a horse, a horse. (of course.)

[standvastig]

🧙 WHO: Hendrik and Jasper
⚔️️ WHAT: They can tolerate a short trip. How about a longer one?
🕒 WHEN: Second week of May
🗺️ WHERE: Heading towards the Rent-a-Ride Outpost; maybe Red Springs
⚠️ WARNINGS: N/A for now

[When he is not paying attention to the path ahead of him, beaten into the grass by carriages bearing new arrivals to the Red Springs and Camelot month after month, Hendrik turns his thoughts inward to his carefully managed funds. Did he have enough for a good saddle and tack? What if he could not afford a horse that really spoke to him? It's a dilemma that he never truly encountered until Avalon, with his low interest in expensive purchases and most of his needs provided for by the king or the army.

And when he is not thinking about those things, his thoughts inevitably wander to his traveling companion. Is this a good idea, given how volatile their interactions were only a month ago? He can't say for sure, especially when the alternative was to leave Jasper in the house with their familiars, but he had let him know that it would be a longer trip due to how far the horse farm was from the city.

Truth be told, he is surprised that Jasper decided to come along. He had not shown much interest for most of the last outing, after all.]

Comments

[leitstern]

[Jasper closes his eyes and continues treading across grass and dirt, listening to every footstep and movement. Every hour and every mile, he finds himself free of more and more people. Here in the countryside, he has no questions to answer and no imbeciles demanding his time and attention. It makes a pleasant change from being cooped up in four walls, with no release for all this energy releasing itself with every step and stride.

In short? It is a long trip, yes, but the length is hardly a bother.

His eyes open and focus on the back of his traveling companion. The passing seconds and widening distance only makes him more and more aware the taller man lies some steps ahead. He holds his breath and strides quickly for a moment, slowing down when they stand side by side. How many times must he catch up like this?]

We must be halfway there, I imagine.

[Is he complaining about the length of the journey? Maybe.]

[standvastig]

We are making good time, if so.

[Hendrik adjusts his pack so he can reach into his pocket, pulling out his phone and taking a look at the picture he had taken of a map showing the city and nearby surroundings. The part he captured shows more of the area west of the city, heading towards the Red Springs and the Rent-a-Ride Outpost beyond it.]

How are you feeling? Do you need to rest?

[While he doesn't necessarily underestimate Jasper, he can't escape the fact that he spent weeks holed up in a room, sleeping or barely moving around.]

[leitstern]

[A glance down and he glimpses a shot of a map. The details are short, too small to see where they are heading, but the worn path acts as a guide on its own. His eyes lift from the screen and take in the sights and sound of the country. He decides to hold his tongue a bit and waits until the right moment presents itself.]

Hardly. I doubt I shall till we hitch our feet.

[The awkward moment where he cannot avoid enquiry into his feelings leaves him rolling his shoulders. He refuses to glance upwards, keeping his eyes on the road. His following question is asked lightly, curiously, betraying none of his nervousness.]

Why must you worry?

[standvastig]

[They continue moving on with little conversation between them; it helps to conserve energy and remain focused on the journey ahead. In some ways, there's also an awkwardness there -- a palpable disconnect without common goals or common interests between them.

But the question is clear enough to catch his attention. He pockets his phone as he replies.]

Why...? We are traveling together, and you have not been out as much. It is natural to ask.

[Does he think that he is underestimating him? Even if he was thinking of this from a distant perspective, he would need to take his traveling companions' endurance in mind.]

[leitstern]

[When the reply comes, Jasper feels himself bubble and boil. Angry feelings nibble at his toes and flare his nose. He almost has to laugh at the familiarity of it all. Hendrik making a point that adds tension to the conversation is a reminder of years gone by. The comparison makes him shake his head - he fights to keep his voice an even tone.

It is hard to figure out why he is so angry. Hendrik being the cause is at least simple.]

Not if you want a proper answer. But no matter. I will not fall apart because we are walking a couple of miles, Hendrik.

[standvastig]

[The answer gives Hendrik pause; he doesn't say anything as he tries to make sense of the first part of Jasper's reply.]

What do you mean, if I want a proper answer? Is there something wrong with my approach?

[leitstern]

No. I am querying your motivation and nothing more.

[Jasper's answer comes hot and sharp off his lips. The issue of their past is a hot topic; one that is proving difficult to focus upon in any form or fashion.]

We have traveled together before, have we not? You simply ask the same now as you did then.

[And it is a very uncomfortable reminder of their friendship.]

Red Springs

[leitstern]

[The same room. The same keys. The same bathroom but thankfully not the same bed. Jasper looks out the window at the sights and sounds and sighs to himself. Their earlier quarrel nibbles the back of his thoughts; his resentment and anger a poisonous combination that keeps his eyes off his old friend. Both of them returning to normalcy but one more successfully than the other. All he can do is close his eyes and grind his teeth. Hendrik always comes out ahead and always lets him know it.

He steps back and directs his gaze over his shoulder. Watching, judging. The man is terrible. The funny part of it? They are as well-matched as enemies as they were as friends.]

It's amazing, how both of us earn the ire of the other.

[The weight of those minutes weigh him down. It takes him a moment to continue.]

Hendrik. Do you think you might feel well enough to answer a question?

[standvastig]

[The silence of the walk allows Hendrik to center himself and do away with the agitation that had been bothering him a few hours earlier. By the time they have reached the Red Springs and checked out a room for the night, the quarrel has faded from Hendrik's mind; he is glad for a respite from the road, arranging his equipment to one corner of the room where it will not get in the way.

Of course, the moment conversation comes up, the spat returns to the forefront of his mind, and he stops in the middle of pulling a clean shirt from his pack. He frowns, his back to Jasper as he returns to his task, slightly slower.]

I am well. What is your question?

[leitstern]

[Much to his consternation, Hendrik doesn't turn around or focus in any way. Perhaps, he theorises to himself, it is because he judges him abhorrent. Repulsive to some sense of morals and honour.

The weight bearing down upon his shoulders now dwells in his stomach. That willingness to talk drops from his lips and he turns his back to gaze outside. There is no avoiding unspoken feelings. His lips press thin and he finds he rather hates the silence. Well, they have time to kill. What else is he supposed to do?]

Do you believe me a monster?

[It is a challenge to himself as well. Speak. Distance himself. Make it clear this is not a problem.]

[standvastig]

[The question does not come right away, but when it does, Hendrik has to slowly look over. He drops his retrieved shirt on top of his pack, his attention squarely on Jasper's back.]

Does it matter?

[If the question seems a bit flat, it is not meant to be; Hendrik instead attempts to set aside the question, perplexed and finding it rather out of the blue.]

You will do as you wish, regardless of my opinion.

[leitstern]

[Jasper clenches his fist to spare himself bashing it against the wall. That barely relieves his tension; he rolls that same shoulder and crosses his arms over his stomach. They had missed years of talking but surely his old friend knows how his mind works?

His swift interruption comes before Hendrik has finished his sentence.]

Of course it matters! Should it not then would I be asking you?

[standvastig]

[The interruption has Hendrik lapsing into silence, brows knitting together as he thinks of Jasper's snapped question. Why would he be asking if not for his opinion?

Very well. He can respond truthfully, if nothing else.]

Yes. I believe you are a monster.

[Does he need to expand beyond that?]

I cannot say I have met a human with glowing red eyes before.

Stables

[leitstern]

[The road lies behind them, most of it covered in silence. Jasper feels the gentle jolt of the carriage as wheels crush dirt and cross stone. The motion shakes his head from side to side; eyes resting on Hendrik who sits opposite.

Or sleeps, rather.

He leans back and spends the rest of their journey with his fingers gripping the window tightly. With the glass drawn open, the spring breeze is brushing his hair lightly. He inhales the fresh air and closes his eyes - but his meditation is interrupted by a rattling vibration that draws an irate eye. Hendrik's snoring resounds throughout the carriage. Head tipped forward, tucked against his chest. It continues as their ride draws to a standstill.

Taking a deep breath, he makes to speak but leans forward instead - lashing out with his foot to kick the woodwork.]

Get up.

[standvastig]

[The snoring stops abruptly as Hendrik is jarred out of slumber, an audible crick as bones in his neck complain at the sudden movement. He blinks blearily, taking a moment to recognize that curt voice before he awakens further and looks out one of the carriage windows.]

Ah... We arrived?

[Unused to these carriages, he fumbles with the lever that opens the carriage door to his right. More sunlight spills in the carriage once the door is opened, along with the distinct smell of wide open spaces and nearby horses.]

[leitstern]

[Horses. Jasper holds his breath and counts to eight. The stench reminds him of his childhood; husbandry training in the stables and learning how to climb and ride once they came of age. It is a smell different to the beasts he knew and grew up beside. He dwells in his memories a while before realising the door is hanging open - sunlight warming his pale face.

Out. One, two, three, four.

He does not miss the smell - the stench of animals he rode once upon a time. The memory of a particular one souring his mood as he waits for Hendrik to exit the carriage.

If the man takes too long, he'll just kick him out on his way down.]

[standvastig]

[It takes a bit longer than expected for Hendrik to move from blocking the way out of the carriage, so it is perhaps no surprise he is in fact kicked out of the way. He manages to grab hold of the carriage door so he doesn't fall on his rear, but it's still very awkward. He grimaces and retrieves his pack from the carriage, walking over to thank the carriage driver and then look for some horse-dealers around the farm.

There are a multitude of horses to choose from, ranging from the kind and mild-mannered for the novices to the stalwart and brazen who are favored by the knights and adventurers who have to ride into danger. They even sell work horses, though many are already owned by the outpost for pulling carriages.

They're encouraged to spend time among the horses to see if any take a liking to them.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper follows Hendrik around, claiming his pack to stoll around the farm, forgetting to thank their driver but not out of ignorance. He lets his old friend ask the questions and injects none of his own. The suggestion they waste their time befriending the creatures elicits a grimace; his lips drawing into a thin, unimpressed line. One thought niggles the back of his mind - the knowledge he enjoyed their company once upon a time. He gradually becomes aware he is dwelling and scowls, turning his attention to the present.

He stands a distance apart. Inspecting the horses surrounding them like he is curious about their behaviour. Any fascination doesn't quite reach the cold, neutral expression on his face.]

Found one, yet?

[standvastig]

[Hendrik talks to the horses. Nothing deep or even important, with obligatory greetings and compliments of their stature or the shine of their coats. He's glad to the horses just as well-kept and healthy as the ones in the city stables, given how important they are to the livelihood of Camelot.

He is always aware of the fact that Jasper is simply following him around. He isn't sure why he was expecting otherwise, and he doesn't comment regardless. If Jasper just wants to follow him around, that is fine.

The question earns the other man a glance as Hendrik strokes a mare's silken mane.]

Not yet. Are you bored?

The return trip

[standvastig]

[In the end, Hendrik finds himself a horse. She is a fascinatingly tall dapple gray mare with intelligent eyes, confident but not in the boldly stubborn way he remembers of Obsidian. He is assured that she is a strong horse even though he can already tell; her broad back and strong flanks seem characteristic of a work horse, and she accepts his weight readily when he takes her around the field for a test ride.

Though he cannot imagine it happening in this environment, he reckons she could probably carry him into battle -- perhaps not with the speed and impressive efficiency that Obsidian showed in carrying him down mountainsides, but... Maybe he would someday see what she could do.

When it becomes apparent that Jasper has no interest in a horse of his own, Hendrik prepares for a return trip with regular stops, and talks with the mare in apologetic tones for testing her back so soon into their relationship. An additional, but expected, cost comes in getting her fitted with a saddle and tack for the return ride; he's told he can trade in the saddle towards purchasing one that better suits him once he gets back to Camelot.

Thus he is ready for the return trip.

And then there is Jasper.]

We will ride back together.

[leitstern]

[Jasper takes a backseat to watch Hendrik interact with his mare; showering her with all the affection and apologetic tenderness missing in their relationship. The sight draws his lips thin and he looks askance. His discontent is masked behind not finding an admissable beast for his own use. So he listens to the stablehand, ignores the horses lazing in the paddock and steps aside so the worker might finally finish the job.

It is only when they are preparing to leave that he finds himself with the beginnings of a spring in his step. Nothing reflected in his gait or manner - but the weight doesn't burden his shoulders like before. No, it is the outlandish suggestion his old friend makes that brings him pause.]

Are you joking?

[standvastig]

[The question doesn't surprise him, under the circumstances; it isn't normal by any means for a horse to bear two riders, especially two men. And this isn't something that would have come up in the past for either of them.]

I am not. We would make better time traveling if we are both on horseback, even if we rest just as often along the way.

[He expects an argument, though even now he is wary of what may come up.]

[leitstern]

Fine. With such distance from our destination I hardly have any choice in the matter.

[The idea of a ride is more enticing than the image of sitting behind Hendrik's giant frame hours on end. Unable to watch his expressions, unable to show him a piece of his mind. It does make one's mood sour.]

You had best expect to make my journey throughly comfortable.

[For himself, naturally!]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik blinks slowly at Jasper at that response, more surprised that he relented so quickly than anything else. He relaxes, tilting his head to look over at his mare.]

That sounds like a demand you would be directing towards her.

[But perhaps Jasper is being more polite than expected. He turns to walk the short distance to his new horse, stroking her mane and assuring her that they will rest so as to not strain her back.]

Come, Jasper. You should greet each other.

[leitstern]

[When the invitation reaches his ears, Jasper rubs his nose and tries to look anywhere else. He thinks of how these minor introductions are an occasion shared between friends. For the first time on this trip, he looks shaken. He looks the mare over and takes half a step over. One bare palm rests gently across her neck.]

If you wish. I hardly see the point.

[He falls silent after a moment, performing an admirable job of directing his eyes to the floor.]