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Post by DornKoon on Mar 8, 2024 20:53:26 GMT
"Tere ya go, good boy." Rupert had always been more comfortable around horses than people; since he was a boy, he had spent more time in their company than human friends. Horses did require care, training and a lot of patience, as they were oftentimes skittish. He felt he needed to provide training and exercise, even when time and space were limited  This was a day when Rupert was working some lunging with one of his younger colts in the large paddock outside the stable. He had the colt move in a large circle, with Rupert attached to the horse via a long lead rein. As the colt moved, Rupert watched his posture, balance and movement. He liked doing this for several reasons outside of the limits of time and space. It allowed Rupert to develop more of a relationship with his charges, make them more comfortable with the sound of his commands, and give him a good overview of their current abilities, knowing where to put the focus in future training. It was also a good way to unwind, think of something else.., and, most of all, do something productive. Rupert had not been in touch with Excalibur for a few days, which was not out of the norm when it came to Rupert, so none of the members minded or was overly worried for him. He oftentimes just liked to "recharge" in the company of his horses. A horse did not possess any malicious intentions, nor did they attempt to manipulate him to their agendas unless one counted the lengths some would go to get snacks. Still, the location of his stable was well known among all Excalibur members, so if he was needed or anyone wished to speak with him, they usually knew where to find him.
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 11, 2024 12:58:55 GMT
Recharging was an entirely uncommon idea for Betsy. Yet her conversation with Doctor Fate really made her rethink what she was doing, both in her normal life and as Captain Britain. As her motorbike roared across the English countryside, she had time to mull over it. Was she truly running herself into the ground? All answers point to yes, she thought with a grimace. If she kept up her current lifestyle, then could she really protect Britain, and lead the Captain Britain Corps, on two solid hours of sleep a night? Of course not. Kent had been entirely correct in his worry.
But who could teach her, in the art of relaxation? There was one man who sprung to mind. Betsy wondered, as her bike crossed the bridge that went between England and Wales, if he would be receptive. Rupert was one of the more reclusive people she worked with, an enigma at points. Yet he would disappear for days, weeks, without showing his face, and never looked as tired as she felt. If there was anyone that could show her the best way to unwind...
The bike's noise broke the tranquil silence of Rupert's ranch. She slowed to a halt outside the stables, kicking down the kickstand and sweeping her leg athletically away from the seat. Betsy saw Rupert, not far off, and gave him a wave. It wasn't like he wouldn't be able to see who it was. Who else in England and Wales did he know with vividly purple hair and a habit of showing up unannounced?
"Hey, Rupe! How're you doing?"
Betsy smiled warmly as she walked quickly down the track, like an excitable schoolgirl. Whether or not their personalities were actively compatible outside of work, she had a knack for pretending everyone around her was her best friend. Betsy came to a halt, not far from the man.
"It's a bloody scenic place you've got here. Really beautiful. Quiet... well, except for my bike. Sorry! And I guess... sorry for barging in on you unannounced!"
Betsy grinned at the man. She wasn't sorry.
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Post by DornKoon on Mar 11, 2024 13:41:34 GMT
He looked up, finding Betsy's familiar purple hair—he should have known from the bike. He raised his hand in greeting, showing the visitor that he had noticed her presence. What in the world did Betsy want? He could count the times Captain Britain had visited his homestead on his hands, and he would just need one of them.
"Betsy."
He did not return the smile, then again, as far as anyone that knew him knew, Rupert rarely ever smiled unless he was talking about his favourite subject... horses. So, they did know that he could smile.
"Tes es a surprise," he replied, "Don't be, e needs to learn to andle a lettle noise. Besides, we bot know you're not sorry. Yes, et's calm, silent... horses are generally nervous anemals, funny lookeng at how beg they are." Giving a small pat to the colt, who was nervously looking at the stranger. "So, to wat do e owe te pleasure of tes vesit?" It could not be a mission, or they would have contacted him using more...urgent means.
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 14, 2024 12:45:24 GMT
"Oh Rupe, you know me so well!"
Betsy eyed the horse with a knowing gaze. She had her own experiences from her childhood, before life got weird. Her eyes noted the various important details, nodding in faint appreciation. Rupert truly was a man of mystery. Who knew Sir Mordred had this side to him? She watched him handling the horse with ease, smiling to herself. He truly had found contentment. Relaxation. Out here in the silent wilds of Wales, without a care, it seemed. She leant against the fence, tilting her head back and staring upwards.
"Ah... well, it's... I mean, it's kind of embarrassing! I had a meeting with... Doctor Fate. Super nice guy, by the way, really sweet, bloody good taste in teashops... but uh, he... ah, bloody hell. Rupert, how do you relax?"
Betsy turned her head towards him. Her eyes were serious, locked onto him, as she let out a deep sigh.
"Basically, he told me that he thinks I'm over-working myself. Burnt out. And he's right, of course! Captain Britain, leader of Excalibur, Superhero who is constantly saving the world from mythical threats and otherworldly dangers... works too hard. Duh, right?"
She grinned, placing her hands behind her head as she continued to lean.
"And I thought... I need to learn how to unwind. To shed the workload for a bit and unwind. Problem is I've not ever tried. We've worked together for a while now, and I thought... well, how are you so bloody calm and composed all the time?"
Betsy gestured to the great outdoors, the wide open expanse that Rupert's stable was located. The fresh air. The quiet of it all.
"I need you to teach me, oh great Sir Mordred! Teach me in the ways of turning my bloody brain off every now and then!"
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Post by DornKoon on Mar 14, 2024 13:18:45 GMT
Rupert had to take a moment to collect his thoughts because several unexpected things were being revealed. Betsy had been meeting with Fate, which caused Rupert's alarms to go off; sorcerers of Fate's calibre did not seem to be handing out good advice without reason. Still, he might be right with Betsy overworking herself. He turned his attention to the colt again but continued to listen as she revealed her reason for being there; turning the brain off seemed a little blunt, but it was Betsy... so it was not a surprise.
"E work wet my orses," he replied, his voice measured and slow. The way he usually talked, when he was not silent... which during meetings was most of the time, unless he had something important to say. "E trek the woodlands, e medetate and e remind mysel that e am much more tan just one teng."
He glanced over at Betsy, examining her.
"Wat you need es not to turn your braen o, but to tenk of someteng that es not dutes." Rupert sighed, before grasping the lead of the colt, leading him out from the riding arena. "E ope you're not afraed of horses." He added as he passed her, moving towards the stables. If she wanted his help, they would need to do this without all the talking... because talking with cheap. They would need to go for a ride if he wanted to get his point across, and he had just the right place for the two of them to visit.
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 15, 2024 12:19:45 GMT
"Something other than my duties, huh?"
It was a ringing similarity between what Kent had said and what Rupert was now telling her. She wondered yet again what that really meant for her. Her duties were so overwhelming compared to other parts of her life. Her role as an X-Men, and now as Captain Britain, leader of both Excalibur and the Captain Britain Corps... Betsy grimaced. How did people do it? Her brain was constantly ticking over, and the majority of that was wrapped up with her duties and work.
Betsy straightened up as Rupert mentioned horses. She had been raised with them, in the family castle. To her, they were second nature. Betsy smiled, nodding quietly, picking up Rupert's thoughts about not talking. That was not her strong suit what-so-ever! Still, she had to try something. Betsy followed beside her companion, looking sideways at him with some level of respect. He truly was a master at relaxation.
"It sounds... nice. Peaceful. But what about your duties? Is it so easy for you to switch off Sir Mordred, and become Rupert again?"
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Post by DornKoon on Mar 15, 2024 20:53:52 GMT
Rupert furrowed his brow slightly, feeling Betsy's eyes on him as they walked. He was not used to people looking at him like that, if they looked at him at all. Still, the question caused him to slow down his steps briefly before picking the pace up again. He did reply right away, taking a few moments to figure out an answer. What could he even answer to that? "Es funny, Brian asked me the same ting once," he said, "and like I told I'm, I don't-" Reaching the stables, he pulled the gates open, leading the young colt inside and toward his stall. "Am always te same person, wheter I like it or not, so I just accept mysel for wo I am and was." For a moment, his hand went to the chest, lingering over the spot of his scar, before he shook his head. It would do him no good to get sentimental with Betsy, his problems was not why she came here... not that he wanted to share them with her anyways. "Try not to overtenk et, and give yoursel time to just be" He made sure the colt had food before closing his stall. "You'll be reding on Vivi, she's my ferst, my oldest... so be gentle wit er. She's a true lady of the woodlands. Er saddle es on the ook outside." He gestured towards a stall with a beautiful brown mare inside, calmly watching them though the bars. She'd been a mother several times, so Betsy would have no problems with her. She would just watch... and judge. |
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Post by BijuuGuy on Mar 16, 2024 23:25:40 GMT
It had taken her a while, getting used to the rustic beauty of England. The land nor its people hadn't exactly been kind to her in the past. A strange being in a world otherwise known for its normalcy. At least during the time she was still little, that is. Yet, despite her experiences, she had come to finally view the Isles as a home. It was difficult, deciding whether this rainy, flat land was more her home than the fantastical realm she had now spent so much time in. Though she did appreciate Earth's occasional tranquility, if you knew where to look. It was perhaps necessary, as her duties seemed to only grow over time, as Brian's partner. Not that she minded, quite the opposite. But it was almost a cleansing experience whenever she got to experience the calm of the English countryside. Yes, Meggan was still a woman who required solitude and calm every once in a while. To simply get away from the troubles that never seemed to end. Luckily for her, one of her teammates had just such a place. She didn't deliberately seek it out, having come to Earth to simply relax on her own. What made her take flight and soar towards Mordred's stables was the joy she got from interacting with him. He was a peculiar man and she a peculiar woman. There was a kinship there that she did not expect to find, though one she was more than willing to embrace. Having not seen him in a bit, she decided to indeed seek him out in the most predictable place.
Her flight there was one of peace. Seeing the fields below, the small villages, people going about their day, it made her almost envy them. What simple, delightful lives they must have led. That was what she could've been in another life. And even then, she recognized the wonder her own life had turned out to be. Through trials and tribulations, she became something entirely new. She did that with the help of beloved people, all the while not diminishing her own accomplishments. Meggan Pucenau had come a long way.
Meggan had managed to hear just the tail end of Rupert's words about his mare, which lead her to divert course and land next to the stall he spoke of. Her comfortable looking robe ruffled a bit as she did so. The long streak left as she ceased her flight, dissipated shortly after. She looked at the horse, who seemed to be even more calm in her presence than before. She gave her a caress, saying something Rupert and Betsy couldn't hear. Meggan quickly realized that she hadn't even greeted her fellow teammates. The embarrassment made her skin turn bright red, impossibly so, shrinking down a few sizes before returning to normal a minute after.
"Oh, pardon me! I was simply so enamored by the mare! It's lovely to see you both."
She performed a nod of acknowledgement in the form of a brief curtsy. Her attention quickly turned back to the horse and then its saddle. She grabbed it, gently placing and fastening it on the mare, who seemed to show no protest. She grabbed the mare's reins, starting to guide her gently towards Betsy and Rupert. Meggan had always been good with animals, that was no surprise. Her grin and excitement were palpable, a noticeable glow emanating from all over as she made her way towards the two.
"I hope you don't mind me dressing her up. What a gorgeous creature she is! Please, Betsy, show us your equestrian talents!"
She knew Betsy well enough to at least expect some sort of skill from her. Besides, it would prove to be another point of calm for Meggan, seeing someone mount such a magnificent being with grace. Not that Betsy was particularly known for grace, but Meggan found that horses made most people look at least a bit more regal. |
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 17, 2024 12:12:06 GMT
Betsy mulled over her thoughts and Rupert's words. Perhaps that was her issue. She was separating herself from Captain Britain, almost trying to live two seperate lives. Was it because, deep down, she hadn't truly accepted that Brian was no longer holding the mantle? That she, Betsy, was wielding power and responsibility far beyond what she ever expected of herself? She grimaced to herself. This peaceful retreat was starting to open up a lot of uncomfortable questions.
So it was definitely a relief when they entered the stables and found a third person to join their party. Betsy couldn't suppress a wide grin.
"Meggan! Bloody hell, you're a sight for sore eyes. Maybe you shouldn't have let us know this location, huh, Rupe?"
Betsy gave Rupert a cheeky side-eyed grin. She stepped forward, giving Meggan a big Braddock bear-hug like her, Brian and Jamie were all used to. No finesse, no composure, pure raw force and affection. Betsy saw Meggan as a dear friend, a strong companion, but overall was grateful she could take care of Brian in her stead. He needed someone strong by his side to guide and compose him.
Stepping back, Betsy gave the horse a look-over. Like Honey, Vivi was pure, and beautiful. A strong horse, calm yet alert, watching her with doleful brown eyes.
"Right... I will warn you both, I haven't ridden since I left the Braddock Estate, and that was years ago, so-"
She moved around the beast, hand gently caressing her nose and haunches. A purple motif appeared on either side of Betsy's head. She was gently soothing the animal's mind with her telepathy, beyond words and contact. Slowly she got a foot into the stirrup, and swung herself up with a level of grace neither of them appeared to expect. It was hard-wired into her from an early age. These great animals deserved respect. Betsy ran a hand through the silken fur of the horse's neck, and the memories of her youth came flooding back to her. She smiled, looking up at Meggan and Rupert.
"Okay, Vivi... you ready, girl? You guys better saddle up too!"
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Post by DornKoon on Mar 17, 2024 13:04:47 GMT
He would not have shown it if Rupert had been surprised by Meggan's arrival. And, unlike Betsy... he was not known for his emotional outbursts or displays of affection, so it would have been even weirder if he had given the same kind of greeting as their leader.
"Hello, Meggan," greeted Rupert, already walking further into the stable, not commenting on Meggan's compliment about Vivi. He collected a saddle from a hook at an empty stall as he passed it; the placard at the door read "Mewain". He pointed to another empty stall with the sign "Pepper". "You can take Pepp's tengs, Meggan." He explained. "Most o te orses are on turnout, so tey're somewere at te outdoor pasture."
When they reached the other end of the stable, they walked right out onto what looked like a large pasture—a vast field with trees, grass, and greenery. Rupert raised a hand to his mouth and let out a sharp whistle, and they did not have to wait long before small dots became visible as horses came out from among the trees. A small group of six horses soon came trotting up to them, and there it was again, one of Rupert's more genuine smiles, as he reached to pet their muzzles, muttering affectionately in Welsh.
"Ere's Roswell, Galenore, Magnificence, Neighbour." Rupert introduced the horses; they were of the same breed as Vivi, but each had different markings and colours. "and tis ere's Pepper; she's fearless and cureous, so she'll be perfect or you Meggan." He patted a horse that was curiously examining his pockets, no doubt searching for anything edible inside. "I'll be goeng on Mewain." He reached out to scratch a horse with a beautiful, long, dark mane. His stoic personality aside, there was nothing Rupert loved more than to show off his horses to visitors; he was proud of the work he put into each of them... and it showed in his posture. He was like a wholly different person from the man they did missions with.
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Post by BijuuGuy on Mar 17, 2024 22:25:13 GMT
Betsy's embrace elicited the expected reaction. Gratefulness, ecstasy, love. She was family, in the purest sense of the word. Meggan responded with a gentler hug, before taking in the majesty of the horse again. That excitement doubled when Rupert's greeting was followed by an invitation. To ride a horse herself. What a delight!
Her form shifted into a slightly fuzzy, pink-hued one as she noticed the other horses making their way towards her. She made quick work with grabbing Pepper's equipment and made her way towards her assigned animal as Rupert introduced Pepper to Meggan. She gleamed with excitement, putting the saddle on Pepper and mounting her in a way that made it seem much easier than expected. Meggan wasn't a stranger to horseback riding, but it had been a while. Regardless, the calm and joy overtook any shred of doubt she may have had.
"Oh, Rupert! She is gorgeous! I hope I didn't intrude on anything, but this opportunity is most grand."
Meggan gave the horse a little nudge to get her moving, gently trotting around the premises, not too far from either of her teammates.
"I assume you both came here for some tranquility as well?"
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 21, 2024 8:48:01 GMT
Betsy marveled at Rupert's effortless handling of these immaculate creatures. He was a totally different person here, among the tranquility and calm of the Welsh countryside, surrounded by the animals that he loved so dearly. She smiled quietly to herself, contemplating from her equine perch. What was the secret, here? Why was Rupert so different to her? Or, more importantly, why was she so different to him? Betsy had everything she could ever want, even a big fancy mansion in the countryside. She idly stroked Vivi's neck, staring off into some middle distance. Was that the issue?
"You know that constant, buzzing, droning noise inside your head that you just can't switch off? The one that keeps reminding you of everything you should be doing, everything you could be better at, reminding you how much is riding off of your duties? That's why I'm here, love."
Betsy gave Meggan a jovial grin, but her eyes weren't joining in the joke. She looked away, across the rolling hills and fields of green, and took in a deep lungful of fresh country air.
"I had a meeting with Doctor Fate. Well. Kind of a meeting. Tea and biscuits. Did you know his favourite biscuit is a cream tea? Anyway... he told me I was working too hard. Doctor Fate told me that. Of the Justice Society. What a bloody life I lead, eh?"
Betsy looked back at Meggan, and Rupert, with a tilt of her head, a faint smile on her lips that was a little bit too far from happy.
"So I thought I'd visit the only bloke I knew that was calm. Rupe kindly allowed me to go riding, and to unburden some of my... I don't know. Worries? Bloody hell, I don't even know what the weight on my shoulders can be called. Once I would have called it a mantle, just something that comes with the job. Now?"
Betsy huffed through her nose, suddenly feeling exasperated with her own mind. She looked up at the others, a glimmer of something behind her eyes. Happiness? Or...
"Anyway. Tranquility. Yes. I'm glad to have some company, too, especially the two of you."
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Post by DornKoon on Mar 21, 2024 10:40:56 GMT
"Cream tea? E can't say e ever reflected on et, but et's still not a surprise." replied Rupert as he calmly saddled Mewain. " And sence you came to see me, e'll be the ferst to tell you tat Fate is full of et. Worken too hard? Your problem es thenking too much on wat oters thenk, not how hard you work... too hard- bullocks." He skillfully mounted Mewain, having done so countless times before. "E would call et duty, and et weights us all." He looked at Betsy, he could not say he had the same burden or duty as she did, but he could still understand the weight of such expectations... even more lately.
He then turned his attention over the grounds, pointing in the direction of a forest on the far side. "We'll be goeng down the woodland path; there es a spot once vesited by druids down tere; that's were we are goeng. Tere es sometheng e want to show you. Don't mend the other horses, they're goeng to follow us."
Rupert waited for everyone to be ready before ordering Mewain to move, and as he said, the rest of the herd was quickly going to join them as they crossed the field. For Rupert, riding across an open field was like flying; he felt a freedom he could not put into words, and hopefully, he could impart some of the freedom to the others if they were open to it. He did have a destination in mind, a sacred spot in the woodlands.
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Post by BijuuGuy on Mar 22, 2024 20:25:05 GMT
Meggan's question wasn't one that really expected an in-depth answer, but was glad to be given one regardless. Hearing Betsy's reason for escape was relatable. Granted, it was a different experience being involved in the courtly matters of Otherworld alongside her husband. But she could still relate to the feeling of not doing enough. Not being enough. Then, her sister-in-law got to the core of it all.
"Fate's been around for a while, he has some experience with all that you know?"
Her gaze went elsewhere for a moment, thinking about Brian. He knew she needed to get away for a bit and she knew it would be good for her. Alas, she missed her other half. It was difficult not to. Meggan came back to reality, realizing that in a world like theirs, no world is too far away. And she was still atop a majestic creature, trotting with two friends. Of course, no discussion about work ethic would be complete without differing opinions, as Rupert was so freely willing to express.
"Betsy isn't mindless, Rupert. She needs a chance to simply be sometimes. The duties of Captain Britain... well, you both know what those encompass."
Meggan's appearance changed slightly and suitably enough to convey her wishes to not push this any further. This wasn't the time to argue. Not if Rupert's words carried truth and they would be heading on a little excursion. Her appearance altered slightly again at this positive prospect.
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 22, 2024 22:46:17 GMT
Betsy couldn't help but grin at the faint glimmer of expression in Rupert's words. It was the most animated she had seem him in a while. She mulled over his words with the same level of thought she had given Fate. Both were heading towards the same goal, but different approaches. What words would Fate have about Rupert, she wondered? The older hero wasn't as scornful, but then her colleague had a point perhaps. Betsy had listened to others her entire life. Her brother, then the X-Men, and then finally taking on the mantle herself and dealing with Saturnyne before she wrested control of the Captain Britain Corps herself. Now, Betsy had the time to think for herself, but she still found herself influenced by others. Was that as bad a thing as Rupert made out?
Meggan seemed to disagree, and Betsy smiled at her as well. Everyone she spoke to seemed to have different ideas, thoughts, expressions on what duty really meant. Who was right? Were they all, in their own way, or perhaps none of them? Betsy shook her head slightly. She was supposed to be removing thoughts from her head!
"Thanks... both of you. Look, whatever the answer to this is, it won't be solved in a day. For now, let's just ride, enjoy the countryside and the air. I'm intruiged by this mysterious druid surprise, anyway! Lead the way, Rupe."
Betsy rode Vivi with clear skill and deep experience, guiding the horse with precision and a gentle hand. She looked up at Meggan as they trotted along.
"All okay at home, Megg? You said you wanted tranquility too... is Brian being a loud-mouth, as usual?"
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