video;

[pellameno]

[ The video opens on the outside of a house -- then moves inside, giving a virtual tour. There's nothing special about it compared to the other available houses. There is, however, a voiceover. ]

I was wondering with the new arrivals, well... I have this whole house. There are three bedrooms free here, and the beds are big enough for couples. I'm quiet, and clean, and I can cook passably well, if that's any incentive to claim a spot here over the apartments.

[ After touring the beds, baths, and balcony, the camera turns to focus on Pell, dark hair falling into his face. He doesn't look entirely comfortable being on camera, but offers a smile and warm eyes. ]

I can't be the only one who doesn't want to live alone. Right?

Comments

video;

[hotspurred]

I can hardly remember what good food tastes like. Might you, ah... [Henry rubs the back of his head, vaguely embarrassed, before pressing on.] Be willing to share your knowledge?

Re: video;

[pellameno]

Edible might be a better descriptor with the supplies we have here, but of course. I'll do my best -- I've just harvested from the garden so there's plenty to go around.

Do you want to come by?

[hotspurred]

[He gives a grateful nod, then half-smiles.]

If it is no imposition.

[pellameno]

None at all. Company's always welcome. It's 1402 in the second spiral of houses -- my name's Pell.

[hotspurred]

Henry Percy.

[He introduces himself with the habitual weight of old nobility.]

I must first doff my armour. Thereafter shall I pay you visit.

[pellameno]

I'll see you soon.

[ He smiles again, then turns off the video feed... when Henry arrives he'll find that the house looks the same as all the others from the outside. Nothing special, not even a welcome mat. But it's the right one. Pell answers the door quickly. ]

Henry. Come in.

[hotspurred]

Pell. Thank you for this.

[Once Henry steps inside, he removes his sword belt and and shield and piles them neatly by the door, just out of the way. He prefers to be armed walking Hadriel's streets -- in case of incident, or a call to arms for the Guard -- but it would be rude to remain so as a guest inside someone else's house.]

I hired cooks my whole life. [He says, as he returns to Pell.] And then I found myself here. If ever I thought it a task beneath me, that arrogance was soon exposed and crushed. There is no better lesson in humility than six months fending for oneself.

[He smiles wryly.]

My skills are truly lamentable. But I shall work hard to improve.

[pellameno]

I'm sorry if you've been struggling, but I guess it's a good lesson that no task is below anyone once it needs doing. I'm certainly no chef but I can teach you what I know. The kitchen's this way.

[ He spares another look at Henry's sword and shield before leading him further into the house. ]

Are you in the guard?

[hotspurred]

I am.

[Henry answers plainly, as he follows Pell deeper inside. As it so happens he created the Guard alongside Maketh. Yet he does not say as much, because glory was never the purpose. Actions, in his experience, speak well enough for themselves.]

[pellameno]

What's that like? I don't know anything about it except that it exists... do you patrol for monsters?

[ There are piles of vegetables on the kitchen table, all freshly picked from what he still thinks of as Newt's garden. Pell waves a hand over them, inviting Henry to look. ]

See anything you like?

[hotspurred]

I do not know half of them. These ones I am familiar with.

[He indicates leeks, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, parsnips and peas -- the rest is all alien to him. He's been sticking to what he knows this whole time, where possible.]

As for the Guard: our aim is to be a shield for this populace. An organised, joint and steadfast defence is stronger for those qualities. We patrol to keep the streets secure. Fighting monsters is part of that, as is helping those in need. The clinic has trained us in transporting injured persons. We write and retain reports on every patrol and incident. If our presence makes this city safer to live in, then we are content.