• Welcome

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.

Vice stayed put, he'd fight thooth and hoof if he had to if they tried anything funny with Banira, he gave his word.. He was thankful Banira knew where they had been, and where his grounds were, Vice had no idea, considering he just got here. But he stayed put, smiling a tad when Banira's hand came to rest on his arm. He didn't move though, if anything he moved a bit closer, trying to be comforting for the other stag. He knew it had to hurt getting the buckshot removed.


--


Valentine had just stood quietly, waiting for his masters return, and when he did return, he bowed slightly, and soon moved to him, taking the offered arm, not bothered by it, it made his master happy so he went along with it, he didn't mind after all. He had tensed at his masters words.. a Stag was shot, was Vice!? He was stopped from asking as his master corrected him.. It wasn't Vice, but another Stag? Vice probably brought him back knowing him.. Valentine gave a nod at the mention of going to a sitting room for a discussion, "I understand" he stated soflty.

Once in the sitting room, he moved to a book case and pulled out a few books, flipping through the relatively loose pages before he found what he was looking for. The blonde pulled out part of the book and set the rest back in the case before moving to the table. He laid the paper out, revealing a map of his territory, quickly studying it to find the creek on the western border. That was the boundary marker for the west, and hearing news that someone had been hunting on the eastern side royally pissed him off. He chewed on his lower lip waiting for the pair to arrive.

- - - - -

Banira let out a sigh as the last piece of buckshot was extracted from his leg and the woman went about wrapping him up. He shifted some to get up, waiting for Vice to release him to do so. Vibrant green eyes flashed to the maid entering the small room and announcing for them to follow after her. It would be a lie to say Banira wasn't nervous, but the sooner he relayed the information, the sooner he was out of this place.

Valentine stayed standing, not sure where his new master wanted him to be, watching as he went to his book and pulled some out, looking for something it seemed. It didn't take him long to find it though, and he watched as his master spread, what looked like a map, out. He didn't say anything though, it wasn't his place.


---


Vice stood at Banira's side, slowly releasing him when he moved to get up, but he was quick to move around and stand beside him. Ready and willing to offer help Banira with moving. He thought about it for a few moments. The would would be in pain if he just walked there... So moving, he turned facing Banira for a moment, since he was on his good side, he sort of knelt, arms moving behind Vice. One around his shoulders, the other 'took out' his knees and lifted him that way. He didn't look to Banira's face, since he had a feeling he'd complain.. But he followed after the maid.

Banira looked to Vice as he moved, confused by his movements that were 'out of the ordinary' for what they were supposing to be doing--or going, more like. He gasped in surprise upon being lifted up, tensing at the fear of being dropped. Truthfully, he'd never been lifted up in such a manner before, usually one to keep all four--in this case two--feet firmly planted on the ground. Yet, he didn't complain, feeling that it would be faster if he didn't hobble along.

- - - -

Nicole waited in the room, studying the map for a few moments before the maid made her entrance, the other two following. "Where exactly were the hunters?" He asked, the map laid out before him meaning he wanted Banira to show him. Once he was let down by Vice, he moved over to the map, a noticable limp in his step. After surveying the map, he pointed to the area in which they had been in, between an old quarry and the stream. "I see. Thank you." He turned to the maid. "Sent four of the guards up to the quarry and have them search the area up to the stream." She gave a nod and hurried off and Nicole moved away from the map, thinking, nodding. "You two are free to leave now. Thank you."

Vice had stayed quiet, gently setting Banira down.. And once they were giving the okay to leave, he moved, gently scooping him back up.. He gave a faint bow of his head to his master, before he turned, leaving the room.. He slowly walked down the hall, looking to Banira, he asked softly, "Where do you want to go?"


--

Valentine had watched as they came in, Banira pointed out where, then the maid was set off. He had remained standing when Vice gave a bow of his head, and carried Banira back out of the room..

Valentine slowly looked over to their master Nicole, unsure if he should say anything. He didn't think he wanted him to leave, but he didn't know what was wanted of him... So he stayed put, waiting to be told.