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 Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 8:56 pm
It was unreal, absolutely unreal. Elizabeth, for all her practicality and common sense, had always been a daydreamer, but her dreams tended to stay just that: Dreams. She made plans; exciting plans, novel plans, new and unique and completely different from the usual, predicatable patterns her life tended to follow. She planned to travel, to meet new people, to relocate, to get out and do something, but she always ended up smiling and continuing on with things 'as they were'. Change was not her thing, and never had been.
Yet here she was, walking along in an utterly unknown territory, not really sure where she was going other than 'north' and 'along the river.' It was strange, it was unexpected, she had no idea where she was going, what she'd encounter, WHO she'd encounter...and she was loving every minute of it.
Smiling, she glanced around at the surrounding mountain meadow. It was all so peaceful here, and so beautiful; not the least bit like her beloved flat lands near the lake, but amazing in a way entirely their own. It really went to show you just how important getting out and seeing things, rather than simply believing the opinions of others, was for living a full life.
She really owed those brothers a thank you, at the very least, if she saw them again. It had been weeks...no, months, since she'd met Ambroise and Fenguang on the shores of the lake, but their enthusiastic and fond description of the lands to the north, their beloved 'Islagiatt', had planted the seed of curiousity in Elizabeth's mind. Granted, she hadn't started off on her journey that same evening. No, at first the idea of a journey had been merely another dream, another whimsical notion unlikely to be actually carried out.
But as the days went by with no new guests, no visits from old friends to liven up the autumn days, she had started to reflect anew on the concept of a journey. Hadn't she been told she would be welcome, that she would enjoy what she saw? And even if she never made it 'there', wouldn't the journey be a valuable experience?
After mulling for a week or two on the idea, Elizabeth finally reached a decision that surprised even herself. She was going on a journey.
Now if she could just determine where she was, where she was going, and how she would know if she was there, she would be all set! And in the meantime, it was certainly a lovely morning!
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:12 am
The borders between Islagiatt land and allied lands of fellow herds was difficult to notice, on occasions they were invisible and came with experience. However in the course of her exploration she had drifted from fellow herdlands into the outer rims of Islagiatt. Some might call this fate but it wasn't exactly hard (as Ambroise pointed out frequently) given how extensive the lands were. Any creature could accidentally wander into their lands given that they didn't exactly have an extensive number of signs or landmarks that would indicate that it might be best if they turned around.
In a manner of speaking this was somewhat unfortunate - some might enquire as to why due to how approachable his mother and her kin were, but in recent months security had been stepped up. A consequence of this was that few had been informed of the measures taken and the innocent may accidentally find themselves in the company of something less desirable. It was a complex issue but it had been argued that his presence had been necessary - if only to ensure that certain creatures (such as Kiyoshi) remained out.
Unfortunately few remained safe from his attentions beside herd members and supposed allies, all strangers were subject to interrogation and could even make an appropriate meal if they gave the wrong answers. The newest security measure for Islagiatt was of course a Kalona, a creature capable of distinguishing between necessary violence and unecessary but this didn't guarantee that he'd take heed of it.
On this particular day it was by pure chance that he scoured the lands that Elizabeth had chosen to walk upon, oblivious to the threat from above (as they always were). For a time he had at the very least given her the opportunity to turn around but instead she had proceeded on - he wasn't a patient sort, never had been and as such...
Well...
It wasn't long at all before the Kalona had landed silently behind the mare and stalked after her. Furling his leathered wings against his sides he clasped his fang jaws shut and waited until she had settled to take note of something else of interest.
"You are not supposed to be here," he stated softly.
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 7:57 pm
He had appeared so suddenly, so silently, that the first inkling Elizabeth had that she wasn't alone was when the stallion spoke. Having spent the majority of her life among humans and herds, she hadn't yet learned of the potential dangers that lurked in the world or the importance of true awareness of her surroundings. Sure, she'd spent time traveling on her own while visiting Zaphiro, but the most exciting thing she'd ever seen out there was one grouchy raccoon.
This was different. The voice was soft, but the underlying tone of menace wasn't lost on the mare even before she turned around. And when she did...
Years of etiquette and decorum, learned and enforced at a young age, were the only thing that kept her from shrieking or fainting in surprise at her first-ever sight of a kalona. The strange eye markings around his pale, pupil-less eyes; the long tongue and pointed teeth that showed when he spoke; the huge, leathery wings and his massive size...her every instinct told her that this was something dangerous, for all his quiet tone. The logical thing to do would be to turn and flee.
Common sense and common decency prevailed, though. She might be fast of foot, but she knew that she was no match for a creature with wings, especially not one that knew the land better than she did. And even if he couldn't fly, with his long legs, she didn't doubt that he could outrun her. Best to just stand, keep her cool, and keep her eye on the enemy. If indeed he WAS an enemy; after all, to judge purely on looks was rude!
So it was with a much stronger sense of purpose than she actually felt that she stood and faced the stallion, tilting up her chin to look him directly in the 'eyes' as she spoke, her voice soft but clear. "I am not sure if I am or not, actually, although if I am intruding on your land I apologize, Sir. I was on my way to a land called the Islagiatt on an invitation from two acquaintances of mine, but I'm afraid that I'm not entirely sure of the way there and may have unknowingly trespassed. It was purely unintentional, and I do hope that you will forgive me."
Having said that, she bowed her head slightly to the stallion, albeit for a brief moment. Manners were one thing, but common sense dictated that it was wise to keep her eyes on this one and her horn firmly between the two of them. Following those two guidelines, though, it was easy to at least ACT normal. "Would you happen to know of the Islagiatt, though? Perhaps you might be able to direct me that way."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:45 pm
His brow rose as she said what he considered to be the 'magic words', she had spoken the name of Islagiatt and more to the point she had claimed she was here by invitation. However he had heard such declarations before and had discovered on many occasions that the individuals only knew of the name, yet failed to recall any of the soquili that were a part of this particular herd. Therefore an invitation and such confident declarations had to be proven to the stallion how continued to remain skepticle, yet appeared to have the patience and 'willingness' to hear such things out. That being said if she failed his test she would find that she would become his dinner. Turning tail and running may actually have been more beneficial to her, if she hadn't been so confident...
"Islagiatt," he repeated coolly, his tone scathing as he circled the mare and took into account every little feature she possessed. He assessed her height, her weight and what muscles she did and didn't possess. He mulled and mused over her pelt colour, notable features such as her horn and quickly deciphered that he had not be warned of prior visitors with her appearance. More importantly he had come to the conclusion that she was about as powerful as a starched and tattered dish cloth.
She was an easy target, a pampered one at that.
"I find many who claim to be in search of Islagiatt though not one of them can inform me of the identity of any of the soquili within such a herd," he continued. He chuckled softly, seemingly amused by the chances some might take. It was a shame that so many came because they heard a Seer resided in the lands, yet didn't know his name. It was not Venom's duty to concern himself with such trivial things, his duty was to patrol and if he found anything well...they had best leave or he would toy with them. If they wanted a Seer they would need to wait until he was 'off duty' or until said cretaure moved away from home again.
Idiots, all of them.
"I know of all Islagiatt, but the question remains...do you?" He tilted his head to the side, the long locks tumbling across his patterned feattures as he came to a halt and continued to examine the mare. She was at the very least wary and for that he would give her credit, she knew when she had met something that could be considered a threat.
"Speak the name of your sponsor - mare."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 1:10 pm
So she had been right in her gut assessment. For all of his soft words and deliberate movements, this stallion was sinister, dangerous. She couldn't suppress the shiver that ran up her spine at his cold appraisal, nor the ever-growing desire to flee.
At the moment, she was feeling more fear than she'd ever known in her markedly sheltered life. To judge based on appearances alone was shallow and cruel, yet wasn't it a fact that Nature itself made things certain ways as warnings to others? Wasn't that why some insects were brightly colored, why skunks had their prominent stripes? Maybe Nature had made this...creature...look sinister in order to warn others off of him.
Either way, it was too late now to do anything other than face him. His cool response to her question made her regard him with more suspicion, less ease. He seemed to be testing her...was he some sort of border guard? If so, why had Ambroise and Fenguang invited her without warning her of that fact? Unless he wasn't an official guard, but some sort of pseudo-Sphinx creature who took his pleasure interrogating strangers and if they fail...if they fail, then what?
Best to not consider that, because she was NOT going to fail. She couldn't.
Holding her ground, she met the stallion's gaze with a great deal more calm than she felt. "I was invited by a stallion by the name of Ambroise. Actually, it was by both himself and his younger brother, Fenguang. I can describe them to you, if you would like."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 1:26 pm
Well hell's bells - slap his rump and call him Charlie. The Kalona was beyond disappointed by her declaration and offered a somewhat disgruntled snort. She was a genuine visitor, a creature that had been offered the hand of friendship by the members of the herd themselves. This mare hadn't randomly wandered into their territory based on hear say, or this was as much as the stallion surmised by the manner in which she had responded. However it was strange that he had received no warning from either, particularly Ambroise pertaining her existence and her impending visit.
The stallion cocked his head to the other side and furrowed his brow again. There was something not quite right with this. Soquili and their social gatherings had always been a mystery to him but he had been informed of visits before. Perhaps the invitation had been no more than idle chit chat, an invitation that none expected to come into fruition because this sheltered mare gave no off no airs of intention. It had been safe to provide the offer because it would never happen?
It sounded like something these creatures would do...
"You are not expected," he replied frankly even though there was a bite in his tone. He found no reason to lie, no reason to paint pretty pictures to spare another's feelings. The fact of the matter was that no one had alerted him to her existence and he sincerely doubted that one of her kind would even make it to the peaks alive! He was doing her a favour, in fact he was being terribly civil.
"I was not informed of your existence - what is the purpose of your visit?" he persisted. If it was another envoy he would chase them out, such was his duty after all!
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 1:43 pm
If she didn't know better, she would almost think that the stallion was disappointed. But there was no reason for him to be disappointed, unless...unless she'd gotten the answer right! What an amazingly remarkable turn of events!
Now was not a time to celebrate, however; in fact, she doubted that she'd be able to celebrate ANYTHING until she was miles and miles away from this...creature. Having never before encountered any of the darker side of Soquili life, he was an experience she wasn't likely to forget soon, much as she would like to. And he didn't seem to be done yet, if his continuing questions were any indication.
However, her 'success' thus far allowed her to maintain the calm, confident tone; not only that, but it also allowed her to start to feel a bit more confident. A bit. Very small bit.
From his tone, though, she was starting to assume that this Soquili was, in fact, some sort of border guard. A very unmannerly one, but she supposed that was what border guards were supposed to be like. Still, there was no reason for him to be QUITE so rude. "I didn't realize that when I was invited to come and see the Islagiatt lands 'at some point, pending my pleasure' I needed to send advance notice. But regardless, the purpose of my visit is just that, I suppose; to visit. I was invited to see the lands."
Hopefully THAT was the right answer, too; this was getting tiring!
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 2:21 pm
It was the wrong answer. Given that she had mentioned Ambroise Venom was more than aware of his antisocial behaviour. That wind stallion was as much inclined to have a tea party as this Kalona was inclined to pick flowers and snuggle up to rabbits. It just wasn't going to happen, there was no idle chitchat within either stallion and to inferr that such a thing could happen was positively laughable! Of course, Venom wasn't one to laugh over such things and preferred to save such 'sinister' behaviour for more entertaining activities - such as torturing young and unsuspecting damsels until they were quivering wrecks.
...He wasn't always a cannibal.
Nevertheless she had made reference to Ambroise and there were few who could do so. The particularly antisocial stallion was renowned for remaining out of the limelight and was only mentioned or tended to appear when he was required. Definitely not a super hero, a rake or a nosey neighbour though such stereotypes tended to appear in their droves. Truly, soquili were peculiar things to the Kalona who set himself apart from the 'weaker' species.
"Invited or not, Ambroise does not accept random guests," Venom recovered his slight loss of composure and drew closer to the mare, unfurling a wing to swing it towards the mare. The purpose - to nudge at her chin lightly in an albeit patronising manner. "In particular he is not receptive towards mares, so provide me with one good reason as to why I should take you to him?"
More to the point, would she even survive the trek and did he have the patience to walk the whole way?
No, not really.
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 2:44 pm
Every fiber of Elizabeth's being rebelled against being touched by this creature, and it was with no small amount of repugnance that Elizabeth felt the stallion's cold wing point against her chin. Really, if she'd have known that she was going to have to run a gauntlet in order to see this place, she would have taken her 'new experiencing' in a different direction entirely, thank you very kindly for the invitation but no! At the very least she could have been warned about this...thing.
Not that she would presume to criticize Ambroise or Fenguang for their kindness in issuing the invitation, or for their rude border guard; he must serve some sort of purpose, after all. Still, it would have been considerate to let her know about that particular obstacle in advance!
As it was, it was getting hard to keep her calm in dealing with this odious Venom, him and his over familiarity and his touching. The very idea!
"I do not wish to impose on Ambroise, if that is what you are thinking, sir." This spoken with a slightly more forceful inflection, indicating it was very much meant to be an epithet. "Ambroise was kind enough to extend an invitation for me to visit the Islagiatt lands in our previous exchange, but it was Fenguang who they both felt would be the best traveling companion, given that Ambroise's responsibilities are many. The last thing that I would wish to do is intrude on Ambroise while he is busy, if such is the case; rather, if you could direct me to where I might perhaps meet Fenguang, it would likely save you time. Indeed, I was told that I could just explore on my own if I wished; Fenguang's assistance was offered that I might learn of the lands from a first person perspective, rather than from any supervisory capacity."
To be honest, she wouldn't have any issue seeing Ambroise, but she recalled from before that he was a busy stallion; and officious as he was, Venom's comments seemed to back that claim. There was no point in disrupting any important herd business because of something so trivial, in her opinion. Still, it wouldn't be unpleasant to have this stallion see for a fact that she wasn't lying...assuming Ambroise remembered the invitation. Goodness, she certainly hoped he hadn't forgotten!
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:15 pm
He hadn't, no sooner had Venom closed the gap between himself and the mare than another voice interrupted the 'cosey' discussion. It was not an interruption in the form of a phrase or word, so much as the clearing of one's throat in order to receive the attention and recognition they deserved. At some point during the exchange, the wind stallion had caught sight of the pair and had landed just as silently as the large kalona - it must have been a trait, a sign of a good flight master to land so softly on such hard ground... That being said, the intrusion served it's purpose and the Kalona looked round.
"Ambroise," Venom murmured, withdrawing from the mare and folding his wing against his side once more. If he hadn't know the antisocial stallion any better he would have accused him of staging such a thing. The hero here to save his damsel in distress, or however the fairytale went - in a manner of speaking it was all very predictable with the most obvious being the villain. "You possess impeccable timing as ever."
"You will have to forgive my companion," Ambroise at last spoke as he closed the gap between the pair and furled his wings, nodding in recognition towards the Kalona. "He is a new addition and takes his job rather seriously," he continued. The wind was not about to touch on the sadistic nature of the creature though he knew of it well, the kalona had his moments but he did help keep the lands safe. Some prices needed to be paid.
"So you do know her."
"She was most hospitable in the lowlands, it has been a long while since I last encountered her though," a stiff smile was offered to the mare, more so out of a lack of practice than discomfort at the current meeting. That being said his recognition was enough for the Kalona to give another disgruntled snort - he drifted away soon after. "It has been quite some time, Miss Elizabeth. I apologise that you did not receive a more warm welcome into these lands..."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:52 pm
To put it mildly, this did not seem to be Elizabeth's day when it came to being on top of things. It had started out promisingly enough, to be sure, with a good night's sleep and a pleasant landscape to wake up to, a good breakfast to get her started...yes, the first few hours had been quite enjoyable. But then Venom had snuck up on her, starting THAT little bit of hell, now she once again found herself an unwitting companion.
If it weren't for the identity of said new companion, she might have actually gotten upset. As it was, she was so relieved to be rid of the dark stallion that she very nearly burst into tears anyway, albeit tears of relief rather than despair. She managed to refrain, however, merely taking a few calming breaths instead as the short exchange between the stallions took place and ultimately resulted in the departure of the kalona. It wasn't until he was safely out of sight that she allowed herself to relax, giving Ambroise a truly thankful smile.
"Thank you so much for your timely assistance, Ambroise; I don't know what I was going to do with regards to that...personage." That seemed a safe enough term, albeit much milder than the term she was thinking. "But yes, it has been some time indeed; I suppose that it was rather foolish of me to just start off without checking ahead, though I have to admit that I had no idea I needed special permission to pass the borders. Your guard is rather dedicated, if a bit too intense for my taste."
That was the last comment she would make with regards to Venom, determined to try and forget the unpleasant experience as soon as possible. "However, there is no need to apologize. In the end, there was no harm done...though I hope you wouldn't think it untoward of me to say that I would be content to never lay eyes on that...personage ever again."
Having said that, Elizabeth shook her head slightly, trying to shake off the crawly feeling that had accompanied both Venom's perusal and his touch. Yes, that was going to take a bit longer, unfortunately, but things were looking up. "You're looking well."
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:10 am
It should have come at no surprise to the stallion, she was choosing her words carefully as she had done before. Despite her obvious distress regarding the Kalona she was still trying to remain polite. He knew many mares (and stallions) who would have spouted off a number of complaints and insults as opposed to regaining their composure. While he couldn't say he had missed the mare he did find that he regarded the reminder of her personality somewhat fondly. Apparently manners spoke volumes to this particular stallion...
"He is a new addition and he is also hungry," Ambroise was not one to make excuses for the behaviour of others. However his statements were based moreso on fact than on a necessity to make the Kalona seem more appealing. Venom hadn't fed in quite sometime and so it was obvious that he would be in a rather catty mood. Unfortunate as it might have been, it had just been foul luck that the mare had stumbled upon him - wrong place, wrong time...as the saying went.
"I cannot apologise for him doing his job but I will apologise for not informing him of your potential visit," his expression remained stoic and it was with a quiver of his flanks that he ruffled his wings and furled them closer to his body. Truth be told he hadn't forgotten the invitation but he had suspected that she wouldn't take him up on the offer, she was a lowland soquili after all and the cold reaches of the mountains rarely appealed to the pampered. "If I am honest I was not expecting you to come," it wasn't intended as an insulted but one could have jumped to that conclusion.
"That being said I have no reason to look unwell, the fates have treated us kindly these last few months so I have yet to lose my feathers from stress," he pointed out. It was a feeble attempt at a jest, he had a rather dry sense of humour as opposed to the slapstick and obvious comedy of his brothers. More often than not people missed his humour, simply because his tone of voie never really changed! "I would echo the sentiments but given your ruffled appearance I would say the encounter with Venom has taken its toll."
"Unfortunately Fenghuang is not here to be your guide but I can most certainly take you to the peaks, though I must warn you it is...cold, for one without a sufficient winter coat."
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:01 am
Short as their acquaintance had been, Elizabeth was already very much aware of the fact that Ambroise was not a stallion who placed much emphasis on soothing egos, be them his brother's, his companions', or even his own. This was just as well, for no mare, even the most humble and unassuming, likes to hear herself described as 'ruffled' upon a new meeting.
However, she took the description at face value, acknowledging it with a soft sigh. Really, all things considered, it was just as well that she ONLY looked 'ruffled' after dealing with that thing; and what, she wondered, was Ambroise referring to when he brought up the kalona's hunger? Surely he wouldn't have...well, REALLY! Odious creature...but she was NOT going to think about that at the moment, thank you very kindly!
Straightening up ever so slightly to her full (though still short) height, she gave Ambroise a somewhat rueful smile, realizing that she might have made things harder for herself by reading too much into an invitation given only out of politeness. Then again, she had surprised even herself by accepting, so why wouldn't she surprise the giver?
"In all honesty, I wasn't sure that I was going to come, originally; I assure you that had I decided to start off at once, you wouldn't be seeing me for the first time months after the fact. Really, there is no need to apologize for my somewhat lackadaisical approach to visiting."
As she finished speaking, the mare shifted slightly, giving her head another light shake to try and settle her mussed mane. It was at times like these that having wings, or even arms like the humans, would be most helpful. Luckily for her she had a relatively low-maintenance hairstyle; curls tended to stay in line with only minimal care. In her case, that was a boon; she had neither the time, ability, or inclination to manage the elaborate looks favored by some and would be content with merely looking presentable.
However, there would be time to dwell on that later. Without having any sort of reflective surface about, she had no way of knowing if she was succeeding or making things worse!
Having come to that conclusion, she gave Ambroise a gently amused look. "Well, having no wings myself I'm not sure of the logistics involved in flight, but if you were to lose too many wing feathers I would hope that aesthetics would be the least of your worries. Undoubtedly it is best to simply wish for a continually stress-free environment. But anyway,"
At his offer to personally escort her, she was both surprised and pleased. After all, hadn't she heard from both himself and Fenguang earlier and Venom just now what a busy stallion he was? Impulsive as his offer had to be, it only served to underscore his status as 'gentleman' in her mind. "You are most considerate in your offer, Ambroise, as well as in your warning. To be truthful, I am not entirely sure how well I'm suited to the cold, but we DO get snow in the lowlands and my winter coat has begun to come in. Please don't put yourself to any trouble on my account, but if you really don't mind then perhaps we could go on for a ways and I could at least see how your definition of cold compares to ours."
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:05 pm
"My mother would hang, draw and quarter me if I did not," he replied smoothly. This was not a declaration that he was under duress to remain polite but did indicate that a guest was expected to be cared for regardless of how antisocial the Islagiatt member might have been (Venom excluded of course). While he may have been busy with patrols there were very few soquili for miles and to abandon the mare and to leave her to her own devices would spell disaster. Knowing the luck of the majority of visitors they would fall into a ditch somewhere and would have to be hauled out and tended to - logistically speaking it was simply easier to greet and guide wherever the opportunity arrived.
Furthermore while the stallion made no attempt to make it known, he had already been heading in the direction he aimed to walk anyway! Admittedly he had been in the skies, his patrolling significantly easier from a height but it a walk didn't prevent him from continuing. It would be slower and his hoofbeats would be somewhat heavier than a traditional ground soquili but he would get his job done in the end. Grace on the ground was his brother's and mother's job - he was suitably more interesting to watch in the air.
"My brother was serious in his invitation, if he could invite the world to a party he would," Ambroise stated plainly. He wasn't aware of her assumption that perhaps he hadn't been serious but stating the fact that his AWOL brother was as sociable as ever seemed necessary. "Generally speaking it is more common to encounter one such as he in these lands - you simply drew the short straw and ended up with me," he chuckled softly and ruffled his wings, cuddling them closer to his sides for warmth. Winter coat or not, the bite of winter was much harsher on the slopes and the winds seemed to be considerably more callous at this time of year.
"However if I lost too many feathers I would become grounded, stress is a bad thing but it is only a risk if you are easily infuriated." He explained patiently. The gods only knew how patient Ambroise was, training had conditioned him to that point but his brother's knew the weak spots that caused the veins in his neck to twitch!
Nevertheless he soon motioned towards the location in which he intended to walk and began to saunter in a straightline. Not inclined to weave, he kept his head high and eyes straight as he surveyed his surroundings. He hadn't had any reports of hostility in the area, but he was a creature of habit and routine...he simply had to do it, otherwise he wouldn't have the slightest idea of what to do with his spare time.
"If you find the windchill to be a problem inform me, I will attempt to find a warmer route if that is the case. However in order to ensure you remain safe we will be heading to the peaks for the time being, you have my assurances you will not be required to encounter Venom again."
...Though he was a common sight in the air most days.
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Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 12:50 am
In all honesty, Elizabeth had no idea how to respond to the idea of Ambroise being hung, drawn, and quartered by his own mother. It was somewhat shocking of a statement, yes, but it seemed almost like it was meant in jest...though really, the idea of one's own mother being willing to do something like that to was a bit more 'real' than Elizabeth cared to think about, coming so close on the heels of her little run-in with Venom. Completely unfamiliar with Ambroise's mother and her view on social niceties, all that she could think to do was simply skim over that comment and focus on some social niceties of her own.
Specifically, Ambroise's comparison between himself and his brother, which brought forth a smile of her own. "Well, regardless of the number of invitations issued, it is still a kindly thing to do, and I hope that you wouldn't think me bold in disagreeing that you're the short end of the stick, Ambroise. Your brother is a charming thing, but you are just as pleasant of a companion if not better for one like me. Children are delightful, but I'm sure you can agree that there are times and places when the rational companionship of a reasonable adult is better."
Like, for example, when touring the cold mountain peaks.
As they started out, she silently reminded herself how positive it was to try new things. Internally, though, Ambroise's repeated comments about the cold were starting to make her more than a little anxious. Did she look to be too much of a lightweight for the cold? Really, she'd thought that her winter coat was coming in nicely for so early in the season, yet to have the temperatures mentioned more than once was starting to pick away a bit at her self-confidence. Still, she had no way of knowing until she tried, and for all she knew Ambroise had never experienced a true lowland winter. Likely it was just somewhat over-cautious solicitude regarding her personal comfort.
That was her hope, at any rate, as she walked along beside the stallion. Acting on that belief, she gave him a grateful smile before commenting, "I assure you that I'll let you know if I find myself too cold; it would be rather rude of me to freeze up and need to be carried down, after all. Temperature or not, though, the peaks sounds lovely. As you must know, the closest thing that we have to a 'peak' near my home is the occasional tall hill."
Though she hadn't gotten his name, she didn't doubt that 'Venom' was the creature she'd 'met' earlier. The fact that she was unlikely to meet him again was a positive, but rather than dwell on that negative she continued, "It seems strange, though, to think that a mere week's walk can see such an amazing array of landscapes. The mountains are so close here, it's really rather awe-inspiring!"
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