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CRESCENTVIEW: INBOX
Some sort of layout coming later when I'm not feeling lazy
[Inwardly, he's almost dissapointed when Kaspar pulls away, enough that he doesn't even consciously recognize the thought beyond the vague sense of the emotion. (Van Zieks's profile: likes being pampered.) But what choice does he have, ask for more attention??? Out of the question entirely.]
If I am honest... it's not something I have heard of before, but that is how I would figure it, personally.
[Because I, Caitie, refuse to make Barry biphobic. He sits back, taking his own half-forgotten cup absently in his hands, for some reason a little bit less worried and self-conscious over the slight slouch he allows himself. It's improper of a noble to sit even the slightest bit wrong, but well, he's at least a slight bit wrong, isn't he? And maybe, just maybe, that is ok? Thoughts to mull over later.]
Do you drink, Kaspar?
[We've gone from Mr Kaspar to Mr Blumlund to just Kaspar all in one conversation.]
If I am honest... it's not something I have heard of before, but that is how I would figure it, personally.
[Because I, Caitie, refuse to make Barry biphobic. He sits back, taking his own half-forgotten cup absently in his hands, for some reason a little bit less worried and self-conscious over the slight slouch he allows himself. It's improper of a noble to sit even the slightest bit wrong, but well, he's at least a slight bit wrong, isn't he? And maybe, just maybe, that is ok? Thoughts to mull over later.]
Do you drink, Kaspar?
[We've gone from Mr Kaspar to Mr Blumlund to just Kaspar all in one conversation.]
[ Kaspar shrugs, unsure of it himself. But he is in no hurry to label himself one thing or another, not when he has so little experience.
Drinking... he had seen it on a profile. Even without that, it is obvious that van Zieks is most definitely talking about more than drinking tea. It's a feeling he's accustomed, like a word continually on the tip of his tongue. Something that he is vaguely aware of, but unsure of the details that fill in its silhouette.
His posture is straight without the military tension in his broad shoulders, comfortably and naturally so when he takes his seat and returns to his tea. Over the rim of his cup, he is honest without fear of being called an idiot. ]
... I would not know.
Drinking... he had seen it on a profile. Even without that, it is obvious that van Zieks is most definitely talking about more than drinking tea. It's a feeling he's accustomed, like a word continually on the tip of his tongue. Something that he is vaguely aware of, but unsure of the details that fill in its silhouette.
His posture is straight without the military tension in his broad shoulders, comfortably and naturally so when he takes his seat and returns to his tea. Over the rim of his cup, he is honest without fear of being called an idiot. ]
... I would not know.
[ Kaspar takes a sip of his tea, watching van Zieks and his reaction. He shakes his head, setting his tea down and leaning an elbow on the table as his posture slants towards it and the other man.
There are many reasons, things that would make it clear why.
Predictably, it takes him a moment and Kaspar does not provide the context. ]
... No, I haven't before. Not yet.
There are many reasons, things that would make it clear why.
Predictably, it takes him a moment and Kaspar does not provide the context. ]
... No, I haven't before. Not yet.
[ Early morning, a small box is left upon the windowsill with a note that would be very hard to miss from inside, propped up with an exclamation point and weighted with a small stone. Once unfolded, written in Kaspar's neat cursive despite the slant of quick writing is the following:
Enclosed is a token of affection for my dearest new friends. You might have yours early.
Please wear it if your heart desires, but feel no obligation to anything but its tender whims.
Affectionately yours,
Inside the box is a small corsage of sorts, a makeshift pin on the back providing van Zieks options. Wild flowers of purple and blue, cradled by far darker leaves of the forest, including a few of the ones that had stuck in Kaspar's hair on their walk. Pressed, dried, and arranged purposefully among the fresher plants. ]
Enclosed is a token of affection for my dearest new friends. You might have yours early.
Please wear it if your heart desires, but feel no obligation to anything but its tender whims.
Affectionately yours,
Inside the box is a small corsage of sorts, a makeshift pin on the back providing van Zieks options. Wild flowers of purple and blue, cradled by far darker leaves of the forest, including a few of the ones that had stuck in Kaspar's hair on their walk. Pressed, dried, and arranged purposefully among the fresher plants. ]
Edited (Sob I'm sorry it's so late for me ==;; -- since i have his signature ready for letters now (yes, i originally wrote this before reading the event...)) 2022-12-17 07:10 (UTC)
I would like that...
[ Kaspar trails, with more to say. And generally he would stop himself here and then do what he planned anyway. He doesn't think van Zieks will begrudge him a moment and another sip of his tea.
He's been listening to townspeople about things-- ]
Though... I believe I'd like the first time to be on a special occasion. And I've heard there may be a dance soon.
[ Kaspar trails, with more to say. And generally he would stop himself here and then do what he planned anyway. He doesn't think van Zieks will begrudge him a moment and another sip of his tea.
He's been listening to townspeople about things-- ]
Though... I believe I'd like the first time to be on a special occasion. And I've heard there may be a dance soon.
... Ah.
[He had also heard of it, because he's been information gathering out of habit, but.]
That's something you were planning on attending?
[Said with a tone that says he absolutely wasn't. As a noble of good standing, of course van Zieks has been invited to many parties, dances and otherwise. However he's rarely if ever gone to any of them in the last decade, particularly as the myth of the Reaper grew. He didn't have much interest in mingling, and he knew the invitations were a courtesy and no one actually wanted the Reaper at their event.]
[He had also heard of it, because he's been information gathering out of habit, but.]
That's something you were planning on attending?
[Said with a tone that says he absolutely wasn't. As a noble of good standing, of course van Zieks has been invited to many parties, dances and otherwise. However he's rarely if ever gone to any of them in the last decade, particularly as the myth of the Reaper grew. He didn't have much interest in mingling, and he knew the invitations were a courtesy and no one actually wanted the Reaper at their event.]
I may.
[ Kaspar isn't sure what to wear as of yet, since we'll say he hasn't gotten his outfit yet. Don't think he didn't hear that tone though. ]
... Have you been to many?
[ Kaspar isn't sure what to wear as of yet, since we'll say he hasn't gotten his outfit yet. Don't think he didn't hear that tone though. ]
... Have you been to many?
...
[ Kaspar hums softly into his tea cup again. The thought twists in his chest ever so slightly. Even if he didn't like the crowds or the prospect of dancing in front of them, this one might be different. And more importantly, it would be a choice.
He thinks they may have this in common as well. ]
Was... your dance card, only made up of the fairer sex, as well?
[ Kaspar hums softly into his tea cup again. The thought twists in his chest ever so slightly. Even if he didn't like the crowds or the prospect of dancing in front of them, this one might be different. And more importantly, it would be a choice.
He thinks they may have this in common as well. ]
Was... your dance card, only made up of the fairer sex, as well?
Of course. Though that's hardly the only reason I saw little value in them. Even... even back when I was in more of a state to attend such things, I did not... I am not particularly adept at the sort of socialization expected at these events.
[Before he got The Depression he was just Awkward.]
[Before he got The Depression he was just Awkward.]
[ Kaspar breathes a little laugh. He is far less adept at explaining these types of things. But van Ziek's words are so fitting it almost surprises him. ]
I suspect, it will be different.
[ Ah, but he wants to share too. None of this plays out on his face before he states it simply. ]
Though... I avoided mine, before.
I suspect, it will be different.
[ Ah, but he wants to share too. None of this plays out on his face before he states it simply. ]
Though... I avoided mine, before.
[This doesn't surprise him, neither the fact that he avoided them or the fact that he had ones to go to. Kaspar carries and comports himself well, it's hardly difficult to believe he's of noble enough birth to have such events to attend. Still.]
With the group we have here, I can hardly imagine it matching such high society events.
Though I'm curious to know your reasons for shirking them, yourself.
With the group we have here, I can hardly imagine it matching such high society events.
Though I'm curious to know your reasons for shirking them, yourself.
[ Kaspar's hum this time is flatter. He chafed at the control of home and he can feel the faint prickling of it now. ]
I didn't wish to get married.
[ The irony of their current situation is lost on him. And he says it as if it explains everything. ]
I didn't wish to get married.
[ The irony of their current situation is lost on him. And he says it as if it explains everything. ]
[For van Zieks, it does, and he lets out a short clipped laugh before taking a sip from his cup, so easily, because how much of a relief it is that he can discuss this issue freely with Kaspar?]
Ah, that issue. I think London society has given up on me at this point, thankfully, but years ago, constantly, "you still aren't spoken for, Barok?" "you know, Klint was married already for two years when he was your age!" "My Jessica would be a perfect fit for you, Lord van Zieks!" [Scoffs.] As if they had any idea.
Ah, that issue. I think London society has given up on me at this point, thankfully, but years ago, constantly, "you still aren't spoken for, Barok?" "you know, Klint was married already for two years when he was your age!" "My Jessica would be a perfect fit for you, Lord van Zieks!" [Scoffs.] As if they had any idea.
[ Kaspar blinks, the short laugh crinkling the edges of his eyes. He listens, rapt attention and familiar subject matter making this feel... nice. He laughs, more freely at the culminating scoff.
In turn, he imitates his mother's high pitched yet stern and nasal tone. ]
"Think of the nation, Kaspar."
[ A shake of his head. ]
... Now that my brothers are married, I am spared for the moment.
In turn, he imitates his mother's high pitched yet stern and nasal tone. ]
"Think of the nation, Kaspar."
[ A shake of his head. ]
... Now that my brothers are married, I am spared for the moment.
[It really is nice, to be able to commiserate like this. He relaxes in his seat, a faint and uncommon smile on his face.]
Small blessings, I suppose. When that moment runs out, you may consider becoming a grim spectre of death, it seems to put people off on a more permanent basis.
[It's a joke, really, but also van Zieks giving Kaspar the option to ask more about this sort of demeanor van Zieks has apparently carried on his shoulders, should he want to.]
Small blessings, I suppose. When that moment runs out, you may consider becoming a grim spectre of death, it seems to put people off on a more permanent basis.
[It's a joke, really, but also van Zieks giving Kaspar the option to ask more about this sort of demeanor van Zieks has apparently carried on his shoulders, should he want to.]
That method worked well for you?
[ Kaspar takes the bait, already reaching the limit of his personal investment into commiseration. He had little plan of returning home anyway if he might help it. Perhaps the goddess will keep him around for his pancakes if marriage doesn't find him. ]
[ Kaspar takes the bait, already reaching the limit of his personal investment into commiseration. He had little plan of returning home anyway if he might help it. Perhaps the goddess will keep him around for his pancakes if marriage doesn't find him. ]
How long ago, was that?
[ He calmly finishes his tea. ]
[ He calmly finishes his tea. ]
Lord van Zieks,
It has been some time since we last spoke, and I hope you are keeping well.
I would like to apologize again for the incident earlier this season. I will endeavor to make sure such a thing never happens again, and you are more than welcome to stop me - by force, if necessary - if it does.
Regardless, I would like to maintain a working professional relationship between us, as I think our respective areas of expertise complement well and could be of great service to those in our unique circumstances.
If there is anything of which I can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to let me know.
- Marshal Trahearne.
It has been some time since we last spoke, and I hope you are keeping well.
I would like to apologize again for the incident earlier this season. I will endeavor to make sure such a thing never happens again, and you are more than welcome to stop me - by force, if necessary - if it does.
Regardless, I would like to maintain a working professional relationship between us, as I think our respective areas of expertise complement well and could be of great service to those in our unique circumstances.
If there is anything of which I can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to let me know.
- Marshal Trahearne.
[A few days after the dance, there's a knock at the door, in the evening, on the Trahearne/Kaspar farm door, which van Zieks knows the location of because don't worry about it. Don't perceive whatever he and Kaspar are doing.]
Mr. Trahearne? Are you at home?
Mr. Trahearne? Are you at home?
[ Were Kaspar a normal person he might be surprised at that length of time alone, or of the mention of murder. But here, too, is understanding in the way he looks over at van Zieks then. Tea cup meets plate, with gentle clinking as it returns to the table.
At ease with grief but unable to voice shallow comforts, his voice is warm without pity. ]
... your brother, what was he like?
At ease with grief but unable to voice shallow comforts, his voice is warm without pity. ]
... your brother, what was he like?
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