Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 19, 2012 14:24:49 GMT -5
She'd nae planned ought save for a small ride on Edeline. She'd done so yesterday and had managed the short trip, nervously but without incident. Even turning Edeline had worked well, and she intended this day to try and turn her more easily and possibly even attempt a trot. Mayhap the mare was getting used to the more skittish rider, but there nae were any problems with mounting, or even leaving the courtyard. Sergeant Lan was by her side, riding his own mount. They were but halfway down the gentle slope though when Lan had stilled and listened.
Only discipline had prevented him from cursing when he'd listened to horses hooves within the distance. Too fast. Nae one would be riding this swiftly 'twards the castle at dusk without a reason. Before the queen could even remark upon any approaching riders, the sergeant's horse was in front of her own and his voice was a roar for her to get back to the castle. He needed her to be in cover of the archers before whomever was bearing down upon them so swiftly would break through and into the cleared area to be able to sight on her.
Obediently she'd started turning the horse, nae with a yank on the reigns but in a slow deliberate measure, while Lan ripped the shortbow from his saddle and sighted on those approaching. She nae knew why he felt ill at ease, but trusted his instincts to warn of danger. Up until the moment she heard a familiar voice.
"Hold Lan, 't is us!"
She recognized the voice that had called out immediately. Dieter. Instead of attempting to turn Edeline one more time she let herself slide out of the saddle and rushed back to see Lan lowering the bow and Dieter aside of Othello helping Cara out of the saddle. She forgot decorum for that one moment, forgot even the possibility of danger that Lan had feared, instead she rushed past the sergeant towards them.
It was Cara's arms she found around her first, and she held on tight, when missing turned into welcoming. It was so good to see them. There were words, few she remembered. Words of welcome, of return, and in the back the insistent voice of Sergeant Lan of them returning to the castle.
And then a memory stirred of long ago. Of Repsol's return after a long assignment for her father. And without a thought, she went down on one knee, to loosen the mud caked spurs, symbol of his knighthood. She'd done such for her brother, a recognition of his honour, and an outward sign of her respect.
It was harder than she remembered to undo the inflexible leather, but with a few tugs she managed to slip it through the buckle. Only when his hands came down on her shoulders to raise her back to her feet did she realize he had stilled. She had been.. content though.. when they finally gave in to Lan's insistence and made their way back to the castle. Cara was by her side, Dieter just a step behind, and like with Hawkmoon's recent request.. hope was kindling within her.
Only discipline had prevented him from cursing when he'd listened to horses hooves within the distance. Too fast. Nae one would be riding this swiftly 'twards the castle at dusk without a reason. Before the queen could even remark upon any approaching riders, the sergeant's horse was in front of her own and his voice was a roar for her to get back to the castle. He needed her to be in cover of the archers before whomever was bearing down upon them so swiftly would break through and into the cleared area to be able to sight on her.
Obediently she'd started turning the horse, nae with a yank on the reigns but in a slow deliberate measure, while Lan ripped the shortbow from his saddle and sighted on those approaching. She nae knew why he felt ill at ease, but trusted his instincts to warn of danger. Up until the moment she heard a familiar voice.
"Hold Lan, 't is us!"
She recognized the voice that had called out immediately. Dieter. Instead of attempting to turn Edeline one more time she let herself slide out of the saddle and rushed back to see Lan lowering the bow and Dieter aside of Othello helping Cara out of the saddle. She forgot decorum for that one moment, forgot even the possibility of danger that Lan had feared, instead she rushed past the sergeant towards them.
It was Cara's arms she found around her first, and she held on tight, when missing turned into welcoming. It was so good to see them. There were words, few she remembered. Words of welcome, of return, and in the back the insistent voice of Sergeant Lan of them returning to the castle.
And then a memory stirred of long ago. Of Repsol's return after a long assignment for her father. And without a thought, she went down on one knee, to loosen the mud caked spurs, symbol of his knighthood. She'd done such for her brother, a recognition of his honour, and an outward sign of her respect.
It was harder than she remembered to undo the inflexible leather, but with a few tugs she managed to slip it through the buckle. Only when his hands came down on her shoulders to raise her back to her feet did she realize he had stilled. She had been.. content though.. when they finally gave in to Lan's insistence and made their way back to the castle. Cara was by her side, Dieter just a step behind, and like with Hawkmoon's recent request.. hope was kindling within her.
