“I think I would like to hunt that way one of these days. I am not as loud as some,” Reis said with a smile. “I can get you some of those dogs, if you'd like.” Of course, they wouldn't be able to come and go like they did on their island. “Or something close to it, if it would seem more like home to you. There's plenty of forest to hunt within, the game is just different from what you're used to, I'm sure. You don't need to be quiet for boar. As aggressive as they are, they will challenge you. Some people hunt them by themselves. I do not. I prefer the smaller game, mostly just sport. I have some hunting dogs, but they don't live here. They stay with their trainer and I schedule a hunt every now and then. I don't have the time-” or the desire, “to take them out as often as they would need.”<br/><br/>Reis was washing his hands, finishing up with his aviary when Ezra asked his next question.<br/><br/>“Oh, the invitations are letters sent out to other highborn nobles requesting their presence. Mostly so we can get together and flaunt our wealth. They like my.. eclectic collection. Belmir has a pretty intricate social system. Whole manner of etiquette and what is expected. Some people teach their asha the 'proper' way of things. You won't have to worry about any of that though. You behave as you will.” Without realizing it he'd given permission for Ezra to do whatever he wanted.<br/><br/>“They all know not to reprimand or discipline anything of mine, nor are you required to perform any tricks they may request.” He shrugged. That was where he'd drawn the line. They could observe. They couldn't go beyond that. He held himself to very near the same standard, mostly observing. Ezra, and some of the other creatures required a little more socializing than just that but they were not required to perform at the whim of other nobles.<br/><br/>“It will probably not be any other family. Just acquaintances.” Reis didn't even really most of them but this was part of his social obligation.<br/><br/>“Sometimes they bring other asha.” Not that he was sure that would be a good idea considering how the last time that had gone. If Ezra did make friends with something he'd put an offer in on them but he wasn't counting on it. They finished up and Reis handed Ezra over to Horvath for a walk around the estate grounds, though not into the forest just yet. The big fellow's position had been explained and Ezra could make reasonable requests, like going outside or tending to his garden without the presence of Reis. He was still made to sleep inside, allowed in Reis' bedroom.<br/><br/>He had a single person bed brought, stuffed with soft down. Warm. Comfortable. He had a hard time getting Ezra to actually sleep in it. He'd set it in a private corner of his bedroom in a hope to give the asha his own space. Ezra would toss and turn and then try to sneak into his bed. One night he hadn't noticed, another he was too tired to do anything about it, but most of the time he made Ezra go back to his own bed, where he slept fitfully. One night he heard Ezra moving the wood frame but Reis didn't say anything. He himself was too tired. He had a hard enough time with someone sharing his rarely intruded upon space. Closer, that seemed to be suitable for the Asha. Reis decided it was the best compromise he was going to get.<br/><br/>Andras wasn't given much opportunity to harass anyone. Ezra was kept out of reach and he wasn't stupid enough to be tempted by his cousin. Ita kept busy and Yhet kept an eye on her. Nothing else in his household seemed to hold Andras' attention and Reis hoped he was bored. Now that he started planning the party he was obligated to finish.<br/><br/>Reis mostly went about his usual habit. He cared for his animals and every once in a while took something out of his stable for an evening stroll. Ezra was allowed to come along, encouraged especially when he had to be outside. Horvath settled into his position and his new freedom and they worked with Hildy to make him more comfortable. Ezra's wounds healed with minimal scarring but the marks were still a reminder what Andras had done.<br/><br/>During the time inside, Reis spend a lot of time teaching Ezra all that he wanted to know. He was far more intelligent than he could have ever hoped for, and even knowing this, Ezra still surprised him regularly. The strict line Reis had drawn between them was harder to maintain. He knew how he should act but it was difficult with Ezra, who was always so eager and open. Reis knew what he looked like. He was a man with needs, only he rarely acted upon them. He wasn't even allowed to consider such possibilities with a pet; something he<i>owned</i>. Any thoughts he had were pushed aside. Blamed on proximity. He tried not to get into arguments with Ezra because even his own protests were starting to sound flat in his ears. Ezra wasn't incapable of making his own decisions yet Reis didn't want to make a hypocrite of himself.<br/><br/>Reis had brought a man home one evening. It had to be his home. He couldn't stand the thought of sleeping with anyone at an unfamiliar inn, even if it would have been easier. This put Ezra out for the evening despite the man wanting to allow him to join in. Reis was clear that would not be an option that night. He sent Ezra to say with Horvath. The fellow had few options at all. Reis made all the decisions down to the way he'd fuck, or be fucked. Andras teased him the next morning, after the stranger had gone, about how his sex should come with an instruction manual. Reis wouldn't talk of it and the face was soon forgotten. He didn't usually see any of them again. It was just an itch he needed to scratch a few times a year.<br/><br/>With the stress of the upcoming event, it at least provided a distraction. Andras had plenty to keep himself busy, and of course, he tried to get Ezra to help assist with the decorating. A second cook was brought in, much to Yhet's displeasure. He didn't want to do it all himself but he didn't like someone taking over his kitchen. Andras complained often of the cooking, Yhet often incorporating his foreign spices that Reis had grown used to. Musicians showed, as well as more staff to carry out Andras' orders. They would stay through the party to help serve. No expense was spared and Reis was relieved he didn't have to fool with planning it. He simply had to play host when the day arrived.<br/><br/>Reis had an outfit tailored for himself; a fine midnight blue jacket with intricate lacing up the middle, sides, and sleeves, off white shirt beneath, trousers, and dark brown laced boots. It wrapped around all the severe lines of his body, making a striking silhouette. A tunic and soft woolen trousers were designed for Ezra, Reis insisting that he remain dressed even if others did not expect the same of their asha. Nobility arrived dressed in similar fashions but their own pets were presented much more lasciviously. Andras stood beside him, dressed in pale ivory, and greeted those as they arrived. They were there only for a few moments before being offered wine.<br/><br/>Reis could only take all the greetings in small doses, slipping off to tend to other things and leaving part of the hosting job to Andras. He checked to make sure Yhet hadn't trussed the temporary cook and then went in search of Ezra.