Welcome to Gaia! ::

After the light sprinkling of snow had covered the town in a thin layer of white powder, it seemed that even more citizens took to the streets and went about their busy routines. More merchants were coming in with plenty of furs and rare meats and other goods that would surely cause a stir and draw a crowd once they set up in the center of town. In truth, all the hustle and bustle had the young boy curious, usually stoic, unmoving eyes no longer set dead ahead of him, but drifting to take a peek at a few wagons and carts that went clammering down the streets beside the sidewalk he strolled upon, even sparing a glance to some of the enthralled expressions of possible customers. Such joy over something like that...? Pfeh.

Today, he was accompanied with Ixton of course but their posse had increased to five. Servants and messengers of his family had joined him, to ensure that he did not wander too far from the home for his lessons that were to be soon, as well as to carry out duties that had been given to them. He hated this... being babysat. For as long as he could remember, Matvei had always looked out for himself. Sure, he was a pretty boy, and hardly physically an intimidation at all, but he had brains, and a mouth on him that could talk him out of almost any situation. Not to mention he had reflexes, and the ability to wield a light sword should push come to shove, thanks to his fencing. But his family of course hadn't sent the additional manpower for his protection in the way of concern, and compassion, no it was always for their own good. He was to take his place in the family business after all.. he'd been groomed for it since he was a wee babe.

But how stifling this was... gritting his teeth, he was at least given pleasant imagery's from his tiny companion, who continued his blissful demeanor, eagerly looking about... truly a bright light in his dark life.

"V'ere do you want this?" Emereck bellowed out, shouting across the metal smith alley as it was fondly named for being riddled with any kind of shop in the art of metal smithing. It was here he'd found a bit of a haven for the time being after running into the drunkard owner outside a tavern, and giving his sorry state a lift back home on the back of Lukas. The owner once out of his inebriate state and into the early stages of hangover had offered his gratitude; a place to bunk with the other members of the shop and a place for Lukas out back. It gave him the opportunity to make name, and possibly get scouted for bigger and better things; he had Emereck at bunk. "Oi! To that stack on the left, that needs to go out in the morn tomorrow! Don't work yourself too hard, you're showin' us up!" The older man laughed merrily, earning a few other chuckles from the elder staff. "Just doing my job, nothing more nothing v'ess." The bloomer too found himself chuckling, rather enjoying the chance to once again work as his travels had made him horribly restless from an honest day's labor. It took no time at all till he had place the crafted hunk of iron to the rest of the pile and return to his work.

He was a sight to behold though, the staggering heat of the shop and the constant roar of the furnaces and clammering of metal on metal made him sweat even in the dead of winter clearly visible outside the open doors. Still garbed in his ever present black overalls he was today without a shirt as he knew he would need to take care till he had proper residence to wash his limited garbs. With a smelter's mitt in one hand he held fast to clasps which secured the blazing hot iron which glowed with the ferocity of wildfire; his other arm rose and fell with strength and purpose to slowly bend and warp the metal into the rectangular shapes required. The expression on his face was something else, driven and focused as not even the occasional looky-loo who lingered at the doors could capture his attention. He did catch occasionally the elders talk about how they too looked like Emereck and his built physique, but it didn't bother him; for he was sure if anyone had walked the trade from his age they would have fallen with the same physical appearance as he, scars, burns and all.

The little group of pions talked amongst one another, some speaking in Matvei's native tongue of Russian, and intertwining it with English from time to time. They made their beginning stops, first with a blacksmith, who was notorious for his creation of very hardy armor and weapons that could sustain years of wear and tear if provided the appropriate metals. The man was a prodigy in most of the land, and a coveted individual to gain business with. But it was no issue for Matvei's family... they were of old money, and controlled a large portion of lands where many prosperous people lived, thus the taxes were a constant income that further beefed their currency supply. Matvei did cringe a little from all the dirt and grime, tugging his coat around him tighter as if afraid some of the guck might creep onto his fully covered skin, aside from his lovely flawless face. The fluff surrounding his neck kept the chill of the cold from nipping his little ears, or cheeks, though there was a natural light flush there just because the temperature was so low as they trudged along the sidewalks to their next destination. Matvei refused to take a carriage. He liked walking on foot, and felt confined more times than not within the small enclosures. From time to time he enjoyed them, if he were tired from a long day, but... all in all, he enjoyed working his slender legs. And the cold of winter was... a reminder of home to him.

In fact, it put the young lord in a bit of a... well not good mood, but a better one than his usual lackluster state. The tiny buck at his side seemed to be tickled like a human child as his dainty hooves left little prints in the snow, also muffling any clicking that might have come from them in the process, in exchange for a soft 'sft' sound that couldn't even be heard over the chatter of the common folk around them. Next on the list... getting a supplier to provide the metal bars they would be in great need of. The servants ahead of him went down along the alleyway, pointing at a few open doors, and checking signs for the right place. It was then that they found the one the Emereck had found comfort in. Little Ixton would peek his head into a few of the shops from time to time, sniffing the heavy fumes, and the warmth that radiated constantly, before dancing back to rub up against Matvei's legs. Even he, the silent boy, found himself slightly intrigued by the place. It wasn't much different from the blacksmith's, all dirty and such, but... watching the flames take life on the materials was fascinating. As the men ahead of him walked into the chosen shop, Matvei had to do a double take when he noticed a particular individual who was inside... he looked familiar... Staring at the excellent example for a fit man, his exotic gaze narrowed slightly, trying to recall where-- ...

And there it was. The memory of their encounter. Instantly he tensed his stomach, teeth gritting, and his eyes narrowing. The man who had laughed at him...! He was about to walk out of the place to wait outside, or perhaps raise an objection with the little group with him, but... his eyes seemed a bit hypnotized by the shifting of Emereck's muscles. The way that sweat really accented the curves and bulges, the contours, the movements... the light flickering off of the toned body. He could feel the prickle of warmth on his cheeks, and he forced his eyes to slowly slide off to the side, while his people went to find the owner and discuss hiring one of his employers.

Ixton, however, was delighted and recognized Emereck instantly. The tiny fawn practically danced in place, looking to Matvei and then Emereck.. and back again! he gave out a little cute bleat to the opposing man, puffing himself up, large bow, and little coat and all, trying to look his best and gain the working man's attention! This of course only caused Matvei to flush more, and keep his attention firmly averted elsewhere... as if here were far too interested in the way the walls were built..

Clang! Once the metal was elongated enough for his standards the brute of a man lifted up the metal bar to his face and inspected with a scrutinizing stare; taking in ever deformation and angle with the intensity of an army captain with his troops. While this was not standard trade for Emereck he was one to always take pride in his work, whatever it was his hands were creating; and upon finding something he was unpleased with he'd called the attention of the fellow bloomer who'd given the okay and brief instruction. Nodding his head he'd moved back to the furnace, the open flames hungrily licking at the stone lip in anticipation for the metal. With the clasps still in hand he moved the hunk of iron back into the flames to rest for a few moments as he stirred and adjusted the fire within. It wasn't really until he heard a very faint noise, one which wouldn't have phased him but for the sheer fact it was not a sound one would hear in a shop like this. Standing up as he dusted off the ash and dirt from his overalls his gaze shifted to the entrance of the shop where immediately he noticed the little white fawn with the bold red bow.

"Ixton?" That lopsided smirk curled on his lips as he perhaps had a bit of tunnel vision before realizing, of course, he wasn't alone as there beside him looking away towards the wall was Matvei. Narrowing his eyes he snorted under his breath at his high Matvei's nose was in the air (although perhaps he was imagining it higher than it really was) but was quickly distracted by the owner and a pack of servants; probably noble owned heading his way. Setting down the large and weighted hammer he didn't flinch as the owner patted his shoulder with a heavy hand, introducing and of course leading most of the negotiations to assist his friend. Yet even as Edward was explaining that he would require accommodation as well as for his horse; Emereck couldn't help but feel his mind slip from the conversation and his head turn back to steal a glance at the pair at the entrance. Perhaps it was because he had too many mixed emotions coursing through his body or he was really just wondering why the snobby brat and his lovely fawn would be in a place like this....did the simpleton not realize the men before him and the one at the door may have been connected. At all. "Well, what do you say boy?" Edward nudged Emereck and he snapped his head back to the conversation at hand, nodding his head quickly. "Uh...Yes. So long as Lukas has proper shelter, and I 'av a place to stay nearby." Surly that was all he needed, by how excited Edward looked he could only assume it had been a successful deal.

"Well Kid, There you have it, Now you and that ol' stallion will be set! Thanks for all your help but you better fix your things." Edward howled in that burly, contagious chuckle of his. Emereck could only stare in a mild confusion, wondering if that was really all there was to it; having been under the impression it would have been well, more tasking to find an employer of the caliber these men seemed to represent.

Though his family might be cold, and heartless people, their employee's didn't seem to be... at least not all of them. The ones that had been sent to fetch and carry out their 'chores' were polite enough to discuss an exchange with the old owner, which turned out handsomely. With Emereck now under their care, there would be much to discuss, and plenty of information to fill him in. One of the older gentlemen of the well dressed group offered to help carry anything the man might need to bring back, while another went ahead and gave him the low down of the new duty's that this job would entail, and for how long. It would be a long contract, as there was a high demand for many metal wares that were all written down on a long list... that never seemed to end, and continued to gain more items everyday! Any matter, the other three started to head back towards Matvei and his companion, asking the young lord if he was alright in this sort of climate. Matvei was quiet glad for the large, thick fluff around his neck that covered the blush he held, giving only the subtlest of shakes with his head in response. The men bowed their head in understanding, and waiting beside him while waiting for the newest addition to join them.

Why him...? There were plenty of other workers! But Emereck was young... he would have more power, and endurance in his field, compared to the older gents. He would be more reliable. Ixton, on the other hand, seemed delighted by what was going on, taking a few clicking steps towards the other man, before wiggling back to stand beside Matvei... as if he couldn't contain the bubbling excitement that was within him!

It wasn't simple by any means to listen to the employee rattle about his duties, all seemed fairly straightforward from the last blooming job he'd had and although he was sure he'd have questions it wouldn't be until he could see his work space that he'd really be able to grasp everything presented to him. This was by no means the fault of the smaller man before him, but more so the young lord and fawn at the shops door who kept badgering his conscious to look over there. Which was getting very hard not to do. Turning his head as another offered to gather his things he'd promptly shook his head and waved his hands before him to dismiss such an idea. "Acht no! I can fetch 'em. I carry light." It was true, he'd figured if anything he'd get whatever he really needed here in the city so really only ever carried clothes, gear for Lukas and provisions. "I vill be right back." Taking a moment to shake and thank Edward's hand the old owner went over to finish the job Emereck had begin while the lad gathered his shirt, cloak and towel to wipe himself off before heading out the back doors. Trudging through the snow as his boots compacted the snow under foot he went to the small stables where a few of the men's horses were kept, Lukas giving an excited whinny that Emereck was back. "Vell Lukas...seems ve 'ave hit the jackpot, a velthy employer had hired me." Patting the stallion's thick black neck he removed the saddle from the fencing and secured it onto him along with he travel bags.

He was quick about wiping the sweat and grime off his shirtless torso before donning the tan blouse underneath the straps, running wettened fingers through his hair to make himself just a bit more presentable. Adhering the cloak to his broad shoulders he'd opened the gate and walked Lukas out into the snow; rounding the side of the building till he reached the front where the employers were waiting....and at Matvei was still around. In fact...he'd seen them bowing to the man which could....could only mean... "Scheiße." He whispered inaudibly under his breath, of course...fates never made it easy on him. Walking up the rest of the way he looked down to Ixton and couldn't help but give a small smile, one of which he tried so desperately to keep chiseled on his lips when looking up to Matvei and the fellow employers beside him. "I'am vredy to go." Rich tones called out, keeping firm hold on Lukas' reigns, wondering momentarily how far they would have to go.

Matvei was thankful for the brief moment he had with the fellow foreigner gone. He took a few calm breaths to try and chase off his blush, delicate brows crinkled in an irritated expression. Now though he was a man himself, and surrounded by then often, none were ever bare in any sort of way. His own body was nothing like Emereck's, holding lean muscles, and umarred, tender flesh from living a cushy life. He was like a pristine dove, feathers all aline, not a single hair out of place; even if it were curly and sometimes took on a life of its own. Thus, hopefully it could be forgiven that he'd become so flustered over seeing such a fine specimen of a man... he shouldn't of had his shirt off anyway! convincing himself it was all the other's fault, he was able to gather himself, and fall back into his composed disposition, lightly fluffing out his coat, glancing to a few servants that spoke to him his native tongue. He replied back, creating a volley of conversation before Emereck made his way back.

Glancing to the impressive man, Matvei wore his usual poised expression, stoic, and perhaps shouldn't belong on someone's face as young as his. But there it was regardless. He didn't say anything or make any sort of implication to Emereck, slowly letting his gaze drift off as the men surrounding him went on to greet Emereck and further fill him on details about who he'd be serving from now on. They began to escort the young metal worker out of the building, and out back into the alley to head for the main roads. Matvei kept behind the other men, letting his eyes follow either the ground, or travel off to look around them, seeming as detached as possible to the group as he could. Ixton though was bleating gleefully to Emereck, prancing to him with a puffed up chest, and high lifting legs to gain as much attention as possible from the man who'd lathered him in affections! He'd weave between Lukas' legs, and even lept through Emereck's at one point with surprising ease, those big fawn eyes gazing up to the hard working man all a shimmer. This also translated into Matvei's mind... all these happy, good feelings, and such... It made him sigh silently as he kept his patience in tow.

They went down along a large sidewalk that had many upper class citizens traversing it, and began to enter an area of town that held large flats, and large homes to boot; clearly a place for the rich and famous... Some of the servants had split off to continue the rest of their own jobs, while three others and Matvei headed back to the huge estate just at the end of the path... but it could be seen for miles. It was massive! There was a strong iron gate that surrounded the property, with towering guards always standing watch. It was a well known place for the family that lived in it... Reaching close, the guards allowed the small group to pass, not even giving them a glance, or even blinking... A few men came waltzing out from the side of the enormous home, and held their hands to take Lukas' reins to th stables.The servants then lead Emereck into the front door that lead into a breath taking entry way. Everything was impeccable... the most expensive trimmings, and wood and marble, everything pristine and perfect... as well as unnervingly silent.

But they didn't dwadle, and were off to take Emereck to where his room would be. It was off in a far wing of the 'castle', and was one of the smaller rooms... usually considered a closet to them, but more than plenty big for two people to live in it. There was a bed, a washroom, a closet, vanity, dresser, and table. They hardly gave him any time to rest though, hurrying off to take him to his workspace. It was attached to the side of the house, and to one of the kitchens. There was a large furnace that took up an entire wall, as well as other supplies needed that were necessary for the task desired. It was explained that the man who used to work here had died from wolves... recently, in fact. Some of the men went silent, but soon they were looking to Emereck, and rambling off a list of things he had to accomplish and get done... along with rules.

Matvei kept silent the entire time, keeping his distance slightly, and pretending to be disinterested. But tiny Ixton would trot right alongside Emereck, from time to time, lipping at his fingers again to try and gain some pets or scritches, giving cute little bleats to distract the large man from those that were guiding him along. And now, at the end of the road, the baby fawn sniffed around the very - surprisingly- clean room, before looking up to Emereck as if to see what his reaction was to all of this.

It had been a whirlwind if any, and it seemed like in no time at all he was at the gates of that he was fairly sure was nothing short of a castle; at least it was the largest mansion he'd ever seen so close in his life. He'd been listening a little more intently now as they'd walked, nothing but the claps of hooves on cobblestone as well as the kindly older men nattering in his ears about the tasks at hand, expectations and all the lessons he would need to make life work while under the care of their master. For a few moments he'd forgotten about the company lingering behind them, only glancing and wiggling his fingers against the soft pelt of ixton when the little fellow got close enough from playing between the legs of the massive Clyde. Once inside the courtyard he offered the worn leather reigns to the men in question, patting the muzzle of the equine with whispers he would come visit as soon as he was able before his friend was taken off before his very eyes.

If one was looking close enough they would have seen the melancholy heart break in his eyes, as the dawning was this would have been the first real time he'd been so far away from his dear companion. However, to make it work it was necessary as he pushed down the welling lump in his throat and continued on with the rest of the tour.

"Vell i'll be damned..." Emereck breathed, his voice catching in a bit of a whistle as he laid sight to the even more impressive interior. Such vast ceilings and no expense cut decor was simply well - beyond his comprehension. He'd noticed the materials he'd only every heard and seen pictures; never before was he this close to some of the marbles in the details. However the tour went on, and casting a glance to Ixton and Matvei once in a while he silently wondered why they continued on, surely the lord would have better things to do than go on a tour of his own estate? None the less his jaw tensed a little once entering his room, and further more his work space. He'd never quite seen a furnace so big in a private quarter, only in the mines but that was with hundreds of men working at once on them. Was he really the only one for this? Not that it bothered him, in fact it was a little, dare he say it; exciting to be in charge of something so grand. When the mood had sombered he'd raised his brows. "Volves?" He spoke aloud with an almost distant quality, it was hard to imagine a grown man could be down by them...at least unless it was a staggering pack, even so...how desperate would they have to be to go after humans?

If only he knew.

"I understand." Emereck dipped his head, it seemed straight forward anyways about his duties and so forth; once he was done he knew he would retire to his room or even the stables; knowing he was eager to begin so that he could visit Lukas later. Looking down he saw the darling Ixton with his lips curling into a smile he kneeled down on one knee and scratched under his chin. "It is ah neat room, but you vill need to keep out while i'm workin'....vould hate for you to get such nice fur dirty now. Plus..." He glanced to Matvei out of the corner of his eye before once again diverted to Ixton. "I think he vould get pretty mad vith us if you did..." Once more rising to a standing position he let his eyes wander between the men as well as to Matvei before he spoke out with hands in his pockets to keep his anticipation hidden with his fingers toying with the bit of lint and dirt in the pockets. "Vill there be anything else I need to know?"

In truth, Matvei didn't have a good reason to keep following them around. Sure he had to deal with them giving their lessons and lectures of his schedule for the day, but... he could have waited elsewhere. He'd convinced himself he was only following to see where exactly this man would be staying... so he could avoid the area entirely. Seeing his living quarters and working space, the young lord didn't let his eyes linger too long, or allow himself to show any sort of interest... even if Ixton's delight in the large man was starting to really make him feel like pouting. What was so great about that guy anyway? What'd Ixton see in him? some grungy oaf found off the streets! his arms did cross under his coat, and the features of a pout started to naturally take place on his fair face... lips even pursing a little bit.

The well dressed men seemed to idly stroke their beards and look amongst each other to see if there was anything else to inform the youth about. They did rattle off some guidelines, and rules that he was to abide by, and warned him of overstepping them, but other that he wasn't given much else. Simply not to address the royal family, not to loiter about, or steal. When dinner, breakfast, and lunch were. Not to participate in party's and gathering's, and not to disturb anyone or steal anything. If he was in need of supplies, to make note of it to one of them, or one of the maid's or lesser servants who would be tending to his room and the like. Ixton pressed himself up against Emereck with cute little happy bleats, perking his ears as the large man got closer to his level. His large bow bounced as he lifted his head proudly, eyes easing closed from the scritches to his chin, tiny tail wagging six hundred beats a minute! at the mention of his Chosen, the tiny fawn cracked his eyes open, and slowly glanced over to the lord. Matvei looked over to the pair too, giving a small glare to Emereck, to show that he'd heard him, but turned his head away as if he didn't even care. Blinking between the two, Ixton simply transferred visions to his humans mind while nuzzling against Emereck as much as he could before the towering man stood up once again.

"приехать Ixton.." he spoke, the tiny fawn pricking its ears and daintily trotting over to Matvei as he himself turned to take his leave. He had better things to do.

He'd listened all the while, through the lecture and rules; realizing that he didn't truly have much to worry about here as he'd never been a thief nor much of a social butterfly to even want to attend such festivities. The brawny male had looked to Matvei to catch the glare before he'd come to the conclusion that this fellow from before must had been the royal family and thus...well he wasn't to address him. As much as Emereck thought this may be for the better he knew he would still need to be civil to his well, new employer. As the little fawn had literally, fawned over him for a few moments he'd be happy to oblige, and when he stood to wave a little goodbye to Ixton; his eyes caught something else at the door where Matvei was leaving to.

There were at least three of what he assumed were the maids, giggling and whispering to themselves, at first Emereck was confused but when he noticed one of them gave him such a kind smile he felt his own cheeks suddenly burn hot with embarrassment. What on earth? Luckily the older gentleman caught this too and once the girls knew they'd been foiled they bowed and quickly ushered something along the lines of 'I hope the room is to your cleanliness' Before swiftly walking off with the men at their heels. Running a hand through his hair he shook his head "Oiii.." Emereck muttered and realized that that his face was still burning in a blush; turning his head away as he grabbed the papers to look over the taskings. No time like the present really to get started. He'd never really had the affections of anyone before, and even as he looked at the papers he wondered why; and if it was really necessary for them to have done that in front of his higher ups.