lamentedinnocence | OPEN POST

[ Leon lets himself into the guest room, too excited at the thought of taking Hector out to the village to suspect anything of the book. ]

You wake quite early, don't you? I've yet to catch you sleeping.

[ He'd thought he would need to wait for Hector to get dressed, but there seems to be no need to make himself comfortable in the room. He'll stand in whatever open space is there. ]

—Do you ride?

[ He doesn't specify what and figures Hector should understand. His weight settles into one of his hips. ]

There are two horses in the stable, but if you aren't familiar, we can share mine.

[Hector pauses.]

Sorry. I've always kept odd hours, and having been trapped in a forest of eternal night only made it worse.

[It's only a matter of time until Leon stumbles upon Hector taking a cat nap in some sunny spot in the middle of the afternoon. Cushioned window seats or couches in libraries are his preferred makeshift beds.]

I can, and not just horses. [He replies, not meaning it in a lewd sense, although that is also true, he supposes.

But oh, he spoke too soon. Leon offers to share, but Hector will have to pass up the opportunity to sit, pressed up against the knight, since he's already admitted to his ability to ride. Damn.]

Lead the way. [Still, that missed opportunity won't sour his morning too much. He has to admit, he's curious as to what Leon has in store.]

[ He has no idea that this is how Hector sees him lately... The cuddled up romantic horse rides will have to come another time. ]

Is it possible to ride monsters? I wondered if they would dislike it.

[ Leon's mind is too pure to think of anything other than literal riding, and he thinks fondly of Leviathan, who has become his favorite pet. As Hector accompanies him, he leads the way through the estate halls and out to the horse stable. They're hit by the summer heat upon stepping outside, thick wall of it beating down on them in an instant. Leon hasn't found it in him to complain though, after dealing with the forest. He thinks Hector is the same. ]

You'll be taking the dapple grey there, Ophélie. She was Sara's horse.

[ ~~so uh is anyone here actually surprised that leon and sara are a christian horse girl couple? probably not~~ ]

And mine is here, Alaric.

[ Really big white horse. ]

I'll still need to tack them up— [ It's unusual for someone of his class to insist on dirty work, but Leon does. He's already moving for halters and lead ropes. ] —but feel free to get to know her. She's friendly, I'm sure she'll like you, Hector.

[ And she already seems interested in Hector indeed, because he happens to be near the treat corner. Ophélie is mild and well-behaved, so even though Alaric's starting to pace around his stall because he thinks he's going to get fed by Leon's new guest, she simply pokes her head out through the bars with her dark ears attentively swiveled Hector's way. She wants apple. ]

Some are more amenable to it than others.

[The ones who have shapes resembling horses usually don't mind bearing a rider, and a dragon can be convinced with the right bargain. Wargs can run like the wind, but rarely consent to a saddle, so they're usually not worth the risk of a broken neck. He'll regain Leon about the various options along the way to the stables.

Faced with Ophélie, Hector reaches out a hand slowly to touch her snout. Night Creatures love him. Some mundane animals, however, shy away from his aura, and he has yet to find a rhyme or reason as to which ones will be affected.]

She's beautiful.

[Luckily, she seems to not be one of the creatures who rebel against his touch, and she seems willing to do whatever is ask in pursuit of an apple.

And fortunate for her, Hector is almost fundamentally incapable of denying any pet a little treat. An apple is offered up and quickly devoured.]

So, you fancy a horse ride this morning?

Well, yes.

[ The apple crunching from princess Ophélie over there draws Leon's eye momentarily just before he unlatches the lock of Alaric's stall. With two halters hung over his shoulder, he unhooks one and pulls it over his horse's face. He hardly seems to need to look at what he's doing, muscle memory from his time as a squire sticking. He tugs to bring his horse out first, looping his lead rope around a wooden post accordingly. ]

But more than that, we'll be needing them to go into town. I suppose that's the downside of owning so much land. A friend of mine would like to see us.

[ "Us" is Leon, but Leon has decided that he and Hector a package deal now. Alaric watches Ophélie finish her apple jealously and starts pawing the earth with his hoof. Leon frowns when it happens. ]

Quit.

[ The horse quits.

Leon moves back to Hector, by his side again. ]

Now is a good time as ever to see the markets, while we're there. It'll be fun.

[Leon hushes the horse, but Hector reaches for a second apple to offer to Alaric. Mr. Rich Landowner Belmont can afford it. Hector simply must spoil all the animals, he doesn't make the rules.

His lips press into a line. Seeing 'a friend' is fine. It's inevitable that he'd be forced to meet someone other than Leon eventually.

... but 'the markets' sound... populated. Hector usually avoids crowds. In the past, he would find someone morally dubious enough to work with him and pay them to do his basic shopping for him. Hector would only go shopping himself if it was for something rare or complicated enough that he couldn't trust someone else to pick it up for him... and the places that sold such things tended to be off of the beaten path.]

...'fun', huh?

[He looks away from the two horses, who both keep eyeing him for more treats, and turns to Leon. He's not in armor, but he's still every inch a knight. Maybe Leon's good, handsome, rich wholesomeness will distract the pitchfork-wielding folk from Hector's cursed aura.]

I don't suppose you'll be talked out of it. [It's a statement, not a question, because Leon seems determined, and Hector has quickly learned that, like with his pets, he lacks the ability to say 'no' to him.]

[ Alaric goes to apple chow town now, spoiled by Hector's generosity.

Truthfully, Leon had anticipated some hesitance, but sincerely believes that the forgemaster will enjoy himself. Such a belief comes from his naivety and how he's used to being fawned over by the villagers, but he thinks everyone should meet and befriend Hector now simply because he likes being with Hector! He's determined to make sure he has a fun time. ]

—Well...

[ Almost apologetically, Leon tries a smile. ]

I'll be there to help bridge any conversations for you! And to make up reasons for us to go somewhere else, if you get tired of talking. I promise it will be fun! Feast days are the best.

[ In front of the post, Alaric starts needily swinging his head up and down once he's finished his treat. It's a desperate flag for Hector's attention because he wants to see if he can get another one and knows Leon won't budge. ]

I want us to go together, Hector. It won't be the same if I'm by myself.

[ Leon reaches for Alaric's lead rope, steadying the horse's head so he stops nodding and making Hector feel obligated to do anything. ]

[Hector grabs a third apple and quickly slices it in half with a pocket knife. One half goes to each horse. He's going to do whatever Leon asks of him, but he can at least get away with pampering the horses a little more before he's thrust into a social situation.]

Very well. If you want me there, then by your side I shall be.

[And it will probably be an eye-opening experience for Leon, who expects everyone to get along with everyone else.]

While we're there, we can pick up some fruit. There are so many foods I missed while I was locked away.

[ Hector is making himself a big hit with the horses. They like him now, funky forgemaster aura and all. Leon, just as spoiled, lights up too. ]

Yes, fruit! There will be plenty of it. There should be just about everything in the markets today, so we can stock up on whatever you like.

[ Saddle blankets on, saddles on, all the rest of the equipment... tacking them up takes little time! Ah, Leon's sweet days of youth as a squire, once upon a time. Before the Church sent him off to kill people for God. 💀 Yeeeah, that's not going to be his proudest memory once people in the village start treating him and Hector differently, but for now, things are going well enough for him not to overthink it. Being outcast will be an issue for the Leon Belmont of the future.

He mounts Alaric and takes the reins in one hand. Ophélie is meanwhile waiting for Hector in her pretty, silver and baby blue gear. There are some implications here, should Hector notice, that Sara and Leon were one of those couples. Everything from the bridle to the saddle bags for the horses is matching. Leon pulls his horse around, waiting for Hector join him. ]

Do you have a favorite food? Perhaps I can have it prepared for us some evening.

Edited 2025-08-04 13:34 (UTC)

[Hector doesn't really want to contemplate the 'his and hers' saddles, and the fact that Leon is putting him upon his fiance's old horse, rather than some other beast. There's really too much to unpack there, and he has other, more pressing concerns to be anxious about. Like peasants who he's certain will want to burn him at the stake on sight.

Hopefully they're hold off on rioting until they finish their shopping, at least.]

How familiar is your chef with Greek cuisine? I have a fondness for lamb souvlaki and pita, though it's been a while since I last had it.

[But his life, moving around from place to place to avoid notice and then being held captive in Walter's castle, has beaten any pickiness about food out of him. So anything's fine, really.]

Soulvaki?

[ Not a word he's used before. He's unfamiliar, without any notable time spent where Hector hails from. There's a visible ripple of disappointment on his face for not knowing, though. What travel he'd undergone had been for title, either tied to the crusades, feudal duties, or ceremonial travel. He turns his horse to the dirt path when Hector is ready for him to lead the way. ]

I don't think he'd know. His own cuisine and education is limited to the foods of the West, but if you can recall the ingredients, I'm sure he could make it for you easily. There may also be a book in the estate somewhere.

[ He picks up a trot to pick up speed for their way to the village but not to leave his guest behind. ]

Pita is like bread?

It's grilled on a skewer. Easy to eat while you're working or reading. And pita is a flat bread.

[He's not surprised that the chef wouldn't know it. Not many outside of merchants and heretics on the run travel extensively in these times.

Hector hates how the sight of Leon's disappointed expression makes his heart lurch. That's... a complication. He sighs.]

I'll put together a list of ingredients for your chef to get, and if you'll allow me to borrow a kitchen, I'll make a meal for you sometime. A taste of my homeland.

[It won't be anything fancy, but making it himself will probably be easier than trying to describe it to someone else to make.]

It sounds like something I'd like to eat.

[ From the description of it alone. Today, Leon Belmont has been looking forward to eating one of the smoked bird legs sold at the festival. ]

I would like to try it. But for you to do the cooking feels backwards. I was trying to have something made for you in exchange for coming out with me today. I thought you'd oppose it more or at least be nervous, the way Rinaldo is.

[ "Nervous" is certainly one way to describe Rinaldo's attitude, but as both of them know by now, the hermit struggles far less when it comes to refusing Leon than Hector does. He's too old and tired to play along. The village in the distance edges into sight, little by little. ]

Shall I owe you a favor of some kind? It's probably best you decide what it is.

[Hector looks away.]

It would be no imposition. I'd like to share it with you.

[Food is an uncomplicated piece of his past, one of the few things he can share without tainted memories attached.]

Bribing me to go out with you, hmmm? [Leon needn't go that far, but now that the offer is on the table, Hector isn't going to simply let him take it back.] In that case, I'll ask for a book.

[He turns back towards Leon and winks. The way to this man's heart is pets and books.]

A book? [ He'd assumed an errand and not an object. But Hector had been nestled up with a stack of them by the bed just moment's before. ] I suppose there's no shortage of them, in the village or the estate.

[ Leon draws Alaric to Ophélie's side, matching paces with Hector. ]

Will you pick it yourself? I fear that if you leave it to me, you won't find yourself very interested...

[ He's somewhat reminded of Mathias' curiosity. He chokes the thought away before it settles there for too long. ]

I'd like to learn more about night creatures, myself.

[ Thankfully no one from town is present to overhear this heresy! ]

[Hector nods. Leon seems very open to providing him a book, which Hector finds infinitely endearing. For now, at least, the looming threat of the village ahead is softened.]

Oh, have no fear. I'll select it. [Though, really, there are few books that Hector wouldn't find at least somewhat interesting. He likes learning.]

I fear books on that subject are few and far between. But you are in the presence of an expert, so whatever questions you have, I'll answer... when we're in the sanctuary of your home.

[So, you know, not here on horseback, approaching civilization. Everything has a time and place, Leon.]

Ah, right.

[ Leon notes that he should watch what he says from now. ]

Given everything that's happened, I find myself becoming a little envious of your powers. It must be nice to have a craft that you enjoy and are so dedicated to.

[ Skirting the main road, they'll be tacking their horses at the village posts near the entrance. ]

[Hector turns to study Leon's face as much as he can while the two of them are still upon horseback.]

Does nothing captivate you in such a way? You don't have some hobby or pursuit to occupy your mind when you're not... doing whatever dashing knight business you get up to?

[Hector can't imagine life without his craft. But then again, other people have friends and lovers rather than just pets and work, so maybe he's the outlier.]

I... hm.

[ Leon has to think about that one. He pulls Alaric to the post, stopping and beginning to dismount. ]

There are things I enjoy, I suppose... but not much room for real hobbies. I don't remember my parents. The people of the land raised me, and the Church saw fit to guide me after that. I think rather than forming a passion like yours, I just always felt the need to give something back. To protect the ones who gave me a place in the world. That's how knighthood found me, in the end.

[ His boots meet the ground, and he ties his horse. He waits for Hector to join him. ]

Edited 2025-08-08 04:55 (UTC)

[Hector makes a bit of a face, eyebrow quirked and lips pressed together.]

How noble.

[~~Damn it, Church, ruined a perfectly good noble is what you did. Look at him. Now he's got Catholic guilt!~~ Hector halts Ophélie and climbs down from the saddle.]

Have you ever considered taking up fishing?

[It's said with some sarcasm, though Hector could see Leon enjoying the excuse to sit out and enjoy the lakeside without feeling pressured to be doing other things. It's not wasting time if you're attempting to catch a fish. Someone could eat that for supper. It's a useful pursuit.

Plus, the innocent heretics of the world would be a little safer if Leon focused on things other than his knighthood.]

Or perhaps you could learn to play the flute. [More teasing.] How dexterous are your fingers, Sir Knight?

[ ~~So much Catholic guilt that'll probably later be a nuisance for both of them, but best not dwell on that...~~ ]

I haven't, but I think I would enjoy it.

[ He too can imagine himself content to sit by the estate lakeside, line cast and waiting for something to bite. ]

As for dexterity, I'm decent enough. More than playing music, I think I just like to listen. Sara played the harp, and Mathias was able to teach himself to play almost any instrument when left a little time.

[ Strange, still, to stand in this village without them. Stranger still that this will be the first festival he attends without them at his side. Best to move the thought along before it catches. ]

Do you play anything? I suppose I should stick to fishing, if Leviathan has left me any to catch.

[ He slips two separate from the horse saddles, presumably for the day's shopping. The air smells faintly of nectarines and peaches from a fruit stall not far off. ]

I'll have you know, Leviathan is being a perfect gentlesnake down there. It's only eating what it needs to survive.

[Hector spent a good amount of time impressing the idea upon the serpent of not overeating and decimating the local fish population just because it could. There will be no tragedy of the commons from his pet, thank you very much.]

But no, I don't play. I've fished before. It's nice, relaxing yet productive. But I never had anyone to teach me an instrument. Well, I've carved up a whistle before, I suppose, but that's for signalling my animals, not making music.

[Music isn't the easiest hobby to pick up on the run, and he's never had anyone live to listen to him anyhow.

They're getting close to the village, and Hector slows his steps. Damn, this is really happening, isn't it? He walks closer to Leon, and a little bit behind, so that Leon is his human shield against the most dangerous threat of all- human social interaction.]

It seems so happy in the lake.

[ Fondly. Of course Leviathan is Hector's pet, but it's also been his first experience with a night creature that hasn't been ridding it from his path in the castle. He has a very clear bias for the serpent, with how often he goes out to visit it. Adjusting the sacks on his shoulder, he leads the way into the festival, understanding his own role as shield well enough. ]

Since neither of us have tried an instrument, we could always sing. I think you have a nice voice for it.

[ His compliment goes interrupted, before Hector can respond. From behind a stall piled high with fruit, a familiar voice cuts through the hum of the market.

Leon Belmont? By God's mercy, it is you...!

The man abandons the balance scale he'd been tending, eyes wide as if Leon's returned a figure stepped from a story. He ducks under the awning, moving closer to them with a hurry.

Word was you'd gone to that forest castle unarmed and wouldn't return. And yet, here you stand! Take these plums, sweet as anything the sun's given us this year. A gift, for the man who drove the devil out of our hills.

While gathering the produce, the fruit seller's gaze slides to the figure behind Leon— a stranger, standing too close to be on his own.

And who's your companion? ]

This is Hector. He was stolen from his home and kept prisoner in the castle. He fought alongside me to defeat the vampire.

[ The vendor studies Hector curiously, then offers him the same basket.

Then you've earned your welcome here as well, friend. Tell me, Hector— are you a man for plums, or do you prefer apples?

There are also peaches...! But is he still trying to keep that cake plot a surprise? ]

It's the most room it's ever had.

[It'll be good practice for when Hector takes Leviathan to the ocean. As much as he loves his pet, ultimately, when the sea serpent is ready, Hector wants it to be free.

Hector does not want to talk to a villager, ever, but a man shows up before Hector has to figure out how to respond to Leon's invitation to sing.

He takes the basket, trying to keep the absolute shock off of his face. Someone is... giving him... a gift? Are they poisoned?]

I... like any fruit? A plum would suffice.

[His plan was to buy enough of a variety of fruit that the peaches would not arouse suspicion. He'll eat the rest, so none of it will go to waste.]

[ IT'S KINDNESS, HECTOR! And now, while Leon keeps him attached to his own standing as a former knight, they can bask in it for the short period of when the village hasn't put together the logistics of how the vampire was defeated. For now, they are simply regarded as heroes!

Plums and a few others, then!

The seller stocks the basket, multiple plums and then a couple of each fruit. It's a generous amount, but meant for them to share.

Leon thanks him, and after some small talk, leads them away from the stall. ]

Do you want me to carry it? We should find the bookstore not far from the tavern.

[ Technically he gave Hector a choice, but he's already reaching for the basket because it looks heavy. ]

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