hollow_moon | For Hannibal

His invitation to join him at his cousin Elliot's country estate for the weekend had been genuine, and not long after their dinner together, Hannibal had received a very posh looking card in the mail, with a date, directions, and a list of attire that would be needed for the weekend. From hunting to dinner dress, it was all laid out in beautiful calligraphy, and sealed with the wax seal the Collingwoods had been using for centuries.

The estate itself was grand and sprawling, a massive home centred between immaculate gardens and very dense and lush woods. There was nothing else for miles around, but the estate was never empty. At the moment it was filled with the younger Collingwood men and their guests, for what was intended to be a men's retreat before the coming months of more feminine socials and dinner parties.

Val rarely smoked, but he was currently indulging in his cousin's pipe and imported tobacco as he lounged in the library. They were due to set out shortly to go on their first hunt, but Val had been doing this for so long that he knew there was no rush. No doubt by now second cousin Reginald would be throwing his first of many fits, while Elliot tried to sooth him and calm him down. It was as much a tradition as the rest of the weekend really...

The door opened, and Val smiled as he looked over and saw Dr. Lecter.

"Ah, Hannibal. Avoiding the racket of Cousin Reginald's tantrum?" he asked with a soft laugh.

Threaded | Flat

Hannibal had appreciated the effort that had gone into the invitation. He always enjoyed the older traditions and he was pleased to see the Collingwoods liked to honour them.

He was genuinely looking forward to this weekend. He knew he would enjoy the traditions, he knew he would likely be asked to cook - he would be honoured to do so - and he wanted to know more about the young man who had invited him. Something intrigued him and while he didn't know what it was, he was seldom wrong about these things.

He smiled at the young man's words. "You caught me. His enthusiasm is commendable, but he might want to learn to channel it. Though not even that can bring me to smoke. I didn't know you did."

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