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[ continued from here ]
Of course.
[ Kaspar is openly delighted, in the way he somehow manages it while still looking so at ease with his smile and slightly tilted head. His hand is warm beneath leather, moreso when he brings his other to join it in shaking van Ziek's single hand. And then they retreat, only to reach up and attempt to adjust the fabric of his new friend's cravat. Was it out of place before? Well, it certainly looks perfect now by Kaspar's estimation.
And then he takes a few, noticeably lighter steps backwards, rejoining his hands behind his back until he spins to turn around and continue down their path.
Only he runs face first right into the low branch of a tree. A small one, and luckily he wasn't moving all too quickly, so all Kaspar does is make a quiet but almost spluttering sound of surprise. Without missing a beat though, he lifts it high enough for Zieks to step past under his arm without eating leaves like Kaspar's loose curls already have. How is he still smiling?? Even this, he obviously finds fun. What is the price of a few scratches to enjoy the world? ]
[ continued from here ]
Of course.
[ Kaspar is openly delighted, in the way he somehow manages it while still looking so at ease with his smile and slightly tilted head. His hand is warm beneath leather, moreso when he brings his other to join it in shaking van Ziek's single hand. And then they retreat, only to reach up and attempt to adjust the fabric of his new friend's cravat. Was it out of place before? Well, it certainly looks perfect now by Kaspar's estimation.
And then he takes a few, noticeably lighter steps backwards, rejoining his hands behind his back until he spins to turn around and continue down their path.
Only he runs face first right into the low branch of a tree. A small one, and luckily he wasn't moving all too quickly, so all Kaspar does is make a quiet but almost spluttering sound of surprise. Without missing a beat though, he lifts it high enough for Zieks to step past under his arm without eating leaves like Kaspar's loose curls already have. How is he still smiling?? Even this, he obviously finds fun. What is the price of a few scratches to enjoy the world? ]
[The absolute roller coaster of emotions Kaspar just brought van Zieks on??? His easy smile, the gentle attention which he feels he should be offended by, but isn't at all?? Surely his cravat wasn't askew but still having it gently adjusted, that sort of casual concern???
And then he turns around and before van Zieks can say anthing else he just walks right into a branch??? Hello. What is going on. Is this man an idiot after all? Though, on paper, Albert is one of the smartest people he knows. And would also absolutely do something this boneheaded. He'll follow Kaspar under the branch, but once he is;]
You should be more careful, Mr Kaspar. Your face...
[He starts to raise a hand to brush the leaves out of Kaspar's hair, but thinks better of it.]
And then he turns around and before van Zieks can say anthing else he just walks right into a branch??? Hello. What is going on. Is this man an idiot after all? Though, on paper, Albert is one of the smartest people he knows. And would also absolutely do something this boneheaded. He'll follow Kaspar under the branch, but once he is;]
You should be more careful, Mr Kaspar. Your face...
[He starts to raise a hand to brush the leaves out of Kaspar's hair, but thinks better of it.]
[ Kaspar keeps his eyes firmly on van Ziek's even when he accidently holds his breath at the lifted hand. It's alright that he doesn't. This place had already been slowly soothing the unseen ache for affection, his comfort with it fanned by the openness of the others around here. Van Zieks is alike and different in all the ways that are interesting to Kaspar.
Eventually, he laughs at the words while removing one glove briefly to carefully feel at his face and delicately pocket the leaves from his hair. The sound is at least a little more sheepish than his usual breathy ones. He decides to admit to his ignorance this one time instead of letting it go. Because in this moment, he has the luxury of a friend and only the ears of the trees besides. A thing he's gotten more here than a lifetime back home. Honestly, much to van Ziek's (probable) chagrin, Kaspar wouldn't even care if the goddess saw everything he did here, as long as he maintained the freedom to do it.
It takes him a few strides to voice his response, easier when trailing behind van Zieks with his gloved hands bravely clasped at his back again. His voice is quiet though, as if placidly accepting he may be informed he is an idiot again. ]
... there are no trees in Groscia.
Eventually, he laughs at the words while removing one glove briefly to carefully feel at his face and delicately pocket the leaves from his hair. The sound is at least a little more sheepish than his usual breathy ones. He decides to admit to his ignorance this one time instead of letting it go. Because in this moment, he has the luxury of a friend and only the ears of the trees besides. A thing he's gotten more here than a lifetime back home. Honestly, much to van Ziek's (probable) chagrin, Kaspar wouldn't even care if the goddess saw everything he did here, as long as he maintained the freedom to do it.
It takes him a few strides to voice his response, easier when trailing behind van Zieks with his gloved hands bravely clasped at his back again. His voice is quiet though, as if placidly accepting he may be informed he is an idiot again. ]
... there are no trees in Groscia.
Edited 2022-12-10 03:36 (UTC)
[No trees is a bold statement. Of course, this environment is a far cry from London, but even in Londo, there's sparse trees even beyond the far more densely foliaged areas of Hyde Park and other such smaller green areas.]
None at all?
[NOT EVEN A FEW???]
That sounds... [Absolutely dismal, and that's coming from a Londoner.] I suppose that explains your demeanor somewhat.
None at all?
[NOT EVEN A FEW???]
That sounds... [Absolutely dismal, and that's coming from a Londoner.] I suppose that explains your demeanor somewhat.
[ Kaspar shakes his head with a hum to go along with it. He's not really sure what he means, but he supposes that means he's been successful in explaining something for once. He looks far too innocently pleased about that for a moment.
And it only encourages to go on. ]
It is, under a mountain. There are some plants allowed to grow.
And it only encourages to go on. ]
It is, under a mountain. There are some plants allowed to grow.
Edited (shhhh ) 2022-12-10 03:55 (UTC)
... I think so.
[ A rarity, his lips purse the smile away before he answers. The more obviously rote response is a contrast to his usual way of speaking. But he's never had to explain the concept to anyone before, let alone think of the spoken words on his own. ]
The Avus commands the abiding light of Orm, under which we all flourish.
[ A rarity, his lips purse the smile away before he answers. The more obviously rote response is a contrast to his usual way of speaking. But he's never had to explain the concept to anyone before, let alone think of the spoken words on his own. ]
The Avus commands the abiding light of Orm, under which we all flourish.
[This sounds like some magical bullshit, which he's still in denial about, so he doesn't have too much to say about it.]
I see... quite unlike London given how infrequently we see the sun there.
[A little bit of a joke here... Classic van Zieks dry humor.]
It's a shame we aren't truly free here, given the surveillance provided by the goddess.
I see... quite unlike London given how infrequently we see the sun there.
[A little bit of a joke here... Classic van Zieks dry humor.]
It's a shame we aren't truly free here, given the surveillance provided by the goddess.
[ It surprises Kaspar when he laughs, fuller in sound than any before, but not loud, in his own gently amused way. It's Zieks tone that clues him in, one city man to another. He could explain that the sun is far brighter and larger than all of Orm's light, though he did always find the glow of the lights of Vuglodir and its temple core to be quite beautiful.
But the last time Kaspar truly felt unwatched was while reading in father's study as a child, though he doesn't think of that now. ]
You... did not feel surveilled, in London?
But the last time Kaspar truly felt unwatched was while reading in father's study as a child, though he doesn't think of that now. ]
You... did not feel surveilled, in London?
Edited 2022-12-10 06:54 (UTC)
[He raises an eyebrow at that question.]
I wouldn't use that term, no. Certainly, I was in the public eye, moreso when I was actively prosecuting. But it was not as if my every waking moment were being watched.
[Of course, there were long spans where he pointedly did not go out to avoid any sort of public scrutiny, or rather, the risk of it. But there was not one singular force keeping constant watch on him, even when he did go out.]
Why do you ask?
I wouldn't use that term, no. Certainly, I was in the public eye, moreso when I was actively prosecuting. But it was not as if my every waking moment were being watched.
[Of course, there were long spans where he pointedly did not go out to avoid any sort of public scrutiny, or rather, the risk of it. But there was not one singular force keeping constant watch on him, even when he did go out.]
Why do you ask?
Ah...
[ Kaspar pauses, but it's briefer this time in his attempts to keep up. ]
I suppose, because I feel less so, here.
[ Less under watch. Or at least, now under one he chooses to believe is more benevolent than otherwise. ]
[ Kaspar pauses, but it's briefer this time in his attempts to keep up. ]
I suppose, because I feel less so, here.
[ Less under watch. Or at least, now under one he chooses to believe is more benevolent than otherwise. ]
... I am.
[ But adds, ever drawn more towards the present in contrast to his home-- ]
But here, we are free to walk together like this whenever we like.
[ He faintly wonders how much warmer the other's hand might be. More than Trahearne's, the only other person he's taken a stroll with, he is sure. But Kaspar says nothing and his gaze wanders the trees with a warm smile. ]
[ But adds, ever drawn more towards the present in contrast to his home-- ]
But here, we are free to walk together like this whenever we like.
[ He faintly wonders how much warmer the other's hand might be. More than Trahearne's, the only other person he's taken a stroll with, he is sure. But Kaspar says nothing and his gaze wanders the trees with a warm smile. ]
Edited (I hated it mb dhdb) 2022-12-12 04:35 (UTC)
[Van Zieks makes a soft noise of assent.]
People keep saying to me that I should take this as a vacation, and certainly, it presents itself as an ideal location for one.
You certainly seem glad to be here, Mr. Kaspar. Is there truly nothing else you feel your time would be better spent doing? Regardless of whether it's personally more preferable.
[Like listen would he like a vacation? Sure. Does he think he deserves one? Absolutely not, and thus he can't relax.]
People keep saying to me that I should take this as a vacation, and certainly, it presents itself as an ideal location for one.
You certainly seem glad to be here, Mr. Kaspar. Is there truly nothing else you feel your time would be better spent doing? Regardless of whether it's personally more preferable.
[Like listen would he like a vacation? Sure. Does he think he deserves one? Absolutely not, and thus he can't relax.]
[ Kaspar hums in agreement. It is a lovely place, he thinks. And the relative privacy of their natural surroundings does much to put Kaspar at ease. ]
Mm. I cannot say.
[ He admits, slowly but honestly. ]
... I suspect, I will not know what I like until I have attempted it.
Mm. I cannot say.
[ He admits, slowly but honestly. ]
... I suspect, I will not know what I like until I have attempted it.
[There it is again, a statement that makes him half wonder if there's just an empty space inside that head. Sir.]
... Do you not have a particularly wide breadth of experiences, then?
[He's getting.... a sense. A vibe if you will. It's the living inside a mountain bit, really.]
... Do you not have a particularly wide breadth of experiences, then?
[He's getting.... a sense. A vibe if you will. It's the living inside a mountain bit, really.]
[ Kaspar laughs, a little caught off guard by the accuracy but not offended by it. He's the first to say it so bluntly, but it's not something to lie about. For once, his response comes easy. ]
I would believe that even if I did, I think.
I would believe that even if I did, I think.
[Well, van Zieks thinks, this explains why he'd be willing to be friends with someone like him, even after the warning! And why he seems at times fairly brainless!!! But he's clearly not stupid so much as... well, naive perhaps. And since van Zieks accepted the offer of friendship that means he needs to protect this man at all costs.]
I see. Well, I'm sure my own still pales in comparison to many, but you may rely on me for assistance where I am able to provide it, Mr. Kaspar.
I see. Well, I'm sure my own still pales in comparison to many, but you may rely on me for assistance where I am able to provide it, Mr. Kaspar.
...
[ Ah.
He's touched, really. Van Zieks is not the sort of man to make this type of offer lightly, Kaspar believes. And it makes him happy, whether he plans to take him up on it or not. ]
Thank you, very much. And you may rely on me too, when I am able to assist.
[ Kaspar recognizes part of the path then, stopping beside the opening to be sure. ]
[ Ah.
He's touched, really. Van Zieks is not the sort of man to make this type of offer lightly, Kaspar believes. And it makes him happy, whether he plans to take him up on it or not. ]
Thank you, very much. And you may rely on me too, when I am able to assist.
[ Kaspar recognizes part of the path then, stopping beside the opening to be sure. ]
Edited (Htmll) 2022-12-12 06:59 (UTC)
[Of course he doesn't make it lightly. He only makes it to friends!!! It's like that one Persona 4 fancomic. You became friends with van Zieks! Van Zieks will now die for you.]
I should I hope I will not have to, but I will keep that in mind.
[He notes the pause, though.]
Is something the matter?
I should I hope I will not have to, but I will keep that in mind.
[He notes the pause, though.]
Is something the matter?
[ If only they could see one another's friendship meters.
There are a great many things that van Zieks knows better than Kaspar does, most other people here can claim the same. It is a fact that he is at peace with. But there are still a few things he probably knows better than most.
He shakes his head no, rocking on his heels once and still stopped before the break in shrubbery. His stomach announces his reasoning lowly, quiet enough that it is easy to miss in the crunch of branches beneath his leather boots. ]
... would you like to visit?
There are a great many things that van Zieks knows better than Kaspar does, most other people here can claim the same. It is a fact that he is at peace with. But there are still a few things he probably knows better than most.
He shakes his head no, rocking on his heels once and still stopped before the break in shrubbery. His stomach announces his reasoning lowly, quiet enough that it is easy to miss in the crunch of branches beneath his leather boots. ]
... would you like to visit?
[It's a bit strange, van Zieks is used to being the quiet one in friendships. He's perfectly capable of being well-spoken when asked direct questions but isn't really one good at keeping up idle conversations. Now, however, Kaspar is much quieter and glip than he is. He doesn't actually mind it, but it definitely is different.
In any case, it's hard to miss that noise of hunger. It reminds him, a little, of how he'd impulsively invited Albert to dinner the day they'd met.]
If you're offering, I'm hardly keen to refuse.
In any case, it's hard to miss that noise of hunger. It reminds him, a little, of how he'd impulsively invited Albert to dinner the day they'd met.]
If you're offering, I'm hardly keen to refuse.
I am.
[ Kaspar confirms, smile warm at the continual excuses van Zieks provides. It is as if he is giving himself permission. And every time, it somehow feels like he's being rewarded with the other man's presence.
Leaning against one tree trunk, Kaspar reaches up again with one arm to keep the branches out of their way. This path is wilder until it empties out closer to the well worn path to Kaspar's still run down farm. So, he pauses to guide them through the brief rough patch.
He holds his hand out for van Zieks, a polite habit since even though he can see in the dim underbrush lighting, there are rocks and loose soil hidden beneath the cover of bushes. ]
[ Kaspar confirms, smile warm at the continual excuses van Zieks provides. It is as if he is giving himself permission. And every time, it somehow feels like he's being rewarded with the other man's presence.
Leaning against one tree trunk, Kaspar reaches up again with one arm to keep the branches out of their way. This path is wilder until it empties out closer to the well worn path to Kaspar's still run down farm. So, he pauses to guide them through the brief rough patch.
He holds his hand out for van Zieks, a polite habit since even though he can see in the dim underbrush lighting, there are rocks and loose soil hidden beneath the cover of bushes. ]
[van Zieks is torn, because on the one hand it's his baby sibling Instinct to resist being babied. On the other hand, he's unused as of late to someone treating him carefully and gently. After all, most people are afraid of the Grim Reaper of the Old Bailey. If they're not actively avoiding him they figure he's nigh invincible, vaguely supernatural as his reputation makes him out to be.]
I'm... you know you don't have to be so cautious with me, Mr Kaspar.
[He's not telling him to stop, though.]
I'm... you know you don't have to be so cautious with me, Mr Kaspar.
[He's not telling him to stop, though.]
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