| Logs |
2011 March 13
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
A Quick Wash and Brush-up
There are several skilled hunters in the group; the bear is field-dressed and skinned in relatively little time. Roy is doing a wonderful job of being bluff and hearty and there's a swagger in his step as he comes over to 'Chana, two men carrying the skin behind him, "Whatcha say, cherie? Was yer Tybalt did mosta tha damage..."
Suraksha whispers to the big stallion, "When we get back, would you please stay in the barn for a bit? That will give Pierce time to take a look at you, maybe heal up a bit..." She stops speaking as Roy comes over, sitting up and smiling tiredly at him, "If you're offering the skin, that would be lovely, sweetheart... as long as I can get it cured first, please? Not my field of expertise, alas," then pats the stallion's neck, adding, "Maybe I'll have it made into a nice saddle blanket or something for Tybalt. I'm quite proud of him!"
Roy grins up at her and says, "I'll git it cured an' made inta lovely rug for ya." He reaches out to lay a hand on Tybalt's neck, voice serious for a moment as he says, "He's a damn brave beast." The touch is very brief -- then he turns around to get everyone headed back to the palace, leaving 'Chana and Tybalt to themselves. Now that he knows who Tybalt is, he doesn't feel like 'Chana needs to be watched or escorted.
The Hetaera smiles, patting the big stallion's neck again, "Yes, he is." To Tybalt she whispers softly, "You really did amazingly, sweet pony. Thank you again." Tybalt arches his neck proudly at the praise. The Hetaera waits until everyone gets moving, planning to fall in next to Roy once the hounds are safely off. Roy is rather surrounded by people as the hunt starts moving homewards; 'Chana will have to be patient if she wants to get next to him. The Hetaera isn't terribly worried; she'll catch up eventually. Plus this will give Tybalt a chance to walk relaxedly, rather than feeling the need to dance about. He doesn't exactly prance, but he does walk proudly despite the stiffness.
Sulochana also suspects there may be some who realize just who really stopped the bear; they'll want to compliment her on her mount, she knows. Several people do come over and congratulate 'Chana, mentioning how splendid Tybalt is. There are a few people who put out feelers about either buying Tybalt or having him stand to stud. The Hetaera laughs and affectionately strokes the big stallion's neck as she lets people know he's definitely not for sale -- she's too fond of him for that! She dissembles relaxedly about his standing to stud; it has occurred to her that he might want to do that, so she shouldn't say a firm no until she's asked him. Tybalt himself is horse enough to be proud of the offers and king enough to be a little indignant.
Sulochana murmurs softly to Tybalt, when they have a moment, "As I was saying: let's take an hour or two to relax and get you seen to and healed up a bit. Then I'll ride you back to the caravan and make sure you get safely back onto the Goldenrod, all right?" She's deliberately not pushing Tybalt at all, instead letting him set his pace so he can walk out any stiffness from his wounds. Tybalt tosses his head and pauses to paw the ground and let her know he understands. 'Chana pats her mount's neck again, her voice soft, "Excellent." After that she simply relaxes, reins swinging loosely as the pack of hounds and field of riders return to the mansion-palace.
'Chana will move up next to Roy if she can, but she doesn't push -- she knows his people want to talk to him too, after all. When they do finally pull up beside Roy, the king grins over at them, "Got some runners goin' on ahead ta get my farrier."
The Hetaera smiles curiously at Roy, "Your farrier? Someone's cast a shoe?"
Roy chuckles, "Naw. My farrier's also a horse doctor. I want my horses taken care of."
Sulochana nods slowly, then murmurs quietly to Roy, "Would it be possible for me to ask Pierce to take a look at Tybalt, sweetheart?"
Roy considers that, "Pierce dunno much about doctorin' horses. But I'll do it as a special favor."
Sulochana leans over and rests a small, gloved hand on Roy's arm, "Thank you, lover." She smiles as she adds, "I guess you know why this is important to me." She glances back at Tybalt's flanks, adding quietly, "Some of those claw marks worry me. I don't know if he needs stitching up, or what."
Roy nods and lowers his voice, "Thought it might look odd. But I'm willin' ta do it."
'Chana tilts her head thoughtfully at Roy, "Would it be better if I asked, then? I was thinking to have the regular horse doctor check him, then Pierce, you know?" She grins ruefully, pushing damp hair out of her face as she adds wearily, "And then I was thinking of how truly wondrous a hot bath and a moment to rest would be!"
Enough people know 'Chana is the king's lover to make them give the pair a little distance; Roy murmurs, "Naw, I'll ask. Jest di'n't know if he wanted to keep things low-key. Let's have Keynes look 'im over in this form and then when he changes back, we'll get Pierce to have a look."
Sulochana shakes her head in alarm, "No, not like that, please! I was hoping Pierce could look at Tybalt, you know?"
Roy nods, "We can do that." After that, there's no more chance to talk privately as people begin pulling closer together. The king has Tybalt brought to his private stable, where Hermoso and a handful of his other favored mounts reside.
Sulochana doesn't let Tybalt kneel for her to dismount; instead she guides him up next to a mounting block so she can dismount easily. She pats his shoulder once she's down, murmuring reassuringly, "Don't worry, dear. We'll get you seen to properly." She hands the reins over to the same wide-eyed, gap-toothed young girl who'd been so impressed by Tybalt yesterday. Now, of course, the girl is absolutely awed once she hears of the big stallion's bravery, and Sulochana smiles as she watches them walk off. It's clear to her Tybalt is going to be made much of by the stable kids! She looks around for Roy as she securely fastens up her skirt and hands off dressage whip, gloves, and hat to a waiting attendant.
Roy is talking with his head groom, giving orders for Hermoso's care and cleaning. He's stroking the big white horse's mane and smiling fondly. Once he's done he turns to look for 'Chana and Tybalt. Sulochana walks over and smiles up at Roy, "Hello, sweetheart! Who should I talk to about a nice hot bran mash for my pretty pony, before I go looking for Pierce?" She thinks for a moment -- what treats can she get included in Tybalt's mash? Perhaps the stable kids can find some apples, carrots, sugar cubes, or honey to add.
Roy grins down at her and says, "I jest bet that'll be taken care of for him. An' Pierce'll be down in jest a bit..." As he's talking, a small, round-faced man with a slight limp comes over carrying a heavy leather bag such as physicians and chirugeons often carry. Roy's face lights up, "Keynes!" The Hetaera looks over with interest, smiling. Interesting... from Roy's reaction, this must be an old friend too, like Pierce.
Keynes nods to Roy and says, "Got told we had a horse needs lookin' after."
Sulochana nods to the veterinarian, relieved, "Oh, yes, please! My Tybalt got a bit clawed up by a bear while defending me." She catches herself from saying more, suddenly remembering Keynes too will be horse-savvy.
Keynes' eyes narrow and he looks at Roy, an edge of anger in his voice, "I thought this was a drag hunt?" Roy holds up both hands in a conciliatory gesture and says, "It was! The bear was a surprise."
Sulochana explains, "The hounds took off on the bear's trail. We likely wouldn't have tangled with the bear at all, but that I, um... well... sort of fell right in front of the poor thing. If not for Tybalt, I might have been mauled." She glances puzzledly at Roy, then courteously holds out her hand, "You must be Keynes, his majesty's horse veterinarian. I'm Sulochana; a pleasure to meet you, doctor."
Roy realizes he forgot to make introductions, "Sorry about that, yeah. This is Robert Keynes." Keynes takes her hand and shakes it, rather than bowing over it or kissing it, "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. Let me go look at this Tybalt of yours. Sounds like he was wounded in the line of duty then, and I don't have to give His Majesty here a lecture after all." The small man limps off toward the end of the stable where the young stablehands are making much of the big black horse.
Sulochana covers her mouth with her fingers, watching the man limp off with a rather wide-eyed and amused gaze. When he's out of earshot she turns her amazed grin on Roy, whispering, "Good heavens, who is this?! He gives Pierce a run for his money regarding how he deals with you!" She giggles as she tucks a hand into Roy's arm and heads back towards Tybalt's stall.
Roy grins after the man and murmurs back, "Keynes? Known 'im even longer'n I've known Pierce. Taught me ever'thang I know 'bout horses." His eyes are twinkling, "Was workin' as a stablehand under him for a while after I went north."
The Hetaera grins interestedly up at Roy, "Was that when you were with the mayor of Kansas City?" She rests her small hands on the top of the stall's wooden door as the vet walks into the stall, adding to the big horse, "Be good for the vet, please, Tybalt." She thoughtfully answers herself, "No, must've been earlier, yes?"
Roy grins down at her and says, "Kinda. Was in her stable." Tybalt looks up eagerly at his Lady's voice and tosses his head, pawing once at the ground when she entreats him to be good. Keynes is already speaking calmly to him and stroking down along his back, brows drawn together thoughtfully.
Sulochana giggles at Roy, although she's carefully watching the vet. Tybalt can see her eyes glinting with mischief, although her voice is silkily innocent as she asks Roy, "Her stable? Oh, how many young men did she keep, hmmm?"
Roy blinks and splutters indignantly; he's unwittingly very like Tybalt for a moment. Both Tybalt and Keynes seem amused by that, Keynes chuckling and shaking his head and Tybalt's tail swishing as the Baton Rouge king tries to regain his composure. Sulochana giggles, beaming up at Roy and giving him a quick hug! Keynes eventually says, "I'm going to have to stitch one of these up. Just a few stitches, but he'll need to be made to be still."
At Keynes' words 'Chana listens carefully, nods once, then steps into the stall. She runs a hand down the big stallion's neck, her voice crooning, "Can my pretty pony be still, hmmm?" She's not sure how Tybalt feels about this, but she can't just flat out ask. She's watching him carefully for a response as she adds to the vet, "You'll be using, um... what's that stuff called, that makes it not hurt there -- you'll be using that, right?"
Keynes looks indignant and says, "I'm a horse doctor, not a torturer, miss!" Tybalt is trying not to dance with nervousness, but he doesn't like the talk of being sewn up -- especially not by a veterinarian. His eyes are a little wide with alarm.
Sulochana blinks a bit startledly, then smiles, "Er... I was just checking, sorry." She tilts her head at the stallion, adding thoughtfully, "Although... maybe we should wait on the stitching." If he's not even thought to give her a yes or no, 'Chana suspects nothing short of a direct order will keep Tybalt still. She sighs (with a very faint hint of exasperation), then adds to Roy, "Didn't you say Pierce was-" she cuts off, unsure if Pierce's Tapping ability is known, and thinks a moment before slowly continuing, "that he might be willing to take a look at Tybalt?"
Keynes is continuing to frown, "Miss, not to be belligerent, but I know my business. Pierce is a human chirugeon." Roy mms and thinks a bit, then says, "Keynes, Tybalt is quite important to the lady. You know Pierce has some special abilities in this area. Let's let 'im help some." Keynes mutters a bit but agrees to let Pierce help out. Sulochana beams with relief at the veterinarian, and is quite charming to him. She wants him to be happy to work on Tybalt, after all, rather than peeved with her.
The chirugeon arrives not long after, and 'Chana grins cheerfully at Pierce too, "Hello! Haven't seen you in a while, Pierce. Thank you so much for coming to take a look at my pretty pony!"
Pierce nods to her and says, "I understand he means a lot to you. We'll do our best, but I'm afraid I'm going to ask you and Roy to step away while we do so."
Sulochana puzzledly asks, "All right, but may I ask why, please?"
Pierce says, "Because if I understand correctly, you're asking me to use my Tapping ability. It is difficult for me and I need as few distractions as possible." He's colored slightly as if it's embarrassing to admit that.
Sulochana covers a smile, nodding gravely, "Of course. If you would, one moment, please?" She turns and gives Tybalt a hug, murmuring softly to him, "Please be good now, sweetie, all right?" Then she steps out of the stall and stands next to Roy. She continues to look gravely thoughtful until Pierce isn't looking at her any more -- at which point she looks up at Roy and grins, raising her eyebrows in a 'I had no idea I had that effect on him!' look.
Roy chuckles just a little and moves to lead Sulochana away, lowering his voice, "They'll take good care of him, cherie."
Sulochana laughs softly, tucking her hand into his arm, "Oh, I'm not worried -- just surprised!" She doesn't doubt for an instant if Tybalt is uncomfortable that she'll hear of it immediately after all. She already knows he has a powerful set of lungs in that big barrel!
Roy chuckles a bit and says, "What's gotcha surprised?" He walks with her over to where Hermoso is being groomed.
'Chana keeps her voice down, not wishing to embarrass the doctor, "That Pierce apparently needs you to get me away so he's not distracted. I always had the feeling he was rather more simply putting up with me than not, the few times he was escorting me, you know?" She giggles, "Why, I almost thought him to disapprove of me!"
Roy looks down at her in surprise and laughs, "He likes ya a lot, ackshally. Pierce just ain't very good at showin' it."
Sulochana blinks again -- then beams, charmed, "Really? Oh, good! That's actually a relief to hear, for me. I'd rather get along with those close to you, you know?" She's silent for a few heartbeats, thinking... then she grins excitedly at Roy, "Oh, I know! Does he need any more butterfly cases? I'd gladly purchase one for him in thanks, if so?"
Roy smiles at the small woman and brushes a strand of stray hair off her face, "He always needs more cases." Sulochana is happy to lean against Roy and tiredly soak up a bit of cuddling while they wait. She also quietly asks him to make sure Pierce has another case ordered; she's more than willing to pay for it.
It takes Pierce and Keynes perhaps half an hour of work before the chirugeon and the vet come over to find Roy and 'Chana, to let them know Tybalt will be fine. Keynes says, "He stood just as still as you please. Never seen a creature so well-behaved when it was hurt."
The Hetaera says proudly, "He's quite something, yes! May I go check on him now?"
Keynes is still wiping his hands off on a clean, damp rag. He considers carefully and says, "I'd normally say to wait, but he's an extraordinary beast. Go on and see him." Roy asks her if he should go with or if she wants a moment alone with Tybalt.
Sulochana grins at Roy, "I just want to check to be sure he's happy. Once that's done, I'd dearly love to spend an hour or two with you, sweet man, before I have to return Tybalt to the caravan and get ready for the dinner tonight." She also curiously asks the vet, "Why do you usually say wait, Dr. Keynes?" She extends a hand to Pierce, not quite sure how informal he'd be comfortable with, "Thank you so very much, Pierce, for helping out. I greatly appreciate your efforts, along with the good doctor's."
Keynes snorts, "Just Keynes, miss. I normally say wait because it can be disconcerting to see a beast that's been sedated -- but he didn't need much." Pierce bows over 'Chana's hand and says, "It was no trouble. Though I must ask sometime where you got those rings above his hooves."
Sulochana nods and smiles to Keynes, "Keynes it is, then -- and again, my sincerest thanks to you both." She is courteously charming to Pierce as well, now she knows what level of formality he desires, "Ah! They were a gift from King Eacharn, actually." She smiles internally when dealing with Pierce; she thinks he's sweet!
Keynes slaps Roy on the shoulder, "I'm off to check the rest of the horses that went on this drag-hunt-turned-deadly of yours, boy." With that he limps away. Pierce excuses himself as well.
Sulochana waits until they've both left before she giggles and tells Roy, "I like the people close to you, lover -- they're all 'take no prisoners' types!" She laughs, patting his arm and adding, "Give me just a moment, and then we can go get cleaned up, yes?" She nearly skips over to the stall, much relieved.
Tybalt is in the stall and looking just a little out of it. His head is hanging and the scratches have been cleaned and dressed quite expertly. When 'Chana comes close, he whinnies and stretches out his head toward her. Sulochana steps into the stall and gives him a gentle hug about the head -- although she's careful to keep her arms loose, in case he's alarmed by that. She murmurs soothingly, "You were absolutely wonderful, sweet pony! I received many compliments on how amazing you are." She strokes his forelock straight as she adds, "I would appreciate it if you'd just rest a bit here, all right, dear? Let the medication wear off, eat some hot bran mash if you feel up to it, and just relax. I'll be back in about two hours. Sound good?" Tybalt lips at the shoulder of her habit and paws once at the ground, whuckering in a way that sounds endearingly out of it.
Sulochana laughs softly, patting his neck and murmuring, "Good boy. Take it easy, then; I'll be back soon." She leans to give him a careful kiss on the forehead, then heads out to find Roy. She'll let the stable kids know Tybalt shouldn't eat for at least an hour, but once that's up if he feels up to a hot bran mash he's welcome to it -- and to any honey, sugar cubes, carrots, or apples they might want to add to it! She grins after that, sliding an arm about Roy's waist and murmuring, "So, lovely man, want to go raise some energy with me now, while we clean up a bit?"
Roy looks down the stable toward Tybalt and asks, "You sure he'll be okay until you get back?"
Sulochana smiles and nods, "He's good, and if he needs me I'm sure someone will come running." She looks up at Roy, adding softly, "I need you myself a little bit right now, sweetheart... if you're feeling up to it?"
Roy lets his feelings show in his eyes for a moment as he says, "I'll always be there when you need me, cherie." Sulochana blinks at that look -- then gives Roy a quick, tight hug of relief! He quickly escorts her to the palace, going a roundabout way to avoid being delayed by well-wishers and courtiers. Only once they're alone in his rooms, and their wet and muddy clothes have been stripped off, does she admit to him just how lovely and tingly he makes her feel when he says things like that! The king with the roguish reputation lets his hands rest on her hips as he smiles down at her, "Ain't nothin' but da truth, cherie."
Roy does his best to help Sulochana regain some energy, his relief in her well-being coming through as a sweetly aggressive overtone in his lovemaking. She's trained to make sure her clients are pleased and enjoying themselves, but this is for her -- he uses several of the tricks he's learned over their time together to make sure she's blissful and dreamy by the time she's curled up with her head on his chest to catch her breath.
Afterward Roy calls for a pair of tubs so they can bathe side by side. The Hetaera is feeling energetically much better by then -- and happy to share her increased energy with Roy as well. Once they're clean and dry, he sees her off with a long, languorous kiss, "Come back when ya can, cherie. I'll be waitin'."
Sulochana mmms as she leans against Roy, blissfully reluctant to pull away. Finally she laughs softly, straightening, "I'll likely be back for the dinner you have planned, sweetheart, and then I'd like to spend the night, if you're free?" She hesitates suddenly, then glances up at Roy, her expression a bit worried, "Let me check one quick thing, actually, if I may? You mentioned being sorta-monogamous now... that's due to your choice, right? It's not due to a mistaken idea that that's what I want?"
Roy chuckles and says, "Cain't say I don't have a night or two here or there with someone else, cherie, but it's my choice. Got a daughter to raise as well as a city to run now."
The Hetaera looks relieved, giving Roy a quick hug, "All right! Just checking, lover." She grins as she nearly skips out of the room, her long braid bouncing lightly off her small derriere. She pauses at the door to blow a kiss to him over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling, then slips out. A few moments later she's at the barns, leaning to peek in the stall door, "Tybalt, sweetie? How're you feeling, dear? Ready to go?" She glances around for the tack she used when she rode in; she's got a small bag with her which contains the clothing he shed before shifting yesterday.
Tybalt whinnies happily; he seems more awake now, and moves eagerly to her. Sulochana laughs and hugs his head as he dips it over the stall door to her, "Hi there, handsome! Let's get you tacked up and off to the caravan, then." The tack is hanging on the wall outside the large stall, waiting for her. She doesn't actually tack Tybalt up herself, however -- a small, enthusiastic herd of every free stable kid at that moment swarms over and does the job for her while gabbling excitedly about what a wonderful horse she has and will she be bringing him back and they can get more treats for him if she wants just say so and he's so nice!
Sulochana laughs, gently stroking Tybalt's long nose as she watches the young people swiftly and expertly saddle up the horse. She checks her stallion's stitches as well, relieved to see there aren't many. After that she uses a mounting block to mount up, thanks all the young stable hands, and heads out towards the caravan.
Tybalt doesn't try anything too enthusiastic; instead he simply clops relaxedly back to the caravan, letting his Lady direct him. Sulochana talks quietly to the big horse when no one is around, "So, it's my thought to pause outside the caravan so you can dress, then accompany you back to the Goldenrod, as I'd like to talk to you a bit, and I want to be sure you're quite all right. Is that fine, dear?" Tybalt pauses to let her know that's good, with his hoof signals.
The big horse carries the Hetaera to an area just outside the caravan which is hidden by a thick stand of trees, then waits patiently for her to dismount. The Hetaera slides off, not asking him to kneel, and swiftly removes the tack. Then she pats his broad shoulder, "There you go, dear. I have your clothes here too." She kneels and opens the little bag, pulling out clothing and cloak... then looks up with sudden interest, curious as to how the silver rings will manifest -- or not -- on Eacharn.
The transformation from horse to human is strange. It seems at first as if he's just getting smaller, and the changes from equine are few, at first. It's difficult to say where he goes from being mostly horse to being mostly human -- and then he's all human and moving to take the silver rings off. They are cunningly hinged. Sulochana settles cross-legged on the grass, watching with interest. She smiles as he removes the rings, "Those are pretty. Were roses Queen Eloise's personal symbol or something?"
It takes 'Chana a moment to realize her body language has changed slightly -- she's less touchy with Eacharn than with Tybalt. She's not sure why, but decides she'll listen to her instincts, and see how he reacts to her now he's human. She also checks visually for his wounds, curious as to what type of shapeshifter he is. Is he one that heals up a bit more when changing shape, one that keeps the wounds, or one that doesn't 'share' from body to body?
The wounds are still there and Eacharn checks them, clucking his tongue slightly, "Those are going to leave a mark." To her question he says, "Her coat of arms had two roses on it. So yes, I suppose they were her personal symbol." He doesn't seem embarrassed to be seen nude by her, but simply reaches for his clothing to start pulling it on, "Thank you for riding today. I am sorry it had to turn into a battle." The words are polite, but there's something in his voice that says he enjoyed the battle.
Sulochana smiles quietly, "I'm glad you had fun, Eacharn." She's silent for a moment as she watches, then says thoughtfully, "Eacharn, I... I'm worried... that the halter is affecting you."
Eacharn carefully tucks away the rings into the pack that held his clothing, handling them tenderly. At her comment he smiles wryly, "Of course it's affecting me, My Lady. It's bound me to you."
Sulochana nods slowly, her expression worried, "Er... yes. See, that's what I would like to check, if you do not mind?" She picks up the bridle and rises, dusting a bit of grass off her rear before she steps up to rest a hand lightly on his free arm to accompany him to the big riverboat; the saddle is on his other arm. She smiles as she adds softly, "The rings... a gift from your lady queen?"
Eacharn's manners are quite exquisite when he's given the chance; he moderates his pace to allow her to keep up with him. "I do not mind a bit, My Lady." He is moving a little more stiffly in this form than in his larger one, "Yes, they were a gift. But they are also... not exactly weapons. They add weight to my hooves without putting shoes on."
Sulochana nods thoughtfully, "I'd wondered." She smiles ruefully, "Not very experienced with horses, as I'm sure you could tell. I do hope I didn't lessen your enjoyment of the hunt through my bad horsemanship." She paces quietly up the gangplank with Eacharn, silently letting him deal with guards and servants.
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