starhuevalley | { Video }

[Look who happens to be watching from the shade of their porch. He saw whut u did thar boy.]

Is that all, then? You do live with another noble, if you had forgotten. I can just as easily move out. [Not really.]

{ A lesser man would scramble back to work.

Vincent is not a lesser man. He smiles and waves casually. }

I would rather you didn't. { Silly, Undertaker. } We have a farm or two, but they could be taken away. Friends cannot be stolen so.

[He would hardly expect movement so quickly, or at all really. He isn't the slave runner or the management in this house, just the housemate, as he had been before, in a time he knows the boy won't recall.]

As you say, then. I only happened to overhear your conversation quite by accident and wondered whatever you should mean by it.

{ He sits up and pats the spot beside him on the grass. There is a book laying beside him, already half-read. }

Did you think I was being underhanded? { Grinning, he shakes his head. } You should know I would say it to your face if I felt you should leave.

[Somewhat reluctantly, maybe playfully so, he makes his way to that spot that was patted. He can see the movement and he knows what it indicates, even from this distance.]

Not at all. I expect you to tell me just how you feel, but you should expect me as well to tease you at all chances I can get. It's only fair.

{ Vincent laughs and tugs on Undertaker in revenge, trying to overbalance him before he sits down. }

All teasing is permitted! { That's a law he abides by dutifully. } How much do you know about planting? Should I put the seeds in the dirt, water them and let nature take its course?

[Did... this boy really never learn the basics of... Oh, for... He'll let himself be tugged down and land on his hands and knees in the grass.]

That all depends. Just what do you think should happen with a seed?

{ Yes. And no. He doesn't play nicely with his friends or his toys, unfortunately. But Undertaker will find himself halfway embraced, an arm around his shoulders, after his fall. }

I imagine they often sprout of their own accord. Or not. A farmer can only do so much.

[And he's still surprised, every time, when there is any contact between them of this manner. When had Vincent become so close to people? He's not disappointed, just delighted, in a way.]

They do, milord. One can only set forth so much encouragement, but it is up to that seed to decide if or not it will take the nutrients you give it, if you give it the correct ones, and grow from them.

{ It had happened after the death of his mother. Vincent had started seeking good friends, allies and companions then. Maybe that's because he now realizes what it feels like to be alone. }

It feels like a metaphor. { He dusts off Undertaker's robes for him and picks up a packet of seeds. } Do they look ready? Should we hide them from the world for a little longer?

[He's glad to see it either way. It will set him apart for the rest of his life from all of England's society, even if the rest of that life happens here now, on this farm.]

It can be if you look at it just right. [He'll hold still for that dusting and look down at himself. Maybe he should have taken back to his common wear instead of the mortician's garb. But no, he can always wash the stains from this better anyway, and he's not doing the harder work today.] Oh, they're quite ready. We only need set them in the dirt and give them water. Would suggest something out of the shade though.

{ That is destined to happen regardless. Vincent is an oddity - a useful oddity for the crown - but maybe he can be a more loving and affectionate man in the future. His twins will certainly demand that! }

I can see it. { He likes Undertaker's fashion. Why be like everyone else when you can stand out? } I thought so.

{ Rising onto his feet, he walks over to an area where holes have been recently dug. }

Will this plot suffice?

[He knew that in the man and he knew more and less of Vincent then than he did while the boy was in university. But it will be a closer look that he takes at the Earl in this place, in a new setting, but Vincent won't change. He didn't in Riverview, why would Undertaker expect him to do so now?]

See there? You're a smart one, yes.

[He settles onto his side in the grass in the shade and watches the dark shape that Vincent is move to spots on the ground that had been disturbed, so he can see from their own dark blobs.] It's in the sun, milord. If we keep it well watered, I see no reason why it shouldn't.

{ He may seem like a man that is hard to know - hard to peg down - but Vincent's core never changes. It's just that so few people know who he really is that he seems to the majority like he is practically intangible. }

You're teasing me. { He wrinkles his nose as if he is offended, but the light in his eyes never fades. } That's all there is to it...

{ He picks up a watering can and gives the seeds ample moisture after he has patted the dirt down. }

There must be an art to it.

[He grins and squirms to lounge himself back against the trunk of the tree rather than sprawled in the grass.]

Of course, milord. Who would I be if I couldn't make humor of near everything? [Who, indeed? He watches what he can of the teen watering his new crops and breathes the air in deeply, enjoying the day for what it is.]

There's more attentiveness to it than art. Knowing what to look for, when the ground is dry, when the plants droop, why they droop. You do a lot of looking after these things, since they can't rightly look after themselves. It's a lot like having a child about, but one who is forever silent.

{ Undertakers aren't usually in such bright, happy environments. The sight is amusing for its rarity and Vincent makes his way back to the other man. }

I think you would be mad. { ...er. Neither of them are sane based on normal standards. } We all must cope with the lot life has given us.

{ He dusts off his hands and shakes a few rebellious strands of black hair out of his eyes. }

What do you know about raising children? { The question isn't stated rudely. Vincent is genuinely curious. }

[He didn't pick this home for himself any more than he would have picked Riverview or even London. It was just what he was given, and he doesn't have a problem with it yet. But he is what he is.]

In more ways than one, I imagine. Still, I haven't been entirely sane these past years. [He might well be talking about the weather for all the concern he has over that.]

Little more than what I learned growing up and what I've seen in day to day life, is what. [He's not lying about this, he doesn't think.] It's a long stretch between what it is a child needs and what a plant needs. Why?

[It might have been his attire that caught her slight attention more than anything. Then again, Rip was also fairly amused by the fact that this supposed noble was 'laboring' anything.

So, have a dark haired woman in a simple blue dress and obviously sitting inside at a desk with a few ledgers open on the desk with the tally's from her farms earnings and spending ready to be totaled up. Around her neck was a nice little seashell pendant that she idly toyed with.]

I find owning a farm to be razher revarding and think I vould prefer it over inheriting a Manor.

Ah! You're German. { She has his attention immediately; Vincent is rather fond of Germans. } I think I can almost understand what you mean except...

By owning a manor, I could own as many farms as I wished. { And work at any of them he pleases, though that would be odd. }

May I know your name since you know mine?

[Now that did get her attention. So far, she hasn't found anyone other than her soon to be husband that even knew what her nationality was or even heard of her homeland.]

Sounds tedious vhen you put it like zhat.

[She smiled in amusement. It was all she could do to keep up with the one farm she had currently.]

Just call me Rip.

{ Oh he knows all about Germany. He plans on keeping strong contacts within that country for years yet. }

Does it? I never found it so. { Owning is a form of conquering and he does enjoy that. }

Shall it be Lady Rip or just Rip?

[Depending on what era he's from, that's not a bad move to make.]

I can just manage one farm und zhat is vith zhe help of my...companion.

[Yes, she's toying with that lovely mermaid pendant around her neck and knew just what it meant. A proposal from her betrothed. Though, they did both tend to keep to themselves.]

Just Rip I think. I don't haf any titles to name anymore. At least, I've never had titles from Nobility before.

[She smirks faintly. Military ranks? She's had that and has left that life far behind her. Now it was just living in the here and now. Besides, Rip knows all about conquest...and that's another thing she's happy to leave in her past.]

{ Victorian. It will be nice to get plenty of information for himself, his family and the Queen. The Phantomhives are her loyal dogs. }

At least you are not alone! I have housemates too.

{ He sees that pendant, but it seems too indelicate to ask a lady such a question. Even for him. }

I am an Earl, technically, but what good will a title do me here? { Vincent stretches an arm behind his head, smiling. } Besides, boasting can have nasty consequences.

[Then she might be a treasure trove of information for him if he ever got her talking about her past. Something that was exceedingly hard to do with how determined she was to bury it.]

I vas never alone to begin vith. Ve came here togezher... his idea amusingly enough und it vas a good move for both of us.

[It really, really was.]

Besides, it's a good thing to haf ozhers around. It keeps life interesting.

[As for his title, she was even more amused.]

Titles are vorthless here. Zhe opportunity to reinvent yourself here iz vat matters. Besides, boasting as more consequences zhan some might realize. It speaks vell that you haf a good head on your shoulders to recognize zhat.

{ Well, there are ways to encourage her. Vincent isn't in any rush and he doesn't really have much use for remembering the past either. He has recently lost his mother.

He smiles, but the expression doesn't reach or warm his eyes.} I hope you are never parted.

{ Loss is a heavy burden to carry and no farm can make up for it. }

It does, doesn't it. I like the quiet now and then, but never forever.

{ His spirits are raised by her praise and he almost seems to glow. }

I like difficult games. I assure you my family didn't become nobility by being negligent or lazy! I would be a poor heir if I picked up such bad habits.

[He could try but, she did have a slightly over protective significant other and with good reason. She noted that his smile didn't quite reach his eyes and just chose not to comment.

Obviously, there was something about what she said that bothered him.]

Az do I. Ve vork vell togezher.

[And her happiness was something Rip did have a hard time containing as she shifted in her seat to lean back as her device was set on her desk. With how thin Rip was naturally, it wasn't hard to notice a slight baby bump.]

Zhen you family must haf vorked hard to gain your titles. Earning zhings instead of being handed zhem is definitely more revarding.

Besides, difficult games are sometimes zhe games zhat are zhe most satisfying to win.

{ Bothered might be too strong of a word. Vincent misses his mother and without her, he is only truly close with his sister and his butler. Yet he is expected to be, in all ways, a proper Earl. Thus he must move on and move forward. }

I am searching for my...companion...too. { A wife. He has choices. Many choices. But he needs someone who suits him.

Though he is mostly a gentleman, Vincent does notice that tell-tale curve of her stomach. A hard-working mother? Admirable! }

I couldn't agree more. Do you believe in a true, lasting victory? I feel such things only exist in dreams.

Zhen I hope you find zhem. Everyone deserves to be happy.

[Even a monster like her. It just so happened her husband to be was just as much of a monster as she was though they were actively trying to put that behind them and just focus on their future together. It wasn't an easy task, but, they were managing.

Rip would be even more of a hard working mother IF she were allowed to be the one to tend her fields again. Instead, she balanced the books at the trade off. Still hard work, just not the hard work she preferred to do.]

That's the thing about victories, zhe moment you haf it you desire more. But, I do believe in a lasting victory. It really just depends on your definition of vat a victory is.

I will. I believe my perfect wife is out there.

{ Some will think him a monster too - someone lacking empathy entirely. But he isn't as cold-hearted as he seems and Vincent is prone to spells of melancholy when he is not actively engaged with business or family. Therefore he wants his life to be full to bursting.

The fields are not the place for her! What if she lost the baby? Absolutely not. Vincent too would be against her idea. }

You might have a point. If your expectations are shifted or lowered, lasting victories could be possible. But I would never be content with such a bargain.

[No wonder she was getting along well with him. Those were traits both her soon to be husband and herself tended to carry from time to time. Both the lacking empathy and the spells of melancholy when left to their thoughts for too long.

Rip was just happy she wasn't left to her thoughts longer than necessary otherwise she might not have been as agreeable as she is in this moment.]

I find zhat zhe definition of victory shifts over time, not because expectations are lowered or shifted to be less zhan you initially desired, but, because your priorities change.

[She idly started to toy with a pen on her desk.]

For me, a lasting victory vill be a long happy life vith my husband und healthy children to raise.

[Compared to her past? The victory for her is living when she wasn't supposed to on top of finding happiness she would have been otherwise denied.]

At one time, zhat lasting victory may haf been being victorious in battle vhether I died or lived. But, zhat vas a very long time ago.

As I said, priorities can change und so can one's definition of victory.

{ He understands - insofar as he can with his human experience. Vincent actually prefers to be in deadly danger rather than feeling depression/melancholy. That might change once he has a family of his own, but likely not. He is not the sort of man to settle down - nor will the Queen let him retire. }

My priorities now are simple. Almost ridiculously mundane. I must abide by society's expectations and somehow fulfill my own desires in the process.

{ He gives her a softer expression, nodding. }

Take care of yourself and I can see that easily done.

{ Chuckling, Vincent picks a blade of grass and rolls it between his fingers. }

I want a family too. And children. But I won't settle for just anyone. She has to be my equal.

[Rip would rather be tending her farm or out hunting like she used to than being left alone with those feelings. She tended to chase the very sensation of being alive when she could. Or she used to. It was a feeling that was becoming more and more attainable with each passing month. ]

Und yet your title means nothing here~. So, do you still haf to hold to societies expectations vhile you are here? Or iz that only for back home?

[Food for thought Vincent.]

I intend to und my betrothed tends to be a little.. over protective. It's my first child und he's had... bad experiences in the past loosing people he's cared about.

[That's all she's going to say on the matter.]

But, I'm sure your equal is out zhere vaiting for you. Hell, I met my betrothed in battle.

[Her smile faded slightly. Not something she really wanted to discuss.]

Anyvay, ve chose each ozher und zhe rest is history. I vouldn't haf anyone else as my mate.

Only back home. Here... { He shrugs his shoulders and draws a knee up to his chest, resting his arm on it. } I can be anyone. The only given is managing a farm.

{ Even that he can put off on someone else if he really wants to go that far. }

Then, for his sake, stay away from adventures. { Vincent grins at her, hoping to put her at ease. } He won't lose you or his child. The day will come when he will have both of you as active parts of his life.

{ He looks a little surprised, but she does seem the sort of woman that would be a nice soldier. }

I'm not sure if that's how I want to meet my wife. { Who knows? }

Then no match can be better. We're given such a short amount of time to court in my world. But I trust that I'll know her when I see her.

Zhen my suggestion is take charge of this opportunity und find out just vat you desire for yourself.

[She did and Rip was confidant he could to. As for his suggestion, Rip gave a faint amused snort as she kept toying with her pen. ]

Fair enough, but, I'm hardly a voman that likes to stay safe or inside. I'd razher be doing vhether it's tending zhe fields or livestock.. or out hunting. Ozhervise I get too restless.

[And she was strictly forbidden to go out during the day for very good reason considering what she was. Not, that she's about to admit to that to anyone.]

Meeting your significant ozher in battle isn't... completely ideal. Zo, I hope for your sake it's a much nicer meeting zhan mine.

[Hopefully.]

Sounds like you're quite zhe romantic at heart~.

I'm not difficult to please. Then again, I am accustomed to being waited upon and having large funds to my name.

{ He grins as if none of that is of any consequence. To Vincent, perhaps it isn't. He will find a way to land on his feet. }

You are doing something. Growing a baby is no small feat!

{ Don't make him come over and reprimand you, young lady. }

But you do not regret it. I suppose meeting her anywhere would be fine.

{ He laughs and lets the wind take away the blade of grass he had plucked. }

Most would disagree with you vehemently.

[Rip shakes her head slightly and honestly? Wasn't surprised. He seemed like that might have been the case. That was something she wouldn't know how to handle for the simple fact that she was too used to working for things.

...Which is why being relegated to doing the ledgers instead of working on her farm like she wanted left her slightly restless.]

I know, but, I still vish I can do more around here.

[She'd like to see him try.]

How could I regret it? Ve are togezher now und starting a family.

[She smirks a little and keeps toying with her pen for a few moments longer before setting it down.]

Vell, I'm seeing a romantic before me und I doubt most really mattered.

{ They both share that trait. Restlessness. Vincent might seem completely at ease with his book under the shade of a nice tree, but his mind is always working. He isn't where he wants to be, but there is land to conquer here. He will want more of it undoubtedly. }

If you are bringing children into the world, you might consider acquiring more land.

{ He might be living through her a bit. }

He must be proud.

{ Grinning, he shrugs his shoulders. }

I can be what I need to be. My mother taught me to change my skin as necessary.

Ve already haf two farms. My husbands und my own und personally, I zhink that might be enough for now.

[Heaven knows they're busy enough already and when the baby comes, Rip wonders just how much they will be able to handle.]

He is und treats me like a queen.

[She smiles fondly. Rip couldn't lie, she enjoyed it.]

It sounds like you vould make an excellent spy during vartime.

[Here's the butler having found the future Senior Phantomhive relaxing on a nice warm summer day beneath the tree.

Of course, being Sebastian, his farm is already up and running, and he's even smart enough to hire farmhands to help out. That's how efficient the demon is, using people to his advantage. In other words, his own farm is perfectly functional, but then again Sebastian is a perfectionist.]

Greetings my Lord, how do you do? I hope you don't get too dehydrated from the summer heat. I have made lemon iced tea or iced coffee, if you care to have a drink.

I take it farming isn't your strongest skill? If you're set to inherit the manor, it's a butler duty to find a staff to help manage the entire house...since the house is too big to manage all by yourself.

[With a thoughtful look.]

So for the garden, I would recommend hiring gardeners, for example.

{ Sebastian values his aesthetic. Vincent values his sunshine, free time and a damn good book - though he has done some planting, weeding and so forth. He isn't completely allergic to work, but he won't appear before the public looking like a sweaty mess. }

How kind of you! { He arches a brow and his amusement intensifies. } I was raised in a manor under the doting care of my mother. The only time I ventured outside was to play games or, later, to hunt.

And, yes, my household is looked after by my Head Butler, Tanaka. { There is something about hiring strangers that just doesn't set well with him. } I could arrange interviews...

[Too late, if Vincent worries about being a sweaty mess. Humans are always inclined to be sweaty under this hot, humid weather. It doesn't bother Sebastian much if Vincent worries about his appearance and making a good impression in front of a servant.]

Yes, indeed, no doubt that was expected of you. Still, looks like you gave gardening a try and by the looks of it, it's not a bad start.

[Ah yes Tanaka. He was an old man from Sebastian's time. For Vincent, he must still a spry middle-aged gentleman running the household.]

That's not necessary for yourself. I just hire people to run my farm, so I can free up my time to be an efficient butler, serving my master. I can't run two jobs at once.

If you enjoy running the farm by yourself, then that would be an interesting professioN. if you enjoy it, you can make it work in your favor. Farming isn't a hobby, but a livelihood. I just find it surprising because if you intend to be the earl of a manor, then as the earl you're the landlord of the people who live on your properties. After all, farming isn't exactly what nobles are raised for...

Still, under this hot weather, if you would like refreshments, I'll be happy to share the lunch that I made and I made it ready in my kitchen.

{ He isn't keeping himself in pristine condition for only a servant. An appearance can reflect strength or it can reflect weakness. Vincent doesn't mind being seen as more than human by his enemies - wherever they may be. }

I've watched farmers at work, but it is harder than I expected. { This gives him a new respect for those who serve him. } Who is your Master again?

{ Hiring people... Somehow Vincent can't help but think of that as an easy way out. But considering the amount of planting he needs to do, it is perhaps an inevitable outcome. }

No man can be in two places at once. I wouldn't expect that of Tanaka, though he would try!

{ He arches a brow. } Can I not decide what I am raised for? { There is something sharp behind his words. } Very well. If you are being generous, how can I disapprove?

My Master?

[Oh that's a hard question. The Master's name. Part of Sebastian's contract...he can only tell the truth, and he knows "Ciel" is the one who keeps up with appearances and the demon must protect that. As Sebastian never called him "Ciel" personally, he calls him Young Master.

His contract forbid him to tell lies.]

I believe you will come to know of him and learned of him in due time. He's a noble like yourself. I believe when the time is right, he will have business with you, as the both of you share the same last name, and by then, you and him will have quite a discussion, I imagine. I must say, he is of your kin and the both of you are related.

For a 13-year-old, he's an energetic gentleman that I gladly serve. A child prodigy and a curious mind, just like yours.

[But then with a pause. He wanted to say he is your "son" as that's the truth, but then again Sebastian wonders if revealing such delicate information will ruin the time-continuum of things and explain to the Senior Phantomhive about the both of them having come from his future. But the demon does believe such phenomena and he does take care of the possible consequences. After all, there's a saying a butterfly fell on water and makes a wave, and it can lead to an earthquake on the other side of the world.

With sigh followed by a smile.]

Well, you are here. You can decide what you would like to do and be a captain of your own fate. After all, farming can be a good business. [And he can run a company here if so chooses.] It shall be a treat to serve as you, my lord.

It's a hot day, after all.

[ Fia hasn’t referred to herself as a noble for a while now, at least for a couple of years. Not since the war started. Not since her kingdom had been decimated.

But, oddly, reminded of the life she used to have... she suddenly sort of misses it. Enough to respond. ]

Hello, Vincent. I’m Fiammetta, of the Kingdom of Airyglyph. But you can call me Fia.

Having a farm has been a nice change of pace, although I’ve never been much for agriculture. We Glyphians have always been rather militaristic.

{ Nobility isn't something Vincent can lose; he will always have that air about him. But maybe that is a choice? He does like toying with people to see their various reactions. }

Greetings, Lady Fia. I'm not sure how far you can go - militaristically - without agriculture. What did your men eat?

{ Or are they a race that doesn't need sustenance? }

Edited 2018-07-20 06:37 (UTC)

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