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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 11, 2011 15:50:20 GMT -5
Growing up I'd always had the opportunity to learn to ride; my father -step father? I still did not know what to call him- would have taught me gladly, but even if I'd wanted to learn my mother did not approve of such things. I rode enough to hold my own at a walk, trot and canter on a well-trained mount, and truth be the only ones my mother allowed me to ride were old nags well past their prime. Outside of their obvious age, I didn't care; I was more interested in getting back inside and doing more important things than riding some dirty animal.
For a while now I'd not ridden, and with the prettiness of late-spring upon Terre d'Ange, I was convinced that the mud and ice were well gone, no longer an issue, and I needed to brush up on my riding once more; how else was I going to keep up on any hunts I might be invited to? I'd sent my man out to purchase a beast for me, and he came back with a mare a few hours later, and I appreciated her as much as I could. I didn't know much about horses, but I nodded as he spoke of a high arched neck, a dainty head and clean legs. He said something about her having a broad chest and large lungs for endurance, but I began ignoring him at that point, picturing instead myself sitting on her, both of us impeccably groomed and ready to show what we were capable of.
She did well enough through the City, and I rode alone, determined that my servants not see how rusty I was while riding. I was a little nervous, but mostly confident, and by the time we reached the City gates the nervousness fled... and that was when the trouble started.
We'd gone mayhap half a mile when she began trying to pick her pace up. Delighted to be going faster than the slow plodding walk, I let her have the rein she urged for. That lasted mayhap another half a mile, til we left the road well behind, and she urged for more. Silly mares; I let her have her head, and with a snort, she bolted, a streak of palomino across a sun-filled field.
I shrieked, clinging,barely keeping from falling off as she darted ahead. There were sparse trees around, a few thickets, but blessedly the mare didn't head for any just yet. I grabbed fistfuls of mane and tried pulling back on the reins at the same time, and somehow in the mayhem, one escaped me, fluttering dangerously low, slapping her knees as she ran. She bucked once, and I shrieked yet again, nearly becoming unseated a second time. Terror gripped me; desperately I clung, too scared to try to retrieve the rein, too frightened that she might buck again if I attempt pulling back with the one rein I had left. Blinded by pale mane whipping my face, I sat low to her back as she ran, my eyes squeezed shut.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 12, 2011 10:17:05 GMT -5
Between the death of Rochelle and the coldness of Sophie I finally decided to just get out and ride for a while. I went to the stables and got my stallion and, sans guards or anything, bolted off into the woods. I really had no plan, something new for me. My mind was reeling with thoughts and I wished that there was some way to make them all go away, to make the guilt go away.
About a mile or so out my constant stream of thoughts was dammed suddenly by a sharp shriek in the air. I gripped the sword at my side and took off in its direction. Soon I could see what was happening, a mare out of control and a young woman holding on for dear life. Instinct took over and I guided my steed towards her, rushing full on. I reached out with my arms and scooped her up, yelling "Hold on!" I kept her close and began to slowly slow down.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 16, 2011 21:52:38 GMT -5
The mane in my face stung, slapping with coarse hairs against my painstakingly soft skin. I whimpered, burying my face closer to her neck and was rewarded only with a hurt nose when she suddenly threw her head up, bringing her muscular neck up into my face.
I wasn't a horsewoman! I wasn't, I wasn't I wasn't, who in Eluas balls could control these things?! Tie them up to a carriage, don't give them any freedom! I was going to be killed, there was no way I could survive this...
Mentally I cursed myself, and before I could bring myself to peek out and see where exactly we were headed a strong arm clasped around my waist. I shrieked a third time as I was heaved suddenly from the back of my mare and onto another horse; one nightmare to another! A masculine voice bellowed to hold on; whether he meant it literally or not I didn't know, but I responded by clinging to him, wrapping my arms around him and burying my face into his shoulder. Tears trickled from my eyes unbidden, wetting his shirt when all of a sudden I realized we were slowing.
Slowing? Not tumbling through the air off this insane breed of animal we were sitting on? Why wasn't it bucking and running amok with its new-found friend?
Oh Elua, I didn't care. I clung to the man, not knowing even yet what he looked like how old he was, if he even had all his teeth in his head. I struggled to control myself and my fear as I pressed my cheek against his shoulder again, my forehead close to his neck, but not wanting to restrict his movements. "Oh gods, oh gods," I whispered, trembling. "Thank you, so much.."
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 12:38:42 GMT -5
She held on tight to me, but I had no time to think about the irony of the fact that the first time a lady had held me was when the other option was injury or death. My focus was on stopping my horse, which I soon did. I took a deep breath and held onto the woman I as slid from our mount. I set her down on her feet and gave her a reassuring hug before I took a step back to take a look at her. Elua! She was gorgeous, amber hair, pale, curvy skin. I blinked and smiled. "Are you alright?"
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 17, 2011 13:48:23 GMT -5
I was incredibly grateful when the blasted horse beneath me stopped, and even more anxious to be off its back than I had been for anything in my life. The arms around me were solid and strong, holding me securely, and I huddled up against the warm body until the hold tightened, turning into a hug. Just like that, he broke away and stepped back, and I barely kept from following him, trembling still.
I didn't; instead I contented myself with looking at him for the first time, peering up with wide eyes, my lashes wet with tears. He was handsome; thin and lean, not large and bulky, but I knew from rather recent experience that he was strong as well. It all registered, but not as strongly as it might have at one time, and I found myself nodding, dropping my gaze away as I clasped my hands together, risen up to chest height, covering the high-mid level cleavage of my dress.
"I'm alright," I said, shakily. My eyes rose to his again, and I offered him a tentative smile. "Thank you, oh Elua thank you.. I swear I'm never going riding again."
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 14:16:41 GMT -5
The expression on her face, the tears, the trembling in her voice... I walks right back up to her and gave her a tight, long hug. "There there, it's alright." I kept holding her, wanting her to feel comfort, poor girl. "You're welcome," I told her, pulling back just enough so that I could look into her eyes. "I wouldn't say that. I'm sure that with some training you'll be a fine rider." I took a deep breath, reminded again suddenly of how beautiful she was and how long it had been since...
No! I mentally chastised myself.
"My name is Ghislain ... Ghislain Trevalion," I said to her, not that she really cared about that right now. But I had to say something.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 17, 2011 14:43:57 GMT -5
He did the one and only thing I wanted right then: he held me. Without hesitating, without letting his hands roam over me - something I otherwise would have highly enjoyed - he held me. I let myself immediately nestle in against him, my hands breaking apart just enough that I could hold onto his shirt, my cheek pressing against his chest until he pulled back.
"Not on that beast," I murmured back, my eyes darting to the side where my mare had disappeared. I couldn't see any sign of her, and I didn't care; some farmer could find her and have her, or she could be eaten by the wolves for all it mattered to me. I tested another little smile as I looked up at him, his arms still holding me closely, and I didn't want to pull away. He was handsome; with the slowing beat of my heart I became more and more acutely aware of the fact.. and then he said his name.
"Oh!"
Oh gods! I gasped and pulled back enough that I could bring my hands to my face, trying to dab away the tears from my eyes, worried the kohl had run... Oh balls! I must look an utter, horrid mess! Like a high-class whore!
"Oh sweet Elua, I'm sorry, I must look a mess," I breathed, peeking up at him tentatively again. Gods, what must my hair look like? I was terrified to touch it to find out. "I'm Henrietta Langois, your Highness," I breathed after, addressing him rightfully by his title out of habit alone. My shaking had ceased, but I still felt like a butterfly caught in high winds, not knowing where I was going to land or if I'd be able to do it safely.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 15:00:16 GMT -5
I felt true sympathy for her and I couldn't blame her for what she felt about her animal. I of course wanted to make sure we found her, but only after the girl was calmed down. So I only nodded.
Once my name sunk into her head though she seemed suddenly nervous and I felt bad for saying it. She started to rub her the tears from her eyes, smearing the kohl around them. I quickly grabbed the handkerchief from my spring jacket and began to dab her eyes. "I've got it." She had lovely green eyes and I smiled on seeing them. "You look absolutely lovely my lady," I told her sincerely. "Why don't we sit down for a little and allow you a moment to catch your breath?"
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 17, 2011 15:19:21 GMT -5
No matter how I tried to fix myself the kohl continued to smudge, and I fretted... but then he was there again, rescuing me for the second time that day. My cheeks were fused with red, but I found myself letting him tip my chin up, not pulling back as he cleaned my eyes and cheeks with his own cloth.
"Silly me," I breathed lightly, a whisp of air across my tongue. My eyes came open again as he complimented me, and for once in my life I didn't take it for granted. I colored again, feeling all the training my mother had given me fly out the window; I felt like a schoolgirl. "I'm so terribly sorry," I whispered, my gaze caught my his kind face. His touch was gentle, careful, and I found myself comforted by it as I tried not to think whose hand was dabbing my cheeks.
"Thank you," I said again, feeling like a dolt for repeating myself constantly. I bit my lip and looked away before bringing my gaze back to his again. "For everything, really." I brought my hand up and touched his that held the handkerchief, very lightly squeezing the back of his hand before I stepped back away from him.
Keeping one eye on his apparently placid but surely still wild horse, I picked a spot next to a tree a couple feet away and gingerly settled myself down next to it. I hoped he would sit by me, but I knew I at least did need to sit before my knees ended up giving out on me. "I don't know how far she would have carried me had you not shown up," I said, giving him a grateful smile, the largest one yet. "Likely all the way to Skaldia; she's crazy enough to fit in well there."
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 16:26:22 GMT -5
I wasn't certain what she was sorry about, but I simply gave her an understanding look. "You-you're welcome." She lightly took my hand I felt my heart quicken a bit. Again I found myself suppressing any thoughts which were not compassion and tenderness. I had grown quite adroit at suppression.
She walked over to the tree and I followed her, sitting beside and placing an arm around her shoulder. "Well I am glad I was here." I smiled, more playfully this time. "That she might ... but thankfully she's just over there." I said as soon as a spotted the mare off in the clearing and I pointed with my free hand, the one that still held my stained handkerchief.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 17, 2011 16:50:04 GMT -5
So suave, so gentlemanly. It was easier to smile at him now than it had been before, easier with each passing moment. He sat next to me and put an arm around me, and I found myself leaning into his side some, still stubbornly refusing to check my hair no matter how I itched to. It felt.. good to have his arm around me, though I felt completely out of the loop with how to react. I was off my game, so to speak, but even that felt nice.
When he motioned that the mare wasn't too far off, I looked, my heart sinking at seeing her. Oh Elua I'd have to ride her back! I wondered how far we'd gone, if it was too horribly far to walk... Maybe I could find someone and pay them to take me in their carriage. And everyone in the City would look at me like this! Oh sweet gods. "I'm glad she's safe," I said; truth be, it was only half honest, because I could have wrung her neck for her if I wasn't so terrified of her. "Maybe I could find a farmer who'd like a pretty new mare for cheap."
My smile turned teasing of a sudden, my eyes going from the demon-horse and to his face again. A cloth fluttered against his hand, and abruptly I saw how dirty I'd made his handkerchief; my cheeks colored again, and daintily I held my hand out in the direction of it, lightly fingering the cloth. "I..." Gods, gods. "I could wash that, if it pleases you, and return it to your townhome, unless you're staying elsewhere..." And give myself another chance to see you again.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 18:09:58 GMT -5
Did she, had she, was she, leaning into me? I must have imagined it ... and even if she had she was simply nervous and needed someone close. But there was that chance that she actually liked me... Suppress!
I grinned a little amused at her mentioning selling the creature. The poor thing was probably just spooked. But it was her choice.
I glanced at the handkerchief and then at her. I let her take it but I wasn't going to let her simply go home and wash it. "No need for that ... You can ride home with me, or walk if you don't want to get on a horse. I can get you some tea. One of my servants will wash that. You simply need to relax. Besides, it's closer to my home."
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 17, 2011 21:27:42 GMT -5
He didn't call me down for wanting to sell the mare, though I wasn't sure how serious he took me when I said it. I was utterly serious; if we came across a farm or a random passerby and they wanted her, I'd sell her for a copper, no more... unless they wanted the tack. Oh Elua, maybe it'd be easier to take her back and fling her reins in my groomsmens face, then let him sweat out his job while selling this one and finding me one that didn't take off like a mad banshee at the slightest hint of freedom.
I shuddered slightly, remembering how terrifying it was, and took comfort and solace in Ghislains side. Not just Ghislain, but Prince Ghislain. Not in line for the throne, but that was fine; I had no intentions on sitting on the throne, but I couldn't help but add the Princess title before my first name in my head. It helped too that he was incredibly handsome.
When he invited me back to his house for tea, I nearly melted with gratefulness, though I was apprehensive on getting back on a horse again. He mentioned one of his servants would wash the handkerchief, and briefly I wondered if he'd taken my offer to wash it literally; I'd meant one of my maids would do it, but no matter. I smiled softly at him, appreciating the way he was trying to take care of me and make me feel better, appreciating the sweet look on his face, the way his hair was tousled above his left brow.
"You're too kind to me already, Highness," I said softly, glancing up at him as I held the little piece of cloth he'd used to dab upon my face, and my smile grew a little more. He was strong and comfortable and I didn't want to get up, but I had no real choice; we couldn't remain here all night. I glanced warily at his horse, and even more warily at my own, held my breath for a few seconds, and finally made my decision. I nodded.
"We should ride," I said, trying to control my fear with a smile as I looked back up at him again. "Walking would take too long, and I'm not wearing the right boots." My smile lifted suddenly, my eyes twinkling as I tried to shut out the fact that I had to climb on the back of the demon-horse again.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 17, 2011 22:37:33 GMT -5
I shook my head. "Not too kind I hope. To be too kind is to be dishonest." I placed my arm around her tighter, a semi hug, before I stood up and offered her a hand. I couldn't help but give her another, real hug before continuing. "You can ride up with me if you'd like. I can understand why you wouldn't want to get back on that animal."
I was struck by her eyes and her hair and the way they complimented one another. I found myself taking her hand again and leading her to the horse.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 12:36:57 GMT -5
He was affectionate, seemed genuinely concerned that I was alright mentally as well as physically, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I enjoyed his hugs, most especially the full one when we'd stood up. I returned it, letting my cheek press against his shoulder before we broke again, and even then he held my hand as he led me towards his horse, offering to let me ride with him.
I did want to ride with him, Elua bless me! But I needed to show him too that I was stronger than a silly fluff of a woman, and though I followed him as he walked towards his horse, my hand tucked nicely inside of his, I eyed my own mare. I could do this. I could.
Somehow.
"My old riding instructor used to tell me that if I fell off, I should get back on the horse again," I said as we stopped before his mount. I reached, petting his horse along its sleek neck; it was finely bred, and even one like me who knew little about horses could see that. "He said that if you didn't, they'd just learn to be naughty anytime someone climbed on their back. He also said it showed a weak character of the person," I added, looking up at Ghislain with a flash of a smile. I did not want to ride the mare, but I drew a shaky breath, and before either of us could say anything else, I rose up on tiptoe and pressed my lips to the very corner of his mouth.
"I should ride her," I said softly, a near-whipser. My hand squeezed his before I let go, and I began walking towards the mare, finally giving in and letting my hands check my hair. Surprisingly it felt alright, tucked under my little hat, and had I a place to put it I'd ahve taken the hat out and let my hair loose in the wind. I glanced over my shoulder at him and gave him another smile, admiring how deliciously handsome he was before I looked to where I was going again, dreading each step that brought me near the devil-horse.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 13:26:21 GMT -5
Her explanation made sense and I nodded, though I could not help but be concerned. I was about to agree when I saw the smile the breath and-- Elua! She kissed me! It was a quick thing, but my heart skipped a beat, my eyes growing wide. But oh gods how I had wanted it! I smiled back at her, lovign the way she squeezed my hand before she walked to her horse. It was clear she liked me, blatant. But could she tell how I was feeling about her? She was gorgeous and it was hard to tear my eyes away from her and mount my horse.
I mounted and moved my horse alongside hers, taking it's reins in my hand. "If you want I can hold her like this, just to be sure and safe."
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 14:02:24 GMT -5
I didn't let myself look back at him until I'd retrieved my mare. She stood placidly, looking at me with soft eyes, ears perked towards me curiously with a low headset, as if for all the world this were her pasture and I was coming out to visit her with an apple in my pocket. I eyed her warily, wondering when she'd try to bite me or step on me as I moved to her side, but before I could mount up Ghislain was there, holding her reins in hand and saving me from another potential embarrassment. Or.. gods, rather more like saving me from the one and only potential embarrassment - the others had been outright and obvious with my shame.
I mounted her, seated sidesaddle like a lady-proper, though I wished dearly that I could straddle the mare like he was on his horse. "Do you realize how kind you are?" I asked as I adjusted my dress as inconspicuously as I could with him sitting right there and watching me. My smile was for him and him alone; being on this devil was nothing to be happy about, that was for sure, and had he not been here I'd be walking to the nearest farmhouse to pawn her off. Having him here, though, made being on her at least tolerable, and my stubbornness began to set in as I tentatively reached to pat the mares neck. "I think I could handle her reins.. but would you mind overmuch staying next to her? I don't trust her," I added, trying to be brave all the while glancing warily at the horse again. She stood, placid, swishing her tail at some fly, ears pointed back towards me to listen. I patted her neck again, not sure what else to do, as I looked up at Ghislains handsome face. Elua, but being close to him was enough to make my heart flutter.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 14:10:34 GMT -5
She got onto the horse well enough and I smiled at her for that. I really didn't think she'd have any trouble for the ride back. It was more her mental state that worried me. I shook my head at her compliment, feeling the slightest blushing of my cheeks. "Thank you. You're kind to say that. And of course I'll stay right here beside you--- her I mean." I glanced at the animal and then back at her face. How she could draw someone in!
I loosened the reins of my own mare and began to walk her slowly, allowing Henrietta to catch up.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 14:21:03 GMT -5
My smile grew despite my attempts for it not to at hearing his stumbling at who he was riding next to specifically. I was flattered, but more than anything I was overjoyed to have his attention; imagine, a Prince of the Blood! Momma would eat her shoes, and I'd be there to watch and make sure she did it.
I pushed her out of my thoughts before she could darken them, my eyes trailing after him as he began walking off. Experimentally I nudged my mare with my toe; she ignored me. I used my heel next, and still nothing. Two heels received the same, and neither did a clucking of my tongue. Her tail swished, she pawed at the ground, but she refused to move. I looked up at Ghislain in exhasperation before I nudged her a little harder, and rather than walking she lurched with a small buck. All I had time for was a gasp before I was clinging to her again, trying to hold my seat, but she didn't bolt off like I was expecting, only stood, head upright, creening her neck to the side with a decidedly annoyed look on her face.
"Oh Elua this mare has to have been spawned by one of the seven hells," I gasped as I slowly sat up again, a blush covering my cheeks as I looked to Ghislain. How mortifying!
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 14:28:38 GMT -5
I had gotten a good twenty feet ahead of her when I finally decided to look over my shoulder. The poor girl wasn't having any luck with the creature. Calmly I rode back beside her again. "No doubt of that. I think this settles the matter though. You on this saddle, now." I said, pointing to the little space behind me on the horse. Of course I had ulterior motives, I wanted her close to me. I had I feeling she wouldn't object either.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 14:52:04 GMT -5
He returned to my side, and I felt another flutter in my heart at having him come back to me again. I gave him an apologetic look, though his answer to the problem at hand had me laughing before I could respond.
"Yes, your Highness," I answered, though I couldn't help but think of the fact that I'd be riding with him. I couldn't move my mare, but he was close enough that I thought I could get up behind him by standing with one foot in my higher stirrup. What I hadn't counted on, though, was fact that I flashed leg, my skirts sliding up as I stretched and slid over behind him on the back of his horse. I didn't blush, but I did try to fix my skirts for a show of propriety at least. I did like knowing he could see my bare calf though, with my skirts covering my knees. My arms held 'round his waist, and I said a silent prayer that his horse wouldn't try to buck me off of it.
"I appreciate this, all of it," I said softly, not needing to speak loud with sitting right behind him as I was. My legs were spread, he was seated just in front of me, my breasts brushed his back and my arms held onto him. Elua! A good day indeed.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 15:11:02 GMT -5
She moved to get onto my horse, showing a good deal of her long, smooth leg in the process. I couldn't help but look at it till her skirts covered the heavenly view. There was the temptation to reach out to touch the smooth skin. I held back though and let her get aboard. I reached out and took the mare's reins once more.
I was about to tell her to hold on when I felt that she already had. I could feel her well sized breasts lightly touching my back, something even more exciting than if they had be fully pressed, and her arms around me. I looked over my shoulder at her and smiled, wanting to make sure she was ready and to simply look on her again. "It's my pleasure," I said and we began to move.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 16:24:58 GMT -5
I hate to bite my tongue when he said it was his pleasure, but I didn't bother to hide the smile now that I was sitting firmly behind him. I found it exhilarating to have him between my thighs but not in a sexual way; it was so much more of a tease than if we'd simply jumped in bed together.
My hands held comfortably around him, not clinging, and I rode for a while simply admiring the view and breathing in the delightfully masculine scent of his cologne. "Do you do this often?" I asked after a few moments, the smile obvious in my voice. "Ride about the countryside in search of maidens in distress." The smile grew a little more, and I adjusted my hold on his stomach, shifting my fingers a little and feeling lean muscle as a result.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 16:30:20 GMT -5
As she adjusted her arms around my waist I moved my hand from my horse's reins a moment to touch my palm to her hands a moment reassuringly. "This would be the first time," I told her, a lightness and charm in my voice. I did my best to focus on her voice and not her legs around mine. It was only a good ten minutes til we would be home.
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 16:55:22 GMT -5
He covered my hands with his, and the little butterflies stirred in my stomach again. I was not used to feeling them; they'd been dead in me for a long time now, ever since I'd had Jean. I hadn't known what to do with the rest of my life then; Jean left for home, but I couldn't go even if I'd wanted to. My momma was so disappointed in me that she forbade me to return, and I thanked my stars daily that she hadn't cast me out on my rear, disowned from the family for failing her. I needed a husband, someone I could rub in my mothers face, someone I could be safe with whether or not I loved him. I needed it, but I hadn't expected to enjoy my time with anyone, at least for more than sex.
"Mmm," I said in return, smiling as I pressed my cheek against his back. I closed my eyes, feeling the sway of the ride, smelling him, soaking in his heat. "I shall count myself incredibly lucky in more than one way then," I added, knowing he didn't realize just how lucky I was.
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Post by Ghislain de Trevalion on May 18, 2011 17:09:36 GMT -5
She rested her cheek against my back and I smiled. The city and my home were nearer now and I watched them like the bulls-eye of a target. I wondered what the future had in store for the two of us. She seemed as taken with me as I was with her. It boded well. I simply chuckled at her words, crossing into the city a moment after. "Almost there."
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Post by Henrietta Langois on May 18, 2011 21:45:55 GMT -5
I picked my head up when we reached the City's gates, a smile on my mouth much like the cat who got the cream. I was content where I was, content to ignore the demon-horse at my side as she trailed along next to Ghislain, mild as milk for him. I frowned; maybe I wasn't so good at ignoring her after all.
"I can honestly say everything about today is a first for me," I said softly as we rode through the throngs. Amusement was in my voice, and I took the opportunity given to study him as we rode, from the way his locks curled to the way he sat, upright and proper, his body lean and deliciously taut beneath the thin fabric of his shirt.
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