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[dukes_daughter]

From the woods comes a husky alto voice, bright and enthusiastic, not seeming to mind (as she may have once) that it is not so sweet or pure as is thought pretty in a lady-- or, indeed, of a boy

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[abitofboth]

Childermass is out looking for gifts that, classically, would please fairies. Anything shiny, anything brightly colored. He's been reading, to try and expand the repertoire.

But, to a stranger's eye, he seems to simply be a tall, slightly shady looking fellow out for a walk on the grounds.

[dukes_daughter]

"Good morrow, sir!" calls Ganymede lightly. "Search you for some thing?"

[abitofboth]

He looks up, not startled in the slightest. "Some bright red berries, if there are any near by. Or stones with bits of gypsum to make them sparkle, perhaps."

[dukes_daughter]

"Ah! I shall help you," he says, turning back around at once, to some berries he thinks he saw a bit farther back.

[abitofboth]

He arches his eyebrows, but says, "My thanks."

[dukes_daughter]

"I did see such a berry, I am sure, not so far from here..."

[abitofboth]

He follows, with a bemused expression.

[dukes_daughter]

"Ah! There, sir! Is't right?"

[abitofboth]

He comes over and examines the sprig of berries for a moment, then nods, withdraws a small knife, and removes it to tuck in a pouch. "Those should do, yes. Thank you..." He looks up, and there's something in his eyes that suggests he's pondering more than just Ganymede's name.

[dukes_daughter]

"Ganymede," he offers anyway.

[abitofboth]

"I'm Childermass." After a moment, he smirks, then says, "Well. Besides red berries for me, what are you looking for this day?"

[dukes_daughter]

"Nothing, sir. I but walk, and sing, a bit," he adds with a sheepish grin.

[abitofboth]

"A merry occupation."

[dukes_daughter]

"Ay, sir! For it shall soon be winter, and not so merry."

[abitofboth]

He nods. "Only quiet occupations, then, except for the most adventurous."

[dukes_daughter]

"Ay," he agrees, with a face that suggests these are not his favorite kind of occupation.