|
Post by anormallife on Jul 2, 2018 0:37:19 GMT -5
(Yeah that works, and maybe that's why the transformations got worse, because of his mother's death. And Garrik having scars is also good. )
Clement knew he didn't have to apologize, but he always did anyways. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Garrik went and sat down in his chair. Garrik's presence was a calming one, he was glad to have a friend like him. A friend that never left his side, even if that meant sleeping in a chair in his bed chambers. He was the best person that he could ever ask for to help take care of him during times like these. And he was glad that even though he has hurt him before, he stuck around. Not a lot of people he knew would do something like that. He glanced over at his friend and nodded to answer his question. "Yeah." he said softly. The act of having his friend sing to him as an adult always seemed a bit childish, but it was what worked best. Nothing else ever worked as well as his mother's song. He turned more towards Garrik and brought his legs up onto the bed and put his attention on him.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 2, 2018 0:54:14 GMT -5
(Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Makes a good backstory. Also, this was the best song I could find that sounded like an old lullaby...But I figured it was probably along the lines of something a mother would sing to her son.)
Garrik cleared his throat, glancing at the prince for a moment before starting to sing. His voice was low and quiet at first, but it gradually grew louder as he continued the song. Though he knew that the sound of a man's voice, deep and low, was nothing akin to the comfort of a mother's sweet notes, he knew it comforted Clement all the same. The deep, velvety notes of Garrik's voice floated through the prince's chambers, drowning out all other sounds as he sang the ancient lullaby.
"Down in the valley, valley so low Hang your head over, hear the wind blow Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.
Roses love sunshine, violets love dew Angels in heaven know I love you Know I love you, dear, know I love you Angels in heaven, know I love you.
Writing this letter, containing three lines Answer my question, "Will you be mine?" "Will you be mine, dear, will you be mine?" Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
Down in the valley, valley so low Hang your head over, hear the wind blow Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow Hang your head over, hear the wind blow."
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 2, 2018 1:10:04 GMT -5
(The song is perfect c: )
Clement closed his eyes as Garrik started to sing the song. Focusing all of his attention on the words in the lullaby and the sound of his voice and letting it soothe him. The song always reminded him of his mother, mostly when she would cradle him in her arms and sing the soft lyrics to him to try to get him to fall asleep. All of the memories of his mother were happy ones, maybe that's why the song worked so well. He quietly sang along with Garrik during the last part of the song and opened his eyes back up when it was finished. "Thank you." he said softly to him.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 2, 2018 1:18:36 GMT -5
As he sang, Garrik had let his eyes closed, and he didn't open them until he had finished the song and Clement had thanked him. Opening his eyes, he nodded at the prince, "Of course. Now, do you have all of your things packed? I would like us to leave early in the morning," He said. The cottage where they stayed on full moons was a half-days ride from the castle, and he wanted to make it and settle in well before night fall. As he waited for the prince to answer, he propped up his feet and leaned back in the chair.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 2, 2018 1:41:11 GMT -5
(should there be a way of breaking the curse?)
Clement shook his head to answer his question. "No, not everything." he told him truthfully as he glanced over at some clothes that he had set aside to take with him on their trip tomorrow. He kind of forgot about that task during the day, when his mind was preoccupied with so many other things. He knew they would have to leave early if they wanted things to run smoothly. "I can finish that right now." He added then moved back over to the edge of the bed. He swung his legs over the edge then stood up and started to pack his clothes away into a small bag that was easy for them to take on these monthly trips.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 2, 2018 1:49:30 GMT -5
(Of course. What did you have in mind?)
While Clement packed the rest of his things, Garrik pulled out his small dagger and the piece of wood he had been carving. It was small enough to fit in his pocket, and he had carved it in the rough shape of a bear, in honor of Clement. He planned on giving it to him for his upcoming birthday. For anyone else, it would have been hard to see what he was doing in the darkness of the room, but he had developed quite superb night vision, so he could easily make out the details of the carving. As he worked, his face took on a bit of a scowl as he concentrated. He wanted to get all the details just right.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 2, 2018 13:26:14 GMT -5
(Well do we want to stick with the cliches and do like 'true love's kiss' kind of thing, or something different?)
Clement finished packing away all the clothes and other materials he would need for his trip. It was nice to have something to do to keep his mind occupied, even if it was just for a few minutes. He glanced over at Garrik and noticed him working away at something. He couldn't really make out what it was from where he was standing, but he was curious. When he was finished packing he went over to his bed and laid down and rested his head on his pillow. He turned to face Garrik and watched him curiously. "What are you working on?" he questioned him.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 2, 2018 22:24:53 GMT -5
(I’m fine with that. Are you thinking Garrik is the true love or someone else?)
Garrik had finally gotten the bears head just right, with an extraordinary amount of detail for something so small—at least, he liked to think so. When he saw the prince law down and try to see what he was working on, he quickly closed his palm over the small carving and turned to smirk at the prince. “Nothing that is any of your business, your highness,” he teased, shoving the beat in his pocket before sheathing the dagger. Garrik ran a tired hand through his hair and slumped a little further in his chair. He was exhausted—he and the prince had hardly slept the past several nights. The man was used to getting little sleep, but it seemed the prince’s fits were getting worse with each month. Soon, he feared they would be uncontrollable. Of course, he would never reveal these pessimistic suspicions with Clement, but he felt them all the same. In addition to watching the prince, he had also been spending the nights when the prince was able to sleep in the library, scouring every book on every shelf to try and find a way to break the curse. Yet so far, he has been unsuccessful.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 2, 2018 23:19:45 GMT -5
(I was just thinking Garrik would be, if that's alright with you)
Clement pouted slightly when Garrik tucked away what he had been working on and said it was none of his business. "Come on, not even just a little peek?" he said in an attempt to get him to show him what it was. He has known Gerrik long enough that he knew he probably wasn't going to show him what it was, but it didn't bother him much that he was keeping this small secret from him. He let out a big yawn then pulled the covers over himself. He settled into bed even though he knew that sleep would not come to him easily. He hoped that all of this would go away some day. He shut his eyes tightly and balled up parts of the blanket tightly in his fists. With it getting later inyo the night, the beast was trying to get into his head, trying to take control, and trying to get him to transform. The song worked to an extent, but it's calming effects only worked for so long. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again and looked over at Gerrik. "Keep talking please. It helps." he said to him.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 3, 2018 0:11:34 GMT -5
(Yes that’s fine with me.)
Garrik gave Clement a playful wink through the darkness as he hid the carving, “Not even a peek,” he insisted. Though he was tempted to fall asleep, he could hear Clement struggling against the influence of the beast as he gripped the covers tightly. Nodding grimly, Garrik began rambling. “I heard some of the soldiers talking about a place far away that has giants in the sky. Massive, nasty, man eating giants who farm the clouds, raising geese that lay golden eggs. There’s even a beanstock that one can climb in order to visit the land of the giants—although I’m not quite sure why one would. But supposedly one day a boy did...” He continued, telling the story. Besides the song, stories seemed to be the next best thing to help Clement, so Garrik was constantly on the lookout for new stories, whether they were told from within the binding of a book, or from the mouth of a traveler. This one was one of his new stories, so he hoped the prince enjoyed it.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 3, 2018 10:58:06 GMT -5
Clement kept his eyes shut tight as he focused all of his attention on Garrik's voice and the story that he was telling. As he listened to the tale, the beast's presence slowly eased it's way out of his mind. His body became relaxed once again and his grip on the covers loosened. He opened up his eyes and looked over at Gerrik as he finished the story. The contents of the story itself seemed kind of ridiculous, but if a man could turn into a beast he supposed that there could be giants living in the clouds. "Maybe we can go hunting for some golden goose eggs sometime." he said to his friend with a slight smile once the story was finished.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 4, 2018 0:10:46 GMT -5
Garrik shook his head and chucked, "Perhaps. If you have a death wish," he teased. "Those who told me the story could neither confirm nor deny whether or not the boy who snuck into the clouds lived. And something tells me the odds of a boy versus a farm full of giants would not end well," he said with an amused sigh. "But I suppose you never know."
(Would you like to time skip to the morning or keep going?)
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 4, 2018 8:58:24 GMT -5
(We can skip to the morning if you want )
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 4, 2018 10:27:10 GMT -5
(So, I’m not sure how well known you wanted it to be that Clement is cursed, but if you wanted it to be a secret that only a few know, perhaps most people just assume that he and Garrik are lovers already and that’s why he sleeps in the prince’s chambers and they go on trips alone all the time?)
Garrik and Clement had finally managed to fall asleep for a few hours, but when the tiniest bit of sunlight began to creep through the curtains, Garrik awoke. Looking over at the prince, he took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes before standing and quietly making his way to a secret door behind a tapestry in the chambers. There were tunnels within the walls of the castle that few knew about. Taking a left, he quickly made his way to the castle kitchens, emerging from behind a pile of flour sacks as though he had simply appeared out of thin air. Standing, Garrik began whistling as he walked around the kitchen to alert the chef to his presence. When Clarise, the large and motherly head chef, noticed him, she smiled and held up the prepackaged bundle of food he had requested the day before. Garrik smiled at her, “Thank you,” he said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek before taking the bundle and disappearing to the stables.
Once he had arrived at the stables, Garrik immediately went to the place where he and Clement’s horses were stabled, with stalls adjacent to one another. He pulled sugar cubes out of his pockets for the two horses, and then quickly began saddling them. Once everything had been packed and the horses were ready, he instructed a stable boy to have the horses ready by the back gate in fifteen minutes. Then, he slipped back into the tunnels and returned to the prince’s room.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 4, 2018 21:02:26 GMT -5
(I feel like it would be a secret that only a few people know about, it would be interesting if everyone assumed that they were already lovers )
Clement was grateful that he was actually able to get some sleep eventually that night. They had a long days ride the next day, so it was always nice to be able to get some sleep before their monthly trip. The prince was still asleep when Garrik woke up, but as if sensing that his presence was now gone he opened his eyes as soon as the other man had left the room. He sat up in his bed then let out a yawn as he stretched up his arms. He rubbed his eyes and took a look around the room, with Garrik gone he assumed that he had already started prepping for the trip ahead of them.
He stood up from the bed and started getting ready as well, he changed into his day clothes and gathered up what he had packed yesterday. He left his sleep clothes on the bed for the maids to take care of and wash. He lifted up his bag and set it on the bed and looked over to Gerrik when he re-entered the room. "Are we all set and ready to go?" he asked him.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 5, 2018 0:25:21 GMT -5
Garrik smiled when he saw the prince, dressed, but with his hair still a bit ruffled from sleep. "We can leave whenever you are ready," he said, running a teasing hand through Clement's messy hair as he walked by. "Sleep well?" He joked over his shoulder, before going to pick up his own bag. "Our horses are waiting at the back gate. If you are ready, we can leave." he said, slipping his sack onto his shoulder before turning back to face the prince.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 5, 2018 0:40:22 GMT -5
"Hey!" Clement said with a smile when Gerrik ran a hand through his hair, and he swatted the hand away as the other man went over to collect his things. "I slept fine, thank you for asking." he responded to his question as he reached up and combed his fingers through his hair to fix it and make it look somewhat presentable. When he was done fussing over his hair he grabbed his bag and threw it over his shoulder. "I'm all ready to go, so let's get going." he said to him then made his way over to the door to his room. He opened it and walked out then started to make his way to the back gate.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 5, 2018 1:29:43 GMT -5
Garrik followed the prince out, mindlessly humming their song as he walked. Once they reached the back gate, he smiled at the stable boy who stood there, holding the two horses. Walking to his grey gelding, Pava, the man secured his bag on the saddle, then took the reins. "Thank you," he said with a nod to the boy, before putting a foot in the stirrup and lifting himself onto the horse. Holding the reins in one hand, he leaned over and patted his steed on the neck," There's my good boy," Garrik murmured to Pava. Once he had settled in the saddle, he turned to Clement. "Ready?" He asked, eager to get going.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 5, 2018 23:02:05 GMT -5
Clement walked out to the back gate and listened to Garrik as he hummed their song. Even just humming it was enough to soothe him just a little bit. He approached the horses when they reached the back gate and went up to his own, which was a black horse by the name of Blackbird. He attached his bag to the saddle, which he learned to do after all the trips they have taken together. He took a hold of the reins and thanked the stable boy before dismissing him. He pulled himself up and onto his horse in one swift motion and shifted a bit until he was comfortable. He looked over to the guard when he spoke and nodded to answer his question. "Yes, I'm ready." he said then looked ahead of him. He kicked the sides of his horse which urged it forward at a walking pace.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 6, 2018 0:03:25 GMT -5
Garrik followed the prince's lead, nudging it forward to catch up with Clement. The man had to resist the urge to ride faster. Not only was he a bit of a speed fiend, but he also wished to reach the cottage as quickly as possible. Yet, a fast pace might encourage Clement's beast to arouse, and that was the last thing they needed, especially whilst riding horses. And so, they kept a decent, but calm pace that would get them there in plenty of time, despite Garrik's worries. As they rode, Garrik decided to speak up. "So, you've got that ball coming up in celebration of your twenty third birthday...Are you excited?" He asked, looking over at his companion, curious to know the prince's true feelings about the ball his father was throwing for him in hopes of finding him a bride.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 6, 2018 0:35:44 GMT -5
Although a faster riding pace would have been more ideal, the pace they had going now was for the best. Clement might get a bit too overwhelmed if they brought their horses to gallop. A slower pace was more relaxing, and he needed to be as relaxed as possible today before they reached the cottage. Transforming prematurely wasn't exactly something he wanted to do. He took a glance over at Garrik at his question and shrugged to answer it. "Yeah, I guess. There hasn't been a ball in awhile so it should be fun. Even if it is just a big scheme to try and get me married." he said to him. His father has been pushing for him to get married for awhile now, but he was fine with how things were right now. All the princesses from the neighboring kingdoms were all lovely and all, but none of them ever felt like they were his 'true love.' If such a thing even existed.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 6, 2018 1:02:58 GMT -5
(Alright, so I'm toying with the idea of Garrik being bi, but not knowing it yet. I think that would make it more interesting. If you don't like the idea though, I can scrap it and write a new response.)
Garrik chuckled. He did enjoy balls. The soldier was an exceptional dancer who enjoyed flirting with all the women who attended. He stayed away from the princesses of course, as they were strictly there for Clement, but he still was known to mess around with the noble girls. Of course, once rumors started circulating that Garrik and the Clement were lovers, it made his endeavors a bit more...challenging, but there were still a few women who were eager to take a chance with the crown prince's "lover".
"Do you think you'll find the one this time?" He asked. The rumors had also somewhat affected Clement's search for a wife, as a few princesses who heard that the prince might have a male lover were quick to decline the invitation to his birthday ball. But Garrik knew that most would not care about the rumors, true or not, if they had a crown and title at the end of the day.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 6, 2018 23:18:14 GMT -5
(That's fine with me, he's your character so, you do you )
Clement shook his head as he let out a sigh. "I don't know, it's so hard to tell with those kind of things. I haven't been very successful thus far, and I don't really think this time will be any different." he said to answer him. It was easy to find a princess that was willing to marry him, the hard part was in finding a princess that he actually wanted to marry. He knew that not all royal marriages were perfect, but he at least wanted someone who he enjoyed spending time with. He didn't just want a wife, he wanted a friend as well. And the rumors didn't make it any easier to try and find the perfect girl.
Of course he knew about the rumors, that he and Gerrik were secret lovers behind closed doors. It wasn't like that though. He has never been with a man before, but he didn't particularly think he would be against the idea. He has heard some stories of how some nobleman take male lovers from time to time. That's probably why people so easily believe in the rumors spread about him. His father and the royal council would never permit him to having relations with a man though, whether it be true love or not. It wouldn't look good for the kingdom.
"What about you?" Clement asked Gerrik curiously as he looked over to him. "Do you think you'll find anyone special at the ball?" he asked him. He wondered if his friend would ever want to get married as well at some point. He has never asked him about that. If he did want to, Clement couldn't help but think he was holding back from doing so, with him being with him for almost all the hours within the day.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 7, 2018 1:19:21 GMT -5
(Sorry, I'm kind of developing him as we go, so bear with me.)
Garrik listened curiously to Clement, "Well, you never know when the right person will come along. After all, who knows? The love of your life could have been hiding under your nose this whole time," He said with a wink, before waving a dismissive hand as a response to the prince's question.
"Clement, you know me. I have never been one to want to settle down. I prefer short term relationships. The word 'commitment' isn't in my vocabulary," he jested. The statement was a bit ironic though, as committed probably would not cover the loyalty he shared with Clement. The man had thought about settling down once or twice, but every time he did, he realized that marriage would mean separating himself from the prince. Not entirely, of course, but having a family would mean that trips like this, which he secretly cherished, could not happen. And he simply wasn't willing to give that up.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 7, 2018 21:42:34 GMT -5
(It's fine c: )
Clement rolled his eyes and shook his head slightly when Gerrik winked at him. He was sure that he would know if his true love was right in front of his face. Right? At least he hoped that he would know something like that. It would be sad if he missed out on the love of his life because he didn't know they were there.
"I guess you do have a point." Clement commented as they continued riding along the path ahead of them. He has never seen Gerrik with one person for very long, but he still couldn't help but think it was fault that Gerrik never really committed to any relationship. He probably should stop concerning himself over such things right now though, he wouldn't want his emotions to let him lose control. Plus, it was Gerrik's decision if he wanted to stay with him or not.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 8, 2018 0:58:31 GMT -5
After a few hours ride, the pair finally made it to the cottage, and Garrik let out a sigh of relief. They had made it and there had been no sign of Clement's beast, which in his mind, meant the ideal trip. Pulling his horse to a halt, he slid off and slipped the reins over the horse's head and waited for Clement to do the same. Once the prince had dismounted, he led the way to the small stable behind the cottage and put their horses away before removing their luggage. "Come on, let's get all this inside," He said, heaving a bag over one shoulder while he carried another in his left hand.
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 8, 2018 16:37:18 GMT -5
Clement didn't exactly feel the same amount of relief when he spotted the cottage, for he knew what was to come that night. He was at least glad that the beast had not bothered him on the trip here. The casual conversation they had as they rode kept his mind at ease the whole time and the slow pace made it easy for him to relax. He pulled back on the reins to get his horse to stop before he dismounted. He grabbed the reins and led his horse along as followed Gerrik back towards the stables. He gave his horse a quick pet on the nose before it was put away and he watched Gerrik as he grabbed their things. He nodded at his words before making his way back to the front door of the cottage. He opened up the door and held it open for his friend before he went inside.
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 9, 2018 22:18:07 GMT -5
“Thank you,” Garrik said with a smile as he walked inside and set their luggage down on their respective beds. Once his hands were free, he looked around the small cottage. It had only two rooms: the first was the main room, which was large and warm, with two beds, a fireplace, a small stove and a chair by the window. There was a door leading to another room, which was much smaller and was meant to contain Clement if his beast form grew too strong and furious. The room had chains meant to restrain the prince, and its walls were reinforced in order to prevent his escape. Garrik hated ever having to use the room, but sometimes it was necessary. Noticing that the stack of firewood was low, he bit his lip. “We need more firewood. Do you think we will have time to get some more before...” he trailed off.
(What would you think about there being some sort of snow storm that traps them there for a while?)
|
|
|
Post by anormallife on Jul 10, 2018 0:34:41 GMT -5
Clement nodded at Garrik when he thanked him then he followed the other man inside. He closed the door behind himself then took a quick look around the room. Nothing has changed since the last time they were here, it was comforting in a way. He glanced over at the door leading to the other room, the one meant to restrain him. He never liked that room, it always made him a bit uneasy, but maybe that was just the beast inside him that felt that way. He crossed the room over to his bed and sat down on the edge of it. He reached down to remove his boots, but stopped himself when Garrik spoke. He didn't need to finish the sentence, he knew what he meant when he trailed off. He straightened back up then looked over at the low supply of firewood. They almost could be fine with the amount they had, but it wouldn't be pleasant if they ran out. "If we work fast, we might be able to get some in time." he commented. They still had a few hours left, they could probably make it
(I'd be fine with that. Should it be a snowstorm or a really bad thunderstorm? )
|
|
|
Post by sleight on Jul 10, 2018 1:33:03 GMT -5
(I’m thinking snowstorm?)
Garrick nodded and stood, walking to the door and grabbing the two axes that hung from a hook, holding one out to Clement. He momentarily thought it might not be the best idea to give the man a weapon right before he transformed, but if they wanted firewood in time, they would have to work together. Leading the way outside, he found a a grove of thin and tall trees that would be perfect firewood. Pointing to the tree next to his chosen target, he said, “You chop down this one while I cut this one up. These two combined should be enough to get us through the next couple days.” They never knew how long they would need to stay at the cottage. Sometimes, it was only overnight, but other times, Clement took a few days to fully recover and demanifest from his beastly form.
|
|