Fated Meetings

The storm hadn't let up for hours, and evening was coming on quick. Helga Hufflepuff had managed to guide Salazar Slytherin safely back to her encampment where it was, at the very least, warm and dry. And there would, of course, be food. But the two had no idea the sun was coming over the horizon in the form of a lone rider.

From the distance a hunting horn belted out powerful notes that reached across the open fields. Hounds could be heard barking from far off, and a horse's hooves churned up the mud and grass beneath them as the rider and his beast chewed up the space between them and the small camp.

The rain did not touch the figure on horseback. And so long as the pack of large hunting dogs remained close to the horse, the weather seemed not to affect them either. The equine was a powerful, and immensely built beast with roped tail and mane of dark brown, while the rest of its hair from snout to rump, and down its wide, muscular legs was chestnut in colour. The dogs, also large beasts, were varying shades of grey and almost seemed to match the clouds roiling above and the rain pouring down in sheets. The man, - for it could now clearly be seen that's what the rider was - like the animals around and beneath him, was massive. His arms were like the knotted ropes on some seafaring vessel, his shoulders wide and broad, his chest like a barrel. And the hair ... red as a bonfire's flames. It seemed to surround him like a mane, which would not be far from the truth. It was wild and blended perfectly with the thick beard on his face.

As the man drew rein at the small camp, his eyes - which were blue as lightening - crinkled in delight as he surveyed his surroundings. He looked to be in his late 20's or early 30's, though in truth he had only left his boyhood behind four brief years ago. He let out a burst of laughter as the dogs sniffed around the camp for game. His steed pawed the ground restlessly, not knowing what to do with itself when it wasn't galloping, or at least moving. But the man remained in the saddle wondering what sort of reception he might receive here, and, if an unfavourable one, what he could provide for the table of these travelers that might award him a night's rest among them. It had been a fortnight since he'd last seen another human soul.

"Hallo!" he called out brightly, a wide smile spreading through his beard and across his squared face.

[Salazar Slytherin]

On the other side of the field Salazar was in the encampment that Helga had offered up to him. The storm had long ago ended, unbeknownst to them. During the time of the storm, Salazar had taken out his cauldron and many of his ingredients. He was always one to carry potions, if not the ingredients for them, on his person. Currently, he needed a few more and so he had set to work on making a few. At his side, Helga watched intently, a curious look on her face, however Salazar did not seem to notice, seeming to have become absorbed into activity.

Each movement was precise and accurate. Salazar had the clear movements of a potions master, if his movements were anything to go by. He slowly stirred the potion and took out the next two ingredients that needed to be added. These two needed to be added at the exact time and if this didn't happen an explosion could likely happen. Salazar was just about to add the ingredient, until-

A booming voice made Salazar loose his concentration and instead of dropping both he only added one. A small explosion thus resulted. Luckily, it was small enough that it did not even rise above the cauldron, but it was enough to anger Salazar.

Salazar's gaze shot up to the source of the voice, landing on one Godric Gryffindor. While Helga, who was only a small distance away, easily greeted the man with almost as much cheer as he had to them, Salazar certainly did not. An unusual fire lurked in the usually dour man's eyes, a clear sign that he was angry. "Good morrow." he said stiffly, his tone not quite formal but more restrained.

Not seeming to notice the young man's consternation, Godric dismounted with the ease of a man practically raised on horseback and bowed low and graciously to the two before him.

"Good evening, Lord and Lady!" His voice, even when not raised for shouting, was loud, but always cheerful. "It pleases me immensely to find life in what I was beginning to think a desolate world of grey, cold and damp." A hearty laugh escaped him as he took the lady's hand and kissed it gently. "Glad am I to see that I am not the only man left in the world."

Then he turned to his horse, opened a pack, and drew forth a rather large ceramic bottle. Upon facing the two again, he extended it politely to the man. "My name is Godric Gryffindor and I bear gifts for those who would permit me a night's stay among them. If wine is not to your liking, I'm certain I can find excellent game nearby and my hounds and I can bring it back ready for the spit or stew pot." Another bow. Godric made it a point not to introduce himself with his title. He wanted very much for people to accept him as he was, and not as they thought he ought to be.

[Salazar Slytherin]

It was only due to his raising in the pureblood, upper class that Salazar managed to hide the dark look that wished to come to his face. His face was rather blank as he regarded Godric's rather boisterous, though...friendly behavior. Unlike Helga, who was clearly overjoyed in having another outsider's company, Salazar was bitter and far from overjoyed in having met this man. The man had so far made a poor impression on Salazar despite his kindness and it was likely he would only continue to do so.

"[i]I am Helga Hufflepuff." Helga said, seeming to finally have managed to get a word in. She turned to Salazar to introduce him, however she paused, a frown coming to her face when she noticed the expression on his face. Despite it, she made no comment- bless her soul- and continued. "And this is Salazar Slytherin, a traveling companion of mine." she said cheerfully.

The only indication that Salazar gave that he was actually listening was the slow nod when she introduced him. However, besides this, he merely kept his eyes focused between the two, his eyes darting back and forth.

"A pleasure it is to meet such a beautiful young woman." Godric smiled widely again and brought Helga's hand up to his lips. No doubt his whiskers tickled her skin, but he released his hold after only the briefest touch. Then shockingly blue eyes turned to the other fellow and the smile remained in place. Godric was oblivious to the contempt Salazar felt for him, and was therefore no less cheerful than he had been with Helga. "And an honour to meet you, Sirrah. I'm certain we will become fast friends!" Hands on hips, Godric laughed merrily, then with one hand seemed to wave off sentimentality.

"Now, I've brought with me an excellent wine, and can easily fetch something for us to eat, if I could be allowed to come in out of the chill, damp air which surrounds us. And do not fret for my horse or hounds. They are accustomed to finding shelter that suits them. Hyah!" The last word was emphasized with a slap to the horse's rear, at which the beast let out a loud neigh and trotted off to some nearby trees.

[Salazar Slytherin]

Salazar wasn't able to repress the wince that came when the other man gave a boisterous laugh. Unlike the other man, he highly doubted that they would become 'fast friends', if only because the seemed so different from himself. Of course, Salazar had been wrong-wrong, very, very wrong- before so for all he knew this man could correct but he could hardly know.

"Of course." Salazar said, speaking for the first time since his arrival. "You are quite welcome to come in." he said smoothly, allowing a crisp smile that seemed quite out of place on his features. He cast a brief look at Helga, before moving out of the man's way and entering their shelter, his eyes briefly going to the mess of his potions, a grimace coming to his face as he did so.

As Godric entered the small abode he noted the substance on the floor. "Seems someone had a little accident." Another lighthearted chuckle and then, without thinking or considering consequences, he waved one large, hair covered hand in the direction of the spilled potion and all remnants were neatly cleared away.

Without pause he sat himself close to the fire to warm himself, drawing the cork from the clay bottle with easy strength. "There now! Bring me some goblets and let us have a repast! We can toast to the good fortune of finding accommodating friends in dark times!" A merry light danced in his electric blue eyes, but this time he refrained from laughing. Not because he'd noticed any discomfort on the part of one Salazar Slytherin, but because he'd noticed the flimsy quality of their sanctuary and worried it might collapse.

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

Sorry that took so long! Been working like a pack mule! (>.<)

[Salazar Slytherin]

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

Perfectly okay!

The man, Salazar had decided, was not only very annoying, but perhaps the world's biggest moron. This fact- as it was a fact as far as Salazar was concerned- had been decided when the man had gone and used magic right in front of them without considering the consequences. And indeed the consequences were heavy. Salazar knew this from experience. What if they had been mere muggles? Muggles who would not hesitate to burn this man at a stake because they did not understand exactly what magic was. Muggles who thought this man was a product of the devil, trying to use his wicked and evil ways to curse them all. Indeed this man seemed to be rather idiotic.

And of course, Salazar, being as blunt and perhaps a bit of an idiot himself- for were not even the brightest of men idiotic themselves?- , clearly stated this himself, not bothering to spare a spare a single word. "Are you an idiot?" he asked bluntly, staring at the rather large man as a curious child might to an unknown and foreign object. It was only a bit clear that he was addressing not the last thing Godric had said, but instead his first actions, his actions of magic.

Helga seemed to be shocked, if not somewhat horrified, by Salazar's words. After all, Salazar had so presented himself as a gentleman, thought perhaps a bit too stoic and even a bit dour, but nonetheless a gentleman. Her shock at Salazar's words did seem a bit justified. 'Salazar!' she hissed lowly. But alas, these words went unnoticed.

At Salazar's sudden outburst of a question, Godric looked up with purest innocence etched in every line of his face. He didn't understand what the question was for, and proceeded to look about for the reason behind it. And then it donned on him. "Goodness, yes! I do seem to be rather off my game tonight." An apologetic glance to both of his newfound hosts and the child that he had so recently left behind in years emerged. "I am truly sorry, milady and lord, I did not consider the state of things. I hope I have not offended either of you by asking for goblets you might not possess."

First setting the bottle of wine to the side, he then rose to his feet - a task that took a small amount of time given the immense size of him - and bowed. "I'll find my horse and bring the saddlebags. I'm sure I have something in them that will suffice." Immediately, he brightened again as though the entire issue had just been cleared up as easily as the potions ingredients a moment before. Then he left the small abode in search of his horse.

[Salazar Slytherin]

While Helga's expression certainly held a mixture of subtle relief that Godric had not caught onto what Salazar meant, Salazar looked nothing short of annoyed and exasperated. Was the man truly this much of an idiot? It should of been clear what he had been addressing. Of course, he might just have a one-track mind, his mind merely focused on this little feast between them.

"That's not what I meant..." he muttered, a sour look on his face as the bigger man moved about to get his things. Had he been in a better mood Salazar might have thought it amusing, but right now he could find this man to be nothing but annoying, if not a bit idiotic.

Of course, Godric had not heard the words Salazar uttered under his breath as the larger man was thoroughly engrossed in leaving the confines of the sanctuary to find his horse. Once outside, he placed his fingers between his lips just so and gave a loud, sharp whistle. Shortly the baying of his hounds and the neighing of his horse could be heard as they quickly made their way to answer his call.

It took perhaps three minutes for the animals to reach him, and he gave each the attention they were due. It was wrong, in Godric's mind, to call them for nothing. And so each dog received a warm pat on the head, or scratch behind the ears, while the steed was rubbed along the neck and back. Godric then pulled off the saddlebags that he'd left upon the beast and sent the animals off once more.

That task completed, the large red man re-entered his temporary home, sat upon the floor again, and set himself to emptying the contents of the bag until he gave a joyful shout at finding the clay cups he'd been searching for.

"There we are, my friends!" he stated rather proudly, another ear-to-ear grin lighting up his wide face. "Now we may make merry and get to know one another better." He offered a lavish wink on his two quieter companions.

[Salazar Slytherin]

As soon as Godric left to go to his horse, Helga immediately hounded on Salazar, scolding him lowly under her breath. Salazar merely scowled, taking her words in half-heartedly, but seeing some knowledge in it as he usually did. Obviously he couldn't treat this wizard- as that was what this man obviously was- with such obvious disdain, even if he was proving to be a bit of an idiot and rather oblivious.

As Helga continued, Salazar threw her a scowl, the look in his showing that he got what she was saying. Luckily for him, Godric had come back in before Helga could continue. "Of course." he said, allowing something akin to a smile to come across his face.

Could it be? Was it possible? The clouds of Salazar's face seemed to part briefly, allowing a touch of sun to warm his features. Alas, the look was lost on Godric as he was busying himself pouring out healthy measures of wine for he and his new companions. And storming a barrage of conversation all on his own whilst at it.

"I have traveled so long alone I was beginning to think I was the only one left in the world!" A peel of laughter, the grin on his face causing the lines about his eyes to reveal themselves sharply. "Even my loyal hounds seemed to be finding themselves quite useless. They are excellent for greeting strangers, as I'm certain you'll soon discover." Another warm smile as he passed a cup full of wine to each of his friends.

"I have been searching so long for just the right company. I'll be glad to tell you the story, should you like to hear it, but first I would greatly enjoy listening to both of yours. Do tell me, friends, what brings you out here, so far from human contact." Although it seemed impossible, the big man was actually quite a good listener. At least he was when he thought a story might interest him.

[Salazar Slytherin]

Helga's face brightened at what Godric said, interest and curiosity coming to her face at what he was saying. At the same time, curiosity was peaking into Salazar's mind. Ever the scholar, Salazar couldn't help but wonder why the other man was traveling and was also here, ever so far from where other people might be. As such, it was no surprise that he was slightly irritated when the answer was snatched from him right before he could get it.

Helga, however, seemed to have none of this irritation. She merely smiled and gave her answer to Godric's question. "I have been traveling with my cousins." She said. She only said that, not giving an answer as to what brought her out. That did make him think. He himself could not recall her ever telling him why she was out here, but then again he had never asked.

[Random Event]

Just then a brown mouse scuttled across the floor and brushed up against the foot of Salazar. It continued on for another second before stopping dead in its track, sticking its small nose in the air and looking around, seemingly unaware of the people in the room.

The large man pouted - yes, actually pouted - when Helga offered such a brief explanation. Or rather, inexplanation given the solitary sentence for a response. It told Godric nothing. And thus his hopes fell squarely on the thin shoulders of Salazar.

"What about you, Sirrah? Have you a story to tell?" And with this, Godric raised his glass as a sort of silent toast to tales.

When his eye fell upon the mouse another grin spread across his features. Laying one bear paw sized hand on the floor he waited for the small creature to make its tentative and cautious way into it. Then he scooped it up and set it in a pocket where it might find some crumbs to nibble on. Despite his size, he was quite a gentle giant and fully believed all things had the right to live.

[Salazar Slytherin]

Salazar opened his mouth to speak only to shut it as the brown mouse brushed against his foot. A calculating look came into his eye as he look at the creature. It was hardly a cold look, but merely the look of someone who seemed to be considering something. It was usually the look that Salazar possessed as he did his Potions or worked about with his experiments or papers. A scholar and scientist by mind Salazar was one who considered quite a lot.

Whatever he was thinking, all thoughts seemed to vanish as Godric took the mouse and pocketed it. Frowning, Salazar blinked and straightened himself. "Ah, forgive me." He said clearly. "I was traveling alone until madame Hufflepuff here allowed me accompany her and her kin." he said formally. "I have been attempting to spread word of my dream." He said. He frowned for a moment, before amending what he had said slightly. "Or really, my goal."

To say Godric's interest and curiosity had been peaked would have been a grotesque understatement. The man sat up straighter and seemed to perk up as he tilted his head in one direction. Undeniably he would have thus resembled a very large, red haired dog. And had he a tail it no doubt would have been wagging.

"Might I inquire after this dream, or goal, of yours, good sir Salazar?" Lights danced in his eyes like those of a child seeing or learning something for the first time.

[Salazar Slytherin]

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

Sorry about the late post >.<

It was very rare for Salazar to actually get an audience that was actually interested in is mission and even those that were interested usually weren't so interested after he spoke. As such, the dour man snatched every opportunity to speak about his goal whenever he could. After all, he wished to spread it as far as he could and he cared not to who he was telling. Of course, it as this small little fact that would probably turn on him in the future.

"I would never turn down a good soul." He said, his eyes suddenly taking upon an almost childish gleam, the gleam that only a man with a mission might possess. "I am afraid that my dream, for that is all it currently is good man, is not something that is too popular among the ears of the populous. I've tried to spread it, but alas, I have been turned out and shunned. I do suppose that I might just be telling my words to the wrong sorts." He said, a troubling frown coming to his face.

"But I digress. My mission is to spread spread education far and wide among...our kind. Wizardly kind." He said. A certain gleam came into his eye that showed that he knew well enough that the man in front of him was also a magic user, just as he and Helga were.

Hanging upon every word, Godric gave his rapt attention to Salazar while the thinner man spoke. And every word touched him deeply, for he shared the same dream. By the Fates and Gods above and below us!

"We have been brought together by the stars, my good friends! I am on the same quest! I seek not only to further my own knowledge, but to find more of us and to bring us together!"

Suddenly, and with an agility many would not think he possessed, Godric leapt up from the floor and gripped the hand of Salazar.

"You and I, and the Lady Helga as well, of course," he offered a brief bow in her direction here before continuing. "... are fated to have met this day. And in our meeting the Gods have all but shouted that ours is the right path to take. And if our kind turns deaf ears, if they refuse to listen or balk at our ideas, then we shall speak louder and more vehemently with each word that issues from our mouths!" By the end of this Godric, in his passion, was practically yelling. Clearly he would be the best candidate for the loudest voice.

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

No worries! (^^)

[Salazar Slytherin]

Whatever reaction Salazar had been expecting the one he had received from Godric was not the one he had expected. His eyes widened at Godric's words, his surprise quite clear at the red aired man's words. However, it cleared as Godric gripped his hand and turned into something akin to the excitement of a child, giving him a look that he might jump up in festivity at any moment. The look was not unsurprising. After all, Salazar had had so much failure for so long with his mission that to meet a kindred soul in his mission was exciting for him.

"Aye, my dear friend!" He said, his silver eyes shining with a certain joy that they had not expressed in years. "Your words have given me faith. It is quite clear we have been fated to have met. There is no doubt in my mind that this day shall be remembered in history by the generations!"

"Indeed, my good friend, indeed!" Godric, finally becoming aware of himself once more, stopped pumping poor Salazar's hand and released his newfound friend. A blush came to his cheeks and he shuffled his feet, looking suddenly - and rather strangely - shy. "But ... where shall we begin? You two are truly the only other souls I have encountered in a fortnight. And the first of our kind that I have met in the months I've been searching!"

A deep frown carved new lines between the brows on his forehead. "We are a damnable difficult lot to find!" A brighter crimson lit up his face as he turned, eyes lowered, toward Helga. "My apologies, dear lady, for my harsh language. I pray I have not offended your tender sensibilities." And he bowed, though whether this was out of his deep respect, or because he was trying to hide the fact his face was, at that moment, as red as his hair could not be told.

[Salazar Slytherin]

Salazar hardly seemed to notice the pressure that Godric was putting on his hands, caught up in the moment as he was. It was only when Godric let go that he noticed that his hands looked like they had been gripped by something of a vicious kind. Salazar frowned at Godric's question and began pacing, getting caught up in his own world as he tried to find an answer to the difficult question that was now posed to them.

Helga, however, was definitely paying attention to them both. A vicious blush came to her face at Godric's coarse language, but she merely nodded her head at his apology. She opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off when Salazar cut in.

"A building!" Salazar practically shouted, as if he had said the most intelligent thing in the world. He elaborated, "We must first find a place to set up our school before we do anything. Perhaps we can find someone who can lend us their building." He said, muttering the last bit slightly. "Or better yet," He said, becoming much more audible, "we could make it, at least if we have to." He said, tapping his chin, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Of course, either way we will have to attract students..." There was a solution to this in Salazar's mind but he did not like it and he was hesitant to offer it up.

Slamming one ham-sized fist into his open and opposite hand Godric let out a cheerful exclamation. "Yes! That is exactly what we must do, good Salazar! Erect a building of our own. Something modest, I think, would be best at first, while simultaneously being grand enough to attract the attention of others of our kind. Now where ...."

As the large man's mind wandered the possibilities it kept coming back, irritatingly repeatedly, to some of the lonely and vast moors of his homeland. "Oh yes, moors would be a fine place to put up a castle. So far away from everyone and everywhere that it would be nearly impossible to get to ..." he muttered to himself with a deep frown. His intent was not a suggestion, but self-directed anger at his mind's insistence on something so farfetched. Perhaps his father might have some ideas ....

[Salazar Slytherin]

Salazar nodded in agreement to Godric's words. "Yes. It'll also need to be in a place with a good amount of magical energy and that would provide to all our needs as a school." He commented. He frowned deeply. He wasn't sure if there was any such a place really existed. After all, it all sounded lie something that could only exist in their minds.