{ Video; UN: potentia.regere }

[earlofphantoms]

{ Vincent is taking a brisk walk - exercise is good for the mind and body, you know - looking less like the dapper British gent than usual. Modernity is creeping up on him and he is just the sort to embrace it, bit by bit. }

It really is a shame servants can't be employed here - or am I wrong? Is it more a question of price? I can understand wanting to be well-compensated. I always thought I was an easy Master -

{ Ha ha ha. No. }

There is nothing wrong with living an exciting life. { What are you even trying to say, Vincent. } I don't think I've ever lived so peacefully or so...independently. I'm afraid it's going to my head.

Comments

[earlofphantoms]

{ HE WOULD BE FINE BEING YOU, HANDSOME MAN! }

I can't blame you. There are definitely positive aspects to owning slaves. However I prefer servants because they are less likely to revolt.

{ You are the worst. }

Likewise! I really don't know what to do with myself. Going on a hunt might be nice or organizing some sort of social gathering.

{ Because those are the same thing. }

I was a noble in Victorian England.

[storradr]

Ah. We take slaves from those we defeat in battle. If they were to revolt, they would simply be killed.

[Absolutely terrible.]

Have you hunted yet? The animals beyond the fence are dangerous. [He says it like it's a good thing.] They are like no animals I have ever seen before, but most fight like the most fearsome bears.

[And then his face lights up even more.]

I have been to England! You are a king?

[earlofphantoms]

That seems...messy. { Yes, it being messy is the problem. Not the murdering. } I don't like to waste talent and you catch more flies with honey.

{ He tilts his head, grinning. } It has been awhile since I hunted bear. Do your kills make fine trophies? { There's no point to it if you don't come back looking good. }

Ah no, no. I'm an Earl, but I serve Her Majesty directly.

[storradr]

Messy? You mean killing them? [He raises an eyebrow.] You would not kill a slave who tried to kill you? [And then he shrugs.] It is no waste. Some people are not suited to slavery... and there are always more.

I would say so. You should stop by the barracks, there are a few mounts there. My son and I have a few as well. Of course, it depends on the beast, but many have decent pelts for rugs or blankets.

[He smiled again.]

I am also an Earl. [And then he realizes he should really introduce himself properly.]

Ragnar Lothbrok, Earl of Kattegat, in Norway. It is an Earldom under the rule of King Horik of Denmark.

[earlofphantoms]

Spilling blood and disposing of a body isn't a neat and tidy activity! { Though necessary at times in his line of work. } Of course I would.

{ But he wouldn't have a slave to begin with. }

You are a conqueror while I live in a civilized { sort of } society. Slaves are not a dime a dozen anymore.

{ Nor should they be, but Vincent doesn't elaborate. }

Your son is here too? How wonderful. { You're giving him family feels! } My son is present as well.

{ They should make a club for only Earls. } This is a treat! It's a pleasure to meet you, Earl Lothbrok. I am Vincent Phantomhive - otherwise known as Earl Phantomhive. I sadly cannot say I am familiar with your King.

[storradr]

It really is not so bad. Just... take them outside. [For reals though. It's a simple solution.

Ragnar raised an eyebrow at the implication that his home was 'civilized society', looking nonplussed. But he's easily distracted by the prospect of discussing his family.]

Yes, although... when I am from, he is not yet born. In fact, I have yet to meet his mother. But there is no denying that he is my son. His name is Ivar. My daughter, Gyda, is also here.

I have met two kings in England. King Aelle. His kingdom is Northumbria. And King Ecbert who rules over Wessex. I was not aware they also had Earls in England.

[earlofphantoms]

Unless you expect wild animals to be about, that won't do for long. Someone will either see it or smell it.

{ Gross. Vincent too brightens on the subject of family, though there is a shadow in his eyes. No joy can break through that darkness, but he is very good at hiding it. }

It sounds like you will have a vibrant future! { His eyes widen and he finally understands. } You refer to King Ælla? He lived a thousand years before I was born! That might mean you are one of my ancestors, hm?

[storradr]

Ah. Where I am from there is not penalty for killing a slave. The body would simply be put to pyre.

[He pauses. Of all the time he's spent here, he'd never actually had a number to put to the gap of time between his own and those who were obviously from the future. Little did he know, most of the people he'd met were from even further in the future than Vincent was. No wonder the world was so different.]

A thousand years? Uh... [He tried to force himself to focus on the question Vincent asked him and not dwell too long on just how much time that was.] It... is always possible. But I am sure that I have no children by Saxon women. I have been told my sons also raided in England, so, as I have said, it is always a possibility. And Rollo, my brother, also raided with me... which makes it even more of a possibility.