Comforting Actions for Rueben Slade

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( meal ) : one muse makes the other a warm meal to make them feel better.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @missshaw

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

There was not a great deal that could truly force Slade in an emotional state of upset where fear and worry was concerned. These emotions were reserved for those he was incredibly close to and often occurred in extreme circumstances. Today, was such a circumstance. His sister had insisted on joining him for a walk when having to take out Gilberto, and she insisted on traveling a bit further to another park. Clearly, she needed him for a chaperone to meet someone because her affections for Gilly were not that strong.

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Slade did not care who she wished to meet and that was not the issue. The issue arose when was to watch the goat for a brief moment and grew distracted, causing Sir Gilly to break free from his leash. The goat panicked, not seeing Slade or a familiar face around and so did what any animal would naturally do: it ran. Slade could hear Gilly bleating as he bounded through the park, but Slade could only move so quickly with his cane. He did call out the goat's name once or twice, and by the time he had found him . . . it was too late.

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He eyes caught the tragic impact. Gilly had run onto the road in sheer panic, and the carriage driver had not seen him in time. He just barley missed the horses' legs, but was not so lucky with the wheel, for it ran right over Gilly's front leg, the sound piercing the air. Slade's eyes widened in the horror as he felt his heart race. He always cursed the goat but inwardly, loved him. And seeing him get hurt in such a manner, was horrific. Slade rushed to the animal's side as Gilly's cries of pain filled the air. This was one of the moments where one could be assured that Rueben Slade did indeed have a heart for he felt it aching for his four legged companion.

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Slade took off his coat, ever so gently wrapped Gilly in it and scooping him up with one arm. He looked around, his mind attempting to quickly work out his surroundings. As fate would have it, there was a doctor's home not far from here and while he was bringing him an animal, it would have to do under these dire circumstances. He walked by his sister, not even looking at her and bluntly stated the words "Go home." He would not deal with her right now. Instead, he made his way to the Bishop residence, and they had graciously agreed to take a look.

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He did whatever he could to aid the animal, and Slade had not left Gilberto's side. While he remained stoic on the outside, his eyes followed every movement, and knew that it was getting increasingly harder to swallow back the fear of losing the animal. By the time he was done, the good doctor allowed Rueben to remain here so that they could keep an eye on Gilberto before making the journey home.

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Rueben was sitting next to the resting animal, one hand holding the top of his cane, while his other hand gently stroked Gilly to soothe him; a rare moment where Slade was not wearing a glove in a public setting for he wanted Gilly to feel his touch. The nobleman only grew distracted when he heard a woman enter, slowly turning his gaze from the sleeping goat, to her. "He is still sleeping," Slade stated, assuming she had come to check on the animal.

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Bridget finished sewing Helena’s glove when she heard someone in the home. She took a look to see who it may be. 

She a few things about Slade from her father and sister in law. Mysterious. Reserved. Stoic. But instead, he looked weary and worried. Before she asked, he mentioned his goat was sleeping. Poor lad, she thought. 

Bridget stepped out and rushed to the kitchen to see if dinner was ready. Maybe a warm meal will set his mind at ease. She prepared a plate and brought it back to the drawing room, where Slade is sitting with his goat. 

“Mr. Slade?” Bridget returned to the room with a smile. “I brought you a warm meal to bring you comfort.” She places the plate down on the table. “That’s an adorable goat. I hope he’s alright. Does he have any preferences to eat? I can fix something for him as well. What is his name?”

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @missshaw

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade turned his attention back to Gilly, noticing the goat's little tongue peeking out as he slept. The woman explained that she had brought him food to ring him comfort, praising the animal and asking about him. "Thank you," Slade responded and though the words lacked softness, as was natural for him . . . there was a sincerity in them. He knew that these people had no obligation to aid him or Sir Gilly. He had come to a doctor's home for the sake of a goat . . . and they had not turned him away. There was no amount of money that would ever be enough to compensate for all they had done.

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"He eats anything and everything," Slade said, rather fondly toward the creature. "He does like apples a great deal." Really, Sir Gilly would eat anything he could get his mouth on. "His name is Gilberto," Slade said evenly. He knew the name sounded . . . different, and it was not as if he could tell others that his four year old daughter had named him. Despite his protectiveness over the animal, Slade would make an offer, knowing that Gilly -- despite him resting -- would indeed like it. "You may pet him if you desire," Slade offered, moving his hand to the side to allow her the space to and avoid his own hand from touching hers.

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“Everything and anything?” Bridget’s eyes lit up. “And he likes apples? Well, I’ll make sure Gilberto get everything he needs to get back to health.” She gave a gentle pat on the goat’s head before stepping out of the room. 

Bridget checked the kitchen and saw apples on a plate. She’s sure the doctor and Helena wouldn’t mind if she can take a couple of the goat to indulge. She then pours cold milk in a small bowl and brought it back to the room. 

“How is your meal, Mr. Slade?” She kneels to the ailing goal and placed the bowl of milk and cut apples. “Here you go, Gilberto. This will make you feel better in no time.” She gave a smile before rubbing his head one more time. 
Reuben Slade