Choosing a Mount

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Her conversation with His Majesty last eve had opened a door for her that she had thought would be closed forever to one of her gender. Though for now she could not take Him up on the offer until the Council saw fit to, and found the time to vote on her application. But that would come in it's own good time.~

~For now she would get on with the process of carrying out the warrent given her by His Majesty. It would be one of great pleasure and not of any trouble at all for her to carry out. Carrying a picture in her mind of what she sought. A gelding of perhaps 3 to 4 yrs of age, broken to saddle but not broken in spirit. Too often when a gelding was broken most of it's spirit was as well.~

~Having chosen a gown of sturdy weave and easy cleanability walked out to the Stables a light shawl about her shoulders. Walking thru to the back past the stalls she made her way to the back rooms. She looked about greeting the different stable lads as she past them at their various duties. Stopping to speak with Perran for a few moments and to give him the coins for his taking care of Kadalyk so well.~

~Moving on she found the Stable Master, having followed Perran's instructions. She saw that he was dealing with some business so stayed out of his line of sight until he had finished and then approached Him. For a moment he wore a shocked look upon his face as she introduced herself, but soon she had him at his ease as she explained her mission. They spoke about what stock was availble and the extent of the training and levels of the same for each age group~

~She made an appointment to meet with Him on the morrow to ride out to the range where the younger animals were kept for training along with the brood stock. Until then she would mull over what she had been told by the Stable Master on the qualities of the animals she would find and how they would fit into her idea of what she was looking for~

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~she was doubly glad now that Milord Roland had asked to join her on her ride out to the horse ranges after her conversation with the King this evening. Having found that it was His preference that no Lady or Lord of non Military rank leave the area of view of the ramparts with out escort. And the Ranges were definately out of view. Although the stricture rankled she did not wish to displeasure His Majesty by disobeying. He had been so kind to her that the thought to do so was abhorrent.~

~She had made arrangements with Cook for a midday meal to be available for them and that it would be packed in Kadalyk's saddle bags. That of course had been its usual banter. Thinking on how she had left the King and Milord Moonmist in quiet discussion while she had bearded Cook in His den.~

~Slipping thru the door she found Cook going over menus for tomorrows meals she stood patiently by not disturbing him until he had things organized the way he wished. She then caught His eye and and with a feined putout expression he demanded to know what it was she wanted of him this time. Andrea went into her act. Telling him what a great Chef He was, how talented and that he would be wanted at any of the known world's finest Palaces and how lucky those of Windstorm were to have Him here all to themselves. ~

~She laid it on thickly playing this game that both enjoyed. Then she came to the point, lowering her head slighly her hands clasped behind her back, looking for all the world as a child begging a treat~ Cook?? Mayhap could ye see fit ta have a small travel meal made up as Milord Roland and I t'will be going out ta the horse ranges before midday meal and I would nae wish Milord ta miss Ye repast since ye put such planning inta 't~looking up at him thru her thick dark lashes.~

~On Cook's part she stood there contrite, hands clasped behind her back shining sable tressed head slightly bowed, listening to Him tell how much he is put upon by pantry raiding Sea Captains and midnight delving Knights and that he now even has to be bothered by a mere slip of a girl who wants picnic meals. She begins to argue this point but he halts her by saying that a few extra meals wouldn't do her any harm, at which she rolls her eyes secretively but uses this to her advantage~ If that be the case Cook, mayhap ye could add an extra tart or two? ~knowing that Milord Roland had a penchant for them. When Cook finally doggedly agreed she joyously thanked him and planted a sweetly chasted kiss upon His weathered cheek and scurried from his domain.~

~She had came hurrying out of the door from the kitchen before Cook could change his mind.~ Whew. That t'was fun ~chuckling, knowing He had enjoyed it as much as she did.~

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Coming down the stairs already dressed for riding not wanting to be late for her appointment later this morning, she reached the bottom went and hung the cloak that had been laying over her arm on a peg next to the outer door to the courtyard and tucked her kid leather gloves to hang over her girdle. She then turned back and headed toward the Great Hall. Just then a messenger came up and handed her a missive. Glancing at the impressive seal she broke it and open it to read,

Milady Andrea,

It is with regret that I must cancel my appointment with You this day Unexpected matters have arisen that must take precedence I beg your indulgence and remain
Your Humble Servant
Roland De Saxe

~Thanking the servant Andrea gave Him a small silver coin and went about her business. Entering the Great Hall and taking a seat at the writing desk, she first sent a message to the Guardhouse addressed to The Captain of the Guard, asking if it would be possible for the presence of a single escort to the ranges to be ready when the sun was half past 10 this morn.~

~Her second scroll was sent to the Stables asking that Kadalyk be saddled and ready to ride by half past 10 as well as a Mount for an Escort who's name would be sent by the Captain of the Guard.~

~she thought for a moment about the travel meal Cook would have prepared and realized that nothing there would need to be changed as any escort would need to eat so that was not a problem. Finally she set about to answer Milord Roland's missive. In a clear neat hand she wrote,

Milord Roland
I heartly understand that ve be nae Masters of Fate and that at times can nae control vhat occurs Mayhap soon another chance vill be afforded that vill permit our outting together
Vith great respect
Lady Andrea Monroe

~With that done, and having sent each missive to it's respective destination, she waited for an answer from Lord Hawkmoon. Tidied up the desk and made for the kitchen~

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~she had soon received word back and was informed that Sgt. Samuel would again be escorting her and that He would meet her at the stables at the appointed time. She finished up a few last minute details and went to keep her appointment~

~The trip to the Ranges had been uneventful and they had arrived and the Dealing with Stable Master Paul had been progressing well when a distant cry was heard and was joined by Milord Roland as it came to pass that he had been able to come after all after a short delay.~

~After looking over what was available among the geldings and there was indeed a fine choice to choose from for what she was looking for she chose a roan of 12-13 hands tall, it was strongly muscled and long legged. It had sound wind and was the right age . She examined it thouroughly and it only had the one item that none of the others had show. A streak of spirit that had survived his training. She made arrangements with GoodMan Paul to have the animal brought to the castle within the next few days.~

~After carrying out her warrent for His Majesty, she turned her attention to Milord Roland who had been so patient as she finished her business. As the Stallions she had asked Master Paul to have ready were brought to the corral she could immediately see a contender, and one glance to Milord tolder that she had not choosen wrongly. It was a fabulous animal, Jet black with a blaze of white on its forehead. It bullied all the other stallions and they gave way to him.~

~Thinking that this may be a problem at the Castle stables since it was well known that Merlin held sway over all, she questioned the Stable Master while Milord and the steed bonded and was relieved to find out that Moonstar had been sired by that very horse and had been in His company for the first two years of His life. So there would be no problem with Him again coming under His sire's domain once more.~

~Final arrangements were made and the trip back to the Castle commenced. Except for the period that they first re-entered the woods and had felt as if they had been watched the trip was as uneventful as had the trip this morning.~

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Having recieved a missive from Stable Master Paul, she came down the stairs hurriedly her cloak about her, slipped out the doors of the Castle and made her way to the Stables. Andrea arrived breathlessly as she had not wanted anything to slip about the new mount she had brought to the Stable except for the fact that She had another mount. Eyes sparking brightly as they caught sight of both the roan gelding and the jet black stallion. Calling Perran to her side she asked him If there was a stall near Kadalyk for the roan and if so would He please arrange for the gelding to be placed there. The lad said that there was indeed stall space for him and he would see to her wishes. Grinning she said that when he had free time she would appreciate his helping with the young animal's training and if he would to come up with a fine name to give him. His eyes grew round and bright at this and he hurried off to ready the stall for the animal.~

~Watching as Perran moves off to do as she asked, she turned to the Stable Master. ~ All t'is as I asked Master Paul? ~As he gives his affirmative answer and a amused wink to her inquiry she chuckles~ T'will be a grand surprise when it comes. I thank ye for all yer help and co-operation in this matter. ~She spoke at length with Master Paul as to Perrans duties as well as to the times he had study with the Ladies Loxley and Beren, Not wishing to interfer with the lessons that they give him ~

~Talk then turns to Milord Roland's new Mount. Master Paul telling Andrea that stall space had been chosen with the War horses but first He was going to put Moonstar and Merlin out in the paddock together so that Moonstar would once again understand his place under his sire. Nodding at this wise decision knowing that it must be done She watched as Moonstar was turned loose inside the small fenced in area. Andrea watches as Merlin is then turned out from the Stable, the two high strung animals dance and circle each other, then each raises up on it's rear legs pawing at the air issuing challenges to the other, But at some point Merlin more experienced in these rituals, steps in and grabs at Moonstars throat just under his head with his teeth and holds there. Quickly all resistance and fight drops as Moonstar learns that He will not be the King here. He gives the signal of surrender as the fight leaves his stance and he submits to Merlin.~

~Merlin takes the homage due him from Moonstar as Leader of the Herd here at the Castle, the two animals are gathered up by the stable lads and walked to cool down, they both are groomed and watered all within sight of each other until finally they are both led to their respective stalls. She checks to make sure that neither animal is injured from the altercation and is relieved to find that apart from what would naturally occure from such displays and is inevitable, that no harm has come to either. She graciously thanks Master Paul for his indulgence and his aid to her she then takes from the purse on her belt, and hands over 15 gold coins to cover the cost of the roan, feed and equipmant to keep his books balanced say what ever was extra if there was, should be put towards Kadalyks feed bill. Getting a receipt from him in hand she places that in her purse to give to the King. ~#nosmileys

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~As usual, Andrea could be found down at the stables. Today though she had been working with the roan by herself as Perran was off with other studies, and those were more important she felt for him. Besides he had been spending a lot of his free time with the animal after all else was done. She knew this because on her solitary walks in the evening when all the others were busy with their own personal pursuits she would look in at the stables, not letting herself be seen, and had watched the lad as he worked with the gelding. These observations also let her know where more work was needed with him at the next session.~

~While she stood in the center of the paddock the arabian anglo bred roan circled around her on a long lead that led from her hand to his bridle. Using no whip for she didn't believe in training with one, she used hand signals to let the animal know what she wanted from it. If at first it refused to accomplish a feat, she would then just drop the lead and turn her back on it. For a few moments it would relish its independance from the routine, but then would come over and nudge either her or Perran's shoulder, wanting attention. They're continued ignoring of him would increase the nudging until she would signal to Perran that training would continue. When again the signal for the feat was given again, the animal would normally accomplish it. Bringing down heaps of praise and a treat of dried apples from the bag slung across Andrea's body from shoulder to hip.~

~Lifting her free hand subtlely up close to her body, giving it a flick of her wrist with only her first two fingers upright, the sennia colored horse went from a walk to prancing about. If one had just come upon the scene, they would have thought that it was balking and fighting the Lady. But with another change of her hand motion, this time her hand coming horizontal, the motion was reversed and the prancing immediately stopped and the horse resumed a sedate pace about her.~

The next signal she practiced was to bring her middle fingertip and thumb together creating a circle, twising her wrist. The gelding reared up, pawing at the air and spinning around on it's hind legs and giving out with wild neighing. Then giving the stop signal it came down on all fours again, stomping against the ground and with soft words she calmed it. She tried this several different times, having her hands in different positions about her body including from behind her back when it faced the horse. Each time this signal given the same reaction occured. Finally she set about finishing up the session, running thru the new and the old signals one last time. Never in the same order, to keep the training fresh.~

She then took the horse back to the stables, first cooling him down and then giving him a soothing grooming, checking over his hooves and cleaning out the mud from around his shoes. She then placed the roan in his stall, checked his oats bucket and the condition of the feed in his trough, nodding quite pleased with the quality of it and brought a fresh bucket of water for his stall. It would not be too much longer before the horse would be ready to be presented to the King.~

[roland]

The day started out wonderfull I was so looking forward to taking a short trip with Lady Andrea. Then the best made plans of mice and men soon go stray. This is exactly what happened to me. I awoke early to take a dip in the hot springs aso as to nae give the lady a bad impression of me from down wind...LOL. Then I started back to the castle when a servent came to me as said I was urgently needed in town. I thanked him and asked if would deliver a message to Lady Andrea that I would not be able to go for our ride to look at horses then went straight to town to see what the problem might be.

[roland]

As I entered town the tavern keeper approached me and asked if I were truely a friend of Lord Sinold. I told him that I was very close friends with him near brothers. He told me that there had been some trouble in town lately that my friend had been in. It seems a young lady Sinold knew had been treated most greviously by one of the sailors off a boat that was now in port. Sinold had somehow found out about the incident and had taken upon himself to instruct the man in the proper way to treat woman. Sinold had near beat the man within and inch of his life and taken him back to the castle to be judged by the King.

[roland]

This distrested me greatly but at the time there was nothing I could do excpt wait for the King to announce what his verdict was and the punishment. Judging the time I figured that the Lady Andrea had already left for the horse trader. I went back to the caslte and asked the man incharge of the stables when she had left. he told me that she had left some time ago but that if I had a fast horse and followed his directions to a short cut that I might be able to catch up with her. I asked hi about a fast horse, which I was in luck that he had. I was to take to the woods near the castle and then over a bridge then there would e a fork in the road to the right which I was to take. At the next crossroads I would be able to see the horse traders farm from there. I did not see Lady Andrea at first but saw someone in the distance. I shouted as loud as I could and road as fast as the steed would take me.

[roland]

As I approached Lady Andrea and a Sgt. from the castle came into view. Lady Andrea called out and i road to her and jumped off my near exhausted steed and called for a stable hand to come and walk him and cool him down. The Lady Andrea was entering the paddock much to my shock over the railing and walking up to a beautiful roan. I jumped the rail and went after her. My Lady it is danerous fr you to be in the paddock and jumping the fence like that. She just smiled and went about looking over the horse. As i stood and watched her I realized what a good judge of horses she was and the she knew her way around the animals as best as anyone could. As I was waiting for her to finish what she was doing I spotted a Hugh Black stallion in another paddock. He was magnificant animal all black with a white star on his forehead. As Lady Andrea saw what I was looking at and went into the paddock where he was...I yelled woman are you trying to get killed?? Please I can handle the brute...As stepped into the paddock I slowly approached the steed talking softly to him. As I drew closer to him he started stamping his hoofs and the llady Andrea was there a step or two behind me watching. I held out my hand for him to smell then started to rub the side of his neck.

[roland]

Lady Andrea was pleased i think the way the stallion and I were getting on and let us do some bonding and she stepped out of paddock. Later Lady Andrea and i talked. I asked her what the animal's name was. She told me that the owner had called him Moonstar. I thought the name suited him well and have decided to keep it. The hour was getting late and I needed to be back for gaurd duty. I knew the Lady Andrea would be safe in the company of the castle Sgt. and said my fairwells and headed back to the castle. I hope that the chance wil come again for us to be together I would love to get to know her better.

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

"Perran......Perran." ~The lilting accented voice called to him. Perran looked up from his work trying to find Lady Andrea, but she was not anywhere in sight. He could hear her but couldn't see her. Glancing around the only female around was a maid of the village leaning against the paddock, her chin resting on her folded arms on the top rail. Then he took a hard look at her and she turned sea blue eyes and a bright smile on him and suddenly he could see that indeed she was the Lady he sought.~

~She straightened up and walked over to him, his jaw having dropped about a foot when he fully took in her appearance. Today there was no well made sturdy riding habit and Russian furlined boots jingling with her rounded ball spurs. Today she looked like any other woman of the village, in home spun and linen. There was even a mark of soot upon her forehead near the scarf that covered her hair completely. With a grin she brought two fingers gently under his chin and lifted it up saying.~ "Ye keep ye mouth like that and the flies will be thinking they hae found a new home. Did ye think I t'would be doing spring cleaning in silks and satins?" ~laughing~ "I just dropped by to tell ye that the roan needs to have new shoes put on. Would ye see to that being done whilst I be helping out with the spring cleaning in the Castle? It may be a while before that job be done, even with all the help brought in from town. Da?"

"Aye, M'lady I's be seein' to 'ts fer sure. Ohh, I thoughts up a name fer him. It be Sienna, fer he be like that color for true." ~He spoke excitedly and with a huge smile. She return his always bright smile with one of her own, saying.~ "Why Perran, that be an excellent name for him. Ye hae done well. Then that be his name, Sienna. Now I must be getting back to the Castle and ye must be getting back to your duties as well." ~Ruffling his hair,~ "The shoes will wait another few days, but I just wanted ye to know they needed done soon. Now off with ye." Smiling she watches as he runs back to his duties shaking her head as it seems that he has just grown another inch. She turns back towards the castle and her own task of lending her hands whereever they might be needed

Before going back to her work she penned a short missive to the King,~


Ye Majesty,

In a little vhile, after the major portion of spring cleaning has been done, Perran vill be bringing to Ye the roan gelding, Sienna for shoeing. This animal be the one I hae chosen upon ye order for the gift ye vished to present. Ye hae much to be proud of in ye Stable Master. Sienna's basic train was superior. These last few weeks Perran and I have just been smoothing out the rough edges and adding some extra hand signals as vell as a few new vord commands. Though mostly this time has been spent in letting Perran and the mount create a connection vith each other. I hope ye vill be pleased. As alvays I be,

vith all due respect,
Lady Andrea Monroe


~Taking from her small purse, the folded receipt for the horse and folding the missive to the King around it she seals it with plain wax and takes it to His library placing it on his desk, then heads back to where the greatest need for extra hands is needed and joins back in with a happy smile.~

[Perran]

*He beamed..his chest puffed out with pride. She accepted the name he offered for the roan, with no hesitation, he felt as a man for that moment and stood tall. He could even write the word and read it, for he had practised, but did not tell her for fear of her thinking him a brag.

She looked funny and he wanted to laugh, but stood his ground and understood as she spoke of cleaning. He nodded and would enjoy helping to shoe the horse. He knew he would do anything this lady did ask of him, for indeed his young heart was smitten. When she ruffled his hair, he felt his cheeks blush crimson and sensed the other lads would have a field day teasing him for sure.

As he skipped and ran back to the hay, he grinned and kicked his legs out to the side in a triumphant gesture, only to fall flat on his backside. In one swift motion he stood and glanced over his shoulder before running again.....praying she did not witness such childish behaviour and vowing never to try that trick again.*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

((ATTN: Kingly One))

~After all the hustle and bustle of spring cleaning had ended, the change and decorating of her own new permanent chambers and the highly successful greatly looked forward to shopping expedition with the other Ladies of Windstorm. It was time to get back to the everyday duties of training Sienna with Perran. The lad had done a great job at keeping up on the work he was doing with Sienna. And now as she watched him go thru the routine he had set for himself and for the mount the two now worked together as one. Just as she had hoped. ~

~Oh he had come to her with questions and even very good suggestions about how parts of the training should go. These they talked thru and tho she led him just a bit in the proper direction, she let him follow his head and work thru his own plans finding the flaws, correcting them with alternative ways. She was mesmerized by the quick thinking he had and now Sienna was truely his, if not in true actuallity yet.~

~She also had been taking him out again followed by Corporal Allen back to their practice area with Sienna and Kadalyk so that Perran could practice his now favorite mount and she had also been teaching him a few trick rides much to the chagrin of the Corporal. When he saw Andrea perform the feats first He always seemed to be short of breath by the time she had finished each lesson from holding his breath and waiting for her to be seriously injured. Except for one fall luckily into some very wet mud, no such had happened. And even He had to laugh when she came back up covered in the rich loam and soaking wet, her laughter floating on the air as she shook off the mud. ~

~But today was different. Today She and Perran would be taking Sienna over to the forge with the intent upon new shoes being fitted. She had watched as King Agustin had entered it this morning, and had watched to see if he would leave it anytime soon, but the sound of metal on metal ringing thru the air told her that He would not be. Calling out to Perran,~ "Put a regular halter on Sienna and bring him along we go to the forge now, Da?" ~Perran had hurried to do what she charged and brought Sienna from the paddock shutting the gate behind him. Together the walked to the forge. ~

"The smell of heated iron and the hiss of steam came to their ears and noses. Coming to the wide open doors standing in the bright sun light looking into the dimmer interior Andrea told Perran to wait with Sienna while she ventured inside. Once inside the shadowed interior she let her eyes adjust until she could see His Majesty hard at work enjoying his Hobby. She waited until he noticed her after setting a red hot piece of metal to a bucket of cool water and the steam had stopped its bubbling hiss. Smiling she approached him stepping around the hot bed of coals and staying far away from it speaking softly so Perran could not overhear.~

"Sire I hae brought the horse ye hae me choose for Perran over to be fitted for some new shoes. Sienna be his name. Perran be with him and he nae knows the mount be his yet. I thought mayhaps this be a good time for Ye to present it to Him if ye can spare the time."

[Admin]

~working away in me lil smithery, using it as a way to release tensions from a hard day… when I see the Lady enter me shack. As I place the red hot piece of steel into a bucket of water, the lady approaches and speaks. I remove me leather gloves, dusting off me self of…

“ Ah M’lady.. yes. I have already been over, and took measurements and such for the shoes. They be done and ready for the stable master to attach. * turns and reaches up to a hook and slips off four fresh made shoes. Turning back to the lady… “ here thee are M’lady. I do hope these are what thee expected for the young pony. Now..as for presenting the steed… I would be most pleased to do this right now. Slowly I move around me anvil and walk with the lady to the door.

“ ah..Perran… I see thee are still helping the Lady with this new pony. Tell me. What do thee think of this horse?