[It is uncommon, and Julian's not expecting it at all, otherwise he'd be, well, there. He's wrapped up in his own thoughts and his own work on the garden. In fact, he's pretty deep into it now, surrounded by bushes and crouching, his tail occasionally twitching behind him, swishing to and fro lightly.
But he jolts like he just got an electric shock as he hears the bell ringing and he hears Auger's voice and he hits his head on a low-laying branch as he jumps to his feet. Ah. Ouch. Hastily and ungracefully (fearing punishment more than he fears showing up unkempt), he hurries his way out of the depths of the garden before he reaches the cabin and the prince, trying not to gasp for breath.
[ rest assured that Auger is gleefully counting the seconds until Julian appears and setting some arbitrary time limit for him as he stands there. He'd troubled himself to come all the way out here to speak with garbage; he might as well entertain himself in the meantime. But, fortunately, he arrives before the prince's patience turns to caprice. All the better, really - there's a certain balance that needs to be struck when it comes to dealing with Julian. Not too much pain at once. And never too much praise - that's a given. In reality, Julian's continued existence here really means very little to the kingdom, as far as the twins' rule is concerned; in Auger's world, though, maintaining his mental condition is an important source of entertainment. ]
Ooh, not bad! You ran over here pretty fast this time. You know, I think this gardening business is good for you. Your body's gotten a lot stronger than before... Mm, this is just the kind of position you belong in, isn't it, Julian? [ he walks over with his usual air of casual superiority, coming just close enough to intimidate. ]
[Julian is still trying to catch his breath, disguising it as best he can lest he somehow breathe too loud or anger Auger or... Well. He gradually calms from his mad dash, and his ears twitch uncertainly as Auger approaches. His shoulders fall and his posture curls just slightly.]
That's, well... [He isn't sure if he's being complimented or praised or if he should eagerly latch onto the words...] I'm grateful, of course, to be allowed to work this way...
[ lucky Julian - that answer seems acceptable enough for Auger. He crosses his arms, tilts his head, and seems to consider Julian for a heartbeat or two. ]
You're a lucky cat! But... working day after day in this big garden by yourself... I bet it gets kind of lonely. Am I wrong?
[Julian tries not to fidget or anything as Auger looks at him like that, a more vicious nervousness starting to gnaw at the very core of him...]
L...onely? [Of course it's lonely. How long has it been since he's communicated with other people besides his half-siblings? And even then, communicated is sort of...]
I'm not certain... I haven't paid too much attention to that before.
[ are you saying their communications aren't fulfilling and heartwarming??? clearly he and mejojo have to try a little harder...!!! ]
Aw, come on, Julian! You don't have to lie to me, [ Auger says in a playful voice, talking to him like they really are just brothers. The lie is thick enough to be disgusting, but clearly, he doesn't care. ] You can tell friendly Auger anything! It's okay, it's okay. I understand. I bet you wish you had someone to join you up here. A friend. Or a woman, maybe?
Eh-- [He blushes almost immediately, startled, his ears flicking back. Behind him, the fur of his tail fuzzes right up.] No, I don't... I haven't, really... That would be improper. [And also not his place. He doesn't really deserve companionship, and.
Ahaha! You got all fluffed up! What kind of lewd things are you thinking about, Julian?
[ Auger laughs a bit, shaking his head. ]
You're worse than me. Well, you better not try anything like that, or you'll be in big trouble! Brother's bringing a very special little lady home to this garden soon.
That's right! Did you not hear me? You should get those black ears checked, [ he coos rather mockingly, leering. Ah, but he needs to stop. He does actually have some important business to get to. ]
We're bringing Fiona Garland here from Scharlemessen in a day or two.
[Said black ears flick and pin back to hair for a brief moment, Julian squirming in discomfort and unease.] I apologise, [it's perfunctory, hardwired into him.
But that name...]
Are she and Mejojo... to be betrothed? [Though, why on earth bring her to his garden?]
[ his apology is essentially ignored, even if it makes Auger smile a little. What a pathetic man he is... Well, that's his fault, isn't it? And he doesn't feel bad about it. ]
More or less. She doesn't know it yet, though. Silly girl. If her father wasn't such a stick in the mud, these things wouldn't happen... [ he trails off, then clicks his tongue before moving over to place a hand on Julian's shoulder. Casual. Like they're friends. ] But I'm rambling! You don't need to know too much. What you do need to know is what you've got to do.
[Some part of Julian quietly encourages the poor girl's father, but most of him just nods in agreement with Auger. As he should. It also takes everything he has not to flinch as Auger's hand falls on his shoulder...]
Ah... yes, of course. What is it that I have to do?
Brother and I are giving you a special job, Julian. You're going to take care of her up here in this garden. After all, you're special. The maids are always gossiping and sticking their noses where they don't belong, but you...
[ he taps his claws against the straps of Julian's suspenders, idly, smiling sweetly. ]
You'll be a good boy and listen to my words exactly, won't you?
[A cold chill of fear, dread, crawls down Julian's back, and he can feel the fur of his tail threatening to stand up.]
I will... Of course I will. [There's a small maddened look that comes into his eyes, just for an instant, when he hears that good boy, even if it's not praise quite yet.]
Of course you will, [ repeats Auger agreeably, nodding his head with a big grin. Julian really is the best choice - but he should be the most fun one, too. After all, he and Fiona have plenty in common. Maybe they'll become friends. Now, wouldn't that be fun?
In any case, he releases the black cat, stepping off in front of him once more with a small flourish. ]
She's a nice girl, so I'm sure you'll get along great! In fact, she might even tell you things she wouldn't tell me or brother. If that happens, make sure you pass it on to me, too.
[Julian exhales slowly, watching Auger as he continues speaking. Ah... So he wants for Julian to spy on the poor girl. Ingrained instinct has him nodding even before he speaks.]
I understand. I'll be certain to do that.
[--even if the thought of doing as such makes his chest hurt, it truly does, a sympathy for this girl who he's never met. She probably doesn't even realise.]
[Julian is currently suffering from much ??? confusion rn because this is something Auger knows, isn't it? But he feels as though doing anything but obediently answering will be a poor idea, so he doesn't question him.]
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LMFao sobs
But he jolts like he just got an electric shock as he hears the bell ringing and he hears Auger's voice and he hits his head on a low-laying branch as he jumps to his feet. Ah. Ouch. Hastily and ungracefully (fearing punishment more than he fears showing up unkempt), he hurries his way out of the depths of the garden before he reaches the cabin and the prince, trying not to gasp for breath.
And he succeeds! Mostly.]
I'm very sorry...to keep you waiting, Auger...
too precious for this world
Ooh, not bad! You ran over here pretty fast this time. You know, I think this gardening business is good for you. Your body's gotten a lot stronger than before... Mm, this is just the kind of position you belong in, isn't it, Julian? [ he walks over with his usual air of casual superiority, coming just close enough to intimidate. ]
and yet here we are
That's, well... [He isn't sure if he's being complimented or praised or if he should eagerly latch onto the words...] I'm grateful, of course, to be allowed to work this way...
[He inclines his head.]
lays down and contemplates life decisions
[ lucky Julian - that answer seems acceptable enough for Auger. He crosses his arms, tilts his head, and seems to consider Julian for a heartbeat or two. ]
You're a lucky cat! But... working day after day in this big garden by yourself... I bet it gets kind of lonely. Am I wrong?
no subject
L...onely? [Of course it's lonely. How long has it been since he's communicated with other people besides his half-siblings? And even then, communicated is sort of...]
I'm not certain... I haven't paid too much attention to that before.
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Aw, come on, Julian! You don't have to lie to me, [ Auger says in a playful voice, talking to him like they really are just brothers. The lie is thick enough to be disgusting, but clearly, he doesn't care. ] You can tell friendly Auger anything! It's okay, it's okay. I understand. I bet you wish you had someone to join you up here. A friend. Or a woman, maybe?
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Eh-- [He blushes almost immediately, startled, his ears flicking back. Behind him, the fur of his tail fuzzes right up.] No, I don't... I haven't, really... That would be improper. [And also not his place. He doesn't really deserve companionship, and.
He can't really wish this cage on anyone else.]
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[ Auger laughs a bit, shaking his head. ]
You're worse than me. Well, you better not try anything like that, or you'll be in big trouble! Brother's bringing a very special little lady home to this garden soon.
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He... Mejojo is? To this garden?
[But why bring her here, of all places?]
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We're bringing Fiona Garland here from Scharlemessen in a day or two.
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But that name...]
Are she and Mejojo... to be betrothed? [Though, why on earth bring her to his garden?]
no subject
More or less. She doesn't know it yet, though. Silly girl. If her father wasn't such a stick in the mud, these things wouldn't happen... [ he trails off, then clicks his tongue before moving over to place a hand on Julian's shoulder. Casual. Like they're friends. ] But I'm rambling! You don't need to know too much. What you do need to know is what you've got to do.
no subject
Ah... yes, of course. What is it that I have to do?
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[ he taps his claws against the straps of Julian's suspenders, idly, smiling sweetly. ]
You'll be a good boy and listen to my words exactly, won't you?
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I will... Of course I will. [There's a small maddened look that comes into his eyes, just for an instant, when he hears that good boy, even if it's not praise quite yet.]
I'll take care of her, then, for you and Mejojo.
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In any case, he releases the black cat, stepping off in front of him once more with a small flourish. ]
She's a nice girl, so I'm sure you'll get along great! In fact, she might even tell you things she wouldn't tell me or brother. If that happens, make sure you pass it on to me, too.
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I understand. I'll be certain to do that.
[--even if the thought of doing as such makes his chest hurt, it truly does, a sympathy for this girl who he's never met. She probably doesn't even realise.]
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[ honestly, he doesn't need to be with Julian at all for this, but it makes the best impression. ]
You still know where the waterway in this garden is, don't you? You're the gardener, after all.
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Yes, I know.
[An escape. Not that he could escape. Even if he wants to get out, there's no point. There's nothing out there for him.]
Is there something the matter with them...?
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No, nothing's the matter with them. They go all the way to the outside of the castle, right?
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[Julian is currently suffering from much ??? confusion rn because this is something Auger knows, isn't it? But he feels as though doing anything but obediently answering will be a poor idea, so he doesn't question him.]