little rubs of her nose to him, attempting to sooth as Eris smiled a bit, trying to hold back the few questions she had. Rumors or not, one couldn't help but wonder on some things. ".....well a lady has no reason to see a man's bedroom unle-" She stopped herself, a small blush creeping on her face. Gabriel had made no claims to desire such things from her, and she wasn't a bar wench working. "Sorry." She forgot herself, simply going back to what she had known.Manners had never been a priority in taverns after all. The creek of stairs had her a bit nervous, the only sign a small squeeze to Gabriel's arm when one board gave loud cry. Eris was worse, waiting until they had all gone up before darting up herself. The upper floor made Merry pause. It was different but hardly 'bad' by any means. It felt lived in compared to the rest of the house. Gabriel smiled and for a second Merry was glad. He'd seemed distant for a while, and to see the man enjoying himself was good. Led to the window she nodded. The garden, overgrown as it might have been, was still having the potential to grow. "I imagine once it's restored it will be beautiful." Eris, following Morai, sniffed at the broken chair, head tilting before letting out a small sneeze gathering Merry's attention. The broken chair got a curious look before she looked to the rest of the room, finding the bed as well. "What kind of work to you do?" What work would have him needing a second bed in a completely different room?
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 3:07 pm
Gabriel actually chuckled at the mention of bringing Merry into his bedroom. It wasn't a wholly healthy sound, but it was amused nonetheless.
"That was my parents' room," he corrected. He did not yet live in the main part of the house, for his own reasons. Even his own bedroom had caused enough panic to be struck from the list of potential living quarters. Where he was leading her was a more accurate bedroom,bu t he did not consider it as such. For now, this attic space was his entire home. As they stood at the window he seemed merely thoughtful, and then he turned down to look at Merry.
"Work? I don't work," he replied, shaking his head. Certainly to the lower-class the idea of not working was terribly abnormal. Some showed jealousy or plain hatred, both of which he figured were partially due to the upper class being full of old people who hated everything that didn't have gold to throw. It was unfortunate. Gabriel himself had never met a lower-class person that deserved any more or less respect than the wealthy. "My grandfather passed some months ago, and thus I am heir to his and my immediate family's estate. Coming upon Morai led me to come back to the city of my origin and set things straight... at least, as far as the house goes." There was another odd darkness in his final sentence.
"Considering what transpired here, I am not entirely comfortable using the grounds in the way they were intended. The fact that I also sleep here is mere coincidence, unless you should like me to show you that area properly." It was the second time he had made a subconscious attempt a humor since Merry's arrival, and it scared him a bit. Humor was not ever something that had lived in his bones. At least this one had been unintentional; the usual slipping of thought past unfiltered lips. He smiled, but it remained someone strained as he fought with himself to keep it down.
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 7:44 pm
His parent's room certainly explained why there was a bed upstairs. Even if his parents were not exactly... 'around'. Sometimes it was hard to move on. Then sometimes it was just hard to adapt to change. "You.. don't work?" She new that those of the upper class were often well, born into it, but if they didn't work then... "I... I see. U'm sorry. For your loss that is." Glancing to Morai, she wondered if the fawn was supposed to be a symbol of something? That perhaps the rumors of the house and the family were not True? It was hard to say. If anything having a guardian around would perhaps have people thinking kinder of Gabriel. Odd as he might have been he had helped her and was more polite than many men Merry had ever had to deal with. Merry was near ready to ask what other things he might have to 'set straight' before he made jest. "I- I didn't-" Wide eyed and blushing, Eris felt her chosen's mild distress. Joke it clearly was, but the barwench wasn't quite sure why he would joke, and if she was to guess, flirt with her. Troting over, the doe gave Merry a small rub to her arm, the touch of fur helping Merry remember that she was stammering. "I umm... I am sure as interesting as that may be, I don't -um, that is- I don't need a close inspection of your bed thank you."
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 5:49 pm
During the tour, Gabriel had mentioned his own bedroom as well, but kept the door firmly locked. It may be safe to assume that there was still a young teenager's accoutrements in there.
Merry's apology struck the man across the face like a coldcock. She was... sorry? For his loss. His loss, his family. Marie. Elise. Gerard. His parents. In the entire time since the Incident, not a single person had ever said that they were sorry for his loss. It was normal. It was social obligation, but it was a grace that he had never received. The man's face fell, eyes widening, and he felt a strange tugging in his chest like his heart was being pulled into his gut my some invisible string. Her response to his joking was partially lost. He arrived about 3/4 of the way through, and an uneasy smile crossed his features with his eyes still slightly broadened.
"It was simply meant in jest," he reassured her, and was suddenly at a loss of what to do. He looked to Eris and licked his lips. Everything just... made no sense. There were almost feelings.
"Besides, this is barely the avenue for courting." Ever. Indeed, Gabriel had not once in his life courted a girl. He didn't feel like he was missing much. Morai displayed his Chosen's discomfort in shaking his head violently as if pestered by flies. He approached and went head-first into his human's stomach, just resting there forehead to gut. Something in Gabriel snapped and he finally laughed, petting the Guardian's head affectionately and nudging him away.
"Well. That concludes the tour. Perhaps we shall leave the Guardians to... interact?" He wasn't sure that 'play' was the right word for Morai, let alone with an adult. "They are safe on these grounds, I assure you. We could perhaps sit for tea? Unless you have somewhere to be. I can understand that."
He made a motion then as if remembering something, a finger going up in the air.
"Also, no. I am note entirely proud to say that I am a third-generation jobless drain on society."
Morai went up to Eris and did a slow circle for no good reason before trying to tap her repeatedly with a hoof. He knew where the best greens were! They could... they could have deer-tea!
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:58 pm
If Gabriel was at a loss, Merry was beyond hope. It was obvious he was peaking in jest, but to come from a man above her social class, a joke she would normally expect from men who wanted to tease her to a drink, not a noble man. A noble who simply joked for no other apparent reason than to joke. Gabriel might have said that the upper room was no place for courting. "Trust me, men will court in any avenue." It left her before once more, she could filter her own words. Eris gave a tiny muffled sound, a laugh if anything over her chosen's fumbling. Her hands going to the fur of Eris, Merry tried to regain herself. "I didn't mean to be rude. I just tend to.. speak." With no thought. Gabriel seemed as unsure as herself, and the fawn's presences was really a saving grace for them both, helping Merry to remember that nothing was likely to happen. "Thank you. And.. Eris?" There was clear hesitation from the guardian. She liked to stay near Merry. Merry was one who needed her right? The doe was worried was all. this Gabriel had caused her some distress so... A light rub to an ear, and Eris gave a snort. Merry would be fine with Gabriel. Eris could stay with Morai as she liked. "Tea would be nice. I, well better a drain on society than the one who has to deal with the sewer rats?" It was poor humor, if accurate. Eris pulled back, stamping her hoof at Morai, standing straight up before bending down to nuzzle his head. He could lead.
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Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2013 12:32 pm
Morai did a little crab scuttle side to side before nibbling Eris' furry neck and heading back down the stairs. Going up was easy, but going down got interesting if you weren't a practiced yearling such as himself. This is mind, he stood close beside Eris to assist if perhaps she were to stumble and reached the bottom of the stairs only once she had completed their journey safely. He threw his head and leaped toward the back door then, heading for the garden. Workers seemed to be more than prepared to make a wide berth around the pair and Morai paid them no attention. Instead, he traveled to a small blooming bush, clattering as he leaned down to take off a single berry in demonstration. He chewed it and stamped the ground a couple of times. This particular winter bush boasted the best fruit, but it had gone past the time of harvest and had grown into "deer-time", perhaps a bit mature but still sweet and leafy all the same.
Gabriel seemed reassured to be with someone who spoke as brazenly as himself and gave a little snort at Merry's joke. She may have expected someone different, but at the very least she did not seem to begrudge him his oddity. He nodded and looped his arm out again, offering to properly escort his visitor to tea time. The avenue was... less proper, and he attempted to explain himself as they traveled there.
"I'm afraid that I've had some trouble hiring staff for when the manor is up and running again," he offered, "I find myself somewhat disinterested, although eventually staff will become necessary. I'm afraid that my reputation doesn't help either. Either way, I hope you don't mind accompanying me to the kitchen. I prefer to make my own tea. It's a bad habit of mine." At the very least, it was considered bad in the eyes of the wealthy. His grandmother had simply accepted that he was an oddball over time and allowed him to do whatever he wished. Perhaps he should start adhering to class-specific rules f he wished to garner any modicum of respect fr-- the thought derailed into silence, as thoughts often did. Gabriel was unfazed.
Again they returned to the kitchen which, upon opening a cabinet or two, seemed to actually be functioning or at the very least stocked. It was not during work hours for the women who cooked fr his crew and so the pair were blissfully alone. Gabriel moved to a side cabinet and peered at several small tins, face mushed.
"Do you have a preference? he asked, turning to Merry, "I'm afraid that my eldest sister raised me a bit of an addict. If it exists, we probably have enough for a cup or two." He imagined his sister's last trip to this kitchen and swallowed hard to fight against rising bile. This was just tea, after all. "Hm. Imported pomegranite..." he mused, taking a tin and sniffing its contents, giving it a bit of a Look. Sort of sweet, wasn't it?
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 12:37 am
Going down stairs took a bit of time. Quadruped bodies not exactly made for such a thing and hooves meant for earth and rock not exactly finding the smooth steps easy for footing. It was sweet to Eris that little Morai would walk with her. His playful attitude had her trotting behind him, only shuffling when passing by a pair of large lumbering laborers. Making her way to the happy fawn she gave the bush an experimental nibble before stamping her own hoof in reply and taking a mouthful of berries. It was indeed, still perfect for guardians such as themselves. The arm offered had her hesitant but it was easier now, her own arms winding around his own. If all men acted like Gabriel, while it might have been interesting, she could certainly live with the fact they would have manners and treat her far more kindly in the tavern. As he spoke of staff, Merry looked to the dust here and there. He did need a maid, or at least some one to make sure nothing would be left to fall into ruin, (more than it had already for some pieces). "I don't mind." She never thought about such small things. Nobility didn't make their own tea, they had servants. Making tea was just.. normal to her. The idea others never did- she'd never really considered it. "Um, anything is fine. Most we every manage is a cheap black so likely I'll be trying something new." Fingers ran on counter as she debated the offer, but- "If you need help finding staff I might be able to help." She'd been trying to get from the bars after all.
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Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 12:15 pm
Morai did a couple of happy circles and returned to the bush, showing great affection in sharing his favorite snack with a new friend. The men working in the garden or just passing through may eye them or make some comment to another, but all kept a wide berth. Guardians were not especially accepted as good tidings in the Blithe home regardless of whether or not they belonged to Gabriel himself.
In the kitchen, the man tapped his fingers on the shelf and smelled a few more teas before deciding on a few. He pulled a paper bag from another location and packaged a handful of assorted bags, folding the top and setting it aside. He chose a packet of red rose tea and put some water on to boil, slipping up to sit on the counter as he let it steep.
"Well, I have part-time staff as it is," he offered and his hand went white-knuckled gripping the counter edge as flashes of memory and images assaulted his mind. He closed his eyes briefly and slid off. "They come in to cook for my crew, and to clean on certain days. I find that I prefer being mostly alone. Having a cleaning crew at all times would be useless at this point, though, with all of the dust and debris floating around here. I may require your assistance at some point, though. There's only so much a single man can do in an estate this size, but I am very particular with my staff."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:08 pm
Eris was fine with being left alone while she ate. Besides, too many people set her on edge. What with their hammers and saws and- well their expressions were not very kind. Eris could do without their company. Pulling a branch of the bush, she tried to get to the berries hidden further in. A small snap, and the branch that had been blocking the ones inside the bush was out of the way. A happy little stomp of her hooves, she motioned for Morai to have the first dive. Inside, Merry was fairing a little less well. "Oh. I see." She watched him get the tea ready, half wondering if it would be rude to ask what he had chosen. "I am sure in time... the manor could be returned to its former grandeur. As stands um-" Merry sighed. "As stands I''m hoping to leave the tavern work. Find something more... respectable."
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Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:03 pm
Morai looked to Eris as if stunned, one ear swiveling to the back. Really?! He stamped his hooves in appreciation and stuck his much smaller head into the bush, nibbling at a few berries buried deeper inside. He resisted the urge to partake of the entirety, stopping and stepping back to allow Eris some of the sweet fruit that she had revealed herself. He nuzzled her neck affectionately, giving a little huff.
Gabriel turned and looked to Merry, one eyebrow slightly risen.
"I am assuming by the progression of your argument that you wish me to hire you on as staff," he said, and his voice had lost some of its warmth. It didn't sound good for Merry. "First, the Blithe manor will never return to its 'former grandeur', so tainted by blood as it is. I have no interest in informing you of the particular conditions in which said blood was spilled, so asking would not only be untoward but entirely fruitless. Secondly, I do not wish to employ you at this establishment. ... I--"
All of a sudden, Gabriel's face crumpled. Emotion had returned, although perhaps not in the way that anyone expected. He felt what he had to say, and as if that wasn't painful enough it was pulling hard at his heart and toying with his gut. His eyes closed tightly and his head turned slightly to the side in effort.
"I... enjoy your company." There was a great rush of relief and the man visibly relaxed, opening his eyes again. The explanation that followed was as scientific and objective as any other, and so Gabriel was made much more comfortable. "Fraternizing with one's maids is not widely accepted as appropriate and comes with its own complications. Business and pleasure are not to be mixed. That aside, I'm certain that we could find a place for you..."
He ignored the fact that it was emotions and fondness bringing him to this conclusion and going to any length to employ Merry. She desired it and he did indeed enjoy her presence which was so seldom. He was doing it for her and for himself... but he preferred to not dwell on those thoughts. As his voice trialed off he inclined his head toward the ceiling in thought. His brow furrowed deeply once more.
"At the moment, I am somewhat at a loss for occupation, but I would be willing to pay for... well. Companionship. That cheapens the whole ordeal, doesn't it. Something. There must be something. Some day I should be needing a part-time governess."
What.
Gabriel seemed to notice what he had said and suddenly turned back to merry with something like hesitation in his dead eyes. That... had just slipped out. Damn this woman and her ability to make him so lenient!
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:12 pm
The small nuzzle returned, Eris munched of a few more berries, savoring the sweet and tart taste that came with. Tart was something Merry tasted as Gabriel read her and answered the question that had yet to be asked. Not bitter, but a slight unpleasant thing. "I'd like to think that the past only mars the sight of the future." She whispered, looking down. "I am sorry. I was overstepping myself and I placed you in an uncomfortable position." Of course, whatever she thought he felt was tossed to uncertainty. He said he enjoyed her company, and Merry wondered if she was mistaken. Men didn't say that until the skirts were lifted and the payment made. He then went on how he couldn't employ her because a maid and a- She wasn't sure when it had begun, but the blush that had crept up her face was not likely to leave anytime soon. Fingers twisted in her skirt as he made the suggestion she was used to. The one she simply expected. Yet then he refuted it on the grounds that it would cheapen- Confusion evident Merry shook her head as the other, mush better offer was made. "I... I admit I'm not sure what to say." Outside, Eris lifted her head up looking to the house. Merry was uncomfortable, but not distressed. A look to Morai, the doe wondered if his chosen was much the same. "I'm flattered, well, more than flattered really. I've- I've never quite been put into this position. Are you sure?" She was picking at thread now, emotions muddled. "That you might want me as a part-time... governess?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:01 pm
Wonderful. Just wonderful. Gabriel's lips worked against his teeth as Merry reasoned through his jumbled argument and he felt that strange thing again, that little tug on his heart that he couldn't explain. Emotions were generally unwelcome and uncomfortable.
Outside, Morai pricked up and flared his nostrils. It would be a lie to say that the reaction wasn't somewhat based upon Eris' attention. The yearling began to realize that this discomfort was not solely due to the workers around him. This connection stuff was hard. Something was wrong with his Chosen, though... He gave Eris a look of near conspiracy and began slowly toward the manor, picking his way carefully through the plants back toward the place where they had left their humans.
"I, uh--" It was not a particularly intelligent vocalization, but it had happened nonetheless. Some more familiar feelings crept in beneath the anxiety in Gabriel's chest, but he tried to ignore them. now was not the time. "I will not be in need of those services for a time... perhaps ever, depending on what the future holds. You want to leave the tavern. I can appreciate that. We will work on a business plan when--"
Suddenly, the pot on the stove whistled sharply. With an annoyed eye roll, Gabriel reached over and pulled it from the flame to quell the sound. His expression denoted uncomfortable ears.
"--when it is necessary. Over tea, if your desire to leave is that great." He began going through the motions of pouring tea while his mind mulled over the usual concerns. Merry was of a poorer class. She may rob him. She may prove useless. She could leave the grounds with precious information to spread.
... so why did he not particularly care? Was it because his physical possessions meant little to him? Perhaps. Because there were already plenty of rumors between the common folk, and a few more could not possibly do any more damage? Maybe. Maybe it was something else entirely. He didn't dwell.
A nervous yearling stuck his head beneath his Chosen's hand and received affectionate scratches as a result. Gabriel sighed almost imperceptibly.
"Where would you prefer to take your tea? The parlor? The dining room is perhaps more formal, but rather large and in some state of disrepair. Cream? Sugar? Here." He offered Merry a cup and saucer of an era passed. "Rooibos. Imported."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 6:58 pm
With Morai catching on to the feelings of unease as well, it was easier for Eris to return indoors. Leaving him all on his lonesome would have been horribly rude. Following the yearling to the house, Eris made her way to Merry's side, a small click of her teeth to gather her chosen's attention. As Gabriel hesitate, Merry wondered if she was just better off offering the services she knew. At least then thing might have certainly been easier, if just for the fact it would be clear, over and done with. Tea poured she watched the cups fill, tinting it ever so slightly. "I want to leave the taverns. When you're in them there isn't much room to well-" she looked to Eris, reaching out to pet her ears, "-to better one's self." A small spoon of sugar, she didn't bother with cream. "The parlor would be best. You probably have cooks coming by later anyway and I wouldn't want to be in the way." Cup in hand, she nodded. "It's alright if there is no position open. I can look for work in one of the other homes." Not like she'd have luck, but she could try.
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Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:29 pm
Gabriel nodded, balancing a large tray on one hand like a server rather than use both and disallow Merry the use of his gentlemanly arm. He did, however, snatch the small paper bag from the counter before offering his elbow.
"I can understand the desire," he nodded, "Still, to actually offer you a job remains difficult, if we are to remain on the terms which we are at present. Upon reaching the parlor, he offered Merry a chair and waited for her to sit before perching nearby himself and partaking of his tea unaltered. Cubes of sugar and a small pitcher of cream sat on the silver platter he had placed in the center of the table. A series of apparently unrelated questions followed.
"Are you attending school? Have you ever? Do you know any footmen?" and then perhaps the most unnerving of all: "Are your parents still alive?"
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:28 pm
The offer of his arm was still strange to her, a small awkward shuffle as she held on the arm rather than looped. wrapping her arm in his was a bit too close now that she thought about it. As she sat, the tea was swirled in her cup a little bit before she took a small sip. Sweet, but not overly so. "I... No, no and.. no." She spun the cup in her hands before setting it down. "Most of my schooling came just as business to learn numbers and orders and how to serve patrons. Not much beyond basics." Looking up she smiled if weakly. "And I know footmen. But I do not know them well as you can understand. As for my parents..." A heavy sigh she picked up her cup, taking a sip. "They died years ago."
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