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 Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 9:22 pm
Equus Portentus
Wherein Owlied's Cuthbert delivers a commissioned map to the Mishkan countryside and unexpectedly meets Ac.Wings' Sunny near the stables of her Lord's manor. It's half past noon and the sun is high yet there is a distinguishable chill in the air.
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Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 9:52 pm
Cuthbert smiled, curling his fingers around a burgundy purse. It was a fine haul, worth at least five pounds of parchment by weight alone. Pale fingers clutched the precious treasure like a fat apple, feeling for the corners of coins as if blind. He had earned this. It was no easy task to chart a four-day path from Mishkan to the mountains but he'd done it and in record time. An even greater achievement perhaps was managing to find his way from Clearbarrow to the vast Countryside without his Mother's guidance. Thoreau's were Sea-folk, after all, and knew little of lands where water was out of sight. Perhaps he had made personal history in venturing out alone? Yes, he had hired a cabby and his four horses to act out the adventure... but that was beside the point. He stopped at the gate, pulling tight the fine black collar of his woolen coat. A blistering wind stole the color from his cheeks. As if saving his payment from the same punishment, the young man made quick work of stashing the wine-colored pouch in his leather satchel.
He faltered as he reached the end of the fine cobbled walkway and seemed to marvel at the gardens just beyond his reach. The property was majestic on it's worst day. Prim hedges lined the manor in squares so sharp that he cowered at the thought of scraping past their edges. Two shaking hands found their way to warm, safe pockets in silence. A longing overtook as Cuthbert strolled onward, slowing his pace with childish scorn. If only he could stay a bit longer. What sort of lord didn't offer his guest tea and a good view?
"One with better company than I." He breathed, turning his back to the great house yet again. Pointed brown shoes scraped the earth as it became dirt once more. The faint sounds of prim conversation and bells failed, carried back to their proper place with another cold, windy sigh. Cuthbert had never felt so utterly unaccomplished. It was fortunate that he should be startled out of his moping by a sudden braying, one that sent him spinning and throwing up his arms for fear of being trampled.
After a moment he found the strength to open his eyes. Nothing. No steaming beast and gallant rider. Only the lonesome walkway and his own footprints. A moment's inspection made the source of the sound painfully obvious and Cuthbert burned with embarrassment as he realized the nearest horse was safe behind a pristine fence. He couldn't help but wander towards the magnificent creature, poised smile peeking from beneath a thick gentleman's scarf. He's always admired animals and in all his years had never been given the chance to have a horse all to himself.
Hands outstretched, the boy leaned gently against the gate, clicking his tongue as he'd seen men in the Clearbarrow stables do as they called on their mares. The muscled Chestnut flicked it's ears in response but continued nosing the earth for sprigs of hay from it's morning feed. Lonely but not yet defeated, Cuthbert let out a hand, wriggling his thin fingers in the horses direction. His feet found the lowest wrung and he found his full weight and all six feet of him stretching towards the horse. He looked like a proper child...
"Come, dear... come on..."
If only he knew it's name.
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Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 1:50 pm
Luckily for Cuthbert, his squirming and wiggling motions suddenly seemed to work. The stallion stopped snuffling the ground and turned his head in the mapmaker's direction. Perhaps this was the man's reward for his determination? At least the horse was looking at him? But then, without further ado the lovely brown coated horse trotted over to him, bowed it's head, and said a delightful, "Hello!".
Wait...horses couldn't talk. At least the non-magical kind that were housed on the Lord's estate. Thankfully before the moment of confusion drew out any longer a young woman peeked out from behind a peppered-gray horse that was standing a few feet away. With a wide smile on her sun-freckled face, she patted the mare's back and hurried over to greet the visitor.
"Heh, hi mister. Not too sure if you heard me the first time. Are ya try'na get Arley's attention?" She rested a gloved hand on the large beast's neck and directed him towards Cutherbert's outstretched hand. "He's pretty friendly but a big tease. Whenever someone comes up to pet him he likes to stop just out of reach."
The stallion whinied and drew close to him thanks to the worker's guidance. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you a visitor or a new worker?". The young lass asked as she held the horse steady.
Those were the best two guesses Sunny had. She'd been at the estate for over a year and knew everyone who worked on the grounds. So it had to be something along those lines.
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Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 2:59 pm
White-clenched knuckles released their grip with a start, reeling the boy back again where he caught the earth full force on either heel. He stumbled to regain a solid footing, cheeks so bright that one could call him rouged. Of course the horse wasn't talking, but what with all of those curious conversations lately regarding Plague-kin and other curious monstrosities... well, what was anyone to think of a thrown voice? Devil's work or worse, that's what!
But it was only a girl.
Poor Cuthbert.
The boy fidgeted with his flowing cravat, eager to stopper his discomfort. As his brothers would say, keep it easy. So, despite the burning in his stomach, he did his best to seem at ease. Steady, heartbeat. It's just a stable girl. Just a girl. Girl. Girl close to my age. Oh god, a girl. Say something! She's looking right at you! The timid man within him screamed.
"Yes!"
That didn't seem right. What had she said? It had been a simple 'hello' back when she was a horse, but now she was coming closer and smiling and talking and it was horrible. Not her company, but the fact that her lips were still moving and Cuthbert hadn't the sense to pay attention to the sounds. She gestured to the horse and pulled him near. It must have been an invitation. Not one to be impolite, even after a moment of near humiliation at entertaining a talking horse, Bert came forward when called. His palm met the rounded end of Arley's nose. Soft and moist as a new peach, Cuthbert thought, amused. The color drained from his face and the biting cold returned, forcing the return of common sense.
"Wait, no." Ears synced with tongue and Cuthbert finally managed a sensible reply. "I'm not a farm hand. I came from Clearbarrow...on business, of course." He mouthed quietly, a quiver of pretension in his young and warbling voice. That sounded impressive, right?
Arley's nose had yet to leave his hand and Cuthbert stifled a boyish glee. Proper businessman, indeed!
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Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 8:55 pm
This fellow was...curious? When he stumbled the lass winced, preparing to hear the sound of his rear greeting the ground. Luckily the man had more balance in him than he let on. He seemed like a proper fellow guessing from his garments. If he was to work on the estate it certainly wouldn't be in labor.
Sunny watched him with a patient smile as she ran her fingers through Arley's mane. Whoever he was he seemed out of place. Like a fancy porcelain doll amongst raggedy Ann's. "Yes?" She laughed and nodded as her eyes moved to look over her horse. "I thought so. Everybody loves a good horse! Nice and easy now. He'll be sweet." The lass seemed pretty proud with herself as Arley and the man shared a pleasant greeting. For a jitterbug this fellow was very gentle with the stallion.
Moving on his own accord, Arley stepped closer to the fence and nuzzled into the offered hand.
"Clearbarrow? Ah, all right." Sunny's eyes narrowed as she tried to think where exactly that place was. It was in their region...by water? Maybe? She knew it had been mentioned around the estate before and at home but for some reason she couldn't recall its exact location. One of these days she'd just purchase a map and have someone point out which place is where.
With those thoughts settled her attention was back on the stranger. If not a worker for the Lord what was he? "Mind if I ask what kind of business? Are you a merchant? We get an awful lot of them. Maybe a tailor? You have a very fancy ensemble. I like your ah...what's the word for it..cravat?" She motioned up and down along her neck in hopes he'd understand. "Looks very nice."
As they spoke Arley nosed Cuthbert's palm a few times. He'd been obedient and had been standing still long enough for a treat. So where was it? Frustrated, he gave a huff and raised his head away from Cuthbert.
Sunny frowned as the horse pulled away. The visitor seemed pretty happy to pet him and she'd hate for him leave before she knew why he was there. "Here..." She reached into a pocket sewn crudely onto her apron. What she pulled out was a piece of carrot. "Give him this. He'll let you pet him again if you feed it to him. Kind of spoiled that way."
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Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 2:24 pm
She hadn't a clue where he hailed from, that much was sure.
Cuthbert was grateful for this silent moment between himself and the Chestnut horse. At the very least a bit of calm would settle his stomach and make for softer conversation. He had a subject; horse. And an eager companion: stable girl. That was half the work. If only the work maid would cease her friendly chatter he could mention some expected detail about Arley's coloration and breed, note the weather and time then slip into the distance unnoticed.
If his carriage had been on time.
It would appear Cuthbert had found an audience after all. She was no Lady nor a Lord with a fat purse and payable respect... but she was kind. Besides, his work here was done. What harm could it do to extend a useful tongue to a young lady full of questions? The man-child blushed at the mention of his attire. Flaunty accessories in deep shades not often seen by the poor-to-do and not the least bit useful, Cuthbert was often tortured on the docks for his attraction to such gaudy things and here he was being complimented!
Perhaps she wasn't so bad.
"'Tis." Thin, lady-like hands clenched at the horse's reproach, but the stable maid was quick to recant. Holding the carrot piece like one might handle a scrap of used tissue, Cuthbert resumed his melodic clicking and held the treat out gingerly. Arley let out a greedy menagerie of sounds and he once again buried the soft flesh of his face into the boy's hand. He was smiling full-teeth now, this sudden and joyous rush making him all too eager to converse. "Most of my penchant goes to such things... fine scarves. Shoes. It is better to look impressive when dealing with impressive people, don't you agree?"
There were far less stumbles in that sentence than even Cuthbert had expected. As the last of Arley's treat was carefully nipped from his palms the Cartographer recalled his manners, wiping the flat of his palm clean on an oatmeal shaded kerchief. The thin garment found a home in his breast pocket and the hand was extended for his company to hold. It seemed less awkward and unpracticed when Cuthbert's hand met Arley's snout, but this silly game of Lords and Ladies was all the boy knew. He had been brought up between classes, after all.
"Lady, forgive me," He began, eyes betraying his keen smile, "I am Cuthbert Thoreau of the Clearbarrow Thoreaus, apprentice Cartographer to the King." At least that had been his title before his time spent on a doomed ship. No matter, legend bound it to him still and garnered strong business - strong business and recognition, which was all a man in any trade could ask for.
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Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 11:06 pm
"I suppose so. If you're meeting with men like the Lord you'd want to look spruced up." Sunny leaned against Arley as she gave Cuthbert's clothes a good look. She didn't realize she was staring. The urge to reach out and run her rough hands along his clothing was there but...that definitely was not an option. Not only was such an action thought of as rude but this man was like a fawn: any sudden movement in his direction would either send him running or straight to the ground twitching from a heart attack. Although he seemed to have gained a smidgen of courage somewhere in their brief conversation. Perhaps he just needed the chance to blossom?
The tan and freckled-skinned lass adjusted her footing in the soft dirt when the cool mud began to dampen her shoes. Ugh! Looks like she'd have to give those a good cleaning later.
"Whenever I go into the market the shops have lovely clothes I know the Lord's son hates the neck..uh...cravat. He never wears one. You look a lot more comfy." Without thinking Sunny brushed her hand across her clothing attire. Compared to Cuthbert she must of looked like she'd been pulled right out of nature. A well-worn dress sat on her sturdy figure, its trim gathered and tied above the calf with hope that it wouldn't dirty. The discolored apron tied above her gown had seen better days. Just like the dress there were stains that couldn't be buffed out and mismatched cloth where someone attempted to patch holes. Definitely not the most glamorous look but neither was the job.
Her eyes grew wide with concern when he raised his hand to her. "Oh! Heh, yes of course." Sunny nibbled on her lower lip and quickly brushed her hands against the apron to get rid of any dirt or grime. If her eldest brother was here right now he'd get right to scolding for the atrocious response to a pleasant greeting. After all, this man was well-off and possibly single...perfect marriage material by his standards! She should be in her best dress with washed hands and far away from the stables as can be.
"Sorry for um...." Anything that rubs off. She mumbled with an added wince as her hand enclosed around his. Compared to Cuthbert's hers just looked grubby. Ah the life of a laborer.
Her cheeks wore a tint of pink when she heard that exclusive word 'Lady'. Judging by the burning sensation on her ears those too were covered in blush. He had such nice manners! Just like that Mr. Cuthbert Thoreau was making her shine as bright as an apple just by being polite.
Sunny glanced back down at their hands and gave his an awkward shake. Was he going to kiss it like a prince? Or was it a handshake? Since she was already moving hopefully it was the latter.
"The king?" Her strong grip loosened at the realization of how impressive he was. "Wow!" Sunny shook with laughter. "You must live a very exciting life. I'm Mildred Greenbell, a stable hand here. But I have a feeling you already could tell."
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 2:31 pm
Complements threatened to cherry the boy. A healthy interest only loosened Cuthbert's tongue. If he had continued with 'Cartographer to the King's ship, Rosa' he certainly would have lost favor with her. Or would he? Did country folk know of the Rosa's accounts? He shook his head in thought, not so eager to find out.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Mildred."
As old fashioned a name as his own. A slow smile threatened to bear his aptly crooked teeth with each passing moment. Not only was this girl warm and seemingly nonthreatening but she was oddly comforting. Not in a recognizable manner, either. Unlike Clearbarrow girls, most of which were daughters of Slow-speaking sailors, Miss Mildred presented herself as easy and kind. There were no gray clouds and spitting oceans at her back, only the style and humor of braying horses. No wonder he'd so easily found the courage to touch her.
He released the sun-kissed hand gently and without a kiss, careful not to wince at the fine grit powdering his fingers. He wasn't the sort who found enjoyment in shaming others and perhaps the spotty Stable girl was luckier for it. Young men could be terrible and cruel in their assessments, especially towards women of courting age. Porcelain hands found their way, awkwardly at first, to the back of his trousers for a subtle patting. Cuthbert was no princely conversationalist. His astute observations were exclusively for the sea and the scenery. He had no business thinking of her as anything but a temporary companion and so no mention of her being outdoorsy was made.
Mildred would not face scrutiny here.
"I am quite taken with fashion. I wouldn't think a Stable Hand should take any interest in flattery." Hands busying themselves with dried dirt and grime, Bert failed to behave. What he meant was 'Thank You'. No matter, that blatant lack of social prowess might have been sweetened by his gentle expression. Palms immaculate once more, Cuthbert found a small sheet of parchment in his side satchel. The perfectly folded square was passed through the fence to Mildred by slightly quaking hands. A soft, browned section of map presented his full name in golden script, finished with a seaside address and a black, cross-hatched anchor illustration. Below, in equally impressive gold curls, read 'Cartography for Land and Sea.'
It even rhymed.
"I am rather busy. My name is known from port to port and has yet to lose it's good standing." He replied. Whether or not he found this lifestyle exciting was a different conversation altogether. Cartography meant travel and travel meant meetings with strangers, most of which weren't worth mentioning but for their fancy dress and pristine accommodations. Cuthbert felt haunted by haughty Lords, high-nosed Ladies and cruel slit-eyed Nobles but there was the occasional, heart-lightening kindness.
Mildred included.
Not one to build himself up, Cuthbert changed the subject for his own sake. "I'm sure your days are far more busy than mine, Miss. Livestock must be a handful. Is it so common for a young lady to find work in the fields? You aren't at all brutish. I'd rather see you a Lady in Waiting."
No form of flattery overlooked. Bert's mother would be proud.
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