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 Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:03 pm
The captain frowned. "Sir, my family will be fine without me for a little while. Alaric is a very strong man and from the looks of things he knocked the wind out of you. Let me send for the rest of the household, with my careful eye on Alaric there is no chance he will escape." He knew Rufus would continue to be in great pain and his injury could possibly worsen if he didn't seek the medical attention he needed.
** Meme Pear **
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro nodded and watched Troy set off for the castle, content in knowing the man didn't try to force his way inside which placed a greater trust with the man. Kuro went back into the cottage and inside the cellar, closing every entrance as he moved. "Everything is fine!" he announced to the anxious people who awaited his arrival. Kuro returned to Akito's side and opened his blanket to observe the wounds which appeared to be healing nicely. "Your father still wishes for you to marry Rufus now that Alaric will be secured."
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:17 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
 "With all due respect, I won't bring them back until I'm certain Alaric is 'sorted'. Now please ensure he isn't terrorising your army." He needed to be sick, but not until he was alone, and there was no way Meme, Cook Martha or Kuro were coming back to see him like this.
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped. Helena gasped. "Where's Troy? I need to see him!" She jumped up, hoping he was still outside.
At the news, Cook turned to Meme. "Don't worry. Rufus will sort it all out. He's better at that sort of thing - negotiation rather than just tossing his weight around." she smiled reassuringly.
At Helena's shout, Akito mumbled and looked blearily at Kuro. "What's wrong?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:45 pm
The captain gave a soft sigh. "Yes, Sire. I will bring you something to eat shortly." he said softly, leaving the room for the Prince to deal with his own pain.
** Meme Pear **
Meme was a little worried about Rufus, why hadn't he returned with new about Alaric? Was this even normal for this type of situation? Cooks words did little to settle him, he wished he could see Rufus now.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro looked to the Princess and rushed to the stairs. "Wait! We can't afford to let you go out there, you could put everyone in jeapordy!" Kuro took a few minutes to think about it. Rufus hadn't returned with any word about his father, if Alaric had suspected everyone was hiding here then Alaric would have gone in search by now. Maybe it was alright if everyone came up to the main part of the cottage. "Okay, everyone we're moving up to the main part of the cottage. Nobody is to leave the building and everyone is to keep the drapes shut." he announced, moving out of the Princess' way and opening the entrance once again, hoping he wouldn't come to regret his decision.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:09 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
"Thank you." He called, waiting until the Captain was gone before marching towards the bathroom and clearing his stomach, only remembering he hadn't had anything today after it started.
"Owch... I'm going to beat him."
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped. Helena dashed up the stairs, looked around the coachman by the door and turned away. "Come inside and help me secure everything up here." She ordered, hiding her need to see Troy.
Cook grabbed the basket and turned to Meme. "Will you help me serve everyone more food? It'll be nice, working with plates this time."
Akito closed his eyes again. It could wait until... his stomach grumbled, reminding him he'd only had some broth so far. But he kept quiet, waiting until everyone was settled.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:44 pm
The captain came in with a few rolls, knowing Rufus' stomach was delicate and could use something to absorb the stomach acid in the poor boy's stomach. He ignored the retching he heard from the office and left as soon as he set down the plate of rolls he found in the fridge.
** Meme Pear **
Meme smiled at cook. "Of course I will. I'm going to help bring everything out of the cellar first though." Somehow he thought Cook knew that but he felt awkward not saying anything to her before he acted upon his decisions. Meme began bringing out the food baskets and extra blankets upstairs, setting the baskets in the kitchen and the blankets in the bedroom for now.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro watched the Princess go to the window and gave a soft sigh. Kuro knew he was being strict but it was all he could do to keep everyone safe. He was just glad he was protecting adults, mostly, and didn't have to worry about children sneaking outside to play. "Don't worry My Lady. We will rejoin him by morning, at the very least." he said softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Kuro quickly went downstairs to wrap Akito back up in his blanket and slowly carried him up to the main house. "I know you're hungry. I will get you something to eat soon. Other than your stomach, how are you feeling?" he asked softly, setting him gently on the couch with a pillow under his head. Kuro placed his forehead against Akito's and was relieved to find he wasn't running too much of a fever. The boy was a little warm but that was probably because of the candles and being wrapped in a blanket.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:35 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
Rufus went back to the office, pulling the rolls to pieces before carefully nibbling on them. He managed one piece, then stopped as pain and a thought hit him: Alaric needed to die. It was the only way any of them would be safe. Still, he couldn't ride.
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped. Helena nodded, but remained at the window despite being unable to see out.
Cook placed everything on the table, then started exploring the cupboards to find the things she needed. "Plates, bowls, cups... pans, maybe? To re-heat some of this..."
"F-fine, other than the lack of food." Akito smiled up at Kuro, then realised his phrasing seemed to be accusatory. "Thank you for taking care of me. I'm sorry to be so much trouble." he whispered, holding out his hand to Kuro.
Troy slipped inside the castle without knocking, thinking it prudent not to announce himself at this juncture. He saw the Captain up ahead and decided to call out to him: at worst, he'd have to fight him. At best, he'd be taken to Rufus.
"Hello!"
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:49 pm
The captain saw Troy coming and came to him with a firm expression. "Identify yourself, Soldier." he said sternly, only guessing the man was a soldier upon the view of his armor and sword. He wouldn't let anyone near Alaric or Rufus.
** Meme Pear **
Meme gave a small sigh when he was finished unloading everything, including the candles seeing as he didn't want the whole place to burn down. He went to the kitchen to help Cook with whatever she needed. "Is there anything I can help with?" he asked curiously, trying to make himself useful.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro held Akito's hand gently and gave a soft kiss to the boy's knuckles. "Don't worry about it Akito. It's my job to make sure you're okay." he said softly. "Are you sure you're feeling ok? Can you sit up on your own or does it still hurt to move?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:57 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped.
Well I think we have the ingredients for pancakes. I'm sure I packed milk and flour, would you look for me? I think there are some eggs stored here somewhere..." She knew she'd just seen them. The pancakes would be plain, but hopefully filling.
Akito sat up cautiously, aware of the stitches pulling but not quite hurting as such. He kept his grip on Kuro's hand as support, allowing himself to feel Kuro's palm more than the stitches. He nodded. "Not 'better' as in able to run or ride a horse, but I can sit up."
With help and a distraction. he added to himself, watching Kuro's eyes. They really were rather pretty, in his opinion.
"I'm King Lionel's Guard and I require an audience with Prince Rufus. My King has sent me with orders not to leave until I have seen The Prince." He stood to attention, but wasn't cowed by the Captain: he would see Rufus, one way or the other.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:14 pm
The captain scrutinized the young man before him, his posture, armor, and gilded sword appeared to be that of a highly trusted individual in the army. "I'm afraid without a royal seal or an emblem from your kingdom I cannot allow anyone to see the Prince, he is not feeling well." he stated, waiting a little longer to see if the man would present him with further proof of his identification.
** Meme Pear **
Meme nodded. "Yes of course." he stated, rummaging through the baskets and finding the milk and flour before looking in the larder to find what he was looking for, glad to see a few meats, cheeses, and some fresh eggs. He remembered Rufus had servants prepare the cottage with necessities. Meme grabbed the eggs and shivered on his way out, placing the basket of eggs on the counter with the other ingredients. "There were a few eggs in the larder." he said softly, watching Cook move around the kitchen expertly.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro watched the boy sit up slowly and made sure to support his back. "Good. Just don't move too quickly. I don't want you to rip any stitches." he said sternly, slowly extending the arm that was closest to him on Akito's body and examining the wounds. It had been a few hours since he last put the cream on the boy. He got the tin out and started to gently rub the cream on the boy's wounds.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:20 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped.
"Glad to hear it. Now, shall we make these pancakes? Then we can play the Etiquette Game. Master Rufus deplored it, but now he knows his table manners and the King - yes, well. Everyone will play." She winked at Meme, knowing she could pressure, cajole or convince everyone to play the game when it came to their meal time.
Akito shivered, yet made no comment. He watched as Kuro massaged it into his skin, marveling at the tenderness of the Butler.
Troy sighed and produced the letter from his pocket, allowing the Captain to see the Royal Seal of King Lionel. "I will not be able to allow you to open it, and I wish to see your Prince before he reads it."
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:37 pm
The captain observed the seal which was proof enough of the man's royal title. "Very well. Follow me." he said softly, escorting the young man to the King's office and standing at the side of the door frame. "Sire, a soldier from King Lionel's army has arrived and wishes to speak with you." he said while giving the young man a bow and allowing Troy to walk inside.
** Meme Pear **
Meme gave a slight laugh though he wasn't entirely sure if he would like this game. If Rufus didn't like it, he wondered if it would really be a boring game or if he would find it useful. Either way he would try to enjoy it at least to amuse Cook. At least someone could smile in this situation.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro carefully applied the cream, looking up at Akito occasionally and blushing a little. The boy was keeping such a watchful eye on him, he only hoped the boy wasn't in any pain as he finished with the cream. "I'm sorry this happened to you. If I had been there sooner.....you wouldn't have all of these wounds on your body. I would understand if you blamed me." He stated, putting the cream away and going through the various herbal teas Sarah gave him, pretending not to appear too pained at the sight of Akito's body.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:59 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
"Thank you, Captain."
He waved the man away and turned to Troy, accepting the letter.
...
When Troy finished, Rufus felt violently ill again. He couldn't fight a war against Lionel so soon after his coronation. He was already married, but he understood Lionel's need to protect his daughter and her interests. He hadn't been anywhere near her, but after Alaric was proved to be a lunatic... he couldn't afford for people to believe he'd abducted her by proxy, ravished her - or at least held her against her will - and then said he wouldn't marry her.
"What a bloody mess!" he whispered, before nodding. "We will sort this out, Troy. But first I need you to go to a cottage," he saw Troy's expression, "...which I think you've been to already. Go back and tell Kuro he's needed here. I need you and him here, tonight. I apologise for all the riding-"
He broke off; Troy was already leaving, clearly eager to be back in Helena's presence. He smiled before grimacing. All in love - or at least, interested - with people they weren't supposed to get that close to.
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped.
Cook taught Meme how to cook pancakes, how to measure the correct amounts and make sure nothing burned. "For now we'll just eat. The game can come afterwards."
Akito felt his cheeks burn. Here he was, a mess, and he thought Kuro was beautiful? The scars must be repulsive to him!
Except, as he listened to Kuro speak, he forgot his doubt - it would return later - and shook his head, lunging forward to hug Kuro.... and sending the tea flying. "Sorry! But I'm not letting go." he stated, arms wrapped around Kuro's neck. "It is my fault. I thought I could escape, even when you told me. But I don't blame you; you did nothing wrong." he whispered, directly into Kuro's ear.
Troy thanked the Captain before following him to the office. Once alone, he turned to Rufus and told him that Lionel considered the marriage contract to still be valid, as long as Alaric was removed. However, if Rufus didn't wish to marry Helena then her father would consider her 'kidnapped' by Rufus' servants. It was a threat, and although Troy made sure his wishes remained clear - he wanted to marry Helena and not fight Rufus - his King was being unreasonable. Mind you, he wanted his daughter married, and if Rufus were to be a King earlier than expected....
...
Troy nodded to the Prince, then left for the cottage.
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:13 pm
** Meme Pear **
Meme paid attention and was making sure everything was measured correctly. Mostly he was just worried about burning the pancakes to begin with, he was never very good at making sure things turned out the right color. Meme usually got distracted which caused his lack of attention on the food but Cook didn't let him get distracted.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro nearly fell backwards when the boy hugged him suddenly and he was ready to scold Akito for moving so quickly as he could open his stitches but once he heard the boy's words he knew he couldn't scold so blindly. He wrapped his arms around the boy as well, being careful not to hug him too tightly but fearing if he let go he would never see the boy again. Kuro couldn't help but to think 'I told you so' but now wasn't the time for such harsh words. "I still blame myself...but you are safe and that is all I truly care about right now. I will not allow him or any other foul creature to harm you. I promise." he said softly, cradling the boy's head in his hand carefully.
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Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:13 pm
~~~ Rufus Arthur Rayne ~~~
Twenty.
Prince.
Next In Line.
Soon-To-Be Wed.
Trapped.
Cook smiled to herself; Meme was like Rufus used to be, always distracted. But Master Rufus hadn't been allowed to keep such a trait, instead forced to think on his feet and pay attention to every detail, even if he had no interest in the subject.
Not that he doesn't still manage to be distracted sometimes.
Akito pulled back to scowl at him. "Stop. You blame yourself, and I won't protect you from dogs next time." he smiled weakly, knowing his threat was weak, but he meant it: he didn't want Kuro blaming himself. He kissed Kuro's cheek, then frowned as he felt a slight tugging. "Uhm, could you get me some broth, please?" he murmured, wanting Kuro to turn his back so he could check he hadn't pulled anything without worrying the Butler.
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Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 5:33 pm
** Meme Pear **
Soon the pancakes were ready and only a few of them were slightly more cooked than the others, which was how Meme could tell apart the pancakes he cooked and the ones Cook made. At least they weren't burnt though. "We made breakfast!!" he called out to the rest of the house, rather proud of himself as he started setting plates out for everyone.
}{ Kuro Suji }{
Kuro stared blankly at the boy for a few moments before nodding slightly. "As you wish." he said softly to the boy's request, as for not blaming himself for what happened Kuro decided it was best not to express that feeling verbally. He didn't want to place any more stress on Akito's shoulders than there already was. Kuro stood up and went on a search for the broth he gave Akito earlier, relieved to find it was well within plain sight on the kitchen counter. Kuro brought the little covered bowl to Akito and took the lid off so Akito could drink from it with ease.
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