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 Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 8:22 am
"What do you mean, you sent a carriage for her?" There was a bite to Andrus' voice, brought there by shock, that reminded Jordun of their father. He almost flinched, until he remembered that this was not Lord Kinross but his brother. He bit the inside of his lip as he studied Andrus' face, but found no real anger there.
"She said you owe her a riding lesson," he began, still watching his brother with care. For all that Andrus was not their father, years of education had taught him to react in similar ways. It was difficult to tell how close Jordun was to pushing him into true anger. "We have no other engagements today, and... you would never have done it if I hadn't done it."
He braced for his brother to demand what business it was of his to take action or to worry about his debts to servant girls. But instead, Andrus made a low sound like a growl and said, half exasperated, "Yes, but you can't just send for her in a carriage. Do you not realize how out of place that would be at an orphanage? And if..." He left the rest unsaid, but Jordun understood it meant that if someone decided to look into the matter and discovered where the carriage had come from, it would reflect poorly on their family. And a scandal in this city was hardly welcome.
"I didn't consider that..." Jordun admitted, looking sheepish. "But it's already done. I imagine she will be here shortly. You would not turn her away."
Andrus glanced up sharply, and it was his turn to study his brother's face. The beginnings of a smile had crept across Jordun's lips. The reaction said enough.
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Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 6:09 pm
All in all, a carriage was not so strange to find at the Home. Business owners often came in search of new workers and took young boys into their care, and every so often a wealthy couple came in search of an heir or a servant. What was strange that, upon meeting the carriage driver, he had said her name. The poor man had looked fairly confused beneath his professional expression, and Chloe had looked back with a similar glance. Her brows furrowed, her head canted she had asked 'are you certain?'
Apparently he was.
The girl was immediately brought to a difficult conflict. Should she force the driver to wait as she dressed in something more acceptable, or remain in her current garb for the sake of time? Then again, she might be best protecting the honor of the Kinross brothers if she arrived in servants' clothes for an easy explanation. Having been standing on the stairs for more than a few moments, she asked for a short time to compose herself. The driver nodded, and she flitted back inside and up the stairs in a rather unladylike fashion.
Chloe did not have any proper formal clothing, but she did have some 'good' clothes meant for visitations and other such matters. She pulled from its hanger a pale green dress kept pressed for all occasions and dropped her apron on the floor. Her hair, previously a bit tangled, was brushed to silk and tied in a braid that ended in a white ribbon. She was presentable, at least, although if someone asked who she was it could not be easily explained away. Maybe they would have seen her leaving the brothel and simply kick her out to scold Andrus... or not? She shook her head to clear it, running back down the stairs and composing herself only the moment before her boot took the last step of the carriage.
The ride was... fantastic. Chloe was not often allowed to ride in a carriage, let alone one meant for the high-class. Every moment was absorbed, every fold of cloth and curve of the wood, the visions from the window... even if Andrus would send her away when she arrived, the experience would have been enough. She didn't know why she was being called, after all. Perhaps Andrus had not even been the one to call for her. Her imagination was offering her the worst as she was dropped upon the Kinross' land, even helped by the driver back out of the vehicle. A grin split her face as she stared up at the estate, and then collapsed.
She couldn't just stand there!
The girl dodged behind the nearby greenery and stared at the building ahead of her.
... how in the world was she to alert her caller and no attention that would ruin the Kinross family's reputation? After a moment of awkward gawping, she let out a shrill whistle, like a bird, and took up a pebble in her hand.
She do it. She'd do it if she had to. Andrus... might even find it funny. She turned the stone in her hand, looking down at it.
... nah. She had to show respect to his mother. Her adventure, as short and glorious as it had been so far, was not worth upsetting anyone. She dropped the pebble and giggled, falling back into cover and whistling again.
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:56 am
grasshopper pie ... I just realized I forgot all about the thread we used for all their other RPs...
"Well of course I haven't," Andrus replied with a frown. "I hardly know any women who require riding lessons." The women they had regular dealings with had all learned to ride as children, as part of what they ought to know as functioning members of high society.
"But how will you... I mean, you are planning to teach her to ride aside, not astride?"
Andrus had to laugh, having found it in himself to forgive Jordun's presumptuous actions. He had never been able to stay angry at his brother for long anyway. "This horse only has a sidesaddle." They came to a stop outside one of the stalls in the immaculately kept barn behind the manor. Out poked the head of a Cleveland Bay mare whose attention was drawn by the sound of voices outside her stall. The horse had a sweet face and a kind eye and a bright bay coat. She whickered in greeting and snuffled at Andrus' hands. "But we shall see what Chloe would prefer, I suppose. I am not altogether familiar with the riding habits of women outside of the upper class, I'm afraid."
Jordun nodded, reaching to stroke the mare's nose. "Is this mother's new horse?"
"Indeed. Dear Theresa, hardly gets ridden but she's a kind soul."
Jordun wrinkled his nose. "Theresa? She sounds like a nun."
Andrus chuckled. "And if she could be, she would," he answered. The next moment they were interrupted by a quiet, unobtrusive meow. Both brothers turned to find Andrus' grimalkin sitting in the barn doorway, staring beadily at them. "Ah, my lady," Andrus said as Jordun stared intently back at Feather, wondering how on earth she had shown up without warning. "It appears we have company. Come, we will fetch Chloe. Peter, have Theresa and Archer ready promptly. We will be going for a ride. You, I assume," he said, turning to Jordun. "Will be following on your Idriss."
With that, he turned and left the barn with Jordun and Feather in tow.
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:28 pm
Having been denied a prompt response, Chloe went over her options in her head. It was possible that Andrus had not been the one to summon her, but not very likely. No one seemed to be peering out of the windows at her, at least, and so she stood and flattened her skirts like a proper lady might.
Whether or not he had called for her, Andrus was clearly not here. It was possible that he was within earshot and she was simply being too subtle with her alerts, but the same problem posed itself then as well. She knew that his mother lived upon the same estate and may or may not be present at the time, and would the woman spot a civilian on her land, Chloe may be ousted.
... that only made it all the more exciting!
Now, the girl took up her skirts and began around the east end of the home, walking briskly in an attempt to find either the carriage house or the stables. Her heart pounded in her chest. She could get caught, and she could successfully meet Andrus for some rendezvous, and both were entirely plausible and acceptable actions. This whole ordeal was an adventure and a half! Her leather bag, brought along even though it counteracted her prim outfit, slapped against her thigh as she began the search for her Coincidence. Some small niggling at the back of her head told her that this might be it. What if Jordun had told his brother of her affections, and the young lord had taken it upon himself to make some romantic gesture? She knew as well as any other that the possibility of such an affair was less than none, but still her cheeks flushed at the thought of it and her grin reemerged.
MoonRazor Haha, it's fine! Maybe it was time for a new one anyway.
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Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:32 am
As the brothers left the barn while Peter the groom hurried to lead the two horses out, they heard the now-familiar bleat that meant Idriss was right around the corner. Sure enough, the little doe came sprinting out of the shrubbery in an explosion of leaves and grass and came careening toward them, tail flagged. She slid to a stop and pranced circles around her Chosen and his brother, rubbing her face happily against Jordun's arm and greeting Feather with boundless enthusiasm. The grimalkin took the doe's affection with uncharacteristic patience, always regarding the deer with a look that Andrus described as amusement. Indeed, the two had seemed, oddly enough, to recognize each other dimly upon their first meeting though neither brother had any idea why.
"Well, my lady, show us to our company," Andrus prompted and Feather stalked ahead to lead them to Chloe while Idriss followed happily. After a while, she pushed her head under Jordun's arm so she could walk with his hand resting atop her head.
"You're a little like an overgrown dog, aren't you Driss?" Jordun asked with a laugh, and Andrus smiled as well. Idriss was everything that Feather was not, affectionate and exuberant where the grimalkin was independent and reserved. But they all seemed to get along well, which surprised Andrus most of all. He had grown quite fond of the little doe in her time at Darrowdown.
Then Jordun grabbed his brother's arm and pulled him to a stop. "Before we see her, you do realize she feels a certain... affection for you?" Andrus returned Jordun's wide-eyed stare with a less discernable one. That was a question he could answer but hardly wanted to, as if his verbal acknowledgement of the situation would make it too real and render it impossible to ignore any further. "I just... you oughtn't make her think you will do more than lead her around on a dance if you won't. And I know you can't, but..."
"I am not the one who sent for her in a carriage without explanation," Andrus said pointedly, and that was that. He extracted his arm from Jordun's grip and continued after Feather. They rounded the side of the house and there she was, walking across the trimmed grass. Much as Andrus wanted to feel annoyed by his brother's actions, the sight of Chloe put his irritation to rest. He did owe her a riding lesson, after all. "Thank you, my lady," he thanked the grimalkin and she promptly turned and disappeared into the bushes again. "Chloe, welcome. I do hope you found the ride here not too unexpected."
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Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 11:28 am
Andrus was lucky that Chloe was a more logical sort, aware that any further relationship was impossible and preferring to simply enjoy the time and type of interaction that they were allowed. No assumptions were to be made unless there was a serious conversation, and she didn't imagine that that would occur either. Seeing the group she simply grinned, glad to see Idriss and Jordun as well as Andrus. She had never met a Guardian face-to-face, at least not in a way that allowed her to pet them, and if any deer was going to let her touch it, she imagined it was Idriss.
"Hello!" she said, excitedly but softly once the ragtag group was within earshot. She had noted the grimalkin skitter into the bushes, but paid it no mind. Some were so standoffish it was best to just leave them be. "The presence of your brother makes me wonder if it was you who sent for me at all, Lord Kinross." She was teasing, her eyes alight.
"The ride was rather unexpected, I must say, but it was a nice one. Thank you for that. May I ask why I am here, and how much danger I am putting you in as such?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 3:57 am
Andrus responded to her first comment with a smile that could have meant yes, could have meant no, and Jordun knew better than to intercept with the truth. Best to keep them both guessing, he figured, for what good was a relationship without some intrigue? Not that there was a relationship, he reminded himself. They were simply people who happened to be in the same place at the same time and conveniently knew each other.
Then Andrus opened his mouth to answer her question, but Jordun cut in and said with a smile, "Enough danger to keep it exciting." Indeed the consequences that would come of them being discovered on Darrowdown's property would be greater than if they had been discovered talking at the Countess' manor, or anywhere else for that matter. But both brothers seemed to consider that a calculated risk, and one that didn't seem too dangerous today. The stablehands could gossip, but they were less likely to spread rumors than the maids. "Andrus thought you might like a riding lesson. It is a fine day for a ride."
As if in agreement, Idriss bounded up to the lot of them, after having followed Feather into the bushes in an attempt to figure out how she disappeared and to where. But the doe was no sneaky grimalkin and had lost Feather to the shadows within minutes. Now, returned, she snuck her nose into Jordun's pockets to sniff for treats, then did the same to Andrus, who she knew never had treats, before snuffling at Chloe's hair, presumably also in search of treats.
"She is a trouble-maker, this one," Andrus said with a laugh as the doe turned to regard them all with wide, happy eyes. "I am sorry you did not have the chance to meet my lady, but she is rather an aloof creature and there is no telling when or where she will reappear. I suppose Idriss will make up for both of them, however."
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Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:37 pm
"Oh, did he?" Chloe asked, giving Jordun and then Andrus a coy, sideways glance. She held no illusions when it came to the relationship she had with her Coincidence, and seeing as to how he had not called upon her earlier when the subject had been more current, she didn't imagine that Andrus had called for her or, if he had, his hand had been somewhat forced by a younger, more rebellious Kinross. It didn't bother her. She was here now, and poor Andrus could hopefully see the excitement in this whole ordeal.
When Idriss approached, the girl erupted into a fit of giggles. She reached out slowly and gently as if she were a normal doe, hesitant to touch her lest she find herself bitten or stomped. She longed to feel the fur on the Guardian's neck, just to touch her and perhaps feel closer to the phenomenon of magical elaphine. Chloe's concern was not with the fact that her hair would be a mess, but only that she wished she could have spared a carrot to bring to the creature.
"She's a sweetheart," she grinned, "The first Guardian I've met! First at the Countess' estate, although thankfully that entire ordeal is done with. Don't worry about it, either. I've only ever met one friendly grimalkin, and it didn't much enjoy having children around."
It struck her then that the entire event with the Countess of Alderin had come to an end. There would be fewer excuses to see Andrus now, and fewer more for him to think of her and not slowly allow himself to forget the flicker of trouble in his social life. Chloe felt a stroke of sadness then, although she hated to admit it. it was quick, just a bolt across her heart that made her eyes go unfocused for a moment while a smile crossed her features.
She had had him, that was the important part. They had met, they had done, and they could move on in memory. Andrus would not forget her, she hoped... no, she was almost certain. There was a spark in him that she could not place within many of the upper class. Her eyes refocused upon Andrus and she grinned.
"So how are you and Lady Claudia, hm? When's the wedding?" There was nothing wrong with a little teasing, or at least she didn't remember there being. It had been quite some time since she had seen Andrus, and it would not be altogether surprising if he had indeed been set up with the Countess' daughter... although she'd feel bad for him, for certain.
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Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:45 pm
Being no ordinary doe, Idriss didn't hesitate to rub her face on Chloe's arm, twitching her tail contentedly. If there was anything Idriss loved more than fun and games and her Chosen, it was company and she didn't seem to care who or what she met.
"She would like to inform you that she's very pleased to meet you too," Jordun said, relaying the doe's message while Idriss continued her fruitless search for food. "She doesn't get to spend much time with women." Not that the doe much minded. She seemed to love everyone she came across and wasn't picky enough to dislike being surrounded by testosterone, so long as she was surrounded by someone.
"At the ball?" Andrus added with a knowing smile. "So that is why my brother disappeared for so long." Of course, Chloe didn't know what had happened after her meeting with Jordun. The rest of the night hadn't been disastrous, but near enough to it, in the Countess' opinion. Claudia had been rather taken by Jordun's mild manner and artistic pursuits, and Andrus had gladly let her spend the evening conversing with his brother. Which had made Jordun feel all the more uncomfortable, but they both knew the Countess' pride would never allow her to betroth her daughter to the second son, no matter how rich or influential the family. And that, perhaps, had been part of the plan all along. In any case, Andrus had heard little from the Countess in recent months, for which he was more grateful than he let on.
"I suppose Lady Claudia is doing quite well," Andrus said with a smile. "As for her wedding, you will have to ask her whenever she finds herself betrothed." He turned toward the barn. "Shall we talk while we walk?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:03 pm
Chloe happily rubbed and scratched the doe's fur, absolutely delighted to be able to touch her, to feel and meet a Guardian. How many deer would simply let you touch them? Not many, she wagered.
"Oh? You somehow escaped her, did you? A good play, certainly," Chloe laughed, and then nodded. They wouldn't do well if they were standing in one area the whole time, and they would be much easier to catch. At the very least they could move toward the horses, even if they never made it on top of any. "I'm as sorry for taking your brother away as well as I am not. We had fun, I think. He's an interesting young man, and I have to say I'm a bit upset that he lives so far away." She turned to Jordun then and smiled. "When you return home, we should write. I imagine my name would be less damning in your post? Messages may be far between, but it's something, hm?"
What she wouldn't give to be able to visit him! She imagined verdant fields and spring flowers, mists and sprawling estates. It was cliche, she was sure, but it was pleasing. To dance just once in the grass would be worth the scorn of the Kinross elders... although, what an adventure it would be to travel alone, to discover and learn and explore without bounds? Bah, she could dream of it, at least. Perhaps she'd ponder on it some that night, with a good pencil or two. There was nothing wrong with fantasy.
"I must warn you, I haven't ridden a horse since I was a child. I remember it being very interesting, but I also remember being much too small and nearly sliding off the side. I'd be happy to just pet one, if it's too much trouble."
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 3:25 am
"A fiendishly clever move on my part, I imagine," Andrus allowed, though he had done nothing but step back and let Jordun do the charming for once. Thessituation had been quite unprecedented but they both emerged none the wise for wear, even Jordun with his customary awkwardness around women. No doubt their father would hardly be pleased if ever he learned the truth of the matter, but both brothers were eager to keep that hidden.
They set of toward the barn with Idriss prancing eagerly alongside. She was as excited as any to be going for a ride. It had taken her plenty of time and effort to convince Jordun that she would be alright under saddle, and she seemed to enjoy each subsequent ride no less than she had enjoyed the first. The two of them had even bugen to go on easier or shorter rides bareback, which was exciting progress indeed. With practice, the use of reins had also become all but unnecessary as their mental bond strengthened and maneuvers became second nature to both.
"I don't see any harm in writing," Jordun replied, already looking forward to the prospect of having someone new to write upon his return to Wellisbury. Correspondence was a favorite pastime of his and he rarely declined any such invitation. Indeed, there were few people he could write on a regular basis and Andrus was the main one, and Jack as well, but few others he considered close enough friends to keep up a regular correspondence.
"Ah, Jordun is a rare species unto himself," Andrus joked in agreement. They neared the barn just as Peter led the horses out, both having been brushed to a shine. "No trouble," he reassured her, pointing to the horses. "You will be riding the bay mare. She is our mother's horse, but mother hardly rides anymore."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 1:03 pm
Chloe was a mite concerned that a stable hand was going to witness her as well as the driver of her chariot. What if the servants should gossip and be overheard? She looked to Andrus a moment, almost wondering if it had been an accident, but he seemed calm enough. Her worry turned to a smile and she nodded, turning her eyes to the mare her Coincidence had spoken of.
... oh my. She was a big large, wasn't she?
"Oh, goodness. I do hope you have a riding block. I'm not... the tallest of jockeys. Side-saddle as well? Should I break my leg, I fully expect to be treated as a queen for the following recovery." Chloe smirked, and then reached up to touch the nose of the mare she would be riding. She had met a Guardian and a proper horse in one day! If only she had her own magical deer to take riding into the fields...
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Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:44 am
Andrus hadn't considered the potential consequences of Peter's involvement until he saw the groom and Chloe in the same area. By then it was too late, but the young lord knew he treated his horses and his grooms better than his father did, and his mother had hardly anything to do with the stables despite having two horses of her own. The risk did not seem great, so he told himself to relax. All was good.
A smile came to grace his features as Chloe reached to touch the mare and Theresa snuffled her muzzle into the outstretched hand. So mild-mannered and agreeable was she that she got along with all the grooms and all the horses, and had little trouble winning the hearts of anyone near her. Beside her, playful young Archer nibbled at the bay mare's mane and stretched his neck to chew at her ear, only to be batted away by a shake of Theresa's head.
"If you would feel more comfortable riding astride, I suppose you could take Archer and I could ride Theresa bareback," Andrus offered. The prospect of getting another horse prepared with a regular saddle seemed an unnecessary waste of time. "I was not sure which you preferred."
Meanwhile, Jordun had caught Idriss and clambered aboard, sitting with increasing confidence upon her back. The doe came prancing up alongside the two horses and let out her own little snort, very proud of the fact that she had gotten herself all sorted out first.
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Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:29 pm
Chloe found no reason for Idriss to not be proud. After all, Guardians seemed to be much more intelligent than the average horse, at least in the perspective of a human versus their equine friends. She turned to the doe as her mare-for-the-day shook her head and then back to Andrus.
"No, no, aside is fine. It's how a proper lady rides, isn't it? It's just been quite a long time," Chloe nodded. She approached the horse again, touching her neck gently before stroking it. My, what powerful creatures they were, and how elegant and beautiful as well. Horses were a fond subject for the girl, although she was rarely able to have any affectionate encounters with them, considering her occupation.
She remembered her old riding lessons, and she thought she might impress her Coincidence somewhat if she were able to mount aside by herself. As a child, she had denied the help of stable hands to the point where a riding block had been implored for her rather small charge. She imagined that the block would need to be a mite bigger on such a tall steed, but didn't feel right asking the groom for his assistance. All things considered, she ranked below him on the social scale. Instead, she looked shyly to Jordun and Andrus, still stroking the mare's neck.
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Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:21 am
The doe swished her tail and nuzzled up to Archer, with whom she had become quite friendly during her stay at Darrowdown, and craned her neck to nibble at his mane. "You just don't grow up, do you?" Jordun said to his Guardian, giving her a pat. "Come along, Peter, bring the lady a mounting block," he added, waving the groom over with a grin.
The groom hurried over with the block and set it beside Theresa, holding the mare's bridle. It wasn't his place to question the company his lords kept, and having known the two young Kinrosses since they were young enough to be like younger brothers to him, Peter hardly minded. It was an interesting tidbit in any case, a little something extra to spice up his day.
While Peter went to help Chloe up, Andrus gathered the reins on Archer's neck and swung into the saddle with practiced ease. It was a good thing Chloe didn't mind the sadesaddle, he realized. Theresa was used to be led and had been trained to follow other horses, while Archer had little of that sort of patience. It would hardly have been an auspicious start to their lesson if the colt had taken off with Chloe in the saddle.
Andrus turned to the mare while Archer stood fidgeting with his bit. "How does everything feel?"
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