[Obsidian is certainly more than a little confused, from what Hendrik can tell as he secures his rucksack and pats the horse. He's a well-bred horse, even if he's a remarkable stubborn and intelligent one, so being led around without a saddle or tack probably seems bizarre.]
Apologies, Obsidian. Unusual circumstances all around.
[He strokes the horse's mane once more before mounting. He's ridden bareback only a few times in the past, as a much younger lad learning about "harnessing wildness" under Don Rodrigo, but the bruises made the time ... memorable.
He still manages to lightly kick Obsidian into a walk and then into a trot, covering the snowy ground much faster than if he had trekked through the main streets. There is still a fair bit of lighting from the houses, but he will probably want to buy a lantern for the return trip just to be safe.
The general store is still open when he arrives, and the shopkeeper is more than a little surprised to see someone of his rank practically stumbling in. He apologizes for the late visit ... and apologizes again when he realizes he's not brought enough gold for more than a few things, but the shopkeeper is more than willing to settle the matter of money tomorrow.
The only things he can't get from the general store are the most important things... But he's thankful the shopkeeper locks up and gestures for him to follow over to the inn. Soon enough he's riding back up to the castle stables with what he hopes will be enough to keep the mysterious baby fed until morning.
After giving Obsidian a much needed toweling off, Hendrik hurries back into the castle, lugging a sack of goods. The round trip must have been nearly an hour, even trying to move quickly, and he knocks on the door across the hall from his own, in a way that he hasn't done for a good while now.
...He'll deal with that guilt and regret later. Yes.]
no subject
Apologies, Obsidian. Unusual circumstances all around.
[He strokes the horse's mane once more before mounting. He's ridden bareback only a few times in the past, as a much younger lad learning about "harnessing wildness" under Don Rodrigo, but the bruises made the time ... memorable.
He still manages to lightly kick Obsidian into a walk and then into a trot, covering the snowy ground much faster than if he had trekked through the main streets. There is still a fair bit of lighting from the houses, but he will probably want to buy a lantern for the return trip just to be safe.
The general store is still open when he arrives, and the shopkeeper is more than a little surprised to see someone of his rank practically stumbling in. He apologizes for the late visit ... and apologizes again when he realizes he's not brought enough gold for more than a few things, but the shopkeeper is more than willing to settle the matter of money tomorrow.
The only things he can't get from the general store are the most important things... But he's thankful the shopkeeper locks up and gestures for him to follow over to the inn. Soon enough he's riding back up to the castle stables with what he hopes will be enough to keep the mysterious baby fed until morning.
After giving Obsidian a much needed toweling off, Hendrik hurries back into the castle, lugging a sack of goods. The round trip must have been nearly an hour, even trying to move quickly, and he knocks on the door across the hall from his own, in a way that he hasn't done for a good while now.
...He'll deal with that guilt and regret later. Yes.]
Jasper?