RP:Monks, Marriages, and Mythical Beasts - Micah finds a Mount

Background

The monk, Micah, had heard of a gentleman who was accompanied by a rare white Peryton, an almost-mythical animal which was made all the more unusual by its snow-white coat and wings.

Investigation revealed the nobleman, Ignatious Di Belizzi, had a business trip between Cenril and Xalious, and had been heard extolling the virtues of a small Bed-and-Breakfast establishment in a farm on the outskirts of Kelay.

Micah visits Maud's bed and breakfast, and events take a turn for the strange.

Arriving at Maud's Bed and Breakfast

Maud's Bed and Breakfast was a little-known place, used infrequently by merchants who preferred to stay off the roads - of which, for obvious reasons, there were few. The arrangements had always suited Maud - folks on the road tended to be boring, while the ones avoiding the road tended to be worth a dozen knitting-room anecdotes per visit. Ignatious Di Belizzi, a man of leisure and underhanded niche trading in exotic valuables, happened to find Maud's cooking to be the most splendid example of 'peasant food' he'd ever come across, and enjoyed telling his coterie of sycophantic peers how he had 'slummed it with the plebs'. So Maud gets her gold, and stories of stupid noblemen, Ignatious his food and stories of stupid peasants, and splendid harmony is achieved. And it is into such history that Micah would soon find himself. A cozy little farm with an extra wing built onto the farmhouse served as Maud's fine establishment, and the stables were located close by the guest rooms. A chicken coop holds court in a wide area bordered by a sturdy wired fence, and several milk cows roam the property. A large vegetable patch and several fruit trees add to the pastoral charm of the place. When Micah knocks on the door, its knocker resting below a sign which helpfully states 'Maud's Bed and Breakfast', a portly woman with red hair and two chins would answer the door with a cheerful smile. "'Allo dearie - were ye lookin' for a room, luv? We've still got a couple. Dinner's 'bout to be put on the table, so come on in and take a seat, why don't you, there's a dear. I'll introduce you to the other guest, and we can get you settled in after a hot meal." The woman, who Micah could assume to be the eponymous Maud, would then usher Micah in to a large dining room with a sturdy long dining table where a cravatted and waistcoated man turns to look at them. "Ah, Maud my dear Chef d'enchantment, I am positively pining away for that roast, wot. I say, who's that chap?" The man, who Micah has on good knowledge is Ignatious, manages to look down his nose at Micah's appearance despite his being seated and Micah standing. "Really Maud, you are too generous, taking in the waifs and strays. What if it has some kind of illness? I mean, some common sense please, my dear host!" Maud would waggle a finger at Ignatious "Now don't you go being rude at my table, sir, or it'll be no dessert! And that is a promise!" As Ignatious subsides, the threat entirely defeating him, Maud whispers to Micah "I will need you to 'ave a bath before you do go to bed, dearie. Those are clean linens I got on them mattresses and all. But I'm sure you won't mind washing off the travel dust, hmm? That being said, dearie, I do need to ask: can you afford to stay the night? It's only a couple of gold, luv."

Micah was received into the homely inn by the benign Maud. Who had him into the establishment, seated, and ready for dinner before Micah could so much as nod. Quite the business woman, having so successfully routed Micah into staying, and eating in her quaint establishment. Albeit the brilliant performance of salesmanship by Maud, Micah had already planned on staying, perhaps a few nights, here at the Bed and Breakfast. Rumors of its clientele had piqued the young man's interest. Which would explain his prescence here and now, with the haughty nobleman. Who, being chided by the comely woman on Micah's behalf, was currently silent. The monk agrees to the pre-rest arrangements and payments for his stay. Handing the woman three gold coins. An extra for her commendable hospitality. Though Micah could not afford priceless commodities, or otherwise, he still was not without finance for a spontaneous purchase here or inn visit there. Micah proceeds to sit with the snobbish gentlemen. Extending a corteous nod, and smile in friendly gesture. Micah takes the man in, discerning whether this was the rumored merchant he had come to search out. There was no indication that he was otherwise, but neither any significant proof that he was who Micah had come to find. So, the monk would remain silent. Letting the pompous man speak for himself. If things went well, Micah wouldn't have to do too much inspection to divine if this was indeed his target. So, politely and patiently Micah awaited his dinner.

Maud took the coins with a cheerful "Thankee, dearie" and an 'I told you so' look at the nobleman's direction before bustling off to the kitchen, her voice trailing behind her "Back in a few me luvvies. Introduce yourselves and all". Ignatious Di Belizzi, out of the watchful eye of the round double-chinned woman whose custard tarts could drive his tastebuds to distraction, returns to looking down his nose at Micah. And speak for himself Ignatious does. His greeting is delivered in an obvious attempt at civility with an encouraging "I say there, fellow-me-lad, it seems you had a good day of it with the begging bowl, eh? Good show, good show." The nobleman's eyes go slightly off-focus, and it would soon become apparent that the next torrent of blithering discourse wouldn't necessarily require an audience once the man got started. "No good begging, dear chap, that won't get you far, just look at me, eh? Never begged a day in my glorious life, wot. No, business acumen is the way to go, old bean, One look at my marvelously starched cravat should have you saying 'Why, Ignatious Di Belizzi is as upstanding and successful a gentleman as the world has ever seen.'" The man barely pauses for breath as he continues on the merits of the appropriate dress for business occasions, right down to the cufflinks "You see, dear sprout, a man with golden cufflinks is saying 'I wish I was better than you, so I'll show off some gold' but gold is a garish colour in clothing, for those with low self esteem, and you should always go for white gold." Ignatious taps his nose "The ignorant will see it as silver, and be impressed with your modesty, and the knowledgeable will see it truly and be astounded at your wealth and subtlety, wit and magnificent good looks and immaculately styled blonde hair" The gentleman pauses a moment, and brings out a fobwatch on its chain. He snaps it open, and examines himself in the mirror set into the lid "Yes, simply immaculate. A man's grooming is paramount to success. Whether alive or dead, you need to look your best." He is interrupted as Maud and a large young man come in. The youth, close to seven feet tall and seeming made of nothing but muscle, wears a slightly muddled expression. He carries the roast lamb in carefully with a strong smell of rosemary and garlic, as Maud brings ina turreen of honeyed peas and roasted potatoes and parsnips resting in a buttery garlic sauce. "I hope you dearies are hungry. Did you introduce yourselves?"

Micah had his gaze set hard on the table. Boring a hole into its well used surface. Giving a distracted nod at her directions. That was until Igantius began his well-practiced monologue. At first, Micah was prepared to defend himself. For the monk was no beggar, he was a young man who possessed a pride and sense of self that that deemed begging out of the question. However; this argument formulating in his head was short-lived. Wide-eyed and mouth open with a similar gaping quality of his eyes, the noblemen might assume this was an expression of Micah's shock and admiration of his grandeur. This, of course, was not the case. Not only was there no mistake in that this was -indeed- Micah's target, but the young man also found himself thanking Arkhen that he had developed some sense of humility. The vanity displayed by the man before Micah was ridiculous. He had single-handedly, and almost effortlessly insulted Micah and highly praised himself, in one breath. This of course was hyperbole, but Micah almost let his pride get the best of him. To answer Ignatious of his own exploits. But that would render Micah no better than the wealthy merchant. If this is was success brought, then Micah wanted no piece. Instead, he held his tongue. A painful smile occupying his previously shocked expression. Nodding every so often to appear interested. Though Micah doubted the man even knew he was there anymore, being so occupied by his own achievements. Disgusting. Maud's voice breaking the silence was quite the miracle, and received with silent thanks from Micah's dismayed features. He finally speaks, almost shocked by his own voice, it being foreign in the inn filled by self-absorbed monologuing. The pleasant smell of Maud's cooking meeting Micah's nose, "Why, I'd be hungry for your cooking any evening, if it tastes as good as it smells." He offers a cordial smile as well, a pleasantry he could only offer Maud at this point. Being far too offset by the merchant, and slightly intimidated by the immensly large youth. All the same, Micah flashes a smile at the merchant, the pompous Ignatious. "I feel like I know him quite well at this point. He is... A jewel of a man." Sarcasm creapt at the edges of this sentence, but Micah was laying on the compliment pretty thick. "He has already offered a life-time of wisdom in success. I would do well to follow his example. Ignatious, I am Micah. No beggar, but humble in dress due to my monkly nature." The young man samples the feast set before them, a satisfied smile comes to his lips. Before chewing, swallowing, and continuing, "Do tell me more, Ignatious about... Erm-Yourself?" He is hardpressed to find a common-ground with the "lofty" position this man saw himself at.

Ignatious, for his part, is quite taken with the smells wafting off the roast "Oh I say! Jolly good show, Maud m'dear! You've outdone yourself yet again! I can taste it from the scent alone! Heaven, absolute heaven." The nobleman blithely ignores the monk's sarcasm, although it was not lost on him. One doesn't get filthy rich without having a solid understanding of social nuance "How do you do it? I wager you are secretly the Ascendi of the Kitchens, eh Maud?" The portly woman, surrounded by compliments, blushes and says "Oh stop it you two! ...but do go on!" Never one to ignore an invitation, Ignatious shows remarkable timing and dexterity by being able to eat and speak with little effect on the tidal flow of words. It is achieved, largely, through the ingestion of small portions requiring little chewing, as the nobleman tells Micah all about himself "Well, old bean, I started out with an old wagon, a nag, and several bottles of limited vintage Cenrilli Chardonnay, and worked my way up. Travelling, always travelling, except when I stop off here for a moment of blissful culinary respite." The foppish gentleman spends almost half an hour recounting the years spent building his capital, while extolling the virtues of a butler he had met in Sage and hired on the spot "Indeed, if I didn't have my butler to keep me in order, I'd be entirely lost. I'd never remember my itinerary, and his advice on waistcoats is invaluable. I'd introduce you to the fellow right now, old bean, but Maud doesn't like him in the house." Gentlemen don't sulk, fortuitously, because if Ignatious wasn't a gentlemen, his facial expression would look downright sulky. Instead, let us call it 'elegant despondence' as befits the man's station. In the meanwhile, Maud's son has been eating with a dedication and determination which could, in different circumstances, win generals wars. Maud herself responds to Ignatious' last comment with a sigh "Oh dearie, you know I don't like animals inside." Ignatious becomes more 'elegantly despondent'. "Irros isn't an animal, dash it all, he's my butler!"

Micah couldn't deny that the man's story was an incredible rise from rags to riches. With an ounce of humility and this would be a man of character before him. Not to say that Ignatious was all bad. Justa little too interested in himself. Though, the curious detail Micah could not help but take interest in, was the relationship between innkeeper and merchant. The most outstanding examples of Humility (Maud) and Vanity (Ignatious). And yet, fondness could be found in their tones. Even the impatient voice of Ignatious seemed to have an endearing quality to it. This thought, however; was quickly dismissed at the mention of an animal. An animal butler. A curious combination of two adjectives to describe a--something. Micah found it time to inquire further. Keeping the brown-nosing facade as his front. "What a story! My, Ignatious, you have quite the background. Though this path would not be one of my preference. It certainly befits you quite well. How did you happen upon this place? And this butler of yours, tell me more of him. Is he an animal? Or a butler as you say?" Both inquiries were out of sincere gesture to know more about Ignatious. The monk could not help but feel slightly selflish for his intentions. Therefore shifting his position on the matter, to friendly conversation. Not pursuing his goal too hard.

Ignatious seems a little put out now, rather than sulky, and responds to all those questions with "What deuced part of 'He's my butler' do you people not understand?!" Maud is quick to interject "There there, Iggy, why don't you go introduce him to your butler. That'll set things a'right dearie." Ignatious' mood does a swift turnabout "Oh I say! Splendid idea! You don't mind my leaving the table early?" Maud flutters a hand at the man in a shooing fashion "Oh, go on with you, then. It'll still be warm when you come back inside, no need for fuss". Ignatious rises to his feet in a fluid and elegant fashion "Right then. Come along Micah, time to meet the butler. Butler." The repetition is made in that slow and deliberate fashion used by people the world over then they want to make sure they have been understood. The gentleman then jaunts out a side door, in full expectation of being followed.

Micah quickly finds himself having misjudged the merchant. Though quite taken with his achievement, he was a kind man, with a cordial relationship with the innkeeper. Micah made a mental note to keep the more judgemental thoughts under wraps. Making the deductions and discernments he made to be foremost in his thoughts. The monk continues after the man out the doors he had only just enter but an hour ago. Not really sure what to expect on the other side.

A Barn and a most unusual Butler

Ignatious strolls over to the large structure containing the stables and barn. Standing by a table, on which a large silver platter had been placed down with assorted foods, is a snowy white-coated peryton, a magnificent specimen with large wings reminiscent of an owl's, and majestic velveted antlers. The Peryton had been eating oatmeal crepes with basil pesto, with a side of honeyed greens of varying types, but lifts its head as Ignatious enters and, in what might be a surprising turn of events, comments "Sir, your cravat is askew." Ignatious, caught in an embarrassing moment of poor apparel, hurriedly straightens his cravat, saying "Is that better?". A slight harrumph is the Peryton's response "A fraction more to the left, sir, and you shall be splendidly symmetrical." A moment's more fussing, and then Ignatious turns around to Micah, and waves grandly to the Peryton "My butler, Irros! A true gentleman's gentleman, and a Hart after my own heart." Irros inlines his antlered head in stately greeting to Micah "A pleasure." Irros prompts Ignatious "The rest of the introduction, sir?" who blinks and then responds "Oh, yes. This is Micah, a be...a monk. Yes. A monk." Ignatious turns back to Micah triumphantly to state "There, old bean, do you see? A butler! Hardly an animal!" The gentlemen whispers to Irros "Sorry about the whole 'not an animal' clarification. It's obvious to you and I that you're a butler to stand above all other butlers, but these people keep on getting the wrong idea. It's downright distressing" The peryton responds "Quite right sir. Entirely understandable." The Peryton turns to Micah and asks "Micah, sir, might a presume an enquiry of a somewhat personal nature?"

Micah follows Ignatious to the stables, where animals were to be kept. Though within was no animal. More proper in speech even than Micah, was the Peryton. A magnificent... Butler. For it was no beast. It's choice in food was quite amusing to Micah, a smile creeping to his face with the smell of basil wafting from the Hart's meal. He nods at Ignatious' introduction of him, finding it suitable enough. Nodding exhuberantly when Ignatious points out the Hart's true nature. A gentleman's gentleman. Really and truly. Then the Hart addresses the monk, to his surprise. "Enquire, oh noble butler, of Ignatious." Micah answers. Giving a slight bow to his head in return to Irros' greeting.

The peryton Irros asks, in all stately seriousness "Sir, might I enquire whether your order frowns upon the seven sins? I fear for your sanctity in the area of one particular infraction, sir. There is maintaining the humble appearance of poverty, certainly, and then there is sloth. Sloth sir, leads to dirty, ragged clothing which can surely be of no merit to your monastic order. Might I suggest a more sturdy fabric, and regular cleaning, to better preserve the gravitas and dignity of your monastic vocation?" Ignatious nods "Good point, Irros old bean. Couldn't have said it better myself." Ignatious beams proudly at the monk "See what I mean? What would I do without him? If only Maud would let him inside, I could stay here longer." A completely unrelated thought occurs to the gentleman "I say, Micah, which order -do- you belong to?"

Micah nods to the comments made by the Peryton regarding his attire. "My order, does indeed condemn such practices of the seven sins, yes. My garb, though well sooted from travel is not unwashed. Though plain, and poor in appearance, I keep myself well washed." He felt at odd talking about his washing habits with an animal resembling a horse, however maintaining the habits of a noble in its ability to talk so intelligently about what to garb oneself with. "As to what you recommend, I would certainly condone, though I do not have the means of using what little finance I have on clothing. As to my order, it is one I have left behind. Not under negative circumstances, but instead under a task. A pilgrimage, a test of adulthood and monkhood. I may never return, but their teachings remain in my head and heart. I tread carefully here. As to the laws in which I abide, I follow Arkhen. I find his ways to be parallel of those taught in my Order. I follow him explicitly." The young man's curiousity in Irros grows to an irresistable point, "It is my turn to request an inquiry of you, however, Irros. Where is it, your kind hails from? You are a curious... being. To say the least." He has to pick his words carefully, to not offend Ignatious in any manner.

The peryton Irros looks at the monk in kindly fashion. "Well sir, in deference to your monastic vocation, I shall give you the explanation. You see, sir, when a Hart Peryton and Hind Peryton find themselves in a state of mutual attraction at a stage where the hind is inclined to procreation..." Having entirely misconstrued Micah's question Irros proceeds, in a university professor's fusty cadence, to explain in clinical details a Peryton's reproductive cycle. "And that, sir, is where we come from." Ignatious, in the meanwhile was looking back at Maud's homestead longingly, with thoughts of a lamb roast sitting rosemary-and-garlic-scentedly on his mind.

Micah , still a young man, and not beyond finding a good laugh in such a topic, is almost put on the ground. Though he does well to stifle his chuckles by stuffing a ragged sleeve into his mouth as the Peryton carries on about the topic. Accepting the explanation as it were, not worrying about clarifying. He leaves it at that, with a nod. "And, how did you, and Ignatious happen upon one another?" Micah notices the sidelong glances of Ignatious, turning his attention to him momentarily to whisper in his ear, "You may return if your stomach so desires. I find myself to be quite full at the moment, and am in no need of further dining. Conversation would do me well, the lack thereof in the past weeks has me full of words." To reinforce his statement he motions towards the door, bidding the merchant onwards. Not out of selfish reason, but because the man was in longing to return to the comforts of the inn. Maud, shelter and food surely dominating the man's mind. Micah would not keep him, but nor would he accompany him whilst conversation remained to be had with the Peryton.

Ignatious looks torn at the suggestion, courtesy and his stomach at war, until Irros says "Off you go then sir. Mustn't let dinner get cold. It would be rude to your hostess." Ignatious once again brightens "Oh yes, jolly good! What ho, then, and off I go." The gentleman strolls back into the homestead to the faint sound of a cheerful "'Allo dearie" before the door shuts once more. Irros placidly munches on a honey-boiled carrot while the two humans are distracted.

Micah watches Ignatious make his way back to the inn, keeping his eye on the quaint house until the door at last closes. Eyes on the magnificent Hart before him, Micah inclines his head in the door's direction, "So, what's the history here, between Maud and Ignatious. An interesting pair if I do say so myself, and yet. They get along so well. Quite the case with you and him as well. How'd you meet, Igantious and you, Irros?"

Irros responds, the facial expressions of deer hard to read "Not for me to say, sir. A butler does not speak about his gentleman's business unless prompted by his employer. I'm certain he'd happily recount the story in rousing fashion were you to enquire of him at another time" A flick of an ear "But certainly, Ignatious and Maud do seem quite taken with one another, were I to offer an independant observation."

Micah bows his head, to think, remembering he was in the presence of Igantious' indubitable servant. Nothing but idle conversation about the monk's attire was possible it seemed. This would take a bit more time and thinking than Micah had expected. Though he was patient. And quite taken with Irros. "Then recount to me this, if you may, what it is you see in him? As your master."

Indeed, a deer's facial expression is definitely hard to read. "A gentleman's gentleman sees in his gentlemen the best gentleman his gentleman can possibly be. And then works hard to ensure his gentleman becomes so." Maybe that glint in the Peryton's eye was simple inscrutability, or a dare to try saying all of that ten times rapidly.

Micah nods slowly, understanding to a point. Though it took some dissection, Irros was insinuating his duty to improve upon Ignatious' gentlemanly qualities. That is what he thought was said. Though the words were said quickly and who knows really what was said. So, shaking his head slightly, Micah returns to a subject taken with more sense. Ignatious, and Maud. "Your master, Igantious. And this Maud woman. If they are so taken with one another, if I may go as far to say, enamored. Then what is it that keeps them from one another?" Micah takes the moment between the question and answer to sit cross-legged upon the ground. The dialogue having taken a turn for the longer term. Making standing a silly notion.

Irros inclines his head "A sterling question, sir, and I cannot presume to know the gentleman's mind. But a gentleman has an obligation to marry and settle down in respectable fashion, to ensure future generations of well-behaved gentlemen and ladies." A flick of the Peryton's ear "I would broach the subject myself over dinner, of course, but decorum demands I remain in private quarters."

Micah places his elbow on his knee, angling his fist to dig thoughtfully into his chin. "I wonder then why he has not broached such a subject with Maud, then. Have you mentioned such a thing?"

Irros harrumphs "Of course I did, sir. It would have been dereliction of duty not to."

Micah scolds himself for not thinking of that, "Of course he did... " Micah whispers to himself, "Why then would he deviate from asking her?" Micah, clearly too young at this point to understand the intensity of the question being discussed. To him, he was invincible, including emotionally. Therefore, he could not see the issue.

Irros munches introspectively on some more oatmeal crepes with basil pesto while Micah sits on the ground, whispering to himself as he seems to gather his thoughts.

Micah after gathering himself, rises to his feet. To pace as he speaks, helping his ideas form into words as he moves. "What if... I were to mention it to him? What then, Irros? Being allowed to be indoors with them, allows me that proximity you lack at this point. But, how would I broach it, should you allow me to do such a thing?"

Was there a hint of approval in the Peryton's eyes? Still hard to tell, although Irros responds in a less circumspect fashion than he had previously suggested butlers habitually do with regards to their employers "How to broach such a thing? A perceptive question, sir, and one deserving of academic and purely hypothetical discourses thereon." Another flick of the Peryton's ear "One supposes, sir, that there is the possibility that one or both of the parties involved are unsure of the other's affections. One could also hypothesise, sir, that the question of class affiliation weighs most imprudently on the minds of both wealthy nobleman and and working class lady of the kitchen. Furthermore, one could stipulate the possibility that a certain lack of courageous resolve in matters of the heart could be at play." The peryton is quick to clarify "Not that I suggest that such is the case on my employer's behalf, of course, but one must consider all possibilities, even those which are most outlandish, sir." Irros regains his equilibrium and rustles his wings as he returns to his 'hypothetical and academic' discourse. "Were one to take these factors as granted, one would broach the matter in a simple fashion: Get the two of them in a room together, tell them they're idiots for putting it off, that they aren't fooling anyone, and offer to find them a priest post-haste." A mild harrumph is then followed by "And if they hypothetically had any questions or nonsensical concerns, sir, they could come out here and ask me."

Micah is taken aback again at the intelligence displayed by the Peryton. Not shocked by an "animal" speaking, but shocked at the diction and eloquence displayed by Irros. The awe was evident on Micah's face, however the source of said shock was not necessarily evident. The young man, nods here, and nods there. Taking careful note to what the Peryton has to say. The steps to be taken to achieve broaching the Gentleman's marital status would not be as hard, as these were not personal friends, Micah had come to discern. He was not so intimidated as he had first begun to think he would be. As the Butler finishes his educated reasoning, Micah shrugges, "I will go through with this at once then. I see no reason in waiting. It is plain to me, how they feel, and has been verified by yourself. I see no reason to not not carry on with this course of action." And therefore, Micah carried on. Without further discussion, he turned towards the house. A dutiful stride now occupying his previously nonchalant gait. Upon reaching the door, he opens it carefully, so as not to interrupt anything that had been previously occuring. With a careful entrance he makes his way in finding the pair.

A night of Proposals and Propositions

Irros watches the young monk leave. Certainly, his mannerisms were uncouth, lacking in grace or dignity, but such could be blamed on the terrible instruction methods of the clergy. The lad seemed to have his heart in the right place, even if his ability to hide his motives was sorely lacking. The last time Irros had been examined that intently had been by a giant spider. Still, the young monk couldn't be blamed for recognising a quality butler when he saw one. In the meanwhile, Micah would re-enter the dining room to find Ignatious and Maud swapping stories "...was when Felippe realised he had his cravat on backwards!" A peal of laughter, and the monk's entrance is noted. Maud gestures "'Ave a seat, dearie, the food should still be warm. I'm sure you understand why I can't go having the butler rampaging 'round the house, now." Ignatious interjects "Come now, Irros doesn't rampage! He butles! He's a butler! And he butles very well!"

Micah takes a seat, with the two. Having a whole new perspective now that he had spoken at length with Irros. And now that he was here sitting with the two, anxiety kicked in. He seemed to be squirming, nervously trying to push out what he had so adamantly decided to say. Boy, this was surprisingly difficult. But, up and out it went. Albeit a little shaky, "Maud, Ignatious. Since you're both here, now. I'd like to-er-make an observation," He gained convidence as he talked, picking up momentum, "I've noticed... The two of you." Awkward pause. "Noticed how you relate to one another, and I cannot help but wonder why you have yet to settle down." This could be taken in many ways, so Micah continues, on route to clarification. "Rather, I mean to say, Ignatious, you have made it plainly evident to a stranger that you find this woman attractive. And, Maud, for whatever reason you see desirable qualities in, Ignatious." This draws a wink from Micah in Ignatious' direction. "Why is it, you don't get married? Have a family? It's awkward to just put those feelings out there, and yet, without so many words, you made those feelings evident to a complete stranger. I can see it, I'm sure you both can as well. Am I wrong to assume this exists?" For any normal person, such a sudden instrusion would be immensly confusing and embarrassing. Hopefully Micah had caused neither to feel this way. But, instead for the fact to set in, and the realization to become apparent.

The young monk is rewarded with one of -those- silences. Those rare silences which old dandies and ladies of the manor whisper of deep in the night, when they tell each other scary social stories during their soirees which end in "...and then the room went silent." And yes, here and now, the room went silent. Maud blushed bright red, Ignatious' jaw dropped open to gape like a concussed carp, and Maud's son stopped eating - the first time he had since settling into that heroic task. Micah would fine three sets of stunned eyes locking onto his face. And then, salvation arrives for Micah from a two-part side-door as Irros pushes the top-section open with his antlers and comments "Well said, sir." And with that, the floodgate of dandified babbling is unleashed as Ignatious says "Wait, what? Who? How? Did you...? What... egads, ahhh... Irros! Did you... did you put him up to this?" Maud, still bright red, cannot find a thing to say, while her son senses the silence is over and returns to eating. Irros states "Permission to make a personal observation, sir?" Ignatious is caught mid-babble and says "Ah, yes, yes, of course..." at which point the Peryton unleashes his appraisal of the situation "Sir, you have been finding excuses to visit this fine establishment for years, even when it was not, strictly speaking, en-route to your next appointment. There comes a time, sir, when every man needs to stop and settle down." The Peryton calls over to Micah "Come over here, sir, so as no to distract the two of them." Assuming Micah does as suggested, the Peryton continues "Sir, as an old friend, employee, and confidant, I strongly advise you to ceasy dilly-dallying and do the gentlemanly thing."

Ignatious stammers a bit as Irros gives his advice, then, as Micah joins the Peryton off to the side, he straightens his back, stands up straight, straightens his cravat, straightens his sleeves, and then, having run out of things to straighten, turns to Maud. "He's right, Maud. I've been a right twit all these years. I keep coming by and going away and coming back, and really, what I've wanted to say is this" The gentleman retrieves a small jewelry box from a pocket, its velvet worn from years of being carried around. He opens it to show a tasteful white-gold ring with a setting of small diamonds on it, and descends to one knee "Maud, my dearest, will you marry me?" Maud blinks, still beet red, then says "Oh, you silly thing, of course I will." Ignatious blinks in disbelief "You will? Oh my. Jolly... jolly good show! Uhh..." Maud rolls her eyes, grabs the man by both cheeks, and plants a big kiss on his face. "You're hopeless, dearie, you really are, but I'll be glad to have you around." At this point Irros butts in "Sir, congratulations. I think I have achieved all I can for you as a butler, but I shall forever remain your friend." Ignatious blinks again "Wait, what? Irros?" The Peryton continues "Sir, you need to settle down. The world is too dangerous to go gallivanting about all the time. Stay here, sir, and enjoy the easy life. And please ensure a supply of basil pesto for when I visit." Ignatious asks "You're not staying?" to which the Peryton replies "A man with a good wife needs no butler, sir, and a friend knows not to overstay their welcome during the honeymoon. I shall visit you again, Ignatious, be not concerned." The dandy pulls himself together. "Right, yes, quite right you are. It was a bit selfish of me. It has been a pleasure, Irros, and do stop by anytime." Irros nudges Micah with a velveted antler and whispers "Come outside now, sir"

Micah stands at the Peryton's side as events take their course for the better. Not just for the better, but for the most brilliant outcome that could have come from this situation. Micah cannot help, but feel brash, in the way he succeeded in his goal, however a shred of dignity was still to be found in this outcome. By pure accident a noble deed had been done, a little something to be proud of, Micah thought as he followed this situation's instigator outdoors. "Yes, Irros?"

Irros looks at the young monk, his human chest all puffed out and pleased with the outcome. Well, there was certainly more 'rough' than 'diamond' in the youth, but there was an edge of gentlemanly conduct which held a hint of promise. "You did splendidly, Micah. Set right a most ungainly situation." There were echoes here, Irros felt, of a similar speech when Ignatious had been a younger man, poorly clothed, but proudly standing upright in the face of his family's fall from grace and wealth, paying off his family's debts with what he had earned long before he could afford the clothing he wore today. And if it turned out Irros had misjudged Micah, then he would just fly off and find a different youth of promise. He had all the time in the world, after all. "Are you in need of a butler?"

Micah smiles at the praise, nodding to express humble thanks. "In need of a butler, mentor, and friend. And a clothier it seems." He grins, nodding to finalize his answer. Yes.

Irros inclines his head "Well then, let's head off. I think a bathhouse for you first, sir, then a clothier. Let us be on our way, then. No time like the present, and I rather think Ignatious and Maud would appreciate the privacy"

Micah nods his consent, and sets off with his newest companion.