Valentine was pushed up onto the stage first, and once there he stood still, standing calmly. He wasn't worried about where he might go, or what was to become of him. Anything must be better than their last master. Making them do stuff they shouldn't have to. Bleck. He didn't want to go back to that. He turned, wondering where.. Ah, there, the Stag was being pushed forward. The one wing was trimmed, to where the primary's were gone, taking away the flight. The other side were left alone so it'd be lop-sided, trim both sides a bird could still fly, trim one, they can't. It was to keep him 'grounded'.

Vice was moved forward, stepping carefully since he didn't have his wings for extra balance, well okay maybe one, the other was sort of useless with the feathers trimmed as they were. He was in his Stag form, not in his human, since he didn't want to be, and they didn't know he had a human form to even make him change into. He was shoved onto the stage, and he took a few uneasy steps until he got his footing. Huffing as he glared back. You don't slide hooves on wood, it wasn't safe, for him or the wood. He turned his head, spotting Valentine, he slowly stepped closer,

Nicole sat in one of the private booths, away from all of the lesser men who were forced to sit in rows of chairs before the stage. He looked over his nails, making sure they were all evenly trimmed as he waited for an interesting slave to catch his eye. None so far had done as such and he was preparred to leave when an interetng duo was pushed onto the stage. He raised a brow, smirking some. Honestly, he didn't know what he would do with the stag, but the elf was to his liking--a good distraction from his fiancee none the less. "Ten thousand." He said to the attendant standing near him, waiting for a few moments for his bid to be accepted. He easily won as most were at a loss as to what to do with the stag. Nicole stood, satisfied with his purchase and left the auction room to claim his winnings. He was led to them and greeted them with a smile. "Ah, there you two are. I'm Nicole, your new Master. Names?"

Valentine wasn't surprised there wer no bids, but soon there was one, he didn't hear the amount, but eventually the auction ended. He and Vice were pulled off the stage, a bit roughly he might add, he even winced slightly. Doesn't help the man grabbed the arm with the bruise, his clothing covered up the marks.


Vice frowned, but moved silently beside the other, his fur covered his own bruises. He just hoped they wouldn't go to such a cruel home.. They stood, waiting, and his blue eyes looked to the man who entered, and gave an... introduction of sorts. He glanced to Valentine.


Valentine looked up once more, and watched him, "I am Valentine... and this is Vice" he stated gently, giving all that was asked of them. He stood quietly, white hair a bit short, since his master forced it short. Vice only had his long hair since their past master hadn't even known of his human form, he knew, but of course the two of them spent a lot of time away from the place hiding.. It was only that that let the two bond. Which is why they were here together, they refused to be seperated, so much Vice had taken out some poor guys eye...

Valentine stayed quiet for a while, watching their new master, but eventaully he asked softly, "What.. would our new master, like us to do?" he asked softly.


---

One of the Auction staff stepped over, and asked the new owner, "Do you wish the Stag be deracked?" he asked simply, since some would want the antlers removed, others didn't care.

Nicole smiled at the names. Such nice names, very fitting for the both of them. He examined each of them, still rather happy with his purchase. He blinked at Valentine's question, shaking his head some. "You don't have to worry about that now. We'll wait until the two of you get settled in first, hm?" He gave a smile, turning to leave and motion for them to follow when he was stopped by a man standing behind him. It would be a lie if he said he wasn't startled. Blinking a few times, he looked to the stag. "Are you that dimwitted? They grow back, you know." He gave a laugh, motioning for Valentine to follow, certain the stag would as well.

When he got them to the carriage, he was at a loss. Shit.. he couldn't fit the stag in the carriage. What the hell had he been thinking when he bought the two of them.. Oh, right, he wasn't. He chewed on his bottom lip some, looking from the carriage to the stag. Couldn't get him on top.. maybe he could walk alongside the horses? "Driver~." He called. "Would you assist me? Find some rope and tie the stag to one of the horses. And loosely, too! I don't want his coat damaged or dirtied." He ordered, the little man giving a quick nod before jumping down. He moved to the stag, offering his hand in a gentle gesture. "Don't worry. It isn't a long trip home. And when we get there, it'll be nothing but rolling pastures for you." He said, not knowing that Vice could actually understand him.

Valentine had blinked, it was probably a personal matter then, no matter. When their new master moved, he and Vice both moved to follow. Valentine had moved first, and Vice stuck at his side, not wanting to be parted from him.

Vice stood silently, aside Valentine and huffed, shaking his head, No way they were tying him to a horse! He moved, shifting forms, and arms crossed since now before them stood a human, "There is no way in hell I'm letting you tie me to a horse" he all but snapped.. Even though he's been a slave for a long time, he still had... uh, non-slave tendencies... like his attitude.


Valentine tensed when Vice shifted, and more-so snapped, oh god.. He lowered his head, but said nothing, he couldn't stop what would come to his friend as punishment.. still surprised he even took his human form though.

Nicole smiled still, and in what little time it took him to blink, the deer had become a man! His jaw dropped, his smile disappearing and his hand still held out stupidly to the antlered man before him. No way. He was crazy, he'd finally gone crazy! He staggared backward at the harsh words that came from the man, just barely able to catch himself on the carriage. His mouth finally closed and a somewhat angry look crossed his face. "I'm sorry. I was unaware of your changable state and thought maybe you'd like to walk with someone instead of behind the carriage all alone!" Really, his feelings were hurt more than anything, and he wouldn't hide it, either.

Valentine only tensed, not sure what he was suppose to do, he really had no clue.. He chanced a look up, and seeing his master, he couldn't stop himself form moving to his side, and assisting him stand, he kept silent though, his gaze going to a side.


Vice twitched, Oh.. He lowered his gaze, looking away, "No, I'm sorry, Tie me behind" he whispered softly.. This was his fault, he snapped first.. Startled his master even... This is why he usually... He took to his stag form again, and moved to stand behind the carriage.. HE shouldn't of done that, he should of known better...

Nicole looked to Valentine when he assisted him in standing. He gave a quick thanks to him, looking back to Vice. He frowned some, looking to the ground, thinking for a few minutes. "No.. Come sit in the cabin.. Now that I know you have a human form.." He said softly, almost pouting. And here he thought deer were gentle creatures--yea right, so much for that theory. He moved and opened the cabin door, waiting for both of them to climb in--or, at least he assumed both of them to.

Valentine looked to Vice, his gaze a bit stern, and then slowly got into the carriage as their new master wanted.


With a sigh, Vice slowly moved over, chaning forms, before he got close, and silently stepped in, choosing the furthest corner away from where his master was standing..

Nicole followed them in, sitting across the carriage from Vice, the farthest he could keep himself from the deer and looked out the window, sulking. The carriage took off after a few moments and they were on their way back to Nicole's home.

It was a rather silent trip home as Nicole still felt hurt by Vice outburst. He didn't have to be so mean about it. When the carriage stopped, the door opened and Nicole gestured for them to exit the carriage. Once everyone was out, Nicole followed, moving away from the carriage as it pulled away to be stowed in the stables. "Home, sweet home." He said softly with a smile. It was the average castle--his parents being Demi-lords would accept nothing less.

Vice had been silent, and exited first, ready to retreat from the small confine, and stood silently, not sure if he should stay in this form, or take to his stag form.. Since his master was upset, he decided the second, and soon a stag was standing there.


Valentine had exited quietly, and stood, waiting patiently for their master, his hands clasped together in front of him, as per habit, as their old master liked keeping cuffs on the staff, thank god he had long sleeves.. He just hoped the marks and bruises on him wouldn't make him mad.

"What would master like me to do?" Valentine asked, giving his master a faint bow.. He aimed to please, it kept him from getting beat as often.

Nicole looked the the stag, not really sure what to do with him.. "Uhm, Vice." He started, just making sure he had the white stag's attention first. "I don't know which you would prefer, but you're welcome in the house.. Or, the medows and forests of this area are protected if you'd prefer the great outdoors?" He made sure that Valentine was between them in case the stag decided to snap at him--that way, he'd have someone to hide behind. XD

He looked to Valentine, giving a soft smile. "Would you spend the day with me?" Really, he had wanted company--other than his wife to-be. That was the only reason he'd gone down to the auctions.

Vice just gave a silent nod, not sure if he was allowed to just go, he stood quietly, watching him, taking a breath, he moved, taking to his human form, since he couldn't speak in his stag form, "I can do whatever you wish master.." he stated softly.. Though the thought of getting to roam the woods sure sounded enticing.


Valentine blinked, but gave a nod, and a faint bow, "Of course I will master" he stated gently.

Nicole gave a soft smile, giving a nod to Vice. "I want you both to be happy. If your heart lies with the meadow and woodland, then go. Just stay within reasonable bounds because outside our land, I cannot protect you." He said softly, leaving the choice to Vice. "And you're always welcome inside as long as you leave your attitude at the door~" He teased, giving a soft chuckle to show that he had intended for it to be a little joke. He turned back to Valentine, offering his arm to him in a gentlemanly manner. He would wait for Vice to make his desicion before leaving.

Vice gave a nod, and a bow, "Thank you" he stated softly, glancing to Valentine, before he took his stag form.. And it was then, with a bound he took off for the wood, excited to run in the trees.


Valentine blinked when Vice took off, the choice was easy for him, the Stag had always told him how he longed to just run in the woods, He looked back to their master, and blushed faintly, but it faded soon, and he slowly took the arm. "Thank you.. for being so kind to Vice." he stated softly.. most masters would of had him beaten for how he acted "out" earlier.

Nicole smiled and gave an approving nod, watching as he took to his native form and bounded away. He was quite a beautiful creature. "Be sure to visit!" He called after him. "Valentine might get lonely if you're gone too long~" Though, Nicole had no doubts that Vice would return to visit his friend.

He looked to Valentine, giving a soft smile. "I just want the both of you to be happy, is all." He stated softly before leading the way into the mannor. Once inside, the doors were closed behind them and servants came up to Nicole and asked about his trip. He gave mostly short answers, not really wanting to talk to them, but to Valentine. "Would you have tea with me?" He asked, looking down at him with a charming smile.

Banira stood in a small clearing, his head down as he grazed on the patch of grass. A familiar feeling washed over him, making his skin crawl as though he were being watched. His head shot up, the rack of antlers on his head cutting through the air. Red-brown ears swiveled atop his crania, listening through the silence that had befallen the area. Someone was in the forest. He leapt into the nearby cover, standing stock still for moments at a time before allowing himself to move, following the pattern. He couldn't shake the feeling, meaning all was still amiss in the forest and he would find the trouble in his part of the wood.

Valentine had smiled lightly at their masters words to Vice, he was sure the stag would visit, he had reasons to. But he didn't voice anything as he went inside with his master. He watched as what he guessed were servants coming up and asking about the trip, and everything, but he held his tongue keeping quiet. It took him a moment to realize, and he smiled, "If you wish me to, I'd be honored" he stated gently.


---


Vice sighed as he slowed from his run, panting, but feeling better than ever. So much in fact he moved and rubbed his antlers against a tree, excited to be 'free' in the woods. He was enjoying every second of it. His ears twitched as he moved from the tree, looking around. It was a bit quiet. But he wasn't surprised, what was he expecting anyhow? Nothing probably lived close to his new masters home.. With a sigh, he started moving forward, he could of sworn he saw or even heard movement, but brushed it off. The white stag kept moving forward.

Nicole gave a light chuckle, calling to one of the maids to bring a pot of tea into the sitting room. She nodded and scurried off. With his attention back on Valentine, Nicole led the way through the hallway, moving into the neatly decorated room. He motioned for Valentine to sit, doing the same as he did. "You two came from an abusive master, I presume?" He asked softly, not wanting to sound too demanding.

- - - - -

Banira froze when movement caught his eye. There it was, he could feel it. Large eyes adapted to the dim lighting of the forest locked on the white stag that moved so carelessly through the trees. Red-brown ears pinned back and a foot stamped the ground. He let out a bellow, lowering his head with his brow tines aimed for the other as he easily bounded over a patch of undergrowth, stampeding in the white stag's direction.

Valentine just moved with his master, and when he was motioned to sit, he sat, doing what was wanted of him.. But his new master asked something, he never guessed he would of been asked.. He looked down, knowing better than to speak ill of another master, but he didn't know who they came from, so he decided to honest with his new master, "Yes" was spoken softly.


---


Vice turned, hearing the bellow, ears pricked forward, and when another stag came at him, he huffed, lowering his head, kicking up, ready to meet the stags assualt, he was bullied enough by men, another Stag wasn't going to give him any crap!

Nicole gave a nod, his hand moving to gently brush Valentine's cheek, turning the elf to look at him. "I won't ever do anything to intentionally hurt you, or Vice for that matter. You don't have to be afraid of anything anymore." He said softly, letting his hand linger on the others cheek for a moment longer, letting it fall away as one of the maids entered the room with the tea on a cart. He thanked the girl as she poured two cups, curtsied and left. "Help yourself to sugar and cream." He always drank his tea with a ton and a half of sugar in it, why he even bothered drinking tea was beyond him. He should just eat the bowl of sugar.

- - - - -

Just because the buck didn't back down from his challenge didn't mean Banira would ease up on him. His antlers clashed with the others, causing a bolt of bone-rattling force up his spine as he was brought to an instant hault. He knew it would be the same for the other even though he was on the defense. Letting out a snort, he tossed his head to and fro, the muscles in his neck toughened from several autumns in which he rutted with his fellow bucks. He backed off after a few moments, rearing up onto to bring his head back down. Though, a familiar scent hit his nose, making him back off a few feet, eyes glaring yet confused. "Who are you and what is your business in this forest?" The wild, smaller male demanded, knowing instantly his orgins though not the exact extent of it. He wreaked of human, and that was all Banira needed to know about him to force him off his land.

Valentine blinked when his face was brushed, and he was soon looking at his master.. He felt he could believe and trust him, but he didn't voice this, since he didn't think it needed to be. Valentine blinked, but smiled softly, "It's fine without" he stated softly.. he liked the natural flavor of it.. He was quiet for a few moments, looking to him, as he asked softly.. "What will my duties really be master?" he asked softly.. surely he was to do more than to just sit and have tea with his master... right?


---


Vice huffed, when the other kept coming at him, he kept rising to meet him, not backing down. He didn't understand why the other buck just attacked him from out of no where. He huffed, when the other shook his head some, their antlers rattling together, as he moved some. But he pulled back and he lowered his head, giving a snort as he stood, ready to defend himself again. "I am Vice., my business? What would my business matter to you?" he huffed, scraping a hoof against the ground as he watched him. "But to be honest, nothing really, I was out for a run before my Master becons me home once more.

Nicole gave a nod, moving to spoon a rather generous amount of sugar into his own cup, stirring it around some before taking hold of the handle and saucer, leaning back against the silky back of the couch. He looked back to Valentine, averting his gaze to his cup. "To be honest, I want someone to spend time with other than my fiancee. She's a terribly annoying woman and we're only to be wed for political reasons. I want someone I can actually connect with and I was hoping that person would be you..?" He smiled sheepishly, glancing in Valentine's direction, half expecting him to be disgusted at the way Nicole acted about getting married.

- - - - -

Banira snorted in disgust, shaking his head to try and get the others human stench out of his nose. "Master? Disgraceful." He said simply, the same feelings portrayed in his eyes. The red deer stamped a cloven hoof to the ground, uprooting a small spot of grass. "I knew I smelled human on you. You make me sick." This time, however, Banira didn't lower his antlers, preferring to keep his distance. Really, the first attack had been a test, now he would be sure to steer clear of the other. He didn't need more trouble with humans, the red deer had had enough of them in his past, he didn't need any in his present or future.

Valentine blinke, but chuckled softly, unable to help it.. "will I ever meet her?" he asked softly, not sure why but he felt healous of the woman..


---


Vice huffed stomping his hoof as he moved, "It's not my choice to have a master!" he snorted, angry with the other. "If you were through what I have been, you'd have one also!"

Nicole gave a small smile and a nod. "Yes. After the ceremony she'll come to live here and you'll see quite a bit of her." He explained softly. "But, don't worry. I'll be with you so you'll have nothing to worry about." He didn't know much about his bride to-be, including whether or not she was a rash woman that would lash out at one--or any--of Nicole's servants. Or, hell, try to seduce them.

- - - - -

Banira tossed his head about, the rack of antlers cutting through the air. "Don't think you're the only one whose been wronged by humans!" He bellowed across the distance, leaving it at that. He wouldn't spew his life story to this stranger who answered to humans. Besides, the way he acted made Banira skeptical. What master would allow his slave such a long leash where he could easily escape?

Valentine blinked, but gave a nod.. "Is there.. anything you'd really like me to do?" he asked softly.. "You're giving me a better home.. I want to anything I can to please you"


---


Vice watched him, his gaze level, he huffed, "do you give all vistors this kind of invite? If so, would explain why you're alone" he huffed out.

Nicole set his tea cup down on the saucer, leaning over to place a small peck on Valentine's cheek. He smiled as he pulled back, taking a sip of his tea as though nothing had happened. "Just do what comes natural to you. Believe me, you'll repay me in the near future when I've a wife to deal with. You'll keep me sane." He stated softly, looking back at Valentine.

- - - - -

Banira was silent for a few moments. "There's an order to the forest, one that each of us must follow. If you can't hold your own, you'll die. Tresspass on another's territory and you'll meet with conflict." He said sternly. He looked to the ground, not wanting to answer the second part of his question. Well, maybe if the other knew, he'd get the picture. "Humans took my mate. That's why I'm alone." He said shortly, needing no more words to describe the tragic loss he felt and swore he would never feel again. Not only that, but the life of a buck was that of solitude, only coming together to rut and mate in the autumn.

Valentine blinked, blushing a bit at the kiss, looking to his master as he spoke, but he just smiled, and gave a nod, slowly, he sipped at the tea, not taking long to finish it.. hum, he was more thirsty than he had thought, but he didn't say anything, just gently set his cup on the saucer down on the small table, and looked to his master once more, unsure of what to do.. He liked him but.. Surely his master didn't want him like...that... did he?


---


His auds folded back, "I'm sorry" he stated softly.. He couldn't imagine loosing a mate, he's never had one to loose.. He watched him silently.. "I'm allowed free range.. Would.. you mind the company?" he asked, his gaze guarded as he watched the other stag.

Nicole silently sipped his tea, the amount of sugar in it enough to choke a horse yet it easily glided down his throat. He raised a brow at Valentine when he set his cup down. "Something on your mind?" He asked softly. He didn't want to force him to say anything he didn't want to, but if he wanted to talk, Nicole was all for listening.

- - - - -

Banira was surprised, to say the least, at the others apology. He was confused by it as well. There was no sympathy in the wild, why he was apologizing for something he'd previously known nothing about was beyond the red buck. He wasn't sure if he wanted the other around him--it was weird for deer to be together outside of rutting season, that, and he stank of human so bad Banira could hardly stand it. He let out a sigh, about to answer him when he froze, his head whirling around, ears pricked forward. Had he just heard..? He gave into the sudden urge to run, leaping in Vice's direction, moving close enough to brush pelts with him to coax him into fleeing. "Follow me. Quickly!" And, just as he sprang from the ground, a gunshot sounded, the bullets whizzing just over head and causing the tree beside the white stag to splinter. Banira disappeared into the undergrowth, silently leaping and bounding over obstacles at break-neck speeds. He could only hope the other had listened and followed him.

He stopped some time later, panting softly and looking about. He didn't see the white stag in the near vacinity and his ears dropped back. "Vice?" He whispered somewhat loudly, trying to keep quiet so that he wasn't found by the hunter or any other predator.

Valentine blinked, but smiled gently, not realiing he'd gotten so quiet, "Sorry Master.. I was just.. wondering.. am I to.. in your quarters...with you.." he stated softly, unable to get himself to actually say it.


---


Vice watched him, he blinked, ears going forward, the other soon leapt at him, he wasn't? But he just brushed against him and told him to follow, he wasn't sure what that smell was, but he moved to follow. He wasn't sure why, but he wasn't going to argue, nope.

The sound was, something he couldn't recall ever hearing before, but he moved after the other Stag. Not able to move as quick, since he was not use to the terrain, and he was worn out from his crazy-run to where he even got to here. He panted when he slowed, he lost track of the other Stag, and he moved slowly. Luckily the other called, and he slowly moved, lowering his head to keep the brush from getting in his eyes, once past he lifted his head, "Here" he whispered softly, but loud enough for the other to hear him. He finally spotted the other stag and he moved closer.

Nicole blinked, moving to set down his cup on the tray. "I won't force you into anything, if that's what you're worried about. If you wish to spend the night with me in my quarters, I'd be happy to spend the exclusive time with you." He answered softly, a bit formally. He was raised in the family where such deeds only took place at night--not to mention, the maids and butlers were quite the busybodies during the day, always popping up out of nowhere. > >

- - - - -

Banira raised his head when he heard the other's voice, glancing around before moving closer. He looked the other over, finding him unscathed and let out a small sigh. Maybe he did have what it took to live in the wilderness. "Come on.. we should head East. There's a small kingdom there with protected lands. Hunters aren't allowed there." He explained, unknowing that it was the kingdom Vice had just come from. "Name's Banira, by the way.." He said softly as he moved through the trees and over small patches of underbrush, ears alert for the slightest of sounds and unaware of the wound on his back leg bleeding profusely.

Valentine couldn't stop the faint line of red, but he gave a nod, "I.. Wouldn't be against spending the night with you master" he stated softly.


---


Vice gave a faint nod, "The East... belongs to my MAster" he stated softly, giving the truth.. He moved to follow him, but as he turned, and frowned, "You're bleeding" he stated, worried as he moved to get a better look, frowning. "Banira, if you have a human form, shift to it and get on my back, I can move quicker" definately quicker than an injured Stag, and he knew the way back, he might of been rushing through the woods but he had an excellent memory. He added softly, "Unless you really think you can move quickly, since you'll be leaving a trail"

Nicole gave a soft smile, moving to gently touch Valentine's hand. "I'm happy to hear that." He stated softly before he stood, offering his arm to Valentine. "But, there's still plenty of daylight left. In the mean time, I'd like to get you measured for new attire and perhaps take a walk with you before dinner?" He suggested, the fitting out of the question though.

- - - - -

Banira gave a soft snort. Well, he had planned on keeping a safe distance from the castle anyway. Though, many times he had seen the young master out in the field not too far from the stone refuge but enough to take notice of the red stag on the far reaches of the meadow. He looked back at Vice, his ears swiveling some. "What? No I'm not. You're delusional." He denied. The red buck felt completely fine and continued on the way to the east. But he persisted and Banira whirled on him, snorting loudly. Though adrenaline had dulled his nerves, it became apparent that he'd lost a good amount of blood by the dizziness that ensued. His injured leg buckled under him, throwing Banira off balance and causing his rear to fall to the ground. Antlers turned downward as his eyes landed on the ground. What just happened?

His head snapped up by the call of a wolf in the distance, his nostrils flaring. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't force his rear end up off the ground. He looked at Vice, not wanting to take to his human form--one, because it was frowned upon and two, he'd only ever showed said form to one other before: his mate. With a sigh, he shifted into a lean, tanned body. Three red spots appeared under each eye, red tattoos winding around his body forming his tribal marks. Red-brown eyes looked down to his leg to see the puncture marks on his thigh, hissing in a breath as he moved the skin about in his examining. He managed to get himself up on one leg, unstable. "Hurry." Was all he uttered, now unnerved by the wolves in the distance.

Valentine blinked a few times, but took his masters arm as he stood, "okay master" he stated softly, giving him a gentle smile. He had a good feeling it was going to just get better here.. Least, he really hoped so, since he was tired of beatings.


---


Vice had slowly followed him, but when he snorted and started to turn on him, Vice had tensed, but when he started to fall, he moved to try and help him, shouldering him gently to try and help him get up. He shifted uneasily, watching him. He did tell him, whether he wanted to believe him or not.

Vice could do nothing but watch as he shifted forms, and he moved, lowering his head, "Grab my antlers" he stated softly, he knew he couldn't jump on, not with his leg like that. Luckily for both Stags had rather strong necks, and Vice more so than others, since he was use to being forced to move things with his antlers, since he refused taking his human form at his old masters.

-for sake-

Once he grabbed his antlers, he hulled him up, moving his head up and back to get him onto his back, trying to be careful so he didn't hurt himself with his leg.. But once he was on, he glanced back, "Hold tight" he stated. And since he knew where he was going this time, he was soon moving forward swiftly, legs moving swiftly, hooves pounding the ground as he kept moving forward. It didn't take him to long to get to where he knew was the beginning of where he started his 'adventure'.

Nicole gave a smile, soon leading Valentine down the hall and stairs. Their tailor would be waiting for them in his own quarters--they never went out or called one in. "It might be a little uncomfortable, haivng your measurements taken, but it won't take too terribly long." He explained before knocking on the door to their tailor, a mumble coming from the other side letting Nicole know it was alright to enter. Pushing the door open, he moved Valentine in before him, following to close the door behind and a little old man swiveled around on his chair, looking Valentine over with a critical eye over the tops of his glasses. "Young Master. Here I thought you'd be bringing me a challenge." He sighed, giving a teasing chuckle. "What are you thinking for him? I hope not one of those crude maids outfits." Nicole cleared his throat some, trying to dismiss the man's comment. "I'm thinking something simple yet elegant.. maybe some sort of fitted suit with coat tails? A few different ones, different color schemes, though, light colors would suit Valentine best, no?" He explained a few more ideas to the man before he stood and motioned for Valentine to step up on his little pedistal infront of a series of three mirrors. Once there, he went to take the measurements.

- - - - -

Banira limped closer to him, taking hold of the antler nearest him and, using his good leg, hopped up on the white stag's back. He winced some, the feeling coming back to leave a throb in his leg. Damn, how had he not noticed? Somehow, he managed to hold on, though there wasn't anything, really, to hold on to.

He looked up as the castle came into view. No. He didn't want to go there. Still, Banira couldn't make himself move, not really wanting to fall off and tumble along the ground. "You didn't say we were going to the castle! I'll be killed!"

Valentine walked along side of his new master, and he gave the faintest of nods at his words. Measuremants can't be a bad as being publicly molested. Since it was a task needing done not something for the sick pleasure of it. Valentine was silent as his master knocked, and was mildly surprised he was pushed into the room first, he glanced back at his master, but he didn't complain. He was standing silently as a man swiviled around on a chair and seemed to look him over.. A maid outfit? He didn't know if he really wanted to know, but his master answered something instead. He didn't comment, since it was most liekly not his place. That and as long as what he wore pleased his master, he didn't really care what he wore. When he was motioned to step up, he did so, no hesitation, since he'd do anything for his master. He was so kind, it was the least he could do.


---


Vice glanced over his shoulder as he still moved forward, "You need a healer, and people are the best.. I wont let them harm you, you have my word" he stated softly, but sternly. He was going to Banira the help he needed.. He moved forward, a soft sound escaping him as he hoofed the door, the staff recognized him, and let the stag in. One noticed the blood, telling another, to get Master Nicole, while the one who noticed, spoke, Come, i'll show you to the healer and then she led the way.

Nicole watched as the tailor measured just about every inch of Valentine. A knock sounded at the door a short while later, causing Nicole to start. The man waved his hand at Nicole, causing a small scowl to spread across his features--lazy old man couldn't even answer his own door. Opening it, Nicole was surprised to find a rather frantic maid on the other side, needing his assistance. He glanced back, giving a hurried, "I'll be right back," to the two and followed after the maid. Now, just what in the world could be so urgent?

Following the maid to the healers quarters. He was practically shoved in by the frantic maid who needed to take a breath before her heart exploded in her chest. The first thing his eyes landed on was the white stag, causing a soft chuckle to sound from him. "Vice? Back so soon? Did something happe-" He froze, notiving the healer move around a smaller young man with a rack of antlers atop his head. Oh, that was new. "Found yourself a friend out there, did you? What happened?" He asked softly, catching the worried look the red-haired boy gave him, obviously nervous.

- - - - -

Banira didn't know how well he could trust Vice, hell, for all he knew, it could all be a trap. He looked around wildly as they entered the castle, jumping as maids and servants came up to them, shying away from the approching people. He didn't like this, not one bit. And when they were led deeper within and into the much too small confines of the healer's quarters. He was set down, the old woman approaching him and looking at the wound before shaking her head. This was going to be a tough one. He set on a small stool, taking a pair of tweesers to the wound, pulling out the buckshot as Nicole walked in. Wild eyes turned on the blonde man, terror written across his features. He wanted out.. now!

Valentine had only given to his masters hurried ''ll be right back'. He hoped everything was okay, he stayed put though, letting the tailor finish what he needed to.


---


Vice took to his human form once the healer took Banira and went to work, he glanced to his 'master' as he came in frowning lightly.. "I guess I had gone further than I thought.. Met my friend here.. And a Hunter shot at the two of us.." he stated softly, leaving it at that, being blunt and to the point.. He left his name out, incase Banira didn't wish them to know it... Vice was frowning as he watched the fear cross over Baniras face.. He moved over, and gently wrapped his arms around Banira's shoulders hugging him gently as he stood behind him, since he was on a stool... "I wont lt them hurt you" he whispered softly, sincerley. "I promise" he whispered softly..

Nicole gave a nod, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He took no insult to the fear in the wild deer's eyes--he was wild, it happens. "Hunters you say? Where at? Not on my lands, I hope." He said softly, though it wouldn't have been the first time they had trespassed onto his lands.

Banira was surprised by the actions of the other buck. A hand moved to rest on the arms around him, wincing and tensing up as the tweezers moved into another buckshot hole, pulling the small piece of metal out and dropping it into a small bowl. "It was.. still to the east.. of the creek.. Your land." He panted, unable to keep his words steady as the tweezers fumbled about inside his leg in search for the little metal balls. He noticed the frown on the blonde's face as he gave a nod, and a soft, "I'd like to see you in the sitting room once you're finished," before exiting the room. Banira hissed a breath in as the old woman pulled out another piece of buckshot, hoping that this would be over quickly.

Nicole made his way back to the tailor's quarters to find that the tailor was done and drawing up some concepts that Nicole had described. "Valentine, done already?" He asked with a soft chuckle, smiling to the elf. He offered his arm to him, addressing the tailor. "Thank you, again." He said softly, the man giving a grunt and something about how it was his job to do so. After leading Valentine out of the tailor's quarters, he explained what they were to do next, and unfortunately, it wasn't taking a leisurly stroll in the garden. "It seems there have been some trespassers on my land.." He started, "and I'm told a young stag was shot by them." He paused, thinking that over. "I mean, Vice is fine! Not him, he wasn't shot." He stammered, trying to relieve any worry Valentine may have had. "We're to meet in the sitting room for a quick little discussion, 'kay?" He flashed a smile to Valentine, leisurly leading him to the sitting room, catching one of the maids on the way to tell her to lead the stags to him once the smaller was bandaged.