Chłop sie boi sie konfrontacji. Jest odważny, ale nie w każdym aspkecie. Stanie w obronie, jeśli ktoś obraża to, co mu bliskie. Ale jest też nieśmiały przy kobietach. Mimo, że lata studiował i edukował się pod nadzorem surowego wychowawcy - manier i kultury go jakoś na studiach nie nauczono. (W zasadzie to to nadal się podtrzymuje. Mamy wielu ambitynych i wykształconych ludzi, którzy nie potrafią np. obrać ziemniaków, albo prania rozwiesić (znam parę przykładów z prawdziwego życia)).

A Lost Smile |  Sir Godric and Hengist The Woodcutter

Yet in better attempts to reason, to show more of the shrewdness and the intellect that it was claimed he possessed. Godric thought himself somewhat clever on the basis he did retain a great deal of information, he  had traveled to learn many things but still not nearly as clever to be compared to his fellows. Even Helga had a great deal of cleverness in her simplicity. “A double edged sword that is, both do sting but I think lying is a greater fault.”

Believe in the Good | Hengist The Woodcutter and Lord Thaddeus 

“I said you were to not lose me so as long as you can understand Brutus is to be wed. He is no longer yours, or mine, but Lysandra’s.” His, in terms that he wouldn’t ever be with him the way he once was.

King's Game | King Lambert and Sir Adalhard

‘You are friends with Sir Godric, I presume? Tell me, Adalhard, what would you do were he deemed a traitor, or accused of something akin to it? Would you remain loyal to your friend, or to your King? And don’t lie to me.’

Drunken King | King Lambert and Sir Adalhard

Regardless of that he didn’t pick the glass up again, instead letting it sit, half-full, on the table, the grin melting down into a content smile. Lambert never wanted to be King, he never wanted to have these people tiptoeing around him as if he would strike with that unnecessary cruelty that most Kings were known for. No. He wanted to have friends, have food and drink, to enjoy himself and let his darling wife take over the general proceedings, though as of late he had come to learn that perhaps that wasn’t the best way to go, perhaps she was doing more bad than good.

In Hiding | Sir Brutus and Lord Thaddeus

  Letters with the King | Lambert and Sir Godric

I hope that we shall be able to talk freely when away from the sneaky eyes and prodding noses of the London court, you make well to stay away from it, I can only imagine the damage it could do to one’s personality, it seems there is little more than fathers wanting to wed their daughters, Lords and Ladies wanting more land than they know what to do with and a ridiculous amount of well-wishers for my lady wife who would no doubt jump at the chance to be the one to put us both in our graves.

Never Cry Wolf | Sir Adalhard and Josephine the Fox

“But where would be the fun in that, good sir? Now you my craft a tale when you leave of how you narrowly missed being swayed by the fae and other such forces in the dark forest.” She flashed a wry smile, very much aware that by her stature and features she too could be a fae and mortal men knew better to mix with such creatures.“That is a finer tale to weave up at the castle and you are better off treading that path of light, gentle knight.”

Reminiscent | Helga the Sweet and Sir Godric

Of Little Talks | Sir Adalhard and Sir Godric

“I was under the impression that asking of his beliefs in a greater good and God would stir a spiritual awakening of sort.”  Now Godric was aware that such understanding was a great deal to ask, even a great deal more to process but Lambert was to be a better man. “For that of our kin but for the king himself, he is of magic blood, did you sense it? I thought that it would be a moment of understanding.”

It Will Be Okay | Qwara and Bernard

Being Together | Andros and Damara the Omnivorous 

Raw Chipmunk | Piggly & Adam

Building Friendships | Cliodna & Helga

In Sickness & Health | Helena & Edric

"Seven Deadly Sins" | Abigail & Elizabeth

Fergus & Nairne │"Moths to a Flame"

Cloaking Your Intention | Wilfred & Eleri

To Catch a Thief | Eleri the Evil & Adam the Young

A Sliver of a Chance | Josephine the Fox & Sir Adalhard

Adalhard stood where he was as Josephine once more took steps ahead of him. He had remembered the last time he took the chance to follow her. It had seemed that he had bothered her in doing so, and which ever way she turned, she was doing so to loose her tail. The knight couldn’t help but smile though when she turned around and beckoned him to follow her. 

Awkward Conversations | Count Elijah & Eleri the Evil

Grim Discoveries | Wilfred & Cliodna 

Monthly Dues | Qwara & Eleri

Lessons | Eleri & Abigail

—————

“Define angry, m’lord?”

Hengist wasn’t angry anymore, just disappointed that he seemed to be out of the loop with both of them. Both Brutus and Thaddeus. Not to mentioned that it had hurt to see them together, that way. It only explained how foolish he was for not believing in his gut feeling from the start. Next time he would listen rather than expect the best of everyone.

“How long has it been?”

How long had it been? He hadn’t bothered to see or speak to Thaddeus in what seemed like days, weeks possibly. Hengist was far too busy in his own mind and forgotten the drinks the two shared many weeks ago on their first meeting in London. How things were far much easier then.

—————

‘Don’t call me that.’

He said quietly, suddenly feeling very small and very weak, vulnerable under the other man’s gaze, the man he’d already considered a best friend, a relationship that had been lost with bad timing. It had been weeks since the incident maybe longer, a month or more, and he just could not forget it, he missed his friend and that coupled with the crippling guilt of what he’d done to him—not to mention the guilt that overcame him each and every time he found himself in bed with Brutus, clawing at skin, biting and moaning.

‘A long time..’

He replied finally, hands shoved nervously beneath the light furs of his clothes,

‘I miss you.’

—————

“And why not? You are a lord are you not? It never bothered you before when it came from others.”

Hengist always joked with Thaddeus about being a lord. Joked to the point where he actually played dress up thanks to another and went to go see Thaddeus for a drink. The last drink that they had since their encounter in his old room he used to share with Brutus. The thought, the scene, simply made him go numb. Whatever he was feeling in the pit of his stomach used to be on fire but not it was simply lying there in ashes. And honestly, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling to deal with on a day to day bases. 

As lovely as Thaddeus was dressed, Hengist was once more found his in hunting clothes. He had no reason to dress to impress at Hogsmeade, nor did he intend to do so ever. The woodcutter did his best to not feel anything on those last words of the lord, but there was something there. He wouldn’t deny that he didn’t miss the other and their comments they shared. 

Hengist wouldn’t have looked Thaddeus in the eyes if it weren’t for the bond they had created. But that bond had been strained. So strained that Hengist even thought that it would be possible to cut it completely with all the lies that had been cast by the young lord. Young lord, what a horrible title for him to hold when he meant no honesty. Thaddeus had such power and yet refused to use it for good, or so at least getting him good wine on the day he came to see him finally.

“You knew who he was to me yet you held the truth of your relationship to him. Why?”

—————

He was a Lord, yes, but not to Hengist, not to the man that had shared so many drinks with him, shared so much time with him, he’d loved Hengist, and still did. He bit his lips together and looked down to the floor, his hands wringing nervously. He had no answer to the man’s question, he could barely open his mouth, barely form any words.

‘I-.. I didn’t know that.. Y-you… I’m sorry. I didn’t think..’

He frowned heavily, looking over him, his fingers pulling at threads on his clothes, shaking slightly. He didn’t know what to do, what to say, how to even begin explaining or apologising. He still hadn’t stopped seeing Brutus and his stomach twisted violently each time he did and he knew, already, no matter how much he loved Brutus it would not be the same anymore.

The tears sprung to his eyes and he moved the back of his hand to wipe and rub at them, sniffing a little bit. He wasn’t sure what else he could say, but what could he say? Tell Hengist how he loved Brutus, tell him how he needed him and couldn’t stand a day without him? What good would it do? Hengist felt the same way, didn’t he? He loved Brutus, too.

Why hadn’t he told him? Is it because he was afraid that he would tell somebody else, afraid that his wife woul find out, did he even care? Or was he just afraid in general, afraid of admitting his ownnl sexuality to himself.

‘I’m sorry..’

—————

Hengist raised his brow curiously at Thaddeus as he watched his actions. From the man that was once so stuck up in his own life, swimming in his own money, he was having trouble forming words for the first time. Hengist knew Thaddeus was never  a man to hide his words, especially not to his friends. He had heard everything, literally everything come out from that man’s words. The young woodcutter remember just how much talk the young lord was during the tourney. 

“Yes, you didn’t think. Who would have expected that from someone in a role of power?”

He looked about the clothing once more, watching his fingers fidget around the strands and buttons. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. Shaking his head, Hengist wanted to slap the idiot ahead of him. “Your on the brink of going mad,”and it seemed like he was from the way he was acting. It was worse than a child would be, seeing how they knew what was right from wrong. Thaddeus was a grown man, married and all. He would have children if he did not already. Hengist hadn’t gotten to know the man’s family in detail other than he was having trouble with his wife.

Hengist was having trouble in wanting to forgive him for what he had done. He didn’t have the slightest idea what was going about now with the two, but he was sure if he knew, the woodcutter wouldn’t like it. But things had to change, Brutus was getting married, to a woman that Hengist adored in his life, and he would be damned if Thaddeus got between to ruin it.

“Two conditions for my forgiveness. You keep your distance from Brutus as he is getting married now to a good friend of mine. I do not wish to hear of you causing them trouble. And the other…your an arse. Change your ways before you lose everyone.”

The tears that were hiding at the corner of the lord’s eyes was not something that Hengist wanted to see. As angry, upset, disappointed he was at Thaddeus, he had not hopped to have the man cry over their loss. Well, it wasn’t a loss yet. “Thaddeus, you have yet to lose me.”

—————

His lips quivered and he was forced to bite into them, those words cut deep into him and he was unsure on whether Hengist truly meant to hurt him, really hurt him, or upset him, his nostrils flared though, eyebrows furrowing. The other man posed an ultimatum to him—and then insulted him, but for now he let that slide, he didn’t think himself a bad man, or a horrible man, he’d done little but help his friends, enjoy their company, so he threw money around but he was never stingy, always generous—and it was a decision he was not yet ready to make,

‘But..he’s my friend, too..’

He said pathetically. Thaddeus knew just how miserable he would be without Brutus, one of the only men capable of cheering him when he was in a bad mood, and one of the only men that didn’t take his bad moods to heart, who didn’t bend at the knee each time he was around. There was only so long one could enjoy being treated so differently.

‘Please don’t make me choose between you, Hengist.. I didn’t know, I—I.. Please. I love you both dearly.’

If only the other had known how definitely he’d meant that, how true it was. A life without either of them, he thought, was no life at all—but Thaddeus had always been one for dramatics, and he didn’t even know it.

—————

Hengist placed his hands at his waist, tilting his head and questionably looking at Thaddeus. 

“I had asked you to choose?” 

Hengist held back a laugh at that comment. When had he asked the other to choose something? He had simply said for him to not bother Brutus with whatever the two were up to as he was getting married. He had hopped that the knight was an honorable man to be loyal to his new wife even if his situation was complicated. It wouldn’t be fair for Lysandra. Hengist wouldn’t want that for Lysandra. It would hurt eventually.

And the Lord himself. Did he not understand that he too was married and was cheating? There was cheating in a game, which Hengist was quite familiar with, but there was also cheating one’s heart, which Hengist was not fond for at all. Whatever the two were doing that day surely was not something he was suppose to walk in on. “I said you were to not lose me so as long as you can understand Brutus is to be wed. He is no longer yours, or mine, but Lysandra’s.” His, in terms that he wouldn’t ever be with him the way he once was.

Friends of course. Hengist saw the captain as his good, best friend from years past. And now that he was to be wed, things between the three would surely change, even his friendship with Lysandra which pained him to think.

“If I called for the dramatics, I would have gone to a play. They at least serve mead there.”

Oh Lord, yes, lord, he had forgotten how dramatic Thaddeus could be at times. He shook his head, his tone far more sarcastic than vicious to the lord. 

—————

Thaddeus faltered some, his eyes on the man in front of him, so perhaps he had misunderstood what the woodcutter had meant, that didn’t make it any less difficult of a promise to make. Bit Thaddeus could be a pushover, so quick to rile himself up and scream and cry, yet it was so easy for h, again, to fall into being calm—it was obviously part of his charm.

‘Wine is better than mead.’

He replied, a small smile on his lips despite the fact that his face was still wet and salty from just minutes ago. But he didn’t know, he would try his very best to keep to what Hengist asked of him, even though it would be difficult, he would have to spend more time with him in order to keep himself busy, he would avoid every party and every situation that alcohol and Brutus may be mixed together. He would end up a recluse.

‘You forgive me?’

—————

“Well, some of us prefer what we can afford.” 

Hengist raised his brow with a grin at the other. This was casually the topic of the two when they were together. Of how wine was preferred by the royals than mead. Though mead was more than welcomed at every party that he had thrown at the Broomsticks. And well, there was always much laughter that came with the mead than he could ever remember wine giving. The taste of wine was far richer than in mead, but as Hengist had mentioned many times before, he could not avoid such luxuries. 

“As I have said. Trust me, you are far from losing my m’lord.”

Whatever it was that Brutus and he had, Hengist wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He had seen with his own eyes what they were doing. And if Brutus truly loved the man, he wouldn’t be getting married. Though Thaddeus himself was married. Was this common among higher class? To cheat behind their wives and do what they wish. For some reason he couldn’t imagine Brutus like that. The man was as dense as they came but Hengist liked him for that reason. 

“I suppose we should be celebrating our friend’s engagement. I do not have wine, but I have the best mead you will have ever tasted.”

And with that, Hengist put his arm without a though around the Lord’s shoulders. Hengist wouldn’t forget, but had forgiven. It had been far too long since he had been upset at both of them. It had affected him as well. It was time to move on and live the life he once knew and enjoyed with those he cared for.

—————

The man’s arm around his shoulders was horribly familiar and he melted into it a little bit, having missed it a hell of a lot. He missed the young woodcutter, he missed the way he smelled, the way he felt, just that thick, heavy, warm air of friendship. He knew that Hengist would never forget what he’d seen, and that he’d probably never really forgive him, not fully, and he wasn’t too sure why. The man had never openly admitted to having such strong feelings for Brutus, but now he didn’t have to, Thaddeus was just surprised he hadn’t seen it before, and he was surprised how it made him feel, was it some kind of sick indifference, was it jealousy, or was it fear? He and Brutus were far better friends than Thaddeus had been with him, and probably ever would be. Would Hengist be the one to take him away?

His lips turned up into a small smile and he let his arm circle around the other’s waist,

‘Yes.. yes.. let’s celebrate the engagement, the wedding.’

Brutus did not hear the footsteps approaching his room, the thud a man’s feet made climbing the stairs, much too focused on the man in front of him, a hand roaming the other man’s now clothed back, pulling the young lord against him, the other hand cradling his neck and he groaned softly. He jumped when he heard a familiar voice, he yanked his head away to stare at the man who just walked into the room, color rising in his cheeks all at once. “He-Hengist?” he almost choked around the word. 10:42

Thaddeus tore himself back, eyes wide and hand at his mouth, wiping it, his eyebrows furrowing and he was silent from shock, not really knowing what he should be doing. Was he not allowed to be here? Shouldn’t he be? He didn’t know, just standing, eyes glancing to the bed, desperate to leave. 10:49

Hengist tried to laugh, but instead it made him sound as if he was going to go mad any second. “Brutus and Thaddeus.” He nodded his head, glancing at the two of them, and then to the unmade bed. He wasn’t that stupid, he had just figured it all out. Trying to take a deep breath, Hengist ran his fingers through his hair. “Surprise, surprise, huh?” Surprise, shock, it seemed to underestimate what he felt right now. 10:54

Brutus was concerned for a moment, his brow furrowing in worry. He was worried about a lot of things. Hengist knew he was not interested in women of course, but being told something was different than seeing it in person, in front of you. Even though he and the woodcutter were not on the best of terms, Brutus still hoped they could work through it, but what if-no he would not think about it, he had thought of it before and they never led to pleasant thoughts. “I…” he did not know what to say, so instead he watched his best friend closely, watching his face for any signs of disgust, or revulsion. 11:02

Thaddeus frowned, licking his lips a little bit, looking between the two of them and, with a slight frown, ‘I.. I should probably go..’ he muttered, looking between them again, ‘I’m.. Hengist.. I’m so sorry..’ And he lstraighgtened himself up, swallowing down the embarrassment, and he made towards the door. 11:16

Hengist wave of shock had only lasted a few seconds, where as the confusion and hurt lasted for longer. IT was only when he closed his lips, letting his eyes finally move away from Brutus to land on Thaddeus. “I suppose you couldn’t bother to tell me this the many times we were together, could you?” He watched as the lord made his way to the door. A tint of anger just at the edge of his words. “It seems I can’t find a decent truthful person around here anymore to become friends with anymore.” 11:18

Brutus nodded when Thaddeus declared he was going to leave and was confused for a moment, he did not understand why Thaddeus was apologizing, he did not have anything to apologize for. He looked between the two men, and could not help but think how better suited the two of them were to be friends than himself. They were of age, they enjoyed the same things, and the thought made him unbelievably sad. He flinched at his best friend’s words, feeling like Hengist had attempted to replace his own friendship with Thad’s. He was not jealous or angry, only incredibly sad, and blamed himself entirely. “Hengist,” he said, his voice apologetic and dejected. 11:32

Thaddeus stood frozen then, stood halfway between the both of them, his nostrils flared and eyes already wet with tears he’d refuse to let flow, he swallowed the lump in his throat, just looking at Hengist, and then to Brutus, and it was then that he knew this had run it’s course. Thaddeus licked his lips again, and he didn’t know what to say and so chose to say nothing, just swiftly making his way out, head ducked and hair hanging over his face, face red and so very, very close to tears. ‘Sorry.’ HE said again, leaving down the corridor. 11:37

By the Lake   Edward & Adwen | Ongoing

Letters between Siblings 

 Uric & Jayne | Ongoing

A Pessimist and a Optimist   Hengist and Jayne  | Ongoing 

Banjaxed | Cliodna & Savaric

[ IC Hogsmeade ]

Another Mistake   Hengist, Brutus, Thaddeus 

Thaddeus grinned, bright, white teeth sparkling as they ought to, and he brought the cup to his lips, taking a gulp, ‘I told you it’s much better.’ He quipped, shrugging his shoulders a little bit, still grinning, though, ‘What women do I seek? Mm..’ he paused for a moment, not entirely suer on how to answer the question he had, after all, a new wife, but a new wife that was scared of him. Scared of him. Of all people. ‘I seek.. one of those .. Irish. Dark hair and light eyes, and a pair of breasts to rival any other.’ He chuckled, soon taking another long gulp, ‘And you?’ 

Hengist realized Thaddeus was much better with a smile on his face than one with a surly look. He laughed though at his words. Who wouldn’t want a woman of such standards? “Me? Oh I have sworn off women for the time being. Though I keep my love Matilda close with me. She is one that I can never let go of.” Hengist took his wine down too quickly. Drinking down to the end of the cup as he asked for more. “It is quite unfair that we miss out on such things like this! What happened to the thought of sharing goods?!” 

Thaddeus shrugged his shoulders, there were still many things that Thaddeus had yet to figure out about himself, about his interests. Had he, too, taken a disinterest in women, was that why his marriage felt so unstable, so wrong? His lips curled up into a smaller smile as the other finished his cup and Thaddeus allowed himself to follow suit, finishing the cup and setting it down—just in time for the passing maiden to refill both of them. ‘Ah, but you’d all drink too much, and be wandering the streets in search of your homes. We save the good stuff for court, so at least we know where all the drunks are.’ Thaddie took the cup in hand, swirling the red liquid around inside it for a moment before he let his elbow rest on the uneven, wooden table, ‘Welcome back to court, for the night, Hengist of Woodcroft.’ 

Hengist wasn’t disinterested in women. He would just rather not deal with their drama and such when it came to it. He had plenty of female friends. At the moment he couldn’t remember any, but he was sure there was a list of them somewhere! He felt himself falling back, wanting to lean against the back of the chair, only to realize there was none a little too late. Topping to the ground, the woodcutter laughed. “But those people who walk the streets that are the most interesting, and know the most! I say, if such good wine was shared, the world be a happier place. Do you not think, m’lord?” 

Thaddeus watched him lean back, topple and fall to the ground, and he scoffed, turning himself bask in towards the table a smirk on his lips, he pressed a hand to the wood, swinging his legs out over the other side of the bench, shakily leaning forward to at least drag the man up to sitting, ‘Y’alright?’ he asked, eyebrows raised, one ahnd gripping to his new friend’s shirt and the other wrapped sensually around the cup once more, his cup, his beautiful cup of lovely, french wine. He did like the French. ‘Mm.. a drunken world, Hengist, not a very good one. We like to keep these things.. private.. for ourself, so we can enjoy them more! What use would being rich be, if everyone were rich?’ 

Hengist would hate the aftermath of this all, but there was no time in thinking of that now. He waved at the other, motioning that he was indeed fine, especially as he had saved his drink. “But that is the point! There is no need for only a few to be rich. If we all were, there would be less hatred, and we can live the life we all wish. No worries of holding titles and following through duties! Would you not agree that would be comforting? To no live to expectations?” Hengist was always a many of honesty, though mostly in joking terms. But when he was drunk out of his mind, words came out freely, and most of the time, they were wise and true. The only time they ever would be. The woodcutter had to be out of his mind, to actually be in it - if that ever made any sense. He hiccuped once, holding his breath before shaking his head. How he wanted to fall back down and lay flat on the ground. No, instead he sat upright with the help of Thaddeus. If he wasn’t holding his shirt, he was sure he would have been laying once more. “M’lord, I believe this is the start of a wonderful friendship. So as long as you provide these wonderful gifts.” 

Thaddeus shook his head, finished his cup and moved the other hand to hold him up too, both hand on his shoulders, a look of feigned hurt spread across his face, ‘Is this all there is, Hengist of Woodcroft? Is this all you see? A man to procure the finer wines for you? Tsk. I am hurt, hurt and offended, yes, and I should throw you from court this very instance.’ He would have let the man drop then, and nearly did, teasing him, letting go of his shirt only to grab it again, ‘Why don’t you get up? Or your backside will be dirty and cold by the time we’re done here.’ He shifted his grip again, wiggling his cup in the air for another refill. 

Hengist tried his best to hide the smile from his face. A pout of some sort coming across his lips as he heard Thaddeus speak. He laughed though, as he felt himself almost fall to hit the ground, being caught only moment before. The woodcutter shook his head. He was merely jesting with the other. Of course, part of is it was still true. He would enjoy this sort of treatment once in awhile. To be served drinks instead of serving them to his friends. “I see you, a man. A man who has forgotten his childhood. And I am here, to become your friend and remind you of what you once had. Build a friendship that you would be proud of. M’lord, I see this, us, as a new beginning to finding the good ‘ol memories.” Hengist got up speaking, the best he could, leaning far too close to Thaddeus than would be comfortable for the other, his arm around his shoulders. 

Thaddeus ’s eyes were on the other man as he came closer and he swallowed some, hands dropped into his lap as he listened. A friendship that he would be proud of. The words seemed to ring to beautifully in his ears that he could barely hide the smile that covered his face, the fire that lit up within him and he gave a small laugh, fingers around the back of his shirt again, pulling him to sit down beside him, ‘I see. That sounds like a wonderful thing.’ 

Hengist grinned. “Well I am a wonderful man.” Hengist laughed, taking his cup once more, drinking down more than half of it in one go. He puckered his face a bit, the sour taste lasting longer than he expected this time. “I tell you, wine…a glorious thing! You know what else is? If everyone came aboard and danced.” Hengist stood once more, moving their cups out of the way on the table, and getting on. He could have fell over from the top of the table, but he was able to catch his balance at the last minute. “If only others were as fearless as they say! Come, join me m’lord!” 

Thaddeus paused for a moment, watching him up on that table and then he, too, stood up, it was only now that he realised how much the wine had affected him as he fell straight back down onto his backside, having to crawl up onto the table instead, a scoff-snort sound leaving him, but he pulled himself up and, using the other man for balance, nodded, throwing a fist into the air, ‘And we shall dance for England!’ he cheered, knowing that that, at least, would have the others cheering along with them. And that was exactly what he did. 

Brutus had been amongst the crowd watching the first event of the week, the archery. He had cheered for Thaddeus, cheered harder for Hengist and cheered the most for Elfrida. He had meant to seek out both his friends, buy them a drink and introduce them to each other. Things with Hengist were uncertain, and Brutus hoped a night of drinking (as much as he disliked the drink) would certainly help strengthen their bond once again, Hengist did love his drink. However he had been caught in his knightly duties, also in the duties that came with representing his house and his lord father. Dancing with Lysandra, shaking hands and making small talk were all in his schedule today. It was not until soon afterward that he found the opportunity to seek out his friends. He found them, both standing on a table, cheering and moving in a way which might appear be to dancing to whoever had emptied the bottles of wine that lay scattered. His eyes grew wide and he moved towards them, he was certain he had never seen Hengist this drunk before. “What are you two doing?!” 

Hengist laughed hard. Laughed so hard he had almost lost his balance. He would have taken them both down too! Instead, with his arm firmly around Thaddeus, he roared with another laugh. His eyes went down to a voice he could place as an old friend, and frowned. “Look m’lord, someone who looks like my father has arrived. Do tell him I am being a good boy.” 

Thaddeus grinned, a bright, happy grin, one that had been lost to him for some time, ‘Why! He has a striking resemblance to my father, too, do you think perhaps we were separated at birth? But I assure you, Sir, we are being healthy, happy, good, young boys.’ A loud, roaring laughter to match the other man’s left him and he found himself slipping on spilled wine, clinging to the other man as he dropped down onto his backside, pulling Hengist down with him, ‘What seems to be the problem here, sir? I assure you.. we’re being good.’ 

Brutus sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He gave both Hengist and Thaddeus a look that displayed how unimpressed he was by their antics and just how unamused he was by them. He watched as the two of them came crashing down onto the table. “Get down from the table before you fall and injure your healthy, happy selves,” Brutus said, crossing his arms. This was certainly not what he had in mind when he set out to find Lord Thurknell, and he felt something stirring in his head, telling him how strange it was that the two of them were enjoying themselves without him. He put those thoughts away and focused instead on taking care of his two very drunk friends. 

Hengist did his best to hold his laugh, to act serious. But it was all gone when the last bit of his wine was taken down. No, instead he stuck next to Thaddeus like glue, looking down at Brutus. It was only when his new friend had lost his balance that the smile and laughter disappeared for a second. There was a loud thud, and a brief silence followed by a groan before his laughter resumed. Oh yes, in the morning, that would be painful to deal with. “Well you got your wish, father. We have fallen from grace.” The words came out broken, Hengist not even bothering to get back up. 

Thaddeus gave a loud snort of laughter and he was forced to move a hand to cover his mouth and nose lest the same pig-like sound come from him again. A dopey grin was on his face and he looked up to Brutus. Ah, Brutus, poor Brutus, he was always the one to deal with Thaddeus’ drunken antics, and now there was two of them, two of them sitting on the table, sitting in spilled wine and bits of food, probably, giggling like children who’d been caught in Daddy’s study. Thaddeus was glad his real father was not in the city, ‘Fallen like angels to the earth to grace you wit—’ he hiccuped ‘—our.. our presenceses. Pre.. Presensis. Presences.’ 

Brutus rolled his eyes, used to such dramatics from Hengist, and getting rather used to them from Thaddeus. He bit back a grin at the snort that came form the newly made Lord and the the stupid grin that followed it. His eyes narrowed in confusion at Thad’s words, unsure of what the man was attempting to say. “Even fallen angels would not disgrace themselves in the manner that you two have,” he pulled a face before moving towards the two men and wrapping an arm around each waist, hoisting each man over one of his shoulders. “I am taking both of you to bed.” He still remembered where Thad’s room’s were, and Hengist would have to find a place at the tavern Brutus was staying at himself. 

Hengist hiccuped right in unison with Thaddeus. He laughed at the thought of being an angel. How he was more frequently known as the sinful one of the pair. But the last thing he wanted was what Brutus had done. Lifting them as if they were mere pillows, the captain started to drag them to the first room. “Brutus! Why must you break this lovely time we are having together.” Though Hengist was completely out of his mind, he was sure that he would still remember what happened between he and Brutus a week prior. And the game of hiding from the man would be played once more. He did his best to try to wiggle out of the man’s arms, to try and reach for Thaddeus so they could run about, but it seemed impossible. 

Thaddeus reached in vain for Hengist, grasping onto his shirt again, stomach against Brutus’ shoulder—and it seemed more like a table or matress than anything by the sheer size of it—‘Brutus! How could you! We were having such a fantas-hic-..fantastic time!’ he moaned, a dry, fake sob coming from him before he flopped down in defeat. ‘This is not fair! I am a Lord! I shoul.. I should.. .. I don’t know.’ 

Brutus tightened his hold on Hengist as he felt the man attempting to remove himself from his grasp. Brutus was suddenly reminded of the rejected hug and was forced to bite his tongue and hold back a short sob. He drew a shaky breath, focusing instead on finding his way to Thad’s room. He was certain this hallway was familiar. “You were shaming your entire house with your behavior,” he snapped. “Do think of your real father, he would be even more disappointed than I am.” Brutus’s expression darkened and he glowered at the nearest tapestry. He would have to apologize afterward of course, even if Thad was not like to remember any of this. 

Hengist was was simply looking down at Brutus’ shoes in defeat once their fight was lost. Instead, he was making odd faces for amusement. Once in awhile he would look up at where they were walking, and become a kid once more, trying to grab things to use against Brutus. But of course, just as he came close to touching something, he was pulled away. “Yes yes, m’lord, what would your father say of you acting human!” 

Thaddeus was jarred by those words and he fell silent, limp and broody, he swallowed some, glaring at the floor before he spoke, ‘If there is anything toshame my entire house it will certainly not be enjoying the wine at court.’ He said in reply, voice calm as he said so, nothing in comparison to the drunken, happy slur of moments passed. Had he been able to see Brutus’ glowering he was sure that he would have fought tooth and nail out of his grasp and made his own way to his rooms. 

Brutus could not believe that neither of them understood. What was a man’s purpose but to uphold and defend his family’s honor? Hengist could be excused, he was not a Lord, or a Lord’s heir, he had not been raised being prepared for court. Thaddeus, however, he should know better, and perhaps it was the age difference making itself apparent, but he could not believe his behavior. He understood what Thaddeus was implying, or what he thought Thaddeus was implying, and sighed heavily. Brutus finally found Thad’s room, he opened the door and walked to the man’s bed, setting both men down. He keept one arm wrapped around Hengist, however. Whatever the state of their current relationship, Brutus was not about to set him loose in a castle where he would most likely be arrested and burned at the stake before he alcohol would run it’s course. “Good night, Thad,” he said before preparing to drag Hengist out. 

Hengist had given up trying to wiggle out of Brutus’ grasp. It was literally impossible at this moment, and his eyes were getting tired already. As Thaddeus’s room came into view though, Hengist believed that it was here he was going to be sleeping. “I sleep like a lord too?” The young woodcutter mumbled. But it seemed that Brutus still didn’t let go of the man, and Hengist was too tired to lean off from the big oaf. But he reached for Thaddeus on his bed, “Tomorrow will be another day!” He said slurring his words. Yes, tomorrow indeed would be another day. Another day he would be competing and out of his mind. 

Thaddeus was dropped down onto his bed and almost immediately he turned, burying himself into the pillows, back to the both of them—but mainly Brutus—sulking and more than angry about those words, ‘See you tomorrow, Hengist.’ He replied, kicking his covers down before curling up beneath them. 

Brutus shook his head and turned away from the bed, turning Hengist with him. He saw Wilfred out of the corner of his eye, rushing to his Lord’s aid. He did not speak as he made his way down to where his horse had been stabled. He aided Hengist onto the horse before mounting himself, and directing his steed to the tavern. 

Hengist mumbled words that not even he could understand. It probably went along the lines of how he was still mad at Brutus, but was glad to be with him at the moment. That or he said that he wanted to go back for more drinks. But he followed Brutus to wherever it was he was leading him. Instead, he licked his lips and leaned against the man’s back, waiting for them to get to his own bed. He couldn’t even remember when he was staying the past week! “Bru—tus…..mm-hmm.” 

Brutus frowned deeply at the back of his horse’s head, listening to Hengist’s mumbling. He was not upset with Hengist, the man owned a tavern he could hardly except anything else, he was quite upset with himself actually. He had dug an even deeper hole for himself here, and he was tired of digging. He mostly ignored Hengist as he cantered the horse, he was hardly saying anything he could actually respond to. When he finally reached their inn he dismounted and aided Hengist, handing his horse to a stableboy. He wrapped a thick arm around Hengist once again and walked them over to his own room he set Hengist down on his bed and realized he had nowhere to sleep. Well, it would not be the first time a knight slept on a hard ground. “You sleep here, Hengist,” Brutus said softly as he retrieved the second pillow and a spare blanket. 

Thaddeus had been up since the mid hours of the morning, Wilfred had woken him up in that same, floaty, cheery fashion he always did, Wake up, Lord Thaddeus, every hour wasted is an hour you can never get back, you never kn—, he was sweet, but sometimes all Thaddeus really wanted to do was sleep. He sat atop his horse, Aherin, visor up and the jousting stick in his hand, the point buried in the sand beneath him, watching those around him. He was confident enough in this, and his Archery, he’d little chance in the other events, but that was alright. He brought the horse around, watching teo men go at each other, ‘I don’t think we’ve met.’ He said, turning his head to look at Hengist. 

Hengist whirled around when he heard a voice. He looked to Thaddeus, trying to remember if he had ever seen him before. No, this was indeed the first time they are to met. “No we have not! I am Hengist of Woodcroft.” With his free hand, Hengist greeted the man. “And you are?” Someone who was going to be jousting. And from the looks of it, he had the talent to do so. Well, if Hengist wasn’t sure about his abilities before, he surely wasn’t anymore. 

Thaddeus smiled some, nodding his head, ‘Hengist of Woodcroft.’ He repeated, having heard the name somewhere before, ‘Lord Thaddeus Thurknell, of Nott.’ He replied, glancing at the man’s get up, his clothes, horse, the way he held himself, and he couldn’t help but let out a little laugh, shifting himself in the saddle. ‘Hengist, you look forlorn, these things are usually all just chance and concentration.’ He shrugged his shoulders, watching as the two men who’d been practising in front them took their leave, shaking hands before parting ways. 

Hengist ’s features brightened a bit. A lord? “My lord.” Hengist gave a the other a grin, knowing that he was the last person any lord or lady wanted to know. But laughed at the other’s words. “Well, you clearly do not know my luck has gone from me as of recent. Trouble seems to find me more than I ask.” Actually, he was normally calling for trouble. “I cannot remember the last time I took part in such a competition. I’m usually at the sidelines, preparing for other work.” Other work that related to mischief on others that was. 

Thaddeus had very rarely been called by his title, and it made a little fire burn in his chest, a small smirk come to his lips and he was proud for a moment, ‘And that trouble might that be, what work?’ He lifted the jousting stick up with ease, pulling it out of the sand to pass it off to his helper boy thing (idunnothenameforthem), ‘Why, then, if you don’t usually compete, are you this time?’ 

Hengist raised his brow, knowing that most men he spoke to took honor in their title. If Hengist had one, he probably would too. Then again, he did have one, and he did take pride in it, but it was no formality of any sort. He gave a bit of a laugh. “That work, well…you shall soon know of by hearing the screams in the streets of London.” How else was he to put it? He was sure he would be running down them soon enough when he accidentally did something stupid. He watched him pass his stick to the boy. Hengist would have done the same if he had one of those nifty boys at his side. Then again, he wouldn’t have given his piece of work to just anyone to manhandle. “For what most are here for. The thrill and the money!” 

Thaddeus gave a small nod, ‘That makes sense, but not all of us are here for the thrill or the money. Duty and familial expectations, too.’ He laughed, shrugging his shoulders a little bit, ‘I assume you don’t come to London all that often, but let me tell you, that one, there, the blonde man, Sir Brutus Scrimgeour, he is a brilliant fighter. Fantastic knight. I met him just two weeks ago, he came to London as a guest for my celebrations. I certainly will be avoiding him in the competitions, though.’ 

Hengist shrugged. He knew that a Lord would be here on honor. At the least he did not have the stress of all of London hopping for your win. When the name Brutus came up though, Hengist curiously looked at the At the least he did not have the stress of all of London hopping for your win. When the name Brutus came up though, Hengist curiously looked at the other. They knew each other that well? But once look at Brutus, many would know the same thing. “Yes, I know of him. He is a friend of mine. His arms are far more useful than just throwing sticks.” Friend. Yes, he was still, or..well he hadn’t thought things through. His smile had faded briefly though at the subject. “How is it that you know the man?” 

Thaddeus ’s lips played in a small smile, a knowing smile, at that, but it faded just as fast, ‘Families like ours, it is hard to avoid knowing people, my father knows his father and so he was called as a guest, and we met there. We’ve gotten close over the weeks.’ Thaddeus was no liar, and even if he was he probably wouldn’t be very good at it, he was no good at lying, hiding his feelings or anything like that but there were some things he definitely could hide if he so chose—the rocky marriage, the desperate want to be between the sheets with a Knight instead, those little things. ‘He is a good man.’ 

Hengist nodded, biting the inside of his cheek casually as if he was eating something. “Well, I suppose that makes all the sense.” If Brutus had told him that, things could have been a bit easier on the knight. But still, Hengist felt as if there was something missing in the bigger picture. He would find out sooner or later what that was, and only hope that it was for the better. “So I suppose there was nothing for me to worry about. He was here with another friend.” 

Thaddeus ’s eyebrows furrowed and he looked at the other man, ‘What do you mean? To worry about?’ he asked simply, squinting some, now deathly curious about what he meant, was there something there, something between those two? Were they that close, friends, best friends, lovers, even? 

Hengist raised his brows at the other. “He can be a bit of….well his mind is a bit scattered at times.” And it was wonder that the other was still alive. “Any who, I do hope the mead here is better than I last remember. Do tell me My Lord know how to enjoy himself, duties and what not aside.” 

Thaddeus let his eyebrows knit together at the centre again and then he shrugged his shoulders, giving the man beside him a once over with a less-than-convinced expression, and then he made a little noise, ‘How to enjoy oneself? At a tourney or in London? There are many things to do at both, though very different.’ 

Hengist Hengist raised his hands, amused at the other. Moving closer to the other, he placed his left arm around his shoulder. “Oh I see them all the same.” He winked, a laugh escaping his lips. From all the trouble he had gotten into, he knew what both worlds had to offer, or so related them together. “What is it that you see different in the two? Mead, and stories, are they not both shared in the same place?” 

Thaddeus looked over him again, shifting under the weight of his arms to jump from the horse’s back and drop down onto the sand, pulling the protective gear off, ‘Well, I find that at a Tourney it’s usually more acceptable for their to be blood shed.’ He started, shaking his hair out, letting those dark waves move away from being stuck to his head, hand raking through them, ‘And when you’re drinking in London, the Mead is never as good as the wine at court.’ 

Hengist ”Well some of can only do with what we have. But dear Lord, remember it is the people you are with that make the night all the more enjoyable. Tell me, have your friends done you justice in that?” Hengist raised his brow amusingly to the other. Hengist moved around his borrowed horse and jumped off to join the other. For a young Lord, the man was attractive, but Hengist could have said that about many knights he knew. Off topic, Hengist shook his head, “Who is to say there is no bloodshed at a tavern? Of course, it would be horrible if such a thing happened.” 

Thaddeus ’There is bloodshed, yes, but it is not commonplace, nor is it entertaining, nor are common taverns a place for someone such as myself to be hanging around at, especially at this time in the city.’ He gave a sad little shrug, knowing the risks of someone of title frequenting the place of commoners, the risks of having his things stolen, as well as many others, ‘But you are right. It does depends on who you are with.’ 

Foundations Built On Stone | Ongoing   Helena the Coy, Edward the Two Faced 

Preparation is the key to success | Ongoing   Wilfred & Thaddeus 

Flowers  Aurelia & Norvel

Real men  Giles & Frankie 

Willing to Endure Cliodna & Qwara

Rapture | M | Not Safe for Ari Countess Elizabeth & Count Elijah  

She was his and he was hers, with a single hungry kiss  he intended to remind her of this: this was the only pure love that he had ever known, had ever felt for any other human being. Vindictus, the bastard, could have not loved her like this. A kiss to forget all others.It was hardly a chaste kiss, but one that begged and pleaded to be whole, to be needed and loved.

Something Different Talitha & Norvel 

A Last Wine and Dine  Hengist and Thaddeus

[ London IC Chat ]

IC - Chat | Oh Good Lord   Hengist the Woodcutter, Lord Thaddeus 

Hengist raised his hands, amused at the other. Moving closer to the other, he placed his left arm around his shoulder. “Oh I see them all the same.” He winked, a laugh escaping his lips. From all the trouble he had gotten into, he knew what both worlds had to offer, or so related them together. “What is it that you see different in the two? Mead, and stories, are they not both shared in the same place?” 

IC - Chat | Heaven's Wine!   Hengist the Woodcutter, Lord Thaddeus , Sir Brutus

Hengist hiccuped right in unison with Thaddeus. He laughed at the thought of being an angel. How he was more frequently known as the sinful one of the pair. But the last thing he wanted was what Brutus had done. Lifting them as if they were mere pillows, the captain started to drag them to the first room. “Brutus! Why must you break this lovely time we are having together.” 

IC - Chat | Never A Goodbye   Qwara , Bernard

He thought they might be though, when they watched Qwara’s hips fight, and did not realize that she was a female. He had realized, and had been stricken with worry. “Qwara,” Bernard hissed, taking her elbow and pulling her, gently, into the shadows. “What were you thinking?! You were AMAZING, but what were you thinking? What if someone caught you?! I mean you can kick their ass, but you’re… what if they caught you?!” Bernard fussed like a mother, moving his arms around, frazzled.

IC- Chat | Oh You Fancy Huh?   Francois , Hengist the Woodcutter