|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:14 am
In retrospect, Ambroise's answer made sense. In order for a river to descend with much force, it would certainly cut away at the ground it ran over and erode it to the point that it became a waterfall. Rivers weren't things that sprang up out of nowhere, so it should have occurred to Elizabeth that what she was describing would be implausible if not impossible without going to great lengths, lengths that she honestly doubted her ability to pursue. What was the old saying, the mind was willing but the flesh was weak? Even with Ambroise's assistance and escort, she didn't doubt that the journey to such a height would be taxing on her to the point of absolute fatigue, even if she DIDN'T freeze on the way.
That didn't change the fact that it was a keen disappointment, but she was no child to burst into tears because she couldn't' have the moon. To Ambroise, she merely nodded thoughtfully, her expression showing no traces of the disappointment she was feeling. "That makes sense, I suppose that I was being a bit fanciful just now. I think that I'll rephrase my question, then; are there any particular points of interest within the general vicinity that you would recommend to a tourist's attention? The meadows are beautiful, but if there is anything else you would suggest I would really be in your debt."
It went without saying that 'general vicinity' implied easy walking distance, at least to Elizabeth. If she would have felt any initial need to explain that more clearly, Ambroise's behavior thus far had removed that; indeed, he knew better what was and was not reasonable for her than she did, which was both chagrining and gratifying at the same time. Chagrining, because she was used to being able to take care of herself and was reminding herself, if maybe not her companion, of an errant child; gratifying, because it was nice to have someone attentive to HER comfort and entertainment for a change. It averaged out.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:18 pm
He pursed his lips at her next statements and while she had attempted to hide her disappointment the pleasant words hinted at such an emotion. It was bound to happen of course, and given her previous 'giddiness' it would have been difficult to not succumb to such a thing. However when she did enquire as to alternatives he merely smiled faintly. Apparently it was not beneficial for him to trail after her as a portable guidebook. Instead he would have to salvage the situation by taking the lead and becoming something he wasn't really accustomed to - he was going to have to be creative. Spirits knew he wasn't terribly inclined towards being creative and preferred the norm but when needs must...
"As I said yesterday there are many points of interest," Ambroise replied softly, brushing passed the mare and beckoning for her to follow. As unusual as it may have been, he had opted to treat her as though she were one of his 'squires'. He wouldn't inform her of the distance towards their next location, he would merely keep her occupied through other means. He wasn't about to making her do sprint starts and laps across uncertain ground, but he would keep her attention directed towards the ever changing scenary that they moved passed. During the process it was his intention to move up the slope in as 'mild' a motion as possible, if anything it would only feel like a slant.
"So long as you are open to receiving the mountain's majesty you will see them for yourself," his smile deepened slight and he regarded the horizon as though to prove a point. The vast expanse that lay beneath their hooves at this moment in time consisted of meadow for the most part - eventually it would shift between dense woodlands, meandering rivers and then without her even knowing she would find herself on much higher ground.
There was method to his madness though - he intended to show her the desert and on that side of the mountain it was much warmer...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:48 pm
Much as it might have discomfitted Ambroise to 'lead the way', to Elizabeth it seemed only natural and logical to follow the directions of someone who knew the territory. Wandering about on her own was all well and good, but having a local following her around had the somewhat unsettling way of making her feel like she was being tested or monitored. Naturally that was not the case, but she was immensely relieved when Ambroise took the lead.
"I don't doubt it; so far it seems as though there has been one gorgeous view after another, and I don't doubt that I'll continue to enjoy whatever else we come across. I have to admit, as you have likely already determined, that the majority of my 'knowledge' about the mountains is based on the most commonplace, even stereotypical, beliefs harbored in the lowlands." Hardly a flattering confession, but there was no sense in pretending things were other than the truth. As Ambroise hadn't washed his hands of her yet, she honestly doubted that would push him over the edge!
Having him take point had already inspired a change in Elizabeth's own demaeanor; rather than watching her feet and her surroundings with the intensity of one determined not to fall, she had 'lightened up' and was once again looking around with the more 'carefree' air of...well, of a tourist! Though that attention wasn't focused just on the landscape; the smile on Ambroise's face hadn't escaped her notice, and that in turn made her smile as she reflected on the power of home and attachment to sway even the most stoic of personalities. Everyone had some secret soft spot, it would seem; one just had to learn about their companions to know how to trigger it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:09 pm
Everyone had to start somewhere and stereotyping was generally what the majority were supported by. There was a reason that travel was often said to 'broaden ones horizons' and it was intended to either prove or disprove particular stereotypes. Needless to say, Ambroise sincerely hoped that whatever stereotypes existed were good ones and all the 'vile' references to his home had been tossed aside. The spirits knew he loathed the lowlands and their behaviour, to have them insult his home would probably nudge him into the regions of complete prejudice. Oddly enough 'prejudice' was not something foreign to his herd as it had been that very thing that had nearly prevented the love between his parents from blossoming.
However, his own musings were digressing and he quickly recovered his composure. The smile was gone and had been firmly replaced by his usual expression. Intent on locating one of the more accessible waterfalls, he had little reason to disturb the mare. She seemed happy enough to admire her surroundings and now that she had no need to be wary of her own safety she had returned to that much more relaxed mare. She'd never been aware of his glances but he would have been incliend to call her out if she ever referred to herself as stiff and 'proper'.
...Deep down, that mare may have been proper but she was far from stiff.
Nevertheless he progressed with ease across the slopes and opted to ignore the sun as it swept across his back. By midday the thundering water could be heard nearby and if one looked down towards the lowlands again it was evident they had climbed a considerable distance. She'd wanted to see the more 'dramatic' displays and he had done so, he'd merely had to move her up the mountain without her realising it and permitting the fatigue to get to her legs.
Now if she saw fit she could dart across the meadow and after a canter she would find herself face to face with a very large river. It was definitely not one that could be crossed at these parts given that the rapids and jagged rocks were far from forgiving...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:31 pm
In all actuality, Elizabeth herself was nothing if not positive about the mountain regions. Her information might have been a bit on the side of cliche, but its source had been a friend who was extremely fond of the northern reaches, specifically for the coldness and purity of the water up there. Zaphiro certainly did love to swim, though why he had to freeze himself in order to enjoy it...ah well.
Still, Zaphiro's flights took him to some of the more isolated and barren reaches, regions where there was nothing much more than rock and wind and the occasional pond or river. Having never been in the more hospitable mountain meadows, his information was naturally lacking on THAT subject. But he had told her of the beauty of the views, reminding her yet again of how nice it would be to have wings. But such was not the way she had been made, and she could accept that fact. She had been blessed with sound legs and her horn; the power to heal was even more wonderous than the power to fly, in her opinion, because it brought good to more than just herself.
But anyway, if asked she would have been quick to attest to the good feeling behind her information. The lowlands had their unpleasant types, but to condemn an entire region because of the actions of a few was something she couldn't understand. Being unfamiliar with his reasoning, she just knew what he had mentioned before, that he didn't care for it; as far as she herself had seen, that dislike could very well have been based on his extreme affection for the mountains!
Those same mountains had proved a delightful distraction during the walk, the sight of sun glinting on far-off peaks, spreading shadows, and the occassional glimmers of something (river? Lake? Who knew?) that would momentarily appear while she looked towards it, only to vanish as she tried to focus on it...time passed quickly, and she hadn't even realized they were climbing until they came to the meadow and happened to glance back the way they'd come. Pausing in her surprise, she looked down the slope, looking down, down, down at the green blanket of the forest. It was amazing, honestly amazing...
After a moment of reflection, the roaring of the river came to her attention as well, stirring her from reflection to curiousity. Glancing at Ambroise in silent interrogation, she quickly moved past him, heading towards the source of the noise. If Ambroise was expecting her to race off again he would be disappointed, but it was certainly no casual stride she was using!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:48 pm
Why'd she looked at him like that? Mares were an absolute puzzle to him sometimes, regardless of their age they always did something that left him arching a brow. Either he was heartless or the most wonderful brother/uncle in the whole wide world. She'd said she'd wanted to see something like this and he had provided her with it, yet she had glanced at him as if he'd done something bad! He was beginning to suspect that he should have probably led her further down the mountains to show her the cute rabbit warrens in the forests, the owl nests in the trees and so forth... Now come on, did she honestly expect him to be that bloody tedious?
He was well aware of how cranky hibernating forest creatures could become and the prospect of lugging her down there to make polite reference to creatures that probably existed in the lowlands was stupid. This was his opinion on it, he was rarely wrong and therefore he was sticking to it. Frankly if she had wanted to see bloody bunny rabbits and cute baby raccoons then she could have kept her lead and he would have trailed along. Of course the immediate results of this would have been that he would revert to the stereotypical male who had been taken close shopping - drifting into his own little world while his conversation consisted of mainly agreeable grunts.
Hardly a gentlemanly thing to do.
However he digressed again and consequently brought himself back to reality with a small snort. Shaking his head, he shifted the strands of hair away from his pale gaze and trundled after the mare, ruffling his wings as a force of habit. These large rivers were not without their merit and were certainly a sight to behold. Even he could appreciate them despite the amount of times he had seen them.
"You did say you wanted a river..." He pointed out quietly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 3:06 pm
Elizabeth hadn't meant much with her glance, merely looking at Ambroise for confirmation that she was, in fact, hearing what she suspected she was hearing. If he was aggreived, that was unfortunate, but at the moment she was quite honestly past caring about how she was being perceived. It was a river, a real, honest to goodness mountain river!
Just like before, she had unconscuiously sped up as she drew nearer to the river, drawing to a halt a few feet from the bank and surveying the sight with undisguised admiration. It was amazing, the power of nature; water could be so gentle and innocuous when it was a puddle on the ground, but here it raced past with strength enough to dash a Soquili to pieces in a matter of minutes! Large rocks stuck up from the water here and there, creating white swirls where the current dashed against them; it was beautiful and powerful, brutal and majestic all at once.
She had just come to a stop when she heard Ambroise words, words uttered in an almost defensively quiet voice. Turning, she gave him a wide, beaming smile, creating a dramatic picture of the pale, elegant mare against the wild backdrop of the river. "I did, and it's lovely! I just had no idea that we'd climbed so far, it really didn't seem like we'd been going up at all! Thank you, this is just...breathtaking."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:11 am
He didn't get females at all - his father deserved a bloody medal for being able to translate the mare's behaviour so well. Perhaps age did bring about some form of wisdom but Ambroise wasn't that young. To this day he still couldn't figure out the females of the herd and often preferred to let others deal with it. If it was extremely important they would seek him out and state it plainly so there was no room for misunderstanding. Needless to say, Elizabeth had pretty much confused the stallion beyond the norm and he could do nothing more than provide her with a very stiff smile when she initially addressed him.
How hard was it to have a normal non-interrogating face?
I mean he had done exactly what she wanted and she'd seemed unhappy about it, now she had a smile large enough to rival the sun in intensity. He simply didn't understand, but did release a soft sigh and provide a curt not in response to her gratitude. Well, he had done his duty according to what was expected of him even if he had run into some confusion and had come to the conclusion that females were never meant to be understood. Why his brothers bothered to pursue such creatures with such enthuasiasm was a complete puzzle to him. Yes they had their moments of beauty but was it really worth it when they left them going 'huh?' every thirty seconds?
"Consider it an old trick," Ambroise merely responded to her musings regarding the distance they had traversed. He wasn't going to explain exactly how it worked or the spell would be broken and it would no longer function correctly. For the time being she need only be distracted and then squeal each time she saw something new. "One that still serves it's purpose even in this day and age..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 7:22 pm
On some things, mares and stallions were simply not meant to see face to face. At least, that was the cliched and stereotypical view embraced by many fatalists of the Soquili world. Having a stallion for a best friend, Elizabeth herself was inclined to be skeptical of so broad a generalization. In fact, if she was being honest with herself in many cases she didn't understand mares, let alone some stallions; a better breakdown would be that there was always bound to be something, some habit or mannerism or quirk about one's self that would confuse or befuddle those around them. Even if those around them were very polite and socially acceptable.
Luckily enough for them both, though, Ambroise's confusion was completely lost on the mare at the moment. Taking his reserve as par for the course with what she'd seen of him so far, she simply bobbed her head in response to his explanation, then turned her attention back to the rushing river. If she had wings or were a more impulsive mare, she could imagine herself leaping out onto one of the large boulders that thrust up out of the water; as things stood, she was instead very content to simply stroll along the bank, watching the rapidly moving water and enjoying the gentle misty feeling of splashing water. It was a very natural, freeing sight and sensation, and she was happy to meander along in half-lidded contemplation.
She really needed to get out into the world more. She had come this realization a long time ago, but her firmly entrenched routine had provided just the excuse she needed to pass. There were just so many negatives out there, after all; rude people, hostile people; lack of food, shelter, friendly faces...she was a smallish mare, hardly a threat to anyone that might consider doing her harm, and it just wasn't meet to expect her friends to put aside their own lives to indulge her in a whim. At the same time, the idea of actual relocation was something she had never and sincerely doubted she ever WOULD consider; she and Cajji were two of a kind, after all; a pair of independent, childless females out on their own in the world. Cajji needed her, and perhaps, to an even greater extent, she needed Cajji.
But in between the support, there was no reason Elizabeth couldn't broaden her horizons. Cajji had her own treks into the wild when she was gathering up supplies for her handiworks; there could be no harm in Liz following that example, as long as she was prudent. No one could accuse her of imprudence in her choice of the Islagiatt for her first foray, though, she reflected with a smile, it might very well be spoiling her for future exploration. Ah well, she would just have to take the future as it came and enjoy the present for what it was!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:22 am
There was something to be said for a stoic and reserved nature at times. If his confusion had been lost beneath it and been taken for typical behaviour then he was grateful. He had no desire to discuss such things, particularly when these topics often led to misunderstandings and discomfort. For the time being he could accept that she was now content with her surroundings and had taken a liking to them. The novelty of it all had gotten to the tourist in her and whatever questions she might have had were placed to one side in favour of admiring the scenary. This wasn't to say that his voice could relax though - his parents had taught him better than to merely trundle along in silence when there was something to be said. Loathe to admit it as he was, he had said he would be her tour guide and if he were to take the lead then it was only fitting he fill in the gaps.
...Urgh.
"This sight is where the majority of the children of my family learn to fly, those in possession of wings will be guided to spots like this," he offered. Remaining in his original position, he continued to watch the mare as she drifted along the banks and regarded each little thing with interest. He had seen and heard it all before - in fact this particular location was something he was very well aware of... In summer, a certain brother had often made it his number one spot to pool dive... Though thankfully Fenghuang jumped at a much lower level than this.
Such thoughts aside, he permitted his own gaze to drift away from the unicorn to inspect the waterfall. It was certainly much tamer at present, the water frozen on the peaks for the most part. However, as the ice caps melted beyond the mists there would be no doubt in his mind that the 'thunderous' roar of such a beastial river would be audible for quite some distance.
Shaking his head, he snorted his hair away from his eyes and finally moved after the mare. There were areas to cross at in this particular river to take them to the other side but they were a ways up. Her meandering alongside the river bank would lead her to it but he would have to follow behind her. Apparently popping up like he had done last time wasn't the best of ideas since she had looked back and forth in an attempt to locate him where he'd been standing before she'd started running off!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:56 pm
It was difficult to say whether or not Elizabeth was a good tourist, at least according to Ambroise's definition of the term. At the moment, she certainly looked the part, taking in the scenery with a sort of day-dreamy fondness. She also listened the part, paying at least basic ear-service to the accompanying narration. However, if Ambroise thought that he had to keep up a constant stream of words for her benefit, then he was sadly mistaken; much as she enjoyed conversation (especially polite and interesting conversation), the current moment was one for observation, not discussion, to the mare's way of thinking. She would never be so rude as to mention that flat-out, but her response was somewhat minimal compared to what she had managed thus far.
"I can see why; this would be sight enough to motivate anyone to take flight, even those who actual lack wings." A bit of a whimsical response, aided and abetted by her somewhat wistful tone and the faraway look in her eyes. Really, places like this one were dangerous; they played with the senses, inundating one with sounds and smells and sights too beautiful to digest in one sitting...or even two or three! Perhaps it was typical for those that grew up able to admire...perhaps those same Soquili would be amazed at the glittering expanse of the inland sea, stretching out in tranquil smoothness clear to the horizon. Perhaps it was all just a matter of perspective.
She was willing to take the time to test that. After moseying a respectably short ways up the riverbank, Liz came to a halt, drawing closer to the edge of the water before carefully and deliberately lying down, lowering her head until her chin rested on her forelegs and the tip of her horn touched the racing water. It was an odd picture, but one of extreme relaxation and pleasure all the same. The coolness of the water was soothing, the bank comfortable; at the moment, Elizabeth was in heaven.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:33 am
[[n_n Sorry it's not terribly conversational, but he can't interrupt her reverie. 8D ]]
There was very little he could say or do following his explanation, her almost distracted tone had all but silenced him. He could take a hint when it was blunt enough and she had unknowingly provided him with such a thing. He was well aware that she hadn't meant it to be rude but the resulting actions were the same. The stallion calmly shut his mouth and with a soft sigh, continued to trail after the mare as she moved further along the river bank. He ruffled his wings every now and again but suffice to say, there was little he could add to this moment without intruding upon her seeming dream world.
Well, she was currently touring the slopes and was entitled to admire the scenary for as long as she chose. If such an area had captured her heart then he was by no means warranted to move her along. For the most part, the stallion had chosen to keep his distance and with a roll of his shoulders proceeded to gaze across the horizon. For all he knew the mare could be staring at her reflection given her behaviour but there was no mistaking that she was at peace.
...Wasn't that what he liked most about his home?
In a manner of speaking she had somehow connected to the slopes, he couldn't question the depth of this appreciation but somewhere within him something stirred. A silent and unspoken approval that ensured she would continue to be regarded with respect - Lowland soquili or not. Hm, he supposed he should be thankful for her decision to pause as well now that he had time to consider it given that he could see most of this particular side of the slope from this vantage point. Admittedly he lacked the eyesight to see the whole way down but he could at least feel that he was patrolling to a degree, right?
"Hm," he murmured softly, ruffling is wings against his sides as he continued to regard what lay ahead. Awaiting the moment when the mare would choose to move again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:35 pm
((*cough* They're not the most conversational anyway, which is just something that must be dealt with in this sort of rp, I suppose ^^ wink )
With Ambroise giving up on conversation for the time being, both Soquili seemed to have fallen into a bit of a meditative lull. In Liz's case, that lull came with all the trappings of relaxation; immobility, lowered gaze, loose body positioning. Not the most dignified of appearances, but sometimes it just didn't make sense to be bolt upright and rigid. The water was mesmerizing, the frantic intensity of the river at such odds with the tranquility of the area it ran through. Idly, Liz wondered if the river wanted to escape from the serenity of the peaks, or if it simply hurried to try and bring some adventure and haste to an otherwise calm region.
Either way, she liked it. The sound of water was soothing, and the sight was majestic. It was just like her favorite place at home, where the river met the lake, in that respect. Yet another proof that the world wasn't as impossibly varied as one might think; water was everywhere.
Well, no; there probably WERE places with no water, she would just rather exclude them for the sake of argument. It wasn't as though she were planning to tour a desert anyway; she would plan her 'adventures' for much more hospitable regions, thank you kindly.
Granted, she hardly looked adventurous right now; if anything, she looked about to fall asleep! And she stayed that way for a decent amount of time, eyes closed and head lowered, before finally stretching and rising up again. A quick glance about showed her Ambroise's waiting figure, and she gave him a smile for his patience in indulging her whims. "This is a lovely spot, Ambroise; however, you seem to have so many curious and wondrous sights about these parts that I'm not even going to try and pick a 'favorite'. It's nice to know that you yourself aren't desensitized to what you have, though; when you're used to something, it can be easy to fall into a 'grass is greener on the other side of the river' mentality."
This was said with a self conscious smile, as she knew herself guilty of that crime from time to time. Such was Soquili nature, though...not that that was any excuse!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 5:28 am
He'd never been one for conversation, then again he'd never been one for company either. To be in the company of another felt most unnatural and his lack of social skills often compelled him to say something to break the silence. Logic prevailed though and he maintained his silence despite the urge in favour of tending to his own duties. It wasn't often that strangers desired silence as much as he did and as a consequence he would embrace it. Her appearance may not have been terribly dignified but it wasn't his place to point this out or even to take note of it. The slopes caused individuals to react in a variety of ways, evidently one of these responses was to become much more relaxed. He could relate to that (somewhat) though his 'poses' were a little different and his chosen areas to meditate were a little less intense. Water of this speed would cause more harm than good to one who stood beneath them.
Nevertheless, now that he had been given the opportunity to survey his surroundings he was satisfied that at least one aspect of his patrolling had been completed. He had done it sloppily and hadn't completely scoured the land with a fine tooth comb but his gaze had been sufficient enough to note that there were no foreign individuals (save for Lizzy) on this portion of the mountain at the very least. All the soquili figures he had seen drifting about below had been familiar, either in pelt or by how they walked...
It wasn't long after that Elizabeth spoke up at last and his ears swivelled round in response to her words. Initially it had been to pick up his own name but as she continued his eyes did shift and his head turned. She was a mare who was filled with compliments and appreciation apparently, whoever had brought her up had done well. Then again, any who could appreciate Ambroise's home generally ended up in his good books anyway even if he didn't speak to them personally!
Call it a weak spot, perhaps.
"Despite appearances I have travelled and seen what lies beyond the slopes," he replied smoothly. "Regardless of what I saw in these foreign regions I always craved my home. The lowlands and the forests are too chaotic for me," he explained. It was the most polite way he could put it, to point out that the Lowland soquili had all been lacking in manners wasn't called for in these circumstances - she came from there afterall. "Suffice to say, the spirits never let me grow bored - there is always something new to inspect."
Rolling his shoulders the stallion drifted towards the mare. A ruffle of his wings and he was once again ready to move on, provided the mare was prepared to leave the mountain river she had wanted to see from the moment she woke. "Where do you desire to go next?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:23 pm
At Ambroise's almost defensive statement, Elizabeth merely smiled and glanced up the river. That he had traveled was unquestionable; hadn't they met in the lowlands, after all? But she supposed it made sense in a purely conversational way, reminding her in case she'd forgotten or he assumed she was painting a picture too rosy for reality.
But it was nice to see him animated, even though his version of animated would hardly stand out in a crowd. For Elizabeth, it was just the right amount of energy, though; exuberance and energy had their place and time, but it would have honestly been a distraction for her at the moment, and a distraction was hardly needed while on vacation. The destination itself was the distraction, not the locals...or it should be, if it wasn't!
Which was why she had to think for a long moment at his inquiry as to where she wanted to go. Once again, she was facing the dilemma of having no place in mind; she'd seen her waterfall, seen her river...there really wasn't anything else that she HAD to see! Still, she didn't want to be a lump and perhaps Ambroise himself was feeling shiftless. She could understand that, if so.
Glancing back at the stallion, she gave a gracious smile, her gaze flicking back to the river after a moment before returning to Ambroise. "Honestly, I am not sure. Perhaps we could walk up along the river for a ways, or cross it to see what's on the other side...assuming we were to come across an acceptable ford. Or perhaps we could go back the way we've come so that there's less distance to travel in the evening when we are starting to feel tired...or I am, anyway. I doubt you would get winded even half as soon as I would, being out of my element as I am." This was said with a self-deprecating smile, though her tone remained gentle. "I'm afraid you're rather cast to the forfront with me as a companion, Ambroise; if I'm keeping you from your patrols, please don't feel obligated to stay, as I think that I can manage quite well to avoid harm now that I have seen my 'highlights'."
It wasn't that she disliked the stallion's company; far from it, in fact, though much of the journey thus far had passed in silence. The occasional shifting movement or sideways glance from the stallion had suggested to her that he was less than enjoying playing tour guide, though, and as the fastest way to sour a friendship was to demand too much early on...well, she didn't want him to feel obligated, that was for sure!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
