[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.]
[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ 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.]
[ 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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.
[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.
[ 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.
[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.]
[ 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. ]
It was hardly something I'd planned out beforehand, but yes. Just as well, since around the time it started I wasn't keen on spending any time with anyone.
[Nonsense there's no way no ones trying to marry Kaspar.]
[ 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. ]
[He closes his eyes a moment, trying to focus his attention on his memory of Klint and not the black mark that recent revelations had left on it.]
... He was ten years older than me, so he was already making a name for himself when I was still young. He made everything he did seem effortless. But even when he became a star prosecutor, he still made time for me and the rest of the family. There was an easy charisma about him, everyone liked him and wanted to be close to him. Anyone who called him a friend trusted him implicitly. [Something about all this seems to pain van Zieks to say, even as a faint smile passes across his face, a clear reverence for his older brother.]
Though, he had a stubborn streak. When he was in a rare bad mood, he would sulk terribly, and only communicate with the person he was cross at by speaking to his dog, Balmung, instead of them.
[ Kaspar listens again, relaxed comfortably on his side of the table imagining such a man that looks similar to van Zieks. The pain, he catches, though it is easy to attribute it more to the murder itself than the complications of which he is ignorant. Murder, there is no point in lingering on it.
He even laughs softly after the mention of a stubborn streak. And once the other is finished, his gaze drifts to the other man's wasitcoat. ]
... you have lovely memories. I'm glad.
[ His expression is calm, words warm even when they trail off like he is finding the words for another question in the silence that follows. ]
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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.]
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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.
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You... as in, you do not know what I mean when I ask that?
[What is going ON in your weird mountain???]
As in, alcohol. Wine and spirits and the like.
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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.
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[Weird mountain. Hm.]
Well, there is a winery here, and I happen to have a bit of a hobby of wine tasting and curation, if you're ever interested in trying it.
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[ 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.
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[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.]
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[ 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?
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[He sighs.]
Not that I ever particularly enjoyed them in the first place. But some things are unavoidable.
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[ 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?
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[Before he got The Depression he was just Awkward.]
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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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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[ 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. ]
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[Nonsense there's no way no ones trying to marry Kaspar.]
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[ He calmly finishes his tea. ]
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[He pauses.]
My brother, Klint, had been murdered. By a close family friend.
[Revelations aside, that much is still true and enough of a reason for anyone.]
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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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... He was ten years older than me, so he was already making a name for himself when I was still young. He made everything he did seem effortless. But even when he became a star prosecutor, he still made time for me and the rest of the family. There was an easy charisma about him, everyone liked him and wanted to be close to him. Anyone who called him a friend trusted him implicitly.
[Something about all this seems to pain van Zieks to say, even as a faint smile passes across his face, a clear reverence for his older brother.]
Though, he had a stubborn streak. When he was in a rare bad mood, he would sulk terribly, and only communicate with the person he was cross at by speaking to his dog, Balmung, instead of them.
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He even laughs softly after the mention of a stubborn streak. And once the other is finished, his gaze drifts to the other man's wasitcoat. ]
... you have lovely memories. I'm glad.
[ His expression is calm, words warm even when they trail off like he is finding the words for another question in the silence that follows. ]
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I was very lucky to have a brother like him.
[A soft sigh. Even now, he still really believes that.]
But what about you, Kaspar?
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Cw war stuff, death and blood, a little visceral
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