IC Chat | Thaddeus & Hengist & Brutus | Week 29
Thaddeus grinned, bright, white teeth sparkling as they ought to, and he brought the cup to his lips, taking a gulp, âI told you itâs much better.â He quipped, shrugging his shoulders a little bit, still grinning, though, âWhat women do I seek? Mm..â he paused for a moment, not entirely suer on how to answer the question he had, after all, a new wife, but a new wife that was scared of him. Scared of him. Of all people. âI seek.. one of those .. Irish. Dark hair and light eyes, and a pair of breasts to rival any other.â He chuckled, soon taking another long gulp, âAnd you?âÂ
Hengist realized Thaddeus was much better with a smile on his face than one with a surly look. He laughed though at his words. Who wouldnât want a woman of such standards? âMe? Oh I have sworn off women for the time being. Though I keep my love Matilda close with me. She is one that I can never let go of.â Hengist took his wine down too quickly. Drinking down to the end of the cup as he asked for more. âIt is quite unfair that we miss out on such things like this! What happened to the thought of sharing goods?!âÂ
Thaddeus shrugged his shoulders, there were still many things that Thaddeus had yet to figure out about himself, about his interests. Had he, too, taken a disinterest in women, was that why his marriage felt so unstable, so wrong? His lips curled up into a smaller smile as the other finished his cup and Thaddeus allowed himself to follow suit, finishing the cup and setting it downâjust in time for the passing maiden to refill both of them. âAh, but youâd all drink too much, and be wandering the streets in search of your homes. We save the good stuff for court, so at least we know where all the drunks are.â Thaddie took the cup in hand, swirling the red liquid around inside it for a moment before he let his elbow rest on the uneven, wooden table, âWelcome back to court, for the night, Hengist of Woodcroft.âÂ
Hengist wasnât disinterested in women. He would just rather not deal with their drama and such when it came to it. He had plenty of female friends. At the moment he couldnât remember any, but he was sure there was a list of them somewhere! He felt himself falling back, wanting to lean against the back of the chair, only to realize there was none a little too late. Topping to the ground, the woodcutter laughed. âBut those people who walk the streets that are the most interesting, and know the most! I say, if such good wine was shared, the world be a happier place. Do you not think, mâlord?âÂ
Thaddeus watched him lean back, topple and fall to the ground, and he scoffed, turning himself bask in towards the table a smirk on his lips, he pressed a hand to the wood, swinging his legs out over the other side of the bench, shakily leaning forward to at least drag the man up to sitting, âYâalright?â he asked, eyebrows raised, one ahnd gripping to his new friendâs shirt and the other wrapped sensually around the cup once more, his cup, his beautiful cup of lovely, french wine. He did like the French. âMm.. a drunken world, Hengist, not a very good one. We like to keep these things.. private.. for ourself, so we can enjoy them more! What use would being rich be, if everyone were rich?âÂ
Hengist would hate the aftermath of this all, but there was no time in thinking of that now. He waved at the other, motioning that he was indeed fine, especially as he had saved his drink. âBut that is the point! There is no need for only a few to be rich. If we all were, there would be less hatred, and we can live the life we all wish. No worries of holding titles and following through duties! Would you not agree that would be comforting? To no live to expectations?â Hengist was always a many of honesty, though mostly in joking terms. But when he was drunk out of his mind, words came out freely, and most of the time, they were wise and true. The only time they ever would be. The woodcutter had to be out of his mind, to actually be in it - if that ever made any sense. He hiccuped once, holding his breath before shaking his head. How he wanted to fall back down and lay flat on the ground. No, instead he sat upright with the help of Thaddeus. If he wasnât holding his shirt, he was sure he would have been laying once more. âMâlord, I believe this is the start of a wonderful friendship. So as long as you provide these wonderful gifts.âÂ
Thaddeus shook his head, finished his cup and moved the other hand to hold him up too, both hand on his shoulders, a look of feigned hurt spread across his face, âIs this all there is, Hengist of Woodcroft? Is this all you see? A man to procure the finer wines for you? Tsk. I am hurt, hurt and offended, yes, and I should throw you from court this very instance.â He would have let the man drop then, and nearly did, teasing him, letting go of his shirt only to grab it again, âWhy donât you get up? Or your backside will be dirty and cold by the time weâre done here.â He shifted his grip again, wiggling his cup in the air for another refill.Â
Hengist tried his best to hide the smile from his face. A pout of some sort coming across his lips as he heard Thaddeus speak. He laughed though, as he felt himself almost fall to hit the ground, being caught only moment before. The woodcutter shook his head. He was merely jesting with the other. Of course, part of is it was still true. He would enjoy this sort of treatment once in awhile. To be served drinks instead of serving them to his friends. âI see you, a man. A man who has forgotten his childhood. And I am here, to become your friend and remind you of what you once had. Build a friendship that you would be proud of. Mâlord, I see this, us, as a new beginning to finding the good âol memories.â Hengist got up speaking, the best he could, leaning far too close to Thaddeus than would be comfortable for the other, his arm around his shoulders.Â
Thaddeus âs eyes were on the other man as he came closer and he swallowed some, hands dropped into his lap as he listened. A friendship that he would be proud of. The words seemed to ring to beautifully in his ears that he could barely hide the smile that covered his face, the fire that lit up within him and he gave a small laugh, fingers around the back of his shirt again, pulling him to sit down beside him, âI see. That sounds like a wonderful thing.âÂ
Hengist grinned. âWell I am a wonderful man.â Hengist laughed, taking his cup once more, drinking down more than half of it in one go. He puckered his face a bit, the sour taste lasting longer than he expected this time. âI tell you, wineâŠa glorious thing! You know what else is? If everyone came aboard and danced.â Hengist stood once more, moving their cups out of the way on the table, and getting on. He could have fell over from the top of the table, but he was able to catch his balance at the last minute. âIf only others were as fearless as they say! Come, join me mâlord!âÂ
Thaddeus paused for a moment, watching him up on that table and then he, too, stood up, it was only now that he realised how much the wine had affected him as he fell straight back down onto his backside, having to crawl up onto the table instead, a scoff-snort sound leaving him, but he pulled himself up and, using the other man for balance, nodded, throwing a fist into the air, âAnd we shall dance for England!â he cheered, knowing that that, at least, would have the others cheering along with them. And that was exactly what he did.Â
Brutus had been amongst the crowd watching the first event of the week, the archery. He had cheered for Thaddeus, cheered harder for Hengist and cheered the most for Elfrida. He had meant to seek out both his friends, buy them a drink and introduce them to each other. Things with Hengist were uncertain, and Brutus hoped a night of drinking (as much as he disliked the drink) would certainly help strengthen their bond once again, Hengist did love his drink. However he had been caught in his knightly duties, also in the duties that came with representing his house and his lord father. Dancing with Lysandra, shaking hands and making small talk were all in his schedule today. It was not until soon afterward that he found the opportunity to seek out his friends. He found them, both standing on a table, cheering and moving in a way which might appear be to dancing to whoever had emptied the bottles of wine that lay scattered. His eyes grew wide and he moved towards them, he was certain he had never seen Hengist this drunk before. âWhat are you two doing?!âÂ
Hengist laughed hard. Laughed so hard he had almost lost his balance. He would have taken them both down too! Instead, with his arm firmly around Thaddeus, he roared with another laugh. His eyes went down to a voice he could place as an old friend, and frowned. âLook mâlord, someone who looks like my father has arrived. Do tell him I am being a good boy.âÂ
Thaddeus grinned, a bright, happy grin, one that had been lost to him for some time, âWhy! He has a striking resemblance to my father, too, do you think perhaps we were separated at birth? But I assure you, Sir, we are being healthy, happy, good, young boys.â A loud, roaring laughter to match the other manâs left him and he found himself slipping on spilled wine, clinging to the other man as he dropped down onto his backside, pulling Hengist down with him, âWhat seems to be the problem here, sir? I assure you.. weâre being good.âÂ
Brutus sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He gave both Hengist and Thaddeus a look that displayed how unimpressed he was by their antics and just how unamused he was by them. He watched as the two of them came crashing down onto the table. âGet down from the table before you fall and injure your healthy, happy selves,â Brutus said, crossing his arms. This was certainly not what he had in mind when he set out to find Lord Thurknell, and he felt something stirring in his head, telling him how strange it was that the two of them were enjoying themselves without him. He put those thoughts away and focused instead on taking care of his two very drunk friends.Â
Hengist did his best to hold his laugh, to act serious. But it was all gone when the last bit of his wine was taken down. No, instead he stuck next to Thaddeus like glue, looking down at Brutus. It was only when his new friend had lost his balance that the smile and laughter disappeared for a second. There was a loud thud, and a brief silence followed by a groan before his laughter resumed. Oh yes, in the morning, that would be painful to deal with. âWell you got your wish, father. We have fallen from grace.â The words came out broken, Hengist not even bothering to get back up.Â
Thaddeus gave a loud snort of laughter and he was forced to move a hand to cover his mouth and nose lest the same pig-like sound come from him again. A dopey grin was on his face and he looked up to Brutus. Ah, Brutus, poor Brutus, he was always the one to deal with Thaddeusâ drunken antics, and now there was two of them, two of them sitting on the table, sitting in spilled wine and bits of food, probably, giggling like children whoâd been caught in Daddyâs study. Thaddeus was glad his real father was not in the city, âFallen like angels to the earth to grace you witââ he hiccuped ââour.. our presenceses. Pre.. Presensis. Presences.âÂ
Brutus rolled his eyes, used to such dramatics from Hengist, and getting rather used to them from Thaddeus. He bit back a grin at the snort that came form the newly made Lord and the the stupid grin that followed it. His eyes narrowed in confusion at Thadâs words, unsure of what the man was attempting to say. âEven fallen angels would not disgrace themselves in the manner that you two have,â he pulled a face before moving towards the two men and wrapping an arm around each waist, hoisting each man over one of his shoulders. âI am taking both of you to bed.â He still remembered where Thadâs roomâs were, and Hengist would have to find a place at the tavern Brutus was staying at himself.Â
Hengist hiccuped right in unison with Thaddeus. He laughed at the thought of being an angel. How he was more frequently known as the sinful one of the pair. But the last thing he wanted was what Brutus had done. Lifting them as if they were mere pillows, the captain started to drag them to the first room. âBrutus! Why must you break this lovely time we are having together.â Though Hengist was completely out of his mind, he was sure that he would still remember what happened between he and Brutus a week prior. And the game of hiding from the man would be played once more. He did his best to try to wiggle out of the manâs arms, to try and reach for Thaddeus so they could run about, but it seemed impossible.Â
Thaddeus reached in vain for Hengist, grasping onto his shirt again, stomach against Brutusâ shoulderâand it seemed more like a table or matress than anything by the sheer size of itââBrutus! How could you! We were having such a fantas-hic-..fantastic time!â he moaned, a dry, fake sob coming from him before he flopped down in defeat. âThis is not fair! I am a Lord! I shoul.. I should.. .. I donât know.âÂ
Brutus tightened his hold on Hengist as he felt the man attempting to remove himself from his grasp. Brutus was suddenly reminded of the rejected hug and was forced to bite his tongue and hold back a short sob. He drew a shaky breath, focusing instead on finding his way to Thadâs room. He was certain this hallway was familiar. âYou were shaming your entire house with your behavior,â he snapped. âDo think of your real father, he would be even more disappointed than I am.â Brutusâs expression darkened and he glowered at the nearest tapestry. He would have to apologize afterward of course, even if Thad was not like to remember any of this.Â
Hengist was was simply looking down at Brutusâ shoes in defeat once their fight was lost. Instead, he was making odd faces for amusement. Once in awhile he would look up at where they were walking, and become a kid once more, trying to grab things to use against Brutus. But of course, just as he came close to touching something, he was pulled away. âYes yes, mâlord, what would your father say of you acting human!âÂ
Thaddeus was jarred by those words and he fell silent, limp and broody, he swallowed some, glaring at the floor before he spoke, âIf there is anything toshame my entire house it will certainly not be enjoying the wine at court.â He said in reply, voice calm as he said so, nothing in comparison to the drunken, happy slur of moments passed. Had he been able to see Brutusâ glowering he was sure that he would have fought tooth and nail out of his grasp and made his own way to his rooms.Â
Brutus could not believe that neither of them understood. What was a manâs purpose but to uphold and defend his familyâs honor? Hengist could be excused, he was not a Lord, or a Lordâs heir, he had not been raised being prepared for court. Thaddeus, however, he should know better, and perhaps it was the age difference making itself apparent, but he could not believe his behavior. He understood what Thaddeus was implying, or what he thought Thaddeus was implying, and sighed heavily. Brutus finally found Thadâs room, he opened the door and walked to the manâs bed, setting both men down. He keept one arm wrapped around Hengist, however. Whatever the state of their current relationship, Brutus was not about to set him loose in a castle where he would most likely be arrested and burned at the stake before he alcohol would run itâs course. âGood night, Thad,â he said before preparing to drag Hengist out.Â
Hengist had given up trying to wiggle out of Brutusâ grasp. It was literally impossible at this moment, and his eyes were getting tired already. As Thaddeusâs room came into view though, Hengist believed that it was here he was going to be sleeping. âI sleep like a lord too?â The young woodcutter mumbled. But it seemed that Brutus still didnât let go of the man, and Hengist was too tired to lean off from the big oaf. But he reached for Thaddeus on his bed, âTomorrow will be another day!â He said slurring his words. Yes, tomorrow indeed would be another day. Another day he would be competing and out of his mind.Â
Thaddeus was dropped down onto his bed and almost immediately he turned, burying himself into the pillows, back to the both of themâbut mainly Brutusâsulking and more than angry about those words, âSee you tomorrow, Hengist.â He replied, kicking his covers down before curling up beneath them.Â
Brutus shook his head and turned away from the bed, turning Hengist with him. He saw Wilfred out of the corner of his eye, rushing to his Lordâs aid. He did not speak as he made his way down to where his horse had been stabled. He aided Hengist onto the horse before mounting himself, and directing his steed to the tavern.Â
Hengist mumbled words that not even he could understand. It probably went along the lines of how he was still mad at Brutus, but was glad to be with him at the moment. That or he said that he wanted to go back for more drinks. But he followed Brutus to wherever it was he was leading him. Instead, he licked his lips and leaned against the manâs back, waiting for them to get to his own bed. He couldnât even remember when he was staying the past week! âBruâtusâŠ..mm-hmm.âÂ
Brutus frowned deeply at the back of his horseâs head, listening to Hengistâs mumbling. He was not upset with Hengist, the man owned a tavern he could hardly except anything else, he was quite upset with himself actually. He had dug an even deeper hole for himself here, and he was tired of digging. He mostly ignored Hengist as he cantered the horse, he was hardly saying anything he could actually respond to. When he finally reached their inn he dismounted and aided Hengist, handing his horse to a stableboy. He wrapped a thick arm around Hengist once again and walked them over to his own room he set Hengist down on his bed and realized he had nowhere to sleep. Well, it would not be the first time a knight slept on a hard ground. âYou sleep here, Hengist,â Brutus said softly as he retrieved the second pillow and a spare blanket.Â
Hengist didnât bother to fight back. He barely had the energy to do so now. How the next morning would come quickly and blind his senses quick. The woodcutter used his friend for support, and just as he was placed in bed, he held onto the other man, keeping hold of the captainâs arm tight. âI do love you, Brutus,â came mumbling out of his lips, tugging his arm before he lost his body finally to the night.Â
