Audio | UN: Maresh

[unbreakable_king]

[No video this time. Perhaps that is a message in and of itself from the charismatic member of the council. But his voice carries enough weight as it is. Melancholy and... pensive. Like something is missing.]

This time of the year isn't what it should be. I do not know how to put it, not truly.

In London, my London, we'd be preparing the most fabulous balls. A series of them, using all the ballrooms. One for the nobility and wealthy. One open for the people to see the palace and meet their King and Queen. Another for the sheer joy and celebration for the palace staff. They would be under the stars, and wine would flow and there would be ice sculptures such as only the greatest water mages could make.

[Wistful. Yes, that's what he is. He misses those better days. Misses when his days were simpler, and his responsibilities were light, or non-existent.]

But that is not to be I suppose.

So perhaps I need to think less upon those festivities I shall miss and learn more of what others would have. Tell me, how did your people bring in a new year?

Comments

[gadaboutdetective]

[That gets a soft little giggle,]

Smart, considering what I just said about clumsiness. I expect the alcohol would only continue to hinder my progress, as functional as I tend to be with it.

[And leaning back to press a small kiss to his beloved, he continued a moment later.]

And you do have me in your arms currently, I should point out. Which, I can say with the utmost certainty that I like it, my love.

[unbreakable_king]

Stay with me tonight. Here. You and Pretzel, we'll all curl up in my bed.

[gadaboutdetective]

[The invitation is met with a quick nod, and a pleased hum as he resettled the plate of food carefully.]

Of course, Rhy. I can think of nothing more cozy, and I would hate to part tonight...

[Truly, he could stay right where he was and be quiet happy. When things were so lovely and they had so much to look forward to together.]

[unbreakable_king]

[Rhy would hate to part with him at all, ever. Alas it will be cramped, but he will be glad to have them there.]

I love you, Llewellyn Watts-Maresh."

[gadaboutdetective]

[Yes, he liked the sound of that more than he thought. Even now, it just made him feel so very warm... Like he belonged with Rhy, a little family of three.]

Oh, how I love you too... I don’t know if I’ve ever felt happier, to think that you would have me. That we could have each other...

[unbreakable_king]

[Rhy smiles, his eyes dancing with delight.]

We can. We'll find someone to officiate of course. Someone we like.

[gadaboutdetective]

[His brows perk up at that,]

Oh— I had rather forgotten about that. I love the idea though, it would mean more to have someone we like... Did you have anyone in mind?

[Llewellyn could think of few that he wouldn’t be alright with marrying them, generally he’d found himself quite lucky to get along with those who were here.]

[unbreakable_king]

I don't know yet. I'll have to think. Beyond you, and my brother of course, my favorite person is Inesa. But I'll figure something out, and pitch you some names.

[gadaboutdetective]

[Llewellyn smiled at that,]

Yes, I’ll certainly be happy to listen. We’ll find the right person to ask, I’m sure.

[Inesa though, he can’t help but nod.]

I’m quite fond of Inesa myself, honestly. She’s been very kind. Perhaps she would have some ideas for clothing for the day? I’ve been quite impressed with her designs. She even made Pretzel a jacket, for if it snows again, you know.

[unbreakable_king]

I'll reach out to her about the clothing. Between us and Sansa, we should probably be able to manage. If Sansa is willign.

[It would be delightful.]

[gadaboutdetective]

Yes, having seen the work done by you all at the shop, I can imagine it will be lovely.

[He smiled, the shop was such a nice atmosphere. He really did love visiting it, for all he tried to not get in the way of the work.]

I wish I could offer some help there, but I fear that I’d um— be a hinderance. But if there is anything I can do to make it easier, I will. Even if it’s only bringing you all something to eat now and then.

[unbreakable_king]

[His fiance, bringing him meals. Oh what an idea.]

I would be delighted to share meals with you, my sweet love.

[gadaboutdetective]

[A good idea, in Llewellyn’s opinion. If Rhy got caught up in working on sewing as much as he got caught up in other work, he was sure that bringing by meals would be necessary.

Llewellyn smiled a little,]

Good, then I’ll make it my job to bring by some delicious meals or snacks. Mm... Can’t have my lovely fiancé going hungry while he toils over fabric, now can I?

[unbreakable_king]

[Oh Watts, his sweet love.]

And council work too. I should stay fed.

[gadaboutdetective]

[He hummed a little, yes the council was certainly included in the promise of food as well. He did try to stay out of the way though, to not interrupt anything important.]

Of course, love. Any work needs to be fuelled by a good meal. I for one have learned I can’t really uh— focus well without having eaten. That said... I know in the case of council work you might be too busy to join me, but I would make sure to leave you food you could still enjoy.

[unbreakable_king]

[At least the other council members had returned.]

So kind. I shall endeavor to do the same when you are caught up in work. Perhaps Pretzel will be good for telling us when to eat as well.

[gadaboutdetective]

Thank you, dear. I don’t tend to forget to eat... But someone to share a meal with and take some time to distract my mind from what I’m doing would be welcome. I uh— get too caught up in my head at times, I forget to take time off.

[He laughed softly though, Pretzel’s little head perking up from his bed at the sound of his name.]

Yes, he’s very good at drawing attention to mealtime. He takes it very seriously, I’m sure he’ll delight in reminding us to eat if it means he gets a snack himself.

[unbreakable_king]

He's a very good pup, and he'll take care of us, even if we can't take care of ourselves.

[gadaboutdetective]

That he is, [He smiled a little, looking back to where Pretzel was curled up. Another soft chuckle escaped, the pup was so darn cute... And the fact that the three of them fit so well together was just nice to imagine.] He uh... more than earns his spoiling, I think. He’ll probably enjoy having us both in the same space more often, easier to get attention.

[unbreakable_king]

I think he will. Though I shall have to figure out whether or not I can bear telling him I won't carry him around.

[He was strong, after all.]

[gadaboutdetective]

Mm... I don’t envy you for having to address the issue with him. He has the saddest eyes when he wants to.

[Those darn basset hound eyes.]

But! It’s either tell him or commit to building the muscle to continue to carry him around, love.

[unbreakable_king]

I suppose I can practice more.

[Sad eyes were something he couldn't handle. He'd have to do his best.]

[gadaboutdetective]

[Sad eyes were the worst. Luckily for Rhy, the only one to have realized the power of them is Pretzel. Because Llewellyn was pretty good at looking sad and forlorn himself, though was too honest to do it intentionally...]

Practice, as they say, makes perfect!

[Llewellyn giggled softly, just imagining Rhy trying to be firm with Pretzel. It was cute, okay?]

You’ll have plenty of practice now though, and I find positive reinforcement is the key to getting him to listen.

[unbreakable_king]

Was it?

[Rhy had never had a pet before, he doesn't know what to do with them.]

Positive reinforcement. Like petting?

[gadaboutdetective]

[Before Pretzel, Llewellyn hadn’t either... He hadn’t even really understood the appeal of having a fuzzy little companion, but he certainly did now.

The question gets a little smile and a nod.]

Yes, precisely. Every time he listens or does something well, giving him affection and approval is very good for helping him understand. Food works too, in fact I find treats work best... Which, I um— suppose does make a lot of sense. Food is always a good motivation in my experience.