Medieval Times
Before even entering the building, one can leave the city behind.
Ivy-covered towers of the Dallas Castle give the locale some majesty. Along with the ivy covered walls is a large moat filled with schools of live Koi.
Once past the doors, the lobby, and the ticket booths, one can get their picture taken with a member of the King's court. Just beyond this is a small shopping area, accompanied with a bar, and a viewing area to see the livestock before the show.
Immense oak-wooden doors that sit on cast iron hinges open to a cavernous entryway, decorated with pennants, pinions and standards that hang upon the wall. Large bronze sconces are attached to the stonework walls, their fires lighting the path to the main dining area.
The dining area is decorated much the same, though tapestries sit on the walls rather than the heraldric pennons. Large rough oaken tables are set around the room, all ringing a large sand arena. Bronze candelabras sit on each table with beeswax candles set and lit when the restaurant is open for business.
The arena is covered with dark tan sand; something that will keep moisture for the proper footing of both horses at the joust and for soldiers at the sword. At either side of the arena are large iron gates that lead into the deeper recesses of the restaurant where the horses are housed and holding rooms are located. Only those with clearance may access those areas.
The general, breathing public has been turned out, and have been gone for well over an hour. Now, it's time for the vampires to come out to play? Or, at least, find their peace from the city, if this is the surroundings that brings them such quietude.
There are a few vampires scattered around on the tables, talking quietly, drinking their bottles of TruBlood and enjoying the respite.
Down in the 'pit', in the sandy section, at first glance, it looks like yet another staffer working with one of the chargers— until closer look is given. The short blond shock of hair, the general.. manner and mien identifies it instead as the Whip for the city. His hands hold a long leather tie in one and a whip in the other; and attached, running around him in loose circles is a large bodied, dark dark brown horse. Every three or so steps, the horse refuses, rising up on his back legs to offer wild complaint. In response, Marius barks out a harsh command in a germanic language lost centuries ago. «Ah… I said 'trot'.. you beast..»
Michael's not been here since the grand opening, it's pure curiosity that brings him here now, he's interested in seeing which of the local vampires will begin to make this place their favoured spot, of course he's expecting it will mostly attract a certain element of the older vampires. He gets himself a TruBlood and quickly begins to walk the dining area, it's not long before he finds his way down towards the pit, it's been some time since he's seen anyone training a horse. He studies the animal for a moment, his features impassive he watches the session with mild interest. He nods to Marius again not an inch more or less than necessary, and then in the same language as Marius «He's a fine horse… I suspect you'll have some work before you, the best horses are always a challenge to break.»
Each step is a battle with the spirited horse, and it's plain to any equestrian that Marius just doesn't really know a whole lot about training horses, which is why he's starting from the ground. He's got at least that much sense.
«He's broke to the saddle..» and an uncharacteristic sound of annoyed amusement sounds as the whip is cracked to bring the horse back down and running in a circle again, «… just not to me.» Yet.
«Years in infantry.»
With the cracking of the whip, the horse takes off running again, in the same, constrained circle as held by the leather rope. Pulling back slightly, and making deep, low 'hooo'.. sounds brings it down to a more controlled run, but the ears are still flattened, the froth of his mouth dripping on the sand.
«So..» Marius brings the horse down to a trot, then a walk.. and pulls the lead in so as to hold the horse close. «Have you found your place again? Shall I lend you the leather stays so you may teach your vessel her place?»
Michael laughs quietly. as he watches the training, his expression still impossible to read. That is until the final statement, his expression becomes very slightly amused. «I never lost my place, I simply chose to play the game from a different angle.» He pauses a moment. «Sometimes you wield the leather, other times it's far more amusing… and challenging to teach through… positive reinforcement.» He studies Marius for a moment and then the horse. «It's easy to force, or even trick those you want to follow the path you want, but to get them to /decide/ to follow the path… to believe they chose it of their own will, that makes for an amusing diversion on ocassion.»
«Free will in a vessel is unnecessary and gives the wrong impression. It makes for amusing diversion, I will grant you.» Like a trained monkey on a hurdy-gurdy.
«When you tire of the game, let me know.» Marius lifts a hand to lay on the top of the horse's nose, and it shies, pulling its head way up to avoid the touch. The hold is strengthened, and the vampire rachets the horse's head down. «The look in the eye of one when it discovers there is nothing more and despair begins pleases me.»
With a moment of quiet, Marius whispers to the horse in the same language he now finds he may speak with the elder vampire. The ears flicker, and the wildness isn't quite there in the eyes, though there is the nervous stepping, pawing of the ground.
«One evening, you must come Hunt with me.»
Nodding Michael laughs. «Would you seek more than an amusing diversion from your vessels? I find such things can be useful. I don't hold humanity in quite the disdain some do.» He seems once more to be considering his words, possibly a sign he's less than fluent with the language, or perhaps simply that he's being careful what to say. «They amuse me, their lives can bring interesting diversions in a number of ways, especially when you let them play as they wish.» He nods at the mention of the hunt. «Perhaps I shall. I'll admit I've been playing the part of harmless mainstreamer for far too long, it does chafe at times. Although I need to be able to continue the facade for a while longer at least… it serves some purpose.»
Marius scoffs, the sound evident in his tone, «Humans are but lambs the slaughter. Some are amusing to watch as they cavort, not understanding.. and at that last minute, as the press of heartbeats pound against their chest, they truly learn what their place is. They are but food, and while they have some sense, it is not nearly where I would bother with them.»
Slowly, as Marius stands there, the horse quiets, though the occasional pawing comes.
«I have met a seer. To divine the future is amusing, but ultimately unnecessary. An idle amusement. It amuses me more in that she is a barrister.» Ultimately, however?
«There is nothing to be gained to act like them. It only gives them airs to their equality. Everyone has a place, Michael.» His voice grows low, the coldness of death in its natural state returning. «I would presume that you not cast it aside idly in the hopes of regaining some elusive spark. Come with me on the Hunt, and you will remember that which you truly are.»
Michael arches an eyebrow at the words from Marius, he lets the last of the feeling fade from his features. «Oh, I know what I am… I am as I have always been. Namely whatever suits my current needs. I may soon have need to see into the flock, that is a role far easier managed by lambs than butchers.»
«You give them much credit. If there is issue with the flock, simply enter and cull. Breathers disappear all the time and by their own hand.»
Marius takes a step around, and letting the longe line loose, the charger makes his way away from Marius and running in the opposite direction. His eyes remain upon the dark horse as it runs, offering soft, low noises for it to slow. Still, it is obvious the horse fears the hand, and it will take some time to work it..
«Speak. If there is issue with the Lady and her city, I would know if she is in harms way. If there is issue with his Majesty, I would have the knowledge, then again, speak. If it is for amusements sake and eventually, the herd will be culled as it should, then I will hear nothing of it until after the deed is done. At that time, I will bring you with me across the border and we will celebrate.»
When the horse hits stride, however, Marius is given the opportunity to look up at the elder vampire. «I think this horse will require a great deal more time. The Lady had made the suggestion that he be brought out to the park, but he is far from ready.»
«I enjoy subtlety it keeps things interesting. I cull the herd only when the game is over, and even then only when I see no more amusement to be had.» He sips his drink, showing no sign of his distaste for the drink, though he still feels it. «I find killing them of little sport these days. It sometimes serves a purporse, but honestly most time I can find little reason to. No I perfer to play with them.» He smiles faintly at that. «As for threats. I would have taken them to the Estate in person if I knew something necessary of such attention. No I simply play my games, and I'm sure that if it goes well there will be sport enough for both our tastes.» He nods looking to the horse, his next words come in an older language still, namely his native tongue of Gothic as he speaks out a few quick words thoughtfully.
Marius barks a laugh, «In that, we are centuries apart. I care not for subtlety.» Making a theatrically grand gesture to indicate himself, he continues, «As you are undoubtedly aware. I like my target to understand fully his position, so that I may see that.. look in his eye before he falls.»
Keeping his eye on his horse once more as the stallion runs around on the length of tie, Marius speaks, «I like the sound of that, then. If your sport goes well. If it does not, we may still play, ja?» All it means is time, and the vampire.. both of them, have all the time in the world.
At the sound of the Gothic speech, Marius turns an ear. It's an even earlier dialect than his own hessich, though it contains the same basic roots. The horse, too, flicks its ears, and settles into something of a controlled canter, even paced.
Nodding Michael chuckles. «I used to be the same, but I found breathers respond in such limited ways when they're aware they're in the maze, the trick is to put them in a maze where they think they're in control.» He seems to catch the slip to Gothic and shrugs. «I think we should definately have time for some sport in the near future.» He nods to Marius this time in farewell «I shall leave you to your training. It has been a most interesting conversation.»
«I look forward to it.»
Marius inclines his head in acknowledgment of the farewell to the older vampire and turns his attention fully back to the horse under training. Low noises are given to encourage the steed to slow, and for the Whip, this seems to be all the evening holds for him.
