[it's not a pull on his hair at all - barely even anything so much as a light grip, his hand freed from the opposite shoulder to dip fingers through bright red locks. Resting more on the top of the man's head, than taking any kind of grip at all. But the other hand searches out the hand on his leg, a little more security and carefully questioning-]
You don't need to worry. No matter what I will not drop you. You are safe up there as long as I am the one holding you.
[He means it too. Even though Linneus is holding onto him, he hasn't moved his hand from him for even a second. Because he does like the little man so he wants to show him that he is worthy of that.
Besides that, you do not fail the ones you court. That is just cruel in his eyes.
Slowly, he starts to walk, keeping his shoulders steady and a hand on Linneus' legs.]
I manage well enough, but I haven't ridden in a good while. I'm sure I could benefit from some instruction...
[he's got better with the height and the movement since his first attempts in Olympia - Linneus was even less confident a rider back then...! After all, it had been some years since he'd had any practice, and even when he had ridden before it was with Xanthe, and always somewhere secluded.]
In Nadril, I'm less sure, but there were places in Olympia where one could... sort of rent?
It is a poor master who gives their servants their own means of escape...!
[and although he laughs it off, still perched on the man's shoulder as he dips his head, it is a little sad.]
I was lucky; there were a number of things I learned by virtue of my closeness to the master's son. A number more I think I got away with because I was viewed... more as an investment. But I should never have learned - my master would never have permitted it, and if he had found out...
I disagree. It is a poor master who does not provide for their servant and give them the freedom they need to come and go so they can fulfill their duties. What you speak of seems more imprisonment to me than duty.
[And he was raised like this? What a sad childhood.]
[he knows that well enough - by the laws of Ivore, at least. It seems to be a different story in other worlds, and it is reassuring to know it is not so for others.
Though it is odd to think he might have been more in charge of his destiny had he simply been born into another world.]
[He lets the servant matter slide for now. There's no point in talking about it now because they can't change the past. What they can do is make a better future.]
We are starting with a date. And I think I smell food nearby too.
Oh, I have not been so adventurous...! There is the mess hall, and the cantina, I think, though the cantina's offerings are more of the alcoholic nature.
I, ah... [a shy laugh, ducking his head a little] I mean to say-- I fear I've not had the chance to look.
[some people were able to get straight to exploring, and that's certainly not a bad thing, but Linneus had found himself quite worn out on arrival, and while the food and blankets and warm drinks had been more than welcome he had ducked away from the welcome committee as soon as he could.
Without seeming too rude, he hopes.]
I was rather tired by the journey, and had some rations in my pack, still, as well as the food they gave me. So I haven't tried the food there. I only know what I've heard...
[namely that both locations are viable places. But perhaps he has a map on him somewhere...]
To the mess hall then. We're going to find out if there is anything delicious there.
[Right before the door, he finally lowers Linneus down to his feet, holding his shoulders until the young man is balanced. Then with a grin, he ducks his way into the mess hall so he can go and investigate the food.
Well, not before holding a hand out to Linneus so he can take it to hold while they walk.]
[a light chuckle as he is set down, hands rising to the man's arms in thanks for their support; his own looping through the crook of Rider's elbow as they walk]
Hopefully we shall find some foods you favour, too...?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Rider
All right...
[it's not a pull on his hair at all - barely even anything so much as a light grip, his hand freed from the opposite shoulder to dip fingers through bright red locks. Resting more on the top of the man's head, than taking any kind of grip at all. But the other hand searches out the hand on his leg, a little more security and carefully questioning-]
Is this...?
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[Because obviously that's the real question here. And not whether or not hair pulling is a turn on.
It totally is for him.]
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[the real question of why? is hidden in his tone, but he tries to pre-empt his suspicions-]
The real test will be walking, I think...
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[He means it too. Even though Linneus is holding onto him, he hasn't moved his hand from him for even a second. Because he does like the little man so he wants to show him that he is worthy of that.
Besides that, you do not fail the ones you court. That is just cruel in his eyes.
Slowly, he starts to walk, keeping his shoulders steady and a hand on Linneus' legs.]
Have you ever ridden a horse? It is like that.
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That-- is that the comparison you draw with yourself...?
I was never properly taught to ride; though my master’s son showed me how, in secret. I used to ride a little more here but... not so, recently.
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[Because he knows he would love to do that and he feels that this could be something Linneus would enjoy a great deal.]
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I manage well enough, but I haven't ridden in a good while. I'm sure I could benefit from some instruction...
[he's got better with the height and the movement since his first attempts in Olympia - Linneus was even less confident a rider back then...! After all, it had been some years since he'd had any practice, and even when he had ridden before it was with Xanthe, and always somewhere secluded.]
In Nadril, I'm less sure, but there were places in Olympia where one could... sort of rent?
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[And likely get Linneus a horse too. Because why not.]
Then we would be able to ride together.
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[it would be good to learn properly - not just to manage. Though for now, on the man's shoulder, managing will be just about all he can do.]
But riding together would be nice.
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[There's a fond look on his face from the memory.]
Ah but that was many years ago now.
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[hard to do so, with only one horse]
Servants were not supposed to learn to ride. Amongst many things.
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[and although he laughs it off, still perched on the man's shoulder as he dips his head, it is a little sad.]
I was lucky; there were a number of things I learned by virtue of my closeness to the master's son. A number more I think I got away with because I was viewed... more as an investment. But I should never have learned - my master would never have permitted it, and if he had found out...
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[And he was raised like this? What a sad childhood.]
Your master was a fool.
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[he knows that well enough - by the laws of Ivore, at least. It seems to be a different story in other worlds, and it is reassuring to know it is not so for others.
Though it is odd to think he might have been more in charge of his destiny had he simply been born into another world.]
But I called him worse, believe it or not.
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[He frowns then shakes his head before looking up at Linneus.]
I will have to see to it that you experience all those things you never could before. Show you a whole new world that is yours for the taking.
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I should not have done. Even if I believed all I said; it is not for a servant to presume to say such things.
[and it was foolishness that he did so, in such a delicate position]
...that is an undertaking, if ever there was one. I'm not sure where I would start a list, if I were to make one, but I'm sure it would be long.
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We are starting with a date. And I think I smell food nearby too.
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[he has not had so many, but it is certainly his first riding his companion's shoulder.]
Your nose must be better than mine, then...! But I recognise where we are.
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[Because if that's the case then he'll make sure to take them there.]
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I trust your nose, however.
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[some people were able to get straight to exploring, and that's certainly not a bad thing, but Linneus had found himself quite worn out on arrival, and while the food and blankets and warm drinks had been more than welcome he had ducked away from the welcome committee as soon as he could.
Without seeming too rude, he hopes.]
I was rather tired by the journey, and had some rations in my pack, still, as well as the food they gave me. So I haven't tried the food there. I only know what I've heard...
[namely that both locations are viable places. But perhaps he has a map on him somewhere...]
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[Right before the door, he finally lowers Linneus down to his feet, holding his shoulders until the young man is balanced. Then with a grin, he ducks his way into the mess hall so he can go and investigate the food.
Well, not before holding a hand out to Linneus so he can take it to hold while they walk.]
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[a light chuckle as he is set down, hands rising to the man's arms in thanks for their support; his own looping through the crook of Rider's elbow as they walk]
Hopefully we shall find some foods you favour, too...?
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